Simcoe County Moves Ahead on Shelter Plans, But Community Voices Call for More Localized Support

As summer unfolds, the crises of housing, homelessness, and mental health continue to deepen in Barrie and across Simcoe County.

County Council recently approved the purchase of a 40-bedroom modular housing facility, a $1.2 million project planned for a site near Tiffin Street. Once completed, it is expected to serve up to 80 people experiencing homelessness.

While council members praised the initiative, some community voices suggest it falls short of meeting real needs. Dr. Mac Chown, a primary care physician who works directly with unhoused individuals, criticized the focus on enforcement and remote shelter options. He pointed out that the downtown shelter, closed before 2024, had served as a critical point of contact for many without housing — a gap that remains unaddressed.

Environmental pressures add to the region’s challenges. Canada generates more waste per capita than any country in the world, and Simcoe County is no exception. With landfills nearing capacity, the urgency to strengthen waste diversion strategies is mounting.

Penetanguishene Mayor Doug Rawson voiced strong support for expanding organic waste collection, stressing that nearly half of local garbage — 46.4 percent — could be diverted through organics. He argued that current approaches, such as incineration or trucking, are both costly and unsustainable, and that public education alone has not significantly shifted habits. Rawson urged council to show leadership, noting that residents — especially younger generations — are demanding better environmental stewardship. Supporting stronger organics programs, he said, is not just practical but the right thing to do for the future.

At the same time, Simcoe County faces growing infrastructure pressures. Aging roads, bridges, and public facilities are under strain, and council recently reviewed an updated long-term asset management strategy. The report estimates the total replacement value of County-owned assets at $2.6 billion, but warns that if current investment levels persist, the region will face a $552 million funding gap over the next decade.

To maintain existing levels of service, the plan requires an average annual investment of $84 million — significantly higher than current capital funding levels. Roads and bridges account for the largest share of infrastructure needs, followed by buildings, social housing, and waste management facilities. Staff cautioned that without increased and sustained investment, the County risks higher long-term costs, faster infrastructure deterioration, and service disruptions. The asset management plan, they emphasized, is designed to guide responsible decisions today to secure safe, reliable, and financially sustainable infrastructure for tomorrow.