OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED MODULAR HOUSING FOR THE HOMELESS IN THE HISTORIC BROCK PARK NEIGHBOURHOOD IN BARRIE 

Barrie City council proposes to erect a modular structure for housing the homeless in the historically designated Brock Park neighbourhood located by the waterfront at Vespra Street and Sanford Street.  

We are opposed to this project because of the unfavourable impact this feature will have on the culture of our peaceful historical neighbourhood. This type of project should not be going into any residential neighbourhood, when other types of spaces are available within the city of Barrie. We are opposed to this project because more than one location needs to be considered, and there are other potential locations that are in closer proximity to services needed to support the homeless population.  

We are also opposed because a democratic approach has not been used to move this project forward. Council has not used due diligence in the process of making their decision to proceed.

Impact on our neighbourhood:  

1) Property values in the area will fall substantially if this structure is built.

2) Although there are some very decent people who live at these dwellings, there also tends be some tenants whose behaviour compromises the peace and safety of the surrounding neighbhourhood. This includes issues of violence, theft, noise and also health and safety issues that may be brought to us through the mishandling of recreational drugs and related materials.

Concerns About Democracy and Process
1) A democratic process was not followed with this proposal. No public consultation was done.

 2) The decision by city councillors was made without consultation with experts, city staff; it was made amongst themselves without due diligence.

 3) The decision to spend $3, 000, 000. was done at lightning speed without doing the research on what would be required for the project, and what it would cost.
 
4) We pay for this as taxpayers, and they did not realistically assess what this will cost us before having the ratification vote.
 
5) The environmental impact on nearby Bunker's Creek and Lake Simcoe was not considered.

6) There are bylaws in place which protect this historically designated area in terms of architectural traits. Modular stacking high density housing does not blend with the culture and character of this historic neighbourhood. 

What is best for the homeless?

The city needs to find a much better location for the supported housing where it will have minimal to no impact on residential neighbourhoods. It needs to be closer to services needed by the tenants. 

This petition is intended for signing by any residents of Barrie who feel there is a need for greater attention to due diligence on the part of our local government. Please sign to help preserve the neighbourhood we love, our home and our sanctuary.

Thank you.