Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association Blog

MAY 1, 2012 ARTICLE-SUCCESS!!!

2012-05-01T12:45:23Z

This success was also mentionedby Lynn Strachan at Council on April 30. Kudos to all involved.

Ex-con dropoffs drying up: officials

‘No matter where we turned, we ran into roadblocks’

By CHERYL BROWNE - Barrie Examiner

Posted 8 hours ago

It takes a village to raise a ruckus.

In 2009, after a murder, rape and assault in a three-week period, a group of people began to talk about the fear they felt walking the streets in Barrie.

Once business owners, residents and visitors admitted they no longer felt safe downtown, they got together to form the Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association and decided to do something about it.

With Mayor Jeff Lehman and Ward 2 Coun. Lynn Strachan joining their ranks, Ben Strudwick and Mike Fox and about 25 other neighbours, started questioning the number of former inmates from Penetanguishene’s Central North Correctional Centre (CNCC) dropped off at the Barrie bus shelter who never made it home.

“It turns out, we were the dumping ground for those who stayed and chose not to carry on to their intended destination,” Fox said.

“We knew the numbers of people being dropped off were very high. But it soon became very evident that we couldn’t get numbers from anybody. No matter where we turned, we ran into roadblocks.”

After about a year of not hearing any answers, the little group filled out a Freedom of Information Act request and waited to find out exactly how many ex-convicts were being dropped off in Barrie.

It turns out they were right.

There are about 1,248 freshly released prisoners from the CNCC each year.

During the period between January 2009 and October 2010, 2,563 bus tickets were allocated at a cost of $114,689, but only 2,450 tickets were claimed.

That left roughly 113 people each year not making their connection, and potentially leaning on the already overworked social services of Barrie.

Last fall, Strachan approached city council, and when newly elected Barrie MPP Rod Jackson stepped up to the plate and wrote the Minister of Community and Correctional Services Madeleine Meilleur demanding answers.

They received a letter in February indicating Meilleur had reviewed the situation and didn’t believe any changes were necessary.

“I found the response letter to be totally unsatisfactory,” Jackson said after question period on Monday.

He pushed a little harder, met with her in early March, and they set up a meeting with the Ward 2 neighbourhood association to discuss what could be done.

Last Wednesday, Jackson, Strachan, Strudwick and a few others met with both Meilleur and the superintendent of the CNCC, Robyn Kasla.

“We weren’t looking to pick a fight with anyone, we just wanted it resolved,” Jackson said.

As it turns out, CNCC has changed its practices in the last two years.

Roughly since around the time the neighbourhood association began asking questions.

Now, instead of offering bus tickets to ex-convicts that were purportedly re-saleable, they give out separate vouchers the bus driver rips in half; one part is sent back to the prison for their records and tracking capabilities.

With more than 60 dropoffs who didn’t make their connection two years ago, it’s down to four or five a year who don’t get on the bus, the downtown citizens were told.

“We certainly felt a change in their attitude, a lot more positive than it had been,” Strudwick said. “The minister was open to suggestions and I think we were taken seriously.”

As for Jackson, the new member of parliament on the block, he admits he was a little surprised things worked out — so quickly — for the better.

“I was surprised. I expected them to meet with us and report back to us. But their staff must have reviewed the (neighbourhood association’s) report and found staff at some level was keeping track of it.

“I’m just happy with the outcome.”

cheryl.browne@sunmedia.ca

twitter.com/CherylBrowne1

GOOD NEWS TO BE SHARED-APRIL 28, 2012

2012-04-29T01:09:45Z

I wish to express our gratitude to Rod Jackson, MPP, and Lynn Strachan, Councillor
Ward 2, for their support and hard work in bringing this matter before the Minister of Correctional Services, and expediting this resolution.

Below is Rod Jachkson's press release dealing with the release of individuals from the C.N.C.C. As it states, Ron, Lynn Strachan, Kelly McKenna (Rod's Executive Assistant), Jack Garner and I were in Toronto Wednesday to meet with the Minister. The meeting went very well as you can see from the realease. It seems that action by our Committee, with the help of our Ward 2 councillor, Lynn Strachan, and city council has moved the Ministry to make changes to their procedure. We are still waiting to find out exactly what and how, but it seems to have made a signifigant improvement. The changes will benefit the City of Barrie as well as the released individuals. This is a win/win situation, and we should be very happy with our efforts to bring change to the process.

Special thanks to our Kelly who worked so hard and long to generate the report which has driven us to seek improvements in the process. Without her efforts, I doubt that any of this would have transpired.

This will help to solve part of the problems in the west end, but there is much more to accomplish. We need to be supportive of the new bus route plan which could lead to out of town bus connections being moved to locations out of the heart of the downtown, and to find ways to help implement the "under-one-roof" concept for the social services, to help them re-locate themselves slightly out of the downtown core. The u1r concept has worked well in other communities such as Cambridge, and benefits the City as well as the clientelle.

