The City of Barrie says an update to the Use of City Property bylaw that was approved by direct motion at city council on October 1 does not prevent anyone from providing food, water, clothing, or medical attention to a person on municipal property.
The city provided clarification in a media release on Tuesday afternoon ahead of an event organized by Barrie's faith community for Sunday afternoon at the Spirit Catcher on the waterfront.
Dubbed "Loaves & Fishes -Called to Compassion," the event poster indicates it's being held to protest the City of Barrie's restrictions on a compassionate response to the significant crisis in homelessness and poverty.
People attending the event are encouraged to bring a sealed food item and a refreshment to give to somebody else in a "simple act of defiance against the bylaw."
Organizers also reference a section of the bylaw that bans people from placing a tent, shade structure, or other temporary structure on any city property unless authorized by the municipality.
The city says the updates to Bill 110 are related to tents and structures and clarifying the definition of city property to include boulevards.
"This was brought forward to ensure the safety of all residents," the city said in the news release. "This bylaw applies city-wide and addresses multiple offences, not just related to those individuals who are unhoused."
The city says its enforcement practices have not changed, and all parties are given opportunities to comply with any notices issued prior to any fines being applied.
The city goes on to say that the confusion about sections of the Use of Property Bylaw states the following:
- 7.0.0.0 No person shall sell, or offer for sale, any product or service from any City property, unless authorized by the City.
- 8.0.0.0 No person shall give away or otherwise provide at no charge, items, products, samples of items or products, or any other similar item to members of the public from any City property, unless authorized by the City. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any federally, provincially or municipally funded organization or any registered charitable organization or any individual that is giving away or otherwise providing food, water, clothing or medical attention, at no charge to members of the public shall not be deemed to be in contravention of this section.
The city says these sections have been in place since 2004 and were not changed as part of the motion on October 1.
"They do not prevent individuals from sharing food or drinks with family and friends or providing necessities to those in need."
