The City of Barrie is inviting residents to share their input on upcoming redevelopment plans for two popular downtown waterfront spaces, Sam Cancilla Park and Heritage Park.
Residents have until May 24, 2026, to provide feedback through an online survey as part of the 2023 Waterfront Strategic Plan. This 10-year road map aims to guide improvements across approximately 10 kilometres of shoreline along Kempenfelt Bay.
Proposed enhancements for both locations include new accessible pathways, native plantings, and updated site furnishings. For Heritage Park, the first phase of the project will focus on the reconstruction of the water play area. Meanwhile, work at Sam Cancilla Park will first require the removal of an old booster pumping station and the decommissioning of an underground reservoir that dates back to the 1950s. A 2025 assessment found that the reservoir roof was over-stressed and did not meet modern design requirements.
The city has committed significant funding to these projects in the 2026 budget, with $3.6 million set aside for Sam Cancilla Park and $11 million allocated for the redevelopment of Heritage Park. Michelle Banfield, the city’s executive director of development services, noted that public engagement is a critical step to ensure the final designs reflect the priorities and aspirations of the community.
Residents can learn more and participate in the planning process by visiting the project page at BuildingBarrie.ca/DowntownWaterfrontParks.