Regards,

Ben

"This week we have made Barrie and its downtown safer for everyone."

-Rod Jackson, MPP (Barrie)

For Immediate Release:

April 27, 2012

Barrie Delegation Resolves Prisoner Release Issue

Queen's Park - Yesterday Barrie MPP Rod Jackson and City Councillor Lynn Strachan met with the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services to discuss prisoner release in Barrie. They were joined by members of the Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association (BDNA).

The BDNA originally brought the issue of prisoner release to the local MPP. They cited concerns with increases to Barrie's crime rates and lack of resources for the influx of prisoners from Central North Detention Centre (CNDC) transferring through Barrie. Since, Jackson has been working with the BDNA and Councillor Strachan to bring this matter before the Minister.

In a productive meeting with the Minister this week, a solution has been reached. The Minister has responded to these local concerns by encouraging released offenders to return to their original communities and tracking their transfer practices.

The CNDC Superintendent, Robyn Kasla, commented that it was a letter sent by the City of Barrie Council under the advisement of the BDNA and Jackson's communications with the Minister that led CNDC to reconsider their procedures.

"This has resulted in better outcomes for everyone involved," said Jackson. "Now offenders settle in the same communities where they have established roots and the resources available to Barrie residents returning from jail are not over extended."

Councillor Strachan has lobbied hard for a resolution and was pleased that "the hard work of the BDNA and MPP Rod Jackson has lead to a dramatic reduction in the number of released inmates remaining in [downtown Barrie] from over 60 individuals 2 years ago to 4 this past year. I look forward to our continued dialogue and partnership on this front."

The Minister and the BDNA have made a reciprocal arrangement where representatives of each will join each other's respective boards to keep a dialogue open between the parties.

"I am pleased that we were able to successfully resolve this local issue ensuring the best outcomes for community safety and the rehabilitation of released offenders," said Jackson.

Contact: Jane Kovarikova | 705-726-5538 | jane.kovarikova@pc.ola.org

Keeps

Recall

F.Y.I. RE: C.N.C.C.

MEETING MINUTES - MARCH 13, 2012

2012-03-24T23:51:46Z

Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association
Meeting Minutes, March 13, 2012

Present: Jack, Bruce, Steve, Phyllis, Janet, Ben, Bryan, Jayne, Kelly, David

Invited Guests: Caroline Smith, Trustee for the Board of Education
Don McNeil, Allandale Neighbourhood Association

1. Caroline Smith, who sits on the Board of Trustees for the Board of Education joined us to discuss and answer questions on what is happening with Barrie Central Collegiate, and what the future might hold for the school. The problem seems to lie in that fact that in the last seven years there has been a substantial She expressed that if a partnership with a University could be arranged then there would be a possibility that the school would remain. Nothing is going to happen until the Province decides in what cities the Universities will be located. The guidelines to apply will not be available until the fall.

2. Don McNeil a member of the Allandale Neighbourhood Association updated us on some of the issues they are concerned about, and are therefore working on to
· The owner of the plaza at Essa & Tiffin has agreed to put in better lighting in the parking lot to ensure safety at night.
· He was happy to report that the methadone clinic in that plaza was working out well and that there were no troubles to report.
· A Neighbourhood Watch program has been proven difficult to organize.
· The province is ruling that single family home owners can rent out their basements as in-law suites or apartments. This, they feel would affect the area in a negative way. Enforcements of fire and property standards will be required.
· The train station is Allandale’s main focus, and the Go Train is open & operating. Walking tours of the old rail lines are being planned, and there will be an Open House in April.

3. Follow ups to last months’ minutes:

· Lynn is waiting for a response to her request in regards to having the telephone kiosks removed at Maple & Dunlop.
· Jack updated us on the status of the boarding & lodging house inspections. He reported that most of all the infractions have been resolved at this time.
· Video cameras for the downtown are moving forward.
· Minimum separation distances for tattoo parlours, cheque cashing, etc. was put into force and is in effect through a by-law enacted in late 2011. Council has now approved the minimum distances for bars and nightclubs and this will go into effect in a matter of weeks.
· Bryan will follow up on a previous letter written to the AGCO regarding the promotion of liquor sales in hair salons. We would like answers to questions such as who is responsible for making these decisions, and who was consulted, from which groups, and from what areas.
· We can now be followed on face book as the Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association, and on twitter @BarrieDNA.

4. New Business:

Ben will ask for input as to where the City stands on people smoking in public areas such as streets and parks.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm

Next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 11.12 @7pm.

