County accepting applications for its 2025 Tourism, Culture and Sport Enhancement Fund
By County of Simcoe
Midhurst/January 10, 2025 – The County of Simcoe is now accepting applications for its 2025 Tourism, Culture and Sport Enhancement Fund. This year, County Council has allocated $400,000 to help fund projects or experiences that will benefit regional tourism, culture, and sport.
The 2025 funding will support and enhance tourism, culture, and sport in Simcoe County by:
– Investing in initiatives that promote awareness, access, participation and appreciation of the diverse tourism, culture and sport offerings within the County of Simcoe
– Encouraging industry collaboration and partnerships
– Enhancing the visitor experience by supporting innovative and accessible programming
– Contributing to the County of Simcoe’s overall economic health and sense of place
“The County of Simcoe remains committed to strengthening our local community and economy by investing in businesses and organizations that highlight the wide array of tourism, cultural, and sports opportunities available throughout our region,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “Simcoe County has a deep-rooted connection with our tourism industry, and through Tourism Simcoe County, we are proud to continue supporting the growth and success of this sector.”
County of Simcoe opens skate trail to public
By County of Simcoe
Midhurst/January 13, 2025 – The County of Simcoe skate trail has officially opened for the 2025 season. The skate trail spans over one kilometre through the Simcoe Museum grounds and surrounding forestry.
Skaters can access the skate trail through the group entrance of the museum as the remainder of it is closed for renovations and inaccessible to the public. Tickets will be available at the door and online, for same day use only. Online ticket sales will be open by 9:00 a.m. on weekends, 4:00 p.m. on weeknights, and the skate trail itself will be open as weather and trail conditions permit.
2025 Hours of Operation
The skate trail will be open on the following days, weather permitting:
Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Thursdays 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Fridays 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Saturdays 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 2 – 4 p.m.
Sundays 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 2 – 4 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased online at museum.simcoe.ca on the same day as the reservation. Booking in advance is not available to ensure trail conditions remain optimal throughout the season. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $8 for youth.
Skaters will have access to indoor warming stations and changing areas.
County opens new warming centre in central Barrie
Midhurst/January 10, 2025 – The County of Simcoe is once again expanding opportunities for those living unhoused in the Barrie area to come inside when they are at risk during the coldest months of the year. Opening as of January 13, 2025, the Tiffin Street Warming Centre will welcome up to 10 individuals at a time when temperatures dip below -10°C. Co-located at the 113 Tiffin Street County of Simcoe Paramedic Services base, this temperature-activated warming centre will operate up to seven nights per week, 24 hours per day.
This shelter is the second new dedicated warming centre to open in the City of Barrie this winter funded by the County of Simcoe. Other warming centres in the community include the Barrie East and the Salvation Army warming centres. Earlier today, the County and its partners announced a new overnight warming centre in Wasaga Beach, complementing a growing list of six County-funded warming centres across the region.
While utilizing County-funded warming centres, individuals can also access support to find shelter, housing, healthcare, and other services and supports. These services are part of a larger effort to help more individuals gain access social and wellness-related assistance and help them move to other levels of housing supports if they choose.
The County reminds residents that warming centres are open during the coldest months of the year for vulnerable populations. These warming centres are part of the regional system approach to homelessness prevention with support from community partners.
The warming services are funded by the County of Simcoe are above and beyond regular municipal service contributions. Those in need of shelter or warmth can always call 2-1-1 to connect with a nearby shelter or visit one of the warming centre locations listed on the County’s website.
About the County’s 10-point homelessness prevention strategy The County of Simcoe’s 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy provides a strong, data-driven plan to help vulnerable residents and our communities. The strategy includes a considerable added investment toward the goal of preventing and ending chronic homelessness. For further details and ongoing updates to the homelessness prevention plan, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem.
Some of the most recent highlights of the 10-point plan include:
- two active SRRP programs with two more planned to open in 2025
- since November 2024, the County has begun permanently transitioning 48 seniors (55+) out of emergency shelters and into assisted living programs and rapid rehousing programs
- 88 overnight warming spaces and an additional 30 daytime spaces created in 2024/2025 to support unhoused individuals during the coldest months of the year
- Alternative Space Activation, introduced last winter, rapidly creates approximately 110 spaces in our emergency shelter locations when the weather drops below -10°C
- centralized the Motel Voucher Program through Community Connections’ 211 services, allowing spaces to expand dynamically as needed
About the County of Simcoe County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.