Category: News 2018

New Council Sworn in

John Draper

It was more of a declaration that they would work to the best of their ability, be honest with no improper payments and be loyal to the Queen.  At a special Council meeting tonight, the new Mayor, Deputy Mayor and all Councillors made their declarations in front of Justice of the Peace Jack Le Blanc and finished with the statement that this was “of the same force and effect as if made under oath”.  The ceremonies started with the usual Town cry from Mandy Robinson and a poem by Ted Amsden – who finished with the exhortation to Councillors to “Have Fun but never at our expense”. There were about 200 citizens at the event but both MP Kim Rudd… Read complete articleNew Council Sworn in

Reindeer Run

John Draper

It must be getting close to Christmas because the latest fundraiser had a Christmas theme – that’s if Reindeer count.  The YMCA and the NHH Foundation jointly sponsored a Reindeer run in Victoria Park this morning (that’s Saturday December 1st).  There were about 150 participants in 4 events all starting at around 9:30.  The first was for toddlers who just wanted to join in; the second was a 1km Reindeer dash for kids (they followed a costumed “reindeer”) and the other two were a 3km and 5km run although many participants took it easy – walking or even strolling with a stroller.  The route for the runs is shown in the map below and the photos give an idea of… Read complete articleReindeer Run

News Sources in Cobourg

John Draper

With the closing of Northumberland Today and with Northumberland News only published once a week, Cobourg residents are looking for alternative sources of daily local news.  About 160 people came to a public meeting on 20 March 2018 and a group was subsequently formed to try to do something about it.  The result has been Northumberland Hub – a web site that provides links to the latest local news reports.  The intent is to help people find online news sources. Although local news is now covered quite well, it’s more scattered and you have to work at getting all the same information. The situation with traditional newspapers seems to get worse each year with many of them moving online and… Read complete articleNews Sources in Cobourg

CTA complaint supported by Ombudsman

John Draper

On May 4 2018, four members of the Cobourg Taxpayers Association (CTA) attempted to attend a Parks and Recreation Advisory Steering Committee meeting but were refused by Director Dean Hustwick.  He was supported by the Municipal Clerk and Mayor Gil Brocanier who insisted the meeting was not open to the public. Then at a council meeting on 4 June 2018, Dennis Nabieszko of the Cobourg Taxpayers Association – backed by Debra McCarthy – asked why steering committee meetings for the waterfront study were not public. Dean Hustwick said that the steering committee was not an advisory group and not public. In fact, the “steering committee” role was assigned to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee whose meetings are generally open to… Read complete articleCTA complaint supported by Ombudsman

Survey on Cannabis Retail Outlets in Cobourg

John Draper

The Town of Cobourg is looking for input from residents on whether to allow Marijuana retail stores within Cobourg Town limits. The deadline for a decision is 22 January 2019 but before then there will be an information session in Victoria Hall on December 17, an online survey and two Council meetings. The deadline has been set by the Provincial Government for a one-time opportunity to opt-out of hosting retail cannabis outlets although it will be possible to opt-back in at a later date. The online survey is now open (see link below) and it will be open until 2 January 2019. If you don’t like online surveys, you can also email up to the same date or attend one of… Read complete articleSurvey on Cannabis Retail Outlets in Cobourg

Party Atmosphere for Lights-on

John Draper

Downtown Cobourg was alive and in a Festive mood on Friday night.  Hundreds turned out to see the 23rd annual ceremony to turn on the lights.  The Legion Pipes and Drums entertained as did the girls from Jennifer’s Jazzitup Studio with their dance routine in front of Victoria Hall.  The empty store opposite Victoria Hall was filled with Christmas Market vendors as well as entries in the Gingerbread house competition (see photos and link below).  The temperature was just above freezing but cold enough to make the Market popular as a keep warm location.   As well as vendors and the Gingerbread Festival, a group of carollers entertained and Christmas characters strolled around both in the Market and outside.  Also spotted… Read complete articleParty Atmosphere for Lights-on

NHH 2017 Homicide Details Now Released

John Draper

On 27 October 2017, there was a double homicide at the Northumberland Hills Hospital and until now, few details have been released.  This was because Police were involved with a shooting.  As a result the Special Investigator’s Unit (SIU) was called in but they have now completed their investigation and cleared the two policemen involved.  They have also released a graphic detailed account of the event although the police jargon used makes it hard to follow.  If one adds information unearthed by newspaper reporters at the time, and translates the jargon, the story is almost material for a TV show.  Since this incident, Police and Hospital staff have worked together to establish procedures to be used if there is a… Read complete articleNHH 2017 Homicide Details Now Released

Entertainment in Cobourg

John Draper

We are fortunate to have a good entertainment scene in Cobourg – but I wonder how many people realize just how extensive and diverse it is.  In the next several months, the Town will be immersed in developing a Cultural plan to point the way to the future in both entertainment and heritage but a starting point is knowing what we already have. There are not only multiple venues (Victoria Hall, The Loft, Trinity Church, Best Western, Cobourg Community Centre, Rainbow Cinemas) but also multiple organizations (see list and details below).  A big part of getting the word out has now gone with the demise of the daily paper so we must rely on posters, web sites and word of… Read complete articleEntertainment in Cobourg