LINKS TO INTERVIEW - MARCH 19, 2012

2012-03-22T15:10:05Z

These are the links to the interview on Ontario Morning about the drop-off point for the released individuals from the C.N.C.C. in Penetang.

http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/ontario-morning-from-cbc-radio/id447055175 The last 12 minutes.

http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/ontariomorning_20120319_88060.mp3 The last 12 minutes

AGENDA, MARCH 13, 2012 MEETING

2012-03-08T15:56:12Z

Short, Sweet and Meaty Agenda for March 13 Meeting.

B.D.N.A. MEETING AGENDA

FOR TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2012

Caroline Smith – about Central and the S.C.S.B. position.

Don McNeil-about the Allandale Neighbourhood Association

Follow ups to last months minutes:

-social media and networking

-chimney swifts and related issues (Milligan’s Pond)

-video cameras

-minimum separation distances, bars – tattoo parlours-rooming houses

-bdl inspections-Jack

-telephone kiosks at Maple and Dunlop

-new A.G.C.O. laws

4. Any new business.

MINUTES OF THE FEB. 8 MEETING-2012

2012-03-08T15:32:53Z

Crime Prevention and Long Term Planning Meeting

Minutes – February 8. 12

Present: Ben, Sharon, Mike, Judy, Bryan, Jayne, Janet, Jack, Martha

Invited Guests: Amy Courser, Phyllis Tremblay, Susanne Robinson

1 – Minutes of meeting held on January 11.12 – Approved.

2 – Amy Courser discussed the impact of social media and networking, and how we as a committee might be able to attract more people by using certain technologies available to us, in order to let people know that the BDNA exists. We were told that the most effective ways to communicate with a large number of people would be through e-mail, face book, mail chimp, twitter & newsletters.

3 – A most informative and interesting presentation on Chimney Swifts was delivered by Phyllis Tremblay who is the Swift Watch Regional Co-ordinator. The club was founded in 1951. On May 23^rd 2012 they will be hosting a Swift Watching field trip for anyone who is interested. Hopefully this could become an added attraction to downtown Barrie. To find out more you can visit their website at www.bereretonfieldnaturalists.org.

4 – Updates & follow – ups on issues we have been working on:

-Minimum separation distance between bars/boarding houses (lodgings)

This issue should come up for discussions in Council sometime in Feb. or March.

-Inspection of boarding lodging and rooming houses:

Chris Alexander is doing a wonderful job of inspecting properties of concern, looking for violations. Raising standards, registering, and regulating boarding houses will be a benefit to everyone. According to Jack many of the boarding houses are being upgraded by inspections. A number of places have been found to be unlicensed & are forced to be both licensed & conformed to regulations.

-Video Cameras:

There has been $125,000.00 budgeted from the City, which is only half of the proposed cost for the installation of video cameras downtown. The other half is being requested from the Provincial Government. The City has requested an application for these funds but has not as yet received the applications from the Government.

-Dropped off released offenders - Man living in car – Phone booths on Dunlop St.

Ben has not received any response from Lynn to his emails regarding these issues.

-Liquor licenses for small business:

Bryan has not as yet received a response to his inquiry from Gary White who is the Manager for Liquor Eligibility for the LCBO.

Jack will invite Caroline Smith to our next meeting so she can fill us in as to what is happening with Barrie Central Collegiate.

-The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday March 13^th at 7 p.m in the Sir Robert Barrie Room at City Hall.

BARRIE EXAMINER ARTICLE- CNCC RELEASE PROGRAM

2012-03-07T17:39:22Z

This article in the Examiner has created a mild storm of comment. Check it out on our facebook page.

Ex-con drops bashed

Politicians want province to curb the flow of former superjail inmates being dropped off in Barrie

By CHERYL BROWNE - Barrie Examiner

Posted 12 hours ago

Why do 5% of all former Penetanguishene inmates end up in Barrie?

In an effort to find out, Coun. Lynn Strachan, Barrie MPP Rod Jackson and the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) sent their concerns regarding the offender release practice to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Currently, Penetanguishene’s Central North Correctional Centre (CNCC) drops released inmates at the downtown Barrie bus station six times a week.

A response received Feb. 24 by the minister of correctional services Madeleine Meilleur indicated, “We have reviewed our policies concerning the release of individuals from custody and these policies are appropriate.”

“The response was unsatisfactory,” Jackson said Tuesday. “It doesn’t address our issues at all. We’re carrying the burden of reintegrating people into society in a city that already has one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada. We’re having a hard time finding employment for our own population without adding to that burden.”

Last year, it was reported that one in five prisoners is homeless when they go to jail, and one-third are homeless when they get out.

When polled, one in 10 prisoners said they had no idea where they would go when released.

Currently, there are 1,034 inmates at CNCC.

Jane Kovarikova, Jackson’s legislative assistant, says an officer with the adult institutional services at the ministry confirmed three or four people are transported daily (except Sundays) to the Barrie bus terminal.

That’s between 936 to 1,248 ex-convicts transferred through the Barrie bus station each year.

