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Winter Shelters and Warming Programs

​​​​​​​​​​​​Updated – March 19, 2024​

The County of Simcoe leads the local system of homelessness supports and services across the region through partnerships and funded service agreements with community-based organizations.  

​​Simcoe County Winter Warming Centres 

The County recognizes and values the important contributions of local, community-based initiatives such as winter warming centres which augment the system of supports and services. Warming centres will be available at the following locations in Simcoe County.

1st column reads: Need overnight shelter? If you need somewhere safe to stay overnight, please call 2-1-1 or contact your local shelter. Please call and we will get you in touch with a safe place to sleep. 2nd column reads: Street Outreach - Street outreach teams can help you get food, clean water, clothes, blankets, brief counselling, and get you in touch with other services. 3rd column reads: Need to get warm? Are you cold and don't know where to go? Call 2-1-1 to find a location near you

Effective November 3 – April 30

8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The Gilbert Centre

80 Bradford St.
Barrie

  • Seven (7) days per week
  • Referrals to emergency shelter beds as available
  • Harm reduction supplies available
  • Referrals to community supports and services
  • Snacks and drinks provided
  • On site community supports available

Overnight Warming

Effective March 18 – April 30
10 p.m. – 7 a.m. (weather dependent)

The 705

56 Dunlop St. W.
Barrie

  • Seven (7) days per week
  • Initiated upon discretion, based on temperature, wind chill, weather events and at a minimum -15ºC or colder​
    Operations will be determined by 2 p.m. each day
  • Max capacity 15
  • Individuals will be connected with relevant community resources and emergency shelter beds (when available)
  • Referrals to community supports and services
  • Snacks and drinks provided

Effective November 15 – April 30
9 p.m. – 7 a.m. (weather dependant)

Orillia Warming Centre

Orillia Community Church
64 Colborne St. E.
Orillia

  • Seven (7) days per week
  • Initiated upon discretion, based on temperature, wind chill, weather events and at a minimum -15ºC or colder​
  • Operations will be determined by 4 p.m. each day
  • Max capacity 16
  • Individuals will be connected with relevant community resources and emergency shelter beds (when available)
  • Referrals to community supports and services
  • Snacks and drinks provided

Effective December 1 – April 30
9 p.m. – 8 a.m. (weather dependant)

WOW Living

Out of the Cold Café
177 Church St.
Bradford

  • Seven (7) days per week
  • Initiated upon discretion, based on temperature, wind chill, weather events and at a minimum -15ºC or colder​​​
  • Operations will be determined by 2pm each day
  • Maximum capacity is ten (10)
  • Referrals to community supports and services 
  • Snacks and drinks provided
  • Referrals to emergency shelter beds as available

Monday – Friday: 4 p.m. – 8 a.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 12 a.m. – 8 a.m.


The Guesthouse Shelter

522 Elizabeth St.
Midland

  • Seven (7) days per week​
  • Afternoon and Overnight Warming​

20 Rose Street temporary emergency overnight ​winter shelter​

To access this site, please contact The Busby Centre at 705-828-3795.

Intake for 20 Rose Street is facilitated on site at the Busby centre located at 88 Mulcaster Street

Effective November 15, 2023 until April 30, 2024. 
Hours of operation 5pm-11a​m, 7 days per week.​ ​

  • Referrals to emergency shelter beds as available​
  • Referrals to community supports and services
  • Snacks and drinks provided

​Alternate Spaces Activation Strategy

Enhanced access to indoor, warm spaces in shelters across the region when all shelter beds are full.​

Homelessness System