Presumably to avoid disputes, Council is being asked to consider a new Policy that would guide them in the naming of Streets, Parks and Municipal facilities.   After going through a process, each name would be vetted by both the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the Cobourg Heritage Advisory Committee. Where applicable, “external stakeholders” would also be consulted.  It seems to me that this would generally avoid the need for public meetings since anyone interested can make their case to the committees.  The final choice would be approved by Council.  The proposed Policy provides guidelines and procedures that are likely acceptable to most residents (that’s the intent) – see the covering memo and bylaw in the download link below. Instead… Read complete articleStreet, Park and Facility naming policy

On September 11, 2017,  the owner of the building on the old Kraft property at 520 William Street and known as the Certo building asked for permission to demolish it.  This was in response to an “Order to Remedy” issued by Cobourg’s Chief Building Official because of the poor state of the building.  The request came before Council and because of its Heritage value, it was referred to the Cobourg Heritage Advisory Committee.  They reviewed the request but felt that the building could perhaps be preserved so recommended two actions: 1. That the building be “designated” as a Heritage property and  2. That a Rehabilitation Plan be prepared.  This would give an accurate assessment of the feasibility and cost of… Read complete articleCerto Building Demolition on Hold

Today, Cobourg Staff presented to Council their requests for the 2018 capital budget and staffing increases.  The meeting lasted over 3 hours and included considerable detail but below are highlights.   The total Capital amount requested is significantly higher than the amount likely to be approved but as chair John Henderson remarked “There are no decisions in this meeting”.   The amounts are proposed and subject to further deliberation (see schedule of ongoing meetings below).  If you wish to see the complete meeting but missed it being streamed at 1:00pm, also below is the video of the full meeting.  There were a few surprises but no totally new projects although there were snippets of information to be gleaned from comments by staff… Read complete articleCobourg 2018 Budget Requests

At the Council meeting on October 10, a tender award was approved to build a soccer pitch in James Cockburn Park.  In addition, there will be a pedestrian/cyclists trail and additional parking.  Although the memo from staff was a bit ambiguous on the subject, it stated that $159K of the cost comes from the Canada 150 Community infrastructure program and the rest from the Town.  The original intent was to not only build a full-sized pitch but also three small practice fields but tender bids were way over budget.  This was because the north-south slope meant significant earth works would be required.  Revisions to the scope resulted in total costs of $159K.  Some minor changes to sewer manhole covers in… Read complete articleNew Soccer Pitch in James Cockburn Park