Midhurst/August 5, 2026 – The County of Simcoe, working in coordination with the federal government, will establish a Temporary Reception Centre in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury to support individuals transitioning to life in Canada.
With funding from the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), the County has purchased 136 Barrie Street in Bradford, the former home of LOFT Community Services. Approximately $2.86 million of the acquisition costs were funded through IHAP. The location will serve as the County’s Temporary Reception Centre, providing short-term accommodation to asylum claimants and access to essential supports, ensuring smooth transitions to permanent housing. For the community’s information, LOFT has moved to a new redeveloped location on Barrie Street and continues to serve the community through support from the County of Simcoe.
“Strong partnerships between governments, municipalities and service providers are essential to respond to the diverse housing needs across our country. Working closely with the County of Simcoe, we’re investing in temporary, sustainable housing, and settlement services that will help vulnerable people establish themselves, gain independence and begin contributing to their community. We thank the County of Simcoe, COSTI Immigrant Services and the YMCA of Simcoe–Muskoka for their leadership in establishing and operating this new reception centre.”
The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“The establishment of this Temporary Reception Centre reflects the County’s commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals while strengthening our communities. By providing short-term accommodation and essential services, we are helping people take the first steps toward stability and independence.”
Warden Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe
The property at 136 Barrie Street was acquired using funding from IHAP, which will also contribute to future operating costs. The County’s total IHAP funding allocation for 2025–2027 is approximately $4.4 million. Securing a dedicated interim housing facility is a key objective of IHAP funding and provides an opportunity to strengthen local social and community services in Bradford West Gwillimbury and surrounding areas.
The County will partner with COSTI Immigrant Services to operate the site along with YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka to support individuals and families in their transition to life in Canada and in the County, helping them find long-term housing, connecting them with employment opportunities, and providing social and community support. The facility will provide temporary accommodation and settlement services for up to 54 individuals at a time, with stays limited to a maximum of 90 days.
An asylum claimant is an individual who has fled their country because of a well-founded fear of persecution. They are not able to return home and are seeking protection in Canada. Asylum claimants can work, study and access support services while their claims are being processed, but they do not receive federal income support during this wait period. Municipalities and community organizations play a critical role in providing temporary housing, supports, and help in finding employment opportunities during this period. Asylum claimants are different from government assisted refugees.
Through the Temporary Reception Centre, individuals and families will receive assistance to help them transition successfully, including connections to employment opportunities and support in securing long-term housing. The goal is to help newcomers safely and efficiently establish independence and build their lives within Simcoe County. For more information on the Temporary Reception Centre, visit simcoe.ca/reception-centre.
About the County of Simcoe
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 simcoe.ca.