Beach to Re-open on a Limited Basis

At tonight’s Committee of the Whole Council meeting, councillors had a long debate about re-opening the beach.  Councillor Emily Chorley proposed that the beach be re-opened on a limited basis with advance reservations required for time slots.  She initially wanted weekdays only but others wanted seven days a week.  The idea is that numbers would be limited although the exact number has not yet been specified.  There would likely be only one public entrance that would be available (and it would be accessible) although there would be other emergency only entrances. In discussion it became apparent that there are staffing and logistical issues that need to be sorted out so Staff were asked to report back on June 29 with details.  The re-opening would start on July 6 on a trial basis.

A separate discussion on establishing a By-Law to help enforce social distancing as originally suggested on April 27 was deferred to October 5 if needed (see Link below).

The motion to re-open was long, but in summary:

  • Beach occupancy will be limited. The number will be based on social distancing requirements and decided in consultation with the Town’s emergency planner and the HKPR District Health Unit and will be provided in the June 29 staff report.
  • Beach passes will be available for advance reservation online or by phone and will be free on a first come first served basis.  There was no discussion on limiting access to residents only.
  • The beach will be open 7 days a week; opening times will be determined by Staff but preference seemed to be around 11 am to 8 pm.  Staff will recommend times and Council will decide.
  • Lifeguards will be hired as required. The YMCA believes this is possible with 2 weeks notice.  (It is planned to open Centennial pool on July 6).
  • Access gates will be staffed by yet to be hired summer students or a security company.
  • Public access outside Council-approved hours will be strictly prohibited.
  • Beach pass applicants must answer health screening questions and agree to social distancing.
  • The accessible beach mat will be installed at one entry gate (which may be the only gate – yet to be decided).
  • The implementation of the trial period would be reviewed by Council at their Committee of the Whole Council meeting on 24 August.

There was some discussion as to whether the port-a-potties should be inside the fence or outside.  This will be recommended in the staff report along with other details.

The booking system to be used will probably be the one used by the Concert Hall although it will need to be modified to stop it charging a fee.  The Marina/campground system seems to be not modifiable.

Adam Bureau wanted people to able to walk the beach in off-hours (early morning and in the evening) but this may be impossible to manage.  The staff report will address this possibility.

This motion will need to be confirmed at the June 29 regular Council meeting but the staff report will add details.  A governing by-Law will also be required.

Link

Article re By-Law enforcing Social Distancing – 3 June 2020  (Originally proposed April 27, tabled, then resurrected June 1st, then deferred to June 22).

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David
4 years ago

The staff at Cobourg have presented a report to the councillors. The staff report with some suggestions indicated the cost is of up to $377,000 to re-open the beach. Tax payers do not need this cost. Opening will not provide any benefit at this point during a pandemic. Review the situation to reopen mid July and open fully with health guidelines at the end of August. If safe to do so.

Last edited 4 years ago by David
Merry Mary
4 years ago

Are the 17 -> 21 cases in Northumberland County related to June 12’s opening up of Stage 2 in Ontario?

Source: News Update June 26 (right hand column of this Blog)

Ken Strauss
4 years ago

If anyone doubts the risks posed by opening our beach, Florida reported 8,942 new cases TODAY after they opened things.

Frenchy
4 years ago

Is it even legal to restrict access to a public beach to local residents only? Anyone have any evidence of this being done anywhere else in Ontario? I’ve got an inquiry into our town clerk Brent Larmer but he’s a very busy guy and could be a while before he gets a chance to respond.

Last edited 4 years ago by Frenchy
whatnow
Reply to  Frenchy
4 years ago

I think some beaches (Innisfil and Wasaga) are limited their parking to residents only to discourage day trippers visiting the beach.

Ken Strauss
Reply to  whatnow
4 years ago

Cobourg’s beach is town property. Innisfil’s parking lots are town property. What is the difference between limiting access to a parking lot and limiting access to a beach?

Frenchy
Reply to  Ken Strauss
4 years ago

I might be mistaken, but but I don’t think Innisfil’s parking lots are restricted to local residents only, but that the town charges for non-residents and free for locals. Everyone is still allowed on the beach and in the parking lots.

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Frenchy
4 years ago

That does not appear to be correct. See near the top of https://innisfil.ca/covid19/

Important Notice: Innisfil Beach Park boat launch and parking lots are resident-use only until further notice.

Please use your 2020 or 2019 parking pass, or bring proof of property ownership or tenancy to park.

Frenchy
Reply to  Ken Strauss
4 years ago

You appear to be correct, beach area parking lots are for residents only. It looks like their beach is open to all but beach area parking isn’t. I couldn’t find any mention of their beach being for residents only.

Yvonne michalski
Reply to  whatnow
4 years ago

So why aren’t we doing this? We are not the problem. Is it too complicated to be worth it?

Kevin
4 years ago

I do not know what the best answer is but here is something to consider. If the beach is to open for Cobourg residents then what happens to people that own property in Cobourg but do not live here? Some homeowners are landlords and live in places like the GTA. The tenants pay rent which the landlord uses to pay property taxes. The tenants live in Cobourg but the landlord pays the taxes. Can we say no to the landlord? (I have read many but not all of the comments so maybe this point has already been made)

Dubious
Reply to  Kevin
4 years ago

I believe that you are over thinking this! Most have suggested that we restrict access to Cobourg residents rather than to Cobourg property owners. If you require a driver’s licence as proof of address the problem is solved. I suspect that only a few dozen landlords are in the situation that you described so regardless of their treatment we wouldn’t have the thousands from the GTA who will come if we don’t restrict things to Cobourg residents.

Merry Mary
4 years ago

I extend my sympathies to the Summer Students who might be hired to staff the access gates of Victoria Beach. Irrational suggestion.

Dilys Robertson
4 years ago

Just a point of clarification re Emily Chowley’s proposal to open beach on a sort of book ahead basis. Gail Rayment also pointed out that the danger was many non residents would simply arrive expecting the beach to be open without booking ahead.

Re my question about risk assessment: It appears that Councillors were not provided with that information before they voted at their June 22 meeting.

Bill Thompson
Reply to  Dilys Robertson
4 years ago

This afternoon while sitting outside , a friend and I had to tell some people with their beach gear that the beach was closed,.
They they were very surprised but thanked us for letting them know,

Frenchy
4 years ago

Is this the first time comments has ever gone to 2 pages?
Hey Councillors, take note, pretty hot topic here and which way do you think public opinion is swaying? You’ve already done the flip and the flop… not too many are going to be upset with you if you go back to flip. You can try flop again in another month.

Informed
Reply to  Frenchy
4 years ago

I would buy a pair. Would be a good fundraiser👍

Audrey
4 years ago

I understand the disappointment, even anger, on the part of people who are missing the beach, and that includes people with young kids, many who were planning on going away to camp, only to have it cancelled.
  
However, in my opinion, the Cobourg beach should be closed to everyone through the month of July. Let the other beaches, that are rushing to open, test the waters for the next few weeks.  I predict there will be serious regret for opening too soon.
   
