Image from Bruce County staff report
Bruce County staff was able to update council on the progress made to address homelessness in the region.
At Thursday’s council meeting, staff provided a Housing and Homelessness 2025 Progress Report.
Five strategies were developed with the help of community partners and residents, which include a way to increase affordable housing stock, developing additional housing support options, and exploring a rural mobility model.
In order to help increase the number of affordable homes available, Bruce County committed $3.4 million in capital repairs, including to two non-profit housing providers.
The county also gave approval to build a community housing development in Brockton, which will provide 41 units.
The County’s Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) includes the Housing Stability Fund, sheltering and homelessness supports, and community support coordination.
Last year, the HPP spent more than $1.5 million in provincial funding for these programs, which directly help people who are unhoused or at risk of becoming homeless.
A total of 28 people transitioned from homelessness to being housed, and 226 individuals received support from county staff outside of an emergency shelter.
In 2025, the county was able to offer community housing to 74 residents, preserving 63 tenancies through the Housing Stability Fund, and help an additional 59 households get into affordable and sustainable homes.
Bruce County Outreach continues to offer services in communities throughout Bruce County. This includes opportunities offered in Saugeen Shores, Brockton, Kincardine, Chesley and Lion’s Head.
In order to continue the work that Bruce County has accomplished so far, staff is looking to complete the 2026-2036 Housing & Homelessness Strategy.
Staff has also continued working with Grey County to develop a coordinated response through the Grey Bruce Homelessness Prevention Steering Committee.