The County of Simcoe has provided an update on efforts to support individuals from the Mulcaster Street encampment in Barrie.
Outreach teams, alongside HART of Simcoe County, have engaged with 44 individuals at the site. Of those, 36 people have been successfully relocated to shelter or housing programs, while eight declined offers and chose to leave the enforcement area.
County officials stress that relocation efforts are part of a broader system of support tailored to individual needs, with permanent housing as the long-term goal. Services offered include shelter access, wellness checks, daily outreach, storage for belongings, transportation, and food, clothing, and personal care products. The County’s triage centre at 113 Tiffin Street remains open with expanded staffing, though local by-laws prevent overnight sleeping arrangements there.
To prepare for the winter season, the County has secured 161 additional housing spaces across its system, including hotel rooms, supportive retirement beds, leased apartments, and modular shelter units. Two new modular housing projects (a 40-bed facility at Tiffin Street and a 16-bed unit currently in procurement) are also in development, pending permits. These will add to existing modulars already in use for transitional housing and shelter programs.
Officials emphasize that for individuals experiencing mental health or addiction challenges, supportive housing services are critical for long-term stability. Without them, responses risk being short-lived. The County says these investments build on progress made through its 10-point Homelessness Prevention Plan, launched in 2024, and align with the mayor’s directive to intensify efforts ahead of winter.
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