Barrie mayor applauds Ford's pledge to help deal with homeless encampments in public spaces

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall is applauding Ontario Premier Doug Ford for his pledge to back municipalities dealing with homeless encampments in public spaces.

Barrie’s mayor has been pushing for the province to intervene to end encampments from popping up in public spaces for months, while advocates argue there’s no where for these individuals to go.

In a letter to mayors, Ford said the government shared concerns about keeping communities safe and addressed the need for more shelter spaces and affordable housing.

The premier vowed to “restore public order in your communities every step of the way," stating, “Enough is enough.”

The letter highlighted ways the Ford government would support municipalities, including creating funding to boost shelter capacity, new legislation to prohibit illicit drug use in public, and “enhanced penalties” for anyone breaking the law.

Ford also pointed to ways the province is helping address homelessness and addiction, including investing $378 million to create 19 recovery and treatment hubs across Ontario.

Notwithstanding Clause

Nuttall had sought for the province to invoke the controversial notwithstanding clause, which prevents the courts from stepping in and allows governments to pass legislation that can essentially override certain protections under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

In the letter, Ford said he didn’t feel it necessary, saying he was confident the legislative authorities the province has planned would be sufficient to solve the problem, but still opted to leave the option on the table.

“Should the courts interfere with our shared goal of effectively addressing and clearing out encampments using these enhanced tools, with your support, our government is fully prepared to use the notwithstanding clause,” Ford affirmed.

Nuttall wasted no time taking to social media thanking the premier “for collaborating with municipalities to ensure necessary support systems are in place for individuals.

Your efforts allow mayors to restore our parks and public spaces, ensuring they remain safe and welcoming for families, children, and seniors to enjoy.”

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City staff has worked with community groups to dismantle homeless encampments in public spaces, including one along Innisfil Street near Brock Park last month.

On Thursday, city staff and police attended Berczy Park, where a large homeless encampment had been dismantled in September, to relocate individuals still in the area as the colder temperatures sweep through the region.