Water Park approved in close vote

Because the streaming of the previous Committee of the Whole meeting was missing the sound (this was blamed on You-Tube), Mayor Gil Brocanier asked Director of Recreation and Culture Dean Hustwick to repeat the rationale for the proposed Water Park.  Dean did so and I have summarized his long response below.  Each Councillor then spoke on whether they were supportive of the proposal or not and then voted.  Seeing that it was contentious, Forrest Rowden asked for a recorded vote and the result was four in favour and three opposed so the motion was carried and the contract with ATL Distributing will proceed.  The Water park is expected to be operating for this summer with a start date of June 23.

Benefits of Water Park

  • It will benefit both residents and visitors
  • It will encourage people to stay longer
  • It raises Cobourg’s profile
  • It benefits our businesses
  • It provides some income to the Town
  • It’s inline with the principles and findings of the Waterfront Study – it’s recommended in the study and on January 17 was recommended for approval by the Advisory/Steering Committee.

Response to Questions

Photo of similar equipment
Photo of similar equipment

Questions were raised online – that is: on Facebook, emails and this news blog. In response, Dean gave some answers:

  • This is not a policy discussion on Tourism
  • Tourism has been a fundamental part of Cobourg for over 150 years – whether we like it or not, it’s part of Cobourg
  • Cobourg’s beaches have attracted thousands of visitors and new residents
  • Coming here is like travelling to Florida, the Caribbean and other Tourist destinations
  • If we ask “Why do people come to Cobourg?” – the answer is varied: the Farmer’s market, VOS, Northumberland Players, the AGN, Heritage buildings like Victoria Hall, Conferences, Weddings, the Beach – should we promote (or not) just one of these reasons?
  • The survey done for the Waterfront study said that 80% of residents say Tourism is important to the town; 8.95% disagreed. 45% of businesses say tourism is a benefit.
  • The survey done for the Waterfront study also said 56% of Cobourg residents and 73% of Cobourg businesses agreed that we should develop waterfront-based recreation activities as a source of revenue generation.  Only 24% of residents did not want that.

Safety Concerns

  • All users will wear lifejackets
  • The Operator will hire numerous lifeguards – four will be on duty at all times in addition to the Town’s lifeguards on the beach. (There will be a total of 8 new employees).  ATL will work with the YMCA to organize this.
  • The operators are not aware of any serious accidents in similar parks in North America in at least the last 10 years.
  • The Company has a lot to lose if something goes wrong so will work hard to make sure there are no problems.
  • There are concerns that since the lake is large, there could be problems with waves etc.   Similar parks have been installed on ocean locations (e.g. in the Caribbean) without a problem.

Financial

  • The Town invests zero dollars, the $28k estimated income is conservative
  • The Capital cost of the equipment is amortized over the first 2 years of the contract – that’s why the profit seems small – they will make it up on the 3 year extension
  • The company will have a $10M liability insurance coverage and the Town is already liable for the thousands on the beach so there is only a small increase in liability

Local Benefits

  • ATL Distributing will work with the YMCA kids camps as well as Scouts and other organizations
  • There will be discounts to residents

Concerns over noise, footprint and cold water

  • The footprint will be small compared to the entire beach
  • There will only be noise from air pumps during setup and a few other occasions.

Help for Downtown Businesses

  • Note that businesses also pay tax
  • Dean said that “It’s not realistic to believe that with this many visitors that they won’t shop – although maybe not as many as we would like”
  • The Water Park will provide leverage
  • ATL will work with businesses

In conclusion, Dean said that the Town cannot address every individual’s concern but will do what’s best for the majority.

Statements by Councillors

Mayor Gil Brocanier: The Waterfront Study had public engagement and it recommends this. Voted in favour.

Forrest Rowden: Supports the project and compared it to the initial objections to the Rink in Rotary Park which is now seen as a good thing.  Voted in favour.

Brian Darling:  Supports. He noted that if in fact it turns out to be not wanted, the contract is only for 2 years – or in fact only 120 days (July and August).  It can then be stopped if necessary.  He said “we can’t keep saying no to appease a few” and that young parents don’t have the time to give an opinion on this. Voted in favour.

John Henderson:  Not supportive at this time although he received emails both for and against.  He is concerned as to how this project fits into the big picture.  He is also concerned that few have heard about the proposal and he asked “Why are we in a big rush?”  His response (and the response of others against the idea) drew applause from the gallery (about 22 people). Voted against.

Suzanne Séguin:  Not supportive.  She has not yet seen the report and suggested a survey on the beach this summer. Voted against.

