Toronto FC II to play at new stadium in Barrie
Toronto FC II, the MLS NEXT Pro affiliate of Toronto FC, is set to relocate to Barrie, Ontario, beginning with the 2028-2029 season. This move is part of a new partnership involving the City of Barrie, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), MLS NEXT Pro, and the Barrie Stadium Group. The collaboration aims to establish professional soccer in downtown Barrie.
The plans include constructing a 3,500-seat stadium specifically designed for soccer. This venue is intended to serve as the future home for the Barrie MLS NEXT Pro team, which functions as a development team for the MLS franchise. The stadium will be located at the former Barrie Central Collegiate (BCC) site, near Bradford Street and Dunlop West.
New Stadium and Community Impact
The proposed stadium is envisioned as a central hub for the community, capable of hosting various professional sports, concerts, festivals, and other local programming. Officials believe it will attract a range of events beyond soccer, including football, lacrosse, and rugby, fostering youth sports development in the area.
Mayor Alex Nuttall of Barrie highlighted the significance of this project, stating that the investment will not only facilitate the growth of professional sports in Barrie but also provide a crucial community centre for youth sports. He emphasized that the facility would help grow youth sports while making Barrie a home for professional and international soccer.
Chris Shewfelt, VP Business Operations for MLSE and lead governor for Toronto FC II, expressed that the partnership marks an exciting new chapter for the team. He noted the ambition and clear vision demonstrated by the City of Barrie and the Barrie Stadium Group in their commitment to expanding the sport. The goal is to create an environment that supports player development and strengthens the Toronto FC pathway.
The stadium is planned to be a purpose-built, soccer-specific venue, with aspirations to become one of North America’s iconic small soccer stadiums. Peter Raco, president and CEO of Barrie MLS, indicated that the team and stadium are expected to become a significant part of the city’s identity for generations.
Site Development and Local Considerations
The stadium will be partially situated atop the former Red Storey Field at the old BCC site. The City of Barrie acquired most of the old BCC site, approximately 5.5 of its seven acres, along with a portion of the former residential HIP Development property. This acquisition, from High Park Living, was finalized after the company purchased the HIP site in July 2023.
The city’s purchase of the land for the stadium site was announced at $22 million. The area acquired stretches to Bradford Street and north to the corner of Dunlop West and Bradford streets. Property around the former Prince of Wales school structure remains privately owned.
Local residents have voiced concerns regarding potential issues such as a lack of parking for the stadium, increased traffic volumes on local streets, and the potential for congestion to affect emergency vehicle access. Barrie Fire and Emergency Service’s Station No. 1 is located in the immediate vicinity of the former BCC site.
Concerns have also been raised about stormwater drainage, particularly given that the Kidd’s Creek improvements, completed approximately four years prior, run through the former BCC property. These improvements included a wider, naturalized open channel between Eccles and Bradford streets and wider culverts at Dunlop and Bradford streets, designed to increase stormwater flow and reduce flooding.
The team’s official name, crest, colours, and brand are slated to be revealed at a later date.
Source: sportsnet.ca
