‘No Admittance’ signs are now in place at and around Milligan’s Pond in Barrie as the city prepares to evict those who are living in the heavily wooded area just outside of the downtown core. Security is also present and not permitting members of the media or public past the signs. In a statement to CTV News, the city’s clerk, Wendy Cooke, wrote, “The City of Barrie, in collaboration with the County of Simcoe and Barrie Police Service, has taken coordinated action to address the Milligan’s Pond encampment this week. The City will provide updates on the Emergency Order and actions taken to date in the coming days.” Barrie continues to be under a state of emergency, with 607 people linked to homelessness. On Oct. 29, at an executive committee meeting Jeff Schmidt, general manager of community and corporate services, updated city council with specific numbers. “One hundred and sixty-six of these individuals are in shelters. Forty-seven have been identified as a term that the county uses as couch surfing, and then there’s 340 that are considered to be in their temporary family shelter program,” said Schmidt. “And then, of course, the 54 that are encampments.” Schmidt added that there were 35 encampments in Barrie, with 20 of them being dismantled since the state of emergency was declared on Sept. 9. “Besides the more significant sites, Mulcaster street, Bradford Street and Victoria Street, the majority of the sites have either been identified as abandoned following investigation, or locations containing debris that only required cleanup efforts,” said Schmidt. Mayor Alex Nuttall said individuals in the encampments continue to accept the help when it is offered to them. “We’re sitting over 80 per cent of individuals that are getting, taking housing and then getting support,” said Nuttall, adding that as long as individuals wants support, they will receive it. “We’re not going to leave folks hanging, unless they choose not to get help,” said Nuttall.” We are going to provide every person who wants help with the help they need to get back on their feet.” It remains unclear when city bylaw along with Barrie police will take action on those who currently call Milligan’s Pond home.
