CompassNews

Ottawa Police blotter – week of May 6

Kamal Aboulmagd — Tue, 05 May 2026 16:59:40 +0000

On April 25th, 2026, at approximately 12:49 p.m., a lone male suspect broke into an office, and he stole a wallet with debit/credit cards inside. The suspect later used the stolen debit/credit cards at various stores in the 1000 block of Wellington Street West. The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is seeking public assistance in identifying the suspect. The suspect is described as White, approximately 50 years old, of medium height with a heavy build and clean-shaven. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a khaki coloured hoodie, a grey baseball cap, dark pants, and dark shoes.Anyone with information on the identity of this suspect or this incident is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Break and Enter Unit.

On April 26th, at approximately 11:38 p.m., a canine officer conducted a traffic stop near the Vanier Parkway and Highway 417 overpass for a traffic-related offence. During the interaction, the officer formed grounds to search the vehicle for cannabis. With the assistance of the Vanier/Overbrook Neighbourhood Resource Team, officers searched the vehicle and located several Schedule I substances. Among the drugs seized was a considerable quantity of cocaine.As a result of the investigation, the driver was charged with three counts of Possession of a Schedule I substance for the Purpose of Trafficking. The Drug Unit has assumed carriage of the ongoing investigation.

On April 30, 2026, the Break and Enter Unit with the assistance of the OPS Canine Unit, West Neighbourhood Resource Team and frontline patrol, arrested two suspects following another break and enter that had just occurred at an electronics retail store in Kanata. The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) launched an investigation in February 2026 into a series of commercial break and enters targeting retail stores across the city. The Break and Unit identified a pattern of thefts involving high‑value merchandise, including high‑end cosmetics and fragrances, electronics, and cannabis products. Dave Marseille, 25 years old and Sakyka Simpson, 25 years old were charged with Break and Enter, Assault Police, Wearing a Disguise with Intent, Possession of Break‑In Instruments, Resist Arrest, Obstruct Justice, and Mischief. The investigation remains ongoing, and police anticipate that additional charges may be laid as further links to other incidents are examined. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the OPS Break and Enter Unit.

In an adjacent story, it was recently announced that the Ontario government will be granting authority to O.C. Transpo Special Constables to make arrests. The Ontario government recently introduced amendments to the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, which have also been approved by Ottawa City Council in a 17 to 7 vote in February, would grant the constables the authority to stop individuals from using illegal substances on transit and in transit areas, and issue tickets or make arrests if individuals refuse to comply.

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Lands announced for local conservation board

Stephen J. Donkers — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:21:19 +0000

Barrie is moving ahead with plans to create a municipal conservation board and has identified a list of natural areas it intends to protect under the initiative.

Mayor Alex Nuttall announced the proposal at The Gables Park in the city’s south end, outlining both the lands included and the framework for long-term stewardship.

The areas identified for protection include Little Lake, Milligan’s Pond, Sunnidale Park Natural Area, Riverwood Ravine, The Gables Park, Bear Creek wetlands, Lovers Creek Ravine, Lackie’s Bush, North Shore Trail, Ardagh Bluffs, Sandy Hollow Ravine, Hewitt’s Creek Ravine and Allandale Station Park.

City staff have been directed to bring forward a bylaw within 30 days to formally establish a municipal services board. The proposed independent body would be responsible for setting a long-term vision, recommending additional lands for inclusion and ensuring conservation-focused public access.

Staff will develop terms of reference and a governance structure ahead of formal appointments once the next council term begins in November.

Nuttall said preserving the selected lands will ensure future generations can continue to enjoy them.

“This is about taking a structured, long-term approach to protecting the natural assets that define our community,” Nuttall said.

“By establishing a dedicated board, we are ensuring these lands are preserved, responsibly managed and protected for future generations.”

It is expected that the board will include up to five councillors, the mayor of Springwater or a designate, and citizen representatives. It would also pursue recognition under the 30×30 conservation framework, which aims to protect 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030.

The proposal follows Nuttall’s April 2025 announcement of a municipal conservation trust and public call for suggested protected areas. It is also linked to agreements with the Township of Springwater and the Barrie-Oro-Medonte-Springwater Boundary Adjustment Act, 2025, which received royal assent last December.

The plan includes a proposed five-year trail and crossing implementation program, with $20,000 in annual funding identified in the city’s 2027–2036 capital plan.

Springwater Mayor Jennifer Coughlin said the conservation trust supports responsible growth and collaboration between Barrie and Springwater.

