The mayor of Barrie, Ont., has declared a state of emergency in response to homeless encampments and what he described as an increase in "lawlessness" in the city.

"Barrie residents have had enough," Alex Nuttall said in a news release on Tuesday morning.

"Since Day 1, I have been clear that encampments are not acceptable in the City of Barrie. The people who live in tents could turn to resources available," he said.

"If you refuse that help you cannot stay in these encampments. Our city will not allow lawlessness to take over our community."

At a news conference Tuesday, Nuttall said the city has seen a major increase in encampments in the recent weeks, along with an increase in crime.

Accused, victims in killing, dismembering case lived together in Barrie encampment, police say

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