Title
Public Comments - Speakers 12 - 28
12. Cheryl Russell commented that she is originally from Toronto and has lived in Barrie for the past 16 years with her husband and children. She expressed that they have enjoyed their family and work life in Barrie and are very appreciative of Barrie’s well-planned public and green spaces. She stated that her family lives within walking distance of the downtown and waterfront and that they enjoy Barrie’s parks and waterfront trails. She expressed that she is here tonight to ask Council to continue making planning decisions that benefit the entire community. Ms. Russell commented that community issues need to be addressed while also addressing and safeguarding the interests of businesses. She stated that the downtown is a vibrant business community and that the city needs it.
Ms. Russell expressed that she wishes to share two anecdotes, the first being about her love for the public library, which provides numerous resources to the community. Ms. Russell commented that she joined Monday night book club as it facilitates a means to connect with community members. She described that over the past 10 years, there has been increased loitering outside the main entrance, an increasing number of security guards, bathrooms that are locked, and an increase in lighting and classical music playing outside. She noted that members all started walking each other to their cars. Ms. Russell commented that during the COVID-19 pandemic her book club stopped meeting and that even after restrictions were lifted, the club never met in person again as some members feel safer meeting via Zoom. She expressed that she misses being out in the community and meeting with her fellow book club members.
Ms. Russell commented that her second anecdote deals with her work in health care for 15 years. She stated that the first six of these years were spent at the Methadone Clinic located at the Downtown Dispensary on Front and Mississauga Streets in Orillia. She described that in her second year, an enthusiastic owner expanded services and gave the store a facelift and that there were restaurants and a family run bakery nearby. She stated that the Methadone Clinic saw patients every Wednesday and that patients would gather in the parking lot making it difficult at times for pharmacy patrons to park. She described that altercations with patients would occur and result in police being called, whose presence added to the business concerns of the dispensary. Ms. Russell stated that after several years, she felt the stress of this constant conflict between methadone and dispensary patients and just getting to work. She described a chair being thrown at her one day, after which she chose to work elsewhere in Orillia.
Ms. Russell commented that she recently drove by the Downtown Dispensary and expressed that it now looks neglected with bars on the windows and the nearby bakery and restaurant gone. Ms. Russell expressed that downtown Barrie is vital to the community for many reasons and that it is necessary to understand the needs of all individuals and the convenience of social services being in the downtown core. She concluded by expressing that she does not think a vibrant downtown that is striving to attract patrons can coexist with social services and noted that when both are present, thriving is difficult. She questioned what Council focus and effort is being done to ensure the downtown is vibrant.
13. Barry Mills explained that he has a residence not far from city hall. Mr. Mills voiced his opposition to the Busby Centre. Mr. Mills stated that such centralization of homeless services leads to the congregation of individuals from the same unfortunate situations in a singular location and encourages drug-taking and crime. Mr. Mills stated that this was not the case when several churches were handling the helping of the homeless. Mr. Mills shared that he has witnessed drug deals, fights, and break-ins (including his house and car multiple times). Mr. Mills shared that he has lived in Barrie for twenty-two years but no longer feels safe walking to his local park or the downtown core. Mr. Mills stated that the City has spent millions on beautifying the downtown area, but the residential development that is needed to invigorate it will not happen as no one will want to buy a condo in the area. Mr. Mills stated that he does not feel taxpayers are being treated properly. Mr. Mills’s suggestion is to diversify the homeless services so that people are subjected to more normal situations and have a chance to expand their horizons.
