Today the Town of Cobourg announced that a residence on Division Street had numerous fire and life safety concerns and was deemed unsafe for occupancy. The tenants were “removed from the property for their own health and safety and have been provided with temporary accommodation through the support of Red Cross”. Lisa Munday of Cobourg Police made the announcement on behalf of the Town. She said that “on Thursday, July 27, 2023, the Town of Cobourg Fire Department conducted an inspection of a residence on Division Street that uncovered numerous fire and life safety concerns.” Then “on Friday, July 28, a second multi-agency inspection was completed. Under the Ontario Building Code and applicable Health Protection and Promotion legislation, the building was ultimately deemed unsafe for occupancy due to several building code and public health violations posing a threat to those living in the dwelling and the adjoining unit.”
Further:
Subsequently, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) issued an Order to placard (sic) the dwelling citing health and safety issues associated with the accumulation of raw sewage in the basement likely to have an adverse effect on the health of those living within the premise.
All agencies continue to work with the owner to bring the building into compliance, to make it safe for residents to re-occupy. The dwelling will remain vacated until deemed safe by the Town of Cobourg.
Mayor Lucas Cleveland issued a statement:
“The Town Council supports and cares for the safety and well-being of all its residents. Safety concerns are taken seriously and approached collaboratively with local emergency services and partner agencies to provide the best outcome for those impacted. Actions by all the partner agencies have ensured the health and safety of residents.”
“All agencies continue to work with the owner to bring the building into compliance for residents to safely re-occupy.”
Details such as the exact address and the name of the landlord were not provided. However, maybe someone with an eagle eye can spot the “placard” presumably placed on the building.
Let’s hope that this “residence” does not end up like Sidbrook with no occupancy – at least not by humans.
You can see the original announcement on the Town’s web site here.
Print Article:
Re: questions regarding illegal drug use now known as substance use. On the government of Canada website parl.ca in relation to Bill C5 which was passed in 2021 of particular note is the section entitled Evidence Based Diversion Measures section 10.1 a) “substance use is a health/social issue”
b) “interventions to protect the health/dignity/human rights of drug users”
c) “criminal sanctions for drug possession for personal use can increase stigma associated with drug use and are not consistent with established public health evidence “
d) and e) can be googled!!
Here is the explanation for the lenient treatment of drug addicts. Thanks Trudeau.
Thanks Cobourg Taxpayer! For those who are less Google knowledgeable than you, the full text includes:
Declaration of principles
10.1 The following principles apply in this Part:
Visit https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/bill/C-5/royal-assent for the whole sorry tale.
The silence on this subject by our Council Members, Northumberland County and MPP is deafening. They prefer to hide behind the curtain and let Cobourg citizens take it out on our police service – who are not empowered to solve this problem.
Old Sailor – I fully agree. What is wrong with especially our Town Council? I supposed they too will claim their hands are tied. Some of the comments by the Chief. “Looking forward to attending Life Saving Events in the coming weeks, feels especially good saving a life.” In the broad sense who wouldn’t but the feeling left is what action is he speaking of? As a police officer and Chief I would like more affirmation that he himself is horrified by the profliferation of open drug use, harrassment and invasion by them into citizens’ properties.
To Serve and Protect seems to have gotten lost. My wife’s late cousin served on the Metro force for many years before he died. He returned to Traffic much more clear cut stating I am not a social worker.
Watch who you vote for!! Also in today’s Sun our great leader has also declared ‘I am not responsible for housing! Come one come all even though I have not prepared for you nor do I intend to.
Just drove by Henley Arcade. About 40 people there. No way anyone could—or would want to walk through there. 2.5 mg our PM says u can possess for drugs that are so lethal. They are all sitting on lawn chairs getting high…but you cannot have a beer like that. INSANITY!
Newbie – was wondering about the legal possession, can you enlighten? Olivia Chow when she ran said this was what she was planning on putting this in for Toronto. Despite the tremendous failure as demonstrated by Vancouver who did enact this, now much to their regret, and the blocks and blocks of zombies littering the downtown there I understood it is not legal everywhere and I thought not here, So is it legal here or not??
