Innis Shore
InnisfilIntroduction
Innis Shore is Barrie’s southeastern-most neighbourhood, and includes two small subdivisions and a large amount of undeveloped land, some of it annexed from neighbouring Innisfil. The neighbourhood begins at the bay’s edge and stretches down to Lockhart Road, with the 20th Sideroad marking its eastern edge. The western border weaves up from Yonge and Lockhart Road to Sandringham Road/Royal Parkside Drive.
Lifestyle
Here’s a picture: a woman leaves her secluded, estate-style home taking her private drive to a silent, tree-lined street for a morning walk, her dog at her side. The only indication of other houses are mouths of driveways along the road. Here’s another: a man jogs through his neighbourhood of tightly-packed two-storey homes, passing mothers with strollers and rowdy kids at the playground. These are two sides of Innis Shore.
The Vibe
The vast expanse of Innis Shore covers two small suburbs that feel like they’re divided by more than just an arterial road. To the north is a subdivision of custom-designed houses, some with acres of land, concealed from the street by massive hardwood trees, and offering plenty of privacy. To the south is the Prince William Way subdivision, comprised of closely-packed single-family homes, offering nearby parks and a neighbourly atmosphere.
Meet the Neighbours
Innis Shore used to be primarily comprised of retired couples, but the area’s seen an influx of young families in recent years. The neighbourhood now has a nice mix of active retirees, families with nearly full-grown children, and parents of wee ones. Both subdivisions that make up Innis Shore are labelled neighbourhood watch communities, and north of Big Bay Point, residents recognize a stranger when they see one.
In the Area
The Barrie South GO Station is within easy reach, as are the shops at Molson Park. Two elementary schools are within the neighbourhood borders, and both a Catholic and public high school, and a French-language Catholic elementary school, are nearby. There are a couple of parks in the Prince William Way subdivision, and the secluded streets north of Big Bay Point double as peaceful walking trails.
8.7 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Innis Shore only has access to one local bus route, but it can take residents to the downtown core and to the Barrie South GO station nearby. The subdivisions within the neighbourhood are good places to walk, but if you want to get to other parts of the city you’ll have to drive.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Innis Shore is on Barrie’s very southeast edge, and that location comes with it’s perks and drawbacks. While it affords privacy and seclusion, and feels like its own little world, it’s also disconnected from the rest of the city—major commercial hubs like Molson Park and the downtown core are at least a 15 to 20 minute drive away.
Dollars & Sense
Big Bay Point Road serves as the dividing line between the two solitudes of Innis Shore. On the south side, house prices range from under the national average to just over it, and on the other side many estate homes are sold for close to one million dollars. It’s mini-vans and sedans to the south, Porsches to the north.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Cicco’s Ristorante
The cozy Italian restaurant and bar on Prince William Way opened in 2014, and is owned by the same managers of Cicco’s in Minesing. The restaurant also hosts live musicians on Saturdays.
more infoSandringham Park
Located on Sandringham Drive next to Hewitt’s Creek Elementary School, the park is a popular spot among the Prince William Way subdivision residents. It has walking trails, a playground, and plenty of green space.
more infoAllandale Golf Course
The secluded nine-hole course, located on the 20th Side Road, dates back to the early 1930s and is surrounded by a wall of towering pine trees. The golf course also has a driving range.
more infoLearning Jungle
The Learning Jungle School provides early education and care for young children. They also offer programs for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and school-age children and have convenient drop in care for parents.
more infoZehr’s
At the bustling intersection of Yonge and Big Bay Point, a short drive from the area, Zehr’s is where residents pick up necessities. The store has Joe Fresh, a photography studio, and cooking classes.
more info