Barrie and Orillia rush to get warming centres open
Simcoe Muskoka was hit with extreme cold weather on Saturday with temperatures dropping to around -30 C in some parts.
Due to the frigid climate, municipalities and organizations across the region are working quickly to get warming shelters open for those without a home.
"It's life and death right now. It really is," said Barrie city councillor Natalie Harris. "You can't go outside without having a risk of frost bite."
Both the city and community partners, like the Busby Centre, are coming together to find solutions as they say demand is growing.
"It's going to take all of us working together because it's terrifying," said Sara Peddle, executive director of the Busby Centre
Peddle noted that they recently opened their 88 Mulcaster Street overnight shelter, and it sleeps around eight people. She says there are plans to expand as demand grows.
Currently, hundreds of people in Barrie are being housed in hotels and shelters across the city, according to Peddle.
Capacity concerns are being felt in other parts of the county.
Orillia opened the front lobby of its new recreation centre and the Cafe Area at the Public Library during the day on Saturday to help people warm up.
"COVID has exacerbated that need, and it's created more people who are homeless," said Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke.
With the growing number of people needing shelter in the Orillia-area, he says that a plan to address warming shelters needs to be made well before the winter months.
"We need to have some good comprehensive conversations at the council table and with the county about how we do this moving forward," said Clarke.
According to Mayor Clarke and councillor Harris opening a warming centre doesn't happen overnight. There are inspections and other paperwork that get in the way of fast-tracking the facilities.
On Saturday morning, the John Howard Society announced that a new daytime warming centre would open at the Trinity Anglican Church on Friday, Jan. 21. A project that took months to get approved.
"This has been in the works since November it's been a long journey. We need permission from the diocese and certain insurance as well," said Harris. "COVID-19 has caused a lot of different roadblocks," she adds.
A feeling known all too well at the Lighthouse shelter in Orillia.
In early December, multiple people tested positive for the virus forcing the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to declare an outbreak.
Now, a month later, Linda Goodall, the executive director of The Lighthouse, says they have no recent positive tests but have to wait before being cleared.
If everything goes smoothly, she anticipates the outbreak will be lifted on Jan. 23.
"It's been really difficult. We have beds available," said Goodall.
Goodall, who works closely with the overnight shelter at the Orillia Community Church, says once cleared of the outbreak, The Lighthouse shelter will welcome a handful of new residents.
"Warming centres during times like this literally save lives," said Goodall.
While the winter rolls on, the Busby Centre and other organizations are taking to the streets and helping people find a warm place to stay.
The Busby Centre asks that if you, or someone you see, needs a place to warm up, call or text 844-845-8494
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.