Report Hate Crimes in Barrie - City & Police Guide

Civil Rights and Equity Ontario 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In Barrie, Ontario, if you witness or experience a hate-motivated incident or crime, act promptly to protect safety and preserve evidence. Municipal authorities and the Barrie Police Service handle complaints in different ways: criminal conduct is investigated by police and Crown prosecutors under the Criminal Code of Canada, while non-criminal incidents affecting access to City services or facilities may involve City of Barrie complaints or human-rights processes. This guide explains where to report, what to record, typical enforcement paths, and how to get support locally.

Report threats or violence to police immediately by calling 911.

Where to report

For crimes or incidents that include violence, threats, or property damage report to the Barrie Police Service; for non-criminal discrimination affecting services or employment consider the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario or the Ontario Human Rights Commission. To file a police report online or start a non-emergency complaint, use the Barrie Police reporting pages and municipal complaint contacts below.[1] [2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Hate crimes are primarily enforced under federal criminal law (Criminal Code of Canada). Municipal bylaws generally do not impose criminal hate-crime penalties; enforcement depends on whether the behaviour breaches a City bylaw or the Criminal Code. Below is what to expect and how enforcement is carried out in Barrie.

  • Monetary penalties: amounts for Criminal Code offences are not specified on the cited Criminal Code overview page; fines or restitution are set by courts or statutes and vary by offence.[2]
  • Custodial sentences: imprisonment for indictable Criminal Code offences is possible; specific terms depend on the section and charge and are set by federal law, not the City.
  • Orders and non-monetary sanctions: police or courts may seek restraining orders, firearms prohibitions, forfeiture of property, or probation conditions.
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: the Barrie Police Service investigates suspected criminal offences; public complaints begin via the police reporting page or by calling the non-emergency line. Emergency incidents should be reported to 911.[1]
  • Prosecution and appeal: charges are reviewed by the Crown; appeals follow provincial and federal court rules. Time limits for appeals are set by court rules and statute; specific deadlines are not specified on the cited pages.
Municipal bylaws rarely create "hate crime" fines; criminal law handles most offences of this type.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Threats of violence or assault motivated by bias — police investigation, possible criminal charges and court-ordered penalties.
  • Vandalism of religious or cultural property — police investigation, property restitution and possible charges.
  • Hate speech public incitement — may be prosecuted under Criminal Code provisions or addressed by content removal and notices where applicable.

Applications & Forms

The Barrie Police Service provides online reporting options for many non-emergency incidents; specific form names, fees, or filing deadlines are not specified on the Barrie Police reporting pages. For criminal matters, there is no fee to file a police report. For human-rights complaints, forms and filing instructions are available from the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the Ontario Human Rights Commission pages cited below.[1]

How-To

Follow the practical steps below to report and get help.

  1. Ensure safety: if immediate danger call 911. If safe, move to a secure location and call police or trusted contacts.
  2. Preserve evidence: record times, locations, descriptions of people involved, take photos, save messages, and collect witness names.
  3. Report to police: submit an online report or call the Barrie Police non-emergency number; provide all evidence and request a file number.[1]
  4. Consider civil or human-rights remedies: if the incident involves discrimination in services, housing, or employment, consult the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario for complaint options.[3]
Keeping a dated, contemporaneous record of events helps investigators and tribunals.

FAQ

Do I have to report a hate incident to the police?
No, but reporting to police helps preserve evidence and triggers criminal investigation when offences have occurred; you may also pursue human-rights complaints for non-criminal discrimination.
Will filing a police report cost me money?
No fee is required to file a criminal report with the Barrie Police Service; fees for tribunal filings vary and are listed on tribunal pages.
Can the City of Barrie fine someone for hate speech?
Municipal bylaws rarely address hate speech as a criminal matter; enforcement of crimes motivated by hate is handled by police and federal law. City staff can address conduct that breaches local bylaws or facility rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Report violent or threatening incidents to 911 immediately.
  • Preserve evidence and request a police file number for follow-up.
  • Human-rights complaints are a separate civil process; consult HRTO for filing guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Barrie Police Service - Reporting and non-emergency contacts
  2. [2] Criminal Code of Canada (Justice Laws Website)
  3. [3] Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario

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