The City of Barrie says it's taking a new approach to illegal businesses operating in the city — by going after the property owners who allow them to use their buildings.
The move comes after repeated efforts to shut down illegal marijuana and mushroom dispensaries.
Speaking with Barrie360, Mayor Alex Nuttall said the city needed another tool after previous enforcement efforts did not stop some businesses from reopening.
Nuttall said when the city began taking action there were about six illegal dispensaries operating in Barrie. He says that number has now been reduced to about two, and both are mushroom dispensaries.
"They have, many times. That's the problem," he said. "They just reopen, sometimes within hours. That's why we needed another tool."
The city announced on July 28 that updated zoning rules now give officials more power to take action against property owners whose buildings are being used for businesses operating outside provincial or federal law.
The change allows the city to go after the property owners who are profiting by renting space to illegal operations.
He says the owners of the two remaining locations have already received about $3,000 in fines. Beginning Aug. 4, Nuttall says each property owner will face a $5,000 fine, followed by an additional $500 every day the violation continues.
The mayor says some of the illegal dispensaries have been linked to violence.
One storefront had a vehicle driven through it, while another location was firebombed. He says authorities across the province have also found some of these businesses selling more than just psychedelic mushrooms.
The mayor says the city is sending a message to property owners that they can no longer ignore what is happening inside their buildings.
"Gone are the days when a property owner can say they don't care what's happening inside their storefront. If you're renting your building to people selling illegal drugs, you'll either stop or you'll pay significant fines."
Nuttall says the two remaining property owners are not connected to the Barrie community.
The mayor says the city is also asking for stronger action from the provincial and federal governments when it comes to illegal drug operations, but says Barrie is using the tools available to it.
The City says it continues to work with Barrie police on enforcement under the updated zoning bylaw, and additional notices and fees could be issued until violations are resolved.
