Breaking News – Northumberland County and Transition House Partner to Purchase Former Retirement Residence

Pete Fisher
12 months ago
• Categories: Editor Choice, Local

Northumberland County Council will review a staff report on Wednesday, December 6, regarding final arrangements in the purchase of a 47-bedroom complex at 310 Division Street, Cobourg, to help address the urgent local need for housing and shelter services.

Operators of the former Cobourg Retirement Residence announced earlier this year that the facility would be closing its doors. The vacant property came to the attention of County staff in early November, who brought a report to a closed session of County Council on November 15. In the report, staff proposed purchasing the property on behalf of Transition House Shelter and entering into a mortgage agreement with Transition House. In accordance with Municipal Act provisions for Closed Sessions, the purchase of the facility was completed with approval from County Council through a confidential report so as not to interfere with commercial negotiations.

The County and Transition House are continuing discussions on the partnership and specific purchase terms. The goal is to ultimately relocate shelter operations to this nearby, more modern facility, and close the current 10 Chapel Street location.

Council will review final details on the acquisition of the property in Closed Session on December 6th, before moving to Open Session for a presentation by staff on plans and next steps.

“County Council recognizes the need to rapidly expand new shelter, supportive, transitional, and affordable housing opportunities for vulnerable and low-income residents,” states Warden Mandy Martin. “With homelessness a rising concern across Canada, we are seeing the increasing impacts in Northumberland, with more people living rough in their cars, in parks and forested areas, individually or in encampments. The County is looking at all possibilities, all real estate ventures, to increase options across the entire housing spectrum. The speed with which we have moved on this opportunity demonstrates our resolute commitment to creating necessary change that meets pressing community need and addresses widespread community concerns.”

Transition House is Northumberland’s only emergency shelter for adults experiencing homelessness. With escalating demand for services, staff have increasingly been grappling with the limitations of the current century-home facility. The shelter has just four rooms, each equipped with bunk beds, and can accommodate a maximum of 22 individuals. Staff can further accommodate up to seven individuals through arrangements with local motels, as an overflow measure.

The purchase of 310 Division Street will enable Transition House to consolidate operations to a single site, ensuring consistent wrap-around services for all clients. With 47 units and shared kitchen amenities, the vision is for a multi-purpose facility. Approximately 35 emergency shelter spaces will address immediate need and, over the longer-term, transitional housing accommodations and other services will create pathways out of homelessness. This plan builds upon the recommendations from a third-party review of the shelter system commissioned by the County earlier this year. The review recommended a minimum of 25 shelter spaces for adults, in addition to the creation of supportive and transitional housing spaces.

“There are many circumstances that can push people into crisis without a place to call home,” states Rev. Neil Ellis, Board Chair for Transition House Shelter. “We know that housing is essential to a person’s inherent dignity and well-being, and to building sustainable and inclusive communities. The steps the County is taking – with investment in improved shelter facilities, with the construction of affordable housing units at Elgin Park and Ontario Street in Cobourg – are truly walking the talk. Transition House is gratified to partner on this new shelter service model for our community. As winter takes hold, this hub will create more options for people to come in out of the cold. Transition House looks forward to welcoming them to this safe, warm space.”

The County and Transition House will be hosting community information and engagement sessions for residents in the coming weeks. Residents will be invited to share their feedback, ask questions, and provide input that will help positively shape the integration of this new hub within the broader community. Details on date, time, and location will be shared as they become available.

Community members are also invited to attend the meeting of County Council this Wednesday, December 6, 2023 in Council Chambers, at 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg, which has been scheduled for review of the draft 2024-2026 Northumberland County Budget. As part of this meeting, Council will enter Closed Session to review final details on the acquisition of 310 Division Street. In Open Session, staff will deliver a presentation on plans and next steps for this property. The Budget meeting begins at 9:30 a.m.. The staff presentation on 310 Division Street will begin at 3:00 p.m.

To make a delegation at this County Council meeting, please contact the County Clerk at matherm@northumberland.ca prior to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6th. Delegations are permitted to attend in-person or virtually.

Visit Northumberland.ca/ShelterModernization for more information about 310 Division Street and to subscribe for updates.

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