Debra McCarthy:  Not supportive.  This project will be a focal point of the coming election; not all can afford the Water Park fees; there are other costs like parking, washrooms; she asked “Are we Ready? We need the full report.”  Voted against.

Aaron Burchat:  Asked when would the full report come to Council; Dean responded that it would go to the committee in a few weeks then to Council in late May or June.  This is because it will include specific designs which take a long time to prepare.  Dean said that there “Is nothing secretive about it”.  Aaron noted that he is “representative of the demographic” and Voted in favour.

So the final vote was four to three in favour – so there will be a Water Park this summer.

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Wally Keeler
5 years ago

Tune in to “Consider This Live” April 18th from 6-7PM on Northumberland 89.7FM. Dennis Nabieszko and Lydia Smith will be Rob Washburn’s guests.

Oh boy, CTA sympathizer interviews the CTA. This will be a partisan production, not a balanced production, where differing opinions will be aired. Lots of nods of agreement coming. Likely, excessively prosaic.

I invite everyone to Meet @ 66 King Street East this Thursday evening, April 19, 7pm to listen to a wide group of local poets express themselves poetically on Cobourg, on community, on Northumberland, on ourselves. It will be a multiple perception event. Likely, excessively poetic..

For all the misers out there, It is FREE FREE FREE!

Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

Did you say FREE??? Great, you just may see this tourist there. Maybe I will see you there Wally…..looking forward to it :)! I will try to look the part of an old, delusional miser. Cheers!

Wally Keeler
5 years ago

“It is cruel for the old to inflict their disillusioned wisdom on the young. Fortunately it is also impossible.”
— Irving Layton.

Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

“A new broom sweeps clean but an old broom knows the corners”- Anonymous

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Susie-Q
5 years ago

And obstructs new brooms from gaining the same knowledge. Selfish old brooms becoming flabby and floppy.

Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

I can’t say I agree with you on that, but each to his own, I suppose. Wally, it may be time for you to take a good nap. Take care.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Susie-Q
5 years ago

Susie-Q, it may be time for you to spend more time on the beach.

Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

Nah….it’s too cold :).

Tim
5 years ago

I don’t think anyone should be surprised that the Water Park was approved. It’s in bad taste, it’s dangerous, and the only businesses that will benefit are ATL Distributing and the local hospital so it’s exactly the type of ludicrous addition to Cobourg that the councillors have a habit of voting for. It’s always business above people — especially the people whose families have lived here for decades.
Some retirees who have moved here have tried to turn this town into a tomb as they impose their ideas of paradise in the twilight years pn the rest of us. Sometimes I feel like we’ve all been buried alive – no foghorn, no train whistles and someone even complained that the Sunday bells of St. Peter’s were too noisy and suggested they be silenced. Two people have died at railway crossings here in the last couple of years and commonsense would suggest that they might be alive today if they could have heard the train coming but the Council of this town continues to accommodate a bunch of aged light sleepers. Any developer who wants to build a condominium on an inappropriately small street or on the lakeshore is welcome. You can’t even see the lake from many vantage points in this town anymore.

And then we have day trippers from out of town descending on our beach on the weekends. Cobourg has always welcomed tourists, is the old refrain, but this is a new kind of tourism — we’re faced with tourists who have no respect at all for the residents of this town. They bring their own food, they pitch tents on the beach to obstruct other peoples view of the lake, they cook on the beach, they smoke on the beach and they leave their trash on the beach. They drive the locals who pay to maintain the beach away, they buy nothing and the Council continually feeds everyone the line that tourism is good for local business. The Waterpark will be another failed attempt to revitalize the downtown. I don’t think a bunch of hyped up teenagers in wet bathing suits are going to be doing much shopping.

Ahewsonator
Reply to  Tim
5 years ago

Why does everything have to be so cut and dry? Who in their right mind would say or think a floating playground would save downtown Cobourg? Obviously it will not but tourism as a whole does help downtown and that is an undeniable fact. Not everyone who uses the beach spends money here but some still do. All you have to do is stroll down King St on any given day, substantially busier during the summer and they aren’t all locals.

gerinator
Reply to  Tim
5 years ago

Tim I agree with “don’t think anyone should be surprised that the Water Park was approved” but not for the reasons you pose. I think the fix was in to force development of the East Pier and therefore discourage the use of the East Pier to place / remove boats from the Marina with the further consequence that this will necessitate the procurement of a travel boat lift and the massive concrete bunker needed to channel the boats to the lift. It is typical of this staff-driven-council to approve a component of an unapproved Waterfront Plan, attempting to leverage into reality the other less desired (by the public) projects.