During the period of January 2009 to mid-October 2010, 2,563 bus tickets were allocated at a cost of $114,689, yet only 2,450 tickets were claimed.

That’s 113 people who hopped out of the correctional services van in a 20-month period who were either picked up by a friend, or are still hanging around Barrie.

“I’m quite astounded the number is that high,” said Staff Sgt. Bruce Bowles.

The bus terminal police sub-station looks out over where the regularly scheduled drop-offs occur.

Bowles said he’s seen the large white, unmarked van drop off passengers, and said many of them use the bus ticket they’ve been given to return to their hometown.

However, he said he does run into ex-convicts who get into trouble again, either by breaching conditions of their parole by shoplifting or drinking in public, he said.

“Whatever it is, they’re clearly doing something wrong for us to pick them up and then they go back into the process again,” he said.

Bowles agreed Barrie’s social service resources are stretched to the limit now.

“Our social resources are strained at the best of times,” Bowles said. “If you add 113 people a year, that’s a significant amount on our system.”

Many people have expressed concerns about the downtown core to Mike Fox, a member of Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association.

“Everyone’s concerned about the homeless people,” Fox said. “Are they the problem? Probably not. They’re the ones coming into town to get services. But people come and take advantage of them, that’s the problem.”

Fox worries that dropping CNCC’s former inmates in Barrie’s downtown means they will invariably meet up with the wrong crowd, too.

“Then there’s a higher likelihood they’ll fall into bad activities or vices and we don’t have the ability to look after them here,” he said.

CNCC’s van doesn’t drive to Orillia, which is four kilometres closer than Barrie, to drop off their charges and neither does the bus from the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay. It drives past Peterborough, only 42 kilometres away from the facility, down to Oshawa, which is 80 kilometres away from the facility.

Jackson said the current arrangement calls for the former inmates to be delivered to a Census Metropolitan Area, a designation which both Barrie and Oshawa share.

“I’ve asked to meet with Minister (Madeline) Meilleur to discuss it,” Jackson said. “There’s a solution out there, we just haven’t thought of it yet.”

cbrowne@thebarrieexaminer.com

twitter.com/CherylBrowne1

BARRIE ADVANCE ARTICLE RE: THE C.N.C.C. RELEASE PROGRAM

2012-02-28T21:13:59Z

By Laurie Watt

Feb 28, 2012 - 6:00 AM

Ex-prisoners vulnerable downtown: councillor

BARRIE - Ontario’s Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services simply doesn’t understand how vulnerable newly released prisoners are as they end up in downtown Barrie, said Ward 2 Coun. Lynn Strachan.
Last fall, Barrie council asked the province to review its prisoner release guidelines – and two weeks ago Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur said its policies are “appropriate.”
In a Feb. 13 letter to the city, she said, “Individuals released from custody have satisfied their court-ordered terms of incarceration and are free to live and work in the community of their choice, unless bound by a court-ordered probation order which imposes residency conditions.
“When inmates who do not have transportation funds or funds to travel are released from custody, the ministry’s policy is to provide these inmates with a non-refundable ticket for the most economical mode of transportation.”
Strachan said that answer does not assuage concerns about Central North Correctional Centre (CNCC) ex-cons arriving at the downtown bus terminal and getting into trouble.
“Perhaps (Meilleur) doesn’t fully understand the issues we’re having,” she said.
“People are dropped off and given a ticket to go somewhere. Sometimes, those people are being preyed upon. It’s a vulnerable population just being released from prison and we want to make sure they get to their destination safely.
“They get preyed upon or they end up staying in Barrie where they do not have the supports they need to reintegrate into the community.”
The bus station is steps away from where drug deals occur and just a short walk from where prostitutes ply their trade.
Former inmates arriving and waiting for a bus connection often do not have money for a meal. They have only what they had when they entered custody.
Meilleur added the CNCC assists in discharge planning and offers suggestions for community resources.
“Individuals who are identified during discharge planning as having special needs and requiring assistance may be met at the bus terminal by a case worker who can assist them with obtaining tickets and ensuring that they are safely on their way,” the minister added.
Barrie MPP Rod Jackson said he’d like to meet with Meilleur to discuss how to ensure some communities, like Barrie, are supported as they help ex-cons.
“We have a responsibility to integrate these people who’ve done their time. At the same time, I don’t think any one community should carry a greater burden,” he said.
“A lot coming out of the superjail in Penetang come from all over Ontario. They end up in Barrie. It’s the first place people get dropped off and we have a plethora of services near the bus station. We end up taking on ex-cons from all over Ontario. I don’t think that’s fair.”

ACTIVITY UPDATE - FEB. 24, 2012

2012-02-24T19:03:50Z

Just a note to let you know 2 things:

1. Lynn has advised me that the staff report for the minimum separation distance of bars, etc. willl come before Council this coming Monday, February 27. The report can be viewed at www.barrie.ca under council agendas.

