310 Division Street: Modernizing shelter services to address community need

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With homelessness a rising concern in municipalities across Canada, Northumberland County continues to seek out new opportunities for shelter, housing and services to support vulnerable community members.

To help address the urgent local need for housing and shelter services in Northumberland, the County has announced the purchase of a building at 310 Division Street, Cobourg. Operators of the former Cobourg Retirement Residence announced earlier in 2023 that the facility would be closing its doors.

The County has purchased the vacant property for the purpose of emergency shelter and transitional housing. It has entered into an agreement with Transition House Shelter for the relocation of shelter services from the current location at 10 Chapel Street, Cobourg to this one central location, to better meet the diverse needs of our community.

Anticipated to open in the fall of 2024, the vision is for modernized shelter services that help improve pathways out of homelessness for people in need. This new and improved shelter will introduce a 24/7 hub, offering:

  • Drop-in warming and cooling spaces
  • Approximately 35 emergency shelter spaces
  • Health, wellness and skill-building programming and resources
  • Transitional housing spaces, further supporting individuals on their journey to life stabilization.

These services will reduce barriers for couples, 2SLGBTQ+ community members, individuals with pets, and people with disabilities, improving access to shelter for more people in our community.

Community Liaison Committee

Northumberland County is forming a Community Liaison Committee (CLC) to support successful integration of shelter services at 310 Division Street, Cobourg.

The 310 Division CLC will be a volunteer committee of diverse perspectives. Meetings will take place approximately once per month for the first year of operation of the new shelter, with the possibility of extension. Committee members will share information, discuss ideas, and collectively problem-solve concerns.

The Committee will include 12-15 representatives, including shelter neighbours, community members, persons with lived experience of homelessness and housing insecurity, faith-based organizations, the Cobourg business community, Cobourg Police Services, Town of Cobourg, Northumberland County, and Transition House Shelter staff, and community agencies that work closely with the shelter and its clients.

The goals of the CLC are to:

  • Help successfully integrate 310 Division Street into the community.
  • Ensure ongoing open communication between shelter management and the community to co-create opportunities and solutions.
  • Improve the community's understanding of the work happening within the shelter, and help shelter leadership, staff and guests ensure strong neighbour relations.

CLC applications

The process to form this committee began on August 28, 2024. Interested individuals were invited to submit an Expression of Interest to begin their application process by September 18th. The application period is now closed.

All applicants were required to attend a training session on Wednesday, September 25th to learn about Homelessness in Northumberland. After the training session, participants were invited to confirm their interest in proceeding with Phase 2 of the application process - an interview with a panel of County housing and homelessness staff and a representative of OrgCode, consultant leaders in homelessness system transformations. Eligible interested parties will be contacted for interviews in October.

We received a significant level of interest and there are limited community representative spaces available on the Committee. Not all applicants are guaranteed a spot. Applications will be evaluated based on local priority, related experience, expressed level of interest, and to ensure a well-rounded group with diverse perspectives represented.

Please check back for further updates on the CLC in October/November. If you have questions about the CLC or the application process, please email shelterclc@northumberland.ca.

Quick facts

  • Northumberland County is responsible for the planning and co-ordination of Homelessness System services across local municipalities, which includes collaborating with community partners on the provision of shelter, resources and supports. 310 Division Street will be one component of the supports available in Northumberland for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
  • Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC) manages 373 units of affordable and community housing across local municipalities.
  • The County is currently working, with partners, towards an additional 251 new units and rent subsidies to be brought forward over the next 3 years. Increasing the stock of affordable and community housing is critical to meeting the needs of vulnerable and low-income people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
  • The County currently has projects underway to support vulnerable residents:

Join In the conversation

Community engagement activities for the service planning phase of this undertaking concluded the week of February 12, 2024. The County and Transition House Shelter hosted community information and engagement sessions for residents to share questions, concerns and ideas to help positively shape the integration of this new hub within the broader community.

Concluded presentations and consultations

  • Presentation to County Council - Wednesday, December 6th
  • Door knocking in the immediate neighbourhood - January 15th
  • In-person small group discussions - January 16th
  • Virtual small group discussions - January 25th and 26th
  • Virtual public meeting - February 6th from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • In-person Open House with service providers - February 12th

Community Engagement Report

County staff along with facilitators consolidated feedback gathered through the community engagement phase. This included feedback gathered through small group discussions, public information sessions, correspondence and questions submitted to staff and County Council, and delegations to County committees and Council.