In the meantime, the town can begin laying the groundwork for an official opening on August 1st – FOR COBOURG RESIDENTS ONLY – with a flexible plan that can be cancelled in a worst case scenario, or implemented, with appropriate restrictions.
  
The great experiment of opening up parks and beaches, etc., in Toronto and certainly in the U.S. has failed, and it’s going to get worse. We don’t need to be part of that experiment. 

Sherel Purcell
4 years ago

Great to see it opening and the sooner the better. Would it be possible to open without booking slots for early morning hours (before 11am) as those times would only appeal to locals? For the first week or so polite reminders for those entering the beach and stricter warnings for violating social distancing rules re threat of re closing might be in order and perhaps some enterprising soul could sell masks ?

Audrey
Reply to  Sherel Purcell
4 years ago

In other words, if you are a tourist visiting Cobourg, or you live outside of Cobourg, just arrive at the beach any time before 11 am where you can enter without a booking slot, and stay as long as you want to. You can stay all day, if you want to. Everyone will automatically assume you’re a local. At the most you will receive a polite reminder when you enter. You don’t even have to wear a mask but maybe some enterprising soul will be there to sell you one. There’s a reason your post is getting so many thumbs-down. Do you and Sherel Purcell, the travel writer, share the same name?

Tax payer
4 years ago

Where is the petition to stop this? I just watched the meeting and am appalled at the lack of comments from anyone. What is going on in this town that the taxpayers have no say in what happens? The beach should not be reopened considering what has been happening in other areas of Ontario. Is there any justification at all for this action? And we are left to pay for the cleanup? For what value to the town? Who’s agenda is this? Who is making money from this? Certainly not the taxpayer. I hope these councillors and our mayor are ready to be accountable for what will happen. Good luck!

Johanne Mainville Loken
4 years ago

I disagree with flip flops. Number one we are living extreme climate changes. Cobourg is respectful at the moment and doesn’t have a solid case of covid. Number 3 why are they in a hurry becoming infected like the rest of the world? Finally the joy of the beach never stimulated business to King Street. Let’s take it easy this summer maybe it’s our last summer.

Last edited 4 years ago by Johanne Mainville Loken
Dubious
Reply to  Johanne Mainville Loken
4 years ago

Envy of the haves?

Johanne Mainville Loken
Reply to  Dubious
4 years ago

People think they will live forever but you can’t defy a pneumonic plague. It’s still there and peaking after every assembly or demonstration. Trois -Rivières had 9 children out of 11 infected in their school after all the distancing and sanitizing precautions taken. 😷

Frenchy
4 years ago

Has anybody got any evidence of Ontario beaches being opened where there wasn’t any problems?

Wendy
4 years ago

One more comment to add and directed to the mayor. Around the 2:14 time while watching the live meeting the mayor said” personally I welcome people to come to Cobourg and enjoy our beach”. No one on council challenged his statement or raised their own concerns. Moving into stage two does not mean mandatory open doors or in this case an open beach.

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Wendy
4 years ago

Wendy, if anyone wants to listen to Mr. Henderson’s ridiculous comment and the complicit Councillor’s silence the direct link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP6vSHTF28g&feature=youtu.be&t=8095

Last edited 4 years ago by Ken Strauss
whatnow
Reply to  Wendy
4 years ago

They can’t expect to get re-elected with this reckless decision. The mayor’s cavalier comment disregards the safety of the residents he is supposed to care about. Does he not think to look at what is happening at the other beaches?

Dubious
Reply to  whatnow
4 years ago

Never underestimate the stupidity of the electorate. Think of the qualifications and the platforms of who won in the last election!

Kyle
Reply to  Dubious
4 years ago

Good point. The electorate forgot about Henderson’s involvement a number of years ago in the Chief and Deputy Chief’s drinking and driving fiasco.

Merry Mary
Reply to  Wendy
4 years ago

Wendy: It is noted that the Mayor did not say that he personally welcomed people to come to Victoria Hall/Municipal Offices which as you know remains closed. There is a State of Emergency in Ontario until July 15, so if Victoria Hall remains closed so should Victoria Beach.

Wendy
Reply to  Merry Mary
4 years ago

Mary the mayor said,I personally welcome people to come to Cobourg and be on our beach, and was not referring to Victoria Hall on the Monday Zoom meeting June 22 around the 2 hour 14 min 23 sec.. I watched the meeting live and rewatched to make sure I was hearing his statement correctly.

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Wendy
4 years ago

To listen for yourself the direct link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP6vSHTF28g&feature=youtu.be&t=8095

Merry Mary
Reply to  Wendy
4 years ago

I was not refuting your comment, Wendy, just hitchhiking on it.
Most Mayors first welcome people to their Municipal Offices, not their Beach. Our Municipal Offices are now closed in more ways than one.

Yourvotematters
4 years ago

The decision has not been made yet. Council were provided with three options along with cost factors. It’s time to contact your Mayor and Council and stress to them the petition still stands and you hope they follow the Voter’s wishes. Also remind them that if they decide to open and community spread occurs here it is on their shoulders and they will be held accountable in the next election cycle. Both Mayor Henderson and Councillor Sequin will be begging for your vote for mayor and how they voted on June 29th will be remembered. They listened to the petition on marina expansion why are they not listening this time where the evidence, Sauble Beach etc, proves it would be unwise decision to open the beach. If they ignore the petition they should put a time limit, say two, hours, on each slot. This will be disincentive for someone travelling a long distance for a short period of time on the beach. The method that Councillor Chorley has put forward is likely to have people standing in line for a spot at 5 or 6 am causing all kinds of problems downtown. All members of council’s email addresses can be found here https://www.cobourg.ca/en/town-hall/Mayor-and-Council.aspx ask that you email otr phone each of them and tell them “our lives matter”

perplexed
4 years ago

I THINK THE BEACH might just be another bit of MISS DIRECTION a red herring so to say
brought out in advance of the Town Hall meeting with our MP to use up the meeting time on
this issue rather than real items of concern such as councils decision to — spend millions
on Lakefront Utility Meters in a year of deficits , — or the fact the New Hotel on Depalma Dr.
that will bring more jobs is still tied up in Red Tape by the Planning Dept.
—What about the Rumor of that new Drug Rehab facility coming to town in a location close to you and No one is hearing about it ??? Surly there are more important things to be accountable for other than allowing Covid Ridden Toronto to come to Cobourg Beach just to wet their toes Spread the word not the VIRUS

Nicole Hannon
4 years ago

Why is our Council having discussions, as well as directing town staff to investigate options to reopen the beach only three weeks after unanimously voting to close it until August 31st? My household has been extremely diligent with the “stay home” protocol initiated in mid March throughout Ontario. We’ve distanced ourselves from family and friends, been oh so frustrated and lonely at times, and then joked of living in the movie “Groundhog Day”. We did this for our own health, as well as the greater good of our community. Please don’t undo what so many of us have done for “a day at the beach”.

Rob
Reply to  Nicole Hannon
4 years ago

Nicole – the same Government who asked us to do that in March, is saying we no longer have to continue to practice many of those measures any longer – socializing, patios, shopping, beaches, splash pads, some sports, etc… is all acceptable now.

