Cobourg, ON (August 12, 2023) – On Friday, August 11, 2023, Cobourg Municipal Council held an Emergency Special Council meeting in response to complaints received regarding an encampment by the Cobourg West Pier.

Following receipt of multiple resident complaints, on Monday, August 7^th, Municipal Law Enforcement staff attended an encampment located by the west pier. Based on their assessment of the site, Officers found that the encampment is in violation of the current Parks By-law, Nuisance By-law and Trespass to Property Act. Mayor Cleveland called an Emergency Special Council meeting for Friday, August 11 to seek the legal opinion of the town Solicitor. In accordance with Section 239 (2) (a) (c) of the Municipal Act, 2001, Council met in Closed Session regarding Section 239 (2) (f), advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose and 239 (2) (a) the security of the property of the municipality or local board.

The recent ruling of the Ontario Superior Court in the Waterloo decision dictates that unless and until encampment residents are provided with truly accessible accommodation, eviction should not take place. As per the Town of Cobourg’s revised Encampment Response Plan, approved by Council in July 2022, Municipal Law Enforcement staff will continue to work closely with the residents of the encampment, connecting them with community-based supports provided by the County of Northumberland and other agencies who provide community support. Further, staff are seeking legal council on how current municipal by-laws can be enforced and will bring an open report to Council on the current situation and advice received at a later date.

Should residents have any concerns regarding the violation of municipal by-laws, they are advised to contact the Municipal Law Enforcement department at 905-372-8380.