Gary’s Barbershop has been the longest tenant in the plaza at 199 Essa Rd., on the edge of the old Barrie fairgrounds – and he intends to be one of the last remaining ones.

In a story that ran several weeks ago, a developer’s spokesman said the leases of tenants – Sticky Fingers restaurant and the Barrie Agricultural Society – will be honoured.

“I was the first tenant. I moved in one Christmas Eve,” barbershop owner John Lockhart recalled, adding he moved from the hub of old Allandale, the Essa Road/Gowan Street area.

Lockhart was concerned his customers might think he has relocated.

“The barbershop is still here,” he said.

Osmington Inc. has plans to redevelop the site, by removing the old racetrack building, which has more recently functioned as The Event Centre. The Barrie Curling Club has a long-term lease, and will remain on the site.

The plan features a pedestrian-friendly retail centre, with racetrack-themed architectural features and fences.

This year will be the last year for the Barrie Fair there; the fair is to move to a new site in Essa Township, on the corner of the 10th Line and 20th Sideroad, about five minutes’ drive out of southwest Barrie.