Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association

Crima Prevention and Safety Committee Meeting

Minutes – Wednesday, Nov. 18/09

Location:  Barrie Community Health Centre

1.   “Downtown Walk-about” -   The walk included Maple Ave, Ross Street, Mary Street

       and Dunlop Street.  A Police Constable (liason) and a  volunteer from  the

       Street Centre described  the area, some of the changes that have taken place over the

       last few years and the lack of affordable housing for many people living on fixed

       incomes.

2.   A“Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” (CPTED) Analysis is planned

      for Maple Street  between Dunlop and Ross St..  CPTED is a crime prevention

      strategy in which changes in the build environment can reduce the incidence of crime

      in a neighbourhood.    There is also a  plan to make improvements on Toronto Street

      between Simcoe and Ross Street in the next year.

3. There was a discussion at the end of walk and the following concerns were mentioned:

    the problem caused by the 40 bars located on Dunlop Street, especially on Friday and

    Saturday nights; released offenders from the Super Jail in Penetang being given a bus

    pass to Barrie and often staying in the City; and boat storage at the lakefront.         

4.  It was noted  by Committee members that we work collaboratively with others

     (Barrie City Police, business, residents) to first get the facts on these issues.   In order

     to do this we need to find out more about the crime rates and the types of crimes in the

     downtown.  Barrie Police Services have a crime analysis person responsible for

     collecting this information and we will invite them to present this information at our

     next meeting in December.

5.  The Crime Prevention and Safety Committee Role and Beliefs statements  were

     approved as written.    All new members should read this document so they know the

     role of the Committee.   

6.  The Committee now has a liason with the Crime Prevention Unit of Barrie Police

     Services.

7.  Use of video cameras at intersections downtown was brought up at the October 

     meeting.   The “Guidelines for the use of Video Surveillance Cameras in Public

     Places”  was discussed.  More information is being sent by email to those in

     attendance. This item will be on the agenda for the next meeting.

8. The Sale of Drug paraphernalia in downtown stores –  the issue was deferred to the

    next meeting.

9.  Mike is now media representative for the BDNA as well as for this Committee.

    “A Channel” was present tonight and they interviewed both our media rep. and police

    liason.

10.  Anyone can email the BDNA with comments and suggestions.  These items will be

      forwarded to the appropriate committee for discussion and response.

11. The BDNA  would like to increase membership in order to have a stronger voice on 

      Issues  (see the website- www.barriedna.ca or email contact@barriedna.ca).

      The Crime Prevention and Safety Committee meets at least once a month and

      the meetings are open to anyone interested in getting involved.   

12.  Next meeting Date:  Wednesday, December 9  at 7 p.m. at the Community Health

       Centre  (pending availability of