Exploring options to make downtown Barrie safer and welcoming
With a new Business Improvement Association (BIA) board, a new mayor and a new city councillor in Ward 2, many people in Barrie feel now is the time to make changes to the downtown to make it safer and more attractive to visitors.
"You have to have a vibrant downtown. It's the heartbeat of the city," says Steve Ricalis, BIA board member and business owner.
Like many people, Ricalis would like to see a more significant police presence on a more regular basis.
"I think a presence would be great, you know, just boots on the ground walking around shaking hands, kissing babies, and just being involved in the community. Not that they aren't, I would just like to see more," Ricalis said.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Heather Kennedy, the new chair of the BIA, said they have already begun new discussions with Barrie police to see what they can do to help.
"We're looking at all options. At this point, we're looking at lighting the downtown core, making it a brighter, lighter spot, so people feel more safe. We aren't blind to the fact that we are facing some issues, but we know also that it is a safe place to be," she said.
Kennedy feels part of the issue downtown is what she calls a growing gap in services to deal with homelessness and addiction.
City Councillor Craig Nixon represents the downtown.
"The downtown of any city is a reflection of the entire city, and it's critical that it be shown in the best possible light and that people come here come downtown and support it," he noted.
Those on the board with the BIA said they are looking at everything from community programs to what other similar-sized communities are doing to improve their downtown.
The BIA and police are expected to continue discussions in hopes of making the area safe and desirable.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.