Collingwood, ON [23 January 2026] – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit SMDHU) has issued an Extreme Cold Warning. Outdoor temperatures have dropped with wind chills to below -30°C for Simcoe and -35°C for Muskoka. SMDHU suggests postponing outdoor activities this evening until tomorrow morning. Stay safe and warm: smdhu.org/cold.
Given this announcement, the Town would like to remind its residents of local services that offer support during cold weather and/ or challenging times.
Finding help and navigating services can begin by calling or texting
2-1-1. Service navigators are available 24/7 to connect people to the help they need, including accessing shelter services.
Warming Centres
During operational hours, the Collingwood Public Library, located at 55 Ste Marie St., and Central Park Arena, located at 85 Paterson Street, have rest areas available to stay warm and find shelter from extreme weather conditions.
The County of Simcoe Social Services offices, located at 485 Second St., are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays) for anyone needing relief from the cold or inclement weather.
County of Simcoe
As the overarching system manager, the County of Simcoe leads homelessness support programs and services across the region and funds community-based organizations through service agreements.
The demand for services is continuously growing, and while organizations work tirelessly to maximize the budgets they are allocated, community support helps fill gaps and stretch services to meet a growing need. If you are able, please consider donating or volunteering your time and experience. More information on the County’s support for individuals experiencing homelessness can be found at https://www.simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem.
Home Horizon
Home Horizon works with youth, providing transitional housing and support programs. Outreach workers connect youth with emergency shelter and the support services that they need. Barbara Weider House in Collingwood provides a safe, transitional home for youth aged 16-24 and delivers programs and services to individuals in crisis. Transitional Housing 705-445-5478;
Outreach 705-994-5606.
My Friend’s House
My Friend’s House provides an emergency shelter program for women and children experiencing abuse. In addition, they work to ensure women have access to information, resources, and the support they need. My Friend’s House also offers a 24-hour support line at 705-444-2511, wellness programs, public awareness campaigns, counselling, legal support, and outreach services.
Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT)
This collaboration between the Collingwood/Blue Mountain OPP and Collingwood General and Marine Hospital pairs a constable with a crisis worker. The MCRT responds to mental health calls and supports outreach efforts that connect individuals and families to resources and services. Contact Information: Emergency Call 9-1-1; Non-emergency 1-888-310-1122; Follow-up/Information 705-445-2550 ext. 8144
Housing Resource Centre – Empower Simcoe
Empower Simcoe provides services to people in the community at risk of or experiencing homelessness by delivering resources to help them secure or maintain housing, apply for assistance programs, connect with community services, and mediate landlord/tenant disputes. Case managers support the Housing First program, which assists people experiencing chronic homelessness and transitions them to permanent housing with support. Contacts: Housing Worker 705-739-0485, Outreach Drop-in, Collingwood Public Library – Mondays 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
With care and compassion, organizations will continue to work tirelessly to support those seeking assistance, delivering community outreach programs and ensuring a bed is available and a place to seek warmth or access services.
For more information about these resources, please visit the Town’s Community Support Programs page on the website.
Some content and illustrations on GEORGIANBAYNEWS.COM are created with the assistance of AI tools.
