Last August, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall and the city council faced significant backlash from unhoused residents and community advocates after the eviction of the Berczy Park encampment. Now, less than a year later, Simcoe County has shared an update on housing and support efforts for some of those displaced.

Mayor Nuttall emphasized what he called a 75% success rate from the initiative, reporting that 9 out of 12 individuals who required special accommodations have since been permanently housed.

In an interview with Simcoe Community Media, Mina Fayez-Bahgat, General Manager of Simcoe County’s Social and Community Services, clarified that the 75% figure applies specifically to those who accepted help, not the full population of the former encampment.

He explained that most of the individuals identified as needing accommodations chose to come indoors, though some required alternative arrangements due to factors such as pets, disabilities, or unique household dynamics. These individuals received and maintained suitable accommodations throughout the fall and winter. By spring, they were offered rent supplements, either to remain where they were or to find new housing. Of the 12 individuals engaged through this process, 9 have secured permanent housing, while 3 continue their search.

Mayor Nuttall praised the County’s efforts, describing the outcome as both impactful and life-changing for those involved. He commended staff and community partners for delivering “meaningful, tangible results.”

Health and Housing Integration: The HART Hub

During a recent update to the city council, Simcoe County officials also presented on the HART Hub—a newly launched initiative focused on Health, Addiction, Response, and Treatment. Officially opened in July, the HART Hub is a central component of the County’s broader 10-point plan to address homelessness and housing insecurity.

Clients are identified through Simcoe County’s coordinated access system and its “by-names” list. From there, a navigation team conducts outreach, connects individuals with services, and facilitates their intake into the system.

Since launching the 10-point plan in 2023, the County has reported substantial progress, including major funding wins—over $15 million secured—and positive results from both its modular housing and Rapid Rehousing programs.

Gratitude for Government Support

Ward 1 Councillor Clare Riepma acknowledged the critical role of government partnerships in making these initiatives possible.

“The other people to thank are the federal and provincial governments,” he said. “We got $15 million more, and it seems to me that we definitely need that funding in order to provide these services.”

Challenges Remain

Despite the positive strides, Fayez-Bahgat noted there are ongoing challenges to supporting vulnerable populations in a large and geographically dispersed region like Simcoe County.

First, limited public transit options create barriers for residents trying to access services and housing opportunities. Second, while funding and support exist at various levels of government, homelessness takes many forms, especially hidden homelessness, such as couch surfing, which often goes unreported and unaddressed.

Still, Fayez-Bahgat sees opportunities for continued improvement and collaboration.

“We’ve worked with some of Ontario’s largest municipalities, and while the challenges are real, so is the potential,” he said.

Footage of Berczy Park: Samantha Looney