Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association Blog

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

MEETING MINUTES-AUG, 10, 2011

2011-09-04T11:35:45Z

MEETING MINUTES – AUG, 10, 2011

CRIME PREVENTION AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

LONG TERM PLANNING & PROPERTY STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Attending: Sharon, Ben, Mike, Karen, Meredith, Jack, Stephen & ?

Minutes prepared by Ben, and include personal observations as well as details of the meeting.

Prior to the meeting Stephen had outlined his problems with through the week with noise from the downtown bars, and the response time by the Barrie Police. He is unaware if charges were laid or tickets issued, but it seems remote.

At the meeting called by the City Clerk to discuss the new long form questionnaire to be submitted with liquor licence applications there was discussion about the police not logging charges against the bars so that the fines never escalate above step 1. At that time I requested that the 2 senior officers present look into that situation and create a file which would be available to responding officers so that repeat offenders would be treated to increased deterrents. They indicated that they would investigate that situation. To my knowledge, they have not followed through on that commitment.

Sharon called the meeting to order at 07:05 P.M.

Immediately after opening the meeting, the floor was turned over to our guest, City Clerk, Dawn McAlpine. Dawn told us of some of the successes and failures of communication between groups such as the BDNA, the City, and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission. She handed us copies of the AGCO: Services For You – Liquor Sales Licences – Risk Based Conditions. Risk Based Conditions are a recently introduced change in policy for the AGCO. Items of particular interest to us are as follow:

The holder of the licence shall file in writing with the Registrar of Alcohol and Gaming by Date the measures that the holder has in place to deter disorderly conduct on property adjacent to and in the vicinity of the premises and to minimize damage, nuisance or other harm to such property arising out of disorderly conduct engaged in by patrons or persons attempting or waiting to enter the premises or leave the premises.

The holder of the licence shall not provide or permit music or other forms of entertainment in outdoor areas.

The holder of the licence shall not provide or permit amplified music or other forms of entertainment in outdoor areas.

The holder of the licence shall ensure that no live or amplified music is played in the licensed outdoor area(s) past the time designated by the Registrar of Alcohol and Gaming.

The holder of the licence shall ensure that the areas adjacent to and within XY metres of the premises are kept clean and free from any garbage associated with the operation of the premises and patrons.

The holder of the licence shall ensure that there is a designated and supervised area for smokers that does not adversely affect property adjacent to the premises.

There are a great many conditions, all of which may be read at the AGCO web address below:

http://www.agco.on.ca/en/services/conditions_riskbased_LSL.aspx

Dawn has suggested that we, when requesting limitations on a licence, or registering objections to same, reference these clauses. The AGCO may place more weight on our requests if the requests are more easily referenced and understood by them.

The following is a link to the AGCO site that lays out the people per area allowed.

http://www.agco.on.ca/pdfs/en/guides/1214_a.pdf

It states that the allowable number of people is established in 1 of three ways i.e.

2. There are three methods of assigning a capacity to

your establishment, either:

a) capacity is assigned by the building department; or

b) capacity is assigned by the fire department; or

c) capacity is calculated by an architect or professional engineer.

The sample looks at total area, and does not take into account fixtures such as a bar, tables, game boards or other fixtures that occupy floor space which is shown as available for human movement. As well, I (personal opinion) seem to remember Dawn indicating that the AGCO seemed o disregard the recommendation of the Building & Fire Departments and applied it’s own standard to the capacity of an establishment, which, if true, would be in direct defiance of their published policy.

If the approximate standard of 1.15 m2 per person is being applied without regard to fixtures, then perhaps it is time for the AGCO to examine its policy.

Also the AGCO does not supply feedback to the City or to the BDNA on the results of license applications. It might be appropriate for the AGCO to at least let the City know what is going on.

Dawn also indicated that Barrie is one of only a handful of communities to ask license applicants to fill out a form to submit with the application, and ours is the most detailed form in use.

The City Clerk’s presentation ended at approximately 08:15 P.M.

It was noted that the ‘Minimum Separation Bylaw for Bars’ was still being researched. There was a question about the status of the requested ‘Minimum Separation Bylaw’ for boarding and rooming houses. This was a project of Cindy’s, and in her absence (she’ll be back next month) Ben indicated that he would follow up, and report back to us next meeting (September 14).

