(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland says an incident that left a local woman facing a $1,300 medical bill — and months of uncertainty over her health — is exactly what he has feared could happen.
The woman stepped on a discarded needle while spending Thursday, September 3, at Victoria Beach with her children and other members of her family.
What was supposed to be a family day at the beach quickly turned into a nightmare.
The needle was recovered and placed in a container, where the woman later showed it to Today’s Northumberland.
The woman has since been left dealing with the financial cost of medical treatment, along with the far more frightening possibility of being exposed to a serious blood-borne infection.
Today’s Northumberland contacted Mayor Cleveland for an interview and he sent his response in a e-mail – which was blunt.
“As Mayor I am deeply disturbed and saddened but unfortunately not surprised. I have worried for quite some time that something as appalling as this could happen.”
Cleveland said Cobourg’s beaches may be among the safest and cleanest in Ontario, but the community is not immune to the consequences of drug use.
“Though I believe Cobourg has one of the cleanest and safest beaches in the entire Province we are far from immune from the scourge of criminal drug use.”
The mayor said the incident demonstrates why he believes enforcement has to be at the centre of the community’s response.
“As I have said, pretty words will never be the answer. It must always start with law enforcement.”
And Cleveland said the potential consequences for an innocent member of the public are enormous.
“An innocent woman could be facing a life altering medical health crisis such as Hepatitis or HIV all because she took a simple stroll on a public beach.”
He questioned the notion that people who use discarded needles simply forget to dispose of them properly.
“Clearly the individual using this needle did not stop to think (as many Advocates would have you believe) ‘Oh I am done with this needle now where is the nearest needle disposal bin for me to safely discard this.’”
For Cleveland, the issue is not simply about a discarded needle.
It is about an innocent person being forced to pay the price for someone else’s actions.
“It is utterly ridiculous that this individual, or group of individuals did not care for one second about the potentially catastrophic health and financial costs to this woman.”
Cleveland said he has been raising concerns about drug use and public safety for years — and said this incident has only strengthened his resolve.
“I have said it for 3 years and I will not stop saying it, ‘Enough is Enough’, for me this is where the compassion ends.”
“My compassion always starts with the innocent.”
The mayor also expressed support for newly sworn-in Cobourg Police Chief Chris Leather, saying he is encouraged by the chief’s stated focus on arrests.
“I am heartened that our new Chief is making arrests his priority.”
But Cleveland ended his statement by turning his attention back to the woman at the centre of the incident.
“I truly hope this individual gets the care they now need.”
For one Cobourg family, what began as one final summer day at the beach has become something much more frightening — a wait filled with medical appointments, unexpected costs and questions no parent should have to face after simply taking their children to the beach.
Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland’s Response
As Mayor I am deeply disturbed and saddened but unfortunately not surprised. I have worried for quite some time that something as appalling as this could happen.
Though I believe Cobourg has one of the cleanest and safest beaches in the entire Province we are far from immune from the scourge of criminal drug use.
As I have said, pretty words will never be the answer. It must always start with law enforcement. An innocent woman could be facing a life altering medical health crisis such as Hepatitis or HIV all because she took a simple stroll on a public beach. Clearly the individual using this needle did not stop to think (as many Advocates would have you believe) “Oh I am done with this needle now where is the nearest needle disposal bin for me to safely discard this.”
It is utterly ridiculous that this individual , or group of individuals did not care for one second about the potentially catastrophic health and financial costs to this woman.
I have said it for 3 years and I will not stop saying it, “Enough is Enough”, for me this is where the compassion ends.
My compassion always starts with the innocent.
I am heartened that our new Chief is making arrests his priority.
I truly hope this individual gets the care they now need.
Lucas Cleveland
Mayor of Cobourg
Breaking News – Family Beach Day Turns Into Nightmare After Woman Steps on Needle at Victoria Beach
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
