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PRESENTATION REGARDING BARRIE PATHWAYS TO END HOMELESSNESS.
Councillor, L. Strachan requested permission to be excused from the Council table at 8:51 p.m. to assist in providing any responses to the presentation regarding Barrie Pathways to End Homelessness. Councillor, L. Strachan returned to the Council table at 9:41 p.m.
Ms. Sarah Peddle of the David Busby Centre, Mr. Rob Armstrong of the YMCA of Simcoe County and Mr. Craig Stevenson of the Downtown Barrie Business Improvement Area provided a presentation concerning Barrie Pathways to End Homelessness. Ms. Peddle identified the partners involved in the Barrie Pathways Project and provided a definition of homelessness released by the Canadian Homelessness Resource Network. She highlighted opportunities related to a new facility. Mr. Armstrong summarized the work completed to date as well as the goals and the mandate of Barrie Pathways to end homelessness. Mr. Stevens advised that Barrie Pathways has been incorporated as a not-for-profit organization and he highlighted provisions contained within the Business Plan related to the new facility.
Ms. Peddle advised that the Barrie Pathways Taskforce had been working on a securing a location for the new facility for some time and discussed the process involved. She announced that the Interim Board of Directors of Barrie Pathways has made an offer to purchase to the Toronto Street Central United Church. She commented on the benefits of the new facility including coordination of care and services. In closing, Ms. Peddle highlighted the accomplishments of Barrie Pathways since 2012 and their future goals. Members of Council asked several questions of the representatives attending on behalf of Barrie Pathways to End Homelessness Project.