The video camera project has received favourable reviews by the Police Department and City Council. All that remains now is for them to develop a concrete plan and cost , and allocate funds. We will continue to follow up on this project. There is a police board meeting August 25 at 4 P.M. Perhaps there will be something to report after the meeting.

We will continue our efforts to ameliorate the CNCC drop off situation at the Barrie bus terminal downtown. We recognize that if the main terminal is moved as per plan and if the one roof concept actually happens the situation will be altered, but those items are 2 to 5 years in the offing, and we cannot afford to wait that long if we wish to rejuvenate the Downtown.

We also need to motivate panhandlers, prostitutes and defilers of public spaces to remove themselves from the Downtown core. These people can be seen on a daily basis. This can only be accomplish by the Police Department applying due diligence.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, September 14 at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home on Worsley Street – 7:00 P.M.

NEWS: VIDEO CAMERAS

2011-09-04T11:26:17Z

Janis Ramsay, jramsay@simcoe.com

Jun 28, 2011 - 4:10 PM

Downtown cameras get green light

BARRIE - Members of the Barrie Police Services Board want to install 10 cameras downtown at a cost of $300,000.
Mayor Jeff Lehman told the board Tuesday PowerStream is willing to install the cameras at no cost.
He was also hopeful a service group like Rotary might participate by funding all or part of the equipment costs.
“As mayor, there have been a number of groups interested in fixing up a park or playground,” said Lehman, adding maybe they’d be willing to contribute to community safety too.
Lehman was surprised with the community’s support for a surveillance camera project.
“I thought it would be more controversial. But if the police service feels it would be an asset to tackle the issues downtown, then I’m supportive of it,” he said.
Lehman wanted full disclosure on the cost of the cameras, including the cost of the manpower needed to use the system.
“There will be an impact to the Barrie Police Service if we install cameras, including ongoing maintenance and securing video if it’s going to be used in an evidentiary circumstance,” said Chief Mark Neelin.
He expects a few officers will be required to train others with the initial setup, for things like making sure cameras are facing the right way while recording.
After the first two months, Neelin expects the operating costs to decrease.
He stressed to Lehman that the camera costs will be a reason he’ll ask for more money next year.
“We would keep this as a separate item in the operating budget for 2012, because we want to be able to point out the cost of the cameras,” said Neelin.

EXAMINER ARTICLE RE SEPARATION DISTANCES FOR BARS, ETC.

2011-09-01T13:02:50Z

Examiner article - Aug. 31/11

New rules eyed for bars

Big nightclubs a no-no for downtown, association says

By Ian McInroy – Barrie Examiner

Determining where, or if, large nightclubs should be located in the city will be the subject of an upcoming public meeting.

Council gave initial approval for the meeting on Monday.

Residents, business people and developers will be asked for their input about new zoning regulations for restaurants, bars, taverns and nightclubs as set out in a staff report received by councillors. But before nightclubs can be regulated, they have to be defined, said Coun. Lynn Strachan, whose ward includes the downtown area.

"Currently, a nightclub is not defined in any zoning bylaw," she said.

"We want to set up a definition which would help us regulate where they go in the city. We want to ensure there are not too many in the downtown area and to ensure they're not within 200 metres of residential areas."

The report also suggested nightclubs have a maximum capacity of 600 people (including a patio) and be at least 200 metres from another nightclub.

Ben Strudwick, co-chairman of the Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association, said the group is in favour of regulating any new nightclubs.

"We don't want anymore large bars downtown. They already have a maximum capacity of 6,200 leaving the bars at closing time," he said. "That's an awful lot of people to be let out at the same time in a concentrated area.

"It's noisy, it's not very friendly and it leads to confrontations between patrons exiting the bars."

Strudwick says the noise from downtown patios and bars is already "cheek and jowl with downtown residents," noting residential towers along Dunlop and Bayfield streets will soon be joined by another development across from the bus station and two eight-storey buildings — which will include 150 condominiums, a grocery store, and a retail component that will include a bank and office space — at the northeast corner of Collier and Mulcaster streets.

"The noise concern is one we're on about at the moment. If you're going to have residents downtown, you have to enforce the bylaws," Strudwick said. "Many of the bars have been very co-operative, so it's been successful to a point."

But there are still issues with some of the establishments, he added.

