Questions linger as police continue their investigation at a Barrie, Ont., creek where more human remains were discovered, just steps from the site of a major homicide investigation last year. As of Friday morning, police continue to secure an area along Dyment’s Creek, across from the former Victoria Street encampment. Here’s a look at what we know about the case so far: 12:30 p.m. Thursday - Wooded area cordoned off Officers and forensic investigators cordoned off the creek Thursday afternoon, searching the wooded area northeast of Anne Street South and Tiffin Street after reports that bones had been discovered. 3:33 p.m. Thursday - Skeletal remains determined A few hours later, Barrie police confirmed in a social media post that the remains were human, but said it was too early in the investigation to provide further details. “We can confirm at this time that they are human remains,” Sgt. Matt Abofs with Barrie police told CTV News. Police say the skeletal remains are being sent off to the Center of Forensic Sciences for identification. 4:35 p.m. Thursday - Barrie mayor reflects on checkered past Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall reacted to the discovery, calling it a reminder of a difficult chapter in the city’s recent history. “The discovery of remains in this area is understandably concerning, particularly given its proximity to where two people were tragically killed last year,” said Nuttall when speaking to CTV News on Thursday. “We continue to remember those individuals and remain committed to doing everything in our power to keep Barrie safe. Once they have confirmed the remains, we will provide further comment,” Nuttall said. Thursday evening - Initial perimeter expanded As the evening unfolded, officers cordoned off a larger wooded area, continuing their probe well into the night. Officers moved the tape back from the bushes, where it was initially. 8:59 a.m. Friday - OPP Urban Containment Rescue Team assists Police issued a release stating that the OPP Urban Containment Rescue Team will be assisting in the search for additional evidence within the water. Barrie police are continuing to hold the scene until the search has been completed. “While this discovery was in close proximity to the double homicide last summer at the former encampment, police will be investigating it as a separate incident,” said officers Friday morning. Memories resurface as police return to area near former encampment The discovery was made just steps from the former encampment, which once housed nearly 100 people and became the focus of a disturbing Barrie police homicide investigation last year. In the weeks that followed, the case evolved into a gruesome criminal investigation. Police identified a 52-year-old man in the case, who was later charged with first- and second-degree murder and indignity to a body in connection with the alleged killings of two former encampment residents. This sparked a citywide debate over homelessness, addiction, mental health and public safety, led to a state of emergency and drew attention from both Queen’s Park and Ottawa. On Sept. 9, 2026, the state of emergency will have been in place for one year. Is this investigation connected? It remains unclear whether Thursday’s discovery is connected to the previous investigation. Barrie Police spoke to CTV News on Friday as the investigation continues. “If detectives make any connection to another investigation, those details will be shared when possible,” said Barrie police on Friday. “It’s very early in the investigation and it would be inappropriate to make assumptions about the nature of the remains.” The Barrie Police Major Crime Unit has now taken over. Officers have not released any further details about the remains or the circumstances surrounding them.
