Crime Prevention, Safety and Long Term Planning Meeting

Minutes – May 11, 2011

Present:  Ethel, Steven, Sharon, Amber, Jack, Ben, Cindy, Susan, Justin,

                           Meaghan, Mike, Bryan, Jayne

          Guests:   Kathy Brislin, Senior Policy Planner, City of Barrie

                           Rod Jackson, Progressive Conservative Candidate for Barrie

1.    Minutes of April 13, 2011 passed.

2.    Kathy Brislin gave an informative power point presentation, based on a report being prepared for City Council, regarding minimum distance separation of bars and taverns.  At the end of the presentation she asked questions, and was surprised at the information and comments put forth. She subsequently suggested that we have another meeting at a future date for a follow up on what the problems are, and what the best measures for handling these might be.

3.    Rod Jackson gave a perspective on some local issues, some of which included:

• We are a growing city with increasing crime and with major problems in our downtown area.
• Barrie is being used as a convenient, free drop off zone for released prisoners from the super jail.
• Moving the bus terminal from the downtown area would be a reasonable solution.
• We need to make sure that Barrie Central Collegiate remains open for the health of our downtown and for the City of Barrie.
• Concerns about health care, zoning restrictions, and subsidy programs for energy were also discussed.
• Mr. Jackson expressed that all levels of government need to work together and that active citizens make a community tick.

The official platform of the Conservative Party was not as yet prepared, and Mr. Jackson assured us that he would let us know when it was.

• Sharon stressed that the Downtown Neighbourhood Association and the Crime Prevention Committees do not support one party over another.  We are trying to invite all candidates to openly discuss issues that have come up at our meetings. 

4.    It was agreed that Sharon would extend an invitation to another local candidate, Andrew Miller to speak at our next meeting.

5.    New Business:

• Cindy noted that we need to have more media coverage so that people could be more actively involved in the community.
• A letter to Councillor Lynn Strachan will be drawn up asking her to participate in more of our meetings.
• Roger Brooks will be back June 8.11 from 6-9pm, for a further installation of his program “branding” downtown Barrie.
• Mike stated that the report regarding parking in the downtown area will not be completed until the fall.

6.    Next Meeting Date:

• Wed. June 15.11 at 7p.m., @ the Barrie Community Health Centre

Meeting adjourned at 9p.m