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Guest home residents moving to temporary accommodations: County

‘I confirm that the facility will be shut down permanently as soon as the residents are relocated,’ wrote owner Linda Liang through her lawyer in a statement to CollingwoodToday
2022-01-05huroniajo003
Huronia Guest Home in Stayner is located at 300 Main St.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been modified from a previous version to add clarification from the County of Simcoe that residents are planned to be moved later this week.

The remaining residents of Huronia Guest Home in Stayner will be moved into temporary accommodations until permanent homes are found for them, say County of Simcoe officials.

In a statement released on Saturday night (Jan. 14), County of Simcoe officials provided an update on what they’re doing to address the health concerns surrounding the privately owned assisted-living facility in Stayner, which include a bed-bug infestation, a lack of food and staff allegations of non-payment since mid-December.

“Partners have scheduled treatment for pests to take place late next week, with arrangements for current residents needing housing to be moved into temporary accommodations,” wrote county spokesperson Andrea Walasek in the statement. “Those moving into the temporary accommodations will remain there until permanent homes are available for them.”

In response to a request for comment sent to owner of Huronia Guest Home Linda Liang, Liang’s lawyer Nadine Schweishelm sent a statement via email to CollingwoodToday on Monday afternoon.

"I confirm that the facility will be shut down permanently as soon as the residents are relocated and that ownership is working with a number of different agencies to help with the relocation,” Schweishelm wrote.

The county’s statement notes that dedicated attention continues to be given to the process of finding long-term housing solutions for the remaining residents. Partners listed in the statement include the Township of Clearview, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and the South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team.

The move to temporary accommodations will occur later this week.

“The residents have been informed of the actions planned during this transition, and will be consulted and updated as more details are confirmed,” wrote Walasek. “Shelter and care for these individuals are our priority. We are doing everything possible to support these individuals.”

While the future of the building at 7232 Hwy. 26 has not yet been made clear by the owner, the property has been listed on MLS since June 2022 for $2.75 million. According to the description of the property, it is a licensed guest home with 45 beds, and includes a separate, two-storey duplex.

The Huronia Guest Home is a privately owned and operated organization. Multiple sources have confirmed that the home underwent a management change last week, and some residents have since found alternate accommodations.

While the County of Simcoe formerly had jurisdiction over the operations at the home, the contract was terminated by home ownership in August of 2022.

“The county and its partners do not have legislative or regulatory authority over this privately owned and operated facility; but have taken action to secure pest remediation, short- and long-term accommodation, mental health and physical support, meals, and transportation,” notes the statement.

“Out of respect for the privacy of the individuals being moved due to this unfortunate situation... we will not be commenting further with regard to the arrangements at this time,” wrote Walasek in an email to CollingwoodToday.


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Jessica Owen

About the Author: Jessica Owen

Jessica Owen is an experienced journalist working for Village Media since 2018, primarily covering Collingwood and education.
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