The candidates for mayor of Barrie went head to head in a Tuesday night debate hosted by the Canadian Association of Retired Persons. Three of the four running for the city’s top spot were at the debate and after making opening statements, they were faced with five questions from the group. One of the questions candidates were asked was how they would continue Barrie’s homelessness response. “The next thing we really need to do is to be able to have the individuals who aren’t saying yes to get help and support, to the HART hubs, so that they can work through that sickness,” said Alex Nuttall. “And we need the province to move on mandatory interventions, compassionate interventions,” Nuttall added. “Coming together as a community and all of our resources, we can pass the baton effectively and keep this population that is suffering under supervision and thriving,” said Russell Tighe. “And we shouldn’t even pick someone up if you can’t carry them through the whole journey,” added Tighe. “I strongly believe that housing first needs to be a much bigger part of the answer,” said Tanya Saari. “To get someone into stable housing and safe housing, with the supports that they require around them, whether that’s mental health, addiction treatment, or just assistance with day to day life,” Saari said. Kay Sayer, the fourth candidate for mayor of Barrie in the 2026 municipal election, did not attend the debate. Election day is Oct. 26, 2026. For more information on election coverage, visit our 2026 Municipal Election webpage.