Frenchy
Reply to  gerinator
5 years ago

I think you might have it gerinator.
When your prediction comes true I get to say I told you so and win a $20.00 bet.
https://www.cobourgblog.com/news-2018/east-pier-closed-for-vehicles-and-events/
Frenchy
One way or the other, the Town of Cobourg Marina (not the yacht club) is going to get that travel lift. They (even though I’m not entirely sure who “they” are) will invent a crisis that can only be solved with “their” travel lift. I predict it will be in place for the 2018 haul-out.
22 February 2018 10:20 pm

Ahewsonator
5 years ago

I just gotta say my significant other and I mostly avoid the crowds of the beach during the peak season because we don’t like crowds. However we view that as our issue, not the towns. Some people enjoy the atmosphere of a busy beach. We adjust our schedule accordingly, go in the early morning, the evening, or to the west beach. There is a time and a place for everyone to enjoy Cobourg’s waterfront. If you don’t like floating playgrounds and large crowds that is YOUR problem, the town does not need to conform to your personal ideals.

If you are a waterfront property owner I feel for you but once again you have to know what you’re getting yourself in to. If you bought many many years ago I have some more news for you, things change, whether it’s for better or worse is all a matter of personal opinion. It’s up to you make the adjustment of the change around you.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Ahewsonator
5 years ago

Prudent, wise, sensible.

Pierre
Reply to  Ahewsonator
5 years ago

Good comment……

Tim
Reply to  Ahewsonator
5 years ago

This is a bad comment and there is nothing prudent, wise or sensible about it. I like the idea that our beach – and I mean our beach since the people of this town love it, respect it and pay to maintain it – is free to be enjoyed by everyone. When I was growing up, like most kids in Cobourg, I spent every day at the beach, including weekends, and it disgusts me to think that anyone would suggest that the people of this town should accommodate themselves to throngs of rude, disrespectful users who bring nothing to Cobourg but the bags of garbage they leave at the end of the day. You are free to be as accommodating as you like but don’t suggest that Water Parks and large crowds are the problem of people who oppose them. The time for the people of this town to enjoy their beach is ALWAYS.
I don’t think you feel for the waterfront property owners at all. May I remind you that they live here, often for 365 days a year, they pay their taxes and I’m sure that if many of them who retired here had known what the summers were like they wouldn’t have moved here in the first place. And now their peace is to be completely shattered. Yes, things change but whether that change is good or bad is not a matter of personal opinion, I’m afraid. The gyre of garbage in the Pacific that’s half the size of India is bad and that’s not a matter of opinion. A rising sea level is bad. Noise that you can’t escape from is bad – so bad, it’s even a form of torture. And a Water Park on your doorstep is very bad.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Tim
5 years ago

” I’m sure that if many of them who retired here had known what the summers were like they wouldn’t have moved here in the first place.”

Valid point. Pity that many didn’t do their due diligence, and now take their misgivings out on the rest of the community.

ben
Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

where’s the like button!

Dubious
Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

When I moved here to retire the town was not pursuing a mania to destroy the quiet enjoyment of the waterfront by us old folks.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Dubious
5 years ago

The Town always pursued tourism, even before you moved here.

Dubious
Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

The Town always pursued tourism, even before you moved here.

Correct, Wally. Turn-of-the-century tourists came for the ambiance and the ozone rather than merely to crowd onto a free beach. They built grand houses rather than pitching tents on the beach. They insisted on interesting foods from local merchants rather than just bringing a cooler from Scarborough. They supported several of the most expensive hotels in Canada rather than a trailer park. They even brought plays and concerts to our small town They contributed to Cobourg rather than detracting from it!

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Dubious
5 years ago

All that, and still you foolishly chose to move to this Town.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Dubious
5 years ago

Oh look at you, living in the deep past. Delusional as well.

dubious
Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

I’m not living in the deep past but only find it sad that we have lost so much in the towns misguided pursuit of tourists who seize on anything that is free rather than contributing to a vibrant Cobourg.

Since you know nothing about me I’m curious regarding your perception that I am “delusional”. Please explain.

Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

Wally, not to the extent that it has been over the past three years or so.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Dubious
5 years ago

Old folks like you and myself can indulge in our quiet enjoyment needs at the very nearby west beach with its accommodating boardwalk, natural benches in the form of logs, Ecology Garden, it is serene and sublime. That is downtown. There is also the natural quiet beauty of Lucas Point Park with trails and benches for old folks to sit serene overlooking the lake. On the other side there is Monk’s Cove, with benches overlooking the lake for quiet enjoyment. Get around; enjoy the Town. That way, we can get our old folks quiet enjoyment on those dozen days out of 365 days when Victoria Park Beach is bloated with children, teens and their parents and families having a noisy messy frolic, a wonderful mix of locals and daytrippers. One of the best social benefits are the families of immigrants integrating into Canada and frolicking alongside our local children, and the networking and flirting amongst local teens with teens from anywhere in the world.

