The encampment at Brookside continues to be the single biggest concern of Cobourg’s residents. Many people look for leadership from Mayor Lucas Cleveland and also want more communication from him. About a week ago, he said “time for a message” to the public but the Town’s communication “news” page did not provide anything. However, Lucas did communicate via Cogeco’s “Municipal Matters” shown on channel HD700. These are interviews of Port Hope and Cobourg’s Mayors and politicians with several repeat date/times for viewing. A link to the Cogeco schedule is below. There are a couple of problems with this: 1. Not everyone gets their TV via Cogeco and 2. Not everyone views these programs. However, Cogeco does put extracts from their program on videos on You-Tube and there are a couple of particular interest giving parts of an interview with Lucas and posted on November 1 and 2. One is an update on Encampment and the other is about Encampment Leaders. Thanks to blog commenter Rational for pointing this out – and thanks to Cogeco.
Update on Encampment
Encampment Leaders
And for what it’s worth, my interpretation of what we have heard from Councillors is that they are doing something about the encampment concern but it’s happening behind closed doors. The above video reports plus some of the comments on this blog are the best we know.
Resources
- Cogeco channel 700 schedule
- Cogeco Videos page
- See also recent “Letter to the Editor”
Print Article:
So he’s blaming the citizens of Cobourg? And I thought our by laws stated that if there was shelter space available that they were within their rights to evict people living in encampments?
The bigger question is: are these folks eligible for the shelter space that is available?
There are a few things to digest in those short videos. I was struck by a couple comments. The first was that Cleveland acknowledged that it was MPP Puccini who visited the encampers while they were set up on the beach and insisted that the Town begin to enforce the existing bylaws. Its a recognition that Cleveland knew the Town was not using the tools it had at its disposal. Perhaps that is still the case?
Cleveland also suggested “it’s not fair” for taxpayers to come to him and ask “guys what are you doing…” I think he forgets, at times, who he is accountable to because not only is it fair but its a taxpayers obligation to demand answers – frankly he isn’t very good at providing them.
I heard circumvention, finger pointing, blame and phraseology that suggest things are being done….what I still do not know is, what actions have been taken, what are the results and if those results aren’t good enough what are the next steps. I didn’t hear much personal responsibility and I wasn’t satisfied with the level of accountability to the taxpayers.
I’m disappointed that the full video wasn’t released…also June 9 is still the last newsletter on the Town website.
Just a far out thought …… wouldn’t it be great if Missy, GWC crew and Horgan got together to help clean up the condemned homes on Division and Batttell Court ….. this would get most encamped back to their homes ……
This suggestion takes for granted that the landlord would accept these folks back as tenants.
They have destroyed the properties once….pretty sure it would happen again and if l owned the space they would be bankrupting me….just on the fines for by-law infractions
Trust me, the neighbours of these homes are happy to see them closed and would not welcome these folks and their illegal life styles back…they ruined their own opportunities to be accepted and presented the surrounding property owners a chaotic existence
I am almost certain, downtowner, that You would also say, given the present situation in this Town, that the houses are intentionally not being restored by the landlords.
One of the homes is being prepared for sale ..one was on and off the market …one has someone doing lots of outside “landscaping” but we can only speculate the condition of the interiors.
I cannot comment whether repair negligence is purposeful..the cost now is overwhelming l’m sure for one landlord , not receiving the rents that were supporting the operation forcing sale”as is” …this too will be a great loss.
I will ,with confidence , say that while the locations were running amok of all rules and over occupied by drug users the landlord was happy to receive ample and above compensation and was blind to the destruction unfolding.
Even when 5 nearly 6 years ago when the first intervention by the “team” of fire/bylaw/building code/ law etcetera took place improvements were made at that single location the others carried on as usual and amplified…thus other neighbourhoods were affected,as ours continues to be, and resulted in two closures and one decrease in occupation.
From the onset this landlord has been persuaded that she has been helping those with nowhere to go and approached by T H and GWC supporters to accommodate these difficult to house individuals and the lure of direct rents from pensions made the opportunity seem a sure thing.
It didn’t take into account the disrespect, and over use of property brought about by the renters but extra payment became a practice and the damage quickly became unmanageable and the criminal element expanded.
