Social Services, Not Police: Barrie Community Leaders Urge Budget Re-evaluation

Barrie City Council recently approved its 2025 budget, allocating over $70 million to the Barrie Police Service, nearly a quarter of the city’s total budget. Ward 4 Councillor Amy Courser voiced disapproval, stating the budget was pushed through using strong mayor powers, limiting discussion opportunities. This decision coincides with provincial funding announcements, including $75.5 million for safer parks and a significant $1 billion investment in a new police college.

Deepak Bidwai – Local Journalism Initiative

To analyze these financial priorities, a panel discussion was held featuring Sarah Tilley, Harm Reduction Manager at the Gilbert Centre, and community leader Michael Speers. The conversation, hosted by SCM, explored the city and provincial budget allocations, particularly the focus on police funding versus social services.

Michael Speers characterized Barrie’s budget as typical under Mayor Alex Nuttall, highlighting the Mayor’s embrace of strong mayor powers and emphasis on frontline policing. Speers noted the police budget increase contrasts with limited investment in social services such as shelters, transit, libraries, food programs, and mental health support. He argued that this budget exemplifies the Mayor's vision of public safety as increased policing, specifically downtown, to address issues like loitering and homelessness. Speers stated there is "no evidence" increased police funding leads to safer communities or reduced crime.

Speers criticized the prevailing approach of municipalities complaining about funding shortfalls without actively demanding change from provincial and federal governments. He specifically pointed out the need for Barrie to advocate for direct social service funding from the province, independent of Simcoe County.

Sarah Tilley echoed Speers' sentiment, stating that "policing does not create safer communities." She emphasized that while police have a role in responding to crime, prevention requires addressing root causes. Tilley expressed concern that increased public homelessness in Barrie is leading to a desire for “quick fixes” like increased policing, diverting funds from long-term solutions. She argued that ending homelessness requires investment in "housing services" and addressing underlying issues.

Tilley wished for greater funding for Simcoe County, which manages social service funds, and for Barrie Public Library, which she described as a crucial "social hub" providing essential resources and warmth, especially during winter. She highlighted the library’s role as a de facto community center in the absence of adequate social services.

Both panelists addressed the broader trend of increasing police budgets across Ontario, referencing Peel Region's recent significant budget increase for police. Speers attributed this trend to a post-George Floyd “reversion” by councils, prioritizing “tough on crime” approaches and short-term solutions. He expressed concern over Premier Ford's announcement of a billion-dollar police college, contrasting it with potential investments in education and healthcare. Speers also criticized the conservative makeup of police services boards, limiting consideration of alternative safety models.

Tilley addressed the immediate impact of investing in social services, particularly supervised consumption sites. She cited evidence of reduced public drug use and petty crime in areas with such services. Tilley also connected inadequate healthcare and precarious employment to drug use, arguing for long-term solutions addressing systemic issues and the housing crisis.

Regarding comments made at a January 15th city hall meeting, where Mayor Nuttall appeared to dismiss concerns about police funding and a councillor cited resident requests for increased police visibility, Speers found the Mayor's comments "cocky" and indicative of an emboldened stance. He argued that increased police presence does not equate to safety for everyone, particularly vulnerable populations. Tilley added that focusing solely on police response overlooks the harm caused by policing itself and devalues efforts to reform police culture. She connected increased police visibility not to safety, but to an indication of societal issues, emphasizing the need to differentiate between comfort and true safety. Tilley highlighted that over-reliance on policing to address social issues can be counterproductive, citing the example of drug policy and its impact on crime and public health.

In conclusion, the panel discussion underscored concerns that Barrie's budget prioritizes reactive policing over preventative social services. Both Sarah Tilley and Michael Speers advocated for a shift towards addressing the root causes of social issues like homelessness, drug use, and crime through increased investment in housing, healthcare, social support, and community resources, rather than solely relying on increased police funding.