Staff report on how to Re-open Beach

On June 22, Council asked staff for a report on how exactly the beach should be re-opened per their motion and they wanted it for their meeting on June 29.  Community Services Director Dean Hustwick has now delivered that – see link below.  The memo provides specifics on what would be done and how much it would cost.  As Dean has said to me in the past, Council makes decisions and staff implement them.  The “plan” does not have any real surprises and covers issues in the motion providing Council’s most recent direction.  More details are below but the short synopsis is that the beach would be limited to 1500 people, it would be first-come, first-served from Monday to Thursday with reservations required for weekends.  The cost to manage this is estimated to be as much as $377k.

Summarized recommendations

  • The fence would remain in place with one opening at the main pergola near the canteen building.  There would be exits at the east and west ends of the beach plus several emergency access points.
  • The Canteen would be closed.
  • Monday to Thursday: People will be allowed to enter the access gate until the maximum number is reached. As people leave, additional individuals will be allowed to enter from the stand-by line, which will be monitored to ensure physical distancing.
  • Weekends: The Concert Hall’s ticketing system, Arts Manager, will be used (with some modifications) for reservation. This system requires patrons to input some basic personal information (which could help with contact tracing if required) and allows them either to print their own tickets or to receive electronic tickets. Patrons would then need to produce either paper or electronic tickets at the entrance to the beach where staff would use hand-held devices to read the bar codes to ensure only patrons with valid tickets are allowed access.
  • Standby:
    To accommodate people who did not make reservations and those simply wanting to walk through, and to reduce potential conflict at the entrance gate, it is proposed that a stand-by line be facilitated. A percentage of the daily tickets (e.g., 10 – 20%) can be held back from reservations for same-day stand-by patrons.
  • Telephone reservations
    In addition to the two staff handling the Town’s new COVID-19 hotline and the Division’s various telephone lines, an additional summer student and/or an additional employee will be re-assigned to a specific telephone number for this purpose and who will have access to the ticketing system. Tickets for these patrons will be printed and delivered on the appropriate date to the beach entrance staff who will require the patrons to show identification.
  • The beach would stay open until 8:00 pm when lifeguards would ask people to leave.  The later time would mean fewer cases of additional assistance from By-Law Enforcement and the Cobourg Police.
  • Every individual admitted to the beach will be issued a wristband (and possibly also a hand stamp) to accommodate in and out privileges.
  • The lifeguard towers will be moved closer to the water’s edge to provide the guards with better views of swimmers without having to patrol amongst the patrons. The Town may install rope barriers between the towers (with designated access points) to create a set back from the water’s edge to separate sunbathers from swimmers/walkers.
  • Washrooms
    Three options:
  1. Use the beach washroom facilities within the canteen building.  A contract with private company provides for operation and cleaning. This contractor has developed COVID-19 procedures and has the staff to manage this contract for July and August. Additional port-a-potties may be required. This facility will also be available for other park patrons including those simply walking through the waterfront area.
  2. Alternatively, port-a-potties can be rented and installed on the eastern end of the beach that will include a portable sink facility and two cleanings a day. A private company is able and ready to provide these facilities.
  3. A third option is a combination of opening the washroom facility and installing a limited number of port-a-potties on the beach to reduce the need for patrons to leave the fenced area.
  • Financial Implications
    Dean provides detailed estimates ranging from $219K to $377k with the higher one recommended.  He points out that If Council decides to open the beach, there is an estimated $102,000 remaining in the Aquatics/ Lifeguards budget and approximately $35,000 remaining in the Beach Washrooms budget.

See the full report in the link below for details.

Staff would need to move quickly to obtain additional bar code scanners, additional summer students, some two-way radios, set up Lifeguards with YMCA and more.

It’s acknowledged that there may need to be changes based on experience with the plan.

The report provides the details requested by Council. It’s now up to Council to decide at their 29 June meeting whether to proceed with a re-opening on July 6 – which of course misses one of the busiest periods.

Link

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Audrey
3 years ago

Pete Fisher reports, on twitter, that the beach will be closed through August 31st. This was the right decision.

