An ominous warning from a encampment resident that he believes crime will get worse in Cobourg.
Three more encampments were spotted on the west breakwall of Cobourg Harbour on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
It’s unknown how long the encampments have been there for, but one has a notice from the Town of Cobourg with a notice to vacate by May 28, 2025.
The notice said all items must be removed by Wednesday, May 28, 2025 by 2 p.m.
All remaining items will be collected and held for two weeks. If items aren’t claimed in that time the items will be thrown out.
Today’s Northumberland spoke to the encampment resident where the notice was posted.
The 28-year-old individual asked not to be identified but said he is struggling with addiction and has been homeless for approximately one year.
What caused him to be homeless were expected and unexpected circumstances, ““and not so great decisions.”
The person said that 310 Division Street being operated by Transition House is a “circus.”
“First of all you can’t even sleep there – they are not allowing anyone to sleep and they took away the recliners.”
The person said they installed new tables and chairs but don’t allow you to sleep.
Most of the people that are in the same position as he is don’t support what 310 is trying to accomplish.
“The staff are pretty disrespectful. Not all of them, but most of them.”
He was suspended from 310 on Sunday, but said his encampment along the west breakwall has been there from approximately three days.
“The town is getting extremely bad because no one can put up a tent – bylaw just comes and kicks them out.”
With that happening people will start sleeping on benches and anywhere they can.
“I was talking to my friend and even up by the mall people are going in bathrooms and sleeping.
With the notice to vacate from where he’s staying now, the plan is to find Crown land, “or maybe up in a tree.”
The individual said he wants help, but with the cost of living it’s hard to even started to get ahead.
“Or to get the incentive and motivation because you’ll never own a house.”
At this point he said he feels “lost.”
With people sleeping anywhere the can and the state of 310, the individual believes that crime will rise even more locally.
“People are going to be breaking into things,” and stated he’s already seen it happening.
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
