From horns to icy silence, a group continues to protest on sports fields

The sound of a silent protest could fill the council chambers at Barrie City Hall Wednesday evening.

Opposition to the proposed synthetic turf, multi-purpose youth sports field and parade ground should take place there.

“We’re just going to sit on the council quietly, let them know we’re here,” said protest organizer Arnie Ivsins. “We’re not going to be there to disrupt the council, just stand there and show off.” »

Signage is not permitted in the council chambers and the issue of sports fields is not on tomorrow night’s agenda.

The June 19 General Committee and City Council meetings are the last scheduled before the summer break, which lasts until after Labor Day, with the exception of the August 14 meetings – although a meeting of emergency can always be called, if necessary.

The protest concerns the location of the sports field, on city property, east of the military heritage park.

Very early this morning (June 18), 15 protesters with signs took up positions along Lakeshore Drive – near the site and near Tiffin Street – to make their point to honking motorists.

Ivsins said they also planned to go out Wednesday morning.

Over the past two Wednesdays (June 5 and 12), groups of protesters, organized by the Friends of Allandale Station Park, took over the courtyard of Barrie City Hall for peaceful rallies against the planned sports field.

On May 15, Council essentially approved the land and an addition to the Southshore Center for the new sea cadet residence. A permit is still required from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority as its restricted area runs through the upper portion of the athletic field. An archaeological assessment is also necessary.

The next step is preparation of the project tender, requests for proposals (RFP), from June to July, evaluation and award of bids, from August to September, design of the scope of September to December and construction from October 2024 to July next year. .

The field, which would be for soccer, rugby, football, lacrosse and walking, as well as the 600 square meter addition to the Southshore Centre, has a total construction cost of $9.15 million.

Early Tuesday afternoon, the city announced a slightly new location and size for the waterfront sports field and parade ground. BarrieToday is working to get more details on the changes and another story is coming.