MiriamM
Reply to  Audrey
3 years ago

It was also reported at the Council meeting that there is an increase of people using the headland and west beach. It appears that issues of concern in having people on the main beach have only shifted. And, no doubt the recent news from Kingston and elsewhere about rising infection rates was an unnerving jolt.

Frenchy
Reply to  MiriamM
3 years ago

Signs are posted, but hey, if they want to swim in e coli infected waters, who am I to stop them?

Last edited 3 years ago by Frenchy
MiriamM
Reply to  Frenchy
3 years ago

New postings? I believe you are confusing interior west harbour with west beach as reported earlier.

Informed
3 years ago

Closed👍

Keith Oliver
3 years ago

I’ve thought long and hard about the issue of opening Cobourgs’ unique and popular beach. At the same time I’ve been involved in trying to make the life of three elderly friends as safe as possible and as good as possible under the conditions imposed by Covid 19. One of them experiences weekend visits from family members who live in Toronto and are indifferent to physical distancing. In a way this is a model for the Cobourg Beach opening issue.
The facts are the following.
Little is known for certain about the virus; how it spreads, can be treated and stopped..
When a vaccine is found, or even an effective treatment, it must be manufactured and distributed with a priority given to countries, most likely in South America, Africa and possibly the US, that are experiencing an epidemic. IE it will be 2-4 years before we can get back to normal in Canada.
While 80% of deaths in Canada have been in long term care homes and only 20% in the general population, this is not the time to relax. Perhaps because of how well we’ve faired in Northumberland County, citizens are beginning to ignore safety measures. Fewer and fewer people are wearing face masks at No Frills.
People who use the beach do not spend money in town. They usually bring every thing with them.
The most difficult place to control behaviour on the beach is at the waters’ edge, a roped off area the staff report recommends can be used by bathers, most likely children absorbed in play, as well as walkers. The proposal by staff to be debated by Council tonight, is still too complicated especially with qualifications for weekend passes and “standby passes” and the subsequent issues around enforcement.

With all of these considerations in mind my recommendation to Council is that the beach remain closed for the near future or until circumstances change significantly.

Finally I believe the Council is doing an excellent job. The factors related to opening the beach in whatever form are complex, interactive and in constant flux. As a result of my interaction before Council and with Staff on at least 8 growth and development issues over the last 20 years I believe this Council to be one of the best. They are incredibly hard working and sincere in wanting to do the best for Cobourg. Under normal circumstances they have alot to deal with and now there’s Covid-19. They deserve our support in general and “constructive” criticism when appropriate.

Last edited 3 years ago by Keith Oliver
Are_n
Reply to  Keith Oliver
3 years ago

I agree with Keith on this. I think council is doing the best they can with the information available. I have contacted council a couple of times on this issue and have been pleased at the level of engagement they have displayed. I may not agree with all the decisions council makes but I honestly believe they do their “due diligence” and are open to constructive, well reasoned feedback.

Bill Thompson
Reply to  Are_n
3 years ago

We’ll find out today if your optimism is founded or not for council undoing their original sensible decision and reasons why.

Keith Oliver
Reply to  Bill Thompson
3 years ago

Bill. As I try to follow the beach issue as best I can. I believe Council has not changed its’ original decision to keep the beach closed until the end of August. Following the example by upper tier governments to open recreational facilities and parts of the economy, Council decided to reconsider and explore and debate and ask staff for options. As Tip O’Neil, an American Federal Representative once said, “All politics is local” which explains why issues before Council can get so hot and so easily sent off track. Our Councilors are not professional politicians which makes them more valuable and more representative if not more disorganized, but in the end, sometimes through a very circuitus process,I believe they do the right thing.

Dilys Robertson
Reply to  Keith Oliver
3 years ago

Last week the CBC warned us that we need to learn from US experience re Covid 19 surges. Yet, when I went to No Frills last week, about 90% of customers and staff were not wearing masks. And, it was difficult to maintain 6 ft distance in many instances. The virus is still here, spikes are possible at any time, especially if the beach is opened to 1500 plus those who come anyway without booking. Our Major will not encourage the wearing of masks though, for example, the local news paper. I was told it was “up to the individual”.

