Barrie Police continue to have a presence in the downtown core through their guardian program. When downtown, the public will see special constables often wearing blue outfits and have certain powers and arrest privileges. Paul Matte is a sergeant with Barrie Police Services and community safety and well being, he said their goal is be proactive not reactive. “We’re proactive right? So we’re not just waiting for those calls so as the officers are patrolling downtown and interacting with everyone from business owners, folks coming down to shop, and the beach,” said Matte. From walking the streets to biking and even a utility vehicle, officers can cover the downtown area. “there’s obviously a time for the enforcement, we’re here to make sure that everyone’s doing what they’re supposed to be doing in peaceful way,” said Matte. Nathan Cooper has been a special constable with the guardian program since its inception. he said the expansion of the program for its second year has been beneficial for public safety, and having a visible presence downtown “We’re talking to families, handing out stickers to kids, we’re interacting with people in the unhoused community, seeing if they need resources and obviously using any enforcement actions that we do need to to use, primarily Trespass to Property Act, Liquor License and Control Act and, control drugs and substances,” said Cooper. Businesses along Dunlop Street downtown have noticed the proactive patrols. “Sometimes they pop in and say hi, and when I get to chat with them, it’s nice to catch up,” said Alison Oakes, owner of Oh Beehive Refillery. “They’re real people, too and normally when I see them walking past, it does feel nice and my customers definitely enjoy that too.” With other businesses recognizing an improvement. “I think overall, I’ve seen an improvement in certain areas,” said Mark Wise, owner of On The Mark Vintage. “Certain areas are kind of to be expected, but, foot traffic is a good first step.” Since its inception, the program has seen a combined 17 constables and special constables with the program continuing to grow. Last year, the program focused on four main downtown arteries including city hall, the downtown library branch, Meridian Stage and the bus terminal.
