A landmark partnership has been announced that will relocate Toronto FC II to Barrie for the 2028‑2029 season, marking a strategic shift that aligns the club with a growing soccer community in the city. The move is accompanied by the construction of a 3,500‑seat, soccer‑specific stadium on downtown Barrie’s waterfront, a project championed by municipal leaders and private stakeholders alike.
The new venue is designed more than a matchday arena; it will double as a cultural hub, offering space for concerts, festivals and a broad array of community gatherings. City officials envision the stadium becoming a permanent fixture of Barrie’s identity, a place where youth leagues, elite training programs and public events intersect to nurture the next generation of Canadian talent.
Investing in Infrastructure and Talent Development
Mayor Alex Nuttall emphasized the transformational impact of the project, stating that the stadium will serve as a catalyst for both economic growth and grassroots soccer development. "This facility will not only host professional matches but also provide a world‑class environment for young athletes to train and compete," he said during the launch event attended by more than 1,000 supporters.
Ali Curtis, a key figure in the initiative, highlighted the importance of pairing elite infrastructure with vibrant community engagement. "Our goal is to create a sustainable pathway that connects grassroots programs with professional opportunities, ensuring that Canadian players can develop in a setting that matches global standards," he noted.
Leadership of the stadium project rests with Jamie Massie and Peter Raco, who head the Barrie Stadium Group. Their vision includes not only the physical construction but also the long‑term operation of the venue, which will be managed in partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. The group’s official website, barriestadiumgroup.com, outlines plans for phased development and community outreach.
The partnership also underscores MLS NEXT Pro’s expanding footprint across North America, as the league seeks to embed professional teams within thriving local ecosystems. While the permanent identity of the relocated side — including its name, crest, colors and brand — will be revealed later, the collaboration already signals a new chapter for soccer in Barrie, one that blends elite competition with deep community roots.