14. Linda Jeffrey stated that her family has lived and owned property in the downtown area for 67 years. As a teenager, Ms. Jeffrey worked on Dunlop Street and would walk home in the dark. Ms. Jeffrey questioned who would let their 16-year-old daughter walk at night in that area now. Ms. Jeffrey shared that she has tenants living in the downtown area and they have reported to her that they have witnessed drug-taking, public indecency, and disorderly conduct. Ms. Jeffrey further shared that there have been several break-ins at her properties, including instances of drug-taking on her property, and her tenants now sleep with baseball bats at their doors. Ms. Jeffrey stated that we all have the right to feel safe, and she questioned what responsibility she and Council must ensure her tenants’ safety. Ms. Jeffrey shared that her daughter-in-law opened a chiropractor business downtown for new mothers and babies. She was visited by the police and advised to put padlocks on the doors, that each chiropractor should carry a panic button, and that there should be an alarm on every desk. Her patients have told her that do not feel safe walking to their cars after dark. Ms. Jeffrey questioned what was being done about their rights. Ms. Jeffrey stated that she has compassion for the homeless population, that she has worked in the fields of mental health and addiction her whole life, and that she understands concurrent disorders. Housing and case management is the gold standard for help, not temporary housing, and not the Busby Centre. Ms. Jeffrey stated that the Busby Centre is overwhelmed with the amount of people that they serve, they have not initiated a conversation with their neighbours, and she questioned why their parking lot is not used for people gathering, instead of the private properties of the neighbours. Ms. Jeffrey suggested that the individuals needing help should be spaced around the city, as having such a large amount of vulnerable people in the one spot makes them an easy target for drug dealers.
15. Heather Sparks shared that she has lived in downtown Barrie her whole life. She shared that she does not feel safe and that she barricades herself into her house. Ms. Sparks stated that she and her husband have found people in their yard taking drugs, have found drugs on their property, have had Amazon packages stolen, have experienced people peeking in their windows, throwing garbage into their property, and sleeping in their yard, and are asked constantly for cigarettes or food. Ms. Sparks stated that when asked to move along, people start fights. Ms. Sparks stated that when they call the police, they have to call them numerous times and they will only come if they tell them someone has a weapon, even if they don’t. Ms. Sparks questioned if there is a place where homeless people can go to learn how to live, how to cook, learn mechanics, and places they can stay as long as they are working. Ms. Sparks shared that she does not walk downtown as homeless people approach her and she does not feel safe.
16. Peter Preenan shared that he moved to the downtown core with his partner 10 years ago and that they used to have people over for BBQs, leave their doors and windows open, and their car doors unlocked. Mr. Preenan stated that things have changed since then and gave the example of his car being rifled through if he leaves it unlocked. Mr. Preenan shared that when he comes home from work, there are people in his backyard, garbage everywhere, something is always missing like flowers or planters, and he has had packages stolen and his windows broken. His partner was assaulted by someone outside of the library and suffered a severe concussion which led to depression, alcoholism, and the breakup of their relationship. Mr. Preenan stated that he did not have any answers but wanted to share the change he has seen in the last 10 years.
17. Richard Brisson’s name was called, but he was not in attendance.
18. Michael Speers stated that the way people who are experiencing homelessness have been described tonight is disgusting. They are not panhandlers, loiterers, or people who you should be afraid of, they are our neighbours and our friends. Mr. Speers commented that calling the ideology behind the undemocratic motion they are here for tonight abhorrent is an understatement and that nothing on the pages will help homelessness, and instead will attack our neighbours and the most vulnerable in our community. Mr. Speers discussed the failure to properly address the material issues affecting those experiencing homelessness, that it was designed to put the perceived fears of some residents ahead of the very lives of others.
Mr. Speers also commented that the motion is dangerous, cruel, and not what our community is about, parts A and B are so abstract and generic, and that it must be concluded that they were only added to soften the edges of the motion and create the illusion that it was put together actually to help people. Mr. Speers stated that any initiative and attached funding commitments must be made more robust with guaranteed funding numbers and a lot more specifics. He conceded that we do need a lot of these services, like a 24-7 cooling and warming centre. Mr. Speers added that a strong show of support by Council for the consumption and treatment services site should be included as more pressure is required to stop the province from dragging its feet and that part C of the motion improperly labels the work of one community service as outreach and that the motion lacks a definition of the term successful, and it is assumed that the business community and those who serve their interests will likely determine what success means in this regard. Mr. Speers stated that parts D and E have been strongly criticized and widely condemned by people across the country, that it is class warfare, and demonstrates how people in our community are under attack and that the law and order part of the motion is missing is justice. He discussed that justice means not criminalizing people or eliminating the ability of people who have very few options left to survive for another day, week, or month. Justice is giving everyone in our society the housing, food, and resources they need. Mr. Speers commented that he anticipates that people are going to ask how this will be paid for.
