Is Barrie the New Frontier for Commercial Investment?
For years, Barrie was seen as a “commuter town.” In 2026, it is officially a commercial powerhouse. With the City of Barrie pledging to facilitate 23,000 new housing units and a population projected to hit 298,000, the demand for industrial space, retail plazas, and medical offices is skyrocketing. If you’ve been priced out of Toronto or Vaughan, Barrie is where your next investment belongs.
Why is industrial land in Barrie so high in demand?
Barrie is no longer just a “stop on the way to cottage country.” It has become a critical logistics hub.
- Cost Advantage: Land and lease rates in Barrie remain significantly lower than in Mississauga or Vaughan.
- Hwy 400 Access: Properties near Mapleview Drive and Veterans Drive offer direct, high-speed access to the GTA and Northern Ontario.
- Low Vacancy: The industrial vacancy rate in Barrie remains tight, making “build-to-suit” projects extremely profitable for investors.
What are the best locations in Barrie for retail and office space?
Location is everything in a growing city. We are seeing major activity in three specific zones:
- The South End (Mapleview/Yonge): Currently undergoing a $53M infrastructure facelift, this area is the “New Barrie,” perfect for high-traffic retail and modern medical offices.
- Downtown Barrie: As density increases with new high-rise residential towers, the “Urban Growth Centre” is becoming a hotspot for boutique offices and experiential retail.
- Bayfield Street Corridor: Still the king of traditional retail, offering high visibility for established brands.
How does the “Housing Pledge” impact commercial investors?
Barrie’s commitment to massive residential growth (23,000 units by 2031) is a “buy” signal for commercial developers. More homes mean a desperate need for:
- Neighborhood Service Centers: Grocery-anchored strips and daycare facilities.
- Self-Storage: With more people moving into condos and smaller homes, storage demand is at an all-time high.
- Mixed-Use Redevelopment: Turning older low-rise buildings into residential/commercial combos.
Investor Note: Check out our Current Barrie Listings to see available land and industrial units before they hit the open market.
What are the “Signature Sites” in Barrie?
The city has identified specific “Signature Sites” for employment development. These are pre-serviced or “ready-to-go” lands that qualify for the Employment Development Concierge Program, which speeds up your building permits.
Is now the right time to sell commercial property in Barrie?
With over $1 Billion in building permits issued in 2025 alone, property values in Barrie are seeing steady appreciation. If you own an older industrial warehouse or a retail strip, you are likely sitting on a prime redevelopment site. Selling now allows you to capitalize on the influx of GTA buyers looking for “value-play” opportunities.
Ready to discuss your next move in the Barrie commercial market? Reach out to Allen Mayer directly for a confidential consultation.
The 2026 commercial landscape in Ontario is defined by tight supply and high demand for quality space. Whether you are selling an industrial asset in Barrie or looking to lease office space in Toronto, the right expertise is the difference between a standard deal and a high-performing investment. Allen Mayer’s philosophy is simple: prioritize long-term client partnerships over short-term sales.