Merry Mary
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

It was unacceptable last Tuesday afternoon that two restaurant patios, one on the south side of King Street West and one on the north side of King Street West, were crowded with people, without any measure of physical distancing.

Rob
Reply to  Merry Mary
4 years ago

I would have to have seen it first hand – given the current climate I’m personally sceptical that patios on the main street of town, during the middle of a week day, less than a block from Town Hall, were not adhering to the 2 meter/6 foot physical distancing guidelines. I stand to be corrected however…

Rational
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

I drove by on Tuesday as well and social distancing was not being followed on the patios. In one instance two people sat at separate tables back to back with at most 2 feet between them. Town Leadership needs to ensure protocol is enforced, that’s the least they can do.

Last edited 4 years ago by Rational
Frenchy
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

We take you at your word Rob, can’t you take Merry Marry at hers?

Rob
Reply to  Frenchy
4 years ago

Thanks Frenchy! I don’t doubt that’s what Merry believes she saw and it may be true. I’m sure there will be some hiccups as small business owners adjust to and employees work within the Stage 2 protocols. Council can definitely play a role in education, implementation and adherence.

Frenchy
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

I don’t doubt that’s what Merry believes she saw and it may be true.

Geez Rob, now you sound like JT the PM with that very condescending remark.

JT on Raybold’s testimony (SNC Lavalin):
“Her truth”
“Global News reporter Jill Bennett wisely pointed out, “There is no her/his/their/my/your truth. There is only *the* truth, as in what actually happened.”

On groping women:
“But I respect the fact that someone else might have experienced that differently.”

Last edited 4 years ago by Frenchy
Merry Mary
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

Town Hall, just to the east is closed and Police Services is just to the west. Lack of action appeared odd since the Police were immediately there awhile ago to fine “Shuck It” when they were setting up their outdoor patio for people to wait for their take away orders.

beach lover
Reply to  Nicole Hannon
4 years ago

We’re now in Stage 2 provincially that’s why things are changing. Hopefully we’ll move to Stage 3 if everyone continues to act responsibly and other measures such as contact tracing, hospital capacity and other factors our provincial health professionals deem necessary to reopen continue to improve. It sounds as though you’re advocating Stage 1 continue forever.

Nicole Hannon
Reply to  beach lover
4 years ago

No, not at all advocating to stay in Stage 1, and enjoying the increased openings of Stage 2. My words were in past tense. “We did this…”. I wrote this when GTA was still in Stage 1 and my concerns with the influx of visitors.

Dilys Robertson
4 years ago

Does every one know that, apparently quite suddenly, the Mayor together with Piccini have announced a zoom virtual town hall meeting for June 24 at 7 pm. This is the place to make your comments/questions about the beach front opening for non residents that is set for a confirmatory vote in July.

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Dilys Robertson
4 years ago

To participate in the Cobourg Town Hall 
Time: Jun 24, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84034653501 

Or Call: 1-647-374-4685 or 1-647-558-0588 and enter meeting ID of 840 3465 3501 when prompted.

IAN
4 years ago

Here’s what happened at Sauble Beach, and will happen here too.

https://www.680news.com/2020/06/23/sauble-beach-closed-coronavirus/

Informed
Reply to  IAN
4 years ago

Surly this wont happen here because we are different here. Kidding.

Krakenberg Kathyrn
Reply to  IAN
4 years ago

I agree. We are just asking for disaster. If one season without the beach saves one life it’s worth it.

Dilys Robertson
Reply to  IAN
4 years ago

You are right but perhaps even worse here since we have so few enforcement officers (2). Emily Chowley has proved to be very disappointing in this matter and in fact in a long telephone conversation with myself, told me she would not support opening the beach to non residents. She clearly did not tell me the truth. I asked her how many of those who emailed here were against opening vs those for. She said she ‘had not counted’.

Frenchy
Reply to  Dilys Robertson
4 years ago

She would have the exact number for you if the majority were “for”.

Rob
Reply to  IAN
4 years ago

I think there are some differences with Sauble Beach. The ease of access to Sauble’s 4 km of beach being patrolled by 6 bylaw officers. I like the plan for Cobourg which includes limited usage/prescribed hours, completely fenced, gate controlled/1-2 points of entry, passes required including a screening process while being patrolled by bylaw and Cobourg’s finest – it rivals Brookside from a security perspective 🙂 During off hours access to the beach is prohibited as it is now and seems to be working. I would suspect additional precautions will be suggested during the next meeting and/or overtime. Keep in mind, Council can close the beach at any point in the future.

Susie-Q
4 years ago

Perhaps, the town can keep the access gates and charge non-residents a beach entry fee after this Covid virus is eliminated? I cannot understand why the town is choosing not to charge a fee for using the beach. You could certainly make enough money to pay staff to man the gates as well as help deal with the cost of washroom and garbage clean up. In my opinion, I don’t think that the beach goers are spending that much money downtown (hopefully I am wrong). When I visit, I certainly do see a lot of people with coolers.

Johanne Mainville Loken
Reply to  Susie-Q
4 years ago

Turn of the century literature shows Cobourg used to charge all beach visitors. They had a vision. Covid is not a visitor but a life terminator. — The Tin Gods… well Covid is the Ruler here. If lucky it will look at you in the eye and leave you with its painful life symptoms and memory loss. If not you will be forced into a coma you will never awake from. — Many testimonies from physicians also survivors explained this reality. Argue with them if in doubt, arrogance is not an answer mon ami. Ontario is not any different ⚰ than the rest of our chaotic world. Let’s remember the beach will still be there next year, so enjoy your life, eat well, read more, try to draw and paint your emotions, listen to peaceful music, pray and admire with a distance our beach and harbour. Nothing is permanent. Be kind, be safe and please tell them to stop the littering in Town.

Last edited 4 years ago by Johanne Mainville Loken
Rob
Reply to  Johanne Mainville Loken
4 years ago

You had me until the last 9 words Johanne – then a little truth came out.

Johanne Mainville Loken
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

Yes there is a lot of garbage : masks and cigarette butts on the ground and grass with dogs stepping on it and little children. Spreading is an alarm. Littering is not enforced. So I’ll repeat be kind and be safe; if you don’t like my opinion it’s okay you’re free. But Covid-19 is not kind and will cost you dearly your faux pas and I am free to express it.

Last edited 4 years ago by Johanne Mainville Loken
Barry
4 years ago

“LONDON, ONT. — South Bruce Peninsula is temporarily closing all of its beaches, including the popular Sauble Beach, after the town’s mayor said Monday that “day-trippers flagrantly defied our restrictions.” Janice Jackson said council decided to temporarily close the beaches after they were overwhelmed with day-trippers over the last two weekends. “Council is incredibly worried at the thought of 60,000 visitors to our tiny beach over the long weekend and how that would inevitably affect our community during this global pandemic,” said Jackson. Jackson said many people witnessed recklessness among beachgoers over the last two weekends, but noted that most residents were following the rules.
“We still expect to see large numbers over the long weekend, but we hope to reduce the usual numbers with pointed messaging to the GTA,” said Jackson.
Jackson also alluded to the fact that bylaw officers could only do so much with so many people attending the area”. 

