Barrie Doctor and Trauma Therapist Call for Increased Social Services Funding Amid Budget Concerns

Dr. Mac Chown, a Barrie physician who provides primary care to the homeless, is calling for increased funding for social services, arguing that critical resources such as housing, addiction care, mental health services, and medical assistance should take priority over expanded police funding. Speaking to Simcoe Community Media, Dr. Chown expressed his opposition to the city allocating a quarter of its budget to the Barrie Police Service. He urged local leaders to shift their focus toward proactive solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and social instability.

Dr. Chown currently provides medical care to Barrie’s unhoused population at a clinic located at Trinity Anglican Church. The clinic operates from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Dr. Chown personally available on Thursdays. He believes that investing in preventative care and social supports could significantly reduce long-term strain on emergency services, including policing.

Trauma therapist Kaitlin Baldwin also voiced concerns about the city’s financial priorities, emphasizing the need for additional mental health and addiction support. She highlighted the disproportionate impact of police-related violence on marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ and BIPOC residents. Baldwin stressed that many individuals struggling with mental health challenges or substance use disorders often face criminalization rather than receiving the care they need. She called on city officials to reconsider how resources are allocated, advocating for an approach that prioritizes harm reduction, crisis intervention, and community-based care.

Despite objections from advocates like Dr. Chown and Baldwin, the city council ultimately approved the budget as proposed. One councillor expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of meaningful debate on the issue. However, Mayor Alex Nuttall defended the process, stating that opportunities for discussion had been available and cautioning against public statements suggesting otherwise.

Barrie’s newly approved budget totals $342.6 million in spending, with $197.8 million funded through property taxes. As a result, local homeowners will experience a 4.31% increase in property taxes, which translates to an additional $200 for a home assessed at $369,000.

The Barrie Police Service has requested over $72 million for its 2025 budget, making it the largest financial allocation among the city’s three major service partners. This marks a 7% increase from the previous year, the highest percentage hike among the three entities. By comparison, Simcoe County has requested $32.9 million—a 2.9% increase—while the Barrie Public Library has sought $9.9 million, reflecting a 3.7% increase.

Critics argue that allocating such a significant portion of the budget to policing does not align with the city's broader social needs. Dr. Chown and Baldwin, among others, have suggested that a more balanced approach—one that directs greater funding toward supportive housing, mental health care, and addiction treatment—would have a more lasting impact on public safety and community well-being. They point to studies showing that increased social investment reduces the demand for emergency response services, including law enforcement, by addressing issues at their source.

The debate over Barrie’s budget highlights a growing divide between those who believe in traditional policing models and those who advocate for a shift toward community-based support systems. With the city facing ongoing challenges related to homelessness, addiction, and mental health, the conversation surrounding funding priorities is unlikely to subside anytime soon.