Mr. Speers suggested a 10% cut to the police budget, adding that it would be a good way to start getting priorities right in this city, that we need to move beyond a system of exploitation and move away from policies that strip people of their human dignity. Mr. Speers stated that they are not going to tolerate a Council that chooses to deny peoples’ worth and refuses to treat everyone with the respect they deserve and that our community must be a place where everyone is safe and supported, where everyone has access to the services they need.
Mr. Speers provided comments on updating the by-law wording around panhandling and encampments and making it clear that it is okay to help people. He also commented that in the absence of adequate housing, or worse shelter services, we can make it clear that people should not be left alone and should be supported and free to live as they see fit.
Mr. Speers concluded that we need to reiterate that it is the Government’s responsibility to take care of all people in this city, not just those deemed worthy. He shared that his son went downtown recently to give out change to people who need it and that even if they make it illegal to do so, he will keep doing so with his assistance.
20. Russell Tighe stated that he was here to speak about mental health and that in his experience, mental health and mental illness are two different things and that suffering from fractured mental health leads first to medication, then to addiction, and then to amplified mental illness. Mr. Tighe stated that the end product is hopelessness, homelessness, being, and feeling left alone. Mr. Tighe stated that mental health is the first health everyone should be exercising on a daily basis. Physical health and well-being are the rewards of being centered mentally.
Mr. Tighe shared that the COVID pandemic was the most traumatic time of his life, but that he recovered with help from people. He advised that we are winning some battles by keeping people alive, but sadly we are losing the war. Mr. Tighe shared that he was recently told to leave someone alone who was lying motionless in the middle of the 5 points during a heat advisory and that he had stopped to see if this person needed assistance. Mr. Tighe noted that if had left this person alone, the person would have died.
Mr. Tighe discussed that being alone causes a mental condition that develops into mental illness and that alone builds depression and suicide. He commented that he cannot leave people alone in his path and does what he can as part of a community in crisis. Mr. Tighe stated that his plan is that if an individual is mentally ill, they should be under full-time supervision and cared for by the experts until the individual is better and thriving. Mr. Tighe encouraged everyone to get together and figure out a way where nobody gets left alone again, by working together on all fronts, respecting the process, holding each other accountable, and celebrating the progress achieved.
21 Melissa Black discussed that she wanted to share her experiences living in this community since 2007. She shared that she lives near Queen’s Park and is the leader of the Neighbourhood Watch. Ms. Black stated that she is not afraid to live in this City, and that everyone here has the right to live in this City in a peaceful manner. Ms. Black acknowledged her understanding that there are people with mental issues, mental health problems, and other problems that are affecting them economically, socially, and in other ways.
Ms. Black discussed concerns associated with the safety of children in the parks. She commented that she has witnessed prostitution, people suffering from overdosing, and/or violent acts in the park. She advised calling the Barrie Police a number of times and that they either take their time or never show up. Ms. Black shared that last year, an elderly man who goes to the park to pick up empties was attacked by a person high on crystal meth and hit in the head with a hammer. She noted that the person who attacked him has had fifteen other violent offences and was left out on the streets. Ms. Black stated that she wants the parks to be safe for the children, the elderly, for everyone and that this is not a singular incident, it happens everywhere. Ms. Black shared that her brother is a paramedic in Vancouver and deals with overdoses daily and that it has gotten to the point that when they get a call about an overdose, it goes to the back of the line. Ms. Black expressed her hope that this doesn’t happen here and that the issues are not going to go away with a silent approach or a lack of concern. Ms. Black advised that she believes everyone should have a home and a safe space and does not believe that people shouldn’t be able to live the way they want to, but if it is affecting another person negatively, it needs to be dealt with. Ms. Black commented that the problem in her neighbourhood has increased since the pandemic and that more break-ins into cars, homes, and garages and has increased since the pandemic.
22. Aaron Neuman, Associate Executive Director, One Church Barrie introduced himself as the Associate Executive Director of One Church Barrie and explained that his background is in social work and he has worked within shelter systems for several years.