So now Cobourg thinks it can open it’s beach on July 6th! Just a guess but we could be overwhelmed with the same kind of “day trippers” that want to use to use the Cobourg beach from the GTA area.
I thought there was a well debated and thorough process resulting in an accepted “motion” in Council to close the beach until the end of August, why open it now? At what cost to the residents? I think it is wrong to open the beach now…stay diligent. The beach will be there next year.

Rob
Reply to  Barry
4 years ago

The motion included the following language which provided for the restricted reopening prior to the end of August – thank goodness.

…”FURTHER THAT the Staff provide a further report to Council at the Monday June 22, 2020 Committee of the Whole Meeting with any statistics of Waterfront area activities and any other areas of concern that arise due to the beach closure, and in addition include in the report how the Town could reopen the beach with restricted use, along with the costing estimates associated with the reopening of the Beach for Council approval.”

Debbie
4 years ago

Good news for us beach lovers. I prefer it to be residents only as to no have ppl coming from other areas bringing something in, easy to I’d. Adam has a great idea about walking our own beach as well. It’s all common sense ,I also think it’s the time to take back our beach ad well. I would like to spend weekends here. I go to presquil and pay as its busy here,then I spend my money there,restaurants bar.. we need to be charging ppl to use the beach who don’t live and pay taxes to clean up there messes,they don’t spend their money here

JimT
Reply to  Debbie
4 years ago

ppl ? That means “people”, right?

Debbie
Reply to  JimT
4 years ago

Sorry Jim I abbreviate when I’m texting..

Krakenberg Kathyrn
4 years ago

Myself I’d prefer to see it remain closed. The priority is keeping our community safe. I’ve listened to part of last nights session and will finish it when I get home

If it’s going to open I think you should restrict it to Northumberland County residents only And if that isn’t going to happen at least restrict it for a couple of weeks. I also don’t think passes should not be online. Get them at the gate only after filling out forms. This will prevent people from getting a bunch or getting them then not showing up. Use the ones like Canada day. Speaking of Canada day the local Rotary and Lions clubs might Be great source of information for you. Maybe even some volunteers. Mind you I don’t think I’d want to be one and be at risk of contact. Right now people are not following the rules. Wicklow beach, Bewdley and other small water access points already have people from the city filling them up.

If you decide to go with separate hours use different coloured bracelets. Let those in that will be cleaning at the mid point and clear the beach then allow access at the next allotted time. Blow an air horn when it’s time for them to leave. Yep takes a lot of manpower but worth it if we are kept safe which is the priority here.

Place portable potties on the beach at both ends then no one needs to leave and come back. Leave a blocked off area big enough for the supplier to get in and empty them and hose them down at night. You leave you’re out. No tents or gazebos anywhere on the beach to help eliminate unwanted activities from drugs to alcohol to using the beach as a toilet

Post signs for fines like they do on the 401 near Kingston

Litter on the beach $500
Urinating, defecating or burying things in the sand $500
Smoking – keep that at whatever it is

You’d sure think twice about a $500 fine. And enforce it

I really think it should be limited to residents of Northumberland county. It’s not hard to show ID and if this isn’t acceptable do it for a couple weeks to see how it goes. If people don’t behave shut it down

Oh yes. A hefty fine and tow away for people parking where they shouldn’t. Drag it away. They’ll learn pretty darned fast. Put signs up saying they will be towed.

So what if we alienate some I’m sure they’ll get over it. These are special times and you can’t please everyone but you can do what needs to be done, “keep this community safe.”
Thank you
KK

Bill Thompson
Reply to  Krakenberg Kathyrn
4 years ago

Or……just keep it closed !
“What ifs” and “maybe do this or that” …confusion, puzzlement by many.
Keep it closed as originally set out and problems/costs closed..😊
Unanswered question…..reason for changing original decision on closure in spite of public feedback….name /,position / rationale please..

Rob
Reply to  Bill Thompson
4 years ago

There was feedback from both sides Bill – perhaps a “keep the beach open” petition should have been started including the use of fear mongering language that the CTA later had to apologize for. The statistics no longer support the need for the measures we took in March, April and May.

Bill Thompson
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

And decision to consider re-opening made by ?

beach lover
Reply to  Bill Thompson
4 years ago

When the beach was closed the Motion read that “Staff provide a further report to Council at the Monday June 22, 2020 Committee of the Whole Meeting with any statistics of Waterfront area activities and any other areas of concern that arise due to the beach closure, and in addition include in the report how the Town could reopen the beach with restricted use, along with the costing estimates associated with the reopening of the Beach for Council approval.” – the recent plan to reopen is a result of that examination as well as progress provincially in flattening the curve, testing and contact tracing capabilities.

Informed
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

I dont think there were many using the beach in March,April or May due to the time of the year. Give your head a shake.

Rob
Reply to  Informed
4 years ago

Relax over there fella – I was referring to all of the important measures taken earlier during the pandemic. Give YOUR head a shake.

Informed
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

How did all those important measures help back then when the temp was a whopping 7 degrees and the beach wasnt used ? Now its hot and with lots of pent up demand and the GTA is the hotspot for Covid.Time open up the beach now? Thats all im doing….giving my head a shake.

Rob
Reply to  Informed
4 years ago

Informed – The important measures I’m referring to aren’t simply and specifically limited to the beach. I am referring to the universal measures taken including closing businesses, curbside pickup only, dramatic limits for in-store shopping, eliminating the use of reusable bags, closing public spaces, cancelling sports, closing churches, etc… many/most of those are no longer required because the virus statistics do not support the need for them (likely never did). The same Government/Health Officials that put into place and enforced these restrictions is now removing them, but fear isn’t allowing people to accept that. I suspect, many of those who oppose the beach reopening, oppose people from outside of Northumberland County accessing the beach at any time, regardless of the virus.

Frenchy
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

I get it. You’re saying that the preventative measures we took back in March, April and May weren’t justified by the stats we have today. Isn’t hindsight wonderful?

Rob
Reply to  Frenchy
4 years ago

Nope – I’m saying the statistics today do not support continuing many of the measures we took in March, April and May; however fear has created a reluctance to accept that they are no longer required. This is going to be a challenge…

Kyle
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

I take it your argument is based on statistics “today” only and that a great number of restrictions should be lifted. Isn’t the same logic a number of US States including Florida used and now are getting sky rocketing numbers of infections.

Rob
Reply to  Kyle
4 years ago

It’s interesting to me that you see that as my argument because I’m actually suggesting we follow the Government/Health Canada officials and allow the Province to reopen in its gradual approach. I take it your argument is that we should continue with the protocols we had in place in April and allow the remainder of economy to collapse. The same Government who put the restrictions in place in March and April is lifting many of them in a cautious reopening and just like we all did in March, April and May we should follow their lead. The fear is overwhelming people and it is simply isn’t warranted. Be cautious and protect the most vulnerable – of the ~2600 Ontarians who have died, 1800 were in LTC.

