Individuals experiencing homelessness, mental-health challenges and addictions in Simcoe County will have expanded access to care through a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.
The Ontario government has launched the hub — one of 28 opening across the province as part of a nearly $550-million investment aimed at improving access to treatment and recovery services.
The Simcoe County hub will operate through multiple locations in Barrie, Orillia and Midland, using a “network-based” model that delivers services through existing clinical and community sites rather than a standalone facility.
“This new facility is now operational and already making a difference — helping connect residents to the mental health, addictions, and crisis supports they need, when they need them most,” Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall said.
“The HART Hub represents what we can achieve when every level of government, along with our community partners, comes together with a shared commitment to care, compassion and public safety. This is a critical step forward for Barrie and for the people we serve.”
The county hub, located along Blake Street in Barrie, has been operating since the summer and is among nine sites that transitioned from consumption and treatment services to the province’s new HART model. Hubs will not provide safer-supply or supervised drug-use services, instead focusing on clinical supports, housing pathways and long-term recovery.
Barrie–Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin said the funding will help ensure residents can access timely, appropriate care.
“This investment ensures that individuals and families in our community can access the right care at the right time, close to home,” she said.
Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey said the hub was made possible through collaboration.
“This new HART Hub is a fantastic example of what can happen when all levels of government work together to address the concerns facing residents,” he said.
More HART Hubs are expected to open across Ontario as the province continues expanding its mental-health and addictions system.