Mr. Neuman stated that among the reports referenced tonight, there has been an oversight in that other organizations that are outside of the general scope have not been acknowledged or appreciated for their good work in supporting the issues discussed tonight. Mr. Neuman spoke about different social initiatives he is working with, including a youth basketball initiative that provides free sports to those without access. Mr. Neuman stated that a lot has been said about costs tonight, but questioned why there has not been a communication or dialogue with social initiative groups. He commented that he works within a church organization that has a complete wraparound model that helps a lot of people.
Mr. Neuman praised Mayor Alex Nuttall for being one of the only people to communicate with them and asked that they continue to do so. Mr. Neuman left his business card and invited people to get in contact with him to initiate a dialogue.
23 Chris Gerrard, The Queens Hotel advised that he has worked downtown for 36 years and is a proud owner of a property downtown. Mr. Gerrard stated that not all homeless people are bad, there is a bad element called lawlessness. He commented that before the COVID pandemic, there was a high-efficiency action team downtown consisting of four Police Officers, they were visible day and night and interacted with the homeless, the storefronts, and the community. Mr. Gerrard commented after COVID-19 a small pilot project by the Barrie Police has replaced it and since a budget was already in place and was approved by Council, he questioned where the money went and where those officers went. Mr. Gerrard acknowledged that Barrie has a great downtown space, but we need to provide a safe place for everybody. He commented that he is proud to be located Downtown, but they pick up 45 needles per week outside his building.
Mr. Gerrard shared that recently, one of his employees asked an individual who was injecting needles to move out of their parking space and that they came out of work later to find two car windows broken, resulting in a $900 glass bill which he paid for the employee. Mr. Gerrard advised that the people who broke the windows were identified by video across the street, but when the police arrived, they said there was no point arresting them as they would be back out that afternoon. He noted that employee has not returned to work because she feels unsafe to park in their own parking lot, seven feet from the front door. Mr. Gerrard expressed his belief that this is not policing and that if you do the crime, you do the time.
Mr. Gerrard voiced his support for a safe injection site and a rehabilitation centre so that people who want help have somewhere to go. He commented that everyday a homeless gentleman uses his washroom and has a basic shower. He is polite, courteous, and respectful.
Mr. Gerrard concluded that all they want downtown, is to be able to walk down the street and be respected and that we need more officers. He commented that if there is a presence of police, people follow the law, that drugs being publicly used downtown are illegal, and questioned why charges are not being laid. Mr. Gerrard suggested the use of special constables, like those that are used at the courthouse, and a fence at the Busby Centre to make its neighbours feel safe.
24. Jennifer van Gennip voiced her appreciation that the meeting order was rearranged to allow CAO, Michael Prowse to give his presentation before the public meeting. She expressed her appreciation of the efforts of County staff, City staff, and Council towards addressing homelessness. Ms. van Gennip noted that it does feel like homelessness has been reduced to a checklist and that most of the tasks have been checked off as completed and was wondering who is better off and how it is being measured.
Ms. van Gennip commented on the RFP for the warming centre requesting proposals for a portion of $100,000 and originally only to be triggered when the temp reached -15. She noted that a daytime contract is being negotiated now and the hope is that the expectation is seven days a week.
Ms. Van Gennip discussed the by-law changes and urged Council and staff to take a human rights approach and lean on the human rights commissioner. She commented on panhandling, noting a conversation with Mayor Nuttall this summer where they agreed that professionalizing taking care of one another was not the direction we wanted to see our community heading. Ms. van Gennip stated that the proposed changes are predicated on the idea that we are willing to abandon each other, and the hope is that the community response in June shows that we are not.
Ms. van Gennip advised that she is not dismissive of the experiences of fellow Barrie residents who feel unsafe in our downtown, but she does want to counterbalance it with her own experience. She discussed her enjoyment of the downtown with her family without incident and has never felt unsafe walking in the Downtown. She discussed people experiencing homelessness which makes her uncomfortable because she doesn’t like to see people suffer, but being uncomfortable is not the same as being unsafe.
Ms. van Gennip concluded that she wants to advocate for permanent supportive housing and that housing is an incredible stabilizer and a lot of what we are hearing today goes away when we have permanent supportive housing.
