(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
It was a first for Cobourg as far as we know.
A 16-year-old overdosed on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at the encampment at the former youth centre.
The youth is alive but was taken to hospital.
Numerous emergency services converged on the encampment.
More than the usual amount people often see.
Every citizen of Cobourg should be incensed at what happened today.
The rich, the poor and everything in between should be livid at what happened.
Whether you live in the east, west or north end of Cobourg.
Whether you have children or not.
Whether you were born in this town or just recently moved here.
This should be – it has to be the catalyst for change.
It’s time the 22,000 people spoke up in unity for what is right.
When the encampment is gone from the youth centre I doubt anyone wants a memorial for the one, or more people who have died.
Enforcement must happen.
There is no one person to blame of any particular group or service. But collectively Cobourg and everyone that lived here must call for action.
Today’s Northumberland is looking into the Cobourg Police Service. Approximately 10 police officers are off for various reasons. That puts the stress on others who are working. There are only so many in any organization. And there is only so much they can do on any given day.
Given what they have, they are doing the best they can.
Saying that, this service needed a drug unit years ago and up until today there isn’t one.
People are overdosing every single day with illegal and deadly drugs.
It could be said the service has a “all hands on deck” just to keep people patrolling. But we may never know the numbers because it might be considered “operational” and the Police Services Board and the public can do nothing.
People who live here and see what has been happening feel powerless to stop it.
Where is the Halliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit?
A person died on Saturday behind Shoppers in Cobourg. Right across from the police station.
We’ve been told this person had overdosed the day before and was saved. Only to die 24-hours later.
A press release was issued on Tuesday by the Health Unit.
Cobourg Police didn’t issue a release at all. But considering there were numerous police vehicles at the location and crime tape up – it attracted public attention.
Too little too late in our view.
The encampment looks brutal for cleanliness. If there has to be an encampment and that in itself could be argued, at least the residents and those who support it could try and keep it clean.
Win over the public by not giving them ammunition.
But given the way it’s been looking for weeks, there is no doubt why people would want to get rid of it.
The people who are management of the organizations are paid handsomely. And we understand it’s a difficult job at times.
But, as citizens we have a right to questions.
Points the management of the Cobourg Police need to consider.
Get rid of the facade called “Dynamic Patrol.”
Start reporting the good, bad and ugly.
Don’t boast about this “Dynamic Patrol” when it benefits the police.
State the reality of what is happening.
If there is over $10,000 worth of damage to three air conditioners in downtown Cobourg for $30 worth of copper – say it.
And since Cobourg has a plethora of police cameras. What have they accomplished? There was one approximately 40 feet from the air conditioners. Any images? If so, where are they? If not. Why?
As an example, if you have a person on video stealing hundreds of dollars worth of meat and blatantly walks out of a store because they know no one will stop them – post the video.
Citizens want to know what is happening in their community.
Not just what one person thinks should and shouldn’t be released.
Bluntly said, organizations, and in this case the health unit and Cobourg Police need to better inform the people they serve.
It’s absolutely mind boggling that a person who steals a shopping cart in one area of town would have their name released, but if a person is charged with impaired driving in another section that is out of the “Dynamic Patrol” area their name won’t be released.
Northumberland County doesn’t get a free pass for what they have, or haven’t done.
If the reason for the encampment to be moved from the offices on William Street was because people didn’t feel safe working nearby – one can only ask if anyone has done a survey for residents living anywhere near the encampment now if they feel safe?
County coffers should be directed towards Cobourg. The taxpayers of Cobourg are footing the bill for emergency services. There are seven other municipalities in the Country.
If we are one family that goes by the name Northumberland County, then the six other municipalities should pony up their share of the cost in dealing with the encampment by way of emergencies services.
Frankly, it’s only fair.
It shouldn’t even be up for discussion – it’s a given.
A 16-year-old’s life was saved today and a tragedy averted.
Do something before it happens again.
Enforce, protect and inform on what’s happening in Cobourg. All of it.
Let’s not be reactive in this town for what’s happening – let’s be proactive with the resources we have and enforce what we can.
It may save a life.
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
