Encampment Residents Given 24-Hours to Vacate County Lands in Cobourg
Two residents of the encampment located at 600 William Street in Cobourg said they were “shocked” when they received notice of a “clean-up” by Northumberland County.
Essentially, all 22-residents of the encampment that have been living at the site since August 23 are getting evicted from the property and have 24-hours to comply.
Any property left after Wednesday, September 6, at noon will be subject to removal or disposal.
“This includes tent structures,” stated the notice.
“This removal will e done by Northumberland County under the Authority of the Trespass to Property Act, related to illegal entry onto private property.”
Chris Kneilands and common law partner Virginia Bailey were displaced from their home on July 28 after raw sewage was found in the building on Division Street.
Along with approximately 20 other people they then located at the west beach until moving up to 600 William Street.
“It’s obviously not for general clean-up,” stating the group is being “targeted” and being given 24-hours to cleanup everything and have it removed is “ridiculous.”
Bailey said the County has stated they would started working with the encampment residents, “and I was kind of waiting for them to start doing that.”
“There has been no collaboration with them, with us about safe realistic alternatives,” said Kneilands.
Bailey said a representative from the County told her just prior to speaking with Today’s Northumberland that she could move in with her grandparents.
“Their goal is to shuttle us out of town,” said Kneilands.
They are both awaiting a response from a lawyer they’ve contacted.
“We have another couple of plans that we can do as a group as a back-up. It’s temporary again,” and Bailey says it would only last until they get another notice.
The two other areas are the courthouse and another property.
With the local Health Unit just issuing a heat alert warning the timing of the eviction couldn’t be worse.
And Bailey said even the release by the Health Unit states most people are prone to heat related issues, yet the County is still evicting them from the property.
“Heat stroke can be very dangerous, especially to those most vulnerable to health risks including people who work outdoors, people who are unhoused, elderly and some people with disabilities or chronic diseases,” states the release.
“Monitor yourself and those around you for signs of heat-related illness and seek medical attention if required.”
Bailey said, “they are putting out a heat advisory warning, but they don’t seem to be worried about anyone’s safety now.”
“We could pack up everything we own and drag it on our backs to wherever we scatter too as far as their concerned.”
“It’s hot, there is bugs, no shower – it’s not how I want to live, but it’s how I have to live,” said Bailey.
The notice by the County also stated, “We want to help you find a safe alternative to living unsheltered. Workers from community social service providers will be on-site regularly to provide support.”
“Once removed this structure and its contents will be discarded. They will not be stored for any period of time.
The notice gave the numbers to Northumberland County Community and Social Services, Northumberland Hills Hospital Community Mental Health Services and Transition House Shelter.
Some places that people stayed warm in are gone for this coming winter said Bailey.
People are going to end up dying, whether it be from heat or freezing – there needs to be a solution.
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