Author: John Draper

Waterfront Wisdom Pathway unveiling

John Draper

At a big event on September 30 2021, a “Seven Feathers” crosswalk was unveiled on Albert Street (See report in Resources below). It was on the occasion of the first “Truth and Reconciliation Day” to remember the atrocities of the residential school system and the promises to First Nations that have been broken. The intention was good but the implementation not so much. The paint quality was poor and was worn away by vehicle traffic in a day. It was repainted in September 2023 with better paint but that did not wear much better so a new idea was found: a Waterfront Wisdom Pathway. This consists of a collection of 26 banners created by local Indigenous artists Rick Beaver and… Read complete articleWaterfront Wisdom Pathway unveiling

New Riding now in effect

John Draper

  At the last Federal and Provincial elections, Cobourg was in the Riding Northumberland Peterborough-South – but effective with the next Federal election, the boundaries change and we will be in the new riding of Northumberland-Clarke. The main change in the Riding is that the area north of Rice Lake has gone and the Riding is now mostly Northumberland with a bit of the East end of Durham. The new boundary maps are online and can be accessed via the links in Resources below. It’s a bit confusing since the current boundaries stay in effect until a new parliament is elected. However, the next election will be held based on the new riding boundaries and names. The immediate impact will… Read complete articleNew Riding now in effect

International Harm Reduction Day – 7 May

John Draper

A Press Release issued today by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit on behalf of the HKLN Drug Strategy (Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland Drug Strategy) says that they recognize May 7 as “International Harm Reduction Day”.  The group called HKLN Drug Strategy promotes “evidence-based policies, practices and programs to reduce the social, legal and health-related harms associated with substance use”. They work towards “the reduction of the stigma associated with substance use” and “reducing substance use-related harms to individuals and communities, without discontinuing substance use itself.”  But with a focus on drug users, there seems to be no concern for people hurt by the behaviour of drug users – for example friends and family members or victims… Read complete articleInternational Harm Reduction Day – 7 May

Police Increase Visible Patrols Downtown

John Draper

A year ago, Cobourg Police launched their “Downtown action plan”.  The plan was said to be “a constellation of proactive crime prevention initiatives and will formalize various harm reduction related programs”.  It included visible Police officers patrolling downtown and nearby.  And now, on May 1, 2024, Police announced the “Spring 2024 CPS Downtown Community Safety Action Plan, including the Dynamic Patrol initiative.”  It’s described as “an evolution of the CPS Downtown Action Plan and in response to community concerns, Dynamic Patrol will be deployed in the downtown area and surrounding neighbourhoods starting today. It will focus on increasing police presence, increasing engagement opportunities, and enhancing bail compliance efforts in the Town of Cobourg.”  The thing to note is the Dynamic… Read complete articlePolice Increase Visible Patrols Downtown

Cobourg asks Province to comply with By-Laws at Brookside

John Draper

The encampment at Brookside seems to be growing with cars, boats and trailers now parked alongside the tents and the Province has done nothing to enforce Cobourg’s by-laws on the property.  But now, Mayor Cleveland has written to the Province asking that “they take the necessary steps to become compliant with all municipal by-laws and regulations within the jurisdiction of the Town of Cobourg for the property at 390 King Street East, the former Brookside Youth Centre Property.”  According to an announcement from the Town, the Letter from Mayor Cleveland “addresses the health and safety of the property, lack of maintenance and adherence to community standards.”  The announcement explains the legal reasons that mean that Cobourg’s “Municipal Law Enforcement Department… Read complete articleCobourg asks Province to comply with By-Laws at Brookside

New Taxi and Uber By-Law

John Draper

Taxis have long been debated in Council – concerns have been long wait times, no provision for Uber, no accessible taxis and from Taxi owners, that fares are too low. In September of 2023, a draft by-law was submitted to Council which would regulate all similar services collectively called “Vehicles for Hire”; that is, Taxis, Transportation Network Companies – (T.N.C.  e.g. Uber or Lyft), Limousines and Designated Drivers. A Survey of cab owners and the public provided some feedback and at the April 24 Council meeting, the new bylaw was passed.  But Kelly Paton, owner of Cobourg Cab, predicted an influx of drivers in the first 6 months resulting in job losses and possible closure altogether (of taxi companies). Then in… Read complete articleNew Taxi and Uber By-Law

Council Asked to Apologize

John Draper

At the Strategic Priorities and Policy Standing Committee meeting on April 2, there was a long discussion on the Community Grants process.  Towards the end of debate, Mayor Cleveland moved an amendment to a motion which would deny any grants to “either Green Wood Coalition or Moms Stop the Harm for the remainder of this term of Council.”  The amendment was supported by Councillors Mutton and Darling but not by other Councillors so it failed. Further, after the main motion passed without this amendment, Miriam spoke passionately about the issue. She said that these organizations “harm people”.  At tonight’s Council meeting, Missy McLean presented on behalf of Moms Stop the Harm and described the goals of that organization which she… Read complete articleCouncil Asked to Apologize

Downtown Parking Study says no Garage needed

John Draper

With the 2014 downtown parking study needing to be updated, a new study was commissioned in 2023 and its results will be provided to council at their regular meeting on April 24. One recommendation that I find surprising was that no new parking garage is recommended on Covert Street or anywhere else.  The report passes the buck to Council to make some key decisions and there are some recommended strategies (that’s how consultants describe “actions”).  The good news is that no large expenditures are recommended for the next 10 years; that is, except for a suggestion that it would be good to buy the privately owned parking lots on Second Street and Albert Street, which are currently leased to the… Read complete articleDowntown Parking Study says no Garage needed

First quarter 2024 Financial Report

John Draper

It’s refreshing to see a timely report on budget performance. At the April Council meeting, Finance Director Adam Giddings will provide a report on the Operating and Capital actual expenditures in Q1 compared to the amounts budgeted. The report is comprehensive with a breakdown by department and includes comments as to why there are variances. The first thing to notice is that spending in Q1 is 22% below the amount planned – a good portion of that is because many planned hirings have not yet happened plus there have been some unplanned resignations.  But it’s not all because of that and although there is considerable detail in the report, some items are not explained – see the full report and/or… Read complete articleFirst quarter 2024 Financial Report

First Look at County Police Review

John Draper

The consultant reviewing policing in Northumberland County will make their first report to County Council at their meeting on 17 April. The report describes what they plan to do and gives a final report date of “the second half of 2024”.  The project was initiated in January 2023 when Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander moved to include $75,000 in the budget to “update the 2007 Policing Study Final Report for Northumberland County.”  He was supported by Mayor Lucas Cleveland, Port Hope’s Mayor Olena Hankivsky and Alnwick/Haldimand Township Mayor John Logel.  The presentation by the consultant, StrategyCorp, points to options to be considered and criteria to be evaluated including “what next steps could be considered to support effective public safety services as… Read complete articleFirst Look at County Police Review