“The inclusion of these lands in the conservation trust reflects a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible growth and regional collaboration,” she said.

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Barrie adopts zero-tolerance stance on illegal drug activity

Stephen J. Donkers — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:16:05 +0000

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.

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Colts complete comeback to eliminate Brantford, will face Kitchener in OHL title series

Marco Vigliotti — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:13:23 +0000

The Barrie Colts are heading to the OHL championship.

The Colts downed Brantford 5-0 in a dominating performance in Game 7 on Monday, booking a spot in the title series and keeping alive their bid for a Memorial Cup.

It marked an exclamation point on a remarkable come from behind effort from Barrie, who was down 3-1 to Brantford before rattling off to two 4-3 overtime victories to force the deciding game.

Barrie is facing Kitchener in the OHL championship series. Game 1 goes tomorrow.

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Ottawa’s community services committee considers new family homelessness strategy

Anna Dodd — Mon, 04 May 2026 15:49:52 +0000

Ottawa council’s community services committee had its first look at the city’s plan to tackle family homelessness.

The committee Tuesday received a presentation from city staff on the draft family homelessness strategy, which comes as Ottawa has seen an increase in the number of families accessing city supports in recent years.

This has lead to unbudgeted spend of $29.3 million on overflow spaces at hotel accommodations in Ottawa, according to staff.

One of the strategy’s focus areas is to prevent people from coming into the system in Ottawa from other municipalities, with staffing noting the city has been seeing inflow from places like Montreal.

Staff said they’re “working extensively across our housing partners, other municipalities within Ontario and partners in Quebec … to notify that we will be sending people back to their place of origin, as long as they have the supports in place in those systems.”

They clarified the reason for doing this was because Ottawa doesn’t have the capacity to support populations outside of its own catchment area.

Staff also emphasized that the system is a last resort, and would rather focus on getting families in need into more permanent housing solutions as quickly as possible.

Councillors wondered about additional affordable housing options for families, but city staff once again highlighted budgetary limitations.

“Currently there is no available capital funding for an increase in transitional housing, so we don’t have plans as it stands to look at purchasing or leasing another building.”

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Ottawa Titans sell out home opener

Marco Vigliotti — Mon, 04 May 2026 15:45:29 +0000

The Ottawa Titans have already scored a major win before the start of the 2026 Frontier League season.

The baseball team announced that it has sold out tickets for its May 8 home opener, breaking a single-game attendance record for the league.

The team said its sold all 10,278 tickets for the stadium, building off a 16 per cent increase in attendance in 2025.

“We’re incredibly proud of the support Ottawa-Gatineau has shown,” Martin Boyce, Titans’ general manager said in a statement.

“I can’t think of a better city — or better fans — to set a new league attendance record.”

First pitch for the May 8 game against the four-time defending Frontier League champion Québec Capitales is set for 7 p.m.

There will be live pre- and in-game entertainment to mark the occasion, including food trucks and a jersey giveaway to the first 5,000 fans who enter Ottawa Stadium.

The team has also set its sights on the largest single-day fundraising event for the Ottawa Titans Field of Dreams Foundation to date. Fundraising includes auctions throughout the game, donation opportunities, and the largest 50/50 draw. The record funds raised will support children’s charities in the National Capital Region, according to the team.

The previous mark for the highest-attended Frontier League game was set on July 4, 1997, by the Johnstown Steal with 10,250 fans.

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This Week in Barrie: Week of May 4

City Of Barrie — Mon, 04 May 2026 14:23:52 +0000

Thinking About Running for Office? Join an Information Session

Nominations for the 2026 Municipal Election are now open. The City is hosting two sessions for anyone considering running for mayor, councillor, or school board trustee, or registering as a third–party advertiser. Each session covers different topics, so attending both is recommended. The sessions will be held in Council Chambers at City Hall (70 Collier Street), with the option to attend in person or via Zoom.

Session One: May 11, 6 – 8 p.m.

Session Two: May 28, 6 – 8 p.m.

To learn more and for full details visit barrie.ca/election.

Licence 2 Ride for Barrie Youth: Your Summer Pass to Free Transit and Recreation

Applications are open for the City’s Licence 2 Ride (L2R) program, which is available for Barrie youth aged 12 to 17. The program includes free unlimited summer rides on Barrie Transit and free, select drop-in access at Peggy Hill Team Community Centre, Allandale Recreation Centre, and East Bayfield Community Centre.

