Breaking News – Most Beach Encampment Residents Move to Northumberland County Offices
Breaking News – The majority of people at the encampment on the west beach in Cobourg have moved to the County Officers on William Street in Cobourg.
The move started the morning of Wednesday, August 23, 2023 with volunteers helping encampment residents moving their belongings including tents to the northeast property.
Officers located at 600 William Street including the Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland, Northumberland Tourism, New Canadians Centre Northumberland, Northumberland County Paramedic Base and Northumberland County Food 4 All.
Aside from one volunteer who stated no one at the encampment would speak, the encampment was very welcoming with one person even stating, “everyone is welcome” pointing to a sign.
Residents were very busy on Monday focusing on building their tents and getting things in order and helping one another.
Some encampment residents are still hoping their stay is “temporary” but they are preparing for the long haul including the winter months.
A statement from Northumberland County said, “staff were alerted to unauthorized tenting being set up at the County’s 600 William Street property.”
“The County is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted emergency services during this time.”
“Northumberland County received notice of the Cobourg by-law shortly before the municipal council meeting on Monday. We are currently in the process of reviewing the by-law with legal counsel to understand the implications for our operations. At the moment, the County CAO has not accepted any delegated authority as outlined in the by-law, and no action has been taken with respect to the by-law.”
“As with the encampment by the Cobourg West Pier, outreach workers have made connections with the individuals tenting, to support a transition from encampment to community services. Accessing community services is voluntary, and our goal continues to be voluntary resolution of encampments through offers of service.”
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