Downtown residents look for solutions

Posted By RAYMOND BOWE

Posted 10 months ago

Mr. Rodgers wants his neighbourhood back.

"Little things get fixed, big things will follow," said Ross Rodgers, who grew up in downtown Barrie and has since resettled in the city's core in retirement.

Rodgers was one of about 50 people who attended a Barrie Downtown Neighbourhood Association (BDNA) meeting last night at city hall to discuss positive solutions to the problems plaguing the city's core.

The meeting included representatives from the Barrie East End Homeowners Association, the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA), and the Salvation Army Bayside Mission Centre.

BDNA member Ben Strudwick called Barrie "a jewel."

"We'll do our best to work with these (external) groups and polish this city so it stands out," he said, adding major problems were discussed at town-hall meetings in July and August, but many of the smaller issues still need to be addressed.

Coun. Jeff Lehman, whose ward includes the downtown, said forming the BDNA was long overdue, adding the long-term solution to crime -- which never truly goes away -- is revitalization.

The councillor noted several properties -- including the former bus terminal on Maple Avenue, the former Imperial 8 Cinemas, loft apartments on Dunlop Street West and affordable seniors' residences being built on Bayfield Street, south of Sophia Street -- as positive signs.

"Some of these things are starting to happen, but there's a long way to go," Lehman said. "There has to be a climate for success. It has to be safe, and seen as safe. More people living there will also help."

The BIA's managing director, Craig Stevens, said the goal of his association is for downtown residents to support downtown businesses.

"Anything outside that acts as a layer of gravy," he said.

The BDNA's boundaries stretch from High Street to Berczy Street and from Lakeshore Drive to Highway 400, with an emphasis on the downtown core.

Some of the BDNA's focuses include crime prevention, long-term planning and property standards. The group, which hopes to hold monthly meetings, says one of the main things it hopes to address is public education.

"We want it to be a place where residents can come and raise concerns," said BDNA member Sharon Wosniak, adding prime concerns include beautifying the downtown by introducing more benches, public washrooms and garbage receptacles, and trimming back overgrown parks to dissuade criminal activity.

"We know the area," added BDNA member Cindy Giller. "But it's not just about us. It's about everyone, because we all share the downtown core. We have to start at the grassroots level, and that includes the young people."

The next meetings are scheduled for Nov. 18. One will be held at city hall, and the other at the Barrie Community Health Centre on Bayfield Street. Both meetings begin at 7 p. m.

The group is also looking for people to volunteer on various committees.

For more information, visit www.barriedna.ca,or call 721- 6867.

Several high-profile crimes in downtown Barrie in the last several months were part of the original impetus for the association's formation. More than 100 people attended a July meeting to discuss the community's deterioration.

Michelle Simon, 45, was stabbed to death June 7 in her Mary Street apartment, south of Dunlop Street. Her estranged husband has been charged.

Mary Street was also the scene of a heinous sexual assault on July 14, and a stabbing on July 8.

rbowe@thebarrieexaminer.com

Topic guidelines: We welcome your thoughts, stories and information related to this article. Please stay on topic and be respectful of others. Keep the conversation appropriate for interested readers.