This Request for Proposals (the “RFP”) is an invitation by the City of Barrie (the “City”) to prospective proponents to submit proposals for Consulting Services for a Community Planning Permit System (CCPS) as further described in Section A of the RFP Particulars (Appendix D) (the “Deliverables”).

The City of Barrie, a vibrant and rapidly growing single-tier mid-sized city on the shores of Lake Simcoe, has a current population of approximately 164,200 people. In 2022, City Council adopted a new Official Plan, which was subsequently approved by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in 2024. This Official Plan introduced a range of new land uses and development permissions for properties within the study area, aiming to facilitate the development of a complete community.

Housing growth in Barrie is further guided by the Housing Strategy Implementation Plan, endorsed by Council in September 2024. This plan strategically integrates and aligns various initiatives, including the Affordable Housing Strategy, Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Action Plan, and the Municipal Pledge to the Province to build 23,000 new homes by 2031.

Committed to continuous improvement, the City of Barrie has prioritized growth and development. To streamline the development approval process and facilitate growth in strategic areas, the City is seeking to implement a Community Planning Permit System (CPPS), formerly known as the Development Permit System (DPS), for the Urban Growth Centre, Allandale Major Transit Station Area (MTSA), and the Anne Street and Dunlop Street West Strategic Growth Area (SGA). These areas are illustrated on the below map, and have been selected due to their planned concentration of growth and higher affordable housing targets outlined in the Official Plan. The CPPS will ensure these areas are developed into livable, vibrant, sustainable, inclusive, and complete communities, while respecting their unique built heritage and waterfront open spaces.

The establishment of a CPPS is also a key initiative in the City of Barrie’s HAF Action Plan. To meet our commitments to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), we are seeking a consulting team that can adhere to our accelerated timelines and bring forward an Official Plan Amendment for the CPPS area and the Community Planning Permit By-law by April 2026.

* Electronic Submissions Only. Hard Copy Submissions shall not be accepted. *