No plans to relocate Barrie encampment residents to Essa Township motels, County says

Essa Township and the County of Simcoe issued a joint statement Friday to address concerns about homelessness programs and encampment response. The County says the clarification comes amid growing public concern about the impact of encampments on local communities.

The County says its Family Shelter Program, also known as the Motel Voucher Program (MVP), provides emergency accommodations for families experiencing homelessness.

The statement notes the program “prioritizes families with young children and offers dedicated support services to help families find permanent housing solutions.”

It reports that of the 276 individuals currently being supported by the program, 96 per cent are part of family units.

The County of Simcoe confirmed there are no plans to relocate individuals from Barrie encampments into Essa Township motels under the Family Shelter Program.

According to officials, the motels are not designated as relocation sites for people being removed from encampments, but rather serve as temporary housing for families requiring support.

The County highlighted that the program predates the current encampment enforcement actions. “It is not a direct response mechanism for encampments,” the statement reads.

Officials emphasize the Family Shelter Program is regionally administered, “meaning placements are not restricted by a person’s current location.” The County says this is ensures equitable access across Simcoe County, including communities such as s Barrie, Collingwood, Orillia, Midland, Alliston, and Essa Township.

The program is part of the County’s 10-Point Homelessness Prevention Strategy, which launched in 2023 and aims to expand capacity to support families facing homelessness.