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News Releases and Advisories

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​View recent News Releases and Advisories issued by the County of Simcoe.​

 

 

Warden's Statement: County’s submission to the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy related to Regional Facilitationhttps://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/statement-from-warden-county-submission-to-standing-committee-regional-facilitation.aspx1/9/2024 6:19:29 PMWarden's Statement: County’s submission to the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy related to Regional Facilitation<p>​<strong style="font-size:1em;">Midhurst/January 9, 2024</strong><strong style="font-size:1em;"> – </strong><span style="font-size:1em;">Today, County Council voted to support a recommendation that I (as Warden) represent Council in making a submission to the </span><span style="font-size:1em;">Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy that confirms the County's positions on its role and services</span><span style="font-size:1em;"> within the region. </span><span style="font-size:1em;"> </span></p><p>As Simcoe County faces rapid growth and demand for significant infrastructure investments, there is great benefit to ensuring efficient regional service systems are maintained, as well as providing coordination of plans and investments that cross municipal borders. </p><p>Council also endorsed a motion that we request to the Province that another Steering Committee hearing be held at the Simcoe County Administration Centre as part of the formal review process, so that the County, along with our 16 member municipalities and two separated cities, can consult and provide further input.  </p><p>We look forward to engaging the Province and Committee further and continuing to work with our municipalities to best serve our residents now and into the future. </p><p><em>~ Warden </em><em>Basil Clarke</em></p><p><strong>Relevant Links/Documents:</strong></p><p><a href="https://simcoe.civicweb.net/document/132447/CCW%202024-019%20County%20of%20Simcoe%20Regional%20Review%20Subm.pdf?handle=1180C66D87D64FBE87AB5C80FDEF5947">Council Report</a> </p><p><a href="https://simcoe.civicweb.net/document/132448/CCW%202024-019%20Schedule%201.pdf?handle=F27D10030BD34B4DA83274A3F095D8F0">Schedule 1 (Guideline)</a> <br></p>
County of Simcoe enacts enhanced warming and alternate spaces strategy in response to inclement weatherhttps://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/County-of-Simcoe-enacts-enhanced-warming-and-alternate-spaces-strategy-in-response-to-inclement-weather.aspx1/8/2024 9:16:55 PMCounty of Simcoe enacts enhanced warming and alternate spaces strategy in response to inclement weather<p><strong>​Midhurst/January 8, 2024 –</strong> The County of Simcoe has enacted its enhanced warming and alternate spaces strategy in response to the Special Weather Statement issued by Environment Canada earlier today. This comprehensive system response increases available warming and shelter spaces due to possible significant snowfall and risk of freezing rain in the region on Tuesday, and extending into Tuesday night.</p><p>Effective immediately, through to Wednesday morning (January 10<sup>th</sup>, 2024), the alternate spaces strategy is enacted to expand the number of warm indoor spaces for those who are unable to secure a shelter bed or a space in a warming centre location. </p><p>To reduce risks for individuals out in the elements tomorrow, the County of Simcoe has requested that shelter organizations support individuals on site tonight and during the day tomorrow who wish to stay inside.  </p><p><strong>Update on the Gilbert Centre winter warming program</strong><br><strong> </strong>As per recent communication from The Gilbert Centre, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GilbertCentre/posts/pfbid0qBD14Ymht4bBMnAsEVSCopJq7pF3Mx7U9SA28wxocYWYcnSNRg5U1uLhsHMZ6HoJl">warming centre operations are temporarily closed until Wednesday morning</a>, January 10. To maximize options for access to warm, indoor locations, all County of Simcoe Social and Community Services offices, located in Alliston, Barrie (3<sup>rd</sup> floor), Collingwood, Orillia and Midland, will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. for individuals to come in from the cold. </p><p>In the City of Barrie, overnight temporary shelter beds at 20 Rose Street will also be available.</p><p>The County reminds residents that warming centres are open during the coldest months of the year for vulnerable populations. These warming centres are part of the regional system approach to homelessness prevention with support from community partners. </p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Warming opportunities available at the following locations:</span></p><p><strong>Barrie</strong></p><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><p>The Gilbert Centre, 80 Bradford St.<br><span style="font-size:1em;">Daytime Warming<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">(8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Daily)<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">November 3, 2023 - April 30, 2024<br></span><strong class="ms-rteThemeBackColor-9-1" style="font-size:1em;">Note</strong><span class="ms-rteThemeBackColor-9-1" style="font-size:1em;">: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GilbertCentre/posts/pfbid0qBD14Ymht4bBMnAsEVSCopJq7pF3Mx7U9SA28wxocYWYcnSNRg5U1uLhsHMZ6HoJl" style="font-size:1em;"><span class="ms-rteThemeBackColor-9-1">the Gilbert Centre is temporarily closed for internal housekeeping & maintenance</span></a><span class="ms-rteThemeBackColor-9-1" style="font-size:1em;"> until Wednesday, January 10, 2024</span></p><p>The Busby Centre, 20 Rose St. <em>(temporary structure)<br></em><span style="font-size:1em;">Warming services alternate space activation 11 AM - 6 PM (</span><strong class="ms-rteThemeBackColor-9-1" style="font-size:1em;">alternative space activation has been activated for this predicted inclement weather</strong><span style="font-size:1em;">)<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">Additional Emergency Winter Overnight Shelter Beds<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">(5 PM - 11 AM Daily)<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">November 15, 2023 - April 30, 2024</span></p></blockquote><p><strong>Orillia</strong></p><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><p>Orillia Community Church, 64 Colborne St. E.