Smaller watering holes are not the issue, Strudwick said.

"We're not against the local kind of pub that has 30 or 40 people or plaza bars. We're against large bars in close proximity to each other," he said. "We want to leave space between them to diversify and invite other small shop owners to the area.

"We need little shops to attract people downtown."

Strudwick says the association is also concerned about future development on Bradford Street.

"We don't want Bradford Street to turn into another Dunlop Street. The density of people is there and the opportunity is there for big bar businesses," he said. "With some controls going in place, the city can control the growth in that area."

Strachan says the city intends to do that.

"There are a lot of opportunities on Bradford Street. It is critical in the development of the downtown and city centre," she said. "We have to make sure it's the right mix of uses.

"If the changes (to the zoning bylaw) were passed, it would ensure we don't have any nightclubs on Bradford Street. They'd be too close to residents," she said, alluding to people living in nearby condos or homeowners on residential streets in the area.

Strachan says certain areas of the city are developing their own character.

Collier Street is an area of legal professionals, Dunlop Street is for entertainment, bars and shopping and Bradford Street would be a transitional area with mixed uses of residential and retail.

"It behooves us to improve the downtown so its residents and the increased density of people there have some place to walk and shop," Strudwick said.

The public meeting to gather input about zoning bylaw changes is likely to take place in the late fall or early winter, according to clerk Dawn McAlpine.

imcinroy@thebarrieexaminer.com

MEETING TIME AND INFO

2011-08-26T15:40:33Z

The nexr meeting is Wednesday, September 14 at 7:00 P.M. at the Steckly-Gooderham Funeral Home on Worsley Street.

The minimum distance separation bylaw study about bars comes before council Monday, August 29. You can see the report at this website.

http://barrie.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=969559&GUID=1520616B-0E2A-4DE8-8C37-9E4723FB24CF&Options=&Search

MEETING AGENDA - AUGUST 10, 2011

2011-08-09T00:55:38Z

Crime Prevention, Safety and Long Term Planning Meeting

Wednesday, Aug. 10 - 7 p.m.

Agenda

Chair: Sharon

Secretary: Irene

1. Minutes of July 13.11.

2. Dawn McAlpine, City Clerk

- Liquor License Applications- comments & concerns (&requests to city hall)

. how to respond, what things to mention, how to phrase letter to be effective

3. Follow-up - Minimum distance for bars/taverns & rooming houses downtown.

Lynn Strachan, Councellor Ward 2.

4. Video Cameras – letter to Council/Police Services - update.

5. Next candidate for upcoming provincial election ? NDP candidate?

Other Business…..

Next Meeting Date: Wed. Sept. 14. or 21 - 7 p.m.

MEETING MINUTES-BDNA JULY13, 2011

2011-07-28T13:14:16Z

Barrie Crime Prevention , Safety and Long Term Planning Meeting

July 13, 2011

Present: Bryan, Steve, Irene, Ben, Stephen, Jack, Justin, Mike, Lynn

Meeting called to order @ 7:00pm

1. Minutes of June 15, 2011 adopted and posted.

2. Boarding and Rooming house minimum separation distance by-law report is being worked on but no specifics as this time, working with property standards on the amount of people in the rooming house with bathroom facilities to include health issues and fire safety.

3. Video Camera update – We want the cameras to be public, not police cameras, need to have policy, procedures and the economics of the cameras and submit letter to Barrie council along with BIA support. Police Services Board passed the motion for cameras with all the cost for 10 to 15 cameras and submit to the City

4. Bar Noise Update – Capacity of patrons is defined by the Fire Dept. According to the square feet. The AGC issues licence for patio. Building code establishes the amount of people. The Bar noise level at 11:00pm is getting better and is sporadic. No resident can make a complaint before 11:00pm.

5. Webb site cost is $35.00 short.

6. New Business – New ideas are needed to improve the downtown. Need one place for Social Services and stop the Drop off from Penetang.

