The County of Simcoe has purchased two properties on Mulcaster Street in Barrie, taking ownership of the building that currently houses the Busby Centre’s homelessness services. The acquisition of 88 and 90 Mulcaster Street is part of the County’s plan to redevelop the site into a modern facility with housing-based programming and wraparound supports.
Current services at the Busby Centre will continue without interruption during the transition. The County confirmed in an August 20 announcement that programs will keep running at 88 Mulcaster while renovations and improvements are planned.
The Busby Centre serves roughly 125 to 150 people every day, providing emergency shelter, drop-in services and street outreach. It has operated from 88 Mulcaster since about 2015, originally leasing the space from the Canadian Mental Health Association Simcoe County Branch through the Barrie Pathways partnership.
The redevelopment fits into the County’s 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy, launched in 2023 to increase housing supply, create rent subsidies, boost eviction prevention and improve shelter availability. The County has already invested in modular housing, including a 40-bed facility purchased in June 2025.
Barrie declared a state of emergency in September 2025 over growing encampments. By March 2026, the County’s data showed 701 people experiencing homelessness in Barrie, up from 632 in September 2025.
Residents can follow renovation progress at simcoe.ca/Mulcaster. More details on the County’s announcement are available online.
