Professional soccer is set to arrive in downtown Barrie, Ontario, with the relocation of Toronto FC II. This move is part of a new partnership announced by the City of Barrie, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), MLS NEXT Pro, and the Barrie Stadium Group. The team, which serves as a feeder for the MLS franchise, is expected to begin playing in Barrie starting with the 2028-2029 season.
The plans include the construction of a new 3,500-seat stadium, which will be purpose-built for soccer. This venue is envisioned to become a significant small soccer stadium in North America. The stadium will be located at the former Barrie Central Collegiate (BCC) site, specifically at Bradford Street and Dunlop West, partially atop the former Red Storey Field.
New stadium to serve as community hub
The new stadium is intended to be more than just a home for Toronto FC II. It is also designed to be a community destination capable of hosting various events, including professional sports, concerts, festivals, and other community programming. Officials believe the facility will support youth sports across different disciplines such as football, soccer, lacrosse, and rugby.
Mayor Alex Nuttall described the announcement as a “transformational day for Barrie,” highlighting the investment in the community. He noted that the facility would provide a pivotal hub for youth sports to compete and learn, in addition to making Barrie a home for professional and international soccer.
Chris Shewfelt, VP business operations for MLSE and lead governor for Toronto FC II, stated that the partnership represents an exciting chapter for the team. He praised the ambition and clear vision demonstrated by the City of Barrie and the Barrie Stadium Group, emphasizing their commitment to growing the game. The aim is to create an environment that supports player development and strengthens the Toronto FC pathway.
Project details and community considerations
The proposed stadium project is estimated to cost a significant amount. The City of Barrie acquired most of the old BCC site, approximately 5.5 of its seven acres, from High Park Living. The sale price for this land was $22 million. The city now owns the majority of the former Red Storey Field, extending to Bradford Street and north to the corner of Dunlop West and Bradford streets.
While the announcement has been met with enthusiasm from many, some local residents have raised concerns. These concerns include potential issues with parking availability, increased traffic volumes on local streets, and the possible difficulty emergency vehicles could face due to congestion. Barrie Fire and Emergency Service’s Station No. 1 is situated in the immediate vicinity of the old BCC site.
Additionally, neighbors have expressed worries regarding stormwater drainage. The Kidd’s Creek improvements, a project, were completed approximately four years ago, with the waterway running through the former BCC property. A wider, naturalized open channel and larger culverts were constructed to increase stormwater flow and reduce flooding in the area.
The idea of a sports stadium on the old BCC site has been discussed for some time. The team’s name, crest, colours, and brand are expected to be revealed at a later date.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