Newbie – not too computer familiar, copying links. However google Drug Possession Laws in Canada Criminal Code Help – CCH. It states possesion is still illegal.
Dave, not sure if you went to the Cobourg Police Services meeting a few months ago…but this is what the
Chief was alluding to (Crown Directive). Their hands are tied, so to speak. This is why there is multiple drug runners only carrying 2.5mg. Vancouver is a failure, so is Portland Oregon and San Francisco. I think this why Cobourg used bylaw to intervene in April. At the least these people could be charged with loitering. ‘If you build it they will come’. I could not believe how many people. So disheartening.
Yes, I have heard the Chief say this many times. However Vancouver had to enact this change as Olivia Chow has to do. Without enactment I understood it remains illegal. There seems to be confusion around this issue but in the meantime there are charges the Chief could lay if the political will was there. Bending over backwards in case someone complains is not the answer I am sure you agree.
Thanks for the link – I note it states
“For example, where the possession relates to a substance use disorder, prosecution should generally be avoided where the offender is enrolled in a drug treatment court program or a course of treatment provided under the supervision of a health professional,” said PPSC spokesperson Nathalie Houle in an email.
A loophole as I am sure these people are not in any treatment program.
Hi Dave, yes many, many loopholes. Political will😉 I wonder if OPP interprets this revision the same way (ie) no point in charging for possession, as will likely not be prosecuted and convicted…due to the substantial amount of FACTORS TO (prosecutors must) CONSIDER.
March 7, 2023 (revision)
Public Prosecution Service of Canada. 2.3 Decision to prosecute.
Under: 4.2.1 Factors to Consider:
“The amount and nature of the controlled substance, including the prevalence of that controlled substance in the community;”
Newbie – Guess our best bet is to vote for a different party. There are 3 and 2 are in favour of this, one is not. Glad I am not young can imagine the future of where this will all end.
However there are enough if buts and ands in the doctrine to enable a charge, more than I mentioned in my prior reply. If more charges were laid without fear of not winning perhaps we would see change. I am a great believer in there is no mountain high enough.
Time for police to stand up. Perhaps the courts will know then people have had just about enough and communities are really suffering.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/simple-drug-possession-change-1.5657423
2 people suffer drug poisoning last night. Today’s Northumberland. Picture is in front of Henley Arcade. One at Harbour front. Other at Henley Arcade.
Just watched a drug deal go down in the parkette in front of the building. A guy on black e-bike and two addicts – one with a white thing tied around his head and his oubrunette girl friend. Wish the cops could get here sooner. Sick of this – hope the naxolone recovery does not reach them i time. Why should anyone feel different? An area used by families and children! Friday – 6:50 pm
“…hope the naxolone recovery does not reach them i(sic) time.”
Good policy! Cull the herd. Let ’em die. Leave them there, so that their carcass makes an educational point. When the day care children walk by, the teachers could point out what happens when drugs are taken. Cover it in lime, of course, for the smell and disease prevention.
So it has come to this. What is needed are drug rehabs, drug prevention programs, and the personnel to help heal this social problem. How to pay for it? Send billion$$$$ to foreign citizens ‘for as long as it takes’ in a losing war, instead of spending OUR tax money on the health of OUR citizens. Everything points to the fact that we are a stupid people.
And spineless. No one has the courage to tell Ottawa to stop wasting billion$$$ on death and destruction. One of the worst investments Canadians have ever made.
And get a load of this: I care more about the welfare of Canadians than I do about the welfare of foreigners in their foreign country.
Btw, High schools should issue Noxolone kits to every student and teach them how to use it. It’s a policy suggestion called Save A Life.
Wally I have already advocated for rehabs. However there is no point in again and again reviving a dead horse. Especially when our medical system is in crisis and the personnel could be saving a life that is not bringing it all on themself over and over again.
so because nobody listened to you , you now are in favour of not helping people and letting them die – says more about you than it does the failure of the system
In an ideal world everyone would be helped. However, our healthcare system is seriously overloaded and cannot adequately serve everyone who needs help.
Ben, given the choice between saving an addict so that they can overdose again or saving a resident who is in crises through no fault of their own, which do you favour?