For ten tiring months teens frolicked only with teens in Cobourg. Then came summer and teens from the surrounding area and Oshawa and Toronto enlarged the pool of teens for local teens to frolic with. Summertime is a flirtfest for teens and Victoria Park Beach is just the place. There are only a few windows of opportunity, three long weekends when the beach is crowded, mostly with young healthy bodies running their heedless ways. The old folks who cannot stand this, have lots of other waterfront parks to provide quiet enjoyment; the west beach is only a short few minutes walk away. Old folks should go there for the few days in a year when the young frolic.

Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

Wally, do you really see “the networking and flirting amongst local teens with teens from anywhere in the world”?? Really? From what I’ve seen, families tend to stick to themselves, but then again, I’m not there for 8 hours or so watching all interactions (maybe you are ?).

I am not what you would regard as an “old folk” or a delusional one at that. I am an individual who has been very familiar with the town for many, many years and one who is hoping to return to in my retirement. It is a town where my ancestors emigrated to over 150 years ago. It feels like home. Even if it were true, there is nothing wrong with people wanting to “live in the deep past” as you have presumed. There is something nice about life in the past, a simpler time in many ways. Furthermore, there is nothing wrong with those who want to protect a charming town from the destruction that has occurred in many smaller communities around the greater horseshoe area with the ongoing pressure to develop. Well, that’s another topic so I will end on that note.

Have a good day Wally….watch out for the ice!

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Susie-Q
5 years ago

Wally, do you really see “the networking and flirting amongst local teens with teens from anywhere in the world”?? Really? From what I’ve seen, families tend to stick to themselves, but then again, I’m not there for 8 hours or so watching all interactions (maybe you are ?).

I am there daily as much as possible. Here is a charming video of a family from outside Cobourg who came to the Park to play and frolic. https://youtu.be/98fak1662hw

Published on September 8, 2013 “The city of Cobourg is about 1 hr east of Toronto. It has a extremely nice clear water beach. We’ve had a very nice Sunday afternoon visiting this beautiful town.” 4 minutes, 56 seconds, received 81 views

The video was directed by Amjed Alseed and it stars the
Ibrahim Family, Amjed Alseed, Dana Aziza
Omaran Family, Mustafa, Mai, Rawan, Bashir
Jumaa Family, Mohamed, Asma, Aya, Hamid, Areej

Amjed has made several videos. He has a delightful video of the Salmon Run in Bomanville Creek and another of him Flying Circuits at Smith Falls Flying Club.

Out Trip To Cobourg Beach starts out with children running about, being tossed into the air, and all the happiness is assisted with a sound track borrowed from Toy Story, ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me.’ The family leaves Victoria Park to go uptown to Pizza Pizza, and bring back three pizzas to the Park. They buy more food at the Park canteen. Then there’s children on swings; children playing kick ball with adults, a small girl full of talk talk talk, and three children riding rented bikes.

At the end of the day, Dad drives the children back to the city, the camera in the car recording the children singing. It is saturated with charm until the very end, when the talk talk talk girl with a touch of disappointment and attitude in Victoria Park says, “We have to go back home.” Fini.

Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

That’s nice Wally, but it’s only one family. Glad to see they were helping out the local business, however, I don’t think that’s the norm for most.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Susie-Q
5 years ago

Yes it is nice. Chronic bad-mouthing of visitors is NOT NICE. I have book marked several videos made by visitors to Cobourg Beach. One family showed themselves going to Walmart here and bought $246 groceries for their weekend stay in Cobourg, that they paid for that as well. It is often the same with other non-white Canadians visiting the Park and Beach.

Here is another example of a wonderful bunch of visitors: https://youtu.be/VMoOIh10WOA

Cobourg Beach, by CSASROD CSASRODEAF,
8 minutes, 32 seconds. Published on Jul 26, 2015

A busload of Sri Lankans belonging to the Canadian South Asian Sports & Recreational of the Deaf visit Victoria Park for a picnic. Unlike the other videos, there is no music track. It is genuine, authentic happiness. Must be something in the air in Victoria Park. Their video channel indicates that they do day trips from Toronto to other locations.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Susie-Q
5 years ago

