The County has officially broken ground at 20 Rose Street, marking the start of construction for 220 new affordable housing spaces in Barrie!
Click here to view our latest Rose Street fact sheet.
This is just more way that the County is #BuildingUp our communities. See the rendering of the proposed housing development below. For more details, read the report as presented to County Council on August 8, 2023.
About the Rose Street project in Barrie
This development will include diverse housing types, including rent-geared-to income, affordable housing and units for the “missing middle”, as well as space for social, health and community partners. Community consultation will occur as the process continues.
Previously approved for 176 new affordable rentals, the new approved plan (as of August 2023) expands on this to create 220 total spaces, for a net increase to the original plan of 44 units, in the City of Barrie. This maximizes the proposed affordability mix and intensifies the original design, substituting some of the two- and three-bedroom units with studio and one-bedroom units on upper floors. It also relocates the Social and Community Services office space to the top of the proposed parking structure, allowing for more residential units.
This build will include diverse or mixed housing types, including rent-geared-to income, affordable housing, and units for the “missing middle”, in addition to space for social, health and community partners. With the estimated $217 million development, the 1.9-hectare (4.7 acre) site is in a central location in the built-up urban setting with access to commercial amenities, schools, transit and pedestrian connectivity. Community consultation will occur as the process continues.
Site preparation began in 2025, with an estimated completion date in 2028 (subject to change). This is just one more way that the County is #BuildingUp our communities.
Strategic Alignment
The proposed development is in alignment with the County of Simcoe 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy. This project will achieve a significant portion of the affordable housing area targets identified in the 10-Year Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention Strategy, as well as the City of Barrie’s Affordable Housing Strategy, which cites the need to encourage, stimulate and increase the supply and range of affordable housing options to meet the needs of residents, at all income levels and stages of life.
Well-designed housing provides safety, health and affordability. It further represents an investment in our community and sense of place. Affordable housing created through the proposed development will increase the opportunity for low-to-moderate income households, as well as some specific vulnerable individuals, to access housing with dignity.
Rose Street Project Quick Facts:
- Existing aged structures were demolished by the end of 2021 to ensure safety of the community while reducing maintenance costs for an empty building
- County staff initiated the pre-development planning approvals process in 2022, as contained in the 2022 County budget
- Construction started in 2025
- Estimated project completion in 2028 (subject to change)
- 220 total spaces in the City of Barrie, maximizing the proposed affordability mix and intensifying the original design, substituting some of the two- and three-bedroom units with studio and one-bedroom units on upper floors.
For answers to frequently asked questions, view our FAQ.
Application Process and Inquiries
Pending development approvals, the application process to live in this new building is expected to open approximately six months prior to building occupancy being finalized. Construction for this project is expected to be completed in 2028 (subject to change). Interested residents may find updates and information on the application process for this building by on this page or e-mailing the County of Simcoe's centralized applications department at cwl@simcoe.ca.
Contact Information
If you have any further questions in regard to the Rose Street Social and Community Services and Affordable Housing Development Project, please contact us at SCHCBarrieDev@simcoe.ca.
Updates
NEWS RELEASE
County breaks ground on new affordable housing development in Barrie
Includes 220 new affordable housing rentals and commercial space for health and community services agencies
Warden Clarke notes that these 220 new affordable housing units will create homes for thousands of people over their lifetime
Midhurst/June 10, 2025 – On June 10th, the County of Simcoe broke ground on what will be its biggest build to date, with 220 affordable housing rentals and commercial space for health and community services agencies.
“Today marks the start of a brighter future for Simcoe County,” said Warden Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe. “While many right now may see a construction site, I see hope and optimism for families to create opportunities. Where we are standing today will become a place where kids will laugh as they play on the playground, and maybe even make a new friend. It is where dreams will be dreamt, and people will be able to get a fresh start on life. And that is why we are building up our largest development to date on this spot. Because we know it matters to our children, grandchildren, and future generations.”
“These buildings will provide a roof over the heads of families that need it most and give these young people that incredible opportunity that I was provided growing up in government housing here in Barrie,” added Mayor Alex Nuttall, City of Barrie. “Thank you to the County of Simcoe from the bottom of our hearts for their care and support for those who need it most.”
Well-designed housing provides safety, health and affordability. It further represents an investment in our community and sense of place. Affordable housing created through this development will increase the opportunity for low-to-moderate income households, as well as some specific vulnerable individuals, to access housing with dignity.