Ken, “our healthcare system is seriously overloaded” and that is a fact. It is also a fact that billions$ of our taxes are spent on foreign adventures. Btw, we are such a stupid people that we signed on to this policy for “as long as it takes.”
The way I see it, every user knows the risk. They know their next fix could kill them- Russian Roulette.
Really is it any different than a person who seeks MAID.
I believe the Gov’t was even trying to move to MAID for those suffering from mental illness.
We all can say that we are here to help- but it those users that have want the help and stay committed to to program. It is that commitment that isnt there.
Pardon Ben?? Nobody listened to me? Where do you get that? Do you think I am some kind of politician that actually can implement policies?
I simply hold the same sentiments that I have heard from many people. It is a waste of time and resources on people that care not to seek aid of any kind for themselves. My background includes running a halfway house for ex-convicts, live in at a time I thought people wanted help when I found the majority were quite happy living as they did. There are many people that have found help either through AA or NARC Anon but the very number of people on the street living as they do everywhere shows the balance of the equation.
By-the-by if you really are Ben Burd I shall take a note in case you run for election.
You say that our “medical system is in crisis…” Of course it is. No Money. Where is the money being better spent? In a stupid war in a foreign country. What a stupid people we are!
I feel sorry for the emergency responders that deal with this every day
All in All its unfortunate that this Town despite many complaints over the past couple of years
about this property & situations in other properties like this in town. It had to get this bad
being a Stabbing before reacting . And it took an Outside Agency other than By Law , Planning , Health to start the Ball Rolling . What’s wrong with this picture and the Town that’s become so Complacent and irresponsible. Can you imagine what it must have been like to live next door or even on the Block It was obvious to all that drove by . Now we have VRBOs popping up all over in high density Residential and Condo areas and we are one of the last remaining Towns not to Act again. Peaceful legal Enjoyment we are entitled to
with Proper Control s enforced ByLaws & after normal business hours response teams if the Police are not going to handle By Laws and licencing enfractions.
It’s pitiful what this town has put up with. Your right sandpiper. Time to stand up to these groups that are pushing illegal consumption sites. They put drug addiction before people’s safety. People have a right to feel safe!
Cobourg, in my opinion, needs a change in leadership. In TodaysNorthumberland there is an article of CPS patrolling the Beach and Park while enjoying an ice cream cone. I guess they are making sure the kids aren’t throwing sand. Cant have that.
Looking at the picture they are going the wrong direction. They should be up at King/University and Division dealing with the drug/dealer problems.
It is too scary there and not good for photo opportunities. Also being in Cobourg you have to ask were they actually “police officers” or “special constables” pretending to pass off as police officers in the public.
Yes. I CANNOT believe the Mayor and Council continue to allow these “Safe” Injection sites to continue every Friday, 7-10 at Henley Arcade…since March. “Town Acts to Close Unsafe Residence”. How about another;“Town Acts to Close Unsanctioned Injection Sites”?? Zero Accountability, instead allowing rogue groups setup shop to assist people to get high on crack, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, crystal meth—right across from our Town Hall!!…under the guise of a pizza party. Check out Tweak Easy Go Fund Me page.
Yet in these highlighted residences, it represents individuals who are operating illegal rooming houses…
It appears that this article has expanded and has had a domino effect on other residences other than 413 Division Street and 372 Major Street as cited in a story at todaysnorthumberland.ca
Yes, Marya. It appears as though. My relative lives downtown and the disturbing issues I could report here, oh my goodness. I live just east of town and have had my fair share of “minor” incidents, as the police describe. We do not perceive them as “minor” at all. Especially when our children are deeply affected. I think that is part of the “issue”—the way the police are statistically categorizing incidents as “minor”, but cause Tremendous stress and fear for law abiding citizens, who want safety and peace. As per, Crowns directive: catch and release, etc. “Victims” vs “Responsibility”.
The backyard at 413 Division Street was far worse than shown in Pete Fisher’s video. Some clean up was undertaken when the For Sale sign went up.
when driving by yesterday, I noted all the entrances and windows are boarded up. I assume to keep anyone from squatting in the home. But I am concerned it was boarded up before the issue of raw sewage was addressed. Unsafe and disgusting!