<br><span style="font-size:1em;">(9 PM - 7 AM Daily)<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">November 15, 2023 - April 30, 2024</span></p></blockquote><p><strong>Bradford</strong></p><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><p>WOW Living Out of the Cold Café<br><span style="font-size:1em;">177 Church St.<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">(9 PM - 8 AM Daily)<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">December 1, 2023 - April 30, 2024</span></p></blockquote><p>The warming services listed above are funded by the County of Simcoe in partnership with the City of Barrie and the City of Orillia, which are above and beyond the regular municipal service contributions. </p><p>Those in need of shelter or warmth can always call 2-1-1 to connect with a nearby shelter or visit one of the locations listed above.</p><p><strong>About the County's 10-point homelessness prevention strategy</strong><br><strong> </strong>The County of Simcoe's 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy provides a strong, data-driven plan to help vulnerable residents and our communities. The strategy includes a considerable added investment toward the goal of preventing and ending chronic homelessness. For further details and ongoing updates to the homelessness prevention plan, visit <a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=a41fbfa1-82ca-4939-9932-d97b8d6ad3e9&TermSetId=fb933945-005d-43ad-bb62-b84ef1fa9284&TermId=57f5010a-0b77-433f-a374-d164bcf32022"><strong>simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>About the County of Simcoe</strong><br><strong> </strong>County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at <strong>simcoe.ca</strong>.<span style="font-size:1em;">​​</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong style="font-size:1em;">​​- 30 -​</strong><br></p><p><strong>CONTACTS​</strong><br>Andrea Walasek<br>Public Relations Consultant<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>249-535-3511 (mobile)<br><a href="mailto:Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca" style="font-size:1em;">Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca</a><br></p><p>Collin Matanowitsch<br>Manager, Public Relations<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>705-734-8386 (mobile)<br><a href="mailto:Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca">Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca</a><strong>​ ​​​​​</strong><span style="font-size:1em;">​</span></p>
County holiday services reminderhttps://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/County-holiday-services-reminder-New-Year's-Day-2024.aspx12/29/2023 2:06:43 PMCounty holiday services reminder<p><br></p><p><strong>Midhurst/December </strong><strong>29, 2023 – </strong>The County of Simcoe reminds residents of the following schedule changes during the holiday period, including Christmas tree collection which occurs throughout January 2024.  <span style="font-size:1em;"> </span></p><h4>Curbside waste collection will be bumped one day   </h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Curbside Waste Collection will not occur on New Year's Day (Monday, January 1)  </li><li>To maintain full service to all households, curbside waste collection is bumped one day during the week of January 1   <br></li><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li>This means that Monday routes will be collected on Tuesday, Tuesday routes on Wednesday, Wednesday routes on Thursday, and Thursday routes on Friday between January 2-5 </li></ul><li>Winter weather can impact collections, stay up to date on your <a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=a41fbfa1-82ca-4939-9932-d97b8d6ad3e9&TermSetId=fb933945-005d-43ad-bb62-b84ef1fa9284&TermId=b2cd9f46-9f36-4095-803a-cee268d37b69">collection schedule</a> by downloading the <a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=a41fbfa1-82ca-4939-9932-d97b8d6ad3e9&TermSetId=fb933945-005d-43ad-bb62-b84ef1fa9284&TermId=348e3758-5c06-4462-9458-e200b2908da6">Simcoe County Collects App</a>  </li></ul><h4>Waste Drop-off Facilities </h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>All Waste Drop-off Facilities will be closed on January 1  </li></ul><h4>Curbside Christmas Tree Collection </h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Christmas tree collection runs biweekly by zone on your garbage weeks between January 2-26 <br></li><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li>Place Christmas trees out on the Monday of your garbage week as collection will occur during the week, not necessarily on your regular collection day  </li></ul></ul><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><p><em>​​*Reference the new 2024 Waste Calendar or the <a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=a41fbfa1-82ca-4939-9932-d97b8d6ad3e9&TermSetId=fb933945-005d-43ad-bb62-b84ef1fa9284&TermId=348e3758-5c06-4462-9458-e200b2908da6">Simcoe County Collects App</a>​, as dates were modified in the 2023 Calendar due to the move to zones in late 2023 </em><em style="font-size:1em;"> </em></p></blockquote><h4>LINX Transit </h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>LINX Transit services are <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>not</strong></span> in operation on January 1 <strong>(</strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><em>except for Route 4</em></strong></span><strong>)</strong> </li><ul style="list-style-type:circle;"><li><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><em>Route 4 only</em></strong></span><strong><em> </em></strong>will be operating a Sunday schedule on January 1 </li></ul><li>Normal service will resume on all routes on January 2 </li><li>Please visit <a href="https://nextlinx.simcoe.ca/">nextlinx.simcoe.ca</a> to check schedules  </li></ul><h4>County Administration Centre (Midhurst) </h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>The Administration Centre, including the Contact Centre, will be closed to the public on January 1  </li></ul><h4>Ontario Works and Children Services Offices </h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>All Ontario Works and Children Services offices are closed on January 1  </li></ul><h4>Simcoe County Museum </h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>The Museum will be closed January 1 </li><li>For information, visit <a href="http://www.museum.simcoe.ca/">museum.simcoe.ca</a>  </li></ul><h4>Simcoe County Archives </h4><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>The Archives will be closed January 1  </li></ul><p>The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at <strong>simcoe.ca.