Barrie police probe after human skeletal remains found near Anne and Tiffin

Police secure scene; provincial teams assist search

Barrie Police Service says officers were called to the area near Anne Street South and Tiffin Street around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13 after a member of the public reported suspected human remains. Investigators later confirmed the remains were human and said they have been sent to the Centre of Forensic Sciences for formal identification.

The Barrie force has assigned its Major Crime Unit to lead the investigation. Police said the OPP Urban Containment Rescue Team will assist with searches of nearby water in Lake Simcoe for any additional evidence, and that uniformed officers will remain on scene until those searches conclude.

Separate probe from last summer’s double homicide, police say

The discovery is located not far from where officers investigated a violent double homicide in Barrie last summer. Police have been careful to stress the two matters are being treated as separate at this stage.

“It would be inappropriate to make assumptions about the remains in the early stages of the investigation,”

the force said in a statement, adding that further information will be released as it becomes available.

• Discovery date: Aug. 13 — call to police around 12:30 p.m.
• Next steps: remains sent to the Centre of Forensic Sciences for identification
• Search assistance: OPP Urban Containment Rescue Team to search nearby water

Context: last summer’s violence and ongoing investigative work

Last summer, Barrie police conducted one of the largest investigations the force has undertaken after human remains were discovered at an encampment in a large wooded area bordered by Victoria, John and Anne streets. That probe eventually led to charges against a suspect, and investigators described those murders as targeted.

Authorities emphasised the need for careful, methodical work on the newly discovered remains. The forensic identification process can take time, and the presence of skeletal remains often requires specialized search and recovery operations, which is why the OPP rescue team was requested to assist in water searches.

What this means for residents

Investigators have not provided public details about the condition of the remains, the estimated time since death, or any potential identity. Police ask residents near the Anne and Tiffin area to expect an increased presence of officers and to avoid the secured scene while searches are ongoing.

Anyone with information about activities in the area around Aug. 13, or who noticed anything suspicious in recent weeks near the waterfront or wooded corridors bordering Anne, John and Victoria streets, is asked to contact Barrie Police Service. Tips can assist detectives as they attempt to establish identity and circumstances.

As the Major Crime Unit continues its work and the Centre of Forensic Sciences completes identification, Barrie Police Service has pledged to release additional information when warranted. For now, investigators maintain the discovery is an active, sensitive investigation and cautioned against speculation.