Our History
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Discover the journey that led Independent Living Services Simcoe County (ILS) to become the organization it is today.
At ILS, our story is one of growth, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of our mission: to strengthen and empower communities in Simcoe County, fostering independence and genuine relationships for individuals. Our story is woven into the fabric of Simcoe County, where our holistic approach to care transcends mere healthcare services, creating a culture of care and belonging. As you explore the timeline below, you’ll discover the milestones and events that have shaped our organization and helped us become an integral part of the community.
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1976
Beginning of the organization with four members and $50.00 SEED funding from the Ministry of Community & Social Services.
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1977
Barrie & District Association for the Physically Disabled becomes incorporated. First provincial convention of United Handicapped Groups of Ontario. 350 delegates attend. The focus is housing, transportation & employment.
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1978
Elaine Knox initiates the rental and purchase and renovation of a house on Cook Street in Barrie.
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1980
“Elaine House” was officially opened to support five adults with physical disabilities live independently in October 1980.
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1981
Barrie Kiwanis Club & Easter Seals donates a bus to the Association to begin Barrie Accessible Community Transit (BACTS).
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1980s
Bob Kerr & Bob Peebles advocate for the removal of barriers for people with disabilities. BDAP receives funding to provide Support Care Outreach to people in their homes. In the mid to late 80’s, the Outreach program expanded to provide services in Midland, Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, and Orillia.
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1989
By 1989, there were over 4000 registered riders, 22,000 trips/year and four buses in BACTS.
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1989
Supportive Housing units are opened in Barrie at Kozlov & Coulter, and Kozlov & Edgehill.
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1990
BDAPD changes its name to Simcoe County Association for the Physically Disabled.
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1991
BACTS transportation program transferred from SCAPD to City of Barrie.
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1990s
With continued support from the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care, five supportive housing units opened in Orillia in 1991, and an additional nine units in Barrie. Supportive housing services were established in Collingwood and Midland by 1999.
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2001
The Ontarians with Disabilities Act received Royal Assent. SCAPD Board becomes involved with municipal Accessibility Advisory Committees. A network is formed to connect AAC members across Simcoe County and eventually the District of Muskoka.
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2004
SCAPD develops expertise in accessibility training through its Public Ed Program to help “Open Doors & Minds” in the community.
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2005
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act is passed. SCAPD broadens its training program to include Accessible Customer Service to municipalities, The Learning Centre PSW students, and businesses.
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2008
The Accessibility Resource Centre is established through LHIN funding to support people to live safely and independently.
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2010
The organization changes it name to Independent Living Services of Simcoe County & Area.
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2012
ARC expands to promote the re-use of equipment through the Assistive Device Exchange website. Launch of the Assisted Living Program to support seniors who are at risk of losing their independence in the community.
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2014
ILS employs 150 staff, mostly as Attendant Care Workers. Over 130 individuals are supported with Attendant Care Programs, 44 seniors with Assisted Living Program and over 250 through ARC. The program at Elaine House closes.
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2016
ILS continues to assist individuals with physical disabilities & limitations, to live independently in our community by offering a variety of personal support services. Working in collaboration with our community members, ILS continues to help make Simcoe County a welcoming place for all citizens.
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2019
The Agency receives new funding to start the Personal Support Program to provide 1 to 2 hours of personal care to seniors living in Barrie and surrounding area.
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2020
The Assistive Device Exchange re-branded as Quipit, and launched a new, completely re-designed website.
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2020
ILS partners with United Way Simcoe Muskoka and 211 to be a Regional Lead for the Barrie and Area region, to administer the Urgent Needs Fund (UNF). This grant offers one-time financial support to area residents when no other resources are available
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2020 & Ongoing
We support and protect our clients, community, and employees through COVID-19 and other threats to public health. We are proud to remain compassionate and resilient while caring for our community in challenging times.
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2021
Independent Living Services of Simcoe County and Area announces brand refresh to Independent Living Services Simcoe County.
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2022
ILS Simcoe County receives 3 Year Accreditation Designation from CARF INTERNATIONAL which demonstrates ILS’s commitment to exceptional, personalized care and while putting the needs of our clients at the centre of everything we do.
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2023
Separate from existing personal support programs, ILS Simcoe County begins offering Homemaking Services for eligible adults with disabilities & seniors aged 55+ to assist with household management tasks, cleaning, meal preparation, laundry, shopping & care coordination.
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2024
ILS Simcoe County becomes a proud member of the North Simcoe Ontario Health Team to help strengthen an integrated care system so people of all ages and abilities have access for their independence & wellness in their community.
