News Release Aug 18^th 2010

Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association calls for Moratorium

on new bars in downtown core.

The Barrie  Downtown Neighbourhood Association, (BDNA), will ask the city to invoke a freeze on permits to potential new bars in the downtown core until a study can be done to assess the impact on local residents and neighbourhoods. This follows a  weekend that ended in tragedy for a local family as an early morning fight ensued after a visit to the entertainment district. The result being the death of a young member of our community.

A number of local residents are voicing concerns at what appears to be unprecedented growth in the number of establishments that cater to late night revelers. The increased late night noise level, combined with ongoing safety concerns and alcohol related problems causes concern that a step back is required to reassess the vision of a Dunlop Street entertainment district. The BDNA has had ongoing discussion and input from various stakeholders including the BIA, Barrie Police and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), as well as the owners of some of the licensed establishments in the downtown.

The association recognizes several positive  efforts of both Barrie Police and the AGCO to monitor and control the situation  during peak hours. They also recognize that a number of local licensed  establishments are conscientiously working to be good corporate citizens.Unfortunately, the association sees a main street where bars are the only new businesses opening. This is further problematic in an area that has a high inventory of vacant land and empty storefronts. The further fear is that the current environment will not only dissuade new investment, but also force the remaining long time retail and service businesses out of the area causing aspiral effect on the downtown.

The BDNA’s objective is that a joint  committee of all stakeholders including businesses, residents, regulatory  bodies and all levels of government can meet jointly to discuss the possible solutions and recalibrate the downtown vision.

Any one wishing to contact the BDNA to express their concerns or become involved

can contact them at    contact@bdna.ca