Council Reviews Priorities

At a special Council Meeting on Thursday, April 1, Council looked at the Strategic Plan that was created at the start of their term in 2019 to see if it still reflected their priorities.  After more than 5 hours of discussion, they made only minor changes but a lot of details were revealed about each councillor’s thinking. The process was facilitated by session leader John Matheson (of StrategyCorp) who spent time with councillors in advance of the meeting to get their ideas.  As a result, the starting point was a chart showing priorities as he understood them – see below.  The comments of councillors in reviewing those priorities pointed to how each saw their role and what they hoped to achieve in the 18 months remaining in their term.

Strategic plan - Initial Priorities
Strategic plan – Initial Priorities

Some general observations
In the sequence that they were raised in discussion.

  • Council recognized that they have expanded their scope with concerns about climate change, sustainability, affordable housing and accessibility.  But then as John Matheson remarked “if you are not going to set direction for the community, who is?”
  • Councillor Chorley: “there is a lack of a clear policy re the Beach and Tourism”
  • Councillor Beatty: “there is an underlying tone of racism in the Town”.  Councillor Chorley called it “a latent racism”.  Councillor Darling said: “the public need to be educated”.
  • Councillor Bureau:  “there are two kinds of tourism, ‘beach’ and ‘not beach’ and they are totally separate.”
  • Deputy Mayor Séguin: “A look at Tourism philosophy is long overdue” and “we need to re-evaluate the Tourism strategy”.
  • Councillor Chorley: “there are staffing gaps.” and “some plans just don’t get done – e.g. Cultural Master Plan, Waterfront Plan, Parks Master Plan, Downtown Master Plan.”
  • I noticed that no-one mentioned any citizen input as was collected by an Engage Cobourg Survey (with 32 responses). However, several Councillors mentioned citizen concerns they had heard about.
  • Deputy Mayor Séguin: “Looking after seniors is critical”
  • Councillor Beatty: “We are not engaging with the youth population”.
  • There are some opportunities for “significant development:”  Tannery Lands, Brookside Site, Repurposing of Memorial Arena, Revitalization of Harbour.
  • Councillor Chorley: “We need to introduce Performance Management and KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators)”.
  • Under the heading “Threats”, John Matheson gave a summary of what he heard from Councillors and described one concern as “Beach Access: What is our strategy re Beach Access?  Who comes to Cobourg, who should access it.”  Councillor Beatty became very emotional and objected strongly to this sentiment.
  • Councillor Burchat in commenting about the priorities chart (above) said: “some high priority items may get completed in future councils – everyone would want them”.
  • Deputy Mayor Séguin:  “Glad that support for small business is a high priority”  and “We need to re-vitalize Economic Development”.

Changes to Above Initial Priorities Chart – (major changes only)

  • “Repair and Rejuvenate East Pier” should be changed to “Repair and Rejuvenate Harbour”.
  • “Continue Downtown Vitalization” should be removed or moved to light green.  Deputy Mayor Séguin said  “there has been no report on the $450K spent.  Did it make a difference?”  Or rather, “although there was a report on what was done, there was no report on whether it made a difference”.  Further (she said), “economic development should support the whole Town and not just Downtown.”
  • Some semantic changes were made – e.g. A climate action plan has been created so wording specifying “create” is incorrect.
  • The reference to “Integrate Transit” does not refer to the current On-demand trial but instead to ongoing work to integrate (somehow!) Transit in Cobourg, Port Hope, Clarington and even Durham.  But this is “not just 6-12 months away”.
  • There are multiple actions under different headings pointing to Economic Development and this indicates the need to improve coherence and integration of Economic Development.  This might be resolved with the Organization Review currently being done.  There was a consensus of support for Economic Development – especially small business.
  • “Review Third Party Contracts” should be renamed “Improve Corporate Governance”.
  • The action to “Explore improving links between waterfront and downtown” should be removed since this is not going to happen in this term. (This refers to the Victoria Square project)

Urgent Tasks

  • Policies urgently need reviewing – there are 94 HR Policies and 62 others required by Legislation.  Although this is currently being addressed, the work is “overwhelming”.
  • Asset management needs to be improved.  Not just software to identify issues but also plans to ensure there are sufficient funds available when assets need to be replaced.

The above does not include 100% of what was discussed but includes most of it.

