Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association Blog

PETITION TO HIDE DRUG PARAPHERNALIA FROM SITE

Ben Strudwick — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:23:00 GMT

If you believe, as we do, that drug paraphernalia should not be openly displayed for our children to see, then please go to this site to sign the petition and support our efforts.

Thanks.

http://www.barriemeansbusiness.com/phpPETITION/

BARRIE ADVANCE ARTICLE RE OVER-SERVING AND L.L.A. COMMITTEE

Ben Strudwick — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:16:00 GMT

Michele Lawson, STAFF
Aug 31, 2010 - 3:19 PM

City wants over-serving addressed

BARRIE - A letter will be sent to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) on behalf of the city to express the city’s concern regarding the impact of over-serving in licenced establishments downtown, to request additional enforcement of licencing violations.

City staff will also investigate alternatives related to the review of future liquor licence applications, including the merit of establishing a liquor licence review committee, similar to that in Kitchener, and report back to general committee on the implications associated with any proposed change to the processing of liquor licences.

In an approved amendment to the motion proposed by Ward 2 Coun. Jeff Lehman and adjusted by Ward 5 Coun. Lynn Strachan, council agreed to invite key stakeholders to meet at their earliest convenience to form a working group to discuss enforcement issues and negative impact, and then report back to general committee.

LETTER FROM JULIE LAPIERRE

Ben Strudwick — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:09:00 GMT

Thought I'd pass along this email from Julie to encourage us all to continue to work towards solutions for the downtown.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hello Everyone

I attended a few of your meetings(BDNA) this year as a result of my son Patrick's brutal unprovoked attack in Barrie just before last Christmas. Your group seems to be headed in the right direction from a residents perspective in trying to clean up the downtown area. I have to admit that my son, daughter, myself (with the exception of attending your meetings)and any of our friends have not ventured downtown since his attack either in the day or night time. I know you are working so hard to make things better.

After this past weekends chaos I have to ask what are the politicians, police and bar owners doing to deal with these issues. At your meetings, we were told that extra officers where hired for the downtown and in the e-mails I have been receiving, the AGCO is also involved. A friend pointed out to me that after the murder a few weeks back the police's take was that it was "an isolated incident" we all know that this is not the case. Why are the police and elected officials downplaying the dangers in downtown Barrie? This question has been asked of me over and over again and from the information I have gathered this problem is not new and has
been around for many many years. The numbers of incidents are actually higher because many of the incidents and altercations go unreported to the police, the answer when I ask why they didn't report was simple, "Barrie Police will do nothing, unless they absolutely have to"

Now I have assured people over and over again that if they don't report it, the police can not do anything but the faith in the Barrie Police Force is gone. I know the media reports on the information they are given from the police and that even when we went through our trauma, Bob Bruton contacted the police for information but I believe he got most of it from us! My main concern is with all that is going on downtown and with your group working so hard to get things done (cameras, drug paraphernalia removed etc) why are the Barrie politicians, bar owners and police taking so long to get on board. There seems to be a lot of talk from them but not a lot of action!!

Keep up your wonderful work!!

Thank you for listening

Julie Lapierre

BARRIE EXAMINER ARTICLE ON DOWNTOWN

Ben Strudwick — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:57:00 GMT

It's happening!!!!!!!

Downtown crackdown

News

Posted By BOB BRUTON BARRIE EXAMINER

Posted 1 day ago

Downtown Barrie could soon get a dose of tougher medicine.

City council decided Monday to take measures aimed at stricter enforcement and influencing liquor licence requests to help control the core's problems.

The city will send the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which issues liquor licences, a request for more enforcement and to convey the city's concerns about over-serving alcohol in downtown bars.

City staff will also investigate the merits of establishing a liquor licence review committee in Barrie, similar to Kitchener's, to look at future applications.

Coun. Jeff Lehman, who represents the downtown, also called for an immediate meeting of all the involved parties -- including the AGCO.

"This motion is far from enough to cure downtown's ills, it is only part of the solution. We need all the parties to come to the table -- the bar owners, the associations, enforcement (police, AGCO, bylaw enforcement)," he said. "As you may know, council supported hiring four additional officers for downtown earlier this year, and the police board is now working on a proposal for security cameras, following the working group meetings I called earlier in the summer. These are also part of the solution."

Lehman said he will be calling the stakeholders Tuesday morning to start working on what can be done to stop what he calls the "closing time chaos" downtown.

"There has been a real need to get all the parties together," he said. "This is a good next step."

The idea is to be proactive, instead of just reactive, where new liquor licences are concerned.

Coun. Alex Nuttall says that liquor licence applications regularly appear on the city's circulation list of weekly correspondence, and council members can always give their opinion on these applications.

But more needs to be done.

"I think we need to stop being reactionary and be proactive in the way we treat liquor licence applications," he said. "I hope for more stringent regulations, in terms of new licences."

Nuttall said, in the same breath, that he doesn't want to paint all drinking establishments in Barrie's downtown with the same brush.

"Those who break the rules should face the consequences, and those who obey should be thanked for operating within the rules," he said.

Whether the AGCO responds to the city's request is another matter. It has five inspectors -- three civilians and two OPP officers -- who work in its central region office -- from Brighton to Collingwood and from Huntsville to Bradford. Inspectors focus on establishments that have had compliance issues in the past.

A local liquor licence review committee could have limited impact, although it's based on a model that has had some success.