7. Next Meeting at Community Health Centre on Aug. 10, 2011 at 7:00pm

8. Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm

MEETING MINUTES - JUNE 15, 2011

2011-07-11T14:20:25Z

Barrie Crime Prevention, Safety and Long Term Planning Committee

Meeting Minutes - JUNE 15, 2011

MEETING BEGAN @ 7:00 PM

PRESENT: Sharon, Steve, Jack, Ben, Irene, Kelly, Justin, Janet, Amber,

Guest: Andrew Miller

1. Minutes of May 11, 2011 passed.

2. Andrew Miller is the Green Party Candidate for Barrie in the Provincial Election this fall

Mr. Miller lives downtown and runs a local business called Back to Basics. Green party platform

Includes – job creation, safe affordable energy, quality health care close to home, supporting local

farmers and food production and a transparent and open government.

With Trillium grant he started 5 community gardens. Working to find a new home for the Busby

Centre and other social service agencies. Creating jobs by starting a small lawn care & bicycle

repair and messenger business. The Arts, Food and Music Studio is opening on July 15^th on

Toronto Street. Artists to give workshops. He showed examples of how shipping containers can

be used as homes and offices.

Mr. Miller also on many local committees – i.e. Georgian College, City of Barrie

He feels more resources are needed for prevention and to attract more doctors and Nurse

Practitioners to Health Care.

Website: www.backtobasicscanada.com. Also on Facebook and Twitter.

3. Boarding &Rooming Houses – Jack

There was a discussion of the 0 need for separation distance for boarding and rooming houses.

This includes a review of standards for fire and health codes as we have a large number of

transient people. Cindy has done work in this area and should be involved in any future

discussions

4. Video Camera - information meeting held at City Hall. A report will be written.

5. Bar Noise - BIA is behind the noise by-law.

6. BDNA interested in hearing from the NDP and Liberal Candidates platforms. No candidates

Selected at this time.

7. Next meeting will be held Wed July 13^th, 2011 at 7:00 pm - Ben to chair person. Will let everyone

Know location.

8. Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.

Examiner Article re Video Cameras

2011-06-28T23:28:30Z

Success in principal. There's a ways to go before implementation, but it's coming. Article in the Eaminer today about the Police Board meeting.

Thanks to all who helped along the way.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Smile, you're on downtown camera

Police board gives initial approval

By BOB BRUTON, Barrie Examiner

Updated 4 hours ago

Security cameras in downtown Barrie have the green light.

The city's police board gave initial approval Tuesday to the project, which has a starting cost of about $300,000.

"There is interest in the community to have these cameras installed," Police Chief Mark Neelin said.

"I've been surprised at how overwhelming support has been," Mayor Jeff Lehman said. "I think we have a sense of what level of interest there is in the community."

Community response was measured through phone calls, e-mails, surveys and media polls, and 62% of those who responded were in favour of having security cameras downtown.

The Downtown BIA has already endorsed the concept.

Neelin will come back to the police board with some hard numbers on what staffing, monitoring and maintenance costs would be for 10 to 12 cameras in the downtown, then the matter would go to city council, possibly as early as Aug. 8.

The police board gave unanimous approval to a motion Tuesday that it endorses installing security cameras in the downtown — if they can be funded with an acceptable impact on the police operating budget.

Lehman said this would be considered a service level increase by Barrie police, something that is considered by council in city departments on a regular basis.

Neelin said security cameras would increase demands on the police information technology staff. But the security cameras wouldn't be actively viewed by police and set to monitor a general area. They wouldn't always be in the same location, either. The police communications centre would have a monitor and staff would be able to watch it.

There would have to be someone responsible to make sure the system functions properly, the necessary records are maintained, maintenance is done and footage is retrieved, as required.

"While I have not found any hard statistics to relate to a percentage drop in the crime rate in the monitored areas, the feeling is that the cameras do assist in deterring crime," Neelin said. "There have been some crimes which have been solved with the assistance of the video."

City police looked at security cameras in Sudbury, Sturgeon Falls, London, Windsor, Toronto, Trenton, Cobourg and Cornwall.

While the city would be responsible for costs associated with the cameras, that price could be offset by provincial funding through the proceeds-of-crime grants and private/public partnerships.

Lehman said a number of city groups have approached him about helping with community projects, and this could be one. The mayor also said PowerStream might be able to help with the installation, as the cameras would be in elevated positions.

Last summer, the police board instructed Neelin to investigate security cameras, in consultation with the Downtown Barrie Neighbourhood Association and the Downtown Barrie BIA. How many cameras would be used, where they would go, how they would be deployed and cost were all to be part of the chief's investigation.

