With a sharp rise in tourism and the pending closure of a key drop-in facility, Cobourg Council is considering tighter enforcement of public space bylaws.
At this week’s council meeting, Councillor Adam Bureau introduced a motion to boost enforcement of the town’s 11 p.m. curfew in parks and public spaces, while also fast-tracking removals from encampments. The proposed changes include eliminating the current 48-hour notice period to vacate public lands and shortening the timeframe for storing personal belongings.
Staff say they’ve seen a 400% spike in nuisance encampment calls and a 61% rise in parks-related enforcement activity. That’s led council to consider hiring additional part-time bylaw officers to help manage the strain.
Some councillors voiced concerns about removing the property hold period entirely, noting that personal items like ID or medical equipment could be lost. The group agreed to reduce the storage window from two weeks to one.
The debate comes as ground-floor services at Northumberland County’s shelter at 310 Division Street, including washrooms, showers, and the warming/cooling hub which are set to close on July 4.
Council also heard from residents and outreach workers who worry that stricter enforcement without proper support will only worsen conditions for those experiencing homelessness.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