More than a decade ago, Kitchener was struggling with about 17,000 bar seats in a 10-block radius in its downtown.

City staff determined the best plan was to use the Liquor Licence Act itself. Clause 6(2)(h) says "a licence may be refused if it 'is not in the public interest having regards to the needs and benefits of the residents of the municipality in which the premises is located'."

So Kitchener established a liquor licensing review committee to oversee any application in the downtown core, using criteria set by its city council. This review and any recommendations are sent to the AGCO, although the application is ultimately the commission's decision. City officials there say Kitchener has had success when opposing a licence by having conditions added or a hearing held on the application.

City police will report back to Barrie's police board about security cameras at its Sept. 21 meeting. Lehman would also like separation distances for future bars, which could be controlled through the zoning bylaw.

The Downtown Neighbourhood Association asked council earlier this month for a six-month ban on any new or expanded downtown bars, saying the area had reached or surpassed a sustainable number of liquor licences for late-night bars and clubs.

Council took no action on the request.

The association has said excessive noise, drunken rowdies, vandals, street fights and sexual assaults are concerns there, and that there's a relation to the high concentration of bars in the downtown.

An Aug. 14 stabbing death in the downtown has heightened concerns, as has a brawl at a bar this past weekend which left two Barrie men cut and injured.

bbruton@thebarrieexaminer.com

Article ID# 2735662

BARRIE EXAMINER - VIDEO CAMERAS, AUG 27, 2010

Ben Strudwick — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 01:52:00 GMT

Camera idea rolling

Local News

Posted By Bob Bruton

Updated 10 hours ago

Another set of eyes could be watching downtown Barrie.

City police are looking into security cameras in the central core, for crime prevention, an investigative tool, or both.

Barrie's police board instructed Chief Mark Neelin this week to investigate the matter, in consultation with the Downtown Neighbourhood Association and the Downtown Barrie BIA.

"He's to look at all the options," said Doug Jure, police board chairman. "Any way we can improve the chief's ability to carry out an investigation, we should look at it."

How many cameras, where they would go, how they would be deployed and the cost will all be part of Neelin's investigation.

Jure said there are also privacy and liability concerns to consider.

"If we do 24/7 monitoring and we miss something (that's) on the camera. . ." he said.

Jure said the city has looked at security cameras in other municipalities' downtowns, but there's no one model Barrie could follow.

Janet Kemp, BIA chairwoman, said it will be involved in the new talks about security cameras. But her board looked at this issue two and a half years ago and decided not to move forward with it.

"Alone, they are not going to solve the problem. There are other things we could do," she said. "It might send a message of safety, but also that things aren't safe. So it is a two-sided coin."

As the owner of Janet Kemp Ladies Fashion on Dunlop Street East, she doesn't agree with security cameras.

"It's an invasion of my customers' privacy," Kemp said.

Coun. Jeff Lehman says a late-July meeting with the BIA, Downtown Neighbourhood Association and the police produced the request to look at security cameras.

"I think cameras can be a valuable tool for the police to help combat the problems downtown, especially the problems when the bars close," said Lehman, who represents the downtown. "There are a lot of details to be worked out, and some privacy concerns, but I think they could be a big help."

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.

Jure said security cameras have been discussed recently by the Downtown Neighbourhood Association, but a fatal Aug. 14 stabbing in Barrie's downtown brought surveillance to the forefront again.

"I think the stabbing just highlighted the issue and ignited the discussion," he said.

Jure said the installation of security cameras is a decision Barrie's police board can make, unless the price is prohibitive.

"If we don't have the budget, then it goes to city hall," he said. "We don't have the budget to hire officers to man the cameras."

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 identify suspects.

"The Queen's (Hotel) has security cameras and they have assisted the police in investigations," Jure said.

Barrie's Transit Terminal had 10 security cameras installed at its 24 Maple St. building about a year ago. Cabling, digital equipment and computer monitors were also part of the package.

George Keveckas, the city's transit manager, said the security camera images at the bus station are recorded, but not constantly monitored. There are also security personnel at the downtown terminal.

Keveckas noted that while he is not a security expert, he believes the cameras have been effective.

"I think that it's awareness," he said of the surveillance.

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

Neelin's report on the cameras is to be presented to the police board during its Sept. 21 meeting.

bbruton@thebarrieexaminer.com

Article ID# 2732592

BARRIE ADVANCE - VIDEO CAMERAS DOWNTOWN

Ben Strudwick — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:58:00 GMT

Michele Lawson, STAFF Aug 26, 2010 - 6:00 AM

Neelin to get an angle on cameras

BARRIE - Having presented an overview of how other municipalities implemented security cameras, Police Chief Mark Neelin was given the go ahead to study the reactions and implications of a similar project in Barrie.

“He is to consult with interested organizations and agencies to prepare a report for the board to consider,” said board chair Doug Jure, who describes Neelin’s mandate as determining the city’s support level, what role the cameras would play, as well as the associated costs, liability and privacy issues.

“He certainly must consult with the (Downtown Barrie) BIA and the Downtown Barrie Neighbourhood Association, but he’s open to consult with others who many have an interest in this.”

Neelin’s previous report, which was presented to the board Tuesday afternoon, surveyed camera programs in seven other Ontario municipalities. Each city adopted a different model.

