Barrie’s waterfront should appeal to all

By Bob Bruton, Barrie Examiner July 17, 2012 

Balance is key to the future of Barrie’s waterfront, in how it’s used and how it’s perceived by city residents.

The needed balance is between events, big and small, along the shores of Kempenfelt Bay and those times when the beaches and parks are free of stages, tents and other organized events.

Some believe the pendulum has swung too far during the summer months, that there’s too much going on at Barrie’s waterfront, that city residents are staying away from their own parks and beaches as a result.

The numbers arguably bear this out; from the beginning of June until the end of August, there are 37 events on Barrie’s waterfront. Granted, some of them are the same events, like the Lawn Chair Luminata, which just take up an evening.

Some are beach volleyball tournaments or charity walks or a triathlon.

But some are also Kempenfest, the Barrie Dragon Boat Festival, Canada Day, Celebrate Barrie, etc., events which take up large chunks of the waterfront for at least a day, often more.

A family headed for a quiet day at the beach won’t find it.

On the other hand, it’s unrealistic to expect the city’s waterfront to be quiet most weekends, or even most days, during the warm summer months.

Like many Ontario cities on water, Barrie uses the waterfront to attract tourists and their dollars. The local economy relies upon it. In Barrie’s case, people coming to waterfront events often shop in the downtown or have a meal there.

And it’s not only tourists who attend Kempenfest, Caribfest, the Barrie Jazz and Blues Festival or the Barrie New Music Fest; city residents like them as well, attend them as well, spend money too.

So where does the balance lie?

City officials acknowledge that it’s a tricky thing.

The city is updating its 12-year-old Waterfront Master Plan through the Barrie waterfront and marina strategic plan project, which is to be completed this year.

Stakeholder meetings have already been held, and there are clearly conflicting opinions.

‘Is the Barrie waterfront a recreational resource for city residents? Is it a tourist attraction and economic development engine? Is it a cultural resource and the location for various festivals and events? Is it a natural heritage resource that requires protection from all of this activity? Can it be all things to all people?’ the city’s website (barrie.ca) asks.

The city says a clear vision is required to promote long-term decision-making to conform to that vision.

The question is: what will that vision be?

City officials, staff and politicians, are naturally interested in hearing Barrie residents’ opinions about how the waterfront should be used. They don’t want to be accused of making a decision without asking.

Toward that end there is an online survey which asks residents what they like most about the waterfront, its biggest challenges, what’s needed to fix them, the best opportunities for improvement and what role residents should play in ensuring the waterfront continues to be a success.

Barrie residents need to take this survey, because change is coming to the waterfront.

Lakeshore Drive will be moved back to the old CN Rail line, creating 10 more acres of parkland, and there will be separate walking and cycling trails.

An attractive waterfront will become even more inviting for residents and tourists alike.

Don’t miss out on your chance to be heard.