Barrie encampment site remains closed weeks after major police investigation launched

CTV News

2 days ago

An ongoing investigation at the site of a former encampment in Barrie, Ont., on Sat., Aug. 9, 2025.
The site of a massive police investigation in Barrie that was home to dozens of homeless people remains cordoned off with the authorities saying little to nothing about the situation.
On Wednesday, more than two weeks after the initial investigation launched at the Victoria, Anne and John streets property, officers remain stationed at the site, refusing to allow anyone outside of city workers and outreach staff to enter.
Here's a timeline of what we know so far:
A large police presence swarmed the wooded area between Victoria, John, and Anne streets for an investigation, which the Busby Centre said was an encampment and home to roughly 50 people.
Barrie police said they were unable to comment on the investigation.
Garbage
A major investigation continues to grip the City of Barrie since police cordoned off Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street South on Aug., 8, 2025. (CTV NEWS)
Days later, there are still no details about the investigation while police remain at the site day and night preventing anyone from entering.
A man police described as a 'primary suspect' who was believed to be armed and dangerous was arrested and charged with 19 primarily weapons-related offences. However, it remains unclear how or if the accused, Robert Ladouceur, is connected to the investigation.
Robert Ladouceur
Robert Ladouceur, 52, who also goes by 'Tattoo Rob.'
Ontario Provincial Police assist detectives with the Barrie Police Service Major Crime Unit in the area of Yearly Road near Cardwell Lake Road in Huntsville. Again, Barrie police didn't disclose any details about why they were investigating in Muskoka or how this probe ties to the Barrie investigation.
Large machinery, fencing, and City of Barrie workers attend the Victoria, John, and Anne streets property. The City confirmed it requested the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to attend the site to conduct an inspection.
Meanwhile, Barrie police said forensic analysis was underway in what they called a 'complex investigation.' Police also confirmed Ladouceur remained in custody, but again did not provide details on how he is connected to the situation.
Garbage
A major investigation continues to grip the City of Barrie since police cordoned off Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street South on Aug., 8, 2025. (CTV NEWS)
In an exclusive interview with CTV News, former OPP commissioner Chris Lewis said the multi-day police investigation suggests it's about more than just a homeless encampment.
'There has to be a good reason why Barrie Police aren't releasing information,' Lewis said. 'It's really uncommon in this day and age when the police generally should be giving more information than less when they can.'
Lewis believes the scope of the investigation points to detectives 'sifting through sand, dirt and screening.'
'They're looking for evidence of some sort that is way above and beyond the fact that homeless people were camped out there,' he noted.
Also, on day nine of the investigation, police turned the scene back over to the city, but officers kept their post ensuring no one else enters.
The City of Barrie issued a statement noting the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks ordered the site be closed due to the amount of waste at the site that poses health, safety and environmental concerns.
Officials say the environmental concerns stem from the types of waste identified on-site, which include steel drums, batteries, paint, construction debris and residential waste.
Encampment photos
An ongoing investigation at the site of a former encampment in Barrie, Ont., on Sat., Aug. 9, 2025.
(CTV News/Mike Lang)
The City issued a Letter of Notice under the Trespass to Property Act, ultimately restricting entry to parks and green-spaces along Victoria, Anne, Vespra and George streets.
The major cleanup effort underway is extensive as outreach organizations help people collect their belongings to relocate.
On Tuesday, the City stated it was working with the Ministry to 'properly and fully address their order to protect Dyment Creek, Lake Simcoe and wellhead protection areas.'
'At this point we believe evidence supports required clean up of multiple sites in the area and that work continues,' the City added.
Dyment Creek Map - Barrie encampment
(City of Barrie)
August 13
On Wednesday morning, 'primary suspect' Robert Ladouceur, 52, made a court appearance and said he hadn't spoken to his lawyer. Bail proceedings were then put off until later this week. The allegations against him have not been tested in court. It still remains unknown what his ties are to the police investigation.
Tattoo Rob 1
Robert Ladouceur, 52, who police are searching for and believe to be 'armed and dangerous.'
(Source: Barrie Police Service/Facebook)
Motorists should be aware, traffic will be restricted along some roads surrounding the former encampment to 'limit the risk to public health.'
The move comes after the Ministry of the Environment issued an order due to the 'concerning volume and accumulation of waste and associated risks to public health and the environment.'
Police confirmed the area remains a 'no admittance' zone, clarifying the City issued the no trespassing order on Monday.
Some of the residents of the encampment are being relocated to two temporary sites, one on Sperling Drive and a second on Tiffin Street. The County of Simcoe says these sites are temporary to aid those impacted by the evacuation. They will be provided with food, reprieve from the weather, and referred to longer-term options for shelter and emergency services.