Fencing, evictions and unanswered questions at Barrie encampment sites
A homeless encampment near Barrie's downtown core remains in the spotlight nearly two weeks after a major police investigation shut down the site.
The original encampment, which was cordoned off and fenced, is now the focus of a massive cleanup. The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks says the conditions are so hazardous it couldn't allow cameras inside on Tuesday.
CTV News has learned that members of the homeless community who relocated to a neighbouring property have now been served trespass notices, ordering them to leave by 4 p.m. Thursday.
'Obviously, you know, there's not proper facilities here for camping, but who knows, what are we supposed to do?' said one resident of the encampment.
Homeless encampment Barrie
A homeless encampment near the downtown in Barrie, Ont. is under major cleanup efforts on Tues., August. 12, 2025.
The original site was the scene of a heavy police presence and forensic investigation for more than a week. Local authorities have not shared details about what prompted the investigation.
City officials say hazardous conditions from the first site may impact nearby properties as Dyment Creek runs through them both.
'We are working with the Ministry to properly and fully address their order to protect Dyment Creek, Lake Simcoe and Well Head protection areas,' the city said in a statement to CTV News. 'At this point we believe evidence supports required cleanup of multiple sites in the area and that work continues.'
Homeless encampment Barrie
A homeless encampment near the downtown in Barrie, Ont. is under major cleanup efforts on Tues., August. 12, 2025.
Related Articles
Outreach organizations, including the Busby Centre, are helping people collect their belongings and access necessities.
'We are seeing about 50 ... 50 people that are being affected by this particular situation,' said Sara Peddle, the centre's executive director. 'So, you know, again, just making sure that they are getting access to resources and supplies and whatever they're needing. And just trying to do the best that we can in a not so great situation.'
An encampment resident credited the outreach efforts. 'Food, water, whatever they can get, you know… the food bank up here - they help us out every day. Without them we would be screwed quite simply.'
The city has not said how long fencing will remain in place or whether residents will be allowed to return once the cleanup is complete.
The full scope of how much damage was done to the property by the encampment or how it has impacted water quality with the waste has not been determined.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
5 minutes ago
- CTV News
Dagger seized from drunk driver in North Vancouver, police say
North Vancouver RCMP shared this photo of a weapon seized from an impaired driver. Police found a prohibited weapon and open liquor container after pulling over a driver with an expired learner's licence Tuesday. The North Vancouver RCMP posted to social media, providing a summary of the incident and the consequences for the driver. 'The driver was found to be impaired after an ASD test and was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition,' Mounties said. 'Officers also located a dagger, which is a prohibited weapon, in the car.' The weapon was seized, and the vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
CTV News
5 minutes ago
- CTV News
Warrant issued for man wanted in $130,000 financial fraud case
Windsor police have issued an arrest warrant for a 27-year-old man wanted related to a $130,000 financial fraud at a currency exchange business. The Windsor Police Financial Crimes Unit launched an investigation in June 2025 after receiving a report of a large-scale fraud at a business in the 3200 block of Dougall Avenue. Officers learned that the male suspect entered the business and used a fraudulent Canadian passport to transfer approximately $138,000 CAD in exchange for $100,000 USD. After obtaining the U.S. currency, the suspect allegedly cancelled the Canadian transfer, resulting in a loss of roughly $130,000 to the business. Investigators have since identified the suspect as Kamryn Alexander Bateman of Burlington, Ont. Bateman is wanted on the following charges: Fraud over $5,000 Obtaining funds by a false pretense over $5,000 Uttering a forged passport Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Possession of an identification document of another Identity theft Identity fraud Anyone with information on Bateman's whereabouts or the investigation is asked to contact the Financial Crimes Unit at 519-255-6700, ext. 4330. You can also contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at
CTV News
5 minutes ago
- CTV News
Barrie encampment site remains closed weeks after major police investigation launched
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.
