Northumberland County Council is expected to consider a proposal to convert the 310 Division Street shelter in Cobourg from a low-barrier to a higher-barrier model at its August 13 meeting.
The proposed change, recommended by the county’s Social Services Committee, includes new intake protocols based on presentation and behaviour. Clients would undergo bag-and-pocket checks, and any signs of intoxication or disruptive conduct would render someone ineligible for entry.
Under the new proposal, each resident would be assessed within 48 hours of arrival, with a housing-focused case plan developed within 72 hours. The facility would also enforce curfews and intake windows, and violations could result in a client being considered self-discharged.
Officials say the updated model is designed to provide emergency shelter to as many individuals as possible while promoting housing readiness and safety. Driveway gates and a revised fire safety plan are also part of the proposal.
The building’s transitional housing units on the fourth floor will not affected, as those residents were pre-selected based on housing readiness and pay rent under an occupancy agreement.
Since the ground-floor warming hub was shut down on July 4, the space will be used for programming and support services, with no plans to expand public access.
The proposed changes come with staffing and budget considerations, and implementation is expected this fall.
Officials are also evaluating feedback from businesses collected through the county’s monthly online survey.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)