Barrie mayor to hold news conference after posting cryptic message pointing to action for city’s growing homelessness crisis

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“More to come”... three words posted to social media by Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall on Monday along with a 2018 video of the then-MP outlining for city council that municipalities don’t need provincial authorization to declare a state of emergency.

Hours later, the City stated the mayor would hold a press conference Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. ET.

The Barrie mayor has been outspoken about how the City of Barrie is willing to go it alone to deal with homeless encampments, so Monday’s cryptic post begs the question, is a city-wide state of emergency declaration pending to do just that?

In the seven-year-old video, Nuttall discussed the city’s opioid epidemic, and emphasized the importance of city council taking charge of addressing the crisis, stating, “You are the owners of your destiny.” He also highlighted the roles of municipal, provincial, and federal governments in responding to emergencies.

“The onus falls on the lowest tier government as to whether an emergency is declared with the higher tier government playing a supportive role,” Nuttall said at the 2018 council meeting. “This makes sense because you, as the local council, know your community and its stakeholders better than anyone else.”

While the mayor’s office has not elaborated on exactly what the social media post means, the timing of it has raised questions about whether Nuttall is planning further action or commentary on the ongoing crisis.

Barrie made national headlines recently after a massive encampment in the city’s core was evacuated for a double homicide and dismemberment investigation. Since then, an influx of tents have popped up downtown raising concern among residents about safety and a worsening homelessness crisis.

The homeless and opioid epidemic continues to be a pressing issue in Barrie and surrounding areas, with many calling for increased support and resources to address the growing number of deaths.

Just last week, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reported a spike in suspected drug poisoning deaths over the past month. Officials said the trend is widespread across the region, pointing to a potentially deadly substance circulating in the unregulated drug supply.