Skyline has commenced construction on the first phase of a new 928-unit apartment project in Barrie, Ont.

The project is located at on Grove Street West. The development will ultimately add rental apartment suites to one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, addressing a pressing need for housing, said Skyline.

Phase 1 of the project will comprise two high-rise buildings with a total of 541 rental suites, including 32 affordable housing units. The first phase is slated for completion by 2027.

Skyline was joined at a recent groundbreaking ceremony by Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte; Ontario Housing Minister Paul Calandra; and Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.

“Our communities are growing, and having projects like the new Sky Towers project reflects the need for urban density along our growth corridors,” said Downey. “Having strong partnerships between municipal and provincial governments will help us to achieve and exceed the housing targets set to meet the needs of our growing population. I look forward to welcoming new residents to the city of Barrie, and our continued partnership with the mayor and council on this, and other housing projects.”

Sky Towers will receive $6.7 million in government funding to support the creation of the 32 affordable units, said Skyline without breaking down the contributions.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of the cities and communities taking decisive action to get new homes built quickly as demand continues to rise,” said Nuttall. “The Sky Towers development is fully aligned with our housing strategy. We look forward to seeing it take shape, enabling more people to enjoy living and working in our city. I thank Skyline for its investment in Barrie’s future, and I congratulate all project partners on a successful project commencement.”

Sky Towers’ first phase will include two buildings: Tower A, rising 25 storeys, and Tower B, reaching 27 storeys. The subsequent phases will feature a third tower at 29 storeys and a nine-storey mid-rise building, adding 387 suites.

“This project represents a significant opportunity to answer the demand for housing in the rapidly growing city of Barrie, and we are pleased to see the result of our strong partnerships come to fruition as we break ground on Phase 1,” said Jason Castellan, co-founder and CEO of Skyline.

Barrie’s population is expected to more than double, reaching 298,000 by 2051; and with the market’s rental vacancy rate of just 2.7%, this development addresses critical housing needs, said Skyline

Conveniently located near the intersection of Highway 400 and Bayfield Street, Sky Towers will offer open-concept suites, many with Lake Simcoe views, and an array of on-site amenities. These include a rooftop amenity space, EVcharging stations, a pet spa, and recreational facilities such as a gym and yoga studio.

Guelph, Ont.-based Skyline is also actively involved in rental housing development across 10 other communities, with about 600 apartments completed, 1,100 under construction, and 3,000 more in the pipeline.

Image: Courtesy of Skyline