Individuals living in encampment in Barrie's south end given notice to vacate

A homeless encampment on Innisfil Street in Barrie, Ont., was dismantled on Thurs., Nov. 28, 2024, leaving behind significant debris. (CTV News/Chris Garry)

Several police officers and city staff attended a homeless encampment in Barrie’s south end on Thursday morning to inform the individuals living there they would have to vacate the area.

The encampment along Innisfil Street extends to the edge of the road, with tents, tarps and numerous items spread out over a large area near Brock Park.

Barrie Police Services corporate communications coordinator Peter Leon said officers were assisted by community groups to give the individuals advanced notice about safe removal.

Leon noted that with winter around the corner, those living in the outdoor space aren’t safe as temperatures drop.

The City noted it had received several complaints about the activities at Brock Park.

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On Thursday afternoon, City staff were at the Innisfil Street encampment as it was dismantled, with significant debris left behind.

“The County has secured shelter space for the individual(s) and offers have been extended to the individual(s) over the past weeks by the County’s contracted outreach provider,” the City noted.

The County of Simcoe said it has opened additional shelter spaces, including motel space, and expanded access to indoor spaces through the Alternate Spaces Strategy, which allows for increased capacity in the shelter system.

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