Frenchy
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

Rob, I agree with you in principle, but in reality we have seen disasters with other towns opening beaches and parks. Some have had to re-close. What makes you think anything different would happen here in Cobourg? This is a very big (and costly) exercise to try to open on a limited basis, and we’ve seen failure everywhere else. It wouldn’t be so bad if all we lost was a little money, but we are inviting people from Canada’s hot spot for Covid19 to visit. Little more at stake here.

Bill Thompson
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

It would be interesting to hear from the local business owners in Cobourg as to how (whether the beach is open or closed,) apart from the obvious health risks if opened, actually impact on their business..
The financial costs to the town (taxpayers) to accommodate the so called “tourists’ (beach tourists)will be an eye opener.and for what ?
This decision whether approved in the end will surely put paid to the long outdated town motto “The Feel,Good Town”

Dubious
Reply to  Bill Thompson
4 years ago

Perhaps no longer “The feel good Town” but with the importation of disease from the GTA and the susceptibility of our many seniors Cobourg may be known as the “May he rest in peace town”.

Last edited 4 years ago by Dubious
Kyle
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

The only way to protect the most vulnerable is to protect everyone you can. Unless you are saying there are acceptable losses for some people’s personal pleasures?

Audrey
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

Total Cases in Ontario:

May 5 – 18,300
May 23 – 25,040
May 29 – 27,210
June 8 – 31,000
June 25 – 34,310

Krakenberg Kathyrn
Reply to  Bill Thompson
4 years ago

I agree. Keep it closed. Save lives and money

whatnow
4 years ago

What has changed to bring on this decision since the petition? Now taxpayers have to pay for the extra people to man the gates and for the reservation system workers. Just open the beach to residents and all they would need is the honour system and the by law officers could do random checks of ID. Please look what happened at Sauble beach and Crystal Beach.. what a mess. This is such a disappointing decision by council. We need a council that cares about this town.. not happy with this at all.

Gerinator
4 years ago

Cobourg Tax Payer – this is the reason beaches are dangerous: https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/other/toronto-beaches-were-slammed-over-the-weekend-trash-was-left-everywhere/vi-BB15PRhB?ocid=ACERDHP17 Patio bars, etc can be managed because the owners CARE about their business reputation and their clients. Its my belief that Council and principally Mayor Henderson are being pressured to open the beach. The above site is ‘truth to power’ and despite anyones belief in the good intentions of most folks there is nothing that can combat this (Trinity Bellwood part 2) example of self-interest over common-interest. Who, and how, will this be managed, they couldn’t do it in Toronto that has access to all sorts of enforcement? Maybe Staff will bring some sanity to this question.
It is my hope that Council will not allow any edict from the Province, business to override their common sense and need to protect Cobourg and its citizens. Do the right thing, yes it hurts some (livelihoods, mental health, etc.) but they (and or family members and or citizens) will minimize the prospects of a very painful illness or even death. Make a health, not wealth, decision based on the best information at hand: STAY HOME, PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND MASKS. Spoke to one member of our DBIA and the multiple (Toronto based) families entering the shop had no masks and showed no respect for distancing. There is some kind of weird psychology out there that suggests the ‘odds’ are with them – no regard for the crap they bring home to family and friends.

beach lover
Reply to  Gerinator
4 years ago

Even though there was widespread publication of the crowding at Trinity Bellwoods, Public Health reported NO rise in COVID cases at all following the incident. I think City Council has come up with a plan on how to limit the numbers on Victoria Beach and much like every other aspect of Phase 2 social distancing guidelines will be in place.

Informed
4 years ago

All the beaches in South Bruce Peninsula including Sauble beach have just been closed.Quote” council made the decision after people witnessed the recklessness of beachgoers the last 2 weekends”Day-trippers were to blame while appearing to point a finger at those from the GTA.Jackson says”council is troubled by the idea that her community will be overrun by people from the Toronto area over the coming Holiday” I wonder where they will end up?🤔

Last edited 4 years ago by Informed
Merry Mary
Reply to  Informed
4 years ago

GTA Day-trippers? According to John’s News Update, to the right, the West Harbour Beach is closed due to excessive e-coli count and that section was just recently populated by people with licence plates from Quebec and Alberta.

Joan White
4 years ago

How are summer students going to be able to enforce time slots? This could be very dangerous. How can we book by phone when calls to certain numbers are always busy. Yes out houses on beach but also outside the fence for the townspeople who like to walk on the stone walk. What are the time limits you are discussing. This last week with moving of the fence has stopped young children playing in the sand. Make this available for them. Children are residents too!

CobourgTaxPayer
4 years ago

The fact is the beach should not be closed down. People need to act responsibly and make a decision as too if they go to it or not.

The beach is no more dangerous than patio bars, that have been allowed to open up as part of Stage 2.

Perhaps the people that have posted negative comments don’t have kids or don’t like going out, but locking people up for months on end takes a phycological tole that will impact the community for many more years to come than Covid ever will.

Informed
Reply to  CobourgTaxPayer
4 years ago

No one has been locked up.

Rob
Reply to  Informed
4 years ago

Informed – Businesses have been locked up, people in mandatory quarantine (locked up), locks on community centers, park play structures/equipment and public spaces closed … literally and figuratively people have been locked up.

Informed
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

Want to know what locked up means just look at China and Italy and you would know what locked up means. Unless people have been locked in the businesses and play structures and community buildings then people truly havent been locked up.

Rob
Reply to  Informed
4 years ago

Informed – In Canada we had mandatory quarantines … entering the Country you had to present a quarantine plan or a plan was presented to you. We can certainly debate the degrees to which other countries were in lock down – but its rather pointless. Lets just be thankful we are reopening cautiously and responsibly

Fact Checker
Reply to  CobourgTaxPayer
4 years ago

As Informed pointed out, no one has been locked up. You can go about and do what you want for the most part at your own risk. On a hot summer weekend, 3000-4000 people are not coming from a C19 hot spot (Toronto/GTA) to Cobourg’s patio bars. They would come to the beach if it was open.

Check the videos of Toronto’s Woodbine Beach

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/06/21/woodbine-beach-left-littered-with-garbage-after-massive-parties-on-saturday/

https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/people-pack-woodbine-beach-despite-ontario-uptick-in-covid-19-cases

and Sauble beach which was open and then closed again.

https://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/news/local-news/sbp-decides-to-close-sauble-beach-to-public-access-again

Opening the beach to local residents should be permitted and it requires only some basic resources and common sense (the scarcest resource).

A fence…check…already installed
2-3 access points…check …already installed
2 staff (Town/agency) per access point,
Controlled hours 9am to 6pm
Open access 6pm-11pm, 6am-9am
No passes, no time limits, no reservations.
Just show up with a Cobourg ID
Police & By-law officers to enforce the existing standards.
Easily done!
How many Cobourgers will actually go to the beach, even on a hot weekend?…..not enough to be an issue.
It’s quite simple. Don’t over think it.

Last edited 4 years ago by Fact Checker
CobourgTaxPayer
Reply to  Fact Checker
4 years ago

I used the phrase “locked up” as a tongue and cheek way to describe restrictions…

whatnow
Reply to  Fact Checker
4 years ago

I agree! Let’s open it up for residents and keep our town safe!

