New temporary solution to Barrie's homeless crisis is nearly operational
A new temporary solution to Barrie's homeless crisis is nearly operational, with 50 beds expected to be filled throughout the cold winter months.
Advocates say inflation and the lack of affordable housing have highlighted the issues surrounding homelessness.
Sara Peddle, Busby Centre's executive director, said the new site can't open fast enough, noting they are turning people away because they don't have the space for overnight stays.
"More and more people are ending up in shelters and on the street, and unfortunately, we need a bigger solution at multiple levels of government to actually make this not happen," said Peddle.
The Busby Centre will run the temporary shelter on the former OPP property on Rose Street.
"We are definitely, seeing coming out of the pandemic, a lot of people that were possibly in the hidden homeless category of staying with friends or family or couch surfing are now experiencing street homelessness," Peddle added.
There has yet to be a firm date for when the doors will open, as the County says it is working with the City on some final steps.
"In the next few days, we have some connections that need to be done, and we're doing that in cooperation with the City," said Simcoe County Warden George Cornell. "Once that's all done, we're ready for an occupancy permit which requires the City to come and do their inspection and then we're ready to open up."
Inspectors will check everything from fire alarms to plumbing and potential mechanical issues at the temporary shelter.
The City said if there are no issues during the inspection, the shelter would likely be given the green light to operate immediately.
The Rose Street property will eventually be used for supportive housing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Johnston to launch foreign interference hearings in July, calls allegations of bias 'quite simply false'
Canada's special rapporteur on foreign interference David Johnston calls the allegations swirling around his objectivity 'quite simply false,' and said Tuesday he plans to push ahead with his work, launching public hearings next month

Ford calls for ouster, Poilievre decries Liberal response to Bernardo prison transfer
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on the Liberals to keep "multiple murderers" in maximum-security prison, as fallout continues over the transfer of convicted killer Paul Bernardo to a medium-security institution in Quebec.
Sex harassment case involving Trudeau Foundation should be heard in N.L., lawyer says
The lawyer representing a woman who alleges she was sexually harassed by a former Northwest Territories premier says her client would likely have to end her lawsuit if a judge determines the trial should be moved to Quebec.
Conservative filibuster threatens potential citizenship for children born abroad
Andrea Fessler found out her third daughter didn't qualify for Canadian citizenship -- even though her two older daughters did -- when she arrived at the Canadian consulate in Hong Kong to register.
Rent across Canada climbs to 20 per cent above pandemic lows: report
Across Canada, the average price of rent climbed back up after pandemic lows, with the monthly rate new tenants face now 20 per cent higher than it was two years ago, according to just-released rental data.
Charges dropped against Alberta woman accused of mailing animals
Crown prosecutors say charges against an Alberta woman accused of mailing two puppies and a kitten have been dropped.
Internal docs suggest Trudeau wants China blocked from Pacific Rim trade deal
While the Liberals insist a Pacific Rim trade bloc should welcome anyone who meets its standards, an internal document suggests Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants China kept out.
U.K. police motorcyclist under criminal investigation over royal escort crash
A British police motorcyclist faced a criminal investigation Tuesday over the death of a woman who was struck in a collision with the officer's vehicle, which was escorting Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, at the time.
PGA Tour and European tour agree to merge with Saudis and end LIV Golf feud
The PGA Tour ended its expensive fight with Saudi Arabia's golf venture and now is joining forces with it, making a stunning announcement Tuesday of a merger that creates a commercial operation with the Public Investment Fund and the European tour.