</strong><span style="font-size:1em;">​</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong style="font-size:1em;">​​- 30 -​</strong><br></p><p><strong>CONTACTS​</strong><br>Andrea Walasek<br>Public Relations Consultant<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>249-535-3511 (mobile)<br><a href="mailto:Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca" style="font-size:1em;">Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca</a><br></p><p>Collin Matanowitsch<br>Manager, Public Relations<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>705-734-8386 (mobile)<br><a href="mailto:Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca">Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca</a><strong>​ ​​​​​</strong></p>
County of Simcoe Paramedic Services puts a bow on 21st Annual Food and Toy Drivehttps://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/County-of-Simcoe-Paramedic-Services-puts-a-bow-on-21st-Annual-Food-and-Toy-Drive.aspx12/22/2023 6:52:38 PMCounty of Simcoe Paramedic Services puts a bow on 21st Annual Food and Toy Drive<div><p><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-CA"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default" data-ccp-parastyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"f3914550-a10d-4e8a-8197-8da4da35810f|155","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Default",201340122,"2",134233614,"true",469778129,"Default",335572020,"1",469777841,"Arial",469777842,"Arial",469777843,"Calibri",469777844,"Arial",469769226,"Arial,Calibri",335551500,"0",268442635,"24",335559705,"4105",335559740,"240",201341983,"0",335559739,"0",469778324,"Normal"]}"><strong>​​<img src="/CorporateCommunications/PublishingImages/Pages/County-of-Simcoe-Paramedic-Services-puts-a-bow-on-21st-Annual-Food-and-Toy-Drive/1000013442.jpg" alt="1000013442.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:534px;" />Midhurst/</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"><strong>December </strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"><strong>22</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"><strong>,</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"><strong> 20</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"><strong>2</strong></span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"><strong>3</strong></span></span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-CA"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"><strong> –</strong> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">Once again, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">resident</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">s</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">, businesses, and organizations across our region </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">have embraced the spirit of giving</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">having </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">generously </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">donated </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">more than </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">18,140 </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">toys, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">14,757</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">lbs of food, and </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">$21,3</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">42.34</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">in monetary</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"> and gift</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"> card donations to the County of Simcoe Paramedics Services</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"> </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">21</span></span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-CA"><span data-fontsize="11" data-ccp-parastyle="Default">st</span></span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-CA"><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default"> Annual Food and Toy Drive</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="Default">.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-CA">“With the need growing each and every year, I am so proud to see our County of Simcoe Paramedic Services staff, volunteers and students continue to give their time and energy to support those in need,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “It is truly amazing how our community embraced the campaign’s motto, ‘</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-CA">give a little, help a lot</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-CA">,’ as every little bit adds up to help bring Christmas to families in need. Although this year’s collection bins have been put away for the season, I’d like to remind everyone that we always accept donations online at </span><a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=a41fbfa1-82ca-4939-9932-d97b8d6ad3e9&TermSetId=fb933945-005d-43ad-bb62-b84ef1fa9284&TermId=c6fd367c-e4a3-4679-8ae3-fbb2c8292716" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-CA"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">simcoe.ca/</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">toydrive</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-CA">”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-CA">This year’s Food and Toy Drive received a significant boost through donations from businesses, including Global Medic and Cavalier Transport, and municipal partners, schools and organizations who hosted Toy Drives throughout December. With this year’s totals, the CSPS Food and Toy Drive has collected over 122,835 toys, 66,174 lbs of food, and approximately $267,800.27 in monetary and gift card donations for families across Simcoe County since it began 21 years ago. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-CA">“I couldn’t be prouder of our paramedics, volunteers, students and staff who have taken time out of their busy holiday season to attend parades and collection events held across the region”, said Sarah Mills, Director and Chief, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services. “The donations we receive stay in the community, allowing donors to see the impact their generosity has on the lives of their neighbours. Thank you to those who gave, not just to our Drive, but to any organization working to better the lives of those we serve. It truly takes a village.