By Laurie Watt
This morning, Barrie officials are in Ottawa to discuss an array of funding opportunities to help the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka revitalize the Allandale Station and its neighbourhood.
"Any time we get face time in front of ministers means our name is more known around the cabinet table when they're making decisions. They have the largest infrastructure program I've seen," said Ward 10 Coun. Alex Nuttall, who organized this week's meetings with a series of senior federal ministers, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Nuttall arranged the meetings last week, after nine of the 11 city councillors supported negotiating with the YMCA to revitalize the nine-acre Lakeshore Drive site.
The first meeting, which includes YMCA officials, was slated for 9 a.m. today with Minister of State (Sport) Gary Lunn.
Tuesday afternoon features a meeting with Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore. The city is looking for assistance not only to help preserve the heritage site but also to assist the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka with its newcomer programs.
On Wednesday, the city contingent which includes Barrie's infrastructure, development and culture general manager Richard Forward meets with Industry Minister Tony Clement, whom MP Patrick Brown says doesn't ordinarily meet with individual municipalities. The day also features a short meeting with Harper.
On Thursday, the meetings wrap up with Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Minister John Baird.
Barrie's Community Services Committee chairperson Coun. John Brassard said last night's city council meeting, which included eight delegations against the decision to work with the YMCA, was an opportunity for the city to use vision and principles in building a better community.
"Why would any one of us change our minds because of fear of eight deputations at council?" he said. "You either stand for something or fall for anything."
The list of deputations included well-known municipal lawyer Jane Pepino, who fought and beat the city at the Ontario Municipal Board in 2006 over the fate of the old Molson Park.
"We can't make decisions based on fear," Brassard added.
City councillors chose the YMCA and its development partner, the Correct Group of Companies, because of the synergies that can occur with the 1,700 daily visitors to the YMCA for not only recreation, but daycare, immigrant services and leadership programs with the retail and transit uses.
"The Y proposal best represented the concept and ideal of a complete community that included health and wellness, recreation that will meet some of the needs of this area, heritage preservation combined with modern architecture, culture, entertainment, transportation, tourism and a mixed use of residential and commercial, all of which will serve as a gathering point and contribute to the transformation of Allandale Village into a dynamic and vibrant part of our great city," the chairman of the city's Community Services Committee explained.
Other speakers included an official from Porter's development partner company, Forecast Inc., as well as Porter, Village Inn restaurant manager Dennis Naraj (who works for Porter) and leasing agent Eleanor Faulds