Midhurst/September 25, 2026 – Warden Basil Clarke issued the following update with respect to the Temporary Reception Centre on behalf of the County of Simcoe today:
Exciting progress continues on 136 Barrie Street in Bradford!
We’re pleased to share that applications for our Community Liaison Group are now open, and information packages are being delivered to neighbours near the site with details about the project and opportunities to get involved.
As we prepare to welcome our first program participants this fall, our team continues to work closely with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and site operators to begin operations and ensure a smooth and successful launch. While the agencies supporting the program will determine the timing of arrivals, we could welcome our first guests as early as late October.
We are confident that all legislative processes have been followed and remain committed to transparency, collaboration, and open communication through our dedicated webpage at simcoe.ca/Reception-Centre. We look forward to building strong relationships with our neighbours through the Community Liaison Group and creating opportunities for ongoing dialogue as this project moves forward.
Together, we can help foster a welcoming, informed, and connected community.
About the County of Simcoe
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 simcoe.ca.