Barrie invests in historic train station: future of Allandale

NRU
July 8, 2015
By Leah Wong

Barrie is preparing to revitalize the interior of its Allandale train station to restore a historic landmark and create a new community space.

The project received its final approval Monday, as council authorized the “fi tout” of the interior of the passenger depot, dining hall building and adjacent site development. The fi t-out includes installation of hardwood and ceramic floors, storm windows, and the completion of millwork and architectural details to meet heritage requirements.

Since the exterior restoration has been finished the city has been working on programming plans for the station so it can open its doors to the public. In April the city retained Ted Handy and Associates Architect to make recommendations on suitable uses for the site.

“The station is now beautiful on the outside. We would be doing a disservice to the residents if we didn’t let them inside,”

Councillor Michael Prowse said during the June 22 general committee meeting.

The revitalized station will be home to a small restaurant located in the passenger depot and a flexible multi-use space in the dining hall. The city will also create a public plaza outside the station, which will connect it to the waterfront trail network.

When it is complete the station will be able to host a range of events including weddings, conferences and historical displays.

“There will be people that are unhappy about more money going into the site, but if there’s a building worth doing well it’s this one,” Mayor Jeff Lehman told committee.

Revitalizing the interior of the station is expected to funding of $754,500 through the Federal Gas Tax and has applied to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Project for additional funds. To date the city has invested more than $5.2-million into the station.

“We’ve invested a significant amount of money into the restoration of this,” Councillor John Brassard told committee.

“[I think] the Allandale train station revitalization will be the genesis of revitalization in the Allandale area.”

The city and ERA Architects were recognized for the restoration of the station with a Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award from the Ontario Heritage Trust earlier this year.

While the preliminary timeline for the project includes a 2016 building occupation date, staff indicate this is dependent on adequate funding.