Making a better use of land and growing smart – up as opposed to out – that’s what Barrie wants residents to examine and envision.

And Wednesday at an open house, the city will give residents the basics – the provincial planning policy context coupled with an artist’s concept to redevelop three sites in the city.

“Intensification is a blueprint for future growth. If Barrie is to accommodate the population growth anticipated for the region, we need to look at new and different ways to house people coming to our city,” said policy planning manager Merwan Kalyaniwalla.

“Building well-planned, well-designed, higher-density developments will provide both existing and new residents of Barrie with more housing choices.”

Under Ontario’s Places to Grow policy, municipalities like Barrie must accommodate 40 per cent of new growth in established areas; the policy aims to not only limit sprawl, but make neighbourhoods safer and more walkable and less car-dependent.

Intensification can take an array of forms – from street townhouses to cluster townhouses to high-rise buildings. Barrie is examining about 50 sites that could be redeveloped, including 11 in the city’s east end that could accommodate student housing.

Kalyaniwalla explained that intensification can enhance existing neighbourhoods, but too often, people can’t see the benefits of mixing housing types; yet, as the population grows and ages, a broader spectrum of choices is needed.

The open house takes place at the Southshore Centre from 4 to 7 p.m.; city and provincial planners will be on site to explain a series of panels and ideas.

“It’s very informal,” said Kalyaniwalla. “Hopefully we will get the creative juices flowing.”