Barrie Construction News staff writer
Standing at a busy construction site on Owen Street on an early July afternoon, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall had a clear message: 2025 will be one of the busiest and most ambitious infrastructure construction years in the city’s history.
“Council remains focused on building a stronger, more connected city—starting from the ground up,” Nuttall said, speaking to city staff and reporters gathered near the Queens Park reconstruction project. “We’re laying the foundation for a more vibrant, accessible and thriving community.”
The city plans to spend more than $100 million on infrastructure projects this year, targeting a wide range of needs—aging underground systems, high-traffic roads, pedestrian safety, climate resiliency, and long-term growth capacity.
In total, 27 large-scale projects are either in the planning phase or already under construction.
Not Just Roads
Barrie’s 2025 construction agenda will span the entire infrastructure spectrum, including sidewalks, cycling lanes, sewer trunk mains, stormwater facilities, and critical bridge repairs.
“We’re not just talking about new roads,” Nuttall says in a city-produced video released alongside the announcement. “We’re talking about better sidewalks, safer intersections, more bike infrastructure and flood protection for our downtown.”
Drone footage in the video showcases active job sites across the city.
Closing the Infrastructure Gap
The scale of investment reflects a growing recognition that decades-old infrastructure can’t keep up with Barrie’s accelerating growth. And falling behind has a cost.
“It’s critical we don’t fall behind on infrastructure—the longer we wait, the more it costs to catch up,” Nuttall said.
The city’s engineering and capital projects teams have emphasized long-term planning, climate adaptation, and inclusive mobility as key drivers of this year’s capital program. The result is a more layered and strategic approach that goes beyond routine roadwork.
Several projects are underway and the city has already issued tenders for upcoming work, with more to come this fall. Early planning is underway for 2026 as well, as the city looks to maintain momentum and avoid year-to-year gaps in capital spending.
Here’s a look at the high-impact projects that will define Barrie’s 2025 construction season:
Bayview Drive Transportation Improvements
Contractor: Primrose Contractors (Ontario) Inc.
Ongoing between Little Avenue and Big Bay Point Road, this corridor is being widened with new active transportation infrastructure, updated underground systems, and modernized intersections. Work is on track for 2026 completion.
Duckworth Street Improvements & Grove Street East Watermain
Contractor: Mar King Construction Company
This multi-year project is now in its final phase, delivering upgraded watermains, sanitary sewers, road widening, and intersection enhancements.
Dunlop Street Bridge Replacement at Highway 400
Contractor: Dufferin Construction Company (Ministry of Transportation of Ontario)
One of the most significant provincial projects in the region, this four-year rebuild includes a new bridge and full interchange reconfiguration at Highway 400. Construction began in May 2025 and is expected to finish by fall 2028.
Eugenia Street & Wellington D1 Neighbourhood Reconstruction
Contractor: North Rock Group Ltd.
This residential area is undergoing a full underground infrastructure replacement, water system expansion, and road reconstruction. Scheduled for completion in 2026, it supports both asset renewal and long-term growth.
Essa Road Interchange and Highway 400 Overpass
Ministry of Transportation project
Improvements to traffic flow and pedestrian safety in the city’s south end are nearly complete. The overpass has been rebuilt and the road widened. Final touches are expected to be done by the end of 2025.
Huronia Road Transportation Improvements & Trunk Sanitary Sewer
Design Consultant: Ainley & Associates
With prequalification underway, the city expects to tender this significant project in summer 2025. Full construction will involve road widening and installation of a new trunk sanitary sewer between Lockhart Road and the southern city limit. Work will span through March 2028.
Mapleview Drive East Transportation Improvements
Design Consultant: HATCH
The key east-end corridor is being widened to four lanes between Yonge Street and Prince William Way. Utility relocation is in progress; construction is expected to start in fall 2025. The design includes new multi-use trails on both sides, with substantial completion targeted for spring 2028.
Queens Park A1 Neighbourhood Reconstruction
Located near the announcement site, this project replaces some of the oldest water and sewer infrastructure in the city, along with road rehabilitation and the relocation of the Sophia Creek culvert. It’s on schedule to finish in 2026.
Sophia Trunk Storm Sewer Upgrade (Owen and Sophia Streets)
This multi-year phased upgrade is a critical flood mitigation measure downtown. Old storm infrastructure is being replaced to better manage surface water, with work continuing in segments until summer 2027.
Road Resurfacing and Preventive Maintenance
Alongside capital projects, the city is proactively resurfacing key roads as part of its Pavement Management Program—a cost-effective way to extend road life and avoid full reconstruction.
For contractors, engineers, and trades across Barrie and the region, 2025 will offer no shortage of opportunities. From provincial bridgework to municipal storm sewers, the range of work touches nearly every sector of the industry.
But Nuttall stressed the broader impact.
“These projects aren’t just about infrastructure. They’re about people. They’re about getting to work, getting home safely, and building a city we can all be proud of.”
For more information on municipal infrastructure projects and to access an interactive map of 2025 road construction projects, visit barrie.ca/roadwork.