In his harshest criticism yet, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland has one question for Northumberland County.
What happens if the encampment residents choose not go to to 310 Division Street when it opens?
And he guarantees that if something isn’t done soon, a tragedy like the two people who were killed at an encampment in Kingston yesterday will happen in Cobourg.
The former retirement residence was purchased by Northumberland County for $2.3 million earlier this year.
Northumberland County stated that 310 Division Street will enable modernized shelter services ranging from warming/cooling drop-in space to private shelter accommodations to transitional housing, along with collaborative partnerships with service providers for onsite wrap-around supports.
But in a exclusive interview with Today’s Northumberland on Thursday, September 12, 2024, Cleveland said he’s “scared and concerned” the County has no plan to fall back on if the encampment residents decide not to use the services of 310 Division Street.
Adding to the concern, the Cobourg Fire Department has been requested to attend the encampment and help reinstall the wood stoves that were used at the encampment last winter.
“Which shows to me the encampment residents aren’t planning on going to 310 Division.”
Cleveland said as a councillor on County Council he continues to ask, “what’s the plan for the individuals that won’t go to 310?”
It’s so unsafe at the encampment, Cleveland said that Northumberland County won’t send staff to it without a police escort.
“But they’re (County) not willing to do anything to disperse the encampment?”
“This encampment is not safe – something horrendous is going to happen there.”
“When I ask what the plan is with the level of government whose responsibility it is to address homelessness, addiction, mental health – they keep telling me that 310 is the plan.”
But if wood stoves are soon being installed, “we know 310 isn’t where they are going.”
Cleveland says flat out, he does not know what will happen with the encampment.
“We have one level of government that is responsible affordable housing, social services, mental health and addiction services – and it’s not the Town of Cobourg.”
As Mayor he is concerned for the citizens and the safety of the community at large and the individuals at the encampment, “who have been abandoned by the level of government that is meant to protect them.”
“All I can hope is nothing terrible happens there and I look forward to the County meeting to have a discussion.”
Northumberland County is having their next meeting on September 18.
“I’m looking to know what the plan is for October and November when we know the eviction is coming.”
“What happens to the 20 or 30 individuals who refuse to go into 310 – I still don’t know what that answer is.”
On Thursday, two people were killed and another in critical condition in Kingston at a encampment around the safe injection site/Consumption Treatment Services and Integrated Care Hub. After several hours of negotiation, one suspect was taken into custody.
All the details hadn’t been released when Today’s Northumberland spoke with Cleveland.
“I know (Kingston) Mayor (Bryan) Paterson has been doing everything he can to move the political needle in the right direction. They have been dealing with encampments a lot longer than I.”
Cleveland said he wasn’t aware of what took place in Kingston, “but I can guarantee it’s going to happen here if we’re not taking preventative measures to figure out what’s going to happen.”
“The encampment is taking preventative measures, they are getting their stoves installed.”
Simply put, Cleveland said “encampments are not a solution.”
“(310) Is a emergency shelter. We are dealing with individuals who have extensive needs.”
“These people need care, compassion and a plan of action and saying “310″ isn’t a plan of action for a majority of these people.”
“So what is the plan – I don’t know.”
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
