Barrie poll shows strong public support for city’s approach to homelessness, encampments

Garbage overflowing a homeless encampment near the downtown in Barrie, Ont. (Obtained by CTV News)

As Barrie residents look ahead into 2026, where should priorities lie in addressing homelessness?

A new city-commissioned telephone poll conducted in early December shows strong support for the City of Barrie’s efforts to tackle homelessness, encampments, and community safety.

“These results reaffirm that our approach is on the right track, and we will continue working with our partners to deliver practical solutions that keep our community safe and support those who want help,” said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.

The survey was conducted by Oraclepoll Research Limited on behalf of the city and involved 1,000 Barrie residents aged 18 and over.

According to a memorandum directed at council, between Dec. 3 and Dec. 8, a mix of landline and cell phone numbers were called. Live callers asked residents these five questions, here’s what people had to say:

Do you support the city’s additional investments to address homelessness and encampments in Barrie?

Results show that a majority of people support the city’s increased investment efforts to address homelessness and encampments. Five per cent were unsure.

Do you agree with the city’s approach to removing encampments, as long as people living there have been offered shelter and support?

Support was even higher for the city’s approach to removing encampments when shelter and support have been offered, with about eight in ten residents agreeing with this stance. Only 17 per cent said no.

A state of emergency was announced on Sept. 9, 2025, after tents lined Mulcaster Street near City Hall and the Barrie courthouse.

On Wednesday, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall said the city is down to one or two tents, signaling a dramatic drop in encampments since the state of emergency declaration last fall.

Nuttall said that if numbers remain this low through late spring, council could consider lifting the emergency declaration around May or June.

The County of Simcoe handles social services in Barrie. Do you think the county should do more to address homelessness, addiction, and mental health?

The poll showed strong expectations for the County of Simcoe. Nine out of ten residents said the county should do more to address homelessness, addiction, and mental health, which fall under its responsibility for social services.

• Learn more about the State of Emergency on CTV News Barrie

CTV News contacted the County of Simcoe for a statement Friday afternoon. It’s response was: “The county was made aware of the poll today and is reviewing the results and methodology.”

Do you think the City of Barrie’s budget balances community services with keeping tax increases low?

Opinions were more divided on the city’s budget. Just over half of people believe Barrie’s budget appropriately balances community services with keeping tax increases low.

Over one-third disagreed, while 8 per cent were unsure.

Do you support city council’s investments in policing, security, and reducing crime in Barrie?

Support was also strong for community safety investments. Nearly eight in ten residents said they support city council’s investments in policing, security, and efforts to reduce crime in Barrie.

“Barrie residents have made it clear they support action and results. Nearly three quarters back the city’s investments to address homelessness, close to 80 per cent support the City of Barrie’s approach on encampment removals and more than three quarters support our investments in policing and crime reduction,” said Nuttall.

It’s unclear if this memorandum will be discussed in Wednesday’s council meeting.