Northumberland County is stepping away from a legal fight with the Town of Cobourg over an enforcement order related to the operation of a low-barrier shelter at 310 Division St.
Following a special council meeting on June 5, the county announced it was withdrawing its application for a judicial review of an enforcement order issued by Cobourg on April 10 under its emergency care establishment (ECE) bylaw.
Warden Brian Ostrander said the decision to challenge the order was made carefully and the county still believes the town’s enforcement approach was flawed. However, he noted that the county has “no interest in prolonged and expensive public disputes.”
“From the beginning, the county has remained committed to working with the Town of Cobourg to ensure 310 Division St. continues to operate in a manner that meets the highest standards of safety and care,” Ostrander said.
While the county and town may still differ in how they interpret the ECE bylaw, both have voiced a shared commitment to the health and well-being of all residents.
The shelter at 310 Division St. has been the subject of public attention in recent months as the community weighs concerns over safety, support services, and housing solutions for vulnerable residents.
The county says it will now focus on continued constructive dialogue with Cobourg.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