Gerinator
3 years ago

Like others in this discussion I don’t understand the urgency to walk back the prior decision to close the beach. We’ll have missed a significant typical revenue window (July 1); based on my read of this summary and the supporting recommendation from Staff:
*There will be no time to trial/test their proposed implementation;
*Therefore a lot of the costs for software, management, support, equipment, etc., will be incurred before finding out that the implementation has a mild chance of success;
*As some have pointed out there remain many gaps in the plan which is expected given the time allotted by Council for a Staff response;
*Finally I don’t see what is in it for me – I’m exposed to significant non-bubble exposure; I’m expected to pickup the tab (taxes) for this mis-adventure; and it is not at all clear what or whom will benefit from my largesse.

I urge Council to maintain their prior course of action of closing the beach.

seth
3 years ago

Incredibly frustrated with town decisions now and for the past while.

Instead of wasting time debating if the beach should open, why doesn’t council focus on some of the harder issues:

  • safety of Cobourg residence
  • mandatory mask wearing in stores
  • ensuring that the food bank is well-supplied and funded
  • ensuring that the vulnerable are supported
  • a plan to help the economy (tell me how you are funding projects not just with tax payer money)
  • stop spending tax payer money on projects that net no return or benefit to all residents

Cobourg is an amazing place to live, but I feel that the town council isn’t focused and they are not doing enough to make Cobourg the great place it really is. I feel as though the priorities of the town are askew. We are paving streets in Cobourg – is that a priority right now? These things probably need to get done, but there are more pressing issues right now.

The town council is not an IT department. Stop pretending that you can implement a beach management system. Leave the beach closed. Stop wasting tax payer money. Get a solid plan together to get Cobourg operating.

Susie-Q
3 years ago

Where is the pressure to reopen the beach coming from? Given the current Covid situation, will it really hurt the town to close it for the summer? It is only a two month period we are talking about. We have made tremendous sacrifices over the past three months. It is not easy, but we don’t want to go backwards. My mother has been stuck in her retirement residence since March 15th and has not had any physical contact with family. I would like to take her out and am looking forward to that hug, but this will not be happening anytime soon. We all have to continue to do our part so that everyone (especially seniors) can resume the life they had before. Is it really worth the risk? It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Malcom
3 years ago

Just finished reading an article in the NYTs this morning about asymptomatic people spreading this disease. Just another cog in understanding/ misunderstanding this disease.
Go with the medical and science knowns and keep the beach closed.
“Act in haste. Repent in leisure. “

Bill Arthur
3 years ago

Council made a unanimous decision to close the beach until the end of August and everyone I know agreed that was the right decision. Now, just a few weeks later, they are talking about letting upwards of 1500 people a day come to the beach. In my circle everyone is appalled at the idea. And now I learn it will cost $377k. Where is the justification for reversing the original decision and at such a high cost. We have spent 3 months as responsible citizens, enduring quarantine, lines at all the stores etc and it has paid off with low numbers in our area. Keep the beach closed as originally planned. I know it’s a shame for local families who use the beach but the west beach is still available.

Audrey
3 years ago

Total Cases in Ontario:

May 5 – 18,300
May 23 – 25,040
May 29 – 27,210
June 8 – 31,000
June 28 – 34,654

John
Reply to  Audrey
3 years ago

31,000 of the above cases have now recovered in Ontario.

Last edited 3 years ago by John
sandpiper
3 years ago

Its just after noon on Sunday I just went for a walk —- I invite the Mayor and his Buddy Dean to get to the Beach ASAP
for a PHOTO OP Its packed but there is no one here from Cobourg ( said With out Prejudice ) only health concerns in mind !
Judging from the
Car dealer stickers and the names of the food stores on the Grocery bags they brought with them
it appears to be an invasive landing of untested Covid tourists from the city TO. & who ever is ensuring that social distancing rule Please bring your tape measure if you dare

Frenchy
Reply to  sandpiper
3 years ago

What beach are you talking about sandpiper? This is the scene at 3:00. I was speaking with the bylaw officer and he said he saw no incidents of trespassing today.
https://ibb.co/tKY7BpY

Bill Thompson
Reply to  sandpiper
3 years ago

Beatty said that the decision to close Victoria Beach does not impact the West Beach were people can continue to walk through but must not be in groups larger than five.

