Downtown Cobourg business owner Adam Bureau discovered a homemade shelter below a fire escape next to his business. The shelter was made from wood, cardboard and insulation.
Inside was a small chair and table.
Bureau said he was aware of who frequents the shelter, but after finding out the person was burning so close to the building the fire officials were notified.
Cobourg Fire Department Chief Fire Prevention Officer Aaron Blair attended the scene and was immediately concerned that some sort of campfire had been burning so close to the building.
“It’s a tough situation when you come across it, but we can’t leave it,” said Blair.
“Especially when you have a fire that is literally three or four feet away from a building.”
The buildings downtown were built in the 1800’s, if the fire did get into one of the buildings, “there would be a very high risk of fire spread.”
Bureau said unfortunately it’s not the first time he’s discovered a homeless shelter in downtown.
“I know what they are going through and I feel for them,” said Bureau who was once homeless himself.
“This has been reoccurring over the decade that I’ve been here. A lot of people come and build shelters to stay out of the cold or the heat – it’s a year round problem.”
Bureau said there are great organizations that try and help homeless people, but there are still problems.
“It’s a huge fire hazard – but I do feel for the people that come back here. We often come out and give them food and a list of services where they can go – I just don’t know how to fix this problem.”
With COVID-19 happening, Bureau said resources are sometimes spread to thin and opioid addiction is at a all time high in Ontario.
“It’s about trying to educate and let these people know, where to go, how to find help. If they want help. That’s the other issue. Some of them don’t want help.”
Bureau did speak to the person who built the shelter who advised it took approximately two days to build it. The person is currently residing at a homeless shelter, but does frequent the one he built behind the business on King Street in downtown Cobourg.
Bureau said the problem sometimes revolves around mental illness or addiction to illegal drugs.
“At some shelters they (the homeless) have to take their stuff with them (when they leave for the day) so they sometimes have to find places where they can stash their stuff so they still have their personal items, whether it be clothes, or a place to sit, just to get out of the public.”
Both Bureau and Blair dismantled the shelter.
Immediately after, Blair looked around the downtown area for the individual and once found made sure he had appropriate shelter and care.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