The multi-use development will include 220 mixed affordable residential rental units for families and seniors. The mixed-income rental development will provide a range of affordable units, balancing a range of incomes and housing to create a secure, high-quality, well-maintained living environment. Residential space will include a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. Units follow a universal design to age-in-place, ensuring this will be a comfortable place to call home for people of all ages.
Residential space
This proposed development will include two apartment towers (9 and 11 storey buildings) as well as a linked parking structure. It will maximize the proposed affordability mix of 80% affordable units and 20% market units comprised of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites.
Community Services space
Dedicated office space for County services, including Community Support & Wellbeing, Early Learning & Child Care System Management, Housing & Homelessness Services, Community Housing, and provincial services will be located on upper floors above the adjacent parking structure.
Commercial space
The ground floor will include commercial space for health and community services agencies, such as education, social enterprises, and licensed childcare as well as other services to address a wide range of age-appropriate programming.
The first phase of this build will focus on the parking structure and community services space. It is expected to be complete in 2026, with the residential and commercial portion of the development following during the second phase. The second phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2027, with tenants moving in shortly after completion.
County Council’s Committee of the Whole received report CCW 2025-039, Simcoe County Housing Corporation Affordable Housing Developments Update on January 28, 2025.
The report included the following update on the Rose Street project:
Further to Item CCW 2023-194 (August 8, 2023), the development at 20 Rose Street will include a mixed-use building, outdoor amenity area, parking structure, and green space. The proposed development will include approximately 221 mixed-income residential units designed for seniors, families, and individuals. The development will include non-residential community hub space on the ground level of the residential building and the top levels of the parking structure. The residential building is designed to include a licensed childcare centre, partner agency space potentially for early learning and/or health services, as well as partner agency space potentially for education and/or health services.
The site-specific zoning by-law amendment (ZBA) to permit an increase in allowable building height and reduction to the parking standards has been
approved by the City of Barrie. Final detailed technical assessments are underway to determine infrastructure requirements and soil condition.
Due to the size of the development, construction will proceed in two phases.
Phase 1 will include initial site services and construction of the parking structure and Social and Community Services administration space. The precast concrete structural design is being finalized for the parking structure and is planned to begin factory production in May 2025 through to July 2025 and arrive on site for mobilization in August 2025. The multi-storey structure is scheduled to be ‘capped’ by the end of November 2025 to permit interior finishing during the early winter months.
Phase 2 will include the construction of the residential building and will begin following the structural completion of the parking structure in November 2026. This will permit on-site staging, mobilization and construction in a timely manner. Phase 2 will take approximately two years to complete.
To date, the Rose Street affordable housing development is on budget; however, the anticipated construction start time has experienced a delay due to the requirement for detailed design for precast fabrication as part of the permitting process. Once the precast structure is mobilized, it is anticipated the precast concrete assembly will be constructed expediently. Site service works will begin in late spring in preparation for full Phase 1 works. In conjunction with the City of Barrie’s approved infrastructure upgrade project along Rose St, preliminary infrastructure work has been completed to make the required water connections to the new development.
Phase 1 is planned to be completed in fall 2026, while Phase 2 is estimated to be completed in summer 2027.
The County hosted a Community Open House to provide information and answer questions about the proposed affordable housing and community development for the site at 20 Rose Street on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the City of Barrie Rotunda, Barrie City Hall.
The County of Simcoe has submitted the preliminary submission required for the City of Barrie’s pre-application public consultation, known as a neighbourhood meeting. The City of Barrie’s neighbourhood meeting is scheduled for November 2 at 5pm and interested members of the public are welcome to register here.
County Council received report (Item CCW 2023-194) and expanded its plan to create additional affordable rental spaces at the County’s Rose Street location. Option 3 was approved by Council and Committee of the Whole.
County of Simcoe Committee of the Whole received report (Item CCW 2023-061) proposing three options for the Rose Street development. Option 3 was tentatively approved, with the final consideration scheduled for April 25, 2023 at the regular Council meeting.
County of Simcoe Committee of the Whole received report (Item CCW 2021-325) pertaining to the Rose Street Development
20 Rose Street, Barrie, purchased from Infrastructure Ontario as directed by County Council with the intention to demolish existing aged structures
Staff sought land opportunities in Barrie to consolidate operations in parallel with sale of scattered units. The land at 20 Rose Street was identified to be of adequate size to accommodate development including a mix of Affordable and Social Housing, Ontario Works, Children Services, and potentially other social and community supportive uses. Additionally, the site was deemed to be in close proximity to public transit and within reasonable walking distance to downtown services and commercial shopping.