Barrie’s decision to declare a state of emergency over homeless encampments sent ripples through neighbouring communities, prompting questions that reached the corridors of Orillia’s city hall. Yet Orillia chose a different path, one marked by deliberation rather than dramatic declarations.
Homeless encampments have emerged as a stark symbol of urban struggle across Simcoe County. Barrie’s mayor, Alex Nuttall, declared a state of emergency, a move intended to galvanize support and attract attention to the crisis. For many, such a declaration signals urgency and a plea for outside resources. Yet, as Orillia’s mayor Don McIssac noted, the practical effects of this gesture remain ambiguous.
In Orillia, pressure mounted for a mirrored response, but local leadership opted for a measured approach. Instead of following Barrie’s lead, McIssac convened a special council session, calling on experts from the County of Simcoe, which manages housing and shelter services for the region. The discussion, according to McIssac, began with one question: did a formal emergency declaration actually unlock new resources? The answer, it seemed, was no. The county’s existing plans—vouchers, rapid rehousing, mental health support—remained available irrespective of such declarations. McIssac observed, “It was unclear the advantage of declaring a state of emergency.”
Orillia’s response emphasised education and collaboration, with daily coordination between city staff, bylaw officers, fire services, and county representatives. The city’s strategy targets both immediate issues, such as encampments on public and private property, and the underlying causes—addiction, trauma, lack of housing. The mayor acknowledged criminal elements preying on the vulnerable but reiterated a focus on aiding those ready to accept help: “We want to help people who need and want that help.”
Contrary to public belief, declaring a state of emergency does not guarantee a windfall of funding or rapid solutions. The County of Simcoe’s ten-point plan continues to guide interventions, from youth housing to permanent placements. As the number of encampments in Orillia fluctuates—peaking during the summer months—the city’s leadership persists in seeking practical remedies over political theatre. The work is ongoing, the challenges complex, and the search for dignity and stability for all remains unfinished business.