Here’s another video of those dastardly visitors
https://youtu.be/006o4pa285U

Cobourg Beach, by Jenko
1 minute, 35 seconds, Published on 6 Sep 2016

This a slick video by a young Filipino-Canadian, stylizing her family’s visit to Cobourg. They travel up to the downtown district and pose themselves inside and outside of Victoria Hall. She has a few videos, one of which is Cobourg Beach, so it was a special day, especially with extended family and friends. Wonderful to see first generation Canadians assimilating to Canadians outside the city cloisters and showing their media skills.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Susie-Q
5 years ago

Check out this tiny child of a visitor dancing to the noise. Happy, happy happy. https://youtu.be/VHGu4fSemUg it’s produced by Tung Nguyen. This happy daughter is getting dance lessons by her parents, and English lessons, which can all be seen on their YouTube channel. Visiting Cobourg is all part of their assimilation process. Who would want to put a stop to that? Selfish misers?

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Susie-Q
5 years ago

And the Filipino Web Channel broadcast soggy but happy video of Cobourg the Feel Good Town. https://youtu.be/tGjQH0B7_Ss Tourism video made by a tourist. The word is out. The genie don’t go back. Get used to it.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Susie-Q
5 years ago

And here is a outside tourist guy who spends a week worth of money in Cobourg, makes a video of his experience, and Cobourg gets free publicity. https://youtu.be/gssMmqggT0w

So you tell me, Susie-Q, what is the norm as you see it?

Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

Wally, you amaze me.

Frenchy
Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

Wally, you need a thesaurus, too many frolics in there.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Frenchy
5 years ago

Going off topic again with your pettiness, eh?

Mary Jane
5 years ago

I don’t think the water park is a horrible idea… my problem is with the hoardes of people who show up in the summer to enjoy a free beach and leave behind their garbage… and never ever step foot in the downtown.

There are a number of relatively easy and inexpensive ways to counteract the hoardes and the garbage.. and a way to encourage visitors to go downtown.. all of which I have discussed over a few years with tourism and economic development…and I have yet to see any changes being made.

Not saying that Cobourg has to move ahead with my ideas.. but something needs to be done to support downtown.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Mary Jane
5 years ago

What ideas?

Bill Thompson
5 years ago

At this meeting this proposal by the town was pointed out by Councillor Sequin ) that it scored only # 54 in priority (only 6 stars ) out of 84 agenda items in the Waterfront Development Plan.
It begs a question as there appears to be little prior specifics or information about it publicly prior to the council meeting on April 9th. introducing it.
How/why did it reach tthis level of accelerated priority action when there are so many more important issues to be considered.?
The overall consultant’s report isn’t even expected till May/June and this item is approved ?
As the Deputy Mayor stated “the cart is being placed before the horse ,what’s the rush “?
Perhaps the mayor could answer that question as his vote broke the tie

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Bill Thompson
5 years ago

I’m pro-waterpark, but I would have voted to delay the decision for a month or two. I feel certain that the outcome would be approved by the majority of Cobourg residents, but still, the opportunity to hear a few more voices would not have been harmful.

waterfront owner
5 years ago

Thanks John for posting the names of the council members who voted yes to this. Come election time I will vote NO to them

Deborah OConnor
Reply to  waterfront owner
5 years ago

Meanwhile I will note who voted against this and vote NO to them.

Frenchy
Reply to  Deborah OConnor
5 years ago

You two would or wouldn’t vote for someone based on their yes/no vote of a silly temporary waterpark?
Deep thinkers.

Elaine
Reply to  Deborah OConnor
5 years ago

Me too.

cornbread
5 years ago

The mere fact that the Council vote was 4 to 3 should show everyone that the water park is an issue…lets see what happens this summer and next summer…by that time Dean will probably suggest an outside consultant do a survey in the hopes of a more one sided vote…just kidding.

sandpiper
5 years ago

You will be sorry ! This has not been successful in other towns its ( Problematic ) Resorts yes !
This will not Benefit the Down Town in any way any more than it has over the last 10 yrs. of attempts by the Economic Development team —- Dean’s summation and reasoning sounds just like the ones we have heard in the past from this department how ever you wish to label it. The only thing it will do is create Parking Congestion and more discontent among the year round residents and property owners .
These are not shoppers coming to town , I am All in favour of doing things for the Local residents and their children , thats why we pay Taxes to benefit our residents and improve services for them Thats THEM / US .
I hope the Town has a clear and precise plan on dealing with Noise & illegal parking etc this year not only in Residential area but also for small business parking lots . Its not fair that they not deal with it and tell the property owners its Civil and their problem and WE are told we can have the car towed if we want but be prepared for the cost an suffer the consequences if the car owner claims damages . Yes enforce it in my back yard I live here to.