A final report was shared with County Council at the regular meeting of Council on March 20th, 2024, including an overview of how feedback will be being incorporated into plans.

Subscribe for project updates

Subscribe to project updates using the 'Subscribe' button, located in the right-hand sidebar of the webpage on computers or below on mobile devices.

With homelessness a rising concern in municipalities across Canada, Northumberland County continues to seek out new opportunities for shelter, housing and services to support vulnerable community members.

To help address the urgent local need for housing and shelter services in Northumberland, the County has announced the purchase of a building at 310 Division Street, Cobourg. Operators of the former Cobourg Retirement Residence announced earlier in 2023 that the facility would be closing its doors.

The County has purchased the vacant property for the purpose of emergency shelter and transitional housing. It has entered into an agreement with Transition House Shelter for the relocation of shelter services from the current location at 10 Chapel Street, Cobourg to this one central location, to better meet the diverse needs of our community.

Anticipated to open in the fall of 2024, the vision is for modernized shelter services that help improve pathways out of homelessness for people in need. This new and improved shelter will introduce a 24/7 hub, offering:

  • Drop-in warming and cooling spaces
  • Approximately 35 emergency shelter spaces
  • Health, wellness and skill-building programming and resources
  • Transitional housing spaces, further supporting individuals on their journey to life stabilization.

These services will reduce barriers for couples, 2SLGBTQ+ community members, individuals with pets, and people with disabilities, improving access to shelter for more people in our community.

Community Liaison Committee

Northumberland County is forming a Community Liaison Committee (CLC) to support successful integration of shelter services at 310 Division Street, Cobourg.

The 310 Division CLC will be a volunteer committee of diverse perspectives. Meetings will take place approximately once per month for the first year of operation of the new shelter, with the possibility of extension. Committee members will share information, discuss ideas, and collectively problem-solve concerns.

The Committee will include 12-15 representatives, including shelter neighbours, community members, persons with lived experience of homelessness and housing insecurity, faith-based organizations, the Cobourg business community, Cobourg Police Services, Town of Cobourg, Northumberland County, and Transition House Shelter staff, and community agencies that work closely with the shelter and its clients.

The goals of the CLC are to:

  • Help successfully integrate 310 Division Street into the community.
  • Ensure ongoing open communication between shelter management and the community to co-create opportunities and solutions.
  • Improve the community's understanding of the work happening within the shelter, and help shelter leadership, staff and guests ensure strong neighbour relations.

CLC applications

The process to form this committee began on August 28, 2024. Interested individuals were invited to submit an Expression of Interest to begin their application process by September 18th. The application period is now closed.

All applicants were required to attend a training session on Wednesday, September 25th to learn about Homelessness in Northumberland. After the training session, participants were invited to confirm their interest in proceeding with Phase 2 of the application process - an interview with a panel of County housing and homelessness staff and a representative of OrgCode, consultant leaders in homelessness system transformations. Eligible interested parties will be contacted for interviews in October.

We received a significant level of interest and there are limited community representative spaces available on the Committee. Not all applicants are guaranteed a spot. Applications will be evaluated based on local priority, related experience, expressed level of interest, and to ensure a well-rounded group with diverse perspectives represented.

Please check back for further updates on the CLC in October/November. If you have questions about the CLC or the application process, please email shelterclc@northumberland.ca.

Quick facts

  • Northumberland County is responsible for the planning and co-ordination of Homelessness System services across local municipalities, which includes collaborating with community partners on the provision of shelter, resources and supports. 310 Division Street will be one component of the supports available in Northumberland for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
  • Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC) manages 373 units of affordable and community housing across local municipalities.
  • The County is currently working, with partners, towards an additional 251 new units and rent subsidies to be brought forward over the next 3 years. Increasing the stock of affordable and community housing is critical to meeting the needs of vulnerable and low-income people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
  • The County currently has projects underway to support vulnerable residents:

Join In the conversation

Community engagement activities for the service planning phase of this undertaking concluded the week of February 12, 2024. The County and Transition House Shelter hosted community information and engagement sessions for residents to share questions, concerns and ideas to help positively shape the integration of this new hub within the broader community.

