Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association

Crime Prevention and Safety Committee

Meeting Minutes October 16/09

Location:  Barrie Community Health Centre

1. This was the second meeting of the Committee and 5 new members were welcomed.
2. Member introductions were made.  Each member talked about their concerns.    All live or work in the downtown area.
3. There was agreement from all that the Committee/BDNA should have a strong collective voice.  There are currently 40 members of the BDNA and more people are being encouraged to join.  
4. The structure of the Committee is the same as the BDNA. There are volunteers for the chair and vice chair positions.  One more volunteer is needed for the secretary position. 
5. The Committee discussed some of the issues facing the downtown. Some areas have a bad reputations and it is hard to rent apartments as a result.
6. Drugs are an issue in Barrie.  There are crack houses in residential areas, and landlords who have no idea what is going on in their rental properties.
7. There are noise issues at night as a result of the many bars and the outdoor xzspatios downtown.
8. There are plans next year to revamp Toronto Street from the lakeshore to Ross Street and this was seen as a positive move.      
9. Local social service agencies would like to be part of the solution as their clients are often the victim of crimes in the downtown.      
10. Public education and advocacy were seen as important roles for the Committee.
11. Neighbourhood Watch, Citizens on Patrol, Block Parents, Crime Preventions through Environmental Design etc. are programs the Committee would like to know more about.   We are seeking a Police Liaison for the Committee so we can work together to support and promote the crime prevention work being done in the Community.  The chair will contact the Crime Prevention Unit and make a request.
12. The BDNA website – www.barriedna.ca  posts meeting dates and minutes of meetings.  The BDNA has organized a community meeting on Nov. 4^th from 7 – 9:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers to update people on the progress and seek ideas on issues to work on.
13.  Next Meeting of the Crime Prevention and Safety Committee is

Tuesday, October 27 from 7 – 9:00 at the Barrie Community Health Centre

Community Room C.    New members welcome.