Category: News 2018

Compromise on Council Salaries

John Draper

At the Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, the Cobourg Taxpayers Association (CTA) made a strong case for much higher compensation for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors than was recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee.  As was reported two weeks ago (see links below), the Ad Hoc committee formed to look at remuneration recommended quite small increases (3.4 to 9.3%)  based on the practice at other comparable municipalities but Paul Pagnuelo of the CTA suggested that to be fair for the work done, much higher increases were appropriate.  The idea is that a higher salary would attract a higher caliber of candidate.  In addition, Paul suggested that there should be compensation for the loss of the tax… Read complete articleCompromise on Council Salaries

Armed Robbery at Shell Gas Station

John Draper

Cobourg police report that on Monday, May 14th, 2018, at approximately 4:40 am, Police responded to a call for an armed robbery at the Shell Gas Station, located at 1154 Division Street in Cobourg.  It was reported that two males entered the store and demanded cash and cigarettes.  Both suspects were armed with handguns.  The suspects obtained an unknown amount of cash and cigarettes and fled on foot eastbound on Densmore Road. Cobourg Police are asking for the assistance of the public to identify the two suspects. Both suspects are described as male white, 16-25 years – one was wearing grey baggy sweat pants, black jacket, blue hoodie underneath and a black string style back pack.  The other was wearing… Read complete articleArmed Robbery at Shell Gas Station

Housing Prices and Developments

John Draper

With the price of houses in Cobourg steady at about $100K more than in 2016, new housing developments in Cobourg are well under way.   There is the high end Cedar Shores project on King West (14 new detached homes), the West Park Village expansion (72 units) and the Harbour Breeze Condos on the Legion property (53 units) as well as rental units (e.g. on Munroe Street).  Although prices have leveled off, the recent price increases would motivate developers.  Prices for residential homes are steady at an average of around $425K – much like Toronto prices which are now level at around $775K.  That $350K difference means that a lot of GTA residents see Cobourg as a bargain. Averages hide the… Read complete articleHousing Prices and Developments

Hospice Fundraising Campaign Receives One Million Dollars

John Draper

A year ago, it was announced that a 6 Bed “in-patient” Hospice would be built in Cobourg.  Since then land has been procured on Ontario Street (just south of the Alliance Church) and a fundraising campaign has started (see Links below).  The Fundraising joint Chairs are Patti and Gord Ley and they were joined by Lynda Kay as Campaign Director.  They will be officially launching the campaign on June 5 but today, they announced a $1,000,000 leadership gift by the Read Elliott Family Foundation which was established by Kym and Brian Read.  In recognition of this substantial gift, the Hospice Care wing will be named the Read Elliott Family Foundation Hospice Care Wing. Kym and Brian are residents of Cobourg… Read complete articleHospice Fundraising Campaign Receives One Million Dollars

Cobourg’s Actions on Sustainability Criticized by Committee

John Draper

In a report to go to council on May 14, the Planning & Sustainability Advisory Committee are criticizing the Town for failing to follow through or act upon several initiatives.  These include action on Climate Change, Corporate Energy Conservation and Community Energy Planning.  They point to a lack of reports as well as the resulting economic risk.  The report lists other municipalities that have been taking action on sustainability.  But like all good criticism, they also suggest solutions – that is, actions that could be taken.  As an advisory committee, all they can do is make recommendations to Council and in this case they want the C.A.O. to “consider and report back on the extension of staff resources to ensure… Read complete articleCobourg’s Actions on Sustainability Criticized by Committee

Town and Police Board to sign MOU

John Draper

The Business Services Unit (BSU) of the Cobourg Police generates significant income that offsets costs to the Town and taxpayers but the Police board is concerned that this comes with a risk.  If Governments, Provincial or Federal, change the rules, the income could be lost.  Therefore the Town and the Police have prepared a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that spells out how this will be handled.  The intent is to keep the BSU separate from day to day Police operation and budget so that any drop in income will not impact taxpayers.  So far, profit from the BSU has been used for Capital items – most recently the cost of setting up the second floor of Venture 13 to house… Read complete articleTown and Police Board to sign MOU

Farmers’ Market in New Location

John Draper

Today was the first Saturday in May so the Farmers’ Market was open but in a new location.  Operating since 1839 – mostly from the parking lot behind Victoria Hall – it is now located around the concrete pad that serves as a base for the rink in winter and a fountain in summer.  I counted 28 booths, mostly with tents although the weather was kind: sunny and cool.  Vendor trucks were parked in the adjacent lot so there was parking available for customers behind Victoria Hall.  The day opened with Mary Ito of the Cobourg Legion Pipes and Drums providing a ceremonial “Piping in”; she led Mayor Gil Brocanier and Councillor Séguin around the central space.  Vince Ruttan provided… Read complete articleFarmers’ Market in New Location

Gun Amnesty Results

John Draper

In April, the Cobourg Police Service, in collaboration with the Ontario Provincial Police, provided a gun amnesty program.  As a result, 19 firearms and a quantity of ammunition were turned in (see photo below).  The idea was to allow people who illegally have guns to get rid of them before they get caught and charged.  An exception is made to the amnesty if the guns  “were used in the commission of a crime” and ”no anonymous submissions were accepted.”  Specifically: “The Gun Amnesty applied to any documented or undocumented firearms, and other weapons and accessories” as well as ammunition.  If there are fewer guns out there, there are fewer that can be used to commit a crime. In their Press… Read complete articleGun Amnesty Results