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-CA">All donations will continue to be distributed to local children and families in need by charitable organizations working in partnership with County of Simcoe Paramedic Services. Some of the charities supported by the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Food and Toy Drive include the Salvation Army, Bradford Helping Hands Food Bank, </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-CA">Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions</span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-CA">, Barrie Christmas Cheer and several local food banks including those in Alliston, Clearview, Coldwater, Elmvale, Tottenham, Orillia and Wasaga Beach.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p></div><div><p><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-CA">County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at </span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-CA">simcoe.ca</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-CA">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559738":120,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> ​</span><span style="font-size:1em;">​​</span></p></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>​- 30 -</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong></p><p><strong>CONTACTS:</strong></p><p>Jennifer Straw<br><span style="font-size:1em;">Senior Public Relations Consultant<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">705-790-5979 (mobile)<br></span><a href="mailto:Jennifer.Straw@simcoe.ca" style="font-size:1em;">Jennifer.Straw@simcoe.ca</a><br></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2 ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">​<span style="line-height:16.8px;">Collin Matanowitsch<br>Manager, Public Relations<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>705-734-8386 (mobile)<br></span><span style="line-height:16.8px;"><a href="mailto:Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2 ms-rteThemeFontFace-1"><span style="line-height:16.8px;">Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca​</span></span></a></span></span></p>
County Holiday Service Reminderhttps://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/county-holiday-services-reminder-2023.aspx12/15/2023 3:57:45 PMCounty Holiday Service Reminder<p><strong style="font-size:1em;">​​<img src="/CorporateCommunications/PublishingImages/Pages/county-holiday-services-reminder-2023/Holiday%20Service%20Schedule%20-%20IG.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:250px;height:250px;" />Mi</strong><strong style="font-size:1em;">d</strong><strong style="font-size:1em;">h</strong><strong style="font-size:1em;">u</strong><strong style="font-size:1em;">r</strong><strong style="font-size:1em;">s</strong><strong style="font-size:1em;">t</strong><strong style="font-size:1em;">/</strong><strong style="font-size:1em;">December </strong><strong style="font-size:1em;">18</strong><strong style="font-size:1em;">, 2023 </strong><strong style="font-size:1em;">– </strong><span style="font-size:1em;">The County of Simcoe reminds residents of the following schedule changes during the holiday period, including Christmas tree collection which occurs throughout January 2024​.</span></p><p><strong>Curbside waste collection will be bumped one day</strong><strong>  </strong></p><ul><li>Curbside Waste Collection will not occur on Christmas Day (Monday, December 25) or New Year's Day (Monday, January 1) </li><li>To maintain full service to all households, curbside waste collection is bumped one day during the weeks of December 25 and January 1  </li><ul><li>This means that Monday routes will be collected on Tuesday, Tuesday routes on Wednesday, Wednesday routes on Thursday, and Thursday routes on Friday during those weeks</li></ul><li>Winter weather can impact collections, stay up to date on your collection schedule by downloading the Simcoe County Collects App</li></ul><p><strong>Waste Drop-off Facilities</strong></p><ul><li>Sunday, December 24 – Waste Drop-off Facilities closed except Matchedash (open 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.)​<br></li><li>All Waste Drop-off Facilities will be closed December 25, 26 and January 1</li></ul><p><strong>Curbside Christmas Tree Collection</strong></p><ul><li>Christmas tree collection runs biweekly by zone on your garbage weeks between January 2-26</li></ul><ul><li>Place Christmas trees out on the Monday of your garbage week as collection will occur during the week, not necessarily on your regular collection day<br><em style="font-size:1em;">*Reference the new 2024 Waste Calendar or the Simcoe County Collects App, as dates were modified in the 2023 Calendar due to the move to zones in late 2023</em></li></ul><p><strong>LINX Transit</strong></p><ul><li>LINX Transit services are <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>not</strong></span> in operation on December 25, 26, and January 1 <strong>(</strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><em>except for Route 4</em></strong></span><strong>)</strong></li><ul><li><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><em>Route 4 only</em></strong></span><strong><em> </em></strong>will be operating a Sunday schedule on December 26, and January 1<br></li></ul><li>Normal service will resume on all routes from December 27-31, and on January 2<br></li><li>Please visit <a href="https://nextlinx.simcoe.ca/">https://nextlinx.simcoe.ca/</a> to check schedules</li></ul><p><strong>County Administration Centre (Midhurst)</strong></p><ul><li>The Administration Centre, including the Contact Centre, will be closed to the public on December 25, 26 and January 1</li></ul><p><strong>​Ontario Works and Children Services Offices</strong></p><ul><li>All Ontario Works and Children Services offices are closed on December 25, 26 and January 1</li></ul><p><strong>Simcoe County Museum</strong></p><ul><li>The Museum will be closed December 24 to 26 and January 1</li><li>For information, visit <a href="http://www.museum.simcoe.ca/">museum.simcoe.ca</a></li></ul><p><strong>Simcoe County Archives</strong></p><ul><li>The Archives will be closed December 25, 26 and January 1</li></ul><p>The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at <strong>s</strong><strong>i</strong><strong>mco</strong><strong>e</strong><strong>.</strong><strong>ca</strong>.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>​- 30 -</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Customer Service:​</strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><div dir="ltr">Tel: 705-735-6901<br></div>Toll Free: 1-800-263-3199<div><div>Email: <a href="mailto:service@simcoe.ca">service@simcoe.ca</a></div><div><em>Inquiries are answered Monday to Friday 8am-5pm (closed all Statutory Holidays)</em>​​<br></div></div><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2 ms-rteThemeFontFace-1"><span style="line-height:16.8px;"><a href="mailto:Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2 ms-rteThemeFontFace-1"><span style="line-height:16.8px;"></span></span></a></span></span><span style="font-size:1em;">​</span></p>