I grew up in Europe, I remember during the 80’s-90’s drugs were getting to be a real problem. Police did nothing, justice system was overrun and released more than it punished. Certain organizations within my country took it upon themselves with the help of citizens. The drugs users were ‘removed’ and windows and doors boarded up. The message to them was clear come back and the punishment would be quick and severe. Not saying it’s the correct thing to do but when government fails to address problems citizen groups sometimes have to take that role on. It’s a shame what is happening in town. It seems to be getting worse. My kids are afraid to go down certain streets even with me. I can’t imagine living near it. Sad times. I hope the situation gets better, it’s a difficult and complicated. It seems there is money for everything except real answers. I believe in getting people real help. I believe in a three strike system. After three attempts of helping (rehab, council, job support) fails then it is long term imprisonment. There has to be a willingness to help and a commitment to treatment. It may seem harsh but better than what happened back home.
Wow, “when government fails to address problems citizen groups sometimes have to take that role on” that is blatant vigilantism. Shall the option be open to any group of citizens to take the law into their own hands? Seems to be getter worse too. Believe in what you like but when you take matters into your own hands and disregard the rule of law, the police, and rulings of our courts, this is a clear degradation of the socially privileged. Look to countries like Portugal to find out what works. Research and experts have real answers with proven success. Popularity of hatred doesn’t make it right.
Yes that is exactly what it is called vigilantism. It was a troubling time made worse with tainted E pills. Young people were dying weekly, I knew friends that died or ruined their lives. People looked to the government, but they decided to do nothing. Parents were tired of it. They targeted the dealers mostly. It made a lot of areas safer. It did not fix the problems. Throughout history people have had to take matters into their own hands, it is not a new concept. Again I’m not saying it is the right thing to do or that needs to be done here, because I do not think it would be right. I was sharing a story. People are looking to the government to fix this. Government should fix this, but there is no political will to do so.
Prophetic words of wisdom from over 200 years ago
“The government you elect is the government you deserve.”
― Thomas Jefferson
You are all over everywhere aren’t you
Vigilante justice or social justice?
I don’t know you tell me!
Another fact about the conditions brought about by drug addicts and why tiny homes are for these people are not wanted. Peterborough has just such a project planned. I think they will regret it.
“The road to Hell is paved with good intentions”.
— source uncertain
Jim T – Viewing Youtube coverage of various encampments and the zombies all over the streets of many downtown cities both here and in the U.S. the phrase “Going to Hell in a handbasket” comes to mind with regard to society and how governments are not dealing with this in any realistic fashion – legalizing drugs?, catch and release judicial?, Naxalone kits and rescue when the health system is in crisis?, given choices of rehabilitation, jail or hospitalization – don’t see this one – it is always the addicts choice not a requirement.
Those that have the power, politicians, police, attorneys general, courts are afraid of the backlash from some groups as being insensitive, being racist or being too harsh in their actions. So they take the soft, sympathetic approach which they believe will resolve the issues: safe injection sites, no detention, no matter how many offences they commit while on bail, non mandatory programs.
And thru this soft approach they are seen by the majority as either ineffective or worse incomptent
I don’t think anyone is suggesting criminals not be caught and dealt with. This is happening across the world. The answer is not political partisanship but colloboration.
Linda Mackenzie-Nicholas asserts, “The answer is not political partisanship, but collaboration.”
I have walked the deserts of ignorance in search of answers to life’s most pertinent questions. Then all of a sudden it’s eureka!!!!
Collaboration is the answer. Liberals, NDP and Conservatives ditched all partisanship to collaborate on sending billions of $$$ of lethal weapons to Ukraine. The Republicans and Democrats collaborated for the same. Indeed, the ruling class of the collective West all collaborated for the purpose of regime change in Russia. So how is it going? Have we got our money’s worth yet? After all, we signed on to collaborate for “as long as it takes.” Fools!
