Mayor of Barrie, Ont., declares state of emergency over homeless encampments

The mayor of Barrie, Ont., has declared a state of emergency over homeless encampments in the city, citing concerns about public safety as a justification for the decision.

Alex Nuttall says while he understands homelessness is a complex issue, encampments have resulted in health and safety issues for the community as well as damage to municipal property.

The announcement comes after a lengthy police investigation at the site of an encampment led to a man being arrested last month for the murder and dismemberment of two victims.

Police said the victims and the suspect, who is also facing weapons and drug charges, had all lived at the same encampment.

Nuttall’s emergency declaration covers city-run public spaces such as parks, sidewalks, trail systems and boulevards.

The mayor’s orders under provincial emergency management law would allow city staff to create a new task force to oversee the response to encampments, hire consultants and contractors as part of that response and enforce protocols more aggressively.

“Barrie residents have had enough,” Nuttall said in a news release on Tuesday morning.

“Since Day 1, I have been clear that encampments are not acceptable in the City of Barrie. The people who live in tents could turn to resources available,” he said.

“If you refuse that help you cannot stay in these encampments. Our city will not allow lawlessness to take over our community.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 9, 2025.

Sharif Hassan, The Canadian Press

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