County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Food and Toy Drive Week Five Updatehttps://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/csps-food-and-toy-drive-week-five-update-23-12-15.aspx12/15/2023 2:30:21 PMCounty of Simcoe Paramedic Services Food and Toy Drive Week Five Update<p><strong><img src="/CorporateCommunications/PublishingImages/Pages/csps-food-and-toy-drive-week-five-update-23-12-15/tree.jpg" alt="tree.jpg" style="margin:5px 0px;" />Midhurst/December 15, 2023 – </strong>Heading into the final week of the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services 21<sup>st</sup> annual Food and Toy Drive, 4,220 toys, 4,715 lbs of food and $16,262.24 in cash and gift cards have been donated to support individuals and families in need this holiday season. </p><p>It's not too late! Please continue to drop your donations of new, unwrapped toys and food at one of the collection locations listed below, at a <a href="/paramedicservices/Pages/Station-Locations.aspx">County of Simcoe Paramedic Station</a>, or donate virtually by visiting <a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=a41fbfa1-82ca-4939-9932-d97b8d6ad3e9&TermSetId=fb933945-005d-43ad-bb62-b84ef1fa9284&TermId=c6fd367c-e4a3-4679-8ae3-fbb2c8292716">simcoe.ca/toydrive</a>.</p><p>This week, volunteers will be collecting at:</p><p>December 15<br></p><ul><li>Alliston Walmart ~ 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. </li></ul><p>December 16</p><ul><li>Orillia Walmart ~ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.</li><li>Craighurst Foodland ~ 12 to 4 p.m.</li></ul><p><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">NEW</span> </em>December 20</p><ul><li>Angus Giant Tiger ~ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.</li></ul><p>County of Simcoe is​​ composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at <strong>simcoe.ca</strong>.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>​- 30 -</strong></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong></strong></p><p><strong>CONTACTS:</strong></p><p>Jennifer Straw<br><span style="font-size:1em;">Senior Public Relations Consultant<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br></span><span style="font-size:1em;">705-790-5979 (mobile)<br></span><a href="mailto:Jennifer.Straw@simcoe.ca" style="font-size:1em;">Jennifer.Straw@simcoe.ca</a><br></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2 ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">​<span style="line-height:16.8px;">Collin Matanowitsch<br>Manager, Public Relations<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>705-734-8386 (mobile)<br></span><span style="line-height:16.8px;"><a href="mailto:Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2 ms-rteThemeFontFace-1"><span style="line-height:16.8px;">Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca​</span></span></a></span></span><span style="font-size:1em;">​</span></p>
County of Simcoe launches new user-friendly tool to access local census datahttps://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/county-launches-new-user-friendly-tool-to-access-local-census-data-23-12-15.aspx12/15/2023 5:58:13 PMCounty of Simcoe launches new user-friendly tool to access local census data<p>​<strong style="font-size:1em;">Midhurst/December 15, 2023 –</strong><span style="font-size:1em;"> The County of Simcoe launched its new online Simcoe County 2021 Census Tool, which has been created to offer enhanced access and analysis of 2021 federal census data specific to Simcoe County, simplifying the navigation of more than 2,500 socio-demographic variables.</span></p><p><img src="/CorporateCommunications/PublishingImages/Pages/county-launches-new-user-friendly-tool-to-access-local-census-data-23-12-15/open%20dot%20simcoe%20dot%20ca.JPG" alt="open dot simcoe dot ca.JPG" style="margin:5px 0px;" />“We are excited to offer this new tool, which will help make it easier for organizations, residents, and municipal partners to find local data from the Federal Government's latest census," said Warden Basil Clarke. “As we move forward with building up lives and communities through innovative strategies to address housing, homelessness and other social pressures, these new tools will continue to assist in our regional decision-making."</p><p>In October 2023, the County introduced <a href="https://gisportal.simcoe.ca/arcgis/apps/sites/#/county-of-simcoe-data-portal">open.simcoe.ca</a>, a new online data portal to support the County's 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy and further assist people in need in our communities. The online portal helps inform strategies that support homelessness prevention and shelter efforts by tracking real-time data of shelter usage and other trends across the region. The 2021 federal census data tool supports similar goals and can be accessed by the public at <a href="https://gisportal.simcoe.ca/arcgis/apps/sites/#/county-of-simcoe-data-portal">open.simcoe.ca</a>. </p><p>Designed to provide detailed insights at the local level, the census tool is a great resource for the general public, policymakers, researchers, and external organizations, offering:</p><ul><li>simplified census variables on any level of geography in Simcoe County</li><li>a comprehensive view of various socio-demographic characteristics within Simcoe County</li><li>aggregate data at both the Dissemination Area and municipal levels</li><li>ability to export maps and tables, and use the data gained for research or funding application purposes</li><li>helpful features to visualize data through choropleth maps (a method of mapping that provides an easy way to visualize how a measurement varies across a geographic area, showing the level of variability within a region using shades of colours)</li></ul><p>This user-friendly tool is designed to adhere with the terms and conditions of data usage set by Statistics Canada, ensuring responsible and effective use of census information. The tool was developed by the County of Simcoe's Business Intelligence and System Planning and Information Technology departments, to ensure open and accessible data across our region. Visit <a href="https://gisportal.simcoe.ca/arcgis/apps/sites/#/county-of-simcoe-data-portal">open.simcoe.ca</a>​ to explore.