All actions by the tenants made the properties unhabitable and therefore here is our problem, by their own deeds these folks seek shelter……..but only on their terms
No sympathy here for the landlords/owners 2, of those 5 homes, approx. value to-day 2.5 million, owned for years, so I doubt they are taking a financial loss. One advertises themselves as a Property Manager. They had zero sympathy for the residents and was in their faces saying do you have problems with my tenants? They are now making excuses.
lf l sounded sympathetic to the landlord…not the case.
I believe the property use was entered into with the assumption of quick profit and embellished as a benevolent service by the enabling groups .
As quickly as the properties were occupied the drug problems also escalated and the landlord was quick to offer space on the basement floor for cash or trade, as by now there was the realization of fast income..so what if violations [overcrowding,refuse accumulation,drug dealing, human trafficking,violence,theft, by-law infractions, building code and fire standards ignored] were being committed…we had to prove it and it took time and money continued to come in
Just as Virginia and Chris claim to be saviours, this landlord was equally as delusional as to the relief being provided.
Easy to be pious when your pockets are full at the expense of crumbling neighbourhoods by drug addicts and criminals.
I was attempting to place a timeline on how long this situation has been on the stove boiling away.
It wasn’t until neighbourhoods began revolting that transparency resulted and action began.
The result of that has been a spotlight shining on the true problems, rampant open drug use and dealing being enabled , resulting in crime and violence..without direction toward improvement or correction for individuals in that life, throughout our Town
If it remains unchecked and in it’s present state l cannot imagine how much worse it may be for our young people witnessing this.
TIME IS UP our leaders need to quit sitting on their hands and the enablers need to give their heads a shake and consider what they are allowing to happen to our Town and our citizens.
Very well spoken. Thank you,
I agree with the Mayor.
Time to shut down these radical so called advocates along with their unconscionable support of abominbal drug filled life styles. How about advocating for getting clean and getting jobs, how about advocating for the homeless seniors, maybe deliver a pizza or 2 to them
Mayor Cleveland, name these people, then tell us exactly who was offered shelter and who turned it down. Enough catering to grifters and squatters, they can accept shelter and counseling or freeze in the dark.
I wonder how much some of these advocates earn from their non-profit status? Is anyone checking in on the other homes owned by the same individual who had their house condemned on Division? Can we expect more homelessness as another home gets condemned?
The remaining buildings,housing drug dealers, if closed will also be due to the actions of the tenants…..the landlord is not a babysitter.
Good Idea Old Sailor–
I was looking at the Green Wood Coalition website, they are located at 4 Centennial Drive Port Hope. View goggle maps street view and you can see the house/office and all the surrounding land. Grace Church 2 Centennial Drive is right beside their location. A perfect place for the tents of the 20-25 people coming from Brookside.
Message to GWC, these people trust GWC and I am sure would take positive direction from you. You have the resources as reflected in the four streams of activities. They would have all their needs met including a warm house to sleep in, and a possible warming hub at the church.
GWC’s 2020 and 2021 Annual Reports are on their website. 2021 Government Grants more than doubled, fund raising doubled, donations up about $20K. Impact Leaders- $10,000 plus contributions noted on the last page one of them being County of Northumberland-Community and Social Services and Blue Sea Foundation is a registered Canadian charity based in Kitchener, ON. A note below the pie charts, “The growth in donor support through 2021 allowed us to mature as an organization, continue to provide equitably for our staff and establish a reserve account to ensure stability in the days to come.” 2022 Annual Report is not available yet but you must be in a better position even today. You have the dollars, you have the resources, they need your help now. Please step up and offer your land and resources. They TRUST GWC.
Where do you think Most of these people came from Chris Nieland while at the beach now on King st E was giving interviews to Puccini and reporters is from there I believe his first wife is still there
I don’t know where they came. I know two of the five houses that are all owned by the same landlords are now boarded up. I would like to see them put up for sale at whatever the market will value them given the conditions. Hopefully a builder or contractor will make the purchase, fix them up and sell them. I think they are both zoned single family residential.
I would think the police was aware of what was going on at these houses over how many years ?
What action (if any) has been taken against the owner(s) role in this ?
