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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.