25. Stefan Aust advised that he was born and raised in Barrie and has a great deal of pride in the City. He expressed his thanks to the City for first identifying there are issues at hand that need to be addressed, for starting the process, and by providing an opportunity for its citizens to provide their input on the issues at hand whether in support or against. He felt that the first step in finding a solution is to identify there are issues that need to be addressed.
Mr. Aust described driving off Bayfield Street each day, seeing people who are clearly in dire need which breaks his heart. He felt that giving a dollar or two to those in need was only a drop in the bucket.
Mr. Aust again commended the City for their commitment to trying to address the homelessness issues but that it is also a global issue.
26. Susan Eagle advised that every day City agencies, volunteers, faith groups, and people of goodwill reach out to lend a hand and offer help to people in our community who are vulnerable or in need.
Ms. Eagle indicated that neighbors, kindhearted people, and those who attend churches, mosques, and synagogues typically tend to help those in need. She expressed that being a neighbor and caring for the whole community is the only way the municipality can thrive together. She quoted Martin Luther King “reminded people that we can either learn to live together as brothers and sisters, or we shall perish as fools.”
Ms. Eagle expressed her dismay that City Council voted unanimously to ban the use or distribution of tents, tarps, food, and grocery products in public spaces, without a permit but there were assurances the municipality would spend $825,000 for each of 2 years to provide homeless supports, but to date has only heard of one program being currently worked on. She discussed the family reunification program and moving unhoused people out of the City. She mentioned that she has nothing against family reunification but is it the best solution for someone and is it freely chosen. Ms. Eagle felt that several agencies in the city have been sensitively and responsibly already been working on this for some time. Ms. Eagle questioned if there were any other plans underway.
Ms. Eagle discussed the County of Simcoe’s Request for Proposal related to warming centres and whether the funds will be shared across the five warming centres throughout the County of Simcoe. She felt that no warming centre could provide space, staffing, food and other support for the winter months for an average of $20,000. She expressed that she felt it was not a surprise to learn that no agency applied to provide an overnight warming centre in Barrie, given the inadequacy of funding but that she is pleased to hear that there will be some further negotiation and discussion on funding, so there can be an adequate warming centre. She discussed the statistics of the Busby Centre between August 2022 and August 2023 which provided shelter for 786 individuals at the centre and does not include the number of individuals supported by the outreach van. Ms. Eagle mentioned that the Busby Centre currently has only 50 beds which is a reduction since the beginning of COVID-19 when it was higher at 55 beds.
Ms. Eagle commented that at a time like this, the municipality should not be encouraging its residents to lose their neighbourliness but rather helping to lead the way. She quoted the words of Jesus “in so far as you do it to least of these my brothers and sister, you do it to me, resonates deeply”.
Ms. Eagle stated the following:
“When we look at the challenge of homelessness and lack of housing in our city. do we target homelessness? Or do we target the homeless? Do we see creative community solutions? Or do we blame the victims? She discussed de-incentivizing and panhandling and advised that when you take away money from panhandlers, you are creating one more desperate person. She described the lack of washrooms as being a lack of support for people who are homeless.”
In closing Ms. Eagle expressed that she hopes City Council will step up, renounce its prohibition against caring for its neighbour, and use taxpayers' money to help our most vulnerable neighbors in need, with proper support.
27. Christine Naylor, Co-Founder of Ryans Hope described the organization as a nonprofit with a mission to advocate for and support people living with mental illness, substance, use issues, and experiencing homelessness.
Ms. Naylor stated that in the past two years, the organization has provided direct support and outreach services to the most vulnerable residents of our community, those who are unsheltered and living outside through the breakfast-to-go program, the evening street outreach, and the loads of love free laundry program in which they have direct contact with up to 200 people daily who are living unsheltered in our community. She indicated that the organization is 100% volunteer run and community supported and operates on a mutual aid model of neighbours, helping those in need is how to build a community, challenge stigma, and combat fear and ignorance.
Ms. Naylor discussed that she often hears on social media, and through this Council that residents are afraid to go downtown and cannot enjoy the waterfront due to safe safety concerns caused by homeless people or people who use drugs. She felt that the claims that homeless people and those who use drugs are dangerous and unsafe are unfounded and that there is a difference between being uncomfortable and unsafe.