The residents of the troubled triangle as it is called have suffered the most over far too many years, Battell I think about 5 years really scary happenings. John posted a blog titled Another Property Declared Unsafe to Occupy, Sept. 28, 2023 – see Resources Letter to the Editor – more detail about 821 Battell. Such a sad story and it is hard to read the stress this family have gone through. Chipping Park Area residents held a meeting at the Salvation Army in July I think, and finally and eventually the house was boarded up. Single family residential home with people coming and going night and day. I am not aware of any penalties to the landlords. Another letter to the editor posted Nov. 10th, but glad people are telling their stories. Yet members of our council are putting forth ways to help the addicted. I suggest they spend the money compensating residents for the costs incurred installing a video doorbell, sensor lights, deadbolts, security systems. Hey, as they have been saying for years, I understand your frustration. Have a good day.
I am not aware of direct penalties to the landlord, like fines, but the value of her properties has decreased. While empty she is not collecting rents. At least she shouldn’t be. In some cases government agencies pay rent directly to landlords. The CMHA for one can make these arrangements. If this was the case for either of the closed properties and the appropriate government agencies have not been notified the landlord could still be getting some rent. Most likely she is not. Now that utilities have been turned off it will be expensive to complete repairs and inspections for utilities to be turned on. Insurance, mortgage and property taxes still have to be paid. Maybe liens have been placed on the properties to cover the costs of removing exterior garbage and boarding them up. If she cannot find the funding to repair the properties she will lose them.
I watched a Pete Fisher video interview of a man who was being evicted from 413 Division St. Pete asked him, how much rent are you paying? He said $500.00 a month, so I assume for one room, or maybe a mattress in the basement. He laughed and said he was going back to school. Yes, Ontario Works would direct deposit $500.00 to landlords account, and maybe still is, if not notified of tenants evictions from both homes. Timeline to leave a property vacant? I don’t know. I think if the property taxes are not included in the mortgage payment they can go three years in default, before the town will act. Let’s hope they will sell the homes sooner than later. Good opportunity for a builder or contractor to make some money, and neighbours have a safe neighbourhood are to live in again. Beautiful old home across the street being restored.
So Chris has stated there were 5 “legal residents of 413 Division….the rest were stop ins with no address but our sympathetic [or pathetic] government provides a housing allowance for these folks even though they are not housed…that’s ok Chris and Virgina were dipping into that overage for the privilege of a seat on the floor
Thank-you for recognition of those of us here in the Triangle.
We have been asking for change..have approached all of the agencies. l had suggested that if the third piece of the Triangle….the warming hub had to be operated at St. Peter’s again this year.. could Transition House board please consider the same [LOW] barriers as the shelter …a once you are in you are in for the night..because the cold weather will continue ALL night
Didn’t happen
As for people coming and going all night, my cameras captured a dealer strolling down fromJ/J to Chapel..meeting two “customers” ..deal done ..strolling back up to the drug house….have a good time was the salutation..time for the customers to use and go back to the nice warm hub.
I have some friends that live in the Triangle so I have been hearing for YEARS now about the criminal activity that is part of their everyday life night and day, and the stress that has been part of their daily lives. Our police chief has talked about Federal Crime directives, and they have to follow the Federal Crown of Canada. I understand that so over the years I have e-mailed Trudeau, and the Minister of Justice since 2019, Minister Justice Lametti. One bill has passed re bail reform, but nothing else. Maybe it is now time to mass e-mail Trudeau, and Minister Lametti, subject matter Drugs and Crime. He is now in election mode, so if they receive mass e-mails with same subject matter they will pay attention now because they want your vote. Maybe some change will happen before the election and we can vote for whoever we want when the time comes.
Stay strong more and more people in the town are aware and behind you.
Thank-you for the recognition and support
In fairness to the police as soon as they make arrests the courts immediately put them back on the streets to re-offend. Must be very frustrating for them.
We just have to keep arresting. At some point if the arrest record is long enough the Courts won’t release them. Also as fines buildup it may have an impact on the subsidies they get through clawbacks.
Action, I don’t believe that the courts operate on weekends to handle bail requests. Spending the weekend in a cell while undergoing withdrawal is probably quite unpleasant for the accused.
WASH court operates on weekends and statutory holidays.
Chris is with Virginia Bailey both of whom are from the condemned crack house on Division St.
They are refusing help because they want all that back. A flop house with no restrictions on behaviour or drug use, but who would rent to them now.
Why should ratepayers have to subsidize their behaviour, let them freeze in the dark if they won’t accept shelter.
According to Virginia Lee Bailey’s accounts on social media, she writes that she has worked in at least two bars/restaurants in Port Hope in the past for short terms. All of these encampment notables, unfortunately or fortunately, have much of their histories on social media.