Concluded presentations and consultations

  • Presentation to County Council - Wednesday, December 6th
  • Door knocking in the immediate neighbourhood - January 15th
  • In-person small group discussions - January 16th
  • Virtual small group discussions - January 25th and 26th
  • Virtual public meeting - February 6th from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • In-person Open House with service providers - February 12th

Community Engagement Report

County staff along with facilitators consolidated feedback gathered through the community engagement phase. This included feedback gathered through small group discussions, public information sessions, correspondence and questions submitted to staff and County Council, and delegations to County committees and Council.

A final report was shared with County Council at the regular meeting of Council on March 20th, 2024, including an overview of how feedback will be being incorporated into plans.

Subscribe for project updates

Subscribe to project updates using the 'Subscribe' button, located in the right-hand sidebar of the webpage on computers or below on mobile devices.

  • Will 310 Division Street be a 'supersized' shelter?

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    No — 310 Division Street will offer roughly the same number of shelter spaces as available in Cobourg today.

    Current shelter spaces in Cobourg include:

    • 22 emergency shelter spaces at Transition House and 15 additional spaces through arrangements with motels as an overflow measure, for a total of 37 emergency shelter spaces.
    • 20 drop-in Warming Hub spaces

    Plans for 310 Division Street include approximately 35 emergency shelter spaces, and a warming/cooling centre. This aligns with recommendations from a third-party review, commissioned by the County in 2023, which recommended shifting to an updated facility with a minimum of 25 shelter spaces.

  • What is a low barrier shelter? Does this mean use of illegal substances is allowed on site?

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    Use of illegal substances is not permitted at the shelter and will not be permitted at 310 Division Street.

    'Low barrier' means improving access to shelter services by lowering barriers to entry such as:

    • sobriety requirements
    • Income requirements
    • space for couples
    • space for pets
    • accessibility features

    What is not permitted at the shelter?

    • Violence/threats of violence
    • Sexual harassment/sexual violence
    • Theft/excessive damage to property
    • Use/distribution of substances

  • What are 'wraparound' services?

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    Wraparound services refer to when a team of service providers and key figures in an individual's life come together to create and implement a plan of support. These services are designed to offer accessible and essential supports to meet the individual needs. Some of these services are offered by professionals, such as educators, mental health workers, employment counsellors, case coordinators, and health care providers, who work with people to help meet their goals.

    For example, if an individual has mental health challenges, diabetes and no income, wraparound supports for this individual could include on-site services from Northumberland Hills Hospital Community Mental Health Services, medical support from Northumberland Community Paramedics, and financial assistance from Northumberland County Community & Social Services.

    What measures are in place for wraparound supports when 310 Division Street becomes operational?

    Council more than doubled investments in the homelessness system in 2023, with levels maintained in 2024, which enabled street outreach services to be expanded, so staff who support people experiencing homelessness and support community well-being are available.

    The 310 Division Street shelter is anticipated to open in fall 2024. It will follow established shelter best-practices. Community partners that offer health, housing, social, mental health and addiction and life skills building programs will be engaged. Wraparound services at the site will be in place and the indoor environment allows for a full range of programming.

  • What safety measures will be in place?

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    The County and Transition House both take security seriously. We will be working to mitigate any negative impacts to the community, and to keep people using the facility safe.

    Transition House is committed to safety measures as a good neighbour, including:

    • 24/7 on-site staff
    • Installation of a security system
    • Assessment of lighting and fencing on the property
    • Engagement of professional security services on-site

    It is important to remember: homelessness is a housing status - being homeless is not a crime nor does it mean people experiencing homelessness have or will commit crimes. Offering services to support people who are experiencing homelessness, people who are at risk of homelessness, or individuals who need help to live independently in the community does not mean crime will increase.

    It is important not to discriminate against service users by assuming they are responsible for all issues in the community moving forward. If a service user is responsible, they will be held accountable for their actions, as any other member of the community would be held accountable.

  • What research/best practices have been considered regarding shelter management?

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    The decision to relocate shelter services to 310 Division Street is rooted in the need for a more suitable facility. There is an opportunity for significant modernization and enhancement of services at the new location. These service enhancements will build on recommendations from the third-party review of our local shelter system, commissioned by County in 2023.

