Intensification Area Urban Design Guidelines - City of Barrie

15 Urban Design Guidelines for Barrie’s Intensification Areas - DRAFT
2.2.3 Core Districts
Core Districts in the Intensification Areas include streets
within the Urban Growth Centre, particularly in the historic
Downtown, that have a stable, main street character, such
as Dunlop Street, Bayfield Street, Collier Street, and streets
adjacent to the Barrie Bus Terminal within the Major Transit
Station Area
These streets are characterized by mixed-use buildings, with
commercial uses at grade, and office and residential uses
above. Buildings range in height throughout the Urban Growth
Centre, alternating between 2 to 3-storeys on Dunlop Street,
with some 4-storey buildings east of Owen Street. On Collier
Street, which has a more financial district character, buildings
range between 1 to 5-storeys.
Typically, the early buildings within the Urban Growth Centre
are located within a tight, interconnected street and block
network, and address the street well with large amounts
of glazing on the ground floor, façade variation, and main
entrances located off of primary streets.
There are a number of buildings within the Urban Growth
Centre, particularly along Dunlop Street, that have heritage
significance. The Historic Neighbourhoods Study has
recognized the entire Downtown as a historic neighbourhood
and envisions its evolution into a thriving commercial
neighbourhood and cultural centre that appeals to residents
and visitors alike.
Streets within Core Districts are framed well by buildings,
but often have narrow boulevards and lack basic pedestrian
amenities (i.e. street trees, public art, benches). On-street
parking is provided on both sides of the street. Access and
servicing is sometimes provided from rear lanes or parking
areas.
DRAFT
Looking south at Lakeshore Drive
Photo By: Alex Von Bredow