Title
STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATES
Jeff Schmidt, General Manager of Community and Corporate Services provided updates on the following items:
a) Performing Arts Centre
The schematic design and costing work has been completed, and a staff report with a project update and a virtual fly-through are to be included on the General Committee Agenda for December 10, 2025.
b) Sports Field
There was no update concerning the sports fields.
c) Lakehead University
The Barrie Police Service detachment has now been relocated to 55 Mulcaster Street. The interior construction at 24 Maple Avenue is currently underway. City Staff continue to work with Lakehead University personnel to finalize required agreements (Funding Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
d) Recreation Centre
There was no update concerning Recreation Centre.
e) Cadets/Southshore
The project team is currently finalizing the design package and are expected to be in a position to submit a formal site plan application package by March 2026. The start of construction is anticipated in the second quarter of 2026 as soon as weather allows.
f) Library
The landlord has advised that they do not foresee any significant hurdles with the project and they believe they are on track for spring construction. City and library staff are prepared to begin interior layout planning as soon as the expansion details are finalized.
g) Encampments
Since the implementation of the Emergency Order and following the last update presented to the Executive Committee on October 29th, the City of Barrie continues to make substantial progress in addressing encampments across the city. Working in partnership with the County of Simcoe and the Barrie Police Service, the City has successfully addressed 56 encampments on City-owned property. Additionally, County outreach efforts have resulted in 68 individuals transitioning from encampments to safe, indoor accommodations.
The County of Simcoe reported, as of November 24, 2025, 50 individuals are residing in encampments in Barrie.
Key outcomes since the Emergency Order was declared on September 9, 2025, include:
• Reduced the number of encampments in the city of Barrie, on City-owned property from 35 to 9.
• Based on the most recent HIFIS report (Nov 24) from the County, there has been a reduction in recorded homelessness in Barrie from 619 to 584.
• Addressed one of the City's largest encampment areas, Milligan’s Pond, and initiated proactive measures to restore the park and prepare the site for inclusion in the Conservation Land Trust.
• An Encampment Enforcement Response team was established to proactively address encampments which has successfully increased efficiency and effectiveness.
• City staff continue to strengthen collaboration and data sharing with the County of Simcoe.
• The City continues to communicate its efforts with Council and the residents of Barrie through the City’s website at barrie.ca/AddressingEncampments.
The City continues to review all known encampment locations, with a focus on those considered high priority due to public safety risks. The City’s approach to addressing encampments is determined by the availability of shelter options, which is expected to increase in the coming weeks, as the County finalizes work at 113 Tiffin Street, where a 40-bed modular unit will be utilized to provide shelter and wrap-around support to those experiencing homelessness in our community.
The City remains committed to a compassionate and coordinated response, working closely with the County of Simcoe, Barrie Police Services, and other community stakeholders.
Councillor Hamilton asked about the removal of encampments in downtown core, increase of garbage in front of storefronts and businesses and wonders if staff has heard that as well and if there is a plan moving forward.
Jeff Schmidt responded that he was not aware of any conversations with respect to those specific concerns, but that staff can look into it and utilize resources to assist.
Councillor Courser asked for confirmation of numbers.
Jeff Schmidt advised that 56 encampments have been addressed on city-owned property since the emergency order, and 68 individuals have transitioned from encampments to safe indoor accommodations. He also commented that since the emergency order was declared, there were 35 in encampments that have been reduced to 9 and as of November 24th, there has been a reduction in homeless individuals in Barrie from 619 to 584.
Councillor Courser asked for any insight into the number of unhoused of 35.
Jeff Schmidt responded that numbers are based on reports provided to us by the Council.
Mayor, A. Nuttall commented that numbers are constantly moving, homelessness changes.
Councillor Courser asked whether these numbers include people who are couch-surfing.
Mayor Nuttall indicated that it includes those in hotel programs and encampments as well as those who are considered homeless until they are permanently placed.
Mayor Nuttall asked when the 40 beds at Tiffin Street are anticipated to start.
Jeff Schmidt advised that the last update is mid-month, but that date continues to change.
Mayor Nuttall asked for an update on Youth Haven. He commented that he was told Youth Haven was supposed to be up and running by December 3.
Jeff Schmidt responded that he does not have an update but will get one and report back.
Mayor Nuttall commented on individuals in tents around the City, and when Hart Hub is operational, it will add 24 beds to the Tiffin location.
Councillor Harvey advised he had seen the numbers in the weekly updates and asked who is tracking them, whether it is the County, and how they narrow them down.
Jeff Schmidt responded that the numbers are from the County and that different shelters log the information, and it is provided to us.
Councillor Harvey asked whether there is any tracking of individuals moving from one location to another, or whether it is difficult to obtain.
Jeff Schmidt responded that they are tracked by the County as accurately as possible and to the extent that they can obtain the information.
Councillor Harris asked about the supported beds at Tiffin and who is supporting these beds.
Jeff Schmidt responded that it is a bridged housing program at Tiffin, and the intent is to provide the necessary support. He clarified that Blake Street and Hart Hub, Youth Haven occupy half of the space currently, the intent is not to use the 24 beds specifically, but they are still trying to find as many spaces as possible.