Barrie adopts zero-tolerance stance on illegal drug activity

Enough is enough.

Barrie city council has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to illegal drug activity in public spaces, approving a motion at its April 29 meeting that signals a tougher stance on visible drug use and illicit operations across the city.

Mayor Alex Nuttall and a majority of councillors backed the motion, which calls for stronger enforcement against illegal drug activity, including efforts to shut down illicit dispensaries and other prohibited uses. It directs staff to pursue tighter zoning controls, enhanced penalties for violations, and better coordination between police, city staff and court officials.

In addition, the motion pairs enforcement with a renewed focus on addiction as a serious health issue. Council is supporting exploration of expanded treatment options, new programming and potential mandatory rehabilitation measures.

The city is also urging the provincial and federal governments to increase funding for addiction supports and treatment programs, asking for tougher sentencing for repeat offenders and individuals who fail to obey court-ordered requirements.

Five new staff members will be hired to focus on encampment response and coordination of social services.

Councillors Ann-Marie Kungl and Amy Courser voted against the motion.

Nuttall said the situation facing the city has been building for years and required a stronger response from council.

“When we took office, prisoners from around Ontario were released in downtown Barrie – didn’t matter where you’re from. If you served time at Penetanguishene, you were dropped off at our bus station,” he said.

“Homelessness was rampant, encampments were sanctioned, entire hotels were rented out for an increasing homeless population. There was no plan for affordable housing – it was a catchphrase, not an option. There was no plan for rehabilitation – whatever strategy there was, it was focused on the day it was being discussed rather than a long-term strategy to create positive change.”

Nuttall said council has since taken steps to address the issues, including support for a new YMCA under construction, replacing the planned supervised consumption site with the HART Hub, and increasing access to supports alongside new provincial and federal investments.

The city also declared a state of emergency on Sept. 9, 2025, aimed at reducing the number of encampments.

Nuttall said more work remains.

“We have to identify that there are still issues,” he said.

“While encampments continue to be removed, those afflicted with addiction are impacting those around them in very, very serious ways. Some of those ways are not illegal, but some are. Either way, there is an impact.”

Coun. Bryn Hamilton said council has acted but acknowledged more is needed.

“We have done so many things, so for people who are looking and watching and saying our downtown is awful – we’re trying,” she said.

“If there was an easy solution, this problem would not be encroaching so many municipalities the way it is right now. I believe what’s in front of us today is what is needed.”

Coun. Gary Harvey supported the motion, calling it a positive step.

“I think this is definitely a good direction and it’s kind of aligned with all the other decisions that we’ve made in the last few years that has made a very positive change in the city,” he said.

Courser raised concerns about proposed mandatory rehabilitation measures.

“I think we need to understand whether this is evidence-based and whether the treatment system actually has the capacity to support it,” she said.

Coun. Jim Harris was not present for the vote.