Simcoe County is taking over two downtown Barrie properties that have long served as a base for homelessness services.
The properties, known as the Busby Centre at 88 and 90 Mulcaster St. offer an array of homelessness services. These properties have played a central role in Barrie’s homelessness response for more than a decade.
Simcoe County plans to renovate the buildings into a purpose-built facility offering housing programs, emergency supports, case management and other services. The project is part of the county’s 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy.
The county plans to lease 88 Mulcaster St. back to the Busby Centre and provide the space rent-free during redevelopment to ensure services continue without interruption. Officials say that should start before the end of the year.
In a media release, Mayor Alex Nuttall said the acquisition presents an opportunity to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.
“The County of Simcoe’s commitment to investing in homelessness services and housing-based programming with wraparound supports is encouraging,” he said.
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“The acquisition of these properties represents an opportunity to enhance services, improve outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness, and advance our shared goal of helping people move toward stable, permanent housing.”
He also stressed the importance of property management and site operations.
“With ownership of these properties comes an important responsibility to maintain a high standard of property management and site operations,” he said.
Residents, businesses, and neighbourhood stakeholders deserve confidence that the site will be well maintained, safe, and operated in a way that positively contributes to the surrounding community.”
More than 640 people were experiencing homelessness in Barrie earlier this year, according to county data.