Find out more and apply at barrie.ca/Licence2Ride.

Have your say on the future of downtown waterfront parks

Pictured: Heritage Park Concept 1 — Revealed Geogology

The City is redeveloping Heritage Park (Phase 1) and Sam Cancilla Park and is inviting the community to share input on the designs.

Residents can review the proposed concepts and take the online survey until Sunday, May 24, 2026 at BuildingBarrie.ca/DowntownWaterfrontParks, for the chance to win a prize.

Celebrate Drinking Water Week

May 3–9 is Drinking Water Week! The City of Barrie is celebrating by highlighting the essential role tap water plays in our daily lives, the infrastructure that delivers it to homes and businesses, and the dedicated water professionals who ensure its safety and reliability. To mark the week, Water Operations staff will offer free public tours of the Surface Water Treatment Plant (20 Royal Parkside Drive) on Wednesday, May 6, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Each tour will last approximately one hour. Please plan to arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.

Visit barrie.ca/WaterTreatment.

Help keep textiles out of the landfill during Curbside Textile Collection Week (May 4-8)

Donating your clothing, linens, towels, stuffed toys, and shoes is easy during Textile Collection Week! First, confirm your textile collection day (it’s a different day than your regular curbside waste collection day). On your textile collection day, place your items curbside in a bag (preferably a clear bag, but if you don’t have a clear bag, you can use any type of waterproof plastic bag) and put a label on the bag that says “textiles”. The bags will be picked up by Recycling Rewards trucks before 5pm.

Confirm your collection day and learn more at barrie.ca/TextileCollectionWeek.

Temporary traffic calming measures may be coming to your neighbourhood!

Traffic calming uses physical measures to reduce speeding and encourage safer driving in neighbourhoods. Seasonal, temporary traffic calming measures—like speed cushions, flexible bollards, or planters—are installed in the spring and summer and removed in the fall.

To learn more and view a list of the 2026 locations for the traffic calming measures, visit barrie.ca/SeasonalTrafficCalming.

It’s Compost Awareness Week!

Did you know? May 3 to 9 is International Compost Awareness Week! Visit our Compost Awareness Week pop-up event to learn how your leaf and yard waste helps build healthier soils right here in our community. Drop by our outreach table at the Allandale Recreation Centre (190 Bayview Dr.) on May 5, 2026 from 9:30 to 11:30am and dig into the full compost story—from curbside collection to finished compost available for public purchase.

Learn more about the City’s composting process at barrie.ca/composting.

City seeking art for Cabinets to Canvas: traffic cabinet wrap program

The City of Barrie and the Barrie Public Art Committee are seeking art from Ontario-based artists for the Cabinets to Canvas program (formerly known as the Artist Designed Traffic Cabinet Wraps Project). This initiative is part of the City’s Graffiti Abatement Program, and aims to beautify the city by wrapping traffic cabinets with unique, community-inspired designs. The deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, May 22, 2026. Prospective artists are invited to attend a virtual information session on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 6 to 7pm, to learn more about the program and ask questions (registration for the session is required).

For program details, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and to register for the virtual information session, visit barrie.ca/GraffitiAbatementArtwork.

Do you have your waterfront digital parking permit?

Resident waterfront digital parking permits have been extended to December 31, 2028. A waterfront parking permit, free for Barrie residents, allows you to park for free at select waterfront locations. Each digital permit is tied to a specific licence plate, so you do not need to bring anything with you or display anything when parking in select areas along Barrie’s beautiful waterfront.

Don’t have a permit yet? Visit barrie.ca/Waterfront Parking.

Spring street sweeping is underway!

The annual spring street sweeping program cleans all City streets of sand deposited during winter road maintenance, and other debris. Spring sweeping always starts in the Source Water Protection Areas of the city (zones 1-9).

Visit barrie.ca/StreetSweeping for progress updates to learn where we’re headed next and view the map to determine your zone.

Presented by The City of Barrie

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of The City of Barrie and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of iPolitics.

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Race begins for Barrie’s 2026 municipal election

Stephen J. Donkers — Mon, 04 May 2026 10:45:34 +0000

Ready, set, go – Barrie’s 2026 municipal election is underway.

Candidate registration opened May 1. Voters will choose the city’s next mayor, councillors and school board trustees on Oct. 26, 2026.

