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DEPUTATION CONCERNING MOTION 25-G-259, 2026 BUSINESS PLAN AND BUDGET - SERVICE PARTNER - BARRIE POLICE SERVICES BY THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS:
1. Kaitlin Baldwin outlined concerns regarding the approval of the 2026 Barrie Police Services Budget, including those related to homelessness, access to social supports, and overall unaffordability. She believes the proposed budget will set a precedent for larger budget increases year over year and is not a positive long-term investment. Ms. Baldwin expressed concern for the proportion of the overall budget going towards crime prevention versus officer salaries and questioned the necessity of further salary increases.
Ms. Baldwin expressed that an increased police presence is not warranted and will not address issues related to homelessness or cost of living, which she noted is a top concern within the City. She commented that she believes the budget will have a negative impact on the community and will not support addressing issues such as crime, the cost of living, or community safety, and that funds could be better directed elsewhere. Ms. Baldwin encouraged exploring evidence-based factors that lead to less crime, such as adequate access to housing, transit, public spaces and increased mental health services.
2. Michael Speers expressed his concerns regarding the proposed 2026 Barrie Police Services budget and any increases in police funding. Mr Speers advised that he does not believe police can necessarily solve issues related to homelessness, addiction, or community safety, and that relying on Barrie Police for these supports is harmful and costly. He outlined research indicating investments in housing, mental health supports, supervised consumption sites, youth programs and poverty reduction are more effective in promoting public safety than increased police presence.
Mr. Speers does not believe the budget will address the root causes of crime and questioned why there isn't a greater investment into preve...
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