</p><p>The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at <strong>s</strong><strong>i</strong><strong>mco</strong><strong>e</strong><strong>.</strong><strong>ca</strong>.</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>​- 30 -​</strong></p><p><strong>CONTACTS​</strong><br>Andrea Walasek<br>Public Relations Consultant<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>249-535-3511 (mobile)<br><a href="mailto:Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca" style="font-size:1em;">Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca</a><br></p><p>Collin Matanowitsch<br>Manager, Public Relations<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>705-734-8386 (mobile)<br><a href="mailto:Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca">Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca</a><strong>​ ​​​​</strong><span style="font-size:1em;">​</span></p>
County unveils innovative data tool as part of its 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategyhttps://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/County-unveils-innovative-data-tool-as-part-of-its-10-point-Homelessness-Prevention-Strategy.aspx10/13/2023 1:09:41 PMCounty unveils innovative data tool as part of its 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy<p><strong>​Midhurst/October 13, 2023 – </strong>The County of Simcoe is introducing its new data tool to support its 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy and further assist people in need in our communities. This new tool will help inform enhancements, resourcing and strategies that support homelessness prevention and shelter efforts by tracking real-time data of shelter usage and other trends across the region. The tool was built to support County Council, municipalities, system operators, residents and service providers in better understanding the ever-changing needs of regional shelter and homelessness prevention system, and is available at <strong><strong><a href="https://gisportal.simcoe.ca/arcgis/apps/sites/#/county-of-simcoe-data-portal" style="color:#000000;">open.simcoe.ca</a></strong>​</strong>. </p><p>"County Council is committed to making the right investments that make the biggest impact, while continuing to support our unhoused residents, our agency partners and our community at large," said Warden Basil Clarke. "This important data now available to us will further assist in continuing to make well-informed, system-wide decisions to improve outcomes for our most vulnerable residents, when and where they need it the most."</p><p>The County will now be able to share the occupancy and capacity through its Daily Shelter & Motel Voucher Program dashboard, offering a holistic view of shelter system usage across the county. This data, which includes individuals who are known to have used shelter services at least once over the preceding three months and includes an anonymous analysis of key variables that affect vulnerable populations and shelter users.<br></p><p><img src="/CorporateCommunications/PublishingImages/Pages/County-unveils-innovative-data-tool-as-part-of-its-10-point-Homelessness-Prevention-Strategy/open(dot)simcoe(dot)ca.JPG" alt="open(dot)simcoe(dot)ca.JPG" style="margin:5px 0px;" /><br></p><p>Real-time data at our fingertips through this tool will help us gain access to:</p><ul><li>Accurate data and point-in-time information</li><li>Shelter capacity on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis</li><li>Community trends and priority areas </li><li>Flow of clients within the system</li><li>Identifiable gaps to address where investments and resources can be adjusted if needed</li><li>Overall accountability for the system  </li></ul><p>The data tool is now available at <strong><a href="https://gisportal.simcoe.ca/arcgis/apps/sites/#/county-of-simcoe-data-portal">open.simcoe.ca</a></strong>. For further information and ongoing updates on the homelessness prevention plan and other community-building initiatives, visit <strong><a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=a41fbfa1-82ca-4939-9932-d97b8d6ad3e9&TermSetId=fb933945-005d-43ad-bb62-b84ef1fa9284&TermId=57f5010a-0b77-433f-a374-d164bcf32022"><strong>simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem</strong></a></strong> or call 211. </p><p>This is just one more way that the County is<strong> #BuildingUp</strong> our communities. For updates on how the County of Simcoe is investing in our region, visit<strong> </strong><a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=a41fbfa1-82ca-4939-9932-d97b8d6ad3e9&TermSetId=fb933945-005d-43ad-bb62-b84ef1fa9284&TermId=402f56e0-eb02-4a65-97ec-1f0538552cad"><strong>simcoe.ca/BuildingUp</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>About the County's 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy</strong><br><strong> </strong>The County of Simcoe's 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy provides a strong, data-driven plan to help vulnerable residents and our communities. The strategy includes a considerable added investment toward the goal of preventing and ending chronic homelessness.</p><p>The strategy makes affordable housing even more attainable by increasing supply, creating “deep rent subsidies," increasing eviction prevention services and improving available shelter. It commits the County to finding new housing opportunities, enhancing community shelter services and standards, and improving safety and well-being throughout the community. For further details and ongoing updates to the homelessness prevention plan, visit <a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=a41fbfa1-82ca-4939-9932-d97b8d6ad3e9&TermSetId=fb933945-005d-43ad-bb62-b84ef1fa9284&TermId=57f5010a-0b77-433f-a374-d164bcf32022"><strong>simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>About the County of Simcoe</strong><br><strong> </strong>County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at <strong>simcoe.ca</strong>.​<span style="font-size:1em;">​</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>- 30 -</strong></p><p><strong>CONTACTS:</strong><br>Andrea Walasek<br>Public Relations Consultant<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>249-535-3511 (mobile)<br><a href="mailto:Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca" style="font-size:1em;">Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca</a><br></p><p>Collin Matanowitsch<br>Manager, Public Relations<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>705-734-8386 (mobile)<br><a href="mailto:Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca">Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca</a><strong>​ ​​​</strong></p>
