Updated
A 44-year-old woman has been charged following a fire at the Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka shelter on Maple Avenue in Barrie.
Police say the woman is believed to have intentionally set the fire, which happened around 8:30 Sunday morning.
More than 40 people were forced to evacuate the facility.
Three residents and one staff member were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Dozens of residents have been displaced due to smoke and fire damage.
A fire official said those individuals are receiving supports.
The woman has been charged with arson, disregard for human life, and failure to comply with a probation order.
The investigation is ongoing.
The Barrie shelter of the Elizabeth Fry Society provides shelter and transitional housing for women and gender-diverse people, including those experiencing homelessness or transitioning out of the correctional system.
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Original story
November 8, 2026
Three residents and a staffer were hospitalized after a fire at Barrie's Elizabeth Fry Society location on Sunday morning.
The fire reportedly occurred around 8:30 a.m. with heavy smoke causing extensive damage throughout the building.
Barrie Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Bezrucki told Barrie360 that crews, including police and paramedics, responded to the call just after 8:36 a.m.
The conditions of those injured was not detailed and the number of people that were in the building at the time of the blaze is unknown.
"A large amount of the structure has been impacted," Bezrucki said. "We do have temporary accommodation set up for the residents of the shelter and we're working with our Simcoe County partners at the emergency management office."
Barrie Transit brought a bus and had it parked on Maple Avenue nearby to assist those displaced.
Police say the fire is not believed to be suspicious in nature, though they are investigating.
The Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate.
The Elizabeth Fry Society Simcoe Muskoka is a non-profit organization that helps youth and adults experiencing homelessness and criminalization and provides advocacy services.
—with files from Ian MacLennan
