Ford calls on Ottawa to act on homelessness after Barrie encampment tour

Ontario Premier Doug Ford visited Barrie over the weekend to witness the city’s homeless encampment crisis firsthand, and expressed his frustration with Ottawa, saying, “the federal government has to get their butt moving.”

Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall welcomed the premier’s informal visit on Saturday, taking Ford to see Milligan’s Pond and a massive former encampment along Anne, John and Victoria streets. Nuttall called for support from Queen’s Park two weeks ago after declaring a state of emergency to address the encampments.

Following the tour, Ford emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to tackle the issue, highlighting concerns over public safety, sanitation, and neighborhood impacts.

“These are places where people used to walk their kids and parks. And it doesn’t matter where you are in Ontario, why does less than one per cent of the people take over a park for 99 per cent of the population that uses it? It’s unacceptable,” Ford said.

• Extended | Barrie homeless encampments

He vowed to work towards relocating encampment residents, adding, “We’re going to move them on. We’re going to get them proper housing and shelter.”

According to the city, Barrie has nearly two dozen encampments. The premier emphasized a zero-tolerance stance.

“I’m tired of these encampments taking over communities. People are terrified to walk down the street because they get harassed for money, for drugs,” Ford added.

“I’m not going to tolerate them hijacking a neighborhood.”

Nuttall put the prime minister on notice with a letter served to Ottawa Thursday, urging the PM to visit Barrie and take action.

CTV News has reached out to the federal government to inquire what resources would be provided, but had not hear a response by the time of publication.

• Take the poll: Do you agree with the mayor’s approach to cleaning up encampments?