I am appalled that these youths were able to have their failure of a simple task and the ignorance of what is happening in the city published for all to read. I believe they do not understand that the downtown is a business centre, not residential.

I do agree that Barrie does need more affordable housing; this is an issue that has been on the table for years now. Yes, we do need to build up and not out; apartment buildings are a better idea, we just do not need more of them in the downtown.

A simple scavenger hunt and they were unable to come up with public washrooms, fruits and veggies, and a comfortable place to relax! I believe they did not look hard.

The library has a great place upstairs where you can sit outside and read, as well as public restrooms. The waterfront has public restrooms, the gazebo and many other places to sit and relax. The bus depot has restrooms as well.

There is Nutrition Plus that sells organic fruits and veggies. There is no way they could miss the big Foodland across the street from city hall and the benches that line the fountain. Not to mention the sign for the farmers’ market every Saturday morning. How can you not find these things? Any person on the street could have directed them had they asked.

If Barrie does lack diversity in the services offered, I would like to know what we are missing. We have multiple ethnic foods, C’est La Vie, ethnic shops, tattoo and piercing studios, book stores, an excellent winery, salons, spas, legal services, travel agencies, financial services, fine dining, spiritual goods, yoga studios, transportation, government services, housing services, Salvation Army, mental health service, accountants, naturopaths, medical and dental services, chiropractic, massage, chiropody, theatre, art gallery and the wealth of social services that are accessible Downtown.

The homeless people they complain about sleeping on the benches are nothing new to any city. These people are a part of our community and cannot be swept under the rug. The services they survive on are accessible in the downtown.

The tattoo studios do the same for Barrie. People that want quality art will travel from far off places to come and get a new tattoo.  Nurses, lawyers and people of all levels of stature within the community get tattooed; it is not a shady business. Tattooing is a form of art that has been around since humans could walk and should be respected as such. Any business that pays taxes and supports Barrie’s growth should be welcomed!

I request that the population of Barrie not be judgmental and support the positive sides of the downtown. We have a lot to offer as a city, open up your eyes and heart to appreciate what Barrie is.

Erika Campbell
Barrie