Barrie, Ont. encampment site remains closed: Here’s a timeline of what we know so far

Lives have been uprooted and many questions remain surrounding an investigation at a Barrie encampment.

The site of a massive police investigation in Barrie that was home to dozens of homeless people remains cordoned off with the authorities saying little to nothing about the situation.

On Wednesday, more than two weeks after the initial investigation launched at the Victoria, Anne and John streets property, officers remain stationed at the site, refusing to allow anyone outside of city workers and outreach staff to enter.

Here’s a timeline of what we know so far:

July 30

A large police presence swarmed the wooded area between Victoria, John, and Anne streets for an investigation, which the Busby Centre said was an encampment and home to roughly 50 people.

Barrie police said they were unable to comment on the investigation.

August 2

Days later, there are still no details about the investigation while police remain at the site day and night preventing anyone from entering.

A man police described as a ‘primary suspect’ who was believed to be armed and dangerous was arrested and charged with 19 primarily weapons-related offences. However, it remains unclear how or if the accused, Robert Ladouceur, is connected to the investigation.

August 5

Ontario Provincial Police assist detectives with the Barrie Police Service Major Crime Unit in the area of Yearly Road near Cardwell Lake Road in Huntsville. Again, Barrie police didn’t disclose any details about why they were investigating in Muskoka or how this probe ties to the Barrie investigation.

August 8

Large machinery, fencing, and City of Barrie workers attend the Victoria, John, and Anne streets property. The City confirmed it requested the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to attend the site to conduct an inspection.

Meanwhile, Barrie police said forensic analysis was underway in what they called a “complex investigation.” Police also confirmed Ladouceur remained in custody, but again did not provide details on how he may be connected to the situation.

In an exclusive interview with CTV News, former OPP commissioner Chris Lewis said the multi-day police investigation suggests it’s about more than just a homeless encampment.

“There has to be a good reason why Barrie police aren’t releasing information,” Lewis said. “It’s really uncommon in this day and age when the police generally should be giving more information than less when they can.”

Lewis believes the scope of the investigation points to detectives “sifting through sand, dirt and screening.”

“They’re looking for evidence of some sort that is way above and beyond the fact that homeless people were camped out there,” he noted.

Also, on day nine of the investigation, police turned the scene back over to the city, but officers kept their post ensuring no one else enters.

August 9

The City of Barrie issued a statement noting the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks ordered the site be closed due to the amount of waste at the site that poses health, safety and environmental concerns.

Officials say the environmental concerns stem from the types of waste identified on-site, which include steel drums, batteries, paint, construction debris and residential waste.

August 11

The City issued a Letter of Notice under the Trespass to Property Act, ultimately restricting entry to parks and green-spaces along Victoria, Anne, Vespra and George streets.

The major cleanup effort underway is extensive as outreach organizations help people collect their belongings to relocate.

August 12

On Tuesday, the City stated it was working with the Ministry to “properly and fully address their order to protect Dyment Creek, Lake Simcoe and wellhead protection areas.”

“At this point we believe evidence supports required clean up of multiple sites in the area and that work continues,” the City added.

August 13

On Wednesday morning, ‘primary suspect’ Robert Ladouceur, 52, made a court appearance and said he hadn’t spoken to his lawyer. Bail proceedings were then put off until later this week. The allegations against him have not been tested in court. It still remains unknown what his ties are to the police investigation.

Motorists should be aware, traffic will be restricted along some roads surrounding the former encampment to “limit the risk to public health.”

The move comes after the Ministry of the Environment issued an order due to the “concerning volume and accumulation of waste and associated risks to public health and the environment.”

Police confirmed the area remains a ‘no admittance’ zone, clarifying the City issued the no trespassing order on Monday.

Jeff Disher, co-owner of PuroClean Restoration in Barrie said the cleanup could take weeks given the sheer size of the former encampment.

“Typically, when there’s any type of water or creek involved, it increases the complexity of the job, and you usually have to work with local municipalities and agencies to prevent water runoff from shedding into the water,” Disher explained. “Sometimes, specialized pumps and filtration systems need to be put in place just to prevent further contamination.”

He also emphasized the focus on public safety. “We want to make sure that it’s done ethically and efficiently. And we would just want to make sure that, at the end of the day, we’re meeting all the safety guidelines and all the environmental acts that might be put in place on that site.”

The County of Simcoe says some of the residents of the encampment are being relocated to two temporary sites in Barrie, one on Sperling Drive and a second on Tiffin Street.

The County says these sites are set up to aid those impacted by the evacuation. The residents will be provided with food, reprieve from the weather, and referred to longer-term options for shelter and emergency services.