Northumberland County reports they’re making significant strides in relocating and modernizing homeless shelter services to 310 Division Street, with the facility now expected to open by early fall.
The initial plan aimed for a spring launch, but public feedback on ownership structures and subsequent legal reviews delayed the timeline. The County says they’ll retain ownership of the property while Transition House Coalition remains the service provider under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding.
“From the beginning of this undertaking, the goal has been to embed community input into decision-making processes about this transition, to support positive integration of shelter services within the neighbourhood and the broader community,” states Warden Brian Ostrander. “We heard that this step was important to the community, and both Transition House and the County sought to honour this feedback.”
The relocation from the current shelter at 10 Chapel Street to 310 Division Street represents a major upgrade, offering modern amenities and comprehensive support for Cobourg’s unhoused community. The new facility will feature a range of services, from warming and cooling drop-in spaces to private accommodations and transitional housing. Moreover, collaborative partnerships will ensure on-site wrap-around supports, such as mental health and addiction services.
Ongoing renovations include landscaping, security system installations, fire suppression upgrades, and improvements to lighting and electrical systems. Additionally, the County and Town of Cobourg are finalizing an agreement to establish key operational standards. These include 24/7 on-site security, a Community Liaison Committee, and a code of conduct for shelter clients. The new shelter promises to be a significant step forward in addressing homelessness in Cobourg.
“As demonstrated throughout our history, Northumberland County and the Town of Cobourg continue to collaborate to achieve workable solutions to opportunities and challenges facing our community,” states County Warden Brian Ostrander. “County Council looks forward to discussing the terms of this agreement at our meeting on June 19th, and seeing meaningful progress at the facility throughout the summer months, towards a September opening.”
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
