Winter Shelters and Warming Programs
Updated – March 19, 2024
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.
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.
Effective November 3 – April 30
8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The Gilbert Centre
80 Bradford St.
Barrie
- Seven (7) days per week
- Referrals to emergency shelter beds as available
- Harm reduction supplies available
- Referrals to community supports and services
- Snacks and drinks provided
- On site community supports available
Overnight Warming
Effective March 18 – April 30
10 p.m. – 7 a.m. (weather dependent)
The 705
56 Dunlop St. W.
Barrie
- Seven (7) days per week
- Initiated upon discretion, based on temperature, wind chill, weather events and at a minimum -15ºC or colder
Operations will be determined by 2 p.m. each day - Max capacity 15
- Individuals will be connected with relevant community resources and emergency shelter beds (when available)
- Referrals to community supports and services
- Snacks and drinks provided
Effective November 15 – April 30
9 p.m. – 7 a.m. (weather dependant)
Orillia Warming Centre
Orillia Community Church
64 Colborne St. E.
Orillia
- Seven (7) days per week
- Initiated upon discretion, based on temperature, wind chill, weather events and at a minimum -15ºC or colder
- Operations will be determined by 4 p.m. each day
- Max capacity 16
- Individuals will be connected with relevant community resources and emergency shelter beds (when available)
- Referrals to community supports and services
- Snacks and drinks provided
Effective December 1 – April 30
9 p.m. – 8 a.m. (weather dependant)
WOW Living
Out of the Cold Café
177 Church St.
Bradford
- Seven (7) days per week
- Initiated upon discretion, based on temperature, wind chill, weather events and at a minimum -15ºC or colder
- Operations will be determined by 2pm each day
- Maximum capacity is ten (10)
- Referrals to community supports and services
- Snacks and drinks provided
- Referrals to emergency shelter beds as available
Monday – Friday: 4 p.m. – 8 a.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 12 a.m. – 8 a.m.
The Guesthouse Shelter
522 Elizabeth St.
Midland
- Seven (7) days per week
- Afternoon and Overnight Warming
20 Rose Street temporary emergency overnight winter shelter
To access this site, please contact The Busby Centre at 705-828-3795.
Intake for 20 Rose Street is facilitated on site at the Busby centre located at 88 Mulcaster Street
Effective November 15, 2023 until April 30, 2024.
Hours of operation 5pm-11am, 7 days per week.
- Referrals to emergency shelter beds as available
- Referrals to community supports and services
- Snacks and drinks provided
Alternate Spaces Activation Strategy
Enhanced access to indoor, warm spaces in shelters across the region when all shelter beds are full.