Two incumbent councillors filed nomination papers on the first day. Deputy Mayor and Coun. Robert Thomson registered to run in Ward 5, while Coun. Nigussie Nigussie registered in Ward 6.

Thomson, first elected in 2018, said he plans to build on the momentum of current council initiatives if re-elected to a third term.

“I’m really excited – I think this term of council has set a great foundation,” he said.

“I believe we need to navigate the things in a priority sequence to accomplish all the things that we’ve started. My goal and why I’m running is that I want to continue the momentum – I want to keep the foot on the gas on everything council has been working on.”

Nigussie, who is seeking a second term, said in a statement that, if re-elected, he wants to ensure growth in Ward 6 is managed properly.

“Ward 6 is a growing and vibrant community,” he said.

“My focus is to manage that growth the right way, by staying ahead with smart infrastructure, making sure our roads, services, and neighbourhoods are built to support growth. Keep people safe, and avoid higher costs down the road, while supporting families and seniors and ensuring our community remains safe, accessible, and well-served.”

Norm Costello, who ran for the Ward 9 council seat in 2022 but was unsuccessful, has registered to run again. In a media release, Costello said his campaign platform will focus on fiscal accountability, infrastructure readiness and common-sense city services.

Coun. Sergio Morales has represented Ward 9 since 2014.

So far, one school board trustee candidate has registered — Eric Lapointe, running for Conseil scolaire Viamonde.

All candidates in the 2026 municipal election will run under a newly drawn ward map. In June 2025, Mayor Alex Nuttall and council approved the new boundaries, which reshaped most existing wards. The city will shift from an even split of five wards in the north and five in the south to a layout featuring four northern wards and six southern wards.

In addition, wards 1, 3 and 5 will expand significantly with the addition of annexed lands on Barrie’s north side. On Dec. 9, 2025, the Ontario government passed Bill 76, the Barrie–Oro-Medonte–Springwater Boundary Adjustment Act, 2025. On Jan. 1, 2026, 1,216 hectares were transferred from the Township of Springwater to Barrie, along with 457 hectares from the Township of Oro-Medonte.

The deadline to register as a candidate is Aug. 21, 2026. Election day is Oct. 26, 2026.

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Colts facing do-or-die Game 5 in Brantford

Marco Vigliotti — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:03:27 +0000

It’s win or go home for the Barrie Colts tonight.

Barrie heads back to Brantford for a pivotal Game 5 Thursday night, and will need a win to keep their season alive.

The Eastern Conference finals’ series lived up to expectations through the first three games.

First place Brantford took a close Game 1, while Barrie evened the series in Game 2.

But when the series moved to Barrie, goal scoring started to dry up for the Colts.

They fell 2-0 in Game 3, before getting blown out 6-1 in Game 4 on Tuesday.

Over four games, Brantford has outscored Barrie 15 to 9.

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.

Game 6, if needed, will be held in Barrie on Saturday.

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Barrie residents to help shape the future of Centennial Park

Stephen J. Donkers — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:54:22 +0000

Dance, dine and play.

That’s the vision city staff have for the future of Centennial Park along Lakeshore Drive, with feedback from residents set to help shape final plans. The goal is to reinvent the park as an accessible destination that supports everyday use while accommodating events and boosting local economic activity.

The Centennial Park Food and Activity Hub proposal includes new food and dining areas, gathering spaces and family-friendly activities. They are organized into three zones: dance, dine and play.

Two concepts have been presented. Market Grove is an open-air, tree-lined space featuring rotating food trucks and seasonal vendor stalls. Lakeside Pavilion is a permanent waterfront hub designed for year-round dining, events and community gatherings in a pedestrian-focused setting.

Residents were invited to provide feedback through an online survey and a series of pop-up events. On Saturday, April 25, Jordan Lambie, senior urban design planner for the City of Barrie, spoke with residents at a pop-up held during the Barrie Farmers’ Market at City Hall. He said feedback has been largely positive, with some concerns raised about the park’s future.

“We’ve heard lots of interesting ideas and some issues,” he said.

“Parking was obviously a big one for residents. We’re looking at ways to maximize available parking without making significant changes. There is also general excitement about having more food options on the waterfront.”

Lambie said the city is focused on making better use of waterfront spaces.

“It’s a city priority to look at how we can more efficiently and effectively use the spaces at Centennial Park to benefit residents, businesses and visitors,” he said.

The project builds on the city’s 2023 waterfront strategy. If approved, detailed design and construction could begin as early as 2027.

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