Category: News 2018

Town Hall meeting proposed re Local News

John Draper

Many people in Cobourg and nearby areas were unhappy when Northumberland Today closed down. The weekly Northumberland News and various blogs (like this one) do not fill the big gap.  What’s needed is not just a daily coverage of all kinds of news but also coverage of community activities such as entertainment events, births, engagements, deaths and club meetings as well as local classifieds – preferably daily.  And of course multiple reporters (and others) were put out of work.  But John Miller, professor emeritus at Ryerson University School of Journalism and resident of Port Hope, wanted to do something. With the help of interested citizens and in particular, Rob Washburn, John got people discussing the issue.  John is “out of… Read complete articleTown Hall meeting proposed re Local News

Councillor Séguin asking for Citizen involvement

John Draper

In her Coordinator’s report at Monday’s Council meeting, Suzanne Séguin said that work on getting the Cultural Master Plan created is getting under way. This plan is expected to shape the future of culture in Cobourg and is long awaited. It will require a steering committee of citizens who have an arts/cultural involvement/expertise and Suzanne asked that anyone interested should contact her at [email protected] In a letter to Council, residents Simon and Emily Chorley said that the remuneration Ad Hoc committee should have at least one female member but has none. In response, John Henderson said that the members were appointed by several advisory committees and any females nominated had declined. However, there is room for a seventh member so… Read complete articleCouncillor Séguin asking for Citizen involvement

Stopping Demolition by Neglect

John Draper

The ACO (Architecture Conservancy Ontario) is continuing to try to preserve the Sidbrook building at 411 King East (photo below).  In June 2015, they wrote to Council asking that they ensure full compliance with Property Standards but the ACO now says that they are now taking a multi-pronged approach.  Right now though, the roof needs major repairs.  In a presentation to Council on February 5th, Gail Rayment asked the Town to force the owner to make repairs.  Director Glenn McGlashon responded that the Town is in fact pursuing legal options to force immediate repairs by the owner he but did not divulge any details.  The building has been empty since 2002 and apart from a few forced repairs and a… Read complete articleStopping Demolition by Neglect

Ontario Culture Minister visits Dressler Museum

John Draper

The Hon. Daiene Vernile, Minister of Tourism, Culture & Sport came to Cobourg this morning and visited the Marie Dressler Museum.  The occasion was the announcement of a program of events in 2018 celebrating Marie Dressler’s 150th birthday. Daiene was suitably impressed with the Museum and with the efforts made by Cobourg to preserve our Heritage and provide things for tourists and residents to do.  Also at the event were MPP Lou Rinaldi, Director Dean Hustwick and the County’s Tourist manager Eileen Lum. Marie Dressler Foundation Chair, Rick Miller, showed the Minister the features of the Museum and finished with a video about how it came to be plus an announcement of upcoming events. Daiene remarked that we need to… Read complete articleOntario Culture Minister visits Dressler Museum

Beer coming to Cobourg Walmart

John Draper

Starting in April 2018, Cobourg Walmart will sell beer and cider. It will be in 6-packs and at the same price as the beer store.  Hours are also “standardized” – better than the beer store but the same as other grocery stores selling beer.  The addition of a Cobourg location and 86 other new locations will bring the total number of Ontario Groceries selling beer and cider to 370.  70 of these can also sell wine – but not the Walmart in Cobourg.  The “standard hours” will be: Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Walmart’s regular hours are 7:00am to 10:00pm, 7 days.  Grocers are required to adhere to uniform and minimum… Read complete articleBeer coming to Cobourg Walmart

Objections to Animal Show at CCC

John Draper

Two women have written to Cobourg Council objecting to the Cobourg Community Centre hosting a “baby animal show” called Meet a Sloth – Diversity of Living Things.  The show is staged by Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo who say they are “combining forces with Animal Ambassadors with our largest and most comprehensive exhibit to date. Featuring a Baby Sloth, Kangaroo, Skunk, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Alligator, Snakes, Tarantulas, Tortoises, and so much more!”  Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo is based in Ottawa but have four locations as well as touring.  Both writers ask that their letters be read aloud at the Council meeting but that is not usually done.  Neither woman gives her address but some Google research found that M…. Read complete articleObjections to Animal Show at CCC

Police Focus on Distracted Driving

John Draper

In January the Police focused on pedestrian safety – I would like to report that they reduced the number of pedestrians crossing on a red light or jaywalking but given the extra-cold January I did very little walking in the month and certainly saw no foot patrolling police or anyone warned.  Perhaps they can repeat this program in mid-summer.  But in February their “Selective Traffic Enforcement Project (S.T.E.P.) for the month of February will focus on distracted driving in Cobourg.”  They quote scary figures by the CAA on how “Drivers engaged in visual-manual interactions with cell phones (e.g., texting) are up to eight times as likely to be involved in a crash” and “Drivers conversing on mobile devices, either hands-free… Read complete articlePolice Focus on Distracted Driving

FM 89.7 concerts supported and other Council updates

John Draper

At tonight’s Council Committee of the Whole meeting, Barry Johnson from Northumberland 89.7 FM made a presentation asking for approval of a Community Grant – their original request was denied at the budget review meeting – see “Budget for 2018” link below.  He gave considerable detail and asked for $2,995 but $2,500 was approved.  Miriam Mutton made a presentation as a citizen and objected to the spending of taxpayer money on the Kerr Street “layby” (see link below); the YMCA “agreement” was deferred until after the YMCA Board had met on the subject (no date set);  the Floating Playground was discussed and the RFP was approved to be issued.   Also announced was a replacement for Bryan Baxter – he was… Read complete articleFM 89.7 concerts supported and other Council updates