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PUBLIC MEETING - MOTION 23-A-052, CONCERNING OPTIONS TO ADDRESS CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS IN THE CITY OF BARRIE
Councillor, S. Morales advised that the purpose of the public meeting is to provide members of the Community an opportunity to provide comments concerning chronic homelessness in the City of Barrie.
Michael Prowse, Chief Administrative Officer provided a presentation concerning Council approved motion 23-A-052 regarding options to address chronic homelessness in the City of Barrie.
Mr. Prowse discussed slides concerning the following topics:
* The County of Simcoe designation as homelessness prevention service manager by Province of Ontario and the City's role and limitations;
* Council's resolution related to options to address chronic homelessness in the City;
* The request to the Province of Ontario for funding;
* An overview of the family reunification fund;
* The County of Simcoe and City of Barrie partnership for Cooling and Warming Centres;
* The municipality's funding to support food security programs;
* The Mobile Outreach Pilot Program in Downtown Barrie;
* The proposed changes to City of Barrie By-laws;
* Public Education related to panhandling; and
* The City of Barrie's housing pledge.
Members of Committee asked a number of questions of City staff and the County of Simcoe and received responses.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
1. Joan Kelso commented that she is in attendance to express her fear and concerns regarding the Downtown Barrie area. Ms. Kelso stated that she has been a resident of Barrie since 1989 and lived and owned property in the downtown core since 1999. She commented that she and her husband own various properties in the downtown, including office space and rooming houses. Ms. Kelso expressed that she cares about her tenants and their right to live safely and peacefully and not be subjected to the drugs, loitering, and violence taking place close to their homes. She commented that the Barrie Police Service should also be enforcing...
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