Senior
3 years ago

I do not understand the motive to review a decision already made. Covid 19 is a very contagious virus. There is increasing evidence that there are long term risks for everyone including those who are asymptomatic. By opening the beach at all, there is an increased risk of infection for everyone of us. Please, put health first and keep our beach closed this year.

Summer
Reply to  Senior
3 years ago

There has been no mention of masks if there is an opening. 1500 if fully booked seems high and increases the possible contact with the virus. If the cost does add up to $377 plus the $100 thousand spent then the calculations meaning actual cost to taxpayers is huge considering time left this summer to use the beach. The confusion of having passes; who will get them, changing the rules throughout boggle the mind. As it stands now if you go down to the beach parking areas and bike and walking paths they are busy. As it stands there are several viewing areas of the beach and spots to picnic close to the beach. Under the circumstances why do we need to add more added stress/risk to taxpayers of Cobourg? If you ask the average Cobourg resident if they want it open I imagine the majority would say no. Yes or No; the town owes it to that one person or more that can avoid death or illness due to covid-19 to think about the logic concerning opening or not.

Bill Wensley
3 years ago

According to the Halliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit website, Northumberland County has, to date, had 21 Covid19 cases 19 of which have been resolved. So far we have been remarkably successful in keeping these numbers down. Let’s help keep it this way by not encouraging large crowds even though the risk may be less outdoors.
Opening the beaches in the United States has been a disaster .
Let’s not court a disaster of our own not only for our residents but also for the others who will come.

Sammy
3 years ago

Sauble Beach tried opening and it was a disaster. They have now closed their beaches. Use their experience as our example. We do not need to experience it ourselves to prove a point.
Effective June 22, 2020, all South Bruce Peninsula Beaches are closed. Anyone found to be in or on a closed beach will receive a fine under the Town Public Nuisance By-Law.

Frenchy
3 years ago
Fact Checker
Reply to  Frenchy
3 years ago

Frenchy,
Thanks for this. It is encouraging to see that some municipal governments have their priorities and accountability figured out

whatnow
Reply to  Frenchy
3 years ago

Wow- thanks for sharing Frenchy. No one on the council seems to want to give residents an opportunity to use our own beach. WHY???? It wasn’t even mentioned as a possibility. I have a bad feeling that the decision has already been made in regards to opening and we are wasting our breath.

Bill Prawecki
Reply to  Frenchy
3 years ago

Sounds great but check the small print …. an excerpt from this article . “ Scott said they skipped going to the busy beach often in 2019 when it reopened after a nearly $3-million overhaul that created new parking options, a playground, pavilion, sidewalks, park area, washrooms and lockers.”

With time and money it can be done but not till after all this COVID stuff is behind us. ….. keep it closed this year.

David
3 years ago

It reminds me of the mayor in Jaws.
https://youtu.be/0z3Rs7VMIs4

whatnow
Reply to  David
3 years ago

oh yes…. so true!

Jen
3 years ago

My question: what is the GAIN for opening? Please. Explain. How will this generate anything for anyone? Just plain stupidity. And lack of backbone and confidence in a decision already made. Who caused the flip flop? Who is actually gaining something by opening the beach? Please report on that, council. This is utter stupidity.

Kevin
Reply to  Jen
3 years ago

As humans we need air, water, food, clothing and shelter. For our mental health we have needs beyond these basic things. The beach, like live performances, movie theatres and sports all help to make life more enjoyable. Anybody using the beach will GAIN from it being open. Is this GAIN big enough to justify the cost and risk? There is a financial cost and a health risk. The life guards will GAIN with employment. (wasn’t a lack of life guards a reason for not opening the water park?). Town employees will GAIN from work directly related to opening the beach. The greater the deficit this year the more property taxes can be increased. This is a GAIN of sorts for town employees. Any increase in taxes to cover a deficit will not likely be followed by a tax reduction in future years.

