Simcoe County warming centres log more than 7400 winter stays

A warming centre in Orillia, Ont. (City of Orillia)

More than 7,400 overnight stays were recorded at warming centres across Simcoe County this winter, helping hundreds stay out of the cold during one of the snowiest seasons in recent memory.

The County of Simcoe says its eight warming centres provided 7,494 overnight stays and welcomed 353 people for 885 daytime visits throughout the winter.

The centres operated out of Barrie, Bradford, Midland, Orillia and Wasaga Beach.

County Warden Basil Clarke says the centres helped connect people with housing, healthcare and other community support programs throughout the region. Visitors were also provided access to meals, laundry services and donated clothing.

“Through Orillia’s warming centre alone, staff were able to help eleven individuals transition into permanent housing while connecting many others to emergency shelters, housing resources and healthcare services,” said Warden Basil Clarke.

“These successful outcomes are exactly why we go above and beyond for our community: to build up homes, lives and hope.”

Warming centres have now closed for the season, with staff adding that planning for next winter is expected to begin in the coming months.