Premier stopped in Barrie on Saturday; ‘this emergency requires co-ordination across all levels of government,’ says Nuttall

Ontario Premier Doug Ford made good on his promise to visit Barrie this weekend and see first-hand the impact the local homelessness crisis is having on the community. 

Mayor Alex Nuttall invited Ford in a three-page letter he sent to the premier on Sept. 16, saying the city had reached a “breaking point,” and urging the provincial government to take immediate action to support the city in “addressing the crisis created by homeless encampments.”

Nuttall declared a local state of emergency on Sept. 9 to address the growing number of encampments. 

Ford, who was in Markdale — located about 90 minutes west of Barrie — for a funding announcement on Friday, praised Nuttall for his response to the ongoing encampment issue, adding the provincial government would be there to support the local mayor however possible.

The premier also said he has been in “regular contact” with the mayor, and intended to travel to the city in order to see first-hand how bad the situation was.

In a social-media post, Nuttall thanked Ford for coming to Barrie during the local state of emergency. 

“Working together across all levels of government is essential to ensure public safety and tackle the root causes of homelessness,” Nuttall wrote in a Sept. 21 post on X.

Thank you Premier @fordnation for coming to Barrie during our state of emergency.

Working together across all levels of government is essential to ensure public safety and tackle the root causes of homelessness. pic.twitter.com/tznU9BxJVW


— Alex Nuttall (@AlexFromBarrie) September 20, 2025

In a separate post on Instagram, Nuttall said he and the premier had met at Barrie City Hall before visiting an encampment, known locally as Milligan’s Pond, to see the situation up close.

“We discussed the need for municipalities to enforce bylaws, as well as mental health, addiction and affordable housing,” the mayor said. 

“This emergency requires co-ordination across all levels of government, and it is reassuring to know that the province is at the table. With strong leadership, Barrie can ensure public safety while also addressing the root causes of homelessness.”

The mayor was not available for comment on Sunday.