As part of SCM’s continuing coverage of the homelessness crisis in Barrie—sparked by the recent killing of two residents at the Flat Rock encampment near Victoria Street—we reached out to all members of Barrie City Council, including Mayor Alex Nuttall. Only two councillors responded: Ward 2 Councillor Craig Nixon, who provided written answers, and Ward 1 Councillor Clare Riepma, who agreed to speak with us on record.

In our conversation, Councillor Riepma emphasized the city’s limited role in addressing homelessness. While Barrie supports cleanup efforts, he noted that the responsibility for social services—including shelter space, affordable housing, and outreach programs—rests with the County of Simcoe.

Riepma explained that the city does not provide services such as garbage collection or portable toilets at encampments, as doing so would legitimize conditions he described as “not a dignified way to live” and not a sustainable solution.

He confirmed that the city had been aware of the Flat Rock encampment before the recent homicides. However, cleanup began only after the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks issued an environmental order. The site, which is now being remediated due to contamination concerns, is expected to cost millions of dollars.

Acknowledging the broader complexity of homelessness, Riepma stressed that the core issue is a lack of affordable, rent-geared-to-income housing. He estimated Barrie requires roughly 3,000 such units to meet current demand, citing population growth since the 1990s, when federal and provincial governments withdrew from housing development.

Questions of transparency and inclusiveness in council decision-making have also emerged. Many key discussions on homelessness, shelter capacity, and environmental issues tied to encampments have taken place at Barrie’s Executive Committee. While all councillors may attend and speak at these meetings, only committee members can vote. Riepma, who does not sit on the executive committee, argued that homelessness is a city-wide challenge and requires broader council involvement.

Despite the city’s limited jurisdiction, Riepma expressed hope that continued investment from the county and province will reduce encampments and prevent future tragedies. Without coordinated action, he warned, the crisis will only deepen.