County of Simcoe partnering with Town of Innisfil on mentorship program to support local businesseshttps://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/County-of-Simcoe-partnering-with-Town-of-Innisfil-on-mentorship-program-to-support-local-businesses.aspx12/18/2023 8:58:04 PMCounty of Simcoe partnering with Town of Innisfil on mentorship program to support local businesses<p><strong>​Midhurst/December 18, 2023 –</strong> The County of Simcoe Economic Development Office is partnering with the Town of Innisfil to expand the very successful Growing Together Mentorship Program to various industry sectors within Simcoe County. This mentorship program (that will now be expanded to local businesses within various industry sectors) promotes teamwork, encourages partnerships, and is accessible to all employees regardless of their employment status, position, department, or organization.  </p><p>"Working together with the Town of Innisfil, the County is pleased that we are able to keep expanding the Growing Together mentorship program," said Warden Basil Clarke. "Building up our skilled workforce across the region remains a priority to our Economic Development Office and to County Council. These mentorships further help businesses across our region remain competitive through shared knowledge, training, and skills gained through this p​rogram."</p><p><img src="/CorporateCommunications/PublishingImages/Pages/County-of-Simcoe-partnering-with-Town-of-Innisfil-on-mentorship-program-to-support-local-businesses/HR%20-%20Growing%20Together%20Intranet%20Tile.jpg" alt="HR - Growing Together Intranet Tile.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px;width:400px;height:265px;" />The Growing Together Mentorship Program brings mentors and mentees together from across a variety of occupations and sectors. It gives both mentors and mentees the chance to learn and grow from others who work in both the private and public sector. The program allows mentoring relationships to form based on the goal of supporting the mentee with a specialized skill or development area.  </p><p>“We truly value our partnership with the County of Simcoe and this expanded mentorship program will assist the Town in attracting, and retaining businesses essential to our growth," says Mayor Lynn Dollin. “We have a heavy emphasis on economic development and growth and this partnership will assist in helping us reach our goals."</p><p>The sectors that are included in the Growing Together Mentorship Program include:</p><ul><li>Agriculture/Agrifood</li><li>Aerospace</li><li>Construction</li><li>Entrepreneurship</li><li>Healthcare</li><li>Manufacturing</li><li>Tourism</li><li>Professional/Scientific/Technical Skills</li></ul><p>There are three different types of mentorship structures offered:</p><ul><li><strong>One-on-One Mentoring</strong> - traditional model of mentoring, where one mentor (leader) and one mentee (employee) agree to enter into a mentoring relationship to help the mentee develop, improve, and achieve their goals. In this type of mentoring, the mentor has more experience in an area that the mentee is interested in, and so can act as an advisor and guide</li><li><strong>Peer Mentoring</strong> - involves colleagues with similar experience levels mentoring each other. They may take turns acting as 'mentor' and 'mentee', but overall, peer mentoring is about creating a formal support system, learning together, and holding one another accountable</li><li><strong>Reverse Mentoring</strong> - a more junior person mentors a more senior person </li></ul><p>Growing Together is hosted on MentorCity, an online platform that is specifically designed to facilitate meaningful mentorship relationships. This program will expand participants' possibilities and help them take their careers to the next level. If you are in one of the sectors identified above in Simcoe County, you have the opportunity to establish game-changing mentoring relationships through our online mentoring platform. To sign up as a mentor, a mentee or both, <a href="https://edo.simcoe.ca/resources/mentorship-program/">register</a> and start building a profile and searching for a suitable mentor and/or mentee today (including your sector within “Company" upon registration and building your profile).</p><p><strong>About the County of Simcoe</strong><br><strong> </strong>County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at <strong>simcoe.ca</strong>.<span style="font-size:1em;">​</span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>​- 30 -​</strong></p><p><strong>CONTACTS​</strong><br>Andrea Walasek<br>Public Relations Consultant<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>249-535-3511 (mobile)<br><a href="mailto:Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca" style="font-size:1em;">Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca</a><br></p><p>Collin Matanowitsch<br>Manager, Public Relations<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>705-734-8386 (mobile)<br><a href="mailto:Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca">Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca</a><strong>​ ​​​​</strong></p>
