Help prevent wildfires in the County Forest - Visitors advised to take extreme caution

With Northumberland County currently classified as experiencing high to extreme fire risk, all visitors to the County Forest are urged to take extra precautions to help protect this valued natural space. Due to dangerously dry conditions, and in light of the County-wide Open Air Burn Ban announced by the County Fire Chief Association on August 6, 2025, the County reminds the public of the following:



• Open flames are strictly prohibited in the County Forest at all times – this includes campfires, fireworks, sparklers and flares.
• Avoid smoking in the forest. If you must smoke, ensure all cigarette butts, lighters, and matches are carefully and fully extinguished and properly disposed of.
•  Use extreme caution with vehicles and equipment. Ensure engines are well-maintained and equipped with spark arrestors to avoid igniting dry vegetation.



Northumberland County continues to monitor fire risk levels and may introduce additional safety measures as needed.

Early detection is key. If you see smoke or fire, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Northumberland County has released its 2024 Annual Report, marking a year of significant progress in advancing community priorities while navigating the ongoing pressures facing municipalities across Ontario. 

From housing and homelessness to early years programming, health care, and infrastructure renewal, municipalities are being asked to do more, often without corresponding resources. Guided by its four-year strategic plan and the County’s first-ever multi-year budget, the organization delivered measurable results and made key investments in long-term resilience. Some highlights include:

• Secured $471,000 in funding from other levels of government for County and community services through competitive application processes.
• 65 new businesses launched with support from the BECN.
• Opened a medical walk-in clinic and served 600 people within the first four months.
• Paramedics responded to 25,000 9-1-1 calls and served 1623 community paramedicine patients.
• Surface-treated 109 km and paved 19.8 km of road.
• Completed Phase 1 of the reconstruction of County Road 64 in Brighton in partnership with the municipality.
• Completed rehabilitation of the Burnley Creek Bridge.
• Modernized emergency shelter services with the opening of 310 Division Street, Cobourg.
• Advanced affordable housing work by acquiring land in Cobourg and existing units in Trent Hills, progressing construction on new units in Cobourg, and moving forward on plans for construction of new units in Cobourg and Colborne.

Northumberland County continues to unlock funding to enhance services while minimizing the impact on taxpayers. Between January and June 2025, the County successfully secured $407,918 in external grant funding through competitive application processes. These funds are supporting key projects and initiatives aligned with the County’s 2023-2027 Community Strategic Plan.



During the first six months of 2025, seven funding applications were confirmed as successful, supporting various service areas and initiatives. The County remains committed to pursuing strategic funding opportunities that reflect regional priorities, improve community outcomes, and alleviate pressure on the local tax base. 

During Wednesday’s Council meeting, Northumberland County announced the winners of the 15^th Annual Mayors’ Keep the County Clean Challenge. This week-long cleanup fosters community involvement in reducing litter and enhancing environmental stewardship. From April 21 – 26, 2,472 volunteers from across Northumberland participated in cleanup efforts in public spaces. The Town of Cobourg brought home the award for ‘Highest Proportional Representation of Volunteers,’ with 5% of its population participating. Meanwhile, the Township of Cramahe won the award for ‘Hardest Working Volunteers,’ collecting an impressive 15.8 kg of litter per volunteer. 

Shelter services at 310 Division Street in Cobourg will transition to a higher barrier model, focused on servicing individuals with lower-to-moderate acuity.

At Wednesday’s meeting of Council, County staff presented options for a revised emergency shelter model based on direction from Council on June 18^th, which included closure of the warming/cooling hub as of July 4, 2025. Options centered on housing-focused services, with operational expectations including enhanced intake procedures, safety measures, and eligibility criteria. Individuals exhibiting signs of substance use, disruptive behaviour, or in possession of restricted items will not be eligible for service. Security procedures will include bag and pocket searches and use of handheld metal detectors.

Clients will participate in an acuity assessment (VI-SPDAT) within 48 hours and development of a housing-focused plan within 72 hours. Intake and curfew rules will be clearly communicated, and case management will be supported by two dedicated housing-focused case managers. Additional site and safety improvements are planned, including a secure gate and updated fire safety protocols.



Final implementation remains contingent on several factors, including the approval of the fire safety plan, final budget, and signed agreements with Transition House. County staff anticipate that an implementation date will be set within the amended agreements and will likely be achievable by Fall 2025, with further updates presented in the coming months. 

County Council issued three proclamations during Wednesday's meeting, recognizing the following occasions as key dates in Northumberland County: 

• August 31 has been proclaimed International Overdose Awareness Day
• The month of September has been proclaimed Hunger Action Month
• The week of September 15 - 21 has been proclaimed Rail Safety Week