How Simcoe County is built
- Before 1961 16%
- 1961–1990 36%
- 1991–2000 13%
- 2001 or later 34%
This page covers the 16 towns and townships of the County of Simcoe. Barrie and Orillia are separate cities that aren't part of the county government; Barrie has its own pages. The District of Muskoka, north of the county, has its own section below.
Why mould shows up in Simcoe County homes
Environment and Climate Change Canada's 1981–2010 climate normal at Barrie WPCC (8.9 km from the middle of the area) is 4,254 heating degree-days a year, with a January mean of −7.7°C. On cold days, exterior corners, closets on outside walls and window frames get cold enough for condensation, which is where mould often starts.
Of the 122,485 houses in Simcoe County (single-detached, semi-detached, row houses, duplexes and mobile homes), 16% were built before 1961 and 52% before 1991, according to the 2021 Census. Older basements without a moisture barrier, and houses air-sealed without adding ventilation, are common trouble spots.
On census day (May 11, 2021), 13% of the 151,437 private dwellings in Simcoe County were not anyone's permanent home. A house or cottage that sits closed up for long stretches is worth a sniff test and a look in the basement each time you open it.
Mould inspection: when sampling helps
Start by looking and smelling: stains, discoloured patches, peeling paint and a musty odour, especially in basements, bathrooms, window frames and closets on outside walls. Health Canada says measuring mould concentrations or identifying species is usually unnecessary: if you can see or smell it, fix the moisture and clean up.
Air or surface sampling helps when you smell mustiness but can't find the source, after a leak or flood to check the cleanup worked, or before buying a house with signs of past water damage. Ask which lab analyzes the samples and look for one accredited under AIHA's EMLAP program.
Cleanup and remediation: the size rules
CMHC and Health Canada sort mould by size, and the size decides who should clean it up:
| Size | What counts | Who should clean it |
|---|---|---|
| Small | One to three patches, each smaller than 1 m² | A healthy homeowner, with water and unscented dish detergent (CMHC) |
| Medium | More than three patches, or patches between 1 and 3 m² (32 square feet) | Trained help; homeowners only with training and precautions |
| Large | A patch larger than 3 m², or many patches through the house | A qualified mould remediation contractor (CMHC) |
- Fix the moisture source first: a leak, poor drainage, or condensation from high humidity. Health Canada recommends 30–50% relative humidity.
- For a small cleanup, wear safety glasses or goggles, an N95 mask if possible and household rubber gloves. People at risk from mould shouldn't clean it and should stay away.
- Health Canada suggests professional help for extensive mould, especially growth that keeps coming back after cleaning.
Choosing a tester or contractor
Ask any tester which lab analyzes their samples and what the report will recommend; a good report points to the moisture source. For remediation, get two or three written quotes that describe containment, what will be removed and how the area is cleaned. No province has a mandatory mould standard for homes, and Health Canada sets no numerical limit.
Read more: The mould and indoor air quality guide.
Communities we cover in Simcoe County
Every town, village and hamlet below is part of this page, grouped by municipality (2021 Census population).
- Town of New Tecumseth 43,948Alliston, Beeton, Tottenham
- Town of Innisfil 43,326Bell Ewart, Big Bay Point, Cookstown, Gilford, Lefroy, Stoney Point
- Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury 42,880Bond Head, Bradford
- Town of Wasaga Beach 24,862
- Town of Collingwood 24,811
- Township of Oro-Medonte 23,017Hawkestone, Horseshoe Valley, Oro, Oro Station, Shanty Bay, Warminster
- Township of Essa 22,970Angus, CFB Borden, Egbert, Thornton, Utopia
- Township of Springwater 21,701Elmvale, Midhurst, Minesing, Phelpston
- Town of Midland 17,817
- Township of Clearview 14,814Creemore, Duntroon, Nottawa, Singhampton, Stayner
- Township of Severn 14,576Amigo Beach, Bass Lake, Coldwater, Marchmont, Port Severn
- Township of Tiny 12,966Wyebridge
- Township of Tay 11,091Port McNicoll
- Township of Adjala-Tosorontio 10,989Everett, Glencairn, Lisle, Loretto, Rosemont
- Township of Ramara 10,377Longford Mills
- Town of Penetanguishene 10,077
District of Muskoka
- Town of Huntsville 21,147
- Town of Bracebridge 17,305
- Town of Gravenhurst 13,157
- Township of Muskoka Lakes 7,652
- Township of Lake of Bays 3,759
- Township of Georgian Bay 3,441
Covered on city pages: Barrie.
Mould and indoor air quality testing in Simcoe County: common questions
Do I need mould testing in Simcoe County if I can see mould?
Usually not. Visible mould needs cleanup and a fix for the moisture source. Sampling helps most when you suspect mould you can’t see.
How much mould can I clean myself?
CMHC says a healthy homeowner can clean one to three patches, each under 1 m², with water and unscented dish detergent. Larger areas need trained help or a remediation contractor.
When should I hire a mould remediation contractor?
For a single patch over 3 m², many patches through the house, or mould that keeps coming back after cleaning (CMHC, Health Canada).
Is there a legal mould limit for homes in Canada?
No. Health Canada sets no numerical limit; its guidance is to control moisture and clean up mould.