Fencing, evictions and unanswered questions at Barrie encampment sites

Tensions remain high as city officials, advocates and residents clash over another homeless encampment eviction.

A homeless encampment near Barrie’s downtown core remains in the spotlight nearly two weeks after a major police investigation shut down the site.

The original encampment, which was cordoned off and fenced, is now the focus of a massive cleanup. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks says the conditions are so hazardous it couldn’t allow cameras inside on Tuesday.

CTV News has learned that members of the homeless community who relocated to a neighbouring property have now been served trespass notices, ordering them to leave by 4 p.m. Wednesday.

“Obviously, you know, there’s not proper facilities here for camping, but who knows, what are we supposed to do?” said one resident of the encampment.

The original site was the scene of a heavy police presence and forensic investigation for more than a week. Local authorities have not shared details about what prompted the investigation.

City officials say hazardous conditions from the site may impact nearby properties as Dyment Creek runs through them both.

“We are working with the Ministry to properly and fully address their order to protect Dyment Creek, Lake Simcoe and Well Head protection areas,” the city said in a statement to CTV News. “At this point we believe evidence supports required cleanup of multiple sites in the area and that work continues.”

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Outreach organizations, including the Busby Centre, are helping people collect their belongings and access necessities.

“We are seeing about 50 ... 50 people that are being affected by this particular situation,” said Sara Peddle, the centre’s executive director. “So, you know, again, just making sure that they are getting access to resources and supplies and whatever they’re needing. And just trying to do the best that we can in a not so great situation.”

An encampment resident credited the outreach efforts. “Food, water, whatever they can get, you know… the food bank up here - they help us out every day. Without them we would be screwed quite simply.”

The city has not said how long fencing will remain in place or whether residents will be allowed to return once the cleanup is complete.

The full scope of how much damage was done to the property by the encampment or how it has impacted water quality with the waste has not been determined.