By Robert Washburn
Northumberland County praised a decision by Cobourg council to not seek a formal agreement over the proposed new emergency shelter for 310 Division Street Thursday.
Lisa Horne, Northumberland County Director of Community and Social Services, said in a prepared statement the county is looking forward to further cooperation.
“The ongoing collaboration between local government and community agencies to deliver these vital services reflects our shared commitment to the well-being of our community and ensuring high-quality care for vulnerable community members,” she said.
Cobourg council unanimously decided not to enter into a formal agreement with Northumberland County regarding a proposed new emergency shelter at 310 Division Street at a special council meeting Wednesday.
Instead, it will rely on its existing Emergency Care Establishment bylaw to regulate the new facility.
Town staff prepared three options for council to consider at its special council meeting on July 31.
The first option was to enter into an agreement with Northumberland County. The second option was to enter into an agreement with the county, adding any concerns raised by council. The third option was not to create an agreement but to let the Emergency Care Establishment bylaw stand. If any further concerns came forward, either from politicians or Cobourg residents, those would be addressed at the time.
Council chose to go with the third option, as recommended by town staff.
There was little debate from councillors.
Mayor Lucas Cleveland read from a detailed, prepared statement. He argued that the county had done its due diligence regarding public engagement and addressed concerns raised by the public, town staff, and politicians.
“So, we’ve heard, and I believe the county has heard, what it will require to successfully manage this facility,” he told council.
The mayor reiterated the county’s responsibilities related to housing and social services and argued that the town’s bylaw would be sufficient to address concerns related to its legislated duties.
“And we as a council need to maybe trust that the county will honor the feedback of the residents of Coburg. We have to trust that the county council has heard the residence of Coburg and that the reality is an agreement should not be necessary to force the county to do the things that they already note are in best practice in shelter settings,” he said.
He called the current situation a partnership, saying the formation of various committees, information sharing, and a liaison with the town demonstrates a commitment to building a relationship between the town and the county.
“The reality is, as the lower tier Council, I asked that this council trust that the county is going to do what they have promised to do. And that perhaps an agreement at this time is not necessary nor prudent,” he said.
Tensions ran high in March after Cobourg council approved its Emergency Care Establishment bylaw. At the time, county staff were directed to negotiate an agreement with the town staff. Since then, the county has moved forward with its purchase and renovation plans for the building. Transition House successfully received a licence from the town to operate last month.
The new facility is scheduled to open in the fall.
