Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall declared a state of emergency Tuesday morning in response to the proliferation of homeless encampments across the city. He cited growing concerns about safety, damage to public property and the ongoing drug crisis.

“The people of Barrie are fed up,” Nuttall said. He stressed that the city is ready to help those who need help, but will not allow illegal encampments to continue in public spaces. The mayor added that the city will “take back” its streets, parks and public spaces.

He cited a series of disturbing events as the trigger for the decision. Over the summer, a double homicide and mutilation of the victims led to the closure of one of the city’s largest encampments, leaving millions of dollars in cleanup costs and a large amount of hazardous waste.

At the same time, city tests showed that E. coli levels in Diamond Creek — which flows through one of the camps and empties into Kempenflat Bay — were five times the legal limit, making it too dangerous for swimming or bathing. Despite being notified, the mayor said the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Health Unit did not show up, adding to his frustration that the city has been left to deal with the problem alone.

There have been several fires in the camps in recent months that have required emergency services and posed significant risks to residents. Nuttall stressed that these risks, combined with substance abuse, theft and assault, have brought the situation to a critical point.

“I have been clear from day one that the camps in Barrie are not acceptable. We are here for those who want help and the resources are available. But if someone does not accept that help, they cannot stay in the camps,” he said. Our city will not allow lawlessness to take over our community. Barry will protect our people, our neighborhoods and our public spaces. It’s time to take responsibility, accept the help we have or leave.”

The state of emergency declaration allows city staff to enforce camp protocols more aggressively, prioritize the removal of high-risk locations, and, if necessary, enlist the help of outside contractors to expedite cleanup.

A task force will also be established to manage the camp situation, substance abuse and social services.

In the order, the mayor called on the County of Simcoe to provide more access to shelters and support services, and asked the provincial government to review funding for community programs in the city.

He cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the starting point for the problem, saying the city currently has nearly two dozen camps, some of which are located along rivers and in public parks with playgrounds.

“The number of homeless people and people living in camps has increased dramatically in Barrie since the COVID-19 pandemic,” the mayor explained. “Not all of these people are from Barrie; some have come from other cities and are living on the streets or in camps in Barrie.”

While steps were taken last year to provide support through the city and provincial budgets, Nuttall said those steps were not enough to stop the spread of camps.

“There’s definitely a lot of work to do,” he added.

It’s unclear when the demolition of the camps will begin.

CTV News said it reached out to the Premier’s Office last week to ask about government assistance to municipalities during the crisis, but has not received a response.

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