Barrie advocates push for 24/7 warming shelter to protect city's homeless
Advocates want the City of Barrie and the County of Simcoe to step up with funding for a warming shelter next winter open 24/7 for those with no place to call home.
The Barrie Housing and Homelessness Justice Network says the need has never been greater, pointing to the pandemic and rising inflation as root causes.
"Last year, the warming centre ran from January until March, and we helped 195 unique individuals, and I know that this year, they're running at capacity almost every night that they're open," said Jennifer Van Gennip, Barrie Housing and Homelessness Justice Network representative.
City councillors are currently in budget deliberations, prompting the organization to push for funding now rather than waiting until November.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
The John Howard Society, which is currently running the warming centre, estimates a 24/7 centre would cost nearly $300,000 for rent and staff.
While Van Gennip said councillors shared her frustration when the organization brought a deputation forward at Wednesday's meeting, she feels there "wasn't a lot of appetite for the funding to come from the city."
She noted the City wants to see if the County would come through with funding first.
"The social service part of the budget is actually with the County of Simcoe, so that portion of it is going to be debated in a couple of weeks on March 8, and I would reckon at that point, we'll have more to say about that then," stated Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.
In a statement, the County of Simcoe said it expects to bring a report with its plans for 2024 to Barrie council at the end of this winter, adding its ultimate goal is to find permanent housing for vulnerable members.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.