2. Also from Lynn:

The response from the Minister regarding our motion pertaining to inmate release. I have already spoken with Rod Jackson on the matter and he is drafting a response to the minister indicating his dissatifacation with thier response and requesting a meeting with the Minister to discuss the concerns in more detail. He has assured me that he will looking for ways to find solutions which address our concerns.

Lynn

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

2012-02-23T02:20:47Z

Brian found this article in the Toronto Star, and forwarded it to me. I'm forwarding the article because I feel that everyone should be aware of the province's new policy.

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/1114103--barrie-hair-salon-sells-alcohol-after-change-to-ontario-liquor-laws

I will add my personal views about this situation.

I'm dumbfounded that the province is encouraging this situation. They are certainly sending a mixed message to everyone. On one hand we spend millions of dollars for policing to, among other things, curb drinking and driving. Millions are spent on ads to deter drunk drivers, and on the other hand, they are encouraging drinking and driving by relaxing the standards for the issuance of liquor licences to establishments such as these.

I am also amazed that the City of Barrie has not taken a stand. This excerpt from the article shows that some cities have the fortitude to do what is best for their community. I believe that Barrie should do the same, and it should be done before there are any more establishments to "grandfather" (how i hate that word). I, also, do not remember the announcements in the paper, although they may have been.

EXCERPT: "Applicants must announce their intention in the local newspaper so citizens can lodge concerns with the commission. A salon in Hamilton was denied a license because its City Hall didn’t think it was in the best interests of the community."

Relaxing the licencing standards, and encouraging drinking on a casual basis can only lead to more problems with impaired drivers, increased costs of policing and more personal injury/property damage/ fatalities on the roads. Big Brother watches over our lungs, but doesn't care if we kill/maim ourselves on the road. If you have similar opinions please make them known to your Mayor and Counsellor.

In my opinion.

MEETING AGENDA-WED. FEB. 6, 2012

2012-02-08T18:05:44Z

Crime Prevention, Safety and Long Term Planning Meeting

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012 - 7 p.m.

Agenda

Chair: Sharon

Secretary: Jayne

1. Minutes of Jan. 11.12

2. Impact of social media & networking - overview

– Amy Courser

. discussion of what we want to do? who will do it?

3. Chimney Swifts and their importance to downtown Barrie’s

natural history - Phyllis Tremblay, Swift Watch Regional Co-ordinator

4. BDNA Open House – Kelly

5. Updates/Follow-up

. minimum separation distance between bars/boarding houses (lodgings)

. video cameras

. drop off released offenders

. inspection of boarding, lodging and rooming houses –

. liquor licenses for small business – i.e. three small rooms. - next step ??- Bryan

. man living in car -

Other Business…..

Next Meeting Date: Wed. March 14 - 7 p.m.

MEETING AGENDA-WED. FEB. 6, 2012

2012-02-08T18:05:40Z

Crime Prevention, Safety and Long Term Planning Meeting

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012 - 7 p.m.

Agenda

Chair: Sharon

Secretary: Jayne

1. Minutes of Jan. 11.12

2. Impact of social media & networking - overview

– Amy Courser

. discussion of what we want to do? who will do it?

3. Chimney Swifts and their importance to downtown Barrie’s

natural history - Phyllis Tremblay, Swift Watch Regional Co-ordinator

4. BDNA Open House – Kelly

5. Updates/Follow-up

. minimum separation distance between bars/boarding houses (lodgings)

. video cameras

. drop off released offenders

. inspection of boarding, lodging and rooming houses –

. liquor licenses for small business – i.e. three small rooms. - next step ??- Bryan

. man living in car -

Other Business…..

Next Meeting Date: Wed. March 14 - 7 p.m.

NEXT MEETING-FEBRUARY 8, 2012

2012-01-26T14:08:20Z

The Next meeting of the B.D.N.A. will be February 8, 2012 at the Barrie Community Health Centre located at the corner of Ross and Maple Streets in downtown Barrie.

MEETING MINUTES-JANUARY 11, 2012

2012-01-26T14:04:33Z

Crime Prevention, Safety and Long Term Planning Committee Meeting

Minutes – January 11, 2012

Present: Ben, Bruce, Jack, Bryan, Jayne, Sharon, Greer, Kelly, Janet, Tammy.

