BARRIE — The Ontario government has opened a new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Simcoe County, expanding access to comprehensive mental health, addiction recovery, and housing support services for individuals facing homelessness and substance use challenges.
The new facility is part of Ontario’s nearly $550 million investment to establish 28 HART Hubs across the province — a key step in the province’s plan to build a stronger, safer, and more compassionate system of care for people and families impacted by addiction and housing instability.
“We are building a stronger, more connected system of mental health and addictions care that better reflects the needs of communities and focuses on lasting recovery,” said Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “The opening of this new HART Hub will ensure that people struggling with mental health and addictions challenges in Simcoe County can get the care they need on their path to recovery, while keeping the community safe.”
Comprehensive Recovery Services Across Simcoe County
The Simcoe County HART Hub is operated by the County of Simcoe and the City of Barrie in partnership with local health and community organizations. Services are available across Barrie, Orillia, and Midland, with the Bayfield Street location serving as the central access point for walk-ins and general inquiries.
Pleased to share that the new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub in Simcoe County is now fully operational, expanding access to recovery and mental health supports for individuals and families across our region.
Learn more: https://t.co/5mcVpQNGTF… pic.twitter.com/AQEAvqRCjI
— Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey (@BrianSaunderson) November 3, 2025
Each HART Hub connects people to wrap-around services including:
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Mental health and addiction treatment
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Withdrawal management and live-in treatment
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Crisis response and community outreach
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Indigenous-specific services
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Primary care and employment support
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Mental Health and Addictions Supportive Housing
The Simcoe County Hub’s collaborative model includes partnerships with the Barrie and Area Ontario Health Team (BAOHT), Barrie Native Friendship Centre, Canadian Mental Health Association – Simcoe County Branch (CMHA SCB), Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin IIPC/BANAC, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), and Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care.
Local Leaders Welcome New Support Hub
Local officials praised the HART Hub as a major step toward improving community safety, access to treatment, and long-term recovery outcomes.
“This investment ensures that individuals and families in our community can access the right care at the right time, close to home,” said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie–Innisfil. “Together, we are building a stronger, safer and more compassionate Simcoe County for everyone.”
“Ensuring that vulnerable persons facing homelessness and addiction have access to services that address core issues will improve the chances for long-lasting recovery,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie–Springwater–Oro-Medonte.
Alex Nuttall, Mayor of Barrie, added that the facility is already making a difference:
“This new facility is now operational and already helping connect residents to the mental health, addictions, and crisis supports they need, when they need them most.”
Basil Clarke, Warden of the County of Simcoe, noted the program’s regional impact:
“We welcome this new resource that supports the integration of withdrawal management, mental health treatment, housing, Indigenous pathways and community services.”
Part of a Province-Wide Network of 28 HART Hubs
The Simcoe County Hub joins a growing network of 28 HART Hubs being established across Ontario to improve treatment and recovery outcomes. Nine existing Consumption and Treatment Services (CTS) sites have already transitioned into HART Hubs, delivering expanded care with a focus on recovery and housing support.
In total, the province’s expansion will add nearly 900 supportive housing units, including two Indigenous-led Hubs in Kenora and Sault Ste. Marie/Blind River/Sagamok, designed to provide culturally relevant care.
The initiative builds on Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness, a 10-year, $3.8 billion strategy to close gaps in mental health and addictions care.
Connecting Care Through Your Health Plan
Through the Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, Ontario is aligning mental health, addictions, housing, and primary care supports to provide a seamless, integrated care model. The province is also investing an additional $303 million over three years in community-led mental health programs.
The Simcoe County HART Hub reflects this broader provincial commitment to connect individuals to care, ensure public safety, and help communities thrive.
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