At least GWC could help move some of these folks to PH. Not likely as PH wants nothing to do with the County issues here in Cobourg. Wouldn’t want to impact home values off Jocelyn ….
The Mayor is becoming quite a Politician Say Lots Spin Lots Divide the Ranks Advocates are now part of the Problem Etc Etc this is a Year old problem still un resolved by the Town not everyone else you wish to involve and that’s the Facts and the Problem .
Advocates don’t want Politicians tieing them up in Red Tape and as the Mayor said tieing them up in Political structure for ever . I believe they are doing something for the Homeless with the Resources they have as well as Prodding the Town and the do nothing County Political structure .
AGAIN the Mayor hit the Nail on the Head but failed to recognize or acknowledge the problem
If as he said a tent is better than say Transition house then— Obviously something is Wrong there –???? Is it due to the Non tolerance of Illegal activity or insecure and unsafe and un suppervised conditions , are Internal assaults and attracts not reported etc etc .
Are these Squatters / Homeless really not Criminals that will not be accepted elsewhere
We Better Find out and Fast Mr Mayor as they are loose in our Town .. Maybe let the Salvation Army & Green wood .
Advise the Town after all they have the first hand experience and lend them the Town services to deal with this matter ie: 24 x 7 Police support . and Put your Political Structure aside
But do it Now !
I’m inclined to agree with the Mayors tenor and direction on both the comments referring to the encampment (videos), the direction/impact of advocacy and the target organizations to get this homelessness problem solved. The IO the Mayor mentions, he suggests/implies that this arms length org is not working with the major stakeholders or is somehow an impediment. The problem I have is that the advocates maintain that the current systems (target orgs) aren’t meeting the needs, are broken. Is there general agreement to that statement? Further, are we trying to solve overall homeless problem or individual likes/dislikes problem, e.g. there are openings in the current system but people are still sleeping in their cars? Based on some of the comments suggesting that Protective Services should somehow be responsible for coming up with the overall solution, I can’t disagree more. These folks are there to protect and serve, to follow the laws of the land, established by various governments. Tasking them with deriving societal solutions is not on.
Why do all of the County’s homeless have to be housed in Cobourg? Is that a County decision which worked before this outbreak? Wouldn’t Port Hope be a good location as well? Right near GWC. It would be a shorter drive for runners with drugs, pizza, blankets etc.
What is the breaking point in this crisis? Is it when our ambulances start taking frozen encampment bodies directly to MacCoubrey’s? Then what?
I fully agree with the Mayor’s statement. Throughout the months, it has been obvious that the enablers and advocates, such as R. Horgan, M. McLean, Greenwood Coalition and The Northumberland Sleeping Cabin Coalition, just to emphasize a few, have actually created an impasse or a deadlock in the progress of homelessness. The site’s criminals and the addicted are being condoned and coddled into believing that they will be provided with homes like the ones from which they were evicted (in order to fulfill their lifestyles). At this time, according to the unchallenged Waterloo decision, they cannot be evicted from encampments unless there is something “equal to” or “better than” a tent. Transition House and a Motel Room are just that- only to be continually refused. The stalemate needs to be broken- by Law Enforcement.
Right on, the Mayor doesn’t name them but someone has to. Time to name and shame these types who try to normalize illegal drug use and criminal behaviour,
Let’s have a documented account of who was offered what, and why it was turned down.
Totally agree and thanks for naming them. Isn’t Horgan the guy who threatened county workers and continually bad mouths the Mayor, Police Chief and Pete Fisher? Why is this sad individual allowed to have any say in housing and County or Town issues, who are these advocates that they can deter or stop homeless people from accepting shelter? Time to say enough, stand up for our rights too.
What are his qualifications and what is in it for him?
Yes, he did and he tried the same tactic or threat in Durham Region, Bowmanville, which is probably why he is now living in this County.
What if the drugs were harder to come by in Cobourg? Prices might go up. Many of the homeless addicts might move on. So could the Cobourg police force combine with Port Hope, Peterborough, Belleville, OPP to get the known dealers out of town. It’s the dealers that need to be stopped. If the police don’t know who they are, ask any regular dog walker in the downtown/ Victoria Park/ waterfront area- they know them
Will Mr. John Draper report soon on the DBIA’s latest $35,000 proposal? How will this further impact the police’s ability to do their jobs?