1. The first items on the agenda were discussions, comments , updates & follow-ups on issues which we have been working on:

There are no definite plans for Lauerntian University to move to Barrie. The provincial government will be the ones deciding who will be coming here. Ben is on the committee and will keep us posted.
Jack will extend an invitation to Caroline Smith, who is a trustee for the School Board, to attend one of our meetings so as to inform us of the current discussions being held regarding the future of Barrie Central Collegiate.
Video cameras will be installed in downtown Barrie; it is just a question of when. The City is looking for a grant of $250,000.00 through the Civil Remedies Act, which deals with monies generated from proceeds of assets seized from criminal activity.
Ben will follow up with Lynn about the drop off of released offenders at the downtown bus terminal, which she & Rod Jackson are working on together. Apparently they are still being dropped off there. We are hoping for an update at our meeting in February.
The inspection of boarding, lodging & rooming houses is being done with the help of Chris Alexander who is checking properties for fire & property code violations. Jack will find out if hoarding falls under fire standards regulations.
The man who is living in his car on Maple Avenue is still there today. The Busby Center is in contact with him.
Ben will get an update as to what the status is in removing the telephone kiosks from Maple & Dunlop Streets. There are concerns from store owners that they are being used for drug deals.

2. Writing a letter to the ACGO regarding liquor licences for small businesses was discussed. Bryan will look into obtaining a copy of the new LCBO Legislation from the AGCO.

3. In other business, Janet brought up the fact that not all of the issues we are working on are of interest to everyone.

A very comprehensive discussion ensued about how to increase involvement & how to encourage other groups to come to our meetings so that we could help to support their various projects. We feel that in extending this invitation to other groups, we as a larger group would have more impact on local decisions & garner more support for local issues. Ben has been trying to approach these groups to join us for our monthly meetings, but so far he has not been receiving positive feedback.
It was noted that citizens are interested in a variety of different topics, such as improving gardens, biking & walking trails, green space, etc. in the area where they live. The fact that Mulligans Pond is drying up is and also a concern. We would like to thank Janet for bringing this to our attention.
It was suggested that hosting an “Open House” event in order to announce our successes in some of the issues which we have been involved with thus far would be a good idea. Kelly knows someone with social marketing experience and will see if they are available to come to the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

The next meeting date is scheduled for Wed. Feb. 08 at 7 p.m

JUST SOME UPDATES

2012-01-18T15:28:34Z

Just some updates

A note from Mike re video cameras for the downtown:
I was speaking to Doug Jure, Chair of the Barrie Police Board. He copied me on a letter to the Attorney General Dated Dec 19th, 2011 requesting $250,000 for cameras for downtown Barrie through the Civil Remedies Act. The Act basically deals with money generated from the sale of assets seized as ‘proceeds of criminal activity’. The cameras fall under one of the potential uses of this fund.

The minimum distance by-laws for bars, etc. & for boarding, lodging & rooming houses:
The staff reports for both minimum separation distance by laws are coming to council at the end of February / beginning of March.

The gentleman who is living out of his car on Maple Street (for the last X no. of years):
Lynn Strachan has sent an email requesting follow up re: the man in his car on Maple. Staff were supposed to have 'evicted' this man already so she'll see what is going on.

Re the C.N.C.C. release process:
Rod Jackson (MPP) has sent a letter to the Minister and has requested a meeting. If he doesn't get a reply he will ask a question during question period in February when the house resumes sitting. Lynn and Rod have been working together on this situation.

Re the removal of the telephone kiosks at Maple and Dunlop:
Lynn had gapped this one, but is now reminded and making inquiries.

If you ever want to know what's going on at council use this link to access the uocoming agenda and minutes from past meetings
.http://barrie.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

You can also follow us on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/115189771831743/

The Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association

EXAMINER ARTICLE-BARRIE REPORT CARD

2011-12-23T13:48:28Z

This article has links to the complete survey, which is very interesting.

Survey says . . .

Buses and roads don’t make the grade, but waste removal and the arts get top marks according to residents

By CHERYL BROWNE, Barrie Examiner

Posted 1 day ago

The City of Barrie's report card is out, and while its grade average was boosted by gold stars in the arts and garbage/recycling categories, a less than stellar performance on the buses and roads was flagged as remedial.

After almost 14 months with the new council and mayor, a phone survey administered by Environics Research Group to more than 1,000 Barrie residents in October reveals most are happy with most services.

"I'd give them a B-plus," said June Bouchard, after shopping at Georgian Mall, Wednesday. "I think they're doing a really good job, the mayor's doing a really good job, there's lots of opportunities for kids and no problem getting health care.

"Barrie's pretty good compared to a lot of other cities."

Good grades were also received by the city's new water management and fire rescue services, as well as fire prevention and education.

However, of the more than 10,700 residents called, about 12% or 1,050 who were eligible to respond, they repeatedly told the Environics marketing firm that the city had dropped the ball in traffic, public transit and roads.

About 65% of respondents to the survey reported they had 'low satisfaction' with the general road conditions. Their comments ran the gamut from 'synchronize traffic lights better' to 'cheaper rates for public transit,' to 'improve roads, repair potholes.'

"It was a particularly helpful survey," Mayor Jeff Lehman said. "It's the traffic that's been a really big issue. It was interesting to to see the response to public transit, it really speaks to the need of our looking at improvements."

