Barrie anti-panhandling motion sparks protest at City Hall
'Let's Not Criminalize Poverty' read a handmade sign by one of the protestors at Barrie City Hall Monday night.
As councillors gathered in the Rotunda to debate a motion put forward by Counc. Mike McCann to draw up a bylaw to eradicate panhandling, approximately 50 people marched outside in protest.
'Housing Not Handcuffs' read a neon placard near the front door.
An Elizabeth Fry Society worker in a T-Shirt that stated 'Survival is not a Crime' spoke to CTV News.
"That poverty-related crime shouldn't be punished. We should actually be investing in social supports and services to actually help individuals instead of a punitive policy that is incredibly damaging to come of our most vulnerable neighbours," said the spokeswoman.
However, Dan O'Brien of Midland wrote to say he believes the protestors are misguided.
"Every major intersection in Barrie is plagued with panhandlers and beggars that have numerous established sources for housing, food and services provided by the community groups created to assist people in need.
"The only reason there appears to be panhandlers and beggars in Barrie is because there are guilt ridden, misinformed citizens willing to enable this conduct. We live out of town and cringe every time we must visit RVH for cancer treatment because the path is plagued with people begging for handouts," O'Brien said.
Ultimately, McCann withdrew the motion and there's no indication that it will be tabled again in the few weeks left before the summer hiatus.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.