Cobourg council heard a wide range of perspectives Tuesday night as more than 35 people stepped up to the microphone during a Town Hall meeting focused on the low-barrier shelter at 310 Division Street.
Held at the Cobourg Community Centre, the meeting gave residents, business owners, front-line workers, and people with lived experience of homelessness a chance to speak directly to council and each other.
One resident who lives directly behind the shelter shared the impact it’s had on his home life since it opened.
He said that his home is no longer a place of comfort.
Business owners also voiced their frustrations. One showed security footage from his property, located across from the shelter. It captured alleged drug activity, fighting and more. Another told council about the broader economic effect.
She urged council to either relocate the shelter or shift to a high-barrier model.
Others shared first-hand experiences of homelessness and the challenges they face daily.
He explained that the lack of affordable housing leads many to despair and drug use.
A front-line worker also addressed the larger picture, blaming provincial policies for abandoning municipalities and creating division.
She noted how fear and scarcity have increased community tensions.
Council has not yet announced any decisions stemming from the meeting, but video from the event is available on the Town of Cobourg’s YouTube channel.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