Keith Oliver
4 years ago

Instead of the usual complaining and disrespect toward Council and Staff, how about some constructive solutions that address legitimate concerns.
PROPOSAL:
(1) Delay opening until August 1 to determine whether Toronto to Bellville is experiencing a “second spike”.
(2) When opening is approved … keep fencing with two access points, one at the access mat and one at the West end.
(3) Bookings and passes too complicated, expensive and difficult to control.
(4) Set out a grid of numbered posts on 16 foot centres which would allow a group to occupy an 8 foot square area with 8 feet between each area.
(5) At the two entrance points it’s first come, first serve giving area residents an advantage. Those wanting a spot on the beach are shown a map of the grid, choose an open area and are given a token with the number of the area they have chosen. They may be asked to show the token at any time, must return the token when they leave.
(6) Those Manning the two entry points keep in touch by portable phone keeping each map of the grid up to date.
(7) If beach designated areas are full, potential user is invited to picnic on the grassy area of Victoria Park.
(8) Everyone is given a handout, welcoming then to Cobourg, asking for their patience and reminding them of the importance of behaving according to the recommendations of the Chief Health Officer.
(9) It should be made clear that while all are welcome the handout should be understood to be a warning and that if the rules of behaviour are broken a By-Law Officer may issue the offender with a substantial fine.

I believe this is practical and addresses all concerns.

Last edited 4 years ago by Keith Oliver
Informed
Reply to  Keith Oliver
4 years ago

Ok. Solution # 2. Follow solution number 1 and keep it closed.

Jean Gardner
4 years ago

Please do not open our beach …. GTA folks have no respect for anything but themselves and it is wrong to once again ask us local taxpayers to pay for their disgusting trash they leave behind. When I try to go to the beach on weekends I can’t park … no parking left and no spots on beach. All tables taken. Forget it. Why are you changing your mind … I thought the residents made it very clear … no beach opening ..

Rob
Reply to  Jean Gardner
4 years ago

Jean – I say this respectfully, you sound like someone who regardless of Covid, you would prefer the beach closed to all from outside your neighbourhood. Covid has nothing to do with tables being taken, trash or a lack of parking. To suggest that “GTA folks have no respect for anything..” really isn’t accurate – its the equivalent of saying “all people from small towns are small minded.”

Frenchy
4 years ago

Dumbest idea this bunch has ever come up with.

Wally Keeler
4 years ago

The Town already has heavy equipment on the beach. It would take an hour or two for a grader to engrave C L O S E D on the beach in 50 foot letters. The Town has access to a drone for fly-by video recording. The local news could pump it as a unique, creative, powerful message to the rest of the province, make it go viral. Cobourg will get its 15 minutes of fame, the message gets proliferated loud and clear.

C L O S E D but only if Cobourg really really really really means it.

Krakenberg Kathyrn
Reply to  Wally Keeler
4 years ago

I like the way you think CLOSED. With all those other beaches closing like , where do you think they will go. If we build it “they will come”. And it’s not just the GTA people who won’t follow rules. Common sense is in great shortage these days. If you were to lose a friend or family member to Covid due to getting it at our beach wouldn’t you give up one summer at the beach to have that person alive. Not saying that to you Wally. Our medical community has given up a lot due to Covid. The least we can do is give up a year at the beach so that these medical people dont have to deal with an outbreak.

Frenchy
Reply to  Wally Keeler
4 years ago

Too late Wally Keeler, the equipment is gone, but maybe we could get a hundred good citizens to wear these flip flops as they walk around the freshly groomed sand. Raised letters on the soles will provide the message as they leave an impression. Take your drone vid and send that to the GTA.
Flip Flops on the beach, just like our council on the beach… get it?

Last edited 4 years ago by Frenchy
Judy
4 years ago

I’m really praying that this decision to open our beach hasn’t been made strictly because of the trailer park or the marina being opened?? Our family has used the beach & paid taxes for 7 generations. I think that would justify spending mega bucks in Cobourg compared to transients coming in for a couple of months in the summer. Please keep our town safe.

Judy
4 years ago

What a sad decision you’ve made as a town council supporting & protecting the residents of Cobourg. Opening the beach is like playing Russian roulette with your citizens. You made the right decision the first time now you’re listening to a bunch of very selfish people that can’t or don’t know how to entertain themselves or their kids without sand??? What about our front line workers and NHH being bombarded, our town workers cleaning the beach. Hiring students is a great idea but I sure wouldn’t want my child’s health to be jeopardized by out of towners that come from hot spots of covid19. If you’re going to open make it safe for the folks of “OUR” community!

KimN
4 years ago

I absolute oppose the opening of the Cobourg Beach. What is Town Council thinking? I hope someone starts a new petition because I did not know about the first one and I would definitely sign it.

Debbie
Reply to  KimN
4 years ago

I say everyone who’s complaining about the beach STAy home your not bitchin about bars patio stores get real

Informed
Reply to  Debbie
4 years ago

No need to bitch about Gta beachgoers at bars..patios and stores because most dont go there. They are here for a free beach…leave the mess and go back home

Eleanor Wilson
4 years ago

I do not agree with now opening the beach! It is simply too risky to our town & small hospital to risk introducing COVID. We have a lot of elderly living here as well. If you insist in opening, then please make sure to distancing in adhered to & for local people only! It may be hard for a student to be able to control numbers coming in & from out of town. You can see the pictures in Toronto beaches last weekend to indicate what will happen when you open!

GailR
4 years ago

Was there an estimate given for the staffing costs of this exercise? What happened between the unanimous decision by Council at the special meeting to close the beach, and last night’s meeting’s ‘all over the place’ mishmash of suggestions? When would the beach pass applicants answer the health screening questions – on the application or at the gate? What would the unfortunate gatekeeper do when faced with an individual who hasn’t and won’t? Will the porta potties be sanitized after each use? I hope all these questions will be answered on June 29. And then that the decision will be reversed. Again. And if it isn’t, please don’t say anything about this change of heart on the Town website!

Rob
Reply to  GailR
4 years ago

It appears there are a number of logistical issues to work through. The motion summary suggests “Beach pass applicants must answer health screening questions and agree to social distancing..” so I would assume it is at the time of the application submission.

Ken Strauss
Reply to  GailR
4 years ago

I believe that Mr. Hustwick estimated that the lifeguards would cost about $100K (he said that this waste was not a problem because it was budgeted). I don’t recall any estimate of the cost of security, modifying the Concert Hall software, toilets, etc, etc… Nor did I hear how long it will take for the lifeguards to don personal protective equipment prior to any rescue.

Rob
Reply to  Ken Strauss
4 years ago

Trying to figure out how lifeguards will cost 100k for about 2 months of work (July 6 to Sept 6) … something doesn’t seem quite right with that figure.

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Rob
4 years ago

Rob, go to https://youtu.be/vP6vSHTF28g?t=3344 (about 55 minutes into the Council meeting) to listen to Mr. Hustwick discussing the cost of lifeguards. He appears to say “less than $100K” but also mentions “about half of the budget amount” which was $224,300 for 2019. Listen for yourself.

