At this Wednesday’s (October 29, 2025) Council Meeting, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland will bringing up a Notice of Motion to have the Warming Hub located at the new Golden Plough site.
Cleveland states on the agenda that, “the Town of Cobourg recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety, dignity, and security of all residents, including both vulnerable populations in need of emergency warming and the senior citizens residing within the Golden Plough Lodge.”
And with Northumberland County being the upper-tier government responsible for social services, housing and operation of the Golden Plough Lodge which is located on Courthouse Road which is away from the downtown core and close to multiple social services and Northumberland Hills Hospital it would be a benefit to many who are in need of assistance.
“The location of this new (Golden Plough Lodge) facility presents a unique opportunity to provide a safe and purpose-built Emergency Warming Room in a setting that has no immediate commercial or residential neighbours, thereby minimizing disruption to nearby residents and
businesses while ensuring access to essential health and support services.”
“It is essential that any such facility maintain a clear physical and operational separation between the senior residents of the Golden Plough Lodge and those utilizing the emergency warming space, in order to protect vulnerable seniors and ensure the integrity of long term care services.”
Cleveland’s motion, if passed states Cobourg would formally recommend Northumberland County designate an area within the new Golden Plough Lodge to have a dedicated, fully separated, and independently accessed Emergency Warming Room to operate during declared extreme cold or emergency weather conditions.
The Emergency Warming Room would be designed and managed to ensure:
• Independent washroom facilities and physical barriers to prevent any overlap between senior residents and warming room users;
• Professional staffing, supervision, and security presence in accordance with County emergency shelter protocols;
• Collaboration with Cobourg’s emergency management, bylaw, police, and community safety services to ensure a coordinated and safe approach for all users.
The motion calls for the County to undertake a design and operational safety review, in consultation with public health, fire prevention, long-term care, and social service professionals, to ensure that all facility design, staffing, and security measures safeguard both Golden Plough Lodge residents and members of the public accessing emergency warming services.
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