Ms. Naylor indicated that those who have the privilege of being housed, and able to afford food, and those never touched by having a family member with mental illness or addictions who come face to face with the realities of these issues may make them feel uncomfortable and taken away from their enjoyment of an evening outing for dinner or coffee, but it should not be allowed to take away the human rights of our most vulnerable residents
Ms. Naylor stated that City Council has a responsibility to all residents of Barrie including those who are unsheltered, those living in encampments, living with mental illness and substance abuse issues, and their human rights should not be ignored, and the human rights of the community members who have stepped up to respond to the failures of all levels of government by feeding, clothing and sheltering.
Ms. Naylor felt that it has been statistically proven that those who are homeless and have mental illness are more likely to be victims of crime than to perpetrate them. She indicated that that have been multiple occasions when the homeless in our community have been victims of crimes which include being harassed, robbed, assaulted or property vandalized. She stated that the organization has witnessed on several occasions during the breakfast program, buckets of water being poured onto those that they serve from a balcony of a neighbouring building. She mentioned that these homeless individuals had become accustomed to this dehumanizing behaviour towards them.
Ms. Naylor highlighted that her whole family is actively involved in Ryan’s Hope and supporting the community’s unhoused neighbours, and many of the volunteers bring their family members to volunteer with the organization. She advised that none of the volunteers of the organization have felt unsafe to participate, and all have enjoyed their experience. She noted seeing the beautiful intergenerational friendships form between volunteers and the people we serve.
Ms. Naylor mentioned that the organization participated in the community garden partnership with Trinity, Anglican Church, and gardening knowledge and life stories were shared and friendships formed. She felt that City Council should be bringing the community together to spell the fear and stigma and not feed into it and feel it. She felt that there are many proactive steps that could be taken to address the shortage of affordable housing in the community which would cost less and have a more meaningful impact on our community.
Ms. Naylor referenced Mahatma Gandhi “The true measure of any society can be found, in how it treats this most vulnerable members”. She asked City Council to consider what kind of city are you trying to create, what you want to be known for our inhumanity, or the way we look out for each other. She also requested City Council consider the legal implications of enacting the proposed by-laws which violate the fundamental human right protected by the Ontario human rights called the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and International Human Rights law. She stated that as an ordained multi-faith minister that all major religions share the same core values to love our neighbours and to care for our neighbours.
28. Angela Vas indicated that she is Jordan’s life and is justifying the right to defend against national stigma with learning initiatives and futuristic ethics. She stated that she is an advocate for prisoners. The drug poisoning and all those growing up against the challenges and society has created.
Ms. Vas highlighted that mental health is health and it all matters. She described her background as a healthcare worker, working with the developmentally disabled, palliative care, foot care, brain injury, and paraplegic care, behaviour management, and non-violent crisis intervention and person-centred plan kept her safe in her own private business in the community.
Ms. Vas described that she raised her two children in the community as a single mom and buried her oldest child Jordan at 26 years of age.
Ms. Vas stated that she objects to the proposed bylaws, and she sees it as a violation of Human Rights in which we should all have rights and freedoms. She felt that beyond that it amplifies a stigma, prejudice, and discrimination and creates hate, violence, crimes, and an overall community disrespect. She mentioned that respect is modeled by what the municipality shows, and what we do, and by showing disrespect for members of our community, we will be allowing ourselves to be hated and disrespected just like a vicious dog on a chain. Is it the dog’s fault that he is vicious or is it the person putting the chain on him. She felt that it takes a lot more strength to live in the municipality with no home, no shelter, no food, and no way of doing laundry and living in survival mode every day, but in our society we are confused because we act like having a home, a job and address, and the ability to learn and thrive in a growing society is our strength. Ms. Vas indicated that there is not a one size fits all box in our society for mental health.
Ms. Vas stated that Jesus was hungry, he was homeless, yet we remember him with such authority in our lives because he shared his gift of love and humanity. God gave his child, he didn’t give him bearing riches, he sent us lessons of love through survival and kindness.