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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 Ori...
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