New temporary supportive rapid housing arrives in Orillia
Crews in Orillia have been piecing together six new temporary supportive rapid re-housing units in preparation for use by the end of the month.
"We can start turning our attention to the inside. There's a little bit of mechanical and electrical work we've got to do as well so hopefully we should have that finished by next week" says Brad Spiewak with the County of Simcoe.
The units are being set up on West Street, close to the city's downtown.
The objective is to assist individuals experiencing homelessness.
The County and City say this is only a temporary solution for those in need while permanent housing is being sought.
"It's not the complete solution, but it is part of the solution, and it will have a really significant impact on the lives of the people who are part of the program," says city councillor Janet-Lynne Durnford.
This temporary solution will help take some of the stress off local shelters that are often at capacity.
"I know that with 10 units, we are definitely going to be able to use those units and make sure that people will have more resources, so it is going to complement what we do definitely," says Trish Holloway, with the Lighthouse.
"It takes 10 to 20 people at a time out of that system and gives them some hope of establishing permanent safe and secure housing," says Durnford.
The program's success depends on its proximity to downtown and other social services available in the city.
The project is a collaborative effort between the County and the City. It will operate similarly to the one in Barrie on Rose Street. The County is currently searching for a suitable individual to manage the facility.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.