Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall Says Alberta’s Homelessness Model Should Be Adopted Nationwide

BARRIE – Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall is calling for Canada to adopt Alberta’s approach to rehabilitation and homelessness support after returning from a fact-finding visit to the province this week.

Nuttall traveled to Alberta to meet with Jeromy Farkas and Rick Wilson, Alberta’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. The discussions focused on how provincial and municipal governments are addressing homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges.

One of the key initiatives highlighted during the trip was Alberta’s plan to add 300 more rehabilitation beds for individuals unable to make decisions for themselves due to addiction or severe mental health conditions. Nuttall noted that when adjusted for Ontario’s larger population, a comparable ratio would require between 900 and 2,000 beds.

He said Alberta’s willingness to invest in structured rehabilitation programs left a strong impression.

“I’ve been clear about where I stand on mandatory rehabilitation,” Nuttall said, adding that Alberta’s framework could serve as a national blueprint. In his view, the “Alberta model” represents a more assertive and treatment-focused strategy that other provinces should examine closely.

Reform Over Punishment

Nuttall also pointed to Alberta’s therapeutic living communities and recovery-focused programs operating within correctional facilities. He described facilities where inmates transition into structured treatment environments, with access to counselling and support services.

In one institution he visited, cell doors had reportedly been unlocked to foster a rehabilitative atmosphere, reinforcing what he sees as a shift from incarceration toward reform.

He said the approach reflects a justice system built around rehabilitation rather than simple punishment, aligning with the principle that correctional systems should focus on meaningful personal change.

Encampments and Diversion Strategies

During his time in Calgary, Nuttall also discussed encampment policies with Mayor Farkas. While Barrie has cleared encampments within its jurisdiction, Calgary continues to manage ongoing challenges.

Nuttall said Calgary issues bylaw tickets to individuals living in encampments but uses those interactions as “touch points” to divert people toward addiction treatment and support services through specialized court processes.

He described the strategy as a way to combine enforcement with outreach, creating more opportunities to guide vulnerable individuals into recovery programs.

Emergency Services Collaboration

Barrie Fire Chief Kevin White joined the mayor on the trip and met with Calgary emergency officials to exchange insights on crisis response, particularly around opioid-related calls.

White said the discussions were valuable despite the size difference between the two cities’ fire departments. He noted similarities in the pressures both municipalities face as opioid overdoses and mental health crises increasingly drive emergency response demands.

Looking Ahead

Nuttall defended the Alberta visit as a necessary step in identifying practical solutions to Ontario’s growing homelessness crisis. He said implementing similar reforms would require coordination across municipal, provincial and federal governments.

He plans to continue discussions with Vijay Thanigasalam, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and expressed hope that the federal government will also engage in broader collaboration.

According to Nuttall, meaningful progress will depend on cooperation and sustained effort. He argues that if Alberta’s results continue to show positive outcomes, other provinces should consider adapting elements of the model to meet their own needs.