As the City of Barrie reaches the midway point in their 2014-2018 Strategic Plan, Mayor Jeff Lehman recently reported on the progress, hinting that things will really "heat up" this fall.

Some of the highlights:

1. Barrie was recently ranked among the top competitive cities in the world in the digital services industry. There is an unprecedented demand for Industrial land, with 3 land sales on the same council meeting agenda in the month of June.

2. The city approved a second suites bylaw last year, sparking the creation of more affordable units. The city's focus will be on increasing affordable housing, hoping to create 840, with 250 of those being social housing. 

3. The city's annual budget includes a self-imposed mandatory 1 per cent for an infrastructure renewal fund included in property taxes, thereby reducing our reliance on debt.

4. Long time road projects are underway including the widening of Ferndale Drive North. The city gave the go-ahead to start widening Mapleview  Drive East and the Harvie Rd/Highway 400 Crossing project.

Lots of great things in Barrie's future - and it looks like they are right on target!

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