Georgian College receives $7.5M from the City of Barrie for downtown location

Georgian College announced it is moving ahead with its vision to welcome up to 1,000 students to its new downtown Barrie location, with a $7.5 million contribution from the city.

“This is an investment in our city’s future. Georgian’s new location will be a cornerstone of downtown revitalization, attract new faces and energy, and fuel long-term growth in our downtown core,” said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.

In addition to the city’s investment, the project will be funded through one-time capital reserves and fundraising efforts. Georgian is also seeking additional partners to support student success through innovative and sustainable collaborations.

“This is a monumental step forward for our institution and the community. Our new downtown location will offer cutting-edge facilities, strengthen our connection to the city, and provide students with immersive, real-world learning opportunities. We’re deeply grateful to the City of Barrie for their investment in our shared future,” said Kevin Weaver, president and CEO of Georgian College.

More than a downtown hub, this new location is a catalyst – helping shape the next generation of changemakers, sparking local economic development, and enhancing the vibrancy of our downtown core. Georgian looks forward to welcoming students into this new space in September 2026.

Featured image: Georgian will welcome up to 1,000 students to a new downtown Barrie location, as shown in this image rendering. (Georgian College)