County of Simcoe reminds residents that warming centres are open during the coldest months of the yearhttps://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/County-of-Simcoe-reminds-residents-that-warming-centres-are-open-during-the-coldest-months-of-the-year.aspx12/19/2023 5:13:22 PMCounty of Simcoe reminds residents that warming centres are open during the coldest months of the year<p><strong>Midhurst/December 19, 2023 –</strong> The County of Simcoe is reminding residents that warming centres are open during the coldest months of the year for vulnerable populations. These warming centres are part of the regional system approach to homelessness prevention with support from community partners. </p><h2>Warming opportunities available at the following locations:<br></h2><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-0" style="height:332px;"><tbody><tr class="ms-rteTableEvenRow-0"><td class="ms-rteTableEvenCol-0" style="width:50%;height:307px;"><h3>​Barrie<br></h3><p> The Gilbert Centre, 80 Bradford St.<br> Daytime Warming​<br> (8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Daily)<br> November 3, 2023 - April 30, 2024</p><p>The Busby Centre, 20 Rose St. <em>(tem​​porary structure)</em><br> Warming services (11 AM - 6 PM  <span class="ms-rteThemeBackColor-9-1"><strong>alternative space activation </strong>– <em>activated during inclement weather</em></span>​)<br> Additional Emergency Winter Overnight Shelter Beds<br> (5 PM - 11 AM Daily)<br> November 15, 2023 - April 30, 2024<br></p></td><td class="ms-rteTableOddCol-0" style="width:50%;height:307px;"><h3>​Orillia</h3><p> Orillia Community Church, 64 Colborne St. E.<br> (9 PM - 7 AM Daily) <br>November 15, 2023 - April 30, 2024</p><h3>Bradford<br></h3><p> WOW Living Out of the Cold Café, <br>177 Church St.<br> (9 PM - 8 AM Daily) <br>December 1, 2023 - April 30, 2024<br></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Located in Barrie, Bradford West Gwillimbury, and Orillia, centres are open during the winter months and provide crucial supports to those that need them. As part of the County's winter response plan, we are enhancing support for:<br></p><ul><li>winter warming centres – open 7 days per week during the winter months</li><li>additional mobile response outreach teams supporting additional warming and transportation to shelters and/or overnight warming centres during inclement weather</li><li>activation for alternate spaces and temporary overflow beds in shelters, with up to an additional 110 available spaces, over and above the 224 shelter beds already in the system</li><ul><li>The alternate spaces activation strategy allows shelters to offer warming by opening boardrooms and other areas within their settings where individuals can come in from the cold and temporarily access a place to sit and get warm throughout the night</li><li>This is activated when weather temperatures reach -7° Celsius or colder</li><li>Overnight, Barrie will have an additional 30 spaces available through the alternate activation strategy in shelters, which is above and beyond the Rose Street overnight, overflow program </li></ul><li>new tools to assist the public, service providers, and municipalities in accessing live to-the-minute data on each local homeless shelter's current bed capacity</li><li>the County of Simcoe continues to look for other overnight warming centre programs throughout the region</li></ul><p>The warming services listed above are funded by the County of Simcoe in partnership with the City of Barrie and the City of Orillia, which are above and beyond the regular municipal service contributions​. <br></p><p>Those in need of shelter or warmth can always call 2-1-1 to connect with a nearby shelter or visit one of the locations listed above.</p><p>This is just one more way that the County of Simcoe is <strong>#BuildingUp</strong> communities. For updates on the how the County of Simcoe is investing in our communities, visit <a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=a41fbfa1-82ca-4939-9932-d97b8d6ad3e9&TermSetId=fb933945-005d-43ad-bb62-b84ef1fa9284&TermId=402f56e0-eb02-4a65-97ec-1f0538552cad"><strong>simcoe.ca/BuildingUp</strong></a>.</p><h3>About the County's 10-point homelessness prevention strategy</h3><p><strong> </strong>The County of Simcoe's 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy provides a strong, data-driven plan to help vulnerable residents and our communities. The strategy includes a considerable added investment toward the goal of preventing and ending chronic homelessness. For further details and ongoing updates to the homelessness prevention plan, visit <a href="/_layouts/15/FIXUPREDIRECT.ASPX?WebId=a41fbfa1-82ca-4939-9932-d97b8d6ad3e9&TermSetId=fb933945-005d-43ad-bb62-b84ef1fa9284&TermId=57f5010a-0b77-433f-a374-d164bcf32022"><strong>simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem</strong></a>.</p><h3>About the County of Simcoe</h3><p><strong> </strong>County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at <strong>simcoe.ca</strong>.</p><h3>Quotes: </h3><p>“We are incredibly thankful for the community support we have received for those living unhoused in the region," said County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke. “It is through partnerships like the one we have with the City of Barrie and contributions they have provided that we are able to open up additional overnight warming spaces when and where they are needed. As we gear up for the coldest months of the year, we are able to adjust as necessary to help vulnerable individuals and families find warmth and support."</p><p>“The collaboration between the City of Barrie, County of Simcoe and our community partners exemplifies the strength and compassion that define our city," said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall. “Upon receiving feedback from our local social service agencies, it was imperative for the City of Barrie to provide additional funding to ensure that our most vulnerable residents have warm, safe spaces to turn when temperatures drop. I want to express my gratitude to the County of Simcoe and our partners for their dedication to creating a supportive community during these challenging winter months."</p><p style="text-align:center;"><strong style="text-align:center;font-size:1em;">​​- 30 -​</strong><br></p><p><strong>CONTACTS​</strong><br>Andrea Walasek<br>Public Relations Consultant<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>249-535-3511 (mobile)<br><a href="mailto:Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca" style="font-size:1em;">Andrea.Walasek@simcoe.ca</a><br></p><p>Collin Matanowitsch<br>Manager, Public Relations<br>County of Simcoe, Service Simcoe Department<br>705-734-8386 (mobile)<br><a href="mailto:Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca">Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca</a><strong>​ ​​​​​</strong></p>