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Kevin
3 years ago

Kevin, I don’t see how “Town employees will GAIN from work directly related to opening the beach.” All town staff are still being fully paid so they get the same income with or without work to perform.

Kevin
Reply to  Ken Strauss
3 years ago

Some people think property taxes will be increased to cover a budget deficit this year. If that happens and taxes are not decreased in future years then more town employees can be hired and/or more projects planned. I have often heard that a manager must spend all the money in a budget or risk a decrease the next year. I always plan to do things in a cost effective way and not to spend everything that is available. The recommendation in this report is the most expensive estimate.

Leweez
Reply to  Ken Strauss
3 years ago

ken, I thought that would make the CTA happy if town employees were coming in to work?

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Leweez
3 years ago

Many private sector Cobourg employees have been out of work for months and without pay yet town staff are still on full pay whether they are “working from home” or doing nothing. In my opinion everyone who is being paid should be working. Do you favour pay for doing nothing?

Leweez
Reply to  Ken Strauss
3 years ago

So your answer to my question is Yes?

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Leweez
3 years ago

They shouldn’t be paid if they are not working. What is your opinion?

Rob
Reply to  Ken Strauss
3 years ago

Many of those Town employees are salaried staff/non-unionized. Reducing hours, layoffs or compensation reductions within the salaried group are difficult under employment law and could result in constructive dismissal (termination of employment). This too would be costly when considering severance, pay in lieu, benefits, reasonable notice, rehiring, training, etc…

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Rob
3 years ago

I hope that many of the non-union staff are actually doing useful work from home. Howard Levitt has written a number of articles for the National Post regarding what can and cannot be done.

Rational
3 years ago

There is another issue/problem that could surface if the Beach re-opens. Those travelling to Cobourg and can’t get on the beach will likely unpack their cars of coolers, food, folding tables, folding chairs etc., and set up for the day in Victoria Park for the day. Last week I saw a group of ~ 20 people doing just that.

My view is that you will now end up with the same concerns as on the Beach but now in the Park. How is Victoria Park going to be monitored, cleaned up, controlled, wash rooms etc. Leadership haven’t thought this issue through.

This is a further reason to leave the Beach closed.

Audrey
3 years ago

The goal should not be re-opening. The goal should be defeating this pandemic. I’m disgusted with this absurd report on “how to reopen the beach”. Shame on everyone who is pushing this recklessness.

Rustler
Reply to  Audrey
3 years ago

Right on, Audrey! There are many, many reasons to keep the beach closed, and not one plausible reason to reopen. And the proposed plan sounds like it was drawn up by Rube Goldberg.

Lyle
3 years ago

There was a movie made called “ Dumb and Dumber “ the cast was disbanded and looks like they were elected here, why r we risking / gambling on this plan to reopen the beach to one and all not to mention the cost

perplexed
Reply to  Lyle
3 years ago

The Town will blast out Taxes through the roof and will for get to reduce them when the cost to Covid 19 have been recovered . We have no control and Council is out of Control
Didn’t someone refer to the Mayor as a Wack a Mole try the whole council now you have the completer set for the whole game board . Don’t we have a councilor with a background in social planing and economics ( Beatty I believe )
Why we would spend $300 +++ K plus the $100 K already spent with out a return of
some kind ? This is way beyond any Thoughts of Fiscal Responsibility .

Informed
Reply to  perplexed
3 years ago

Savings for closing the beach should be put toward lost revenue from all Town events cancelled. The beach is similar to a ongoing Town event except it produces no revenue and just expense. Doesnt make sense on many different levels. Why would we spend this money to open the beach and not use this to offset the lack of revenue due closed CCC. It no longer produces revenue but the fixed expenses are pretty much the same.Its one thing for taxes to go up because of improvements to infrastructure as an example but to appease GTA day trippers to use our beach during a global pandameic? Come on!

