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County of Simcoe releases highlights from February council meeting

February 27, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Simcoe County council has released highlights from its Feb. 10 council meeting, including updates on progress in programs across the region.

Paramedic Services Medical Priority Dispatch System

It has been one year since the Government of Ontario implemented the Medical Priority Dispatch System across the region. Paramedic Services are reporting clear improvements in how emergency calls are assessed and resources are deployed.

The transition has led to more accurate identification of life-threatening emergencies, quicker responses for the most critical patients, and improved overall ambulance availability.

Early learning and child care system management funding allocations

Council approved the 2026 Early Learning and Child Care Funding Plan, totalling $181.7 million, along with the program strategies and funding allocations, while redirecting any year-end municipal savings to the Social Services Reserve.

With approval secured, the County will move forward with implementing the 2026 allocations, which support licensed childcare, EarlyON programs, Indigenous-led services, special needs resourcing, and sector-wide quality initiatives.

Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub funding allocations

Council has approved the 2026-27 Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hub funding plan, including the full $6.31 million provincial allocation and the proposed distribution to Primary Partners.

With approval in place, the County will proceed with coordinated HART Hub operations that integrate housing, mental health, addiction, and culturally responsive supports.

The allocations fund a full continuum of care, from withdrawal management to treatment to stable housing.

Simcoe County Archives operations

In 2025, the Simcoe County Archives advanced work across its three core service areas: collection development, preservation, and public access.

Throughout the year, the Archives acquired new municipal and private records, processed backlogged materials, expanded digital and microfilm preservation work, and supported researchers through in-person visits, inquiries, and digitization requests.

Outreach, training, and collaboration with municipal partners also continued to help strengthen awareness, access, and long-term stewardship of the region’s documentary heritage.

Community partnerships – nutritional meal support

Council received an update on community partnerships with the County’s Long-Term Care and Seniors Services Department. This outlines how they continue to provide high-quality, affordable meals to vulnerable residents across the region.

Key initiatives include the long-standing Meals on Wheels partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, the award-winning Soup for Seniors program at Trillium Manor, and expanded meal support for local emergency shelters and food banks. 

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