Barrie, Ont. Mayor Declares State of Emergency Due to Homeless Encampments

Barrie, Ont. Mayor Declares State of Emergency Due to Homeless Encampments
A large-scale tent city near the Barrie Food Bank on Anne Street, just outside of the downtown core of Barrie, Ont., on Oct. 12, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Drost
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The mayor of Barrie, Ont., has declared a city-wide state of emergency in response to homeless encampments that have led to a rise in municipal property damage and public safety concerns stemming from the ongoing opioid crisis.

Mayor Alex Nuttall made the announcement during a news conference on Sept. 9, saying the city is focused on restoring the safety of its streets by shutting down encampments on public property.