Midhurst/July 20, 2023 – The County of Simcoe and the City of Barrie are pleased to announce that the Gilbert Centre has been awarded a contract to operate a seasonal cooling centre in the city for unhoused residents. This cooling centre is a result of a 50/50 partnership between the County and the City, and as part of the region’s approach to homelessness prevention.
Located in central Barrie, the cooling centre will not only provide much-needed cooling services, it will enhance the level of support offered to those who find themselves unhoused. Services available at this location will include assistance in finding housing, basic healthcare support, healthy food options, counselling and social support. The Gilbert Centre cooling centre will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily until mid-September 2023.
This is just one more way that the County and the City are #BuildingUp communities. For updates on the how the County of Simcoe is investing in our communities, visit simcoe.ca/BuildingUp <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>.
About the County’s 10-point homelessness prevention strategy
The plan provides a strong, data-driven strategy to help vulnerable residents and our communities. It includes considerable added investment, enhancements, and support for the unhoused population in our communities.
The plan takes a collaborative approach to building up communities, service providers, the business community, and residents. Through this strategy, the County continues to work collaboratively with partners and municipalities to continue to prevent and end chronic homelessness. For further details and ongoing updates to the homelessness prevention plan, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem <<< Add Link to {Page Name}>>>.
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.
About the City of Barrie
Barrie is an exciting, caring and progressive community that 153,000 people call home. Situated 90 km north of the Greater Toronto Area on beautiful Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie offers an excellent life style and multitude of recreational opportunities. The City is committed to the growth of prosperity of Central Ontario’s leading City and most dynamic waterfront community.
Quotes
“With warmer temperatures hitting our region, the County and our partners at the City of Barrie are stepping up to meet increased needs for cooling centres in the areas that need them the most. Cooling centres are just one small part of a larger strategy to build up the lives of those who need us. I’m confident that our overall strategy, made possible through strong partnerships like this one, will have a massive impact on the people and communities we serve.”
~ Warden Basil Clarke, County of Simcoe
“In the heart of compassion, and as temperatures rise, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every individual in our community. Together with the County of Simcoe and the Gilbert Centre, we stand united in our commitment to embrace our vulnerable homeless population and fulfill a need that was brought to our attention by our social services agencies.”
~ Mayor Alex Nuttall, City of Barrie
“One of the main goals of the County’s larger strategy is to help end chronic homelessness. We will be announcing cooling centre locations throughout the region. Ensuring that wrap-around services and supports are in place within these cooling centres is critical to offering clients the support they need to help achieve these collective goals.”
~ Mina Fayez-Bahgat, General Manager of Social and Community Services, County of Simcoe
“We are thrilled to be able to assist our community by hosting the summer’s Cooling Centre. Here at GC we value dignity, empowerment and leading with radical compassion; everyone deserves to be treated with respect and we are looking forward to expanding our services to encompass a cooling centre where we can provide just that!”
~ Dale Boyle, Executive Director, Gilbert Centre
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CONTACTS:
County of Simcoe:
Collin Matanowitsch
Manager, Public Relations
705-734-8386 (mobile)
Collin.Matanowitsch@simcoe.ca
City of Barrie:
Scott LaMantia
Manager of Marketing & Communications
705-794-0517 (mobile)
Scott.LaMantia@barrie.ca