By comparing results from the last report card in 2008, the quality of the environment went up a full six points in the high approval category, while falling slightly by four points on the safe place to live question.

Combining the high and medium marks, most respondents, a full 89%, said they consider Barrie a good place to raise a family now, compared to a slightly less 86% in 2008.

Some of the respondents worried specifically about their wards, including wards 3, 4, 7, and 8, where those aged 35 and older (who are homeowners) only gave a medium grade for their local parks, trails and green spaces. Residents in Ward 10 gave a low satisfaction rating to the city's overall recreational facilities, mainly because they don't have one in that ward.

Lehman noted a marked increase in factors contributing to a low quality of life were linked to the downtown core where concern had risen by 11 points since 2008.

"That was a surprise. The downtown issue was a much bigger issue than it was three years ago," he said. "I think

that Dunlop Street has really improved this year, most of the empty stores are filled.

"And, there's even a huge development crane working there. We haven't seen a crane downtown in six years."

Lehman also noted the downtown core's camera installation report is due in January.

A Barrie resident of six years, Rick McKnight said he can't complain about the roads because he lives in the Leacock Road area and his road was recently paved.

"The only complaint I have would be about the water, because the price of my water bill has doubled since I moved here," McKnight said. "I expect taxpayers are paying for the

new water treatment plant,

but I don't even draw water

from there.

"I know the police can't be everywhere, but I wouldn't mind seeing more of them at rush hour when people are running red lights," he said with a laugh. "But I guess I'm nitpicking. Overall, I'd say at least a B-plus."

For more information or to see the the 98-page survey results, visit the city of Barrie website at www.barrie.ca.

cbrowne@thebarrieexaminer.com

twitter.com/CherylBrowne1

CITY PRESS RELEASE RE: THE FIVE POINTS

2011-12-09T02:17:16Z

PRESS RELEASEExpect Great Things – 5 Points Beautification
Thursday, December 08, 2011

The City is pleased to announce that we have come to an agreement with Kevin Lowe of Lowe Properties Limited. The City has been in negotiations for the last few months with regard to the City leasing lands in order to create a temporary parkette at the 5 Points in Downtown Barrie.

“We are very pleased to have had entered into an initial lease term of 12 months with the option for renewal with the current land owner,” comments Jeff Lehman, Mayor of Barrie. “The lease is temporary in the interim of the owner seeking an anchor tenant and future redevelopment of this prominent and strategically located parcel of land.”

The parkette is being designed by the City’s Parks Planning staff. Initial thoughts are that the parkette will include trees and flowers, sod and walkways. Works and materials will be limited in scope to minimize any throw-away costs, but will provide a needed improvement to this key corner at the centre of the historic downtown, as it awaits redevelopment. With the agreement now in place, the City intends to work continuously with the landowner to encourage redevelopment of this site.

In the interim, the City will be undertaking pre-grading of the site and the placement of planters with Spruce trees, trimmed with boughs for the festive and winter season. Staff will report to Council in the winter with the design and estimated costs for implementation in the spring. Part of the design and implementation will include salvage of other materials, vegetation and planters, that are already owned by the City, in order to keep the costs low.

For more information contact:

Janet Foster
City Centre Revitalization Coordinator
City of Barrie
705-739-4220, Ext. 4517
jfoster@barrie.ca

Media Contact:
Cheri Harris
Communications Advisor
The City of Barrie
(705) 739-4220 ext. 4714
charris@barrie.ca

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE-NOV. 19/11

2011-11-22T13:19:38Z

City considers ex-cons transfers

By CHERYL BROWNE – Barrie Examiner

Updated 1 day ago

City councillors are considering asking the Ontario government to prohibit the use of downtown Barrie as a destination for ex convicts.

Council could pass a resolution Monday night asking the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to review its offender release practice that currently drops released inmates from Penetanguishene's Central North Correctional Centre at the downtown Barrie bus station weekly.

"My concern with the current practice is that it often leaves released offenders with little services and support," said Coun. Lynn Strachan.

Penetanguishene's correctional facility buses ex convicts to Barrie with whatever possessions they had with them when they were arrested, said Greg Flood, spokesman at the ministry.

If they had cash on them when they were arrested, that is returned to them.

Flood says they are then driven to Barrie by the correctional facility and released with a bus ticket home.

"Once they've satisfied their sentence, they're free to go," said Flood.

However, if the next bus to their home town isn't scheduled for several hours, they remain in the downtown core and that's where they can get into trouble.

"It leads to social and safety concerns downtown," said Strachan. "People are released and other people prey on those folks, influencing them often in an inappropriate manner."

After a recent meeting with the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) Strachan said they've spoken to Barrie MPP Rod Jackson about their concerns.

