The Dunlop Streetscape Project has been underway for a month now and it’s slated to transform the look of our downtown community. We are really happy to have Barrie owned and operated Arnott Construction Ltd. as the team behind this massive construction project.
The preliminary phase of the project started August 19th with construction on Dunlop Street from Pontyz to Mulcaster. Phase 1A (Dunlop Street from Mulcaster to Owen) began on September 9th. The construction team will come to a hard stop on November 8th just in time for our large Remembrance Day Ceremony, the Downtown Treelighting Celebration and Barrie Chamber Santa Claus Parade on November 16th as well as the Christmas shopping season. Construction will begin again in early 2020 for Phase 1B (Dunlop Street from Owen to Clapperton).
Many of the businesses have embraced the Dunlop Streetscape Project and have put together some really creative ways of staying connected to you – their customers. Some are now offering a delivery service and are using social media to keep their customers in an as-it-happens status. A few restaurants have even created VIP construction seating for their dining guests! Oh, and be sure to watch for construction fence decorating in the near future.
Don’t let the construction fence deter you. There is full access to the businesses throughout the entire project area. All downtown parking lots are still available and there is even 2hrs of free parking in the Collier St Parkade on the 4th floor. If you have questions or need directions, please connect with your favourite local business and they will happily help you out.
So come down and support our incredible local businesses despite the dirt. The final product of the Dunlop Streetscape Project will be a strengthened downtown Barrie that everyone will want to experience including a beautiful new flexible street with rolling curbs, wide sidewalks, new streetlights and so much more!
As COVID-19 continues to affect our daily lives, the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) hopes that you, your family, friends and colleagues are safe and well, and are taking the necessary precautions to keep our community safe.
Usually at this time of year, we are busy preparing for both the annual Promenade Days Festival and the Craft Beer & BBQ Festival. However, due to the public health risks associated with mass gatherings, the Downtown Barrie (BIA) has made the difficult decision to cancel these events for 2020.
The 2020 Promenade Days Festival, held annually in conjunction with City of Barrie’s Canada Day celebrations, was scheduled fromJuly 3rd to 5th and the 2020 Craft Beer & BBQ Festival was to take place from July 10th to 12th.
Please note that the Downtown Barrie (BIA) will be contributing to the City of Barrie’s Virtual Canada Day Celebration. We encourage you and your family to tune in.
We recognize that both these events are highly anticipated every year and this decision was not easy to make. Despite the excitement for these events, the health and safety of our members, attendees, volunteers and staff is our primary concern. Thank you for your understanding.
The community is still welcome to visit downtown Barrie and check out our new Dunlop Streetscape due to be completed July 15th for Dunlop Street East and Fall 2020 for Dunlop Street West.
Be well and always #SupportLocal.
For more information contact:
Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) [email protected]
downtownbarrie.ca
The Downtown Barrie BIA acknowledges that the Business Improvement Area is located on the traditional land of the Anishnaabeg people. The Anishnaabeg include the Odawa, Ojbwe and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. The Downtown Barrie BIA is dedicated to honoring Indigenous history and culture and committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nations, Métis and Inuit people.
