Meridian Place Costs To Soar

The Memorial Square/Meridian Place redevelopment in downtown Barrie is going to cost $945-thousand dollars more than first thought, but it won’t be coming out taxpayers pockets. Some of the cash will come from fundraising, some from the BIA, most of it from the city’s Tax Capital Reserve Fund. City Council gave final approval to the added cost, which will be put toward infrastructure, Monday night. Among the upgrades is a storm drainage system that would allow runoff to be treated then used for plants and trees in the square. The redevelopment also includes a larger public gathering space, fountains and stage.