The short answer is that not much is happening in Cobourg – at least not as far as you can tell. Most restaurants have switched to take out, people have mostly stayed home although there are still people shopping at supermarkets, the beer store and LCBO (both stores). Crime is still happening – Police are reporting many instances of individuals failing to comply with probation and court orders as well as minor shoplifting. Police are making sure the Parks stay empty except for people passing through. News media are struggling to find much to report on since there are few public activities; there are fewer flyers in the one weekly newspaper; Canada Post continues to operate; Town staff are still working – many of them from home.
The good news is that so far nobody in Cobourg has died from the virus but there is no way of knowing how many people are hurting for lack of income. There are a number of jobs that simply cannot be done at home – these include manufacturing, retail, recreation, construction and more. One of the things people are doing at home is keeping track of the news and the latest restrictions or “opening up”. One popular web page with local information is this one on Cobourg News Blog. It includes a list of Restaurants doing takeout complete with phone numbers and opening hours (where they provide them).
People miss their social life and this is not helped with many clubs and volunteer organizations shut down. However, many are using phone calls, email and facebook to fill the gap.
Going to an entertainment or sports event is not possible – so the detailed calendar on the Cobourg Internet Entertainment web site has been shut down and is not planning to restart in the future. The Capitol Theatre and the AGN are keeping their clientele involved with online activities but many organizations have gone silent. The major summer events will be missed – no Waterfront Festival, Canada Day celebrations, Highland Games, RibFest, Concerts in the Park and probably the Sandcastle Festival. The DBIA have cancelled all their 2020 events although maybe Christmas events will happen – TBD. No word yet on the Santa Parade. One problem is that many events need a long advance time to organize.
The Agendas for Council meetings have fewer items and coupled with the general shutdown, there is less local news to report on so I will have fewer reports. Oh well. See this page for other local news sites.
Print Article:
Cobourg yes is a paradise compared to many larger cities today. However I was downtown yesterday. Gathered together were several people, some of whom I recognized as long term homeless among them were several new faces I had never seen before. Wonder if that population is growing with the further services added. Anyone know?
I was asking a question not making a comment actually. Reporting what I had seen. Anyone have information? Our dumpster diver was here again – there are two – one collects cans and the other just dives in the garbage bin, not the recycle bin. She was discovered sleeping in the garbage bin at one point. Re-opening mental health care facilities is very much needed for so many of them.
Or maybe some of them are simply homeless and hungry. Females may want a place to sleep where they don’t have to worry about being attacked.
Actually this one particular person was a regular “visitor”. Used to wonder why she was bent over the dumpster sifting through the garbage, not recycling. When asked what she was doing she said she was visiting someone and looking for papers she had thrown out – not true she was trepassing upon the property. On one occasion she was found in the garbage bin sleeping. Younger, late 20s or 30s fit looking otherwise – wondered why a person who appeared normal would not get the help the needed and try life with everyone else unless she had mental problems.
Appearances are deceiving Observer…no one chooses homeless or mental illness over the alternative. Many homeless have concurrent disorders, in that they have a mental illness coupled with an addiction – double whammy. Its a terrible vicious cycle that many still view as a “choice.” There is little political will to allocate sufficient resources to address the problem. If addiction was contagious I have no doubt there would be plenty of money and many people looking at ways to solve it – but its just an issue that “they” have … those trespassers, dumpster divers, etc…
I ran a halfway house Rob for newly released inmates from all levels of the penal system for 2 1/2 years. Additionally I had considerable involvement with programs to assist those suffering from addiction. The desire to stop being sick and tired comes from within the addict. Unless that spark lights there is no hope for that person. Unfortunately the mental hospitals were closed down and many people among the homeless suffer from mental illness. As I posted it is a shame these institutions were closed. The Charter of Human Rights comes into it strongly now – however I think that less than kind, these people can’t cope.
There is no addiction rehabilitation that does not require a deep desire and will to break the addiction. There is no magic pill.
That is true Kyle – seen many a person with various addiction take the “garbage truck all the way to the dump”. One wise person stated the garbage truck goes all the way to the dump – you can get off any time you want.
a lesson for us all https://nethugs.com/police-wheelchair-undercover/?fbclid=IwAR1TOb3sp5bxIQ7fIR_0N_v22VljVBL-EZEggFR6ohBhH4nOEmKdlcaQwRI
Someone once explained to me that Cobourg was ‘fifteen square miles surrounded by reality’ and the recent pandemic reminds us how true that really is…
Our citizens get paid by the government monthly regardless of an international health crisis…
Our factories were already closed down before any government looked to enforcing it…
Our schools rank the lowest graduation rate in the Province before any closure..
Our taxes are the highest, so an excuse for another increase helps everyone…
We got rid of our newspapers long ago and so, our local media isn’t under any current economic threat….