Last edited 3 years ago by Informed
sandpiper
3 years ago

Who do we hold Personally accountable ?? for the Financial Blunder , the future Health issues ?
and who brought up the idea of doing this report ??
We made the decisions to close the Beach for a term for all the wright reasons .
What possibly justifies the change and the expense ?? Do we even have a Councilor that reads this New Blog , who listens to the Citizens and residents / Tax payers of Cobourg ?? .
Does Mr Draper review these comment likes and dislikes and forward to anyone on Council Perhaps Brent Laurimer CEO who could read the public vote before councils decisions .
We Certainly need a method of getting the Public opinion to this Council imp articular
That seems to be less in tune with its constituents than any council before them

Frenchy
Reply to  sandpiper
3 years ago

Don’t worry sandpiper, they all read this blog on a daily basis.

Last edited 3 years ago by Frenchy
Fact Checker
Reply to  sandpiper
3 years ago

Accountability, let alone PERSONAL accountability…..dream on. Not going to happen

Small town lover
3 years ago

Is there someone at our hospital who has the power to step in and close the beach if new Covid cases happen in Northumberland? Will there be any tracking information taken if the beach opens?

perplexed
Reply to  Small town lover
3 years ago

Try the Ministry of Municipal affairs and Housing to start
fallowed up by the Head office to the district health unit
Then call The Governors offices in Florida and Arizona / California
for support materials as to the new Huge outbreaks on their Beach communities

New Cobourg
3 years ago

Dear councillors,
Tomorrow will be an extremely important day for you and the people of Cobourg. You have much to consider with regard to the beach status for the balance of the summer season.
I have a bit of advice for each of you. Whichever way you decide to vote, the people of Cobourg, I’m sure will remember how it all played out, when the next election rolls into town. If any don’t, I’m pretty sure many on this site will provide reminders of how it all went.
Just remember why you were voted in. You are there to look after the best interests of the Cobourg people as a whole unit. In no way should your personal feelings enter into your respective final decision.
In closing, what do YOU think the majority of Cobourg residents want for the beach this year?
Cheers,
New Cobourg.

Informed
Reply to  New Cobourg
3 years ago

Didnt a local lawyer advise of the same duties and responsiblities to protect the citizens?

Old Sailor
3 years ago

Through this shell game where taxpayers never know under which shell the bean will end up, our Mayor and Council have never explained the net benefit to Cobourg taxpayers of opening the beach to the world – whether free or for a substantial admission fee. In my view we have elected a Council dominated by save the world do gooders who want to use Cobourg’s budget for all of their personal mission and service wishes. We would be better off focusing our budget on the many special needs of Cobourg taxpayers and residents.

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Old Sailor
3 years ago

Very well said and thank you, Old Sailor!

Regular reader
3 years ago

Reserving comments on the beach and Council deliberations – many others can cover but just want to say a huge thank you to John for the attention and time he has given to keeping the community informed about this issue and Council’s deliberations. Council seems to have ceased sending out its regular bulletins (at least, as of this month, I’m no longer receiving them) and John’s blog with its comprehensive coverage is the only way I am learning about meetings etc.

whatnow
3 years ago

Someone started a poll on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/724466908317281/

whatnow
3 years ago

Why was it announced that the beach would be closed until the end of August if they had no intention of doing that? The financial implications cannot be measured unless we know what the regular cost of opening the beach is each year. Does anyone have those figures? But, council needs to look at the health implications of staff and residents and business owners who will be at risk if the beach is re-opened. You can’t put a price on human life. Please look at what is happening at the other beaches. By ignoring potential risk you but put the whole town in jeopardy.

Bookbinder
Reply to  whatnow
3 years ago

All I know is that if the preferred option by Director Hustwick is chosen, then the cost to re-open the beach will be in the area of $76.00 for a family of 4. That is given a total expenditure of $377,000 and population in Cobourg of 20,000.

Director Hustwick forecast that the cost to close the beach would be $100,000 (presumably already spent), then spending another $377,000 is, in my opinion, an abuse of Cobourg taxpayers.
Given the health risks, and the cost to have the beach opened, I ask council to vote to keep the beach closed

Anne
Reply to  whatnow
3 years ago

As ‘What now’ has said , without normal operating costs we cannot assess the net financial implication. This year we should have closed the beach to other than local residents. That should have been done upfront. At this point in the juncture, the risks outweigh any advantages to open it more broadly.

