Grey County Emergency Housing Site Shelters Nearly 500 in First Year, Following Purchase of Former Motel
County’s emergency housing program in Owen Sound has supported 480 people in its first year, providing safe shelter and services to individuals and families facing housing crises.

Nearly 500 individuals, including more than 50 children, have found temporary refuge at Grey County’s emergency housing facility in Owen Sound over the past year, as the need for crisis shelter continues to grow across the region.
The site, located at 713 9th Avenue East, has supported over 375 households since opening in 2024. County officials say the initiative has allowed for greater capacity during peak periods and reduced reliance on more expensive motel placements.
The facility operates out of the former Diamond Motor Inn, purchased by Grey County in January 2024 for $3.05 million. At the time, the County projected that owning and operating the site directly would reduce nightly costs and expand the number of shelter spaces available.
Officials now report the site provided up to 60 emergency housing spaces per night during the peak winter season, with the facility expected to contribute to approximately 13,000 nights of accommodation annually.
“Savings from the motel program have created critically needed capacity to expand our winter response,” said Randy Scherzer, Grey County’s Chief Administrative Officer. “By funding overflow spaces and supporting Safe N Sound’s out of the cold program, Grey County was able to offer up to 60 emergency housing spaces per night during the peak winter season."
The housing model prioritizes privacy and safety, particularly for families, and is supported by on-site wraparound services. These supports helped 176 households transition from the County’s real-time homelessness list into longer-term housing over the past 12 months, according to the County.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. “We know that providing stable, dignified housing is a critical first step for people experiencing homelessness. This site and the team behind it are making a tangible difference for individuals and families across our community who are facing some of their most difficult days.”
The decision to purchase the property was partly in response to rising demand and financial strain in Grey County’s previous emergency housing model, which relied on renting motel rooms.
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As of the end of 2023, the County had provided over 9,100 nights of emergency accommodation that year, contributing to a $427,000 deficit. The purchase was funded through the Affordable Housing Fund, with future capital costs expected to be incorporated into Grey County’s long-term budget.
The site is now positioned as a central element of Grey County’s ongoing housing and homelessness response strategy, as officials continue to balance emergency shelter needs with longer-term housing goals.
For more information about the emergency housing program or other Grey County housing services, visit www.grey.ca or call 1-800-567-4739.
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