Informed
Reply to  Ken Strauss
4 years ago

Those are some good points that wouldnt have been budgeted for. The savings for lifeguards could have been put towards the fencing and extra hours the bylaw officers are putting in.

Bill Thompson
Reply to  Ken Strauss
4 years ago

I recall a previous failed plan re a waterborne bouncy castle at the beach.
One of the reasons for its failure was that trained lifeguards couldn’t be found.
The same safety issue is now addressed by stating that it would be a two week time frame to get trained life guards.(100K already budgeted ?) .What changed from the previous plan for this one ?

Helen
4 years ago

After all this time and with Toronto area cases increasing, now you’re going to reopen the beach. CRAZY IDEA! Take up another petition! PLEASE.

beach lover
Reply to  Helen
4 years ago

In Ontario, fewer than 200 new cases have been confirmed on nine of the past 10 days. At what point would you ever consider opening the beach? Never? I think the guidelines proposed are better than in most communities.

Krakenberg Kathyrn
Reply to  beach lover
4 years ago

2021 sounds good for opening the beach provided Covid has left us

Cobourg resident
4 years ago

Your greater concern for tourism over the citizens of Cobourg during a global pandemic will not be forgotten at election time.

Kyle
4 years ago

It appears there has been a serious string of thefts in Cobourg!

Someone has stolen a bunch of spines.

Gerinator
Reply to  Kyle
4 years ago

Hilarious. Thanks for the giggle.

Debbie
Reply to  Kyle
4 years ago

Stay home Kyle like all the other old ppl complaining who go to the grocery store and liquor store smh

Gerry
Reply to  Debbie
4 years ago

How can you possibly equate going to the grocery store or liquor store with going to the beach? As an OLD Person, I make damn sure I physically keep my distance when I shop. The most time I have ever spent getting into No Frills is ten minutes in line at the beginning of the pandemic, and now I have not waited more than a couple of minutes to get inside. Do you believe the beach will be handled the same way with students no less at the gate acting as gatekeepers? People act responsibly for the most part in the stores. The entrance metered to the number of people inside. How on earth do you believe the beach is going to offer the same kind of people control and at what extra cost? I have seen our beach on a hot summer day. Good luck keeping the crowd at six feet distances. 

Joy Doncaster
4 years ago

How is making a reservation going to work? So I could make one just in case I want to go to beach… and then never show! What a waste!!
If you’re going to this much trouble, and having one entrance… then make it for North’d people only!!! They just show ID… first come first served!!!
But again, we all know the same people will be there at opening time… where others may not be able to get there until after lunch!!

Cheryl Krentz
Reply to  Joy Doncaster
4 years ago

I’ll go one better…I’m a resident of Northumberland also but have no problem if the beach was only open to Cobourg residents. Completely understand if they were to do such. Not difficult to do….you want to use beach, present I.D. and proof of residency and in turn receive a pass or such.

Taxpayer
4 years ago

Not a good idea as far as I’m concerned. Asking for a lot of trouble coming to our beach at this critical time. Our hospital, their staff, and other frontline workers do not need this risk. 😫😫

Bill Thompson
4 years ago

What’s that recently used term …”Snatched defeat from the jaws of victory “?!

Informed
4 years ago

I suppose we will now spend money advertising to Toronto residents that our beach is now going to be open?

Last edited 4 years ago by Informed
Debbie
Reply to  Informed
4 years ago

Better not…less is more

Susan
4 years ago

There isn’t a single person I have spoken with who isn’t sooo pleased that the beach is closed for the summer. They heartily approve of your original decision. Please do not undo this and reopen the beach…….it would be a disaster laden with problems about toilets, garbage and close interaction, expenses, staffing among other things.

Jeffy
4 years ago

One would have to sit and ponder for quite some time to come up with a worse idea than this one. What is wrong with council?

Paul Pagnuelo
4 years ago

Council last evening made two extremely bad decisions, neither of which were in the best interests of residents.

After an unanimous vote to close the beach until the end of August, now they do the exact opposite of what voters asked. This represents a serious betrayal of public trust and will be remembered in 2022 for those thinking of re-election.

The proposed solution is unworkable, complex, costly, unjust and an unnecessary expense for local taxpayers.

Furthermore, Council is consuming far too much staff time in exploring options and solutions, when the time should be spent on more important municipal business.

I urge all those who previously contacted Council to demand they close the beach to contact them again.

Bill Thompson
Reply to  Paul Pagnuelo
4 years ago

Was there a recorded vote on this decision ?

Rational
Reply to  Paul Pagnuelo
4 years ago

I am only one taxpayer, but will not vote for any of the existing Town Leadership in 2022 if the closed beach decision is reversed.

Informed
Reply to  Paul Pagnuelo
4 years ago

Time to clean house

KimN
Reply to  Paul Pagnuelo
4 years ago

I just sent an email to all Council members voicing my opposition to opening the beach

Georgina HAGEMEYER
4 years ago

We totally agree, open the beach to our local residents only with ID,

perplexed
4 years ago

Open to locals with ID Fine but do not bring disease to our town
can council be held accountable .? People / families in swim suites
do not shop down town Figure it out There is no or minimum financial benefit
in this decision only Cost and Risk to Cobourg residents .

Ken Strauss
4 years ago

The booking system to be used will probably be the one used by the Concert Hall although it will need to be modified to stop it charging a fee.

Why not charge a small fee (perhaps $10?) and credit the fee to resident’s property tax bills? The Concert Hall system already asks for name/address and handles credit card payments so no changes to the booking system would be required.

Last edited 4 years ago by Ken Strauss
Rob
Reply to  Ken Strauss
4 years ago

Ken – this could also be used to offset any associated cost with the reopening….

Bryan
Reply to  Ken Strauss
4 years ago

Ken,
“Pre-paid Property Tax???
Set up 3 “beach” products. Residents $0, Northumberland $5, All Others $10
Use Town, Postal Code or similar to determine the price
The revenue would help pay for the fence, security, the booking system, gate guards, law/by-law enforcement

Last edited 4 years ago by Bryan
Ken Strauss
Reply to  Bryan
4 years ago

I believe that at least one Councillor mistakenly feels that it is a “human rights issue” to charge visitors but not residents. With my suggestion everyone would be charged equally and there would be no changes to the booking software.

Debbie
Reply to  Ken Strauss
4 years ago

I don’t know about you but I pay every month with my taxes

Debbie
Reply to  Bryan
4 years ago

Excellent idea

Jennifer
4 years ago

I request that every single member of this Council man the open gate, not summer students; patrol the area instead of hired security; sit with hired life guards; be present during the result of your decision. You’ve capitulated to pressure from tourists or an entity who pay no tax here. I request that my taxes pay each of you to personally live your decision. All open positions are yours. It’s easy to make decisions that do not personally affect you. Clean up garbage, direct traffic, deal with the public at entry gates. Do not sit removed from the reality of your decision. Competent authority is one who walks the talk. So please, demonstrate your comfort personally with this decision. Bring your friends and family as you work the gates and deal with reservations. I’d respect your decisions far more if I saw you own them. I’m not writing for attention or feedback. Just please, listen to people who live here. Not all of them want to risk bringing a virus into town for the sake of what, exactly?

