ECE bylaw challenges are proving costly

30-10-24 12:46 p.m.

COBOURG

Cobourg's Municipal Law Enforcement budget has seen a 2,700% increase in one item, largely due to its new Emergency Care Establishment bylaw.

Challenges to its new Emergency Care Establishment bylaw are a major reason for a steep increase in the legal-fees budget line in Cobourg's Municipal Law Enforcement budget.

Details were provided by Municipal Clerk Brent Larmer at council's Community Services, Protection and Economic Development standing committee meeting Wednesday.

Their 2024 budget for this item was $2,500.

“We've spent $108,000 this year to date,” Larmer said.

The department is asking for a 2,700% increase on this item to $70,000 for 2025.

Mayor Lucas Cleveland asked how much of the increase can be attributed to the ECE bylaw.

The majority would be representing or defending the town at administrative hearings,” Larmer replied, citing the $40,000 cost of the one-day tribunal with Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre on behalf of their shelter.

Anticipated challenges from Northumberland County as it looks to open a shelter at 310 Division St. would be longer and more complex, he suggested.

Another budget issue is the plan to acquire enforcement software for $25,000.

The new Administrative Monetary Penalties program is expediting the processing of enforcement for qualifying infractions from start to finish, Larmer said.

He also had some statistics to report, like the recent licensing of three new vehicle-for-hire drivers and 182 parking permits sold in October – 55 daily downtown passes, three accessible downtown passes, and the remainder monthly downtown passes.

The committee voted to accept Larmer's report and refer it to council's Nov. 26 budget meeting.