(Barrie, ON) – On Oct. 1, Barrie City Council approved a Direct Motion related to updating the Use of City Property By-law (Bill 110).
Specifically, the updates to Bill 110 are related to tents and structures and clarifying the definition of City property to include boulevards. This was brought forward to ensure the safety of all residents.
This By-law applies City wide and addresses multiple offences not just related to those individuals who are unhoused. The City’s enforcement practices have not changed; all parties are given opportunities to comply to any notices issued prior to any fines being applied.
There has been confusion about sections 7.0.0.0 and 8.0.0.0 of the Use of Property By-law which states the following:
7.0.0.0 No person shall sell, or offer for sale, any product or service from any City property, unless authorized by the City.
8.0.0.0 No person shall give away or otherwise provide at no charge, items, products, samples of items or products, or any other similar item to members of the public from any City property, unless authorized by the City. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any federally, provincially or municipally funded organization or any registered charitable organization or any individual that is giving away or otherwise providing food, water, clothing or medical attention, at no charge to members of the public shall not be deemed to be in contravention of this section.
These sections have been in been in place since 2004 and were not changed as part of the motion on Oct. 1. They do not prevent individuals from sharing food or drinks with family and friends or providing necessities to those in need.