Barrie Residents to be Warned With a Sign at an Automated Speed Enforcement Camera Zone

During the recent Barrie city council meeting, several significant decisions were made, focusing on community safety and housing affordability. 

Speed Camera Signage Initiative 

The council approved an amendment proposed by Ward 7 Councillor Gary Harvey to install signs warning residents when they are entering automated speed enforcement camera zones. Harvey emphasized the impact on retirees, sharing that some had received multiple fines, each costing nearly $200 due to the cameras being in community safety zones where fines are doubled. "The people that were calling me were not working people like us, they were retirees," he said. Harvey argued that more signage would provide a fair warning and help residents avoid hefty fines.

While Ward 4 Councillor Amy Courser opposed the amendment, citing concerns about repeated speeding in school zones, Ward 10 Councillor Bryn Hamilton supported it, stressing that the intent of speed cameras is to slow down drivers and change behaviour. "I think anything we can do to slow down folks is a must," Hamilton stated.

Adult School Crossing Guard Initiative

The council also discussed an adult school crossing guard initiative. According to City Clerk Wendy Cooke, a detailed report on this initiative will be reviewed at the first community safety committee meeting in September. Hamilton expressed disappointment at the delay, hoping for a quicker launch. "Pushing it to fall to me... I guess it is what it is but just a bit disappointing," she remarked.

Housing Community Improvement Plan

In addition to safety measures, the council passed a proposed Housing Community Improvement Plan. Ward 4 Councillor Amy Courser highlighted the necessity for an updated affordability definition due to Barrie's rising living costs. Despite ongoing concerns about affordability, Courser felt reassured by the new opportunities for developments to secure better funding for affordable and attainable housing. "I feel a lot better now that really looking at the scorecards and the opening of the door for developments," she noted.

These council decisions reflect ongoing efforts to enhance safety and address housing challenges in Barrie, aiming to improve the overall quality of life for residents.