Is there any way to support this blog. I know I am significantly more informed due to the information presented, and it is certainly an effort I appreciate.
Watch for a post on the DBIA idea on Sunday.
John, in the DBIA post, would you please list the current DBIA Board Members please?
It seems to me that Mayor Cleveland is sincere and does care about this situation, but at the same time he appears to blame the “advocates” too much, and is in “pass the buck” mode. Still left with questions: I am a bit confused about why he considers the GWC as “working outside the system” when they are an agency/registered charity that has considerable money and resources. What is their position in regards to this situation? I am also not clear on the “scope of power” of the various levels of government. He seems to be telling us that it is within Infrastructure Ontario’s power to look after this property. So I guess my biggest question is why are they not enforcing the trespass order? And if the existing system (e.g. Transition House) is broken why aren’t they fixing it? They received $1,378, 547. from municipal/regional government (last report to CRA) so surely they can make some changes to meet the needs of the homeless or lose this funding. I honestly find it hard to accept that the Mayor does not have more leverage than he leads us to believe. I am glad to hear that all of the players are trying to work together.
Hi Aleta, I did not hear the Mayor mention GWC in this video — unless I missed something? If you read through the comments on Draper’s previous post; “Disappointing Town Hall”, you can garner an idea of what is meant by “working outside of the system”.
As you eloquently commented in that same post, “…the 23 people here, want to be provided with housing where they can make the rules and will not be pressured to quit drugs. Unfortunately, they are encouraged by misguided advocates…”.
Zero barrier Tiny Homes for persons with hardcore addictions has been the objective for many of the misguided advocates you speak of.
Sorry, maybe I wasn’t clear. I am very aware what the group of 23 want–zero barriers, and I think understand what working outside of the system means. But in regards to Transition House, if they have 12- 15 beds empty they need to adapt somehow so they are full, as there is still a great need outside of the 23 hold-outs. I don’t think he mentioned GWC specifically but repeatedly talked about advocates–GWC (in the system) are advocating and supporting this group so I assumed he included them. There is a trespass order that is not being enforced–what are the lawyers telling Infrastructure Ontario which makes them afraid to enforce? Lastly, why do advocates have more leverage than the Mayor–so far they seem to be winning this battle. I don’t blame anyone in particular for this ghastly mess, but I am really trying to understand the complexities of the issue. It is so upsetting and frustrating (have had to call police twice), that I am in the mindset that I may have to leave Cobourg.
The beds in Transition house are already low barrier. They should be high barrier, given the location — or move out of that location entirely. The beds are empty because persons do not want to follow the existing low barrier rules. So how can more beds be asked for by Town, if these beds are not being utilized?
I agree, it seems as though the advocates have more leverage than the Mayor. The Mayor and Councilor Miriam Mutton have validated people’s justifiable fears.
The only complexity I witness is the gaslighting of people’s genuine fears when it comes to the constant and increasing drug-fueled crime law abiding citizens have to endure. By that, I mean dialectic thinking — when 2 opposing feelings or forces happen simultaneously. Fears and frustration are held by many and at the same time, so does compassion. The issue arises when people are Shamed for holding genuine, instinctive fears and are again Shamed for not having compassion.
I believe the Town is at a boiling point because we are being told to accept, tolerate and strangely “embrace” persons who are committing drug-fueled crime (by using the blanket term of “homelessness”). Again, both of those exist — homelessness and drug addicted criminals. This is what we have at the encampment, 23 of them.
Cobourg has one of the highest populations of Vulnerable people — Seniors. Victims of drug-fueled crime are told to go against their valid and instinctive fears — and Embrace these persons who are the proponents of that very real harm and fear, by way of drug-fueled crime. Illogical and preposterous ideologies.
Since when in history have we been told to tolerate and support drug-fueled criminals? Imagine a Vulnerable Child or Senior going to the YMCA and having to share a change room with someone they witnessed having an axe fight, or broke into their home? I ask, Who are Vulnerable and who are the Victims?
Excellent! We all know why they won’t accept help, we also do not accept or tolerate drug fuelled criminality, so why are we forced to accept this as normal?
Why do our leaders not stand up to these so called advocates, one of whom is unstable and unhinged? By not doing so they put us all at risk.
Time to take a stand, accept the help or move on and out. Also move Transition House, take a stand for the community, now!
