(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Dear Mayor Cleveland
The situation in Cobourg regarding 310 Division and the Transition House shelter has raised significant public concern about crime, disorder, and social policy failures. The town’s leadership acknowledges that the previous operation of 310 Division resembled a “taxpayer-funded criminal drug den” and advocates for stronger enforcement of the law, especially following the introduction of Ontario’s Bill 6, which allows for arrests related to public drug use and criminal
Community and Business Concerns.
Nearby businesses have formally expressed serious issues caused by residents of the 310 Division facility, highlighting the disruptive effects on the neighbourhood, which supports your call for stricter controls or changes in the shelter’s operations.
On June 18, 2025, Northumberland County Council passed motions to direct operational changes to shelter services at 310 Division in response to community feedback, indicating that governance bodies recognize the need for reform and stricter shelter management as you advocate.
The Transition House shelter has faced orders and penalty notices from the Town of Cobourg for non-compliance with the Emergency Care Establishment (ECE) Bylaw, showing administrative enforcement actions underpinning the push for accountability and better standards.
Debates between the county and town about licensing and security responsibilities at 310 Division reveal ongoing struggles with jurisdiction and liability, supporting your concerns about the facility’s management and the need for clear and enforceable rules.
The introduction of Bill 6, which enables law enforcement to arrest individuals using controlled substances in public and criminal trespassers, legally empowers the police to act against the types of criminality you condemn. This legislative context strengthens calls for making Cobourg a “hostile place” for criminal activity as you spoke about.
The public outcry and official measures regarding 310 Division and the Transition House shelter align with your position that crime and disorder linked to the facility must be addressed through firm law enforcement and operational reforms. The concerns from businesses, the county council’s directives, regulatory enforcement actions, and supportive provincial legislation provide substantial evidence backing your demands to “clean up” Cobourg and prioritize the safety and rights of law-abiding citizens.
This gives a strong foundation for supporting your recent stance and your insistence on accountability and effective social policy and I want to make it clear I stand firmly with you and your statement.
Sincerely,
Valerie Rhodes
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
