Latest news with #BusbyCentre
CTV News
5 days 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.
CTV News
05-08-2025
- CTV News
Week-long investigation in wooded area near Barrie encampment continues
A section of Barrie's south end remains cordoned off by police. The affected area stretches from Victoria Street to Anne Street in Barrie, Ont. (CTV News/ Rob Cooper) A large part of central Barrie remains cordoned off by police as an investigation that began last Wednesday continues well into Monday. Detectives have been working in the area for several days now. Details are scarce surrounding the large police presence, but here's what we know about the week-long investigation: The night of Wednesday, July 30 - Cordoned off Yellow police tape sanctioned off Victoria Street to Anne Street as officers secured the scene at the homeless encampment last Wednesday. Members with the Busby Centre told CTV News that they have been in the area assisting the community. There are approximately 40 residents that live in this zone. Police tape A section of Barrie's south end remains cordoned off by police. The affected area stretches from Victoria Street to Anne Street in Barrie, Ont on July 31, 2025. (CTV News/ Rob Cooper) Saturday, Aug., 2 - Man arrested On Saturday, a 52-year-old man, Robert Ladouceur, who police confirmed is the primary suspect in this investigation was arrested and remains in custody. Tattoo Rob 1 Robert Ladouceur, 52. (Source: Barrie Police Service/Facebook) Monday, Aug., 5 - Police presence in Huntsville Detectives from the Barrie Police Service Major Crime Unit, as well as additional resources from Investigative Services, are still present in this area Monday, as well as at another location in Huntsville. The large police presence tied to this investigation can be observed in the area of Yearly Road near Cardwell Lake Road in Huntsville on Monday. Yearly Road Yearly Road near Cardwell Lake Road in Huntsville, Ont. (Google Maps) 'To ensure that detectives can conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation, the Barrie Police Service is not able to provide additional details. At this time, the investigation is isolated, and police will continue to be on scene until further notice,' said Peter Leon, corporate communications coordinator with the Barrie Police Service. Barrie Police have not decided to release any further information.
CTV News
01-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Another record turnout for Barrie Waterfront Run
Participants at the Barrie Waterfront Run in Barrie, Ont., on Sun., June 1, 2025. The annual Barrie Waterfront Run once again saw a record turnout Sunday morning and raised thousands of dollars for local charities. According to MultiSport Canada, there were nearly 2,700 participants in the run's 13th edition, up from last year's 2,200, and representing a 20 per cent growth each year since the pandemic. Participants once again had the choice of running a 5K, 10K or half-marathon. There was also a 'Kids Run' and a 5K 'Stroller Run.' 'The day started out around 6 degrees and very low wind, which set the stage for near-perfect running conditions,' said Carolynne Simons, communications director for MultiSport Canada. 'The wind picked up on the course as the race was in progress, but it was not enough to stop anyone from having a great time and celebrating their finish with us and their families.' Organizers say the event raised more than $15,000 for local charities such as the Busby Centre, Candlelighters Simcoe, Seasons Centre for Grieving Children and COPE Service Dogs. MultiSport Canada will host their annual Barrie Triathlon on August 9 and 10 at Centennial Park.
