Update: Just before 1 p.m., Barrie police said Janet Powers has been located and is in "good health."
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The search for a 60-year-old woman has led to Barrie police setting up a command post in the city’s southwest end. Searchers on the ground are looking and there have also been eyes in the air, as well.
Janet Powers was last seen at 10 p.m., Tuesday, when a family member went to check on her at her home on Brucker Road.
Barrie police are currently searching the area of Mapleton Avenue and Marsellus Drive with a command post set up at the Mapleview Community Church.
Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon told BarrieToday there is an area searchers are focused on, but they are prepared to go wider if necessary.
“We’re searching north and south of where she was last seen and, on the advice of search masters, we’ll be expanding more into the greener areas of that zone,” Leon said this morning.
Shortly before noon, city police said the search is being expanded with use of the OPP helicopter. Barrie police canine officers and the tactical support unit are also helping on the ground as search efforts grow.
Powers is described as five-foot-one and 110 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Police are not sure what she was wearing.
“Unfortunately, no one knows what she was wearing when she wandered off, but our concern is the weather is cooler than it has been the last couple of days and we don’t want her in the elements any longer than she needs to be,” said Leon.
A drone was being used in the search efforts, but was grounded due to high winds.
Leon said Powers has wandered away before and that she does have personal health concerns that police are aware of.
“What we’re hoping for now, as people start to go for their morning walk or get out band about, is that someone will keep their eyes peeled for Janet Powers and call 911 immediately,” said Leon.
