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ENCAMPMENTS UPDATE
Mayor, A. Nuttall advised that work has been done with the County to remove encampments and provide services to individuals who are currently in the encampments and there has been a very high success rate relating to Bursey Park with 75% of individuals receiving permanent housing.
1. Mayor, A. Nuttall asked about the other encampments in the City?
J. Schmidt, General Manager of Community and Corporate Services advised that in conversations with the County and City partners they are having trouble finding enough shelter space to accommodate all the individuals in need. Mr. Schmidt advised that the City has offered support and assistance to the County.
W. Cooke, City Clerk/Director of Legislative and Court Services advised that the Barrie Police and Enforcement Services have been part of the conversations with the County and are aware of the encampments located around the City, as well as the number of unhoused individuals.
2. Mayor, A. Nuttall questioned the use of the donated sprung building to assist with shelter space?
W. Cooke, City Clerk/Director of Legislative and Court Services advised that cost was the biggest factor. It was the understanding from the County's recent presentation that they are working with Barrie Cares with respect to the sprung structure. Ms. Cooke indicated that it is expensive to put up and take down such large structures when they aren't permanent.
3. Mayor, A. Nuttall asked if there was an issue with finding suitable locations in Barrie to support the sprung building and the HART Hub services being permanent.
M. Prowse, Chief Administrative Officer advised that these questions would best be directed to the County and advised that in discussions with the County they have been looking at different properties to possibly accommodate these services.
4. Mayor, A. Nuttall asked Councillor, C. Nixon in his work with Barrie Cares if the organization has been experiencing the same difficulties in findin...
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