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Skip Navigation LinksSimcoe County > Children and Community Services > Winter Shelters and Warming Programs

Winter Shelters and Warming Programs

​Updated - February 2, 2023

​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.  

​Rose Street Temporary Shelter opened on December 23, 2022 

Click here for details.

​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 on nights when Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures reaching -15º​ Celcuis or colder.

RegionWarming Centre LocationService M​odelHour​s of Operation
Barrie

John Howard Society
Collier Street United Church
112 Collier St.
Barrie​

  • Seven (7) days per week
  • Initiated when the forecast is predicted to be -15º​C or colder
  • Referrals to emergency shelter beds as available
  • Will provide harm reduction
  • 1:8 ratio
  • Chairs provided
  • Bin for personal items provided
  • Basic need supplies and warm clothing as available
  • Support from community partners will be considered
  • Referrals to community supports and services
  • Snacks and drinks as available
9 p.m. –
8:30 a.m.
Orillia

Orillia Warming Centre
Orillia Community Church
64 Colborne St. E.
Orillia

  • Seven (7) days per week
  • Initiated when the forecast is predicted to be -15ºC or colder, or a wind chill of -20ºC or colder
  • Operations will be determined by 4 p.m. each day
  • Accepts volunteers
  • Max capacity 16
  • Minimum of two (2) paid staff will be available for each shift
  • Floor mats for sleeping
  • Individuals will be connected with relevant community resources and emergency shelter beds (when available)
  • Referrals to community supports and services
  • Snacks and drinks as available
9 p.m. –
8:30 a.m.
Collingwood

The Busby Centre
Pleasant Manor Motel
9656 Beachwood Rd.
Collingwood

  • Seven (7) days per week
  • Initiated when temperatures reach -10ºC or colder or when there are major storms
  • 6 warming centre spaces available
  • Volunteers as available
  • 1:12 staff ratio-with volunteers present. This ratio may increase up to 1:24
  • Cots, chairs, tables, totes available
  • Paramedicine and housing resources support can be accommodated
  • Individuals will be connected with shelter beds available
  • Referrals to community supports and service as identified
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks provided as available
5 p.m. – 
9 a.m.
Br​adford

WOW Living
Out of the Cold Café
31 Frederick St.
Bradford​

  • Seven (7) days per week
  • Initiated when the forecast is predicted to be -15ºC or colder or a wind hill of -20ºC or colder
  • Operations will be determined by 2pm each day
  • Volunteers will be utilized as available
  • Maximum capacity is ten (10)
  • Individuals will be connected with emergency shelter beds as available
  • Referrals to community supports and services in response to identified needs
  • Snacks and drinks provided
9 p.m. –
8 a.m.