Mulcaster Street Redevelopment: strengthening homelessness supports in Simcoe County
The County of Simcoe is strengthening homelessness supports in the region following its acquisition of the properties located at 88 and 90 Mulcaster Street in Barrie. These property acquisitions mark a new chapter in the County’s relationship with the Busby Centre and reinforces its commitment to supporting some of the area’s most vulnerable residents.
Through this acquisition, the County of Simcoe will assume ownership of 88 and 90 Mulcaster Street. Current services and supports provided by the Busby Centre will continue to operate at 88 Mulcaster.
Together, we are working to create a space that promotes dignity, stability, and opportunity for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The acquisitions of these properties represent a significant investment in the future of homelessness services in Simcoe County. Through planned renovations and improvements, the County will transform the site into a modern and dynamic facility designed to support the evolving needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
This investment is a key part of the County’s 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy’s goals to improve and enhance the region’s available shelter services, strengthen supports for individuals who are experiencing homelessness, and create innovative housing solutions. By investing in this site and its relationship with the Busby Centre, the County of Simcoe is building a stronger continuum of care that meets people where they are and supports their path toward long-term housing stability.
The redevelopment of the properties will build on numerous investments the County of Simcoe has made to enhance its multi-faceted system and support organizations like the Busby Centre to better support individuals experiencing homelessness. By creating a purpose-built environment designed to deliver comprehensive, client-centered supports, the project will reimagine service delivery and strengthen sustainable pathways out of homelessness.
Once complete, the revitalized site will offer housing-based programing alongside a range of wraparound supports and services, helping individuals access resources they need as they move toward safe, stable, and permanent housing.
The County expects to begin exterior and property enhancements later in 2026. Additional planning will help determine the scope and timing of any future improvements to the buildings.
The County is committed to negotiating a lease agreement with the Busby Centre for its current location at 88 Mulcaster Street so that supports and services for individuals experiencing homelessness can continue without interruption.
The closing date is September 9, 2026, at which point the County will take possession of the properties.
While the County intends to negotiate a lease with the Busby Centre, the County is committing to providing the current space at 88 Mulcaster Street at no charge throughout the redevelopment and enhancement phase to support the continued delivery of homelessness services in Barrie and the surrounding area.