A lively discussion took place with many panellists stressing that recent “sweeps” of encampments are doing little to address the ongoing crisis.

The panel featured activist Michael Speers, Reverend Christine Nayler of Ryan’s Hope, Sarah Tilley of the Barrie Housing and Homelessness Justice Network, Ryan’s Hope volunteers Ash Pineau and Lori Schneider, and physician Mac Chown, who works with the unhoused community.

Ryan’s Hope, a Barrie-based organization that advocates for people living with mental illness, substance use issues, and homelessness, hosted the talk in response to Barrie’s recent State of Emergency declaration. The discussion was moderated by Simcoe Community Media journalist Samantha Loney.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,” said Pineau. “The city has been doing sweeps for as long as I can remember. They do not work.”

Panellists also raised concerns about Mayor Alex Nuttall’s references to homelessness and lawlessness.

“The unhoused community are more likely to be victims of crimes themselves,” said Nayler, noting that when crimes are committed by encampment residents, they are often petty thefts tied to survival.

Schneider, a former encampment resident, spoke from personal experience about the violence faced on the street. “My husband was murdered on church steps while we were living on the street,” she said, adding that there are still few housing options available for couples trying to stay together.

The discussion concluded with panellists agreeing that if the City of Barrie and County of Simcoe want real change, people with lived experience in encampments must be more actively included in the decision-making process.