Cobourg, ON – June 17, 2026 – Northumberland County has released its 2025 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report, highlighting progress and growing pressures related to housing affordability and homelessness across the community.
The report outlines key achievements under the County’s 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan, including new affordable housing developments, expanded homelessness supports, and improved coordination among community agencies. It also highlights the widening gap between community need and available resources.
“One of the most significant achievements in this report is that 212 households moved from homelessness or temporary housing into permanent or long-term housing in 2025,” says Warden Bob Crate. “This demonstrates the impact of dedicated staff and housing investments in helping residents regain housing stability.”
Other key achievements include:
- Completion of the Elgin Park Redevelopment, delivering 40 affordable and market rental units, increasing site capacity by 28 units.
- Continued construction of four transitional housing units at 129 Kent Street in Campbellford.
- Advancement of pre-construction planning for a future affordable housing development at 473 Ontario Street in Cobourg.
- Planning for future development at 123 King Street East in Colborne that could add up to 38 additional units at this location.
- Securing a conditional land sale agreement of 699 Westwood Drive in Cobourg, supporting future housing opportunities on the remaining 10 acres.
- Full implementation of the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) to improve coordinated service delivery amongst local service providers.
The report also highlights continued demand for homelessness services. In 2025, Transition House Shelter recorded an average monthly occupancy of 84 per cent, with 164 unique individuals served. In 2025-2026 Warming Room served as critical winter support for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability in Northumberland County. Over 137 operating days, the program recorded 2,497 visits from 176 unique clients averaging 7 visits per client.
Housing affordability challenges also persist. In 2025, 1,305 households were on Northumberland’s social housing waitlist, while 60 households were housed from the list. 14 households received support through the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit, and 31 households at risk of homelessness were stabilized through the NCHC’s eviction prevention model.
“We are seeing more individuals and families struggling to maintain stable housing,” says Warden Crate. “This report reinforces the need for continued investment in affordable, supportive, and transitional housing, along with stronger partnerships and sustainable funding from other levels of government.”
Additional investments in 2025 included County Council approval to double annual capital repair funding for Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC) buildings to $1.2 million annually – alongside an additional $1.6 million in federal funding. Together, these investments will support repairs and renewal of 395 affordable housing units.
“Addressing housing security and homelessness requires compassion and partnership,” adds Warden Crate. “I want to recognize and thank the frontline staff, community organizations, food banks, outreach workers, volunteers, and faith groups who support vulnerable residents every day.”
In 2026, the County will continue stabilizing homelessness response services, including advancing permanent solutions for winter warming room services, expanding transitional and supportive housing options, accelerating affordable housing construction projects, and building a pipeline of shovel-ready developments. Advocacy with provincial and federal governments will remain a key priority.
“The County continues to face a housing and homelessness crisis that local government alone cannot solve,” states Warden Crate. “While significant progress has been made, stronger and more sustainable support from provincial and federal partners will be essential to meet growing community needs and achieve the goals of the Housing and Homelessness Plan.”
Read the report: 2025 Housing and Homelessness Annual Report
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