Yes–we have our own reality……
I think that is called fake believe.
John, this virus has particularly thrown a monkey wrench into your tireless and much appreciated reporting. You are used to going flat out keeping us well informed.
Well, rest up because I can see a summer of lots of activities. They will look different, more pop-up in nature but nonetheless entertaining. Big is out, little is in, but connected little. With a little imagination we can keep our spirits lifted.
Just heard about a live streaming, Cobourg at Home, to take place shortly and the gang at Cultivate Community (arising from the Cultivate Festival) are reshaping their mandate to help Northumberland residents get better acquainted. All good!
“With a little imagination we can keep our spirits lifted.”
OK. https://youtu.be/OdhG95oqqo8
We were charmed, and attracted to Cobourg, 22 years ago after we caught the headline ‘King the German Shepherd missing’, front page Cobourg Daily Star. Followed by the one when he was found. Maybe mundane but showed the heart of this town.
John Hadyn et al manufacturing shields at Venture 13 is one good news story today. Well done of Cobourg folk. There must be more? Our essential service people are working away for us. People are being respectful of precautions for the most part…keeping spread down. Yeah to all. Maybe your contributors can help figure out how we can support the start up?
One thing I have noticed happening is an increase in graffiti. Seems to be popping up all over.
It is not very interesting but something was happening on Sunday. Public Works was cleaning out drains on King St. Perhaps there is less traffic to disrupt on weekends but under the current circumstances they should not have to work weekends. At least some people are able to work. With so many things closed what else are they going to do?
What is problem with them working on Sunday ?
Nothing if you don’t mind large loud Commercial Mowers and heavy Equip with back Beepers out side your bed room window
Do the workers get paid extra on weekends? Under the current situation is it necessary to work weekends for regular maintenance work? Doing work on a road is safer and more efficient with less traffic which could be on a weekend. Usually parks are busiest on weekends. Under the current situation it might be possible to change the usual work schedule to save costs. Maybe it is too complicated to change for, hopefully, not too much longer.
Paid time and a half or more I’d expect
Cobourg Taxpayer what makes you think that?
Is that what you would expect to be paid for working on a Saturday or Sunday?
Leweez, perhaps because she has read the contract? See page 35 of the contract between THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF COBOURG and THE CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE WORKERS LOCAL 25 at https://www.sdc.gov.on.ca/sites/mol/drs/ca/Public%20Administration/913-42395-20%20(951-0101).pdf:
Actually Ken, the town of Cobourg and Cupe local 25 quietly agreed to forego this collective agreement clause. The outside workers are now split up into two teams. They now are covering 7 days a week with no overtime for weekend work during these emergency times.
A nice example of two sides working together.
Maybe a little recognition for that Ken?
A joint announcement by Henderson and a union rep would have made a great photo op to blunt some of the criticism of no layoffs. Did I miss it, Leweez? What is the duration for forgoing the collective agreement clause? Did the town make any concessions?
I do not have the answers to your questions, but as for why no joint announcement, Maybe this union prefers to leave all the media attention and praise for the Fire department. You know, the ones who are receiving a $4.00/hr raise during these difficult times.
Check out their contract Ken
Leeweez…you had your facts right on cupe and the overtime and then you turn around and mislead with the extra 4.00/hr for Firefighters. The OPffa put a statement out not long ago asking to be excluded. Dont let your hatred for firefighters muddy the facts.
Oh wise one, you should check your facts, each local fire dept has the option to accept or deny the $4.00 raise. It is not one provincial decision from a union but each local union’s decision.
Yah. They just tell the Town to give them 4 bucks more an hour more and they go write the check. Give your head a shake
Informed, do a little research
A local union tells the town to pay them more and the Town says” Sure we will do thay right away!” LOL
My 2nd cousin became a firefighter. He had to try many times but finally was accepted. His late father served on the Metropolitan Toronto Police – my 2nd cousin’s mother thinking it unsafe, at times thankless asked him not to join that organization. But wanting to do something for his fellow man in a meaningful way he then chose to be a firefighter. Risking his life and his limb not knowing after a day’s work if he would return to this family. $4.00? Chicken Feed for that. He didn’t join for the money.
So you saying the $4.00/hr raise should be permanent?
Observer:
$4.00???
90% of the Town’s sunshine list ($100K+) is cops and firefighters. Many Cobourg residents earn somewhat less than that.
Fact Checker – my point was my 2nd cousin wished to be a firefighter to assist, his choice was not based on the money – he was raised in a home with a father that wished to serve. Always remember an early picture of him standing by his police car which read – To Serve and Protect. A much observed sentiment in their home. The mother however with all the political correctness did not want her sons following in the police department. She felt sensible policing decisions could not be made to keep her sons safe due to political correctioness. Sunshine List – union staff – ordinary government employment, know government employees without even Grade 12 that made the list – check that out Fact Checker. And that’s a fact!