Wally, we need to give it some time. The war you mentioned is not quite over and neither are the problems in Cobourg. One rooming house was closed which is a step in the right direction, maybe. Although it seems some people are not respecting the police tape at the closed house. I heard that another rooming house was inspected. Not sure what will come of it. Maybe the rooming houses will be safer, maybe there will be more inspections. It all takes time. Collaboration also takes time. No matter what is done part of the population will turn to drugs and we will have problems. How do we best deal with the resulting problems to minimize the negative impact on the many good people living and visiting Cobourg? Anyone who thinks we will solve our drug problem, with or without collaboration, is most likely a fool.
So how do you differentiate the elements of political partisanship from collaboration? How does one collaborate without political partisanship? And what is the problem with political partisanship being involved in collaboration? Linda Mackenzie’s formula is folly.
And in spite of President’s Biden’s assertion that “Russia has already lost the war,” the facts on the ground prove that Russia is winning and that the Ukraine regime, with years and years of NATO training and billions and billions of $$$$$ of equipment, failed to accomplish its objectives. We are the fools to continue paying for this debacle.
How did we go from shutting down a crack house to Wally cheering on Putin and the commies in this thread?
Pete M, you are 100% accurate. I would go even further and say police, etc. are not just afraid—they have also been given direction to Not act/ enforce by our elected federal representatives.
Just two questions: Are all rooming houses in Cobourg checked on a regular basis for the reasons the house on Division has been closed down. If not, why not?
Sonya, so sorry to read what happened to your daughter/family.
Obviously not. And the owner has more places. She herself crashes at them sometimes
With much thanks to those that are more fully engaged ( like this blog) to those of us who are less so.
https://youtu.be/bA2budwj8zE
This is what my daughter’s house looked like after two years of drug addicts renting it. Her and her husband bought their first house in London right out of university. Such a beautiful home. They were in heaven. So happy. My daughter planted hundreds of plants in the garden. She was offered a job at Harvard that she couldn’t turn down. Sold their cars and stored they’re furniture and rented their house out to a nice girl. Moved to Boston and rented an apartment for $3000 a month plus a mortgage payment for the house. Neighbors in London started phoning two days later. Police at your house. Never paid rent for two years. One time when my son in law came back to London to try and evict her and all the others in their house again. (More expenses) My daughter phoned me crying. She has never asked me for anything in her life. She had absolutely no food to eat. Absolutely nothing.
One night they got a call from friends saying your lights are all on and doors all open in your house. Tenants had left. Turned all the taps on in the house. Holes in the walls. Everything broken. Dog poop everywhere. Grass not cut in two years. Thousands of dollars for repairs.yard dug up and resod. Had to sell .Lost everything. Huge bank loan. Not fair. Who wants to rent their home or apartment to a drug addict? Step right up.
Both the exact address of the duplex on Division Street and the exact address of the owner on Major Street can be seen on a video at todaysnorthumberland.ca.
Yes, the exact address of the row house on Division is clear. To the best of my knowledge the owner was living at an infamous address on John St. at one time. There have been by-law issues there. Across the street from this John St. address, I have been told, there are also problems. Rumour has is that some people are to be removed. The problems are the usual things connected to people living in these rooming houses. Drug overdoses, including death, theft and fires. Apparently fires are used to burn the insulation off wire so it can be sold for scrap. I do know many ground wires from hydro poles have been removed. Not all of these addresses are connected to the same owner.
As Cobourg Taxpayer wrote it would be good to get help for these people. If not they will find some place to continue living the way they have been. Perhaps this will be a good thing for the Division house and the neighbours but depending on where the people end up it could be very bad somewhere else.
Rather than post it here since the video does not belong to me, please watch the video again, Kevin, to see the number on the Major Street house where Police went to deliver the associated notice to the owner.
I just rewatched the video to find that it has since very early this morning been edited at the conclusion where the exact number (in the high 300’s) on the owner’s Major Street residence was evident.
I wonder if anything will be done about John st? I live here and there are at least 2 crackhouses, police all the time, a guy having an episode waiving a hypodermic needle one morning, and a woman peeing outside. Woken up often during the night as drug users fight and chase each other down street.
Another woman asked to use my phone then got angry when I declined just yesterday and today I was followed closely by a drug user on Division getting way too close to me asking for a cigarette, like inches from me, I did not feel safe or if he was going to grab for my purse. This is all in the last 10 days.
