‘I think it’s time to be a lot harsher … and I know that doesn’t sit well with people,’ says deputy mayor; warden says county supports city’s ‘vision’ to address community needs
Barrie city council is finding support for its strict stance against illegal drug activities.
“We are not asking in this motion to throw away the key. We’re actually asking for diversion programs to treat the core problem, which is either the mental health (or) addiction issue, and let’s focus on that,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall.
Council approved Nuttall’s direct motion on Wednesday, advocating for zero tolerance in enforcing drug laws, including illegal mushroom shops. This includes a request for the province to invest in mandatory drug rehabilitation or compassionate intervention. They also want County of Simcoe outreach funding transferred to the city, changes in zoning bylaws to eliminate illegal uses, higher penalties for zoning violations, and hiring five new city employees-such as a program manager for social services oversight and strategy, an encampment response team lead, and three encampment response officers.
The motion also covers several other areas like seeking federal assistance, stronger sentences, shutting down unlicensed cannabis dispensaries, and creating rehabilitation centers within prisons.
This afternoon, Barrie police released a statement acknowledging residents’ growing concerns about safety on downtown streets but noted that the situation is complicated.
Although homelessness, drug use, addiction, and mental health issues are not unique to Barrie, city police mentioned they are actively responding by increasing patrols and maintaining a more visible presence downtown.
Officers aim to ensure public safety while understanding that not every situation involves criminal activity.
“What you’re often seeing isn’t always crime; it’s people dealing with addiction, mental health struggles and homelessness,” said Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston. “In these circumstances, policing looks different.”
“Our approach balances compassion with accountability,” the chief added. “We are committed to keeping our city and all of its residents safe.”
Nuttall provided his insights during last night’s discussion about the direct motion while sitting on the Barrie Police Services Board.
“I think there is widespread support on the police services board for zero tolerance. I think that there’s support in the service (officers) for that as well,” he stated.
However, Nuttall pointed out that public prosecutors’ and judges’ decisions affect how police officers carry out their duties.
“If a police officer is told not to enforce this law … because the public prosecution office has said not to or because judges have ruled it isn’t appropriate; it becomes harder for police to enforce every law as written,” he explained.
“But I think what we’re asking here is zero tolerance from the police on the street-and from the prosecution office too-and we expect similar from judiciary,” added Nuttall. “At some point as citizens we should expect our judiciary will respond appropriately when someone breaks the law.”
The County of Simcoe partners with the city on this direct motion.
“The County of Simcoe supports City of Barrie’s vision to tackle community needs especially in downtown,” Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke stated in a Thursday release.
<p“As system service manager (for Barrie), we remain dedicated to adjusting programs and sustaining progress,” he mentioned. “We stand committed towards partnership and practical solutions – housing support and coordinated outreach.”
Officials indicate that county representatives are currently working on securing new funding aimed at addressing specialized outreach needs requested by Barrie. More details will be shared soon by them.
Nuttall’s direct motion presented before city council reads:
‘In accordance with Section 284.10 (1) of the Municipal Act, I introduce the following.
That correspondence be sent to the Barrie Police Services Board advising of City of Barrie’s backing of ‘zero-tolerance’ enforcement regarding drug laws within Barrie affecting individuals using drugs-with a request for guidance on how City can assist this measure.
A letter should be sent from City of Barrie addressed to federal government requesting expansion of diversion programs targeting non-violent/non-trafficking addictions charges-including mandatory rehabilitation.
Tougher sentences should be applied toward those charged who refuse care while supporting prosecution efforts tackling all drug-related crimes associated with dealing using or abusing drugs within community.
Also lend support toward courts administering effective sentencing directing users into rehab programs aiming at imposing strict penalties against all drug dealers-shut down all illegal mushroom shops located within Barrie-and back creation rehab centers inside federal correctional facilities. Correspondence must go out from City addressing provincial government urging amendments made under Mental Health Act allowing compulsory rehabilitation or compassionate intervention-funding investment targeted toward mental health & rehab facilities facilitating changes applied toward Mental Health Act whilst strengthening provincial coordination working diligently closing unlicensed marijuana stores. Province ought establish rehabilitation facilities situated within jails. An appeal exists asking province allow minimum distance regulations between pharmacies/methadone clinics-or alternatively transfer operations directly under healthcare authorities. A letter must go forth from City requesting immediate transfer responsibility & specialized outreach funds presently held by County Simcoe over into hands belonging unto City itself. To counteract illegal retail storefronts preventing future establishments-city staff shall prepare giving notice according Planning Act announcing intention amend zoning bylaws disqualifying unlawful usage wherever retail allowed-as well notifying concerned property owners/occupants based upon guidelines stipulated through Planning Act ensuing public meeting followed promptly by presentation proposed amendment pending conclusion 21-day notification period. Fee structure concerning zoning violations needs updated guaranteeing imposed fines prove adequate motivating compliance recovering costs incurred. Given ongoing success established via emergency order surrounding encampment responses-effective immediately five positions ought integrated permanently into city’s full-time staff: Program Manager overseeing social services strategies & policies plus one Encampment Response Team Leader alongside three Encampment Response Officers.’
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Also lend support toward courts administering effective sentencing directing users into rehab programs aiming at imposing strict penalties against all drug dealers-shut down all illegal mushroom shops located within Barrie-and back creation rehab centers inside federal correctional facilities. Correspondence must go out from City addressing provincial government urging amendments made under Mental Health Act allowing compulsory rehabilitation or compassionate intervention-funding investment targeted toward mental health & rehab facilities facilitating changes applied toward Mental Health Act whilst strengthening provincial coordination working diligently closing unlicensed marijuana stores. Province ought establish rehabilitation facilities situated within jails. An appeal exists asking province allow minimum distance regulations between pharmacies/methadone clinics-or alternatively transfer operations directly under healthcare authorities. A letter must go forth from City requesting immediate transfer responsibility & specialized outreach funds presently held by County Simcoe over into hands belonging unto City itself. To counteract illegal retail storefronts preventing future establishments-city staff shall prepare giving notice according Planning Act announcing intention amend zoning bylaws disqualifying unlawful usage wherever retail allowed-as well notifying concerned property owners/occupants based upon guidelines stipulated through Planning Act ensuing public meeting followed promptly by presentation proposed amendment pending conclusion 21-day notification period. Fee structure concerning zoning violations needs updated guaranteeing imposed fines prove adequate motivating compliance recovering costs incurred. Given ongoing success established via emergency order surrounding encampment responses-effective immediately five positions ought integrated permanently into city’s full-time staff: Program Manager overseeing social services strategies & policies plus one Encampment Response Team Leader alongside three Encampment Response Officers.’
Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson also holds membership upon police board.
“We’re constantly fearful acting since we may offend individuals yet worried about Charter Rights emphasizing importance,” he expressed regarding Canadian Constitution , “but we’ve neglected rights belonging towards law-abiding citizens amidst concern over rampant lawlessness.”
“Now I feel it’s high time take tougher measures… though aware such sentiments might unsettle many,” Thomson admitted.
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