Licensing program ensures that ECEs meet stable, specific, identifiable standards of service for their residents.

Cobourg, ON (April 14, 2025) – The Town of Cobourg is working hard to ensure that individuals that find themselves in crisis and require accommodation services from an Emergency Care Establishment (ECE), can reasonably expect that such ECE services meet basic health and safety standards of operation.

The Town of Cobourg Municipal Law Enforcement (MLE) and Licensing Department has issued an order on the operator of Transition House and property owner the County of Northumberland for the ECE Licence location at 310 Division Street, Cobourg in order to gain compliance with applicable law and ensure the Fire Safety Plan is followed in accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 and By-law No.018-2024.

Through the Town of Cobourg Emergency Care Establishment By-law, Cobourg, to the degree it is able as a lower-tier municipality, is doing what it can to ensure that Emergency Care Establishments within our jurisdiction are safe and dignified. The ECE By-law requires that operators meet minimal standards and operate in accordance with applicable law to ensure that individuals that find themselves in crisis and require accommodation services from an Emergency Care Establishment can reasonably expect that such ECE services meet basic health and safety standards of operation.

The Municipal Law Enforcement Department and the Cobourg Fire Department have been working with the operators at 310 Division Street on multiple occasions through regular communications and inspections. Following several warnings, communication and advisements given, the Town of Cobourg has had to place an order and issue a penalty notice due to continued non-compliance.

The Town’s Order is as follows:

to comply with applicable law and ensure the Fire Safety Plan is followed in regard to the following items in accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997:

   a)    The facility will have one staff on duty for every 10 occupants.

   b)    The main floor warming/cooling area is to be used as a relief space for individuals to get out of the elements and is not to be used as a sleeping area.

   c)    The on-duty manager shall at all times carry the key required to activate the two-stage fire alarm.

       i)      There shall at all times be an on-duty manager.

It is up to the Owner and Operator as to how they will become compliant with the ECE By-law and provincial statue.

Quotes:

Mayor, Lucas Cleveland:
“As Mayor, my number one priority remains on improving the safety and security for all Cobourg residents.As a Council, we owe it to the residents of 310 Division Street, and the greater Cobourg Community to let Staff independently and at their discretion enforce the provisions and expectations of our ECE By-law and all rules and regulations as set by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, and the Building Code Act so we can ensure that the needs of ECE residents are met,” says Mayor, Lucas Cleveland.  

Fire Chief, Ellard Beaven
“Section 2.1.2.2 of the Fire Code states that no person shall use a building or part thereof in a manner that constitutes an undue fire hazard. Sleeping in a non-designated area such as the warming room creates potential fire and life safety risks that are not accounted for in the buildings approved fire safety measures. 

Cobourg Fire Department recognizes the critical role that shelter services play in supporting vulnerable members of the community. We are committed to working collaboratively with Northumberland County and Transition House to find an effective and compassionate solution that addresses fire safety requirements while maintaining essential services,” says Chief, Ellard Beaven

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Media Contacts
Kara Euale                                                           
Manager, Communications                                    
Town of Cobourg                                                  
p: 905-372-4301 x 4105                                         
e: keuale@cobourg.ca      

About The Town of Cobourg
The Town of Cobourg is a lakeside community (population 20,500) located on the north shore of Lake Ontario halfway between Toronto and Kingston and has been recognized multiple times by MoneySense Magazine as “One of Canada’s Best Places to Live” in populations under 25,000.

Founded in 1798, Cobourg is rich in heritage offering a vibrant downtown, sophisticated small-town atmosphere and renowned waterfront that serves as a popular getaway destination.  As the largest town in Northumberland County, Cobourg is personified by historic Victoria Hall, a 143,000 sq. ft. multiple purpose community centre, an educated and skilled labour force, flourishing commercial sector and supportive municipal government. Cobourg has received the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Sustainable Communities Award, accolades from the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, and multiple heritage, environmental, and event awards.