Sudbury, for example, has had 10 security cameras operating since 1996. Communications staff and civilian volunteers at the Greater Sudbury Police Service monitor them. The local Lion’s Club funds this initiative, Neelin reported.

Hamilton’s 15 cameras, however, are funded by the city, with the police paying for the monitoring – which is done by the service’s duty officers from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Activity outside that period is recorded only.

Neelin also gathered varying data from London, Thunder Bay, Windsor, Cornwall and Sturgeon Falls.

“So in a lot of ways, we’re on our own with this,” said Jure.

Neelin is expected to report back to the board with the results of his second survey at the Sept. 21 regular meeting. The public is welcome to attend the 4:30 p.m. meeting, which is held at the police station on Sperling Drive.

“I believe it’s something that’s worth looking into,” said the chief, who hasn’t yet decided on a structure for the community consultation. “There are some issues to be worked out.”

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario has produced guidelines to help municipalities develop a policy.

“Government organizations are considering the implementation of video surveillance technology with increasing frequency for the purposes of general law enforcement and public safety programs,” according to the commissioner’s report. “In limited and defined circumstances, video surveillance cameras may be appropriate to protect public safety, detect or deter, and assist in the investigation of criminal activity.”

Although privacy issues are on the list of issues the chief intends to investigate, he says he has an open agenda at this point.

“We have a feel for what other municipalities are doing, and now we are having a look at what the potential Barrie situation could be,” he said.

Neelin suggests interested organizations monitor the police website (www.police.barrie.on.ca) for public-meeting notices.

mlawson@simcoe.com

FIGHT TO LIMIT NOISE AND BARS DOWNTOWN

Ben Strudwick — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:33:00 GMT

THE BARRIE EXAMINER - AUGUST 24, 2010

Spillover no thrill

Local News

Posted By RAYMOND BOWE, BARRIE EXAMINER

Updated 1 hour ago

More than a dozen downtown Barrie bars and nightclubs can hold just shy of 6,200 people, which the Downtown Neighbourhood Association says is a lot of patrons spilling out onto the street at closing time.

It's not likely that every establishment would be filled to capacity on any given night, but it provides a snapshot of the crowds that can be found downtown in the wee hours of a weekend morning.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario says it's not up to them to decide how many bars are located within a certain area, but rather, the municipality.

"The AGCO is not the determinant of (bar)concentration," said spokesperson Lisa Murray, adding that responsibility falls on the municipality, which issues business licences and oversees zoning. "That is something that belongs to the community and the municipality ... as opposed to the AGCO saying, 'You have too many here and not enough there'."

Barrie's Downtown Neighbourhood Association has asked city council for a six-month ban on any new or expanded bars to allow for public debate. The group wants a task force struck -- including citizens, police, business owners, licensing and regulatory body officials, city officials and staff -- to develop a plan of action.

Association member Mike Fox says the group isn't necessarily against more bars in the city centre.

"Not adding more bars will not solve the problems that are already present,"Fox said. "What is an entertainment district supposed to look like?What's Dunlop Street supposed to look like? I envision fine-dining and theatre and some respectable nightlife. I didn't envision thousands of people being over-served and dumped into the street at two o'clock in the morning.

"We believe we've passed that saturation (point), based on the ability to control the (bars) already there," Fox added.

Crowd control is key, Fox said, "so that our police aren't running off their feet trying to subdue thousands of well-lubricated individuals."

Fox hopes the moratorium will give the city a chance to fix what's happening.

"We need to look at the downtown and see what it's going to take to make ita livable environment with a quality of life that's good for everyone in the area," he said.

Although Fox lives west of the FivePoints, he said "life is not bearable" for association members living east of Bayfield Street.

"A popular quote with some of our membersis they live one beer from downtown, which means Saturday morning it's(their) job to clean up the broken bottles."

When the AGCO issues a liquor licence, Murray said compliance letters from fire, building and health officials are crucial, but the commission also looks elsewhere before making a final decision.

"We want to make sure an establishment has met all of the municipal requirements," she said."Certainly, if there is an objection from the city council, that does carry weight with the board in terms of its decision."

"There is a bit of finger-pointing back and forth," Fox said. "Any licence that comes down, most of the things that are concerns to us are not impacted in whether or not a licence is approved."

Before a licence is granted, the public can submit complaints or concerns to the AGCO, the most common being noise, Murray said.

One application that is pending with the AGCO is the Port of Barrie, which was smoked out by the Five Points fire in 2007. The commission has received five objections, Murray said. The deadline for public comment is Friday.

The Downtown Neighbourhood Association is looking at Kitchener and problems it faced about 10 years ago with its bar scene.

"Itwas exactly the same situation we are in, with too many bars and not enough control," Fox said, noting Kitchener formed its own liquor licence review committee.

While debate over the Barrie's bar scene is nothing new, it has become a hot topic in the last two weeks after a man was killed north of the Five Points right around bar closing time.

Barrie police are treating the fatal stabbing of 24-year-old Innisfil resident Troy Lush as a "rare and unfortunate incident" that could have happened anywhere in the city. Police say a fight broke out Aug. 14 between four men as the bars closed around 2 a.m.

rbowe@thebarrieexaminer.com twitter.com/Raymond Bowe

Article ID# 2727256

BAN DOWNTOWN BARS - NO MORE BARS

Ben Strudwick — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:25:00 GMT

Michele Lawson, STAFF - Aug 24, 2010 - 6:00 AM

Ban new downtown bars: residents

Ban new downtown bars: residents. A group of Barrie residents would like to see no new liquor applications approved for Barrie’s downtown. Scott McInnis is the owner of The Random Ranch in downtown Barrie. Violence in the downtown area is under increased scrutiny as the result of a recent stabbing death. Stan Howe photo

BARRIE - Downtown residents want a ban on bars.

