Shovels in the ground at Urban North development in Barrie

Written by BRAIN LOCKHART

The shovels are in the ground at Pace Developments Urban North construction site in the south end of Barrie off Mapleview Drive.

When complete, the development will include 873 town homes and a high-rise condominium in a master planned community surrounded by nature with onsite access to the Hewitt's Creek Ravine Trail leading directly to Wilkins Beach.

It took more than two years of planning and making the site suitable before building could be started.

Crews have been working hard to clear the land and install the infrastructure necessary before actual home construction could begin.

The development has already sold out after home buyers reviewed the plans and were impressed by the home designs and the layout and location of the neighbourhood.

In the past, the location was considered “too swampy” to be a suitable location to build. However, Pace engineers were able to overcome any concerns and created an area surrounded by greenery, parks, playgrounds and trails, that will be home to more than 850 families.

The Pace Developments team hosted a ceremonial ground-breaking on Friday, December 4, and invited

partners in the project to attend and celebrate the start of the new development.

“Today is a ground-breaking ceremony,” explained Pace Developments COO, Pam Ventresca. “We have managing partners, owners, consultants, sales people, pretty much everyone who has been part of this project for years. We will be starting home construction very soon. For the past two years, there has been servicing [of] the land development and now the building starts.”

The location of the development is a major drawing point for home owners in the area.

“Lake Simcoe is just down the street,” Ms. Ventresca said. “The Barrie GO Train station is close by and we'll be building a path to the GO Train Station. This site has been very popular for that reason for commuters. This is a great location. We're sold out.”

The Urban North sales centre, located on Mapleview Drive, won a national award for Best Sales Centre.

Pace Developments is an award-winning family owned and operated business.

Along with Pam, Dino and Yvonne Sciavilla, and Peter Sciavilla, Pace Developments has earned a solid reputation in the industry over 35 years with personalized service and major developments around Ontario.