To support communities and vulnerable residents this winter, the County of Simcoe and its partners will provide over 100 warming and emergency overnight spaces across the region, ensuring individuals and families living unhoused have access to a safe, warm place during the coldest months of the year.
The County’s 2026-27 warming centres across the region began opening on November 1 and will remain open until April 30, 2027. With its phased approach, warming centres will open based on receiving local approvals, ensuring fire safety requirements and building code compliance, and site readiness considerations. Anticipated opening dates are listed below.
As the area’s service system manager, warming centre operations are not mandated, nor funded as part of the provincial or federal service agreements; however, at the direction of County council, the County provides funding and coordination of warming centres, and works with local municipalities and organizations to identify and provide suitable locations and properties in their communities.
Warming centres across the region will welcome guests at the following locations:
BARRIE
· The Busby Centre – 90 Mulcaster St (Anticipated opening: November 15, 2026)
Capacity: 25 | Open Daily 24/7 | Pet-Friendly
· Salvation Army – 16 Bayfield St (Opening date coming soon)
Capacity: 15 | Open Daily 7:30 PM - 7:30 AM
· Note: Additional winter response locations may be announced as local approvals are received and operational readiness is confirmed
ORILLIA
· Orillia Warming Centre – 26 West St N (Anticipated opening: December 2026)
Capacity: 50 (daytime) / 30 (overnight)
Open Daily 24/7 | Pet-Friendly
MIDLAND
· The Guesthouse – 522 Elizabeth St (Open as of November 1, 2026)
Capacity: 10 | Open Daily 7:30 PM - 7:30 AM
WASAGA BEACH
· Faith Community Church – 1355 River Rd W (Anticipated opening: November 15, 2026)
Capacity: 10 | Open Daily 7:30 PM - 7:30 AM | Pet-Friendly
BRADFORD
· WOW Living – 177 Church St (Open as of November 1, 2026)
Capacity: 10 | Temperature-Activated (-10 C threshold) | Open 8:00 PM - 8:00 AM when activated
Additional winter response locations may be announced as local approvals are received and operational readiness is confirmed. On-site services vary by location and may include meals, showers, laundry facilities, case management supports, and referrals to housing and community programs.
These winter warming spaces just one part of the County’s 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy. Throughout 2026, the County has significantly expanded year-round housing and shelter capacity to help individuals move from homelessness into stable housing, including:
- Forty new private rooms through the Bridge to Housing Program in Barrie, providing unsheltered individuals with safe temporary accommodations and housing-focused supports.
- Six additional beds in the Rural Transitional Program for Women, increasing access to housing stabilization services for women experiencing housing insecurity.
- Twenty-Six new post treatment transitional housing beds through the HART Hub, supporting individuals with complex needs as they transition toward permanent housing.
This coordinated approach combines emergency winter response with longer-term housing solutions. By increasing shelter, transitional housing, and supportive housing capacity across the region, the County and its partners are working to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness, including those currently unsheltered, have access to safe, appropriate indoor spaces and pathways to housing throughout the year.
In addition, all County of Simcoe Social and Community Services offices are available year-round to support individuals seeking refuge from extreme weather conditions.
Through continued collaboration with local partners, the County of Simcoe is helping ensure individuals experiencing homelessness can access safe spaces, supports and services throughout the winter season.