And their pensions are not defined contribution but “defined benefit”…something that most non Govt. jobs don’t get. Taxpayers on the hook again for Govt. workers…not right!
Most that criticize clearly dont have all the facts.
Read reply above, most uninformed think they are informed🤫
Leeweez…i was more informed a month ago when you weren’t 😏
Whatever helps you sleep at night
Ken – interesting – see below – City of Toronto – Park Department regularly work Saturdays and Sundays on rotating shifts. Often a worker is placed on a shift that encompasses afternoons and weekend – see below for pay – they are then switched to a regular day shift and someone else is assigned to take their turn for weekends and afternoons. CUPE collective agreement 416 The link you provided Ken required a password. Was unable to locate the collective agreement for Local 25..
Observer, cut/paste into the address bar of your browser. You have to include .pdf at the end
Page 43 not 35.
https://www.sdc.gov.on.ca/sites/mol/drs/ca/Public%20Administration/913-42395-20%20(951-0101).pdf
Finally success! Thanks Frenchy – read the clause for Sewers employment and yes it does state double time for any hours worked on a Sunday or Public Holiday. Sweet deal. If only we could get that in private industry. But then there would be no private industry in many cases.
If it was overtime it would be 1 1/2 or double time.
Possibly preventative maintenance against flooding such as in June 2016 the lake level is High as you know many of Cobourg’s sewers both Storm and Sanitary are in adequate and over capacity a lot of projects in town have been side lined for just that reason .
I just wish they would not find it necessary to cut the grass and work at the beach with heavy equipment at 6:45 am or as in the case cut the grass This Sunday at the Marina and Victoria Park What ever happened to a day of rest or peace full enjoyment of my Home
No one should have to work on the ‘Lord’s Day’…..unless they get double time…..and it better be necessary work!
No one should have to modify their schedule in order to conform to the narrow beliefs of one particular group.
The Whose Day? That ended when stores were allowed to open on Sundays, in the early 90s. I remember the campaign, titled “Say No to Sunday Shopping”. Labour was opposed; members wanted their one day off a week (exception for those we now call essential workers). Here’s some video and a song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlJi7zLtf8k
Interesting Deborah – City of Toronto – Parks Department – rotating shifts, premiums are paid for afternoon shift and weekend shift. For a labourer the base rate is probably $28 or more per hour now, add on the premium which is calculated per hour. Very good money. they do work Saturday and Sunday and have for years stretching back over time. Should it fall on a STAT day and you work it is double time and a half.
Per the weekend Globe & Mail many bored families are taking to birding to brighten up their days. According to the Oshawa Urban Nature birding store they are having record online sales due to bored residents taking up birding. Urban Nature are just keeping up with the pick up at the store orders – like my 50 lb bag of shelled peanuts order They deliver to your car trunk. Other birding stores may do the same.
So out our window we can watch the fight between Blue Jays and Grackles over the hanging peanut ring. Or guess which birds will feed first on droppings from the caged songbird feeders. Or we can get other specialty bird feeders for Orioles and Hummingbirds. Or just start snacking on bird seed.
We have neighbours across the street who are the penultimate Northumberland birders. I have not yet snuck out into their backyard under the light of the full moon to see what they put out in their feeders for their morning winged visitors. But no doubt it will be gems like worm meal, cranberries, raisins and other treats only known to expert birders.
Great way to spend our imprisonment days.
Hey Old Sailor, 🙂 … be careful about sneaking over to the neighbour at night to check out what they have in their bird feeder … Northumberland News reported that a black bear was also checking out east end bird feeders at night recently. Wait, was that a disguise?
Speaking of birds, where are the hummingbirds? They are usually here by this time even though nights are still very cold. The nectar has been out, but my pair have been elsewhere for 2 years, cause for concern.
On another note, plenty of bears this year. How much damage does an animal like this have to do before town acts on it? If they keep on getting food and no dissuasion, they are unlikely to leave, read: coyotes and raccoons. With the wet garbage, even more so. Bear buffet. Anyone know who to call and options?
May 5th has been hummingbird arrival day in my part of town for years. Occasionally the 4th. These cold nights can be deadly for them. I’m convinced that we are the last to get hummers because they won’t cross Lake Ontario, but come around the ends instead, so Toronto and Kingston get theirs first. Seems obvious to me.
Don’t forget to report online when you see the first one(s). hummingbirdscanada.ca/
I would guess that the hummingbirds follow warming weather.and would not cross Lake Ontario until it had warmed up on the south side.
Maybe they are still in the 14-day quarantine since they travelled abroad? 🙂
We had our first hummingbirds here on Friday and at the feeder yesterday during the snow flurries
Will a full lockdown release will be received with alacrity?
Informed, you were saying…?