Province invests in Barrie programs supporting at-risk youth

The Ontario government is investing $400,000 through the 2026-28 Civil Remedies Grant Program to support programs aimed at helping at-risk youth in Barrie.

Funding will be split between the Barrie Police Service and the John Howard Society of Simcoe & Muskoka, with each receiving $200,000 over two years. The programs are designed to prevent youth from entering the justice system and reduce reoffending.

The John Howard Society of Simcoe & Muskoka is a charitable organization focused on prevention, intervention, advocacy and community partnerships.

The Bright Futures Barrie Strategy will be the first to receive funding, with a focus on developing recreational and proactive programming for at-risk youth.

Police data shows 65 per cent of youth charged had five or more prior interactions with police.

Local Barrie MPPs Doug Downey and Andrea Khanjin, Mayor Alex Nuttall, Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston and Hayley Murdoch-Fyke at the Barrie-Simcoe Emergency Services Campus for the announcement.

Downey, who is also Ontario’s attorney general, said the funding will help build a safer community.

“These investments are targeted, strategic, and designed to meet the unique needs of communities across the province – this is real,” he said.

“It’s targeted funding that will make a meaningful impact, helping police and community partners confront and dismantle criminal networks that prey on communities.”

Downey also highlighted the role of collaboration between the province, the city and community organizations.

“It’s through these partnerships that we build a safer, more inclusive community for everyone. For those on the frontline, the prevention, intervention, and support, it’s the work that needs to be done and it does not go unnoticed.”

Khanjin echoed those comments, pointing to the broader impact of the funding.

“We are using these resources – we’re using them for justice, for healing, and to help prevent crime before it starts,” she said.

“It’s about turning the proceeds of crime into opportunities for prevention, support, and long-term positive change.”

Nuttall said he is thankful for the province stepping up with funding and continuing to foster a strong relationship with the city.

“I can tell you that each and every time we see issues arise in the City of Barrie that we need to focus on – whether it’s an ice storm, a housing issue or anything else – we have incredible partners at the province,” he said.

“Some of the significant investments they’ve made in this community on the social services side over the last 24 months have helped shift the trajectory of safety and security on Barrie’s streets in a much different direction. And the help and support individuals have been receiving has been incredible as well.”

Murdoch-Fyke said the investment is key to ensuring youth do not follow a path toward crime.

“If we want safer communities, we have to invest in prevention, in accountability, and in supporting meaningful behavior change and underlying beliefs over time,” she said.

Key partners involved include Barrie Police Service, CFS Counselling and Well Being, the City of Barrie and the Salvation Army.