See my post below Sandy. We are as stuck as Vancouver, Peterborough, Toronto and any other place suffering this criminal actvity thanks to the laws made by the Federal government on how this should be handled.
Should an escalation through the government levels be made all could join in when the top is reached and demand the enabling Federal laws be changed as insane as they are.
If we are really stuck in that legal process (which I don’t believe) we are not totally helpless. The Mayor, Council, By Law and CPS can make it so Cobourg becomes an undesirable location for the enablers, encampment residents and drug dealers. No more 40 people conrtolling 20,000.
As a star:
1) No relocation from Brookside to anywhere in Cobourg.
2) An absolute NO to Tiny Homes in Cobourg – don’t give in to the Enablers. They want a Tiny Home then go to Peterborough or now Port Hope.
3) Question every encampment resident wanting to use the WMCA for showering through ID Verification, Pictures, Date and Times in and out.
4) Stop and question every drug addict that are roaming the streets of Cobourg, huddling in Bus Stops, spinning like tops as they are high, lying on the streets. See if they have drugs, move them along. You may find various reasons to charge them. Don’t make living in Cobourg easy for them.
5) Give MPP Picinni regular documentation on what is going on so he can go to IO and with something to initiate action with.
The strategy is to make their lives difficult. The word will get out and newcomers will pass by Cobourg. Let it be known they are not wanted here if they are going to break the law.
Rational – I don’t support what we have been told to live by in these various laws by the Feds which we all looked at in an earlier Blog subject. To refresh some of the components were these people were to be treated with kindness and compassion it said. I think it compassionate to offer them a way out through housing and rehab and not make shameful comments but apparently this has been taken to the ridiculous extreme thus the courts in particular hold the brunt of the blame.
Of the suggestions you have made refusal to build Tiny Homes for them is the strongest that could be enacted. Peterborough caved for some reason – many of the neighbours there have stated increased break ins and trouble from the encampment from which the residents will be drawn for the Tiny Homes.
Should Council ever suggest the idea there should be a vote specifically on it and I hope it would be turned down flat.
Documentation as we both agree is vitally important. Very valuable in so many ways. Documentation is a great prover of the facts untinged. They would present very well in court when asked to prove a case and bring much needed action on this.
“Just the Facts Maam!” Very impowering in court!
Kingston Tiny Homes are no more from what I read …. Piccini is more involved in photo Ops in his new post …… maybe he can help move some of the folks to his hometown …..
No one is transitioning from this house…the experiment is over time to reassess and restructure.
Eventually the realization that these folks ,even though adults, are mere children that need some discipline in the form of an established care facility.
We could then see some forward movement toward a resolution to this problem and a positive upswing in the community With less illegal activity would come a healthier happier community
For sure…move this operation and the warming hub out of the center of town
I agree. The Transition House is not effective anymore. It needs to go.
This past Sunday I saw the King and Queen (Chris/Virginia) of the encampment leaving on bikes laughing just having a wonderful time. On my way back I turned up Division street and there they were pulled up front of the TH. Then Virginia was up on the porch talking to someone holding the door and Chris at the bottom of the steps waiting.
It just brings into question the real purpose of the TH and has it served its purpose in Cobourg. Shouldn’t they not be allowed contact with the TH?
Hi Aleta
Cobourg is just one of many that are beset by encampments filled with drug using populace that are allowed due to the Federal laws governing how the situation is allowed to be dealt with which was covered extensively in an earlier Blog. Toronto is a prime example. A year or so ago Toronto sent the police in to clear the encampments. The encampments there have returned with a vengence as the Federal law state state they are not to be interfered with. Their parks if you visit or look at youtube are full of tents and drug addled.
It is the Federal laws which prevent lower levels of government from effectively clearing them along with loud voiced advocates making a pretty penny over this whole thing.
Myself I think if the levels of government equipped with the documentation of refusal of help began to march up the levels of government change, despite the Federal laws, could eventually be enacted. The Federal Liberals on various issues have begun to change their tune especially when they see how greatly they are slipping in the polls. Unfortunately now that the NDP have jumped ship on support the Bloc has stepped in to take their place. But the Libs are changing their stance as they see their rating drop.