Reply to  sandpiper
5 years ago

Sandpaper, I tend to agree with you. Although many may disagree with me, I personally don’t see that the addition of the water park and expected tourists are going to have much of an impact on the businesses downtown. I am hoping that I will be proved wrong.

As I have stated before, I believe that most tourists are looking for a relatively inexpensive day trip. I have noticed that many do bring a picnic lunch with them to enjoy on the “free” beach. Given the fee for the water park, these young families may be even more inclined to watch their money during their stay. As I walk along King Street, you would think that given the numbers at the beach, that there would be more people along the street.

In terms of the belief that the tourists will stay longer and, in turn, spend more, I doubt that. They will be on their way in time to attend their night time activities and get their tired kids into bed. I do hope that I am wrong and that the businesses benefit substantially by the addition of this water park. It would also be nice to hear from the downtown businesses after this summer to find out if this has indeed had a positive effect on their business.

I commend the town for trying, and again, am hoping that it works out. However, sometimes I think that there is too much of an emphasis (and almost desperation) to attract tourists to the town. I hope the benefits truly do outweigh the costs to the community.

Jean C
5 years ago

We are a couple of the”parachutes” that landed here 18 years ago and both of us have a deep appreciation and love of the entire area. The beautiful beach attracts thousands of visitors during the summer months, without a water park. It will not bring in more revenue for the downtown businesses other than, perhaps, some restaurants. Leave the beach alone and put some of the tax payers money into updating the mall, especially the exterior……it’s a sad looking structures!

Pierre
Reply to  Jean C
5 years ago

Jean C the mall ( whatever you are referencing ) Northumberland Mall ??
Is a private enterprise, you don’t use taxpayers money for this.
Maybe you could open a store there with your financial support.
We don’t know if businesses downtown will benefit or not, but if people stay over in hotels, b& b’s etc. they do need to eat & hopefully shop.
Not saying I agree with waterpark or not, but as a done deal, let’s see if there are benefits or not.

Dubious
Reply to  Pierre
5 years ago

Yes, the mall is a private business and certainly should not receive taxpayer’s money. However, downtown shops are also private businesses yet they receive taxpayer’s money from CIP grants. Why the difference?

Pierre
Reply to  Dubious
5 years ago

Just replying to the honourable lady who mentioned the mall, she did not talk about the downtown….just the mall, so I stayed on topic with my response.

Frank
5 years ago

I’m pleased to see this go forward. It’s a busy beach and has been for some time. Now perhaps we can have the best of all worlds and designate the west beach as a Protected Area, an urban Protected Area, that remains passive and natural and peaceful. We’ll also be helping in our small way to reach the national objective of 17 percent Protected Areas by 2020. Think about that – Cobourg would have it’s very own urban Protected Area. That might bring in some tourists too.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Frank
5 years ago

Very very good. Lots of Cobourg waterfront is peaceful, beautiful and natural and it’s free for any and everyone to enjoy. Why should Victoria Park Beach conform to those parks? Diversity is the way to go. More fun and frolic for children and youths and young at heart on Victoria Park Beach.

Elaine
5 years ago

I am really happy for the young families in Cobourg. They will now have an activity to enjoy over the summer months. Cobourg is NOT just for retired folk, like me! It is for all age groups to enjoy. I look forward to seeing happy children enjoying the beach this summer. Well done Town council, for having a “progressive” attitude and, for once, not being swayed by those in town who do not want change. I do hope that those using the beach will also patronize downtown stores and restaurants and the beach canteen.

Mrs. Anonymous
Reply to  Elaine
5 years ago

I can understand both sides of this issue, either for or against. However to call a big old heap of plastic out in a great lake accessed primarily by people who have driven in a car to Cobourg is hardly what I would call “progressive”.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Mrs. Anonymous
5 years ago

More local people (children, teens, parents) more often will bounce on that fun device than those arriving by car.

Frenchy
Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

And you know that…. how?
It’s barely past the planning stage, but you have numbers on who will be using it?