The violent death of 24-year-old Troy Lush in the heart of Barrie’s core has prompted the area residents’ association to ask council to institute a temporary “freeze on permits to potential new bars” in the city centre.

In the meantime, the Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association (BDNA) wants a community-impact study done.

“The stabbing may be just the last straw,” said Mike Fox in a telephone interview. He and seven others comprise the BDNA steering committee responsible for submitting an open letter to council members. “It was time to stand up and say enough is enough.”

The call for a task force of stakeholders details ongoing complaints involving excessive noise and destructive behaviour, concluding “we have reached or surpassed a sustainable number of liquor licenses for late-night bars and clubs in our city centre, with several pending applications and possible new ones on the horizon.”

Even as the letter circulates throughout city hall, a placard sits in the window of the long-closed Port of Barrie near the Five Points detailing a current application for a liquor licence. The submission deadline for questions or comments is Aug. 27. To date, there have been five objections filed, including one from Ward 2 Coun. Jeff Lehman.

“We haven’t received anything from the city,” said Lisa Murray, spokesperson for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

But while bars can’t be held 100 per cent responsible for the problems downtown, said The Ranch owner Scott McInnes, bar owners do play a part in keeping the community safe.

With 32 cameras in and around the bar, fully trained staff, and redundant security measures, the owner of the largest country bar in Canada said bar owners should all be held to the same duty of care and work closely with each other to share patron information.

According to city clerk Dawn McAlpine, liquor licences are issued by the AGCO and, while the municipality has an opportunity to comment (as does anyone) or add conditions, it doesn’t get the final say on the issuance of a licence.

“A business licence is required for a new premise,” McAlpine added, “But we can't just arbitrarily deny a business licence if all of the requirements are met.”

“This was a particularly brutal and reprehensible act that has shaken us all,” said The Bank nightclub owner Kevin Bubel about the recent stabbing. He agrees a further study into the situation is warranted. “The neighbourhood association has a right to be concerned as we all are.”

Rob Hamilton, who owns The Roxx and The Queen’s Hotel, said the root problem that needs to be addressed is the lack of clientele downtown for daytime-oriented businesses causing them to leave the area or locate elsewhere in the first place.

“The only interest (in vacant downtown real estate) is from the hospitality sector,” he said, wanting to focus more on attracting new residents and employees to the area. “That’s the real fix.”

The BDNA open letter to council is part of Monday night’s agenda package, which is online here.

mlawson@simcoe.com

DOWNTOWN CCTV - VIDEO CAMERAS - AUGUST 2010

Ben Strudwick — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:22:00 GMT

Michele Lawson, STAFF - Aug 17, 2010 - 6:00 AM

Downtown cameras on agenda

BARRIE - Could security cameras have saved Troy Lush?

In the wake of Lush’s downtown stabbing death, Barrie’s Police Services Board is meeting to discuss the merits of installing security cameras throughout the downtown core. But Lush’s death isn’t the catalyzing factor – the proposal has been in the works for weeks, having been brought to the board’s attention last month by Ward 2 Coun. Jeff Lehman.

Lehman has been working with the downtown neighbourhood association, merchants and police, according to board chair Doug Jure.

Next week’s regularly scheduled Police Services Board meeting agenda will include the merits of installing cameras throughout the city core. But it will be more than a faceless policy debate following the 24-year-old’s stabbing death Saturday.

Jure expects the debate to cover the potential effectiveness of the proposed cameras: will they deter crime or simply record it; and the associated costs, which could include additional officers to monitor the action around the clock at the police station’s communication centre.

If the board decides to go forward with a camera program and can implement it within its existing budget, there is no barrier going forward. If it requires additional funds, the matter will come before city council.

Mayor Dave Aspden, who also sits on the board, is adamant in his support of downtown cameras – especially in light of the recent violence.

“It’s madness,” he said in a telephone interview, expressing his condolences to the families involved. “There is no need for that.”

Aspden said he believes safety would be served by installing cameras.

“Even if it doesn’t deter crime, it’ll sure help the investigation,” he explained, calling for stronger sentences from the courts, for municipalities to control the hours of operation of bars, and for financial support from other levels of government to support safety measures.

“The provinces and feds should look at supplying the funds for security cameras,” he said. “It’ll reduce the cost of policing, health care and court (proceedings).”

Jure said the board will consider the possibility of complementing the camera coverage already existing downtown from private-sector interests who already cooperate with Barrie police.

Police Chief Mark Neelin is expected to make a presentation to the board Aug. 24 about the effectiveness of cameras to deter crime.

“If he doesn’t have the tools to carry out investigations effectively and efficiently, that’s where we come in,” Jure said.

mlawson@simcoe.com

POT PIPES TO BE OUT OF SIGHT - JUNE 2010

Ben Strudwick — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:18:00 GMT

Michele Lawson, STAFF - Jun 10, 2010 - 6:00 AM

Group wants pot pipes out of sight

Group wants pot pipes out of sight. While bongs of all sizes are available in several independent variety stories, it’s the smaller pipes that are most popular among high-school students, says store staff Michele Lawson photo

BARRIE - If you have the munchies or even want them, variety stores have a selection of items to satisfy.

