Barrie, Ontario, Mayor Alex Nuttall has declared a state of emergency in response to the city's growing homeless encampments. The declaration, made on Tuesday morning, aims to address public safety concerns and what Nuttall described as an increase in "lawlessness" within the community.

Nuttall emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Barrie residents have had enough. Since Day 1, I have been clear that encampments are not acceptable in the City of Barrie." He noted that individuals living in tents have access to available resources and warned, "If you refuse that help, you cannot stay in these encampments. Our city will not allow lawlessness to take over our community."

The mayor's announcement follows a recent police investigation linked to a double murder at a local encampment. Authorities reported that the accused and the victims all resided at the same site. The investigation has raised significant concerns about health and safety issues associated with the encampments, prompting the mayor's decisive action.

Under the emergency declaration, the city plans to remove encampments, starting with those located near critical infrastructure and public spaces. The declaration also allows city staff to establish a new task force to manage the response to the encampments, hire additional staff, and engage contractors to assist in the effort.

Nuttall expressed frustration with the pace of current efforts to address the encampments, stating, "These actions are necessary due to the length of time of lawlessness in our city and due to the increase in severity of lawlessness in our city." He called for collaboration with Simcoe County to enhance shelter access for those living in encampments.

The mayor's declaration covers city-run public spaces, including parks, sidewalks, trail systems, and boulevards. Nuttall's administration aims to reclaim these areas and restore a sense of safety and order in Barrie.