Susie-Q
3 years ago

For the life of me, I cannot understand why the town does not charge a fee for the use of the beach. The fence is set up, therefore, making it easier to collect a fee at the entrance. This would help cover the costs that are outlined. Of course, those who pay taxes should get in free IMO. Am I missing something here? I don’t get it.

whatnow
Reply to  Susie-Q
3 years ago

I agree. Charge a user fee for non- residents. I’ve never understood this either…

Yvonne michalski
Reply to  Susie-Q
3 years ago

I am so with you. I have it on good authority that we have one of the 10, yes 10 best freshwater beaches in Canada. We are sitting on a goldmine. We foot the cost of dredging, litter clean up, toilets, life guards, patrolling, etc. Getting in is free to all. For visitors, a user fee would at least defray the cost of all this. and adjusted parking fees, except for us, who would have car stickers. Vans full of people with food and barbecues (did we not stop the barbecues?) give nothing to our town but litter. If we marketed better, we’d welcome out of town visitors with a user fee, make sure our locals are open for business, not just ice cream places, and be able to make some revenue. I have seen more eateries on the beach, but this year, to be fair, has been an extraordinary circumstance. But now’s the time to make some significant changes. And finally, following through on transgressions on beach, I will cast a veil on this issue, the message gets out quickly that our rules have no teeth. What do other beaches do, like Wasaga Beach? I know that provincial parks charge per car.

Informed
3 years ago

A real moneymaker with a well thought out plan.OMG.😖

Rational
3 years ago

Definition/context of “Whack A Mole” leadership and/ or management:

“results with reference to a situation in which attempts to solve a problem are piecemeal or superficial, resulting only in temporary or minor improvement”.

In my opinion this is a classic textbook case of WAM.

Town Leadership can and must do better for the taxpayers and residents of Cobourg.

Last edited 3 years ago by Rational
JimT
Reply to  Rational
3 years ago

A.K.A. “the tyranny of small decisions”.

Jen
3 years ago

Let the games begin. I’m just going to watch this train-wreck. Should be fun.

Bill Thompson
Reply to  Jen
3 years ago

Showtime the 29th…..all will be revealed where the well being of Cobourg residents stands in priorities of the elected town council.

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Bill Thompson
3 years ago

The revealed priorities of our Councillors will be remembered by the voters in 2022. It must be a recorded vote so that there will be no doubts regarding where they stood.

Leweez
Reply to  Ken Strauss
3 years ago

Unfortunately, usually not many other choices come voting time

Downtowner
Reply to  Leweez
3 years ago

I’m sure there will be next election!

Audrey
3 years ago

The most important major cost has been omitted. The cost to human health.

Last edited 3 years ago by Audrey
jimq
Reply to  Audrey
3 years ago

Yes, absolutely correct. They are supposed to look out for the health and welfare of the citizens of Cobourg before anything else. We’re still not out of the first wave, and just look at what’s going on in the rest of North America when they open the beaches. Stick with the original closure through to the end of August, and then have a look at what the situation is with the pandemic.

JimT
Reply to  jimq
3 years ago

Stay at home. Soak in your rays in your own back yard, if you must.
Safer for all concerned.

Ken Strauss
3 years ago

Many costs appear to have been omitted. For example, Mr. Hustwick doesn’t include costs for re-configuring the fence, beach grooming, sanitizing and garbage pickup/disposal. Other obvious questions that are not answered include:
What chemicals will be used for sanitizing the beach and how will that be done?
Are the sanitizing chemicals harmful to the environment or for the visitors or for the gulls?
Will water bottle filling stations be provided?

Last edited 3 years ago by Ken Strauss
Art Seymour
Reply to  Ken Strauss
3 years ago

Well…it seems pretty obvious: CLOSE THE BEACH!! Let the cost of putting up the fence have some meaning and support for our protection from Covid-19. There is no logic to spending so much badly needed taxpayer funds and also increasing the risk to our health, and to add insult to injury, also having free beach access for all those visitors come to Cobourg. Time to take a stand! Just take look at what happened in Kingston this past week!!!
and

Yvonne michalski
Reply to  Art Seymour
3 years ago

What happened in Kingston, Art?