“It’s one of my pet peeves,” said Kelly Doran, who is spearheading a Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association (BDNA) campaign to have drug paraphernalia removed from corner-shop displays. “I was in a variety store within walking distance of work and right beside the candy bars was a five-foot display full of this crap.”

She isn’t as concerned about the same products offered at nearby specialty shops.

“I won’t frequent them because I don’t want that, but I don’t want to see it when I go for milk,” said Doran. “And I don’t want my children to see it.”

Ward 2 Coun. Jeff Lehman confirmed the city’s legal department is looking into a possible bylaw.

“I think it’s a great idea,” he told The Advance.

In the meantime, the BDNA plans to ask offending shopkeepers to voluntarily remove or restrict displays.

“We’re not naïve, we know this isn’t going to stop drug use,” Doran said. “But if you don’t see it in front of your face all the time, you’ll be distracted by something else – hopefully something legal.”

A staff member at Anne’s Variety said the small, inexpensive pipes on display are popular with teenagers.

A block away, Maple Convenience owner Ron Kim said he restricts sales to adults.

He reports a decrease in business since the recession and the Five Points fire several years ago.

“If they ban (smoking tools), hopefully they’ll replace it with something,” he added, voicing a desire to sell alcohol.

Although the Canadian Criminal Code bans “instruments or literature for illicit drug use,” Barrie Police Chief Wayne Frechette said this merchandise falls through the legislative cracks because it can also be used for tobacco.

“There’s also a loosening attitude in marijuana – at least in the courts,” said Frechette. “You can get caught with a pocketful of dope and nobody’s going to jail.”

The district health unit, whose chronic disease prevention – tobacco department enforces tobacco display and sales laws, is also powerless in this.

“Accessories aren’t covered in the Smoke-Free Ontario Act,” said department supervisor John Niddery.

mlawson@simcoe.com

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH PROGRAM - MARCH 2010

Ben Strudwick — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:13:00 GMT

Michele Lawson, STAFF Mar 11, 2010 - 6:00 AM

Downtown residents form Neighbourhood Watch

Downtown residents form neighbourhood watch. Barrie Police Const. Angela Butler and Sharon Wozniak are organizing a downtown Neighbourhood Watch. Stan Howe photo

BARRIE - A downtown resident association is the latest in the city to initiate a neighbourhood watch program, according to Barrie’s crime prevention officer Const. Angela Butler.

“There are now more than 50 neighbourhood watch programs throughout the city,” said Butler, who has helped establish five of those programs since she took over her new role last fall.

“Your neighbours are more likely to know who you are – your visitors, your schedules – than police on patrol. It’s definitely a proactive approach to creating a safe city.”

The Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association (BDNA) originally discussed a watch program when the resident group was in the early stages of organizing last year, but got serious about going forward with the initiative last month.

“It took us months to just get formed and decide what direction we wanted to go in,” recalled BDNA member Karen Fox, who attended a public information with Butler late last month.

“We’re at the stage where we’re recruiting for participants,” reported Mike Fox, a member of the BDNA’s crime and safety committee. “Right now we’re looking for captains for the neighbourhoods. Then Const. Butler will run a more focused training session.”

Because of the expansive area included in the BDNA, many captains are required to provide full coverage.

“Some have 30 households, or even double that,” said Butler. “With everyone’s support we can do it. You don’t have to have the support of everyone, but that’s better.”

Fox said the group is first focusing on the residential area directly adjacent to the city’s commercial core.

“It’s not meant to be time intensive,” he explained. “If it gets to be too large an area, it’s too cumbersome and large to manage.”

The first step in establishing a watch is creating interest and hosting a meeting, Butler told a full house at the Barrie Community Health Centre.

The event began with a few words from Ward 2 Coun. Jeff Lehman who was instrumental in BDNA’s formation. MP Patrick Brown also showed up to reinforce the federal government’s commitment to crime prevention.

Once a group is committed to the program, Butler will distribute signage and homes are assessed to determine how to make them less attractive for criminal activity.

Getting a dog can also help, she suggested.

“It’s one of the best deterrents for break and enters,” she explains. “These are crimes of opportunity. They’ll think twice if they see the Beware of Dog sign. Dogs create noise and attract attention.”

Shrubbery and exterior lighting are also among the features of homes and businesses that are examined during a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessment.

Going forward, Butler will be supporting neighbourhood watches by posting a newsletter and tip sheet on the program website on the first day of each month.

For information on Barrie Neighbourhood Watch programming, click here, or call Butler at 725-7025, ext. 2926.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH PROGRAM STARTED FEB 2010

Ben Strudwick — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:11:00 GMT

Neighbourhood Watch program starting downtown

BARRIE - Downtown residents are invited to a Neighbourhood Watch information meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.

Sponsored by the Crime Prevention and Safety Committee of the Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association, the meeting is being held at the Barrie Community Health Centre at the corner of Maple Avenue and Ross Street.

The meeting will feature Barrie Police Const. Angela Butler of the Crime Prevention Unit, who will discuss implementing a Neighbourhood Watch program for downtown Barrie.

The program involves neighbours working together with Barrie Police Services to reduce crime in their neighbourhood.

For more information, call Sharon at 734-9690, ext. 241.