    Northumberland County is also part of multiple province-wide and Canada-wide social service networks, which regularly share best practices. These networks include:

    • Ontario Municipal Social Services Association
    • Built for Zero Canada
    • Canadian Housing Renewal Association
    • Provincial Housing Strategy Steering Committee (Senior leadership from municipal service managers with responsibility for housing)

    Knowledge-sharing at tables like these continues to inform provision of housing and homelessness services in Northumberland, including the modernization of shelter services at 310 Division Street.

  • Will the County adopt an agreement like the one between Durham Region and the Town of Whitby?

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    The Town of Cobourg has determined that no such agreement is required.

    According to a media release issued by the Town on August 1, 2024, "At the Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Special Council Meeting, Cobourg Municipal Council directed staff not to enter any formal agreement with Northumberland County regarding the management of the 310 Division Street shelter...(Cobourg Council determined that the Town's) Emergency Care Establishment Licensing By-law (which came into force and effect on Thursday, March 28, 2024) makes it unnecessary to have in place individual agreements with specific Emergency Care Establishment operators."

  • What supports are available to people facing service restrictions at the shelter?

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    Service restrictions are applied as a last resort to address violation of significant shelter rules. In cases where an individual is facing service restrictions, staff will try to seek alternatives for the individual through diversion supports.

    Diversion supports may include:

    • Family reunification services: connecting individuals with family or friends willing to provide support by facilitating communication, assisting with travel, etc.
    • Transportation assistance: helping to connect individuals with their support networks or access housing options in nearby communities.

    Northumberland County and Transition House Shelter continue to engage with community partners to reinforce the emergency shelter system and provide necessary supports for people experiencing homelessness.

  • Who uses this shelter?

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    Shelteres serve people who are without housing who are unable to immediately resolve their homelessness. Some individuals are living in their car, in parks and forested areas, or couch surfing. People accessing a shelter are seeking emergency accommodations, and require support services to access long-term housing.

    How does Transition House Shelter choose who can stay at this site?

    Emergency shelter is for people who require a place to sleep and to work towards housing goals. Transition House follows a standardized intake process.

    The human rights code prevents the County or the community from choosing who lives in the neighbourhood, however, there will be measures in place to keep staff, occupants and community safe.


  • Why is the County using this space for a shelter?

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    310 Division Street will help address our community’s urgent need for homelessness solutions by providing approximately 35 shelter beds with wraparound supports. Wrap-around supports are services that meet the individual needs of those accessing the shelter. This can include, counselling, financial services, life skills programming.

    The County has a mandate to help provide shelter and support for vulnerable populations. This site is an ideal location to support people experiencing homelessness because:

    • It is centrally located close to transit, health care services and pharmacies, employment and counselling services, food options for groceries, and other general supports that are available to any member of the community.
    • It is zoned to fit the intended use.
    • It has a good foundation to improve quickly for occupancy:
      • Toilets, showers and hygiene-related requirements exist.
      • Allows for retrofitting to align with varied types of housing, such as temporary shelter and transitional housing.
      • Has a mix of multipurpose and living space that will allow for safe shelter and housing options with onsite services to support people in meeting their life stabilization goals.
    • It offers space for people to sleep and space for services such as health, employment, and food security.

    In the short term, 310 Division Street will help address our community’s immediate needs. Longer term, it has the potential to also offer transitional housing that supports people, creates a sense of belonging, and meets individual needs, offering a pathway out of homelessness.

  • Is this an additional shelter location or a relocation of the existing shelter?

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    This goal is relocation and enhancement of existing shelter services.

    Services provided by Transition House Shelter at their 10 Chapel Street, Cobourg location will be relocated to this new property (310 Division Street in Cobourg) in 2024. Upon relocation, operations will conclude at 10 Chapel Street.

    Why not keep operations going in the original location at 10 Chapel Street as well to increase the number of spaces available?

    In 2023, the County commissioned a third-party review of our local shelter system to identify recommendations tailored to community need. The review recommended a minimum of 25 shelter spaces for adults, in addition to the creation of supportive and transitional housing spaces.

    Approximately 35 emergency shelter spaces at 310 Division Street location will address immediate need and, over the longer-term, transitional housing accommodations and other services will create pathways out of homelessness.

Page last updated: 08 Oct 2024, 08:23 AM