Letter to the Editor – Reader Says “Cobourg Is Not Northumberland’s Dumping Ground”

Pete Fisher
2 hours ago
• Categories: Letter to Editor, Local

(Today’s Northumberland file photo)

The voices of those experiencing homelessness have been heard. That’s why the 310 Division St. building was bought and renovated—to help. And 310 is finally safer only because the violent, drug-fueled chaos was removed.

Since July 4, when the 310 hub was closed to illegal drug users and they flooded Cobourg’s streets and parks, they have proven one thing: They have no interest in being good neighbours, following rules, or getting real help. They want the benefits of community while actively destroying it.

Meanwhile, the “advocate enablers” keep defending the chaos and blaming everyone except the people causing it. To them I say: “Stop handing out sandwiches and drug supplies and let rock bottom hit.” This is the difference between life and a slow, miserable death.

Why haven’t the advocates created any solutions for the violent, high-risk individuals banned from 310?

They have access to churches and subsidized coalitions.

We keep hearing, “People will freeze because they can’t access 310.” WRONG. 310 was shut down to them because criminalality made the entire area unsafe. It was the consequence of antisocial behaviour.

Advocate Enablers, please answer this:

• What is your plan for the people who threaten and terrorize neighbourhoods?

• Why do you demand “24/7 low-barrier spaces” but never try to build safe, professionally staffed facilities to handle high-risk individuals with the resources that you have?

• If you insist on “housing first,” how will you be responsible for the violence, damage, and community safety?

You don’t get unlimited access with zero accountability.

Who in their right mind would provide housing to people who have:

• Burned down units

• Caused massive damage

• Threatened neighbours and landlords

• Were evicted over and over again

Who protects:

• The community?

• The landlords?

• The taxpayers?

• The families next door?

Housing with no rules, no treatment, and no consequences is not compassion—it’s chaos.

Help exists. Cobourg’s rehab facility has two free beds for those who actually want recovery. I understand that they often go unused. That’s a choice.

Northumberland County has seven municipalities. So why is the focus only on Cobourg? Cobourg has 23% of the population but carries the bulk of shelters, encampments, overdoses, and EMS calls.

Port Hope? Cramahe? Trent Hills? Hamilton Township? Brighton? Alnwick/Haldimand? Where are their shelters? Their warming rooms? Their outreach? Their supportive housing?

Nowhere.

Northumberland County Council is made up of seven mayors.

However, because Cobourg only has one vote it has been forced to sacrifice its parks, waterfront, small businesses, safety, and reputation while the others lock their doors and dump the problem on us.

Cobourg pays more than any of them into the Northumberland County budget funding 23% of the $80 million budget. Then is expected to pay even more to clean up the chaos caused by illegal drug users supported by the advocates. That’s exploitation.

Not everyone can live in downtown Cobourg. Just like not everyone can afford Toronto, Manhattan, London, or Paris. Most of us started where we could afford, worked hard, and built our way up. Some of us had to move. Wanting something doesn’t entitle you to take it.

We can care about human beings and still demand:

• Safety for residents

• Behaviour standards in shelters and public spaces

• Real treatment and recovery, not tents, food delivery and endless Naloxone

• Equal responsibility across all seven municipalities

Sadly, people may die this winter. That is tragic. But let’s stop just blaming “the cold.”

The real causes will be:

• Bad choices

• Broken systems

• No consequences

• Unequal burden

• Advocates who deny reality

• Leaders who choose politics over people

Cobourg has shown more compassion than any town in Northumberland. And how are we repaid? With abuse, blame, and demands for more.

Compassion without boundaries is chaos. We refuse to live in chaos any longer.

Cobourg should not offer any more shelter options. And if transportation services are offered, they should be one way.

We’re done being exploited.

Carol Leighton