Toronto FC II, the MLS NEXT Pro team, is set to relocate to Barrie, Ontario, beginning with the 2028-2029 season. This move is part of a new partnership between the City of Barrie, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), MLS NEXT Pro, and Barrie Stadium Group. The collaboration aims to bring professional soccer to downtown Barrie, expanding Toronto FC‘s presence in southern Ontario.
Plans include the construction of a 3,500-seat stadium, which will serve as the home for the Barrie MLS NEXT Pro team. This venue is envisioned to be a significant community hub, hosting professional sports, concerts, festivals, and other local programming. The stadium is proposed to be built partially on the former Red Storey Field at the old Barrie Central Collegiate (BCC) site, specifically at Bradford Street and Dunlop West.
A New Hub for Sports and Community
Mayor Alex Nuttall described this development as a “transformational day for Barrie.” He highlighted that the investment from the city, alongside MLSE and Barrie Stadium Group, will foster the growth of professional sports in Barrie and provide a crucial community centre for youth sports. The new facility is expected to support various youth sports, including football, soccer, lacrosse, and rugby, while establishing Barrie as a host for professional and international soccer.
Chris Shewfelt, VP business operations for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and lead governor for Toronto FC II, stated that the partnership signifies an exciting new chapter for the team. He praised the City of Barrie and Barrie Stadium Group for their ambition, clear vision, and dedication to growing the sport. Shewfelt emphasized that this initiative will create an environment conducive to player development and strengthen the Toronto FC pathway.
Jamie Massie, chairman of the Barrie Stadium Group, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing professional soccer to the community, drawing parallels to his previous efforts in bringing the Ontario Hockey League‘s Barrie Colts to the city. He believes that the new team and stadium will become an integral part of Barrie’s identity for future generations. Peter Raco, president and CEO of Barrie MLS, echoed these sentiments, noting that the stadium aims to be one of North America’s most intimate and iconic soccer venues, providing a gathering place for the community.
Community Engagement and Site Details
The announcement on Tuesday followed earlier indications, with the city having sent out invitations teasing a landmark event for Barrie. The proposed stadium location at the former BCC site has been a subject of discussion, with the city having acquired most of the old BCC site, approximately 5.5 of its seven acres, from High Park Living. This acquisition, which included most of the former residential HIP Development property, was finalized after High Park Living purchased the HIP site in July 2023.
The land acquisition by the city for the stadium project was for $22 million. The site now encompasses most of the old Red Storey Field, extending to Bradford Street and north to the corner of Dunlop West and Bradford streets. While the city owns a significant portion of the former BCC site, property in and around the former Prince of Wales school structure remains privately owned.
Some local residents have raised concerns regarding potential issues such as parking availability, increased traffic volumes, and the accessibility for emergency vehicles due to potential congestion. The Barrie Fire and Emergency Service’s Station No. 1 is located in the immediate vicinity of the old BCC site. Additionally, stormwater drainage has been a concern, particularly given that the $24.4-million Kidd’s Creek improvements, which included a wider, naturalized open channel and wider culverts to reduce flooding, were completed approximately four years ago, with the waterway running through the former BCC property.
The team’s official name, crest, colours, and brand are expected to be revealed at a later date.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