"If we pass the resolution at council, that makes Rod Jackson aware of our concerns. He's been to the downtown (BIA) meetings, so this would enable him to advocate on our behalf."

Once passed, the resolution would be sent to the Ministry of Correctional Services to determine if there are other release points for the men and women who leave the North Correctional Centre, such as a GO station.

Strachan said the future site of the new bus station on Welham Road could also help alleviate some of the concerns of the downtown.

cbrowne@thebarrieexaminer.com

twitter.com/CherylBrowne1

MINUTES - MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2011

2011-11-03T11:40:21Z

The next meeting will be Wednesday November 9, 2011, at the Barrie Community Health Centre at the corner of Ross and Maple Streets in downtown Barrie. See you there.

BARRIE DOWNTOWN NEIGHBOURHOOD ASSOCIATION

Crime Prevention, Safety and Long Term Planning Committee

WEDNESDAY Oct. 12, 2011

PRESENT: Sharon, Ben, Jack, Irene, Amber, Bruce, Kelly, Kelly, Tammy, Cindy, Ali.

Meeting began@ 7:00pm

Minutes of the Sept. 14, 2011 meeting approved.

1. BDNA congratulated the police on the sex trade sting as it worked very well.

BUSBY CENTRE has been extremely helpful to the police with their outreach workers

Police would like to restart Citizens on Patrol for the Downtown in the near future as they were extremely helpful in the past. This will be done as a Community Service.

2. Noise from the Bars - There is co-operation with the Downtown Bars at the east end pertaining to noise. For 2 noise violations they are fined $490.00 for the 3^rd violation the fine is $5000.00, this is done through the Alcohol & Gaming Commission. Difficult to prove which Bar is noisier. We may need a Municipal Noise Violation Person to go part & parcel with the Parking changes.

3. City of Barrie will be extending the parking to 12:00pm. This will be passed at the end of October or November, which will increase revenue for the City.

4. Video Cameras for the Downtown- recommendation going to Barrie council soon

5. Overnight Parking: The gentleman living out of his car on Maple St. pays $55.00 per month for parking. This brought questions about the viability of overnight parking in our municipal lots. The BDNA is concerned with the gentleman’s safety. Is this an enforcement issue? Should social service agencies be involved? It was felt that a letter be sent to the City stating our concerns.

6. Bus Terminal – No further update in regard to released offenders transferred to Barrie Bus Terminal. It was suggested that the City send more factual information to the Ministry and consider drafting an agreement with the CNDC that will rectify this situation. It was felt that many released offenders stay in Barrie and create a heavy burden on many of our local services.

The solution might be to bring them down from Penetang l day before they complete their time and have them released in their home town.

We will invite Rod Jackson to our next meeting to discuss this matter further.

7. Rooming Houses - No updates on minimum standards bylaw for rooming houses. Jack to get more

info.

New Members - BDNA want more members from other areas of Ward 2.

Kelly showed has a letter of welcome (from the BDNA) that she distributed to residents of the West Village. There is interest in starting a Neighbourhood Watch Program there. Angela Butler is our contact at Barrie Police Services for this.

Meeting adjourned @ 8:20pm.

VIDEO CAMERAS-ONE OF OUR INITIATIVES

2011-09-15T14:06:28Z

City police by the numbers

By CHERYL BROWNE, Barrie Examiner

Updated 23 hours ago

When asked, Barrie residents responded overwhelmingly to cameras in the downtown core.

City police ran a survey last spring to determine what Barrie citizens felt should be the prime concern of the force.

"It really helps in establishing our priorities," Const. Toni Dufour said. "This survey gives us a bird's eye view of what's important to the people of Barrie. We're really pleased to have this feedback."

While only 377 people responded to the survey that was on the police force's website between March 7 to April 15, that's up from 192 respondents in 2010.

Dufour points out that not all respondents replied to every question asked. Around 300 people responded to most questions, however, so they were able to get a good feel for how most people felt about certain topics.

Overall, 60% of respondents said they were satisfied or very satisfied with Barrie policing, while 23.9% said they were dissatisfied and another 14.4% said they were very dissatisfied.

With respect to their neighbourhoods, only 17% said they were very concerned about crime prevention, while 29% said they were only moderately concerned. More than 20% said they weren't worried about crime prevention in their community and 16% said 'not at all' worried.

Yet, they did list break and enter crimes and traffic management or speeding or impaired driving, as their biggest concerns.

Residents said they would like to see a larger police presence in their neighbourhoods, including both cruiser and foot patrols.

The majority of respondents, almost 78.6%, said they favoured closed circuit cameras in the downtown core; 17% said no to cameras, and about 4% said they had no opinion.

Dufour said she believes that because the severity or violent crime index that came out early this year reflected an 8.6% drop in violent crime, more residents are concerned with day-to-day concerns, such as traffic, than they would have been in previous years.

cbrowne@thebarrieexaminer.com