Changes Coming to Brookside Encampment

Pete Fisher
12 months ago
• Categories: Local

(Today’s Northumberland file photo)

While the encampments at the former Brookside Youth Centre will certainly appreciate the changes, the general public likely won’t see much of a difference.

But as of Thursday, November 30, 2023 a large garbage bin has been placed along the fence line near the entrance to the former youth centre.

Starting on Friday, two portable toilets will also be place at the encampment.

Manager of Communications at the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit, Ashley Ann Beaulac, stated in a e-mail to Today’s Northumberland, “we had conducted a site visit and recommended the site be provided with a garbage bin (which has arrived) and portable toilets. We have been advised that Infrastructure Ontario has planned for portable toilets be delivered tomorrow.”

As the encampment has been at it’s current location for several months, Today’s Northumberland asked Beaulac, why it took so long.

Initially she stated it might be a better question for Infrastructure Ontario, but later commented, “previously, during our first site inspection the encampment had a tent set up that they were using as a washroom facility. During our most recent inspection this washroom facility was no longer present, which resulted in our recommendation for portable toilets.”

Today’s Northumberland has also asked Infrastructure Ontario in a e-mail dated on November 27:

– why can’t the occupants of Brookside be removed?

– what is the cost of the cleanup crew?

– what is the cost of security?

– are there any other costs associated with the encampment?

And lastly, “is there anyone at Infrastructure Ontario available for an interview? If not, why?”