Update: Cobourg Issues Orders to Transition House (310 Division) Under ECE By-Law

Pete Fisher
2 days ago
• Categories: Local

Today’s Northumberland reached out to the Town of Cobourg concerning the removal of recliners from Transition House/310 Division Street on Friday, April 11, 2025.

Below is the Town of Cobourg’s reply:

The Town of Cobourg is working hard to ensure that individuals that find themselves in crisis and require accommodation services from an Emergency Care Establishment (ECE), can reasonably expect that such ECE services meet basic health and safety standards of operation.

The Town of Cobourg Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) and Licensing Department has issued an order on the operator of Transition House and property owner the County of Northumberland for the ECE Licence location at 310 Division Street, Cobourg in order to gain compliance with applicable law and ensure the Fire Safety Plan is followed in accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 and By-law No.018-2024.

Through the Town of Cobourg Emergency Care Establishment By-law, Cobourg, to the degree it is able as a lower-tier municipality, is doing what it can to ensure that Emergency Care Establishments within our jurisdiction are safe and dignified. The ECE By-law requires that operators meet minimal standards and operate in accordance with applicable law to ensure that individuals that find themselves in crisis and require accommodation services from an Emergency Care Establishment can reasonably expect that such ECE services meet basic health and safety standards of operation.

The Municipal Law Enforcement Department and the Cobourg Fire Department have been working with the operators at 310 Division Street on multiple occasions through regular communications and inspections. Following several warnings, communication and advisements given, the Town of Cobourg has had to place an order and issue a penalty notice due to continued non-compliance.
The Town’s Order is as follows: to comply with applicable law and ensure the Fire Safety Plan is followed in regard to the following items in accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997:

a) The facility will have one staff on duty for every 10 occupants.

b) The main floor warming/cooling area is to be used as a relief space for individuals to get out of the elements and is not to be used as a sleeping area.

c) The on-duty manager shall at all times carry the key required to activate the twostage fire alarm.

i) There shall at all times be an on-duty manager.

It is up to the Owner and Operator as to how they will become compliant with the ECE By-law
and provincial statue.

Quotes:
Mayor, Lucas Cleveland:
“As Mayor, my number one priority remains on improving the safety and security for all
Cobourg residents. As a Council, we owe it to the residents of 310 Division Street, and the
greater Cobourg Community to let Staff independently and at their discretion enforce the
provisions and expectations of our ECE By-law and all rules and regulations as set by the Fire
Protection and Prevention Act, and the Building Code Act so we can ensure that the needs of
ECE residents are met,” says Mayor, Lucas Cleveland.

Fire Chief, Ellard Beaven
“Section 2.1.2.2 of the Fire Code states that no person shall use a building or part thereof in a
manner that constitutes an undue fire hazard. Sleeping in a non-designated area such as the
warming room creates potential fire and life safety risks that are not accounted for in the
buildings approved fire safety measures.
Cobourg Fire Department recognizes the critical role that shelter services play in supporting
vulnerable members of the community. We are committed to working collaboratively with
Northumberland County and Transition House to find an effective and compassionate solution
that addresses fire safety requirements while maintaining essential services,” says Chief,
Ellard Beaven

Transition House Removes Recliners From Warming Hub After By-Law Inspection

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