There is sincere sympathy for your home location and for your experience on Division Street today. Walking along Division Street has become problematic. Hopefully, someone is reading your above statement and will soon take substantial action on John Street.
Cobourg deserves a Police Chief that will provide effective guidelines for the police force. Issues like this continue to go on, with no effective action/control taken. Holding gatherings to put on a self serving statistic slide show or having officers walk the streets mid afternoon in my opinion does not deal with the real issues.
And the condition of this house didn’t just happen over the past week. It would be interesting to know how long it took CPS for the closure to be dealt with.
I agree we need a new police chief. He has led a blind force that tries to flex with dismal results.
Crime Statistics are generally based on people actually reporting crime. If your community is so frustrated with crime they stop reporting it because they feel it is useless. A slide show of hand picked Cobourg Police statistics is somewhat insulting to the people who are upset enough to attend a meeting. I note the statistics about how many actually police officers are on duty 24 hrs a day was not in the slide show or why the names of repeat offenders are not released to the media. So much for police and community working together..
Sounds like you should be advocating for health resources for you community rather than attacking people who are clearly in distress. People aren’t the problem, health care, confronting family violence and ignorant attitudes with education has been proven in thousands of communities to work.
I did not read that John st resident was attacking anyone, if anything by what he/she is saying sounds as though they are clearly in distress! Have you no empathy toward law abiding citizens, who consistently have to endure these extremely distressful Behaviours in their neighborhood ??
There are many opinions circulating on other social media sites about the closing down of these crack houses and where there are others in Cobourg, some owned by the same landlord. I hope the residents removed are given treatment plans whether it be detoxification, rehabilitation, mental health services, education, etc rather then housed elsewhere temporarily and then move back into crack houses elsewhere. This will become a vicious cycle. If the Health Department is involved they should report more specifically, with more detail, on what is occurring and solutions.
I agree with this and from what I am hearing it is country wide now small towns are seeing these big city problems. We need all 3 levels of government to be working together on this.
These are not big city problems. They always existed in small towns like Cobourg, people were just blind to them. Social media and hysteria caused by many who like the drama but don’t show up to help are part of the problem. The other part is the ones who continue to look the other way and blame big cities, rock n’ roll, whomever. I encourage you to get involved. We need 3 levels of community to step, the leaders of community organizations, the members of those organizations, and in our every day lives. You’d be surprised to know the number of friends you may have that are using prescription pills prescribed by their Drs and alcohol. Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean they are not causing major problems in our community. We need to focus on what we can control. Government is not a community support system and we need to accept that. Governments are elected to govern and are not designed to support a health community.
You obviously did not grow up here.
I’m not naïve enough to say that Cobourg was some kind of utopia and drugs were non-existent but the problems we have here today, I assure you, have not always existed. Not in this town.
Personal property, of all kinds is at constant risk of being stolen – bikes, tools, toys, deliveries, clothes – nothing is safe anymore anywhere in Cobourg.
People weren’t yelling profanities at strangers or jumping on car hoods.
People could leave their car window down and a phone charger plugged in without worrying about it.
You didn’t walk down streets in Cobourg and witness blatant drug use.
You didn’t have to invest in security cameras and lights to establish a small perception of safety.
You can’t tie high functioning addicts to vagrants who disregard any kind of societal norms, face no meaningful consequences and contribute more fear and upset than anything else to everyone around them. They aren’t even close to the same thing.
My parents were never ever concerned for my safety walking anywhere in Cobourg at anytime. My near-grown children aren’t allowed out after dark.
The people who don’t feel safe here anymore are not hysterical. They are grappling with a town that is nothing like it used to be.
These increasing issues did not exist in Cobourg before, like Just a thought says. I have viewed you in COW meetings Mr. Horgan, and know that you just moved here recently. There is no hysteria or drama. These are real issues facing our once safe and peaceful town.
Part of the problem is denying that there is one.
Where the rights, freedoms and safety of law abiding individuals are superseded by the destructive, often spine-chilling Behaviours of others. And and attitude of Victim, consistently reinforced, instead of reinforcing Responsibility. That sir, is a path toward Anarchy.