A former Tim Hortons building that has recently become a homeless encampment in downtown Simcoe was damaged by fire early Tuesday morning.
Jun 09, 2026 • Last updated 2 hours ago •
Restoration company representatives were on-site following an overnight fire on Water Street in Simcoe early Tuesday morning (June 9). The property, which used to be a Tim Hortons, is currently the location of a homeless encampment. Photo by STAFF /SIMCOE REFORMER
A former Tim Hortons building that has turned into a homeless encampment in downtown Simcoe was affected by fire during the early hours of Tuesday.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Henry Knelsen, a businessman from downtown Simcoe, shared on social media that he woke up around 1 a. m. to “all kinds of sirens and demolition.”
Knelsen uploaded a video to social media showing firefighters working to control the flames.
Some witnesses mentioned they heard what sounded like firecrackers. “I didn’t think nothing of it,” one woman told Knelsen.
The fire reportedly started just before 12:45 a. m., according to fire officials.
“Crews then conducted a search of the building to confirm that no occupants were inside at the time of the incident,” Puype stated.
The estimated damage is around $150,000.
An initial investigation suggests that the cause of the fire is not suspicious, according to the release.
No injuries were reported by Norfolk OPP.
A restoration company was present at the site early Tuesday morning. Puype mentioned that workers would secure the vacant building once their investigation wraps up.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Reports indicate that at least one nearby business had to close due to smoke damage.
An overnight fire early Tuesday morning (June 9) damaged a former Tim Hortons on Water Street in Simcoe. The property is home to a homeless encampment. Photo by Staff /SIMCOE REFORMER
People have been seeking shelter at this long-empty building on Water Street. Tarps have been put up near boarded-up windows and doors, and there are piles of clothing and trash scattered across the parking lot.
“The Homelessness Prevention team is working closely with OPP Community Mobilization Officer to monitor the site and help connect individuals with available housing and social services,” Norfolk County shared with Reformer in an email recently.
Henry Knelsen posted footage of firefighters tackling blazes at a former Tim Hortons on Water Street in Simcoe early Tuesday, June 9. Recently this site has served as a homeless camp. Photo by Henry Knelsen /Screengrab/Facebook
The county mentioned its bylaw department is also collaborating with the private property owner regarding “the use of this site and expected compliance with Lot Maintenance Bylaw.”
Lamoon Sukhphrasert operates Thai Delish across from where the fire occurred; she noted more than six people have been living there. She expressed concern as some individuals have been seen using drugs openly during daytime hours; last week she looked out only to see five people passed out on her sidewalk.
I thought they died,” said Sukhphrasert who used to be nurse back in Thailand.
“I had to run out and (perform CPR)to wake them up. I don’t want anybody dying.”
On another occasion, Sukhphrasert got into her car when one man from camp tried approaching her, but she quickly drove away.
“Afterwards when he wasn’t high anymore he apologized,”she added.
Sukhphrasert shared she’s reached outto Grand Erie Public Health about discarded needles lying around worried for innocent pedestrians possibly contracting HIV or other diseases.
Despite her own experiences, Sukhphrasert urges everyone to show kindness towards those struggling.
“We’re all human; we’re not supposedto look downon them.”
“Nobody wakes up saying,’I wantto be ajunkie.’ We should pray for themto find happinessand peace within themselves. Inner peace is essential forthem.”
Even after heavy rain, the smellof smoke lingered aroundthe area later Tuesdaymorning. Angela Vanderhoek, waworkerwith Liquidationand Discount Outlet behindthebuilding, cameby for alookonherbreak.
This hasnotloadedyet, butyourarticlecontinuesbelow.
<Articlecontent
Vanderhoek commented,”We’ve received complaintsfrom customersabout themess here,”as she observedwaterlogged shoppingcarts, mattresses, chairs, and garbage scatteredabout. Vanderhoek indicated localbusinessowners approached her boss thinking he ownedtheproperty. Similar TO Sukhphrasert, she’s witnessed drug usage happeningduring businesshours. “They do itallaroundthebuilding,” she remarked.”I knowpeopleare constantlycomplainingon Facebook- it’s makingdowntown look messy.” The propertyis ownedby TDLGroup, thefranchisorof Tim Hortonsin Canada. Thecompanydidnotrespondwhen contactedby foracommentonthis situation. With filesfrom Michelle Ruby/Postmedia staff
Anovernightfireearly Tuesdaymorning(June9)damagedaformer Tim Hortonson Water Streetin Simcoe. Thepropertyisthe siteofahomelessencampment. SIMCOEREFORMERSTAFF
Articlecontent
Sharethis articleinyoursocialnetwork
Source link
An overnight fire early Tuesday morning (June 9) damaged a former Tim Hortons on Water Street in Simcoe. The property is home to a homeless encampment. Photo by Staff /SIMCOE REFORMER
People have been seeking shelter at this long-empty building on Water Street. Tarps have been put up near boarded-up windows and doors, and there are piles of clothing and trash scattered across the parking lot.“The Homelessness Prevention team is working closely with OPP Community Mobilization Officer to monitor the site and help connect individuals with available housing and social services,” Norfolk County shared with Reformer in an email recently.
Henry Knelsen posted footage of firefighters tackling blazes at a former Tim Hortons on Water Street in Simcoe early Tuesday, June 9. Recently this site has served as a homeless camp. Photo by Henry Knelsen /Screengrab/Facebook
The county mentioned its bylaw department is also collaborating with the private property owner regarding “the use of this site and expected compliance with Lot Maintenance Bylaw.”
Lamoon Sukhphrasert operates Thai Delish across from where the fire occurred; she noted more than six people have been living there. She expressed concern as some individuals have been seen using drugs openly during daytime hours; last week she looked out only to see five people passed out on her sidewalk.I thought they died,” said Sukhphrasert who used to be nurse back in Thailand.
“I had to run out and (perform CPR)to wake them up. I don’t want anybody dying.”
On another occasion, Sukhphrasert got into her car when one man from camp tried approaching her, but she quickly drove away.
“Afterwards when he wasn’t high anymore he apologized,”she added.
Sukhphrasert shared she’s reached outto Grand Erie Public Health about discarded needles lying around worried for innocent pedestrians possibly contracting HIV or other diseases.
Despite her own experiences, Sukhphrasert urges everyone to show kindness towards those struggling.
“We’re all human; we’re not supposedto look downon them.”
“Nobody wakes up saying,’I wantto be ajunkie.’ We should pray for themto find happinessand peace within themselves. Inner peace is essential forthem.”
Even after heavy rain, the smellof smoke lingered aroundthe area later Tuesdaymorning. Angela Vanderhoek, waworkerwith Liquidationand Discount Outlet behindthebuilding, cameby for alookonherbreak.
This hasnotloadedyet, butyourarticlecontinuesbelow.
<Articlecontent
Vanderhoek commented,”We’ve received complaintsfrom customersabout themess here,”as she observedwaterlogged shoppingcarts, mattresses, chairs, and garbage scatteredabout. Vanderhoek indicated localbusinessowners approached her boss thinking he ownedtheproperty. Similar TO Sukhphrasert, she’s witnessed drug usage happeningduring businesshours. “They do itallaroundthebuilding,” she remarked.”I knowpeopleare constantlycomplainingon Facebook- it’s makingdowntown look messy.” The propertyis ownedby TDLGroup, thefranchisorof Tim Hortonsin Canada. Thecompanydidnotrespondwhen contactedby foracommentonthis situation. With filesfrom Michelle Ruby/Postmedia staff
Source link
