Mayor of Barrie weighs in on controversial motion around homelessness

The Mayor of Barrie says a controversial proposed bylaw around homelessness will not be enforced until the wording is changed.

On Wednesday evening, councillors halted changes to a bylaw that would make it illegal for people to distribute food and tents in public spaces.

The city says the bylaw was intended to get organizations to stop handing out food along the waterfront, and move operations to private property.

READ MORE: Barrie council to vote on motion advocate warns would create barriers for homeless

“We view that that work is being done with those that are vulnerable and unhoused as incredibly important work, but it needs to be done at the right place at the right time so that our young people are also able to access the parks and different services that are available in our beautiful community,” Mayor Alex Nuttall said.

He says it’s important the wording of the bylaw is updated, to ensure there isn’t an impression that support for unhoused people on any public space would be subject to fines.