September 8, 2023: Town of Cobourg staff and Council are aware of the encampment that has been relocated to the Brookside property. We have reached out to MPP Piccini’s Office and Infrastructure Ontario to offer our support where needed.

The Town of Cobourg continues to work with Northumberland County and community partners, with the collective goal of voluntary resolution to encampments through offers of service. I would like to thank the dedicated individuals who have been actively engaged, working directly with those tenting to connect them with supports in the community. Those who continue to create barriers and impede our most vulnerable from accessing the social services that are available to them, do so irresponsibly and inhumanely.

Northumberland, as with communities across Ontario, is dealing with a three-pronged crisis of homelessness, mental health and addictions, and housing affordability.  Addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness has complex social, health care, and economic implications, and requires a collective and coordinated approach by highly skilled professionals and all levels of government. Cobourg Council and staff are dedicated to the continuous improvement of services and amenities that promote community well-being, employment opportunities and a wide array of housing options that create economic prosperity. We will also continue to work with our partners at Northumberland County as they lead proactive encampment response and the provision of social services as the designated system service manager. As Mayor, I am proud of the collaborative efforts I have witnessed between all levels of government, police, and social services as we work together to find solutions for our community members.

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