CITY OF BARRIE - PUBLIC MEETING

Ben Strudwick — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:46:00 GMT

A public meeting hasbeen scheduled for September 27, 2010 toestablish minimum separation distances for tattoo parlours, pawn shops, bodypiercing parlours, and payday loan establishments in the CityCentre.

Further details to follow as available.

PETITION AGAINST THE DISPLAY OF DRUG PARPHENALIA

Ben Strudwick — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:36:00 GMT

If you're against the display of drug paraphenalia in corner stores, please go to this site to read, and sign the peition, which we will be presenting to the city.

Thanks

http://www.barriemeansbusiness.com/phpPETITION/

REACTION TO OUR DOWNTOWN BARS POSITION

Ben Strudwick — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:06:00 GMT

This email is from Jeff Lehman, and I felt that it should be posted to show Jeff's support of our position. Jeff is quite right in saying that the letter should have been specific to the downtown core.

Ben

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Hello Ben and the BDNA Steering Committee – in advance of tonight’s council meeting I wanted to send you a note regarding the letter you sent to Council and to the media requesting a city-wide ban on new liquor licenses.

I will be pursuing a municipal resolution to the AGCO against more bars downtown. As you know, I think we may also be able to restrict the number of new bars in the core through zoning as well through the minimum separation distances. The public meeting on the zoning change for minimum separation distances on certain uses downtown will occur at Council in September, that initiative is already in the works and may have the effect of restricting or preventing more large bars in the downtown; however, the current motion does not address this issue so I am going to need to do some more work with Planning on this first.

In short though I agree with the intent of the letter and we were already moving in that direction with the proposal for a LLA review committee, like Kitchener.

However, the letter specifically requests a moratorium "on any and all licensed premises being established or expanded in Barrie". Was that the intent, or should it have read "in Downtown Barrie"? Why is the suggestion to ban all new licenses anywhere in the city?

I don’t believe Council will support a city-wide ban on all new licenses due to problems in one part of the city with one kind of establishment. I can’t support denying the Kelsey’s on Bryne Drive a liquor license because of the problems in Downtown Barrie. As another example, it so happens that the next item after your letter on the correspondence list at tonight’s meeting is an LLA application from a diner (capacity 40 people) on Huronia Road. This lady would like to be able to serve beer and wine at her restaurant in the industrial area near Big Bay Point and Huronia, which I don’t have a problem with. So I don't think we would want to put a moratorium on licenses in all of Barrie, most restaurants cannot survive without a license, and I'm not aware that the same problems exist in other parts of the city.

Also, I tend to think the problem downtown is not generally with restaurants, it's the nightclubs and bars. Frankly, the restaurants that have opened recently in the core are some of the few businesses that are coming downtown from other areas of the city, instead of going the other way. I really don’t think we want to prevent people like Marco Ormond, who opened the North Restaurant, from coming downtown. So I think the restrictions should apply to those establishments that are nightclubs and bars, not those that are fine dining restaurants. I recognize the distinction is blurred by some places that are restaurants in the evening but really become bars late at night, and it’s not always cut and dry, so we will need to make sure there aren’t loopholes on restrictions.

In summary I agree with the intent of the letter and frankly would go further than the moratorium you’ve suggested - I'd actually be ok with a ban, or a limit on total capacity downtown, or another equivalent permanent measure. However I really don't agree with a city-wide moratorium on all liquor licenses, and I'm quite sure Council will not support that, given the problems have been downtown and not in other areas of the city. That being said, I do think Council may support a freeze or even a ban on large club licenses downtown, and I intent to bring that forward as early as next Monday night. A motion tonight is not possible as 3 days notice is required to have the item on the agenda. I am in communication with the AGCO to make sure I’ve got the wording right. Tonight however, I will raise the matter during the Inquires section of Council, so if you’d like to see or hear the discussion, it will be around 7:30 PM I imagine, maybe a little later.

Jeff

p.s Ben could you pass this along to anyone on the Steering Committee that I missed, I am missing a few of their email addresses – thanks.

Jeff Lehman

Councillor Ward 2

Tel: 705-739-4272

MINUTES - STEERING COMMITTEE - AUG. 17, 2010

Ben Strudwick — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:00:00 GMT

Steering Committee

Minutes – Tuesday, August 17,2010

Present: Ben, Stephen, Sharon, Cindy, Geoff, Mike, Bryan, Jayne

Held in the Georgian Room,Barrie City Hall, at 8pm

· JACK:

It was discussed that while we value Jack's contributions to the Crime Prevention Committee, and realize that his motivations are good, he must let the Chair take control of the meetings, and refrain from being overly boisterous. He has been responsible for the loss of two members, when low membership is already a problem. He must respect people and the environment that he is in, or else he will be banned from attending future meetings. Low key counseling was considered the best way to deal with this situation, and it was agreed that Bryan and Stephen would speak to him.

· FUND RAISING:

Ben is looking into the possibility of staging a performance by himself and his choir in Hawkstone, where a part of the donations would be given to the BDNA.

Cindy suggested that we should show a presence downtown at the tree lighting ceremony in December, to tell people and answer questions about the BDNA, and have buckets available for donations. Then possibly follow up with Ben and his choir.

We need to plan events that get members actively involved, such as a well advertised fall activity, and a “Get Ready for Spring”event.

