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
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.