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Frenchy
5 years ago

blah blag blah

Catherine
5 years ago

This is what’s in my imagination for this town: a uniquely-specialized concept for Cobourg….building on that “Feel Good” theme for the entire town…..a deliberate extension of the lakefront and ecology gardens settings ….blending ‘green-space’ with ‘blue-space’…..intending & developing Cobourg to be a major wellness-oriented hub…..putting Cobourg on the map as that “go-to” place for businesses and services related to ‘Health & Wellness’ for all (physical/mental/emotional/spiritual/social)….to benefit the large senior demographic, as well as all other age groups….we already have many businesses here committed to this, that can continue to grow & thrive….more emphasis on those, as well as on local creative talent, architectural esthetics, art, music, theatre, healthy & affordable food/beverages & amenities to ensure that Cobourg is viewed as a successful, flourishing & picturesque town that really does “feel good” with what it uniquely has to offer….set apart from other towns/cities that usually have the same/or similar summer events to draw crowds, & keep them entertained & spending money as much as possible. I believe that we can be much more innovative than that….especially with our prosperous, thriving businesses bringing in more revenue for the town…..I believe that we all want to feel proud of our community & what it represents….if we feel a part of the decision-making process, & listened to by our municipal representatives, I have a feeling that any existing apathy & cynicism can be reduced…..social shifts are happening everywhere…..this new era is one of community cooperation & collaboration, where people can express individual perspectives & still respect differing points of view.

Bill Thompson
5 years ago

http://youtu.be/wgEbdW_5SnY
Live detail of meeting.

Catherine
5 years ago

My husband & I are retired Cobourg residents who spend a lot of time at the beach…..almost daily during the summer for swimming & laying on the sand for relaxation (weather permitting). We feel extremely grateful for the picturesque surroundings here…..mature trees, planted flowers, the harbourfront & the expansive beauty of Lake Ontario. We get immense pleasure in watching sailboats go by; listening to the sound of the waves, the birds, & children at play enjoying themselves on sand & in water. It was winter when we moved here several years ago, so the summertime crowds in this small town came as quite a shock. From what I’ve witnessed & heard, as the beachfront becomes even more crowded, more of the local residents avoid it….especially senior folks that we typically see during the Spring/Fall months. This is what I observed last summer at the beach that was different from the previous year — I frequently noticed several BBQ’s going on the sand under tent structures & along the stone-wall; more people sitting on the sand smoking; more noisy jet-skis on the water; more motorcycle engine noise from the pier; more visible garbage; more radios playing in the background. It still appears that most people are bringing large containers of food for their day on the beach. I’d guess that the Beach canteen, food truck & ice-cream parlours are probably doing fairly well. Unfortunately, the enjoyment that we derived from the beach seems to be subsiding with each passing summer. We chose this community to retire to because of its small-town feel, scenic peaceful surroundings & proximity to the Lake. In my opinion, this WaterPark Playground gets a thumbs-down. Neither of us even heard of this until a couple of days ago….how come it wasn’t specifically discussed at the Waterfront Meetings last year? Adding this enormous inflatable water entertainment apparatus to this natural setting seems counter-intuitive to me. I watched a video clip on this same apparatus that went into the Barrie location….the thing is HUGE! And to me, it’s an eyesore. It makes greater sense to me to be set-up in a place like Barrie, which has a population close to 200,000 (with average age being 38.9 years), and is already a popular tourist destination. I’m wondering if the one in Cobourg will be monitored after the sunset hours….to avoid possible situations from those seeking mischief?

Damit
Reply to  Catherine
5 years ago

Cobourg has been a tourist destination for years. To come to Cobourg and not know that the beach is busy during the summer is like moving next to an airport and complaining about airplanes flying over. It is not a retirement community. It is a community with people of all ages. The west beach as basically empty year round. Maybe that will suit your needs more. I personally love how many people come to our town. A sense of pride is felt to know people come to vacation where I live. That I can walk home from the beach while they need to drive hours possibly. Cobourg will continue to grow and promote itself as a great place to live and visit.

Catherine
Reply to  Damit
5 years ago

Census Profile, 2016 Census
Cobourg [Population centre], Ontario and Ontario [Province]

Age characteristics Total

0 to 4 years 720 –
5 to 9 years 810 –
10 to 14 years 860 –
15 to 19 years 945 –
20 to 24 years 860 –
25 to 29 years 785 –
30 to 34 years 910 –
35 to 39 years 825 –
40 to 44 years 890 –
45 to 49 years 965 –
50 to 54 years 1,380 –
55 to 59 years 1,545 –
60 to 64 years 1,550 –
65 years and over 6,000 –
65 to 69 years 1,680 –
70 to 74 years 1,310 –
75 to 79 years 1,090 –
80 to 84 years 895 –
85 years and over 1,025 –
85 to 89 years 665 –
90 to 94 years 285 –
95 to 99 years 75 –
100 years and over 5

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Catherine
5 years ago

The vast majority of retirees in Cobourg were born and raised here; not parachutes from outside. We are the baby boomer retirees. We know each other quite well because it is a small town and we played together, grew up together, mostly in Victoria Park and beach. We brought our children to frolic free and now our grandchildren. We have a deep, visceral, multigenerational understanding of Victoria Park and beach, the parachutes do not.

