The Barrie West neighborhood features many homes built from the mid-1970s. Nestled on a small hill, many homes have views of Kempenfelt Bay and are surrounded by beautiful, mature trees. As you drive through the neighborhood you will see that many homes showcase a Victorian style, with larger houses and lots making this a desirable location for growing families.
This area is also bustling with new developments and proposals and will see tremendous growth in the next several years. The Residences on Owen Street is a new condo development by Ballantry Homes that’s currently in pre-construction. It will be home to 278 units ranging from 500 to 1000 square feet. Condos will showcase a spacious floorplan and balconies for residents to enjoy.
For families relocating to the area, there are several elementary schools scattered throughout the neighborhood such as Portage View, Andrew Hunter, Emma King, St. Mary’s, and the Good Shepherd. Although there are no high schools within the perimeter of the neighborhood, students are bussed to nearby high schools Eastview, Barrie North Collegiate, and St. Joseph’s Catholic School.
Within the neighborhood there are also a few options for childcare, and before and after school programs. Emma King Child Care Centre and Portage view offer before and after school programs for elementary school-aged kids. Andrew Hunter Childcare offers daycare for young children.
There’s also plenty of green space for kids and the whole family to enjoy with 2 of Barrie’s most popular parks just minutes away, Sunnidale Park and Lampman Park. Lampman Park was recently given a major upgrade adding a splash pad, new tennis and basketball courts, and a playground. Barrie Ball Hockey is also located within the neighborhood on Dunlop Street West and is a great activity for kids and adults to enjoy. They have a variety of leagues, camps, and programs offered all year round.
For those that enjoy walking, the Nine Mile Portage Heritage Trail is a multi-use trail between Meridian Place traveling all the way to Fort Willow in Springwater Township. The oldest known European record of the route appears on a 1688 map by Italian Vincenzo Coronelli labeled as Portage de Dix Liesel but became known as Nine Mile Portage by the British Military who employed it strategically during the War of 1812.
Access to highway 400 is just 10 minutes away on Bayfield Street for those who need to travel South for work. Barrie’s Public Transit also travels to the neighborhood, having a couple of different stops throughout. Important amenities are within a short distance away on Bayfield Street. You’ll have a couple of different options for grocery shopping at Zehr’s or Freshco. The Georgian Mall is just 15 minutes away located at the bottom of Bayfield Street that will satisfy all your retail shopping needs.
If you’re looking for a great local dining option within the neighborhood the Bull & Barrel Pub and Paezano’s Pizza are both great options and offer something different. If you are looking for a healthier snack or lunch option Unbelievabowl is new to the neighborhood and has plenty of different smoothie and healthy meal options.
The Barrie West neighborhood is a great neighborhood to live in and is close by important amenities making this a desirable location to live in the City of Barrie.
-The BDAR Team