Orillia council to discuss possible state of emergency over encampments

The City of Orillia is taking a closer look at whether it should follow Barrie’s lead and declare its own state of emergency to deal with homelessness.

The City of Orillia is taking a closer look at whether it should follow Barrie’s lead and declare its own state of emergency to deal with a growing number of homeless encampments.

A special closed meeting is scheduled for Monday afternoon for council to work out what resources and supports would become available if the declaration was made.

Mayor Don McIsaac described the issue as “significant,” noting a recent influx of unhoused individuals in the city.

“We’re seeing some new faces. There’s been an increase in activity,” the mayor said. “There’s a group of residents who want to meet next week with us who said that’s definitely increased over the last couple of weeks, and it’s affecting their businesses.”

• Related | Orillia mayor keeps watchful eye amid Barrie’s state of emergency on encampments

The meeting comes as the Sunshine City, like many Ontario municipalities, faces increasing challenges related to homelessness and the presence of encampments on both public and private lands.

The County oversees housing and homelessness services and would play a key role in coordinating outreach and shelter placement if a state of emergency were declared.

“We want to access any and all resources the County has,” said McIsaac. “This is a significant issue for us, and the County is responsible for dealing with this.”

Since the City of Barrie’s state of emergency declaration, several encampments have been cleared and shelter has been offered and provided to dozens of people, according to officials.

While Orillia council isn’t expected to make an immediate decision, officials say the conversation will help determine whether its own declaration is necessary.

According to the County’s data, there are around 400 unhoused individuals in Orillia, with nearly nine per cent of those experiencing chronic homelessness.