The CTA missive to “friends and neighbours” claiming in bold underlined words that Most of the citizens of Cobourg have indicated that they do not want more visitors coming to the beach couldn’t have been more wrong.

The CTA is most useful and effective when it focuses on fiscal matters that hold Council’s feet to the fire. Why they stepped outside that role to take on Cobourg’s culture regarding Victoria Park and beach is puzzling. They discredited themselves on this particular issue.

Whether the parachute retirees like or not, Cobourg-born retirees and born citizens like Victoria Park to be noisy and messy and crowded from time to time. It’s called people having fun. Victoria Park and beach is not for a sedentary life style where grumps sit like lifeless nouns while the life of little verbs run rampant and frolicsome.

pilgrim pete
Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

Citizens, all. We always need everyone’s point of view.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  pilgrim pete
5 years ago

I am happy as heck that the CTA exercised their freedom of speech, otherwise we would not have known of their incoherent policies and how far out of touch they are concerning what the majority of Cobourg residents think.

The Cobourg Taxpayers Association actually believe that Cobourg citizens are in opposition to municipal staff being motivated to “generate revenue” and “support our struggling King Street.“.

It stands to reason that if CTA members get elected, they’ll put a stop to those activities, you know, on behalf of “Cobourg citizens”, cuz we know what the majority of Cobourg citizens want.

Tim
Reply to  Catherine
5 years ago

You forgot to mention something on your “more” list of nightmares: more intestinal worms.

Deborah OConnor
5 years ago

Well done Town Council, not just for the positive decision but for the reasoning behind it too. It’s gratifying to see the Cobourg Taxpayers Association put in its place. These people don’t get to run this town, not now and not ever.

Top marks for John Draper for this thorough and excellent account of the meeting,

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Deborah OConnor
5 years ago

ditto

Durka
Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

Ditto ditto. The CTA and their self-righteous mandate/attitude that they speak for all taxpayers is quite tiring.

Walter L. Luedtke
Reply to  Deborah OConnor
5 years ago

A victory of democracy over a noisy pressure group.
BTW for those folks who don’t like to see kids having fun, try Wicklow Beach.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Walter L. Luedtke
5 years ago

And if they want peaceful, natural beauty with a clear vista of a great lake, there is Monk’s Cove and Lucas Point Park and the entire west beach, but noooooo, they want Victoria Park and beach to be boring 365 days a year.

pilgrim pete
Reply to  Walter L. Luedtke
5 years ago

Foolish. Democracy is all about different points of view. We are all citizens.

Walter L. Luedtke
Reply to  pilgrim pete
5 years ago

I agree.
But I draw the line when some citizens organize themselves into a small, secretive pressure group.
And when those folks with the ‘different points of view’ routinely insult Council – “this is just another idiot scheme by our idiot town council” and Staff as out of touch ’empire builders’ when they carry out the instructions of our elected representatives.
Sounds more like the Putinbots trying to undermine democracy.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Walter L. Luedtke
5 years ago

Everyone is a citizen. Different points of view are welcome. Civics 101.

However that does not mean that each view carries the same weight. Some views are wise, some are informed, some are not, some are shallow, some are incoherent. It’s called culling the word, textercising judgement, etc.

No one I know on this blog has ever called for anyone else to be censored or to be denied petition. You’re flogging a non-existent horse pilgrim pete.

pilgrim pete
Reply to  Wally Keeler
5 years ago

And who determines which view carries the most weight.

Frenchy
Reply to  pilgrim pete
5 years ago

Wally.

Tim
Reply to  Walter L. Luedtke
5 years ago

I repeat: this is just another idiot scheme by our idiot town council and only an idiot would disagree.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  pilgrim pete
5 years ago

Absolutely correct. I am more than pleased to know that Cobourg Taxpayers Association ludicrously believe in bold underlined text; Most of the citizens of Cobourg have indicated that they do not want more visitors coming to the beach. If it weren’t for Democracy and free speech, I would not have known this foolish assertion by the CTA.

Mike
Reply to  Walter L. Luedtke
5 years ago

Oh no you don’t….do not send them to Wicklow Beach, we’re having too much fun out here…. let them suffer in their little wet basements….

Walter L. Luedtke
Reply to  Mike
5 years ago

Hahahaha!

Rusty Brown
Reply to  Mike
5 years ago

“Nude swimmers spotted at Wicklow Beach”
[Northumberland News Sep 11, 2015]

I see what you mean, Mike. Makes Victoria Park seem awfully tame.