The Town of Cobourg can do absolutely nothing enforcing municipal by-laws with the encampment in Cobourg’s east end.
An enquiry to the Manager of Bylaw, Enforcement and Licensing came after numerous residents were surpised to see the latest addition to the encampment being a boat on Monday, April 23, 2024.
On Monday evening, local resident Corey Evans e-mailed Kevin Feagan who is Manager, Bylaw Enforcement and Licensing about the concerns community members.
“There are three huge boats and utility trailers there – do something.”
Feagan replied back on Tuesday morning stating, that he attened the encampment at Brookside and noted a boat, three utility trailers on the side along with the various structures, tents and debris.
Feagan added that the private property is managed by Infrastructure Ontario and with any private property it is the property owner (the Province of Ontario) that is responsible for in compliance with applicable law.
“With respect to the Town’s Municipal By-laws and application of those regulations , no Provincial Act or regulation binds the Province of Ontario unless the Act itself expressly states the Province’s intention to be bound by the Act. That is to say, Infrastructure Ontario is aware that there are violations regarding Property Standards, Zoning and Land Use, Lot Maintenance and
Nuisance issues however from an enforcement perspective the Province enjoys immunity from the enforcement actions that would typically be applied in other private property situations.”
Feagan said that he would be “conveying” Evans concerns about the status of the property.
Today’s Northumberland stopped at the encampment on Monday to try and speak with the individual who own the boat.
A man who was standing at the entrance to the former youth centre approached Today’s Northumberland and told us he was security.
A short time later the man stated he was the owner of the boat and started shouting expletives stating he was a programmer.
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
