Category: News 2018

Santa Parade – 2018

John Draper

Despite the two degree temperature, a good crowd turned out to watch this year’s Santa parade on Sunday. There was no sunshine but also no rain or snow and little or no wind which meant it was not bad considering the weather in the previous week or two. Depending on who you spoke to and probably depending on their memories, the parade was better or not so good. I counted six bands which is good although I thought there were fewer large floats. However, the major attraction – Santa – was on a lower sleigh. It was probably easier to see him but it somehow was not as impressive as the one where he looked down from on high. But… Read complete articleSanta Parade – 2018

Homelessness in Northumberland County

John Draper

At the recent Municipal Election, homelessness was a major issue with candidates being asked questions as to what they would do.  The prime responsibility for tackling the homelessness problem rests with the County and at the next County Council meeting on 21 November, a report will be presented on a survey taken during the week of April 16th – 20th, 2018 to measure the extent of homelessness in the County.  Although the survey probably did not include 100% of those experiencing homelessness, it is believed to be a good snapshot. During the “registry week”, volunteers were able to connect with 51 individuals and 10 families who were experiencing homelessness. That is, “people who are completely unsheltered, living in emergency shelter,… Read complete articleHomelessness in Northumberland County

Marie Dressler’s Birthday party

John Draper

The last event in the series celebrating the 150th birthday of Marie Dressler was held on her actual birthday, last Friday November 9.  The venue was the Art Gallery of Northumberland and as well as the requisite speeches, it featured the La Jeunesse choir singing for the approx. 73 who came to the party. They performed “Singing in the Rain” in honour of Marie who sang this song in the 1929 Hollywood Revue as well as the requisite “Happy Birthday” and another song. Actress Carlotta Rutledge portrayed Marie and when the kids made birthday cards for Marie she presented them with presents. In attendance were MPP David Piccini, Mayor Gil Brocanier and several Councillors. The party was kicked off by… Read complete articleMarie Dressler’s Birthday party

Empty Store to be used for 2018 Gingerbread Festival

John Draper

On Friday November 23, 2018 as part of Cobourg’s Christmas Magic tree lighting ceremony, the Habitat for Humanity’s Gingerbread Festival will start displaying gingerbread houses.  The Festival will run from 5 pm on Friday 23rd to 5pm on Sunday, November 25th and will be located in the large empty store across the street from Victoria Hall. This will be the first time in the three year history of the event that all entries will be in the one location. Organizers are currently estimating that this year there will be over 50 community entries and 8-10 professional entries. But there’s more. In the same location and at the same times, the DBIA is organizing a Christmas Market for downtown merchants. The… Read complete articleEmpty Store to be used for 2018 Gingerbread Festival

Cobourg Remembers

John Draper

Maybe it was because it was the 100th anniversary of Armistice day or maybe because the weather was OK and it was a weekend – but whatever the reason, it was good to see such a large turnout on Sunday at the Remembrance Day ceremonies – I estimated close to 1000 showed their respects.  Most of the local representatives of the people (otherwise known as politicians) marched and were at the ceremonies – both MP Kim Rudd and MPP David Piccini laid wreaths.  Although Cobourg is still primarily Christian, it was surprising that other beliefs were not respected.  Council meetings have become neutral, but it seems this has not extended to November 11 ceremonies.  However, I did notice a First… Read complete articleCobourg Remembers

New Party established in Riding

John Draper

The new People’s Party of Canada (PPC) held an inaugural meeting in Cobourg tonight to establish their Electoral District Association (EDA) for Northumberland Peterborough South.  The new Federal Party was established in September 2018 when Maxime Bernier broke away from the Conservative Party.  With almost 40,000 members across Canada but not yet an official party, it is racing against time to be set up for the next federal election in October 2019.  At the meeting, a new executive was elected, or rather nominated since their confirmation is subject to some background checking.  There were about 18 people at the meeting held in Arthur’s pub – more than expected by organizer Adam Gray from Belleville.  All ages were represented with about… Read complete articleNew Party established in Riding

Federal Government contributes to Armistice 18

John Draper

MP Kim Rudd today announced that Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program that is operated by the Veteran’s Affairs Department is granting Cobourg $10,000 for its Armistice 18 program.  Kim commended Cobourg for its efforts although she did not mention the criticism leveled at the Federal Government in a recent McLeans article (see link below).  The same article also commended Cobourg:  “Cobourg, a town of 20,000 on Lake Ontario, is currently putting the rest of the country to shame in recognizing one of the most significant events in our nation’s past. In fact, it’s doing more to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War than the entire federal government.” But Kim did manage to get the money… Read complete articleFederal Government contributes to Armistice 18

CTA Asks Town for Better Budgets

John Draper

Not everyone supports the Cobourg Taxpayers Association (CTA) but most would support their statement that the “operating budget and capital budget process is the single most important responsibility that Council has”.  In a recent newsletter to those on their mailing list, the CTA asked that the new Council make several specific improvements to budget preparation and reporting.  Although they did not spell it out, the new council will have a new Deputy Mayor (Suzanne Séguin) and since the Deputy Mayor is responsible for organizing the budget process, there will be a fresh opportunity to do it differently.  The outgoing Deputy Mayor, John Henderson, made some incremental improvements – slightly faster and more transparent – but the CTA is asking for… Read complete articleCTA Asks Town for Better Budgets