Many private businesses already use video cameras inside their buildings and on their property for security reasons. Police also use these recorded images to investigate crimes and possibly identify suspects.

Barrie's Transit Terminal had 10 security cameras installed at its Maple Street building a few years ago. Cabling, digital equipment and computer monitors are also part of the system.

The security camera images at the bus station are recorded, but not constantly monitored. There are also security personnel at the downtown terminal.

The city also has security cameras — about 50 — in its Collier Street parking garage. Their images are also just recorded and not actively monitored.

In 2001, the city looked at installing video surveillance cameras in the downtown area. But conflicting federal and provincial positions on the legality of surveillance, even in high-crime areas, and the potential for court challenges in cities where cameras are already used, stopped the plans.

bbruton@thebarrieexaminer.com

MEETING AGENDA - JUNE 15, 2011

2011-06-16T23:34:59Z

Crime Prevention, Safety and Long Term Planning Meeting

Wednesday, June 15 - 7 p.m.

Agenda

Chair: Sharon

Secretary: Jayne

1. Minutes of May 11. 11 passed.

2. Andrew Miller – Green Party Candidate for Barrie

- for the Provincial Election this fall.

3. Upgrading current standards for boarding and rooming houses

- separation bylaw

4. Updates:

5. Next candidate for upcoming provincial election ?

July Meeting

Other Business…..

Next Meeting Date: Wed. July 13.11, 7 p.m.

EXAMINER ARTICLE - JUNE 15, 2011

2011-06-16T01:47:31Z

Many residents feel camera ready

‘They would be another tool in the arsenal of the police’

By Ian McInroy – Barrie Examiner

Updated 4 hours ago

Smile, you could soon be on a surveillance camera.

Barrie police want to find out how residents feel about the installation of the cameras in problem areas downtown.

To that end, they held open discussions at City Hall on Tuesday about the use of surveillance cameras, and whether they should be used at all.

It's a no-brainer for Ben Strudwick, of the Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association, who thinks they're a great idea.

"I believe the cameras would be a deterrent to some mischief makers, would help identify some perpetrators of mischief and would help to create an umbrella of safety downtown," he said. "They would be another tool in the arsenal of the police to assist in maintaining order downtown."

Shelley-Ann Maxwell isn't so sure the cameras are a tool the police should have, however.

"It's a problem when the state would want to surveil us through the use of cameras. It treats the citizenry as if they were suspects," she said. "It goes against our basic rights to freedom and is the beginning of a slippery slope."

Maxwell said surveillance cameras don't necessarily mean safer streets.

"Our police force is doing a good job, I feel safe downtown," she said. "We're under surveillance enough and it gives us a false sense of security."

"There are no statistics that say (it increases safety)," she added.

Barrie police Chief Mark Neelin agrees there are no definitive statistics to prove how effective cameras are, but has talked to officials from other municipalities who say they work.

"From other communities I've looked at and police chiefs I've spoken with, they all report an increase in the feeling of security," he said. "People feel there are additional eyes monitoring the area."

Neelin said he wants to hear from citizens and whether they would like to see the cameras installed.

"If they do, the next phase will be to look at a funding model," he said, adding it would be up to the Barrie Police Services Board to decide if the cameras are warranted, and then up to city council to decide whether or not to fund them. He said a ballpark figure for the cameras would be about $30,000 each, but that is very preliminary and before any costing has been done.

The city would pay for the cameras and the private sector, service clubs, and various grant agencies could also be tapped for money.

"I would like to get a report to the (police) board this month and then they'll review it," Neelin said, adding it would be up to the board to decide where the cameras would be placed.

The cameras would be placed in strategic areas downtown and could be relocated if necessary, he added.

"There would be passive monitoring of the cameras. No one would be dedicated to watching them," the chief said, adding they would allow police to investigate crimes that are recorded.

There is currently no legislation in Canada addressing the use of surveillance cameras. They would not be able to look into businesses or private residences and they wouldn't have audio monitoring capability.

Strudwick said he'd like to see them used to monitor activity around downtown bars, as well as "shadowy" areas like alleyways where there is the potential for drug dealing or prostitution.

"If the downtown is to be revitalized, we must start with a perception of change and safety. Cameras will help to create that perception," he said.

imcinroy@thebarrieexaminer.com