New Cobourg
4 years ago

To our council;
this is garbage. First, you shut it down. Fair enough, the Cobourg population seemed to be generally onboard with this decision, based on the petition.
Now, what has caused your group to change their minds in such a short time frame? It appears to me that you don’t really have a clue what to do. Where is the reasoning for such an abrupt about face?
On top of that, it will be first come, first serve. So, now a Cobourg resident who pays their taxes, might not get to use the beach because someone from the City beat them to a reservation. You can’t be serious!
Frankly, that just isn’t right or fair to all tax paying people in Cobourg. You folks still have time to get it right. Use this next week and rethink what you’re doing!

Frank
4 years ago

Staff should report on what control measures might be possible for a likely overflow to the West Harbour and West Beach areas as well.

Rob
Reply to  Frank
4 years ago

That’s a good idea – likely added to the by-law and CPS patrol.

Old Sailor
Reply to  Frank
4 years ago

Frank, strangely enough the West Beach is closed by the Town effective today due to a higher than permissible E.coli count in the water. I didn’t realize that the West Beach and Victoria Beach were on two different bodies of water. I must consult my Lake Ontario hydrographic charts to confirm this anomaly.

Rob
Reply to  Old Sailor
4 years ago

I would assume this is because Victoria Beach is already closed?

Last edited 4 years ago by Rob
JimT
Reply to  Old Sailor
4 years ago

The West Beach has a rather large stream running into it, which drains a large area of farm and meadow, with all that implies.
There is no comparable stream feeding into the water at Victoria Beach.

John Draper
Reply to  Old Sailor
4 years ago

It’s not the West beach that’s closed but the West Harbour. Link here: https://www.cobourg.ca/Modules/News/index.aspx?newsId=5dbd50e9-13b1-4bf2-9f80-ef958aecea84

Rob
4 years ago

Great news and consistent with the Province’s Stage 2 Reopening plan. We have done a great job in our community and this will be no different.

Beach goer
4 years ago

We moved here two years ago….really love the beach at all times of the year. Would it be feasible to charge a small fee (eg. $5 per person or $20 per family) to access the beach? Perhaps the revenue collected could go towards maintaining the porta potties, paying lifeguards and “ticket takers” etc. It costs $7.50 per person to swim at the YMCA pool…why not (this summer only!) charge for beach access? I think people would be only too happy to pay for this service in 2020. 🏊‍♀️🏄‍♂️⛱

Dubious
4 years ago

The opinion of 1600 residents does not matter. How dare they!

Old Sailor
4 years ago

Difficult to imagine the benefit to the town residents and businesses to opening the beach to the world in the middle of a pandemic. I am always dumbfounded by Council’s desire to give away our beach for free to non-residents and inflict parking mania on residential streets and downtown lots on the weekend for no benefit to the town. Would Council please outline for all of us, with a straight face, the benefit to the town of this decision.

cornbread
Reply to  Old Sailor
4 years ago

Apparently Cristal Beach (Lake Erie) opened last weekend and the Out-of-Towners made a real mess out of thing with human waste in the beach sand, urinating on private property, garbage left behind…all for the local taxpayers to fund the clean-up. Do we want this for our beach???
Out of Towners must have to pay to use our beach and Park…Put a fence around it and a couple of gates where non Cobourg residents have to pay a daily fee.

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Old Sailor
4 years ago

Why not ask our Mayor since he provided direction (the wrong way) and voted for this stupidity. I got the following yesterday from our MPP:

Hope this email finds you all well. I would like to invite you to join me and Mayor John Henderson for a Virtual Town Hall for Cobourg residents.

This Virtual Town Hall will take place tomorrow evening and is open to the public. You can also call in, details below.

Folks can ask any question they want, but the likely focus will be the Provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, how the emergency orders impact our community, and our plan for recovery and reopening the economy.

Mayor Henderson and I will address any other questions you might have regarding the pandemic, our recovery plan and Stage 2 of reopening.

The Town Hall will take place Wednesday, June 24th from 7:00pm to 8:30pm via Zoom. The Zoom meeting is accessible by computer and phone (dial-in). Please find Zoom details below:

Topic: Cobourg Town Hall
Time: Jun 24, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84034653501

Meeting ID: 840 3465 3501

Or Call: 1-647-374-4685 or 1-647-558-0588 and enter meeting ID when prompted.

Thank you, I look forward to speaking with everyone tomorrow night.
David Piccini

Debbie
Reply to  Old Sailor
4 years ago

What point is there to open businesses and keep the beach closed…..

Fact Checker
Reply to  Debbie
4 years ago

Debbie,
Are you suggesting that the two are related in the context of an economic relationship. If so, please…this is a Cobourg myth. The beachers spend very little if any at Cobourg businesses. ask any downtown merchant how much of their business comes from beachers. The businesses that do benefit are the ice cream shops, LCBO, gas stations and places like Tims.

If you are suggesting that the issue is C19 control, that is very different, mainly in terms of scale (2000-4000 on a hot weekend day) and how it is managed. Imagine controlling beach access the same way as managing access to No-Frills or Walmart.

David
4 years ago

Cobourg tax payers should not be paying for this. Security, crowd control, cleaning, ticket systems and staff etc. One councillor even mentioned we should let the beach goers know that the canteen will not be open so they should bring their own food. What about local business?
If we decide to use a ticket system why would we not charge to at least cover town administrative costs.
It will be a administrative nightmare and costs we do not need.
Review if we will open every few weeks as new information is available.
Open the beach when it is safe to do so. I look forward to seeing the town staff report.

David
Reply to  David
4 years ago

Some businesses are now charging extra fees to cover the costs associated with C19. Let’s call the administrative fee a C19 charge.

David
Reply to  David
4 years ago
Informed
4 years ago

What a logistical nightmare they created. I knew they would backtrack but had no idea it would be this soon.

Last edited 4 years ago by Informed
Are_n
4 years ago

I’m of the opinion it should have been left closed for the summer. Wide open access was a nonstarter this year and think a reservation only system will be open to abuse. I truly feel sorry for any students they hire as I’m sure they will be subject to verbal/physical abuse by disgruntled people who didn’t get a pass and demand entry. And while not a fan of the social distancing bylaw I think it may have been the best way to control the inevitable crowding that is going to happen down there, putting off a vote on that until October was a complete shirking of Councils responsibility.

jimq
Reply to  Are_n
4 years ago

Yes, no backbone to stand up for the rights of the majority of Cobourg citizens in that council whatsoever. Very stupid move. Just look at Toronto beaches over the weekend, and look at the mountains of garbage the covidiots left behind.

Last edited 4 years ago by jimq
Jones
Reply to  jimq
4 years ago

Let’s also address the marina parking lot mess
Interms of increased traffic, noise, garbage
I thought the engineering report for the east pier
Was safe for vehicles under 5000lbs,
Lots more space there then the marina parking lot