In a bombshell delivered by way of a press release, Northumberland County has dropped their court action against the Town of Cobourg.
So many questions, and once again so few answers coming from the County.
Cobourg residents were livid when the County decided to take court action in what is called a judicial review against their ECE By-Law, specifically referring to 310 Division Street.
Today’s Northumberland received the 15-page document from courts in Oshawa.
The County of Northumberland stated they were compliant with, and did not contravene, the Emergency Care Establishment By-Law nor any other provincial statue or regulation in respect of 310 Division Street on April 5, 2025.
But after the special County Council meeting on Thursday, June 5, 2025, legal proceedings were halted.
There are a lot of questions that should be answered – but apparently won’t.
Today’s Northumberland reached out to Kate Campbell, Director of Communications for Northumberland County shortly after reading the carefully worded press release.
The release states the decision to pursue a judicial review was “taken seriously and deliberately.”
“We believe the enforcement approach was flawed,” states Warden Brian Ostrander.
But if they believe the enforcement was “flawed,” why drop the litigation?
Ostrander continues, “County Council has no interest in prolonged and expensive public disputes.”
But surely they would have known that prior to court action being commenced. What judicial process isn’t long and expensive? The judicial process was to begin in September in Oshawa Court.
There were public outcries about it going to court in the first place.
Why?
What benefit?
The fines are believed to have been $250.
Creating a 15-page document by the County solicitors would likely be in the thousands.
And did the solicitors think it was a worthy cause, or were they just taking orders (and money) from the County.
To go one step further, why was the meeting held in-camera anyway?
It wasn’t a personnel matter?
Today’s Northumberland asked Campbell for a copy of the motion but was refused.
“No, as this was carried out in closed.”
We also asked a series of questions the public deserves to know.
Why did they withdraw the judicial review and agree to pay the fine if they feel they are right?
It stands to reason that something must have been done wrong by the County, or they realized the cost, or both. But most people saw it was frivolous from the start.
Again, it’s an obvious question – wouldn’t the County know that it would be prolonged and expensive?
And lastly, how much did the lawyer cost to come up with what has taken place so far?
Campbell stated she will find out the cost of the lawyers.
But aside from that, “we will have no further comment beyond what was included in the media release.”
Not good enough for the public they serve.
The County has more than a bit of egg on their face after this major gaffe.
Members of Northumberland County Council need to answer to the public they serve.
Either they were given the wrong advice, realized their mistake, or just plan knew it was a bad decision.
This gaffe is likely going to cost the taxpayers of Northumberland County thousands.
Cobourg residents paid for solicitors from both the County and the Town for the court action up to this date.
Who is being held accountable?
Stating “no comment” doesn’t fly in this case.
It’s pathetic to say as a quote they stand by the court application and believe the enforcement approached was flawed but drop the judicial review.
It’s just as pathetic to say, “County Council has no interest in prolonged and expensive public disputes.”
They are all experienced politicians that know the costs of litigation.
The words in the release are meaningless and the citizens in Northumberland County deserve better.
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini stated to Today’s Northumberland less than a week ago, “it’s a complete waste of taxpayer resources.”
Piccini said it best, citizens “deserve better.”
“It’s irresponsible.”
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
