He believes the opioid drug crisis has made this year particularly difficult as more addicts, some of whom turn to prostitution, congregate in the downtown core.

The mayor now believes it’s time a safe injection site was set up downtown to avoid overdoses and coax addicts into rehabilitation.

The Gilbert Centre and CMHA Simcoe were awaiting provincial approval for such a site, which would be supported by the Simcoe-Muskoka Health Unit, before the provincial election. However, the new Conservative government has put a hold on safe injection sites in Ontario.

“I was opposed in the spring because I thought it was being rushed forward, but I would hope the provincial government would allow it to go ahead now,” Lehman said.

Geddes and Peirce say they also support a safe injection site to prevent more people form overdosing on the street, forcing response from paramedics and a trip to the emergency ward.

In their letter, residents and merchants also point to the hundreds of inmates who are released from the Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishine and take a bus directly to downtown core. They claim 380 inmates arrived at the downtown terminal between Jan. 1 and Aug. 24 this year.

Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services spokesperson Brent Ross could not confirm the number, but said inmates are provided with bus fares to a location closest to their “home community”

Ross said Barrie could also be a chosen location for inmates because the city hosts social service agencies that assist ex-inmates, such as the John Howard Society, the Elizabeth Fry Society, and the Salvation Army.

“Ministry staff will work to assist them in planning for their release, including helping them to connect with outside agencies so that they can continue to access any needed supports,” Ross said in an email.

Lehman said he has met with ministry officials in the past over the bus drop offs and hopes to convince Conservative corrections minister Michael Tibollo of alternatives.

The mayor pointed to new Simcoe County bus routes from the Midland-Penetanguishine area that may be able to see some inmates dropped in other communities.

Geddes said moving the downtown bus terminal, which is less than a block from the LCBO, would help ease the pressure on the downtown.

“I’ve spoken with some of these inmates when they get off the bus and they say they don’t know what they are supposed to do or where to go,” Geddes said.

Peirce said changing the local LCBO from a retail outlet to a depot only used for bars and restaurants, an idea she has discussed with the store manager, would also help.

"The highest-priority risks to community safety right now in our neighbourhood are from alcohol and drug abuse, criminal involvement and antisocial behaviour,” Peirce said.

The letter to council points to possible solutions under initiatives by the previous Liberal government such as Community Safety and Well-Being plans, which focus on preventive measures.

Lehman agrees policing is a last resort and dealing with larger social issues is the long-term solution to addictions, prostitution and street crime.

But, like all of Ontario’s municipals, Barrie politicians are waiting to see which Liberal initiatives will remain under Premier Doug Ford.

Lehman also sees the continued urbanization, with more permanent residents and businesses, as a way to clean up the downtown.

“The more people around the better,” he said. “And we need all types of businesses down there, not just bars. We need to make it comfortable for people to go downtown.”