The City of Barrie is wrapping up the first phase of its Operations Centre Redevelopment (OCR) project.
On Tuesday, the City announced the completion of its new salt storage and material storage buildings. The City says the material storage facility is expected to reduce operational costs and improve the quality of materials used on roads and sidewalks.
According to the City, the OCR project aims to renew and improve existing infrastructure while adding new facilities to support Barrie’s growing population and operational needs.
The project includes upgrades to roads maintenance, winter controls, parks operations, traffic operations, fleet operations, rail operations, storm-water operations, and solid waste management.
Additional work in this first phase includes a new bulk water filling station, renovations to the brine-making system, the development of central green space, reconfigured landscaping along Ferndale Drive North, and revamped parking for staff and visitors.
As Barrie grows into the Hewitt’s and Salem Secondary Plan areas and densifies within older neighborhoods, the OCR project hopes to meet rising service demands across City departments.
An Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach is being used to maximize value and minimize time to completion.
“The IPD approach brings all project stakeholders together early in the process to collaboratively harness the talents and insights of all participants to optimize the project results, increase value, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction”, shared the City on their website.
Construction of the new greenhouse and final landscaping is underway, with completion of this phase expected by May 2025.