You are absolutely right Dave. I have read the National Housing Strategy Act which was passed by the Liberals. They are framing housing as a “human right” issue which is why the Waterloo judge made that infamous decision. And I am questioning now what the IO lawyers are saying–would there be liability issues if action was taken? They all seem to be frozen now like deer in the headlights. It is very interesting that the mayor of Cornwall issued a profuse letter of apology a few days ago, taking responsibility for a camper who died overnight. It is a very complex political issue with the “human rights” advocates controlling the show so far …
Don’t leave, fight back.
I have been doing that, but I own a property on King St. so I have a front row seat … unfortunately I have lost faith in our leadership and protection services. The only community service providers I really respect anymore are the paramedics who are working tirelessly.
Thank you Mayor Cleveland! He kept interrupting you, but I’m glad you were able to stand up for the other homeless that are not at the encampment and are actually being harmed by advocates! I think many out there do genuinely want to do good but don’t understand that encampment residents and advocates (GWC, Missy) are holding everyone hostage, including homeless seniors who now can’t get services due to safety and lack of resources because the encampment is taking all of the resources. Thanks for being their voice! Nobody is heartless and wants people to be homeless. But the king and queen of the encampment are not the stand up citizens they want everyone to think they are.
Missy McLean is such a key figure at the encampment. Her webpage describes her as ‘Feminist. Abolitionist. (Soon to be) Social Worker’ and she proclaims on occasion to be an Anarchist. She has no interest in working to improve systems, and frankly has very dangerous ideas.
Shoot the messenger why don’t you?
Care to explain, Ben? Who “shot” Mervin? Missy is the problem!
Very easy Ken – Missy is the messenger and obviously the devil incarnate for some of the people on this Board
Ben, I suspect some people, like me, are still confused. If Mervin is shooting the messenger, Missy, what is the message she is delivering? An abolitionist is against slavery, like almost everybody. She has promoted drug use. This goes beyond being a messenger. If she is claiming to be an anarchist it would seem she is a very mixed up person. If we had anarchy a group of citizens could get together and … well the encampment would be gone. But we have rules and Cobourg’s citizens pay taxes to have a government and police to enforce the rules. What kind of social worker is Missy McLean going to make when she doesn’t want to follow the rules? If the majority of citizens do not support her how will she be able to help anybody?
She is not a messenger, she is an uncompromising, dogmatic, ideologue. If she had her way she we would not only defund the police but abolish prisons. Have you any idea how radical (radicalize-another word she uses) that is? Have you seen the devastating impact those ideologies have had in other communities around the world? Do you believe her ideologies would better our community? The Missy crew are absolutely not going to be on the right side of history. There are no examples anywhere in the world that can justify such approaches.
I look forward to hearing from people who disagree with me. If you have knowledge that would enlighten me or change my mind I would welcome it, and try to grow in my understanding. I believe a lack of polite communication is what is causing such polarizing discourse but let’s try and fix that.
No one I know would disagree with you.
Let me know if anything I say is inaccurate. I would appreciate your feedback
Mayor Cleveland has made several good points such as helping those individuals who are trying to help themselves, which is not the illegal drug addicts living in an illegal encampment, and advocates/abolitionists who refuse to work within the existing system. Another point is, that as the illegal campers get cold, they move to the warming room at the church and create havoc there. It is impossible for me to support the illegal drug addicts living at the encampment who refuse any help offered in the existing system, apparently they’re being told to hold out for zero barrier housing as it is their right. The advocates/abolitionists never talk about detoxification, rehabilitation, getting clean etc. as apparently the drug addicted lifestyle is acceptable. What I see at the encampment is campers that are barely functioning, other than the desperate need for illegal drugs, they are unable to provide for themselves. They don’t need zero barrier housing, they need rehabilitation so they can become functional members of society with some self respect. Unfortunately there is little discussion about that.
a quick solution may be the old arena – just to get folks into the warmth prior to casualties due to cold etc; Should some not wish to go to the arena then we as citizens cannot be responsible any more – yes I know “I am my brothers keeper” but many of us have not had the availability of choices in the past – regardless of who is responsible for the present location – its time to be heavy handed and force a move – or we will have more unfortunates in our future – seems security is required presently – this could continue at the Frie st arena – and by the way like many I am not feeling safe in our downtown area anymore – how sad,
I agree time to force a move..but the Furnace st. arena would go up like a Roman candle when the inevitable [as already has happened in the no smoking building warming hub] smoking of drugs takes place in a washroom.
The hub has security and this event got slipped past them