· STEERING COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

Ben made it clear that we are all equals, and that we all have one vote. We want to make sure all our publications are agreed upon by everyone, so that we appear to be professional, effective and united.

· WEB SITES:

Ken has changed his domain name from barriedna.com to barriemeansbusiness.com. Because barriedna.com was too close to our own domain name “barriedna.ca”, there was a danger that the public and members may have gotten them confused.

Our strategy for our web site blog is professionalism. www.barriemeansbusiness.com is a site where people can go to express themselves and share their individual views and also sign petitions. A link exchange will be a positive and constructive way to interact with each other.

It was agreed that upon the required renewal of the domain name barriedna.com that the ownership would be transferred to the BDNA.

· OTHER TOPICS DISCUSSED

Questions were raised as to how to get more members involved and come out to meetings. Mike suggested that since this an election year we could contact the other groups, (East Enders & Allandale) and sponsor a candidates debate and candidate interviews. People might be motivated through self interest.

Bryan suggested that a letter be forwarded to City Council to declare a moratorium on liquor licences until it can be decided what kind of downtown we want.

It was indicated by Cindy that Long Term Planning has been less than enthusiastically supported, and since it seems to dovetail into Crime Prevention, (bars, drunks, and rowdiness) in the downtown, combined with the future development of downtown, it was decided that the two divisions should for the next while meet together.

Meeting adjourned at 9pm.

MINUTES - CRIME PREVENTION - WED. AUG 11, 2010.

Ben Strudwick — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:08:00 GMT

Crime Prevention and Safety Committee

Minutes - Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Present: Jack, Nick, Kelly, Ben, Ken, Stephen, Chris, Brandon, Jack, Heather,

Judy, Craig, Rose, Kelly, Karen, Mike, Elaine, Sharon

Guest: Inspector Stacy Guymer, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

Minutes – July 14/10 meeting were approved.

2. Video Cameras Downtown - Jack

Jeff Lehman held a meeting at City Hall. Jack, Stephen, Bryan, Ben & Irene

attended from the BDNA. Janet Kemp and Craig Stevens from the BIA and

D Hossack from Barrie Police Services also attended. All agreed in principal.

The next step is the preparation of a proposal by staff to go to the Police Board

and/or the City Council. Everyone to locate information on current systems in

operation elsewhere in the Province including who monitors, and installs, how

much and who pays cost and any other details. Next meeting is in September

but with the elections in Oct. and the swearing of the new Council in December

this item may be delayed. It was suggested that the cameras be piloted on

Dunlop Street downtown first.

Drug Paraphernalia in Barrie Stores – Kelly

Kelly has distributed the letters to local stores and is taking petitions with

her to meetings. CBC radio contacted her for an interview on the issue.

Sharon is to send copies of the letter and petition to the Allandale and East End Neighbourhood Associations.

Email and Telephone Number of Committee members.

Everyone agreed - emails and phone #’s can be given to other Com. members.

Super Jail Offender Released in Barrie – Jack/Kelly

Jack will speak to Roy Randell about the effect on the Salvation Army Services. He will invite Roy to talk about this at an upcoming meeting.

Kelly Weedon has heard from Steven Small, Asst. Deputy Minister, Adult Institutional Services and Organizational Effectiveness Div. in Toronto and stated that “a response is being formulated at this time. You will receive it in the near future”. Kelly also contacted Eileen Carroll MPP, Patrick Brown, M.P., Bill Johnston (Deputy Sup. Of Program Central North Correctional Centre. No responses.

5. Noise from Downtown Bars

Inspector Stacy Guymer, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

attended our meeting. She is frequently in Barrie, visiting bars, speaking with

owners and educating staff on what to look for. She emphasized that all

“concerns/infractions” have to be documented and suggested that individuals

keep a journal - what happened, the date, time, the establishment etc.

and send it to her. See link below with process for reporting. She suggested we

make an appointment and talk with managers and/owners to see if we can work

something out. Or we could send a letter – stating who we are, were we stand,

let’s work together.

“At The Five” a hearing was held and a condition was written into their licence.

Stacey look after the outside patios, Barrie bylaw officers/police look after inside

of the establishment.

Stephen has received info from Kitchener City Hall describing their approach.

It will be discussed at a future meeting.

Link to “A Guide for Residents Objecting To A Liquor Licence Application”

(or add to existing licence)

http://www.agco.on.ca/en/contact/objections.aspx

(this is the AGCO website and there is more about the Commission)

Mike mentioned that with too many bars downtown, it is like a “ghost town”

during the day and does not attract shoppers to the area.

The Committee can find out about new licence requests in the following ways.

Establishments much post a placard and advertise in local paper to inform the

public about their application. Also checking the Circulation List on the City of

Barrie Website for new licence applications which is posted on Thursdays.

Sexual Assault Downtown – Heather

Heather said her neighbour was sexually assaulted downtown a couple of weeks ago. It happened on a Saturday night near Casa Mia on Toronto St. She has been in touch with Sgt. Angela Butler to organize a self defense course. Some

downtown lanes and alleys are not well lit.

Walk About in September – Stephen

Stephen suggests we have two different times – one during the day and one at night (around 11 p.m.). No dates have been set. More details at our next meeting.

Community Clean-Up – Rose

Rose and Jeff are spearheading a clean-up of the vacant lot at the five points, next Thursday at 1 o’clock. Anyone interested can join them.

“Night Out in the Cold” – Oct. 1, 2010.

Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness. Contact Kelly Bell for more info.

Email: Kbell@simcoecommunityservices.ca

Meeting adjourned at 8:30,

Next Mtg. Wed. Sept. 8.10 at 7 at the Barrie Community Health Centre

NEWS RELEASE- RE DOWNTOWN BARS

Ben Strudwick — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:50:00 GMT

News Release Aug 18^th 2010

Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association calls for Moratorium

on new bars in downtown core.

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

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

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

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

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

can contact them at contact@bdna.ca

LETTER TO COUNCIL RE DOWNTOWN BARS

Ben Strudwick — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:45:00 GMT

August18, 2010

OPENLETTER TO THE MAYOR AND ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS OF THE CITY OF BARRIE

DearSirs and Madam:

Wecontinue to experience and hear complaints involving excessive noise, drunkenrowdiness, vandalism, street fighting, rape, and most recently a fatalstabbing, with a direct correlation to the high concentration of licensedestablishments in the downtown core. In spite of the fine efforts of our citypolice, we feel the environment this creates is not in the best interest of theconstituents of our city.

It isour conclusion that we have reached or surpassed a sustainable number of liquorlicenses for late night bars and clubs in our city centre, with several pendingapplications and possible new ones on the horizon.

As a prudent response, we respectfully request,that City Council at the next available sitting, pass a resolution placing amoratorium on any and all licensed premises being established or expanded inBarrie for a minimum of six months.

During this time, we encourage public debate andthe formation of a task force consisting of citizens, police, businesses, licensing/regulatorybodies and city official and staff to explore the vision of the entertainmentdistrict and establish a mutually acceptable plan of action.

Wefeel it is imperative that this be attended to immediately to defer current andfuture pending applications until a rational and acceptable resolution isdeveloped.

Webelieve your immediate attention to this matter will be appreciated by andbeneficial to all the citizens of Barrie.

On behalf of the BarrieDowntown Neighbourhood Association

AGENDA - CRIME PREVENTION & SAFETY M EETING, AUG.11, 2010

Ben Strudwick — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:25:00 GMT

Crime Prevention and SafetyMeeting

Wednesday, Aug. 11/10 - 7 p.m.

Agenda

Chair: Sharon

Secretary:

1. Minutes of Wed. July 14/10

2. BarNoise at Night in Downtown Barrie -Stephen

Guests: Inspector Stacy Guymer

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

and

Police Officer –Barrie Police Services

3. DrugParaphernalia in Barrie Stores – Kelly

Letters & Petition - update

Video Cameras in Downtown Barrie

- Tues. July 27^th meeting with the City, BIA and others - Jack

Business Arising

Updates/Discussion items –

. super jail offenders released inBarrie- Jack

. trafficSigns at the 5 points intersection – Brian

6. Downtown Walk- About (Sept.) - Sharon

7. Next Meeting Date - Wed. Sept. 8/10 at 7 p.m.

Barrie CommunityHealth Centre

Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association Blog

PETITION TO HIDE DRUG PARAPHERNALIA FROM SITE

BARRIE ADVANCE ARTICLE RE OVER-SERVING AND L.L.A. COMMITTEE

City wants over-serving addressed

LETTER FROM JULIE LAPIERRE

BARRIE EXAMINER ARTICLE ON DOWNTOWN

It's happening!!!!!!!

Downtown crackdown

News

Posted By BOB BRUTON BARRIE EXAMINER

Posted 1 day ago

BARRIE EXAMINER - VIDEO CAMERAS, AUG 27, 2010

Camera idea rolling

Local News

Posted By Bob Bruton

Updated 10 hours ago

BARRIE ADVANCE - VIDEO CAMERAS DOWNTOWN

Neelin to get an angle on cameras

FIGHT TO LIMIT NOISE AND BARS DOWNTOWN

Spillover no thrill

Local News

Posted By RAYMOND BOWE, BARRIE EXAMINER

Updated 1 hour ago

BAN DOWNTOWN BARS - NO MORE BARS

Ban new downtown bars: residents

DOWNTOWN CCTV - VIDEO CAMERAS - AUGUST 2010

Downtown cameras on agenda

POT PIPES TO BE OUT OF SIGHT - JUNE 2010

Group wants pot pipes out of sight

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH PROGRAM - MARCH 2010

Downtown residents form Neighbourhood Watch

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH PROGRAM STARTED FEB 2010

Neighbourhood Watch program starting downtown

CITY OF BARRIE - PUBLIC MEETING

PETITION AGAINST THE DISPLAY OF DRUG PARPHENALIA

If you're against the display of drug paraphenalia in corner stores, please go to this site to read, and sign the peition, which we will be presenting to the city. Thanks http://www.barriemeansbusiness.com/phpPETITION/

REACTION TO OUR DOWNTOWN BARS POSITION

MINUTES - STEERING COMMITTEE - AUG. 17, 2010

MINUTES - CRIME PREVENTION - WED. AUG 11, 2010.

NEWS RELEASE- RE DOWNTOWN BARS

LETTER TO COUNCIL RE DOWNTOWN BARS

AGENDA - CRIME PREVENTION & SAFETY M EETING, AUG.11, 2010

If you're against the display of drug paraphenalia in corner stores, please go to this site to read, and sign the peition, which we will be presenting to the city.

Thanks

http://www.barriemeansbusiness.com/phpPETITION/