‘There’s always more that can be done, but it’s nice to see a decrease in numbers when we’ve been seeing increases for years,’ says the deputy mayor.
City officials have analyzed Barrie’s homeless encampments and the individuals residing there, and they report that things are looking up.
During the executive committee meeting on Wednesday, councillors learned that as of Oct. 27, according to County of Simcoe data, there were 607 active homeless individuals connected to Barrie – with 54 people identified as living in Barrie encampments.
“There’s some very good data coming out right now,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “I think that over time we’ll hopefully reach a point where we feel like we’re managing the situation effectively.”
Nuttall noted that as of Sept. 8 – just before Barrie declared a state of emergency due to the homeless encampments – there were about 693 active homeless individuals associated with Barrie.
This number has dropped to 607 as of Monday, based on the County of Simcoe’s Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS).
“It’s great progress,” stated Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson. “There’s always more that can be done but it’s encouraging to see a reduction in numbers when we’ve only seen them rise in previous years.”
Jeff Schmidt, who serves as the city’s general manager of community and corporate services, provided details on the 607 figures from HIFIS.
He mentioned that 166 individuals are currently in shelters, 47 have been identified as couch surfing, 340 are participating in the county’s temporary family shelter program, and 54 are living in encampments.
Schmidt explained that the County of Simcoe and the City of Barrie have slightly different definitions regarding what constitutes an encampment.
“The county defines encampments as outdoor structures being actively used overnight by two or more individuals experiencing homelessness, while the city views an encampment as one tent or structure on a property,” he said.
As of Oct. 29 under the emergency order, Schmidt indicated that both the city and county have dealt with over 20 encampments within city limits.
“Aside from larger sites like Mulcaster (Street), Bradford Street and Victoria Street, most locations have either been deemed abandoned after investigation or consist only of debris needing cleanup,” he added.
“We’re addressing encampments here but remember we’re also working with people,” remarked Coun. Clare Riepma.
The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) issued an order on Aug. 8 under the Environmental Protection Act aimed at closing down Barrie’s Victoria Street homeless encampment next to Dyments Creek.
A ministry official informed Barrie Today that cleanup must be finalized by Oct. 31, which is Friday.
The MECP doesn’t hold authority to prevent people from staying at an encampment.
An Ontario Superior Court ruling has found bylaws banning homeless encampments on municipal property unconstitutional if no indoor shelter options exist.
The Victoria Street homeless encampment was also linked to a double-homicide investigation conducted by Barrie police.
No updates were provided Wednesday regarding Audrey Milligan Park and Pond, one of Barrie’s oldest homeless encampments housing around 45-60 individuals near Perry and Boys streets.
The County of Simcoe oversees assistance for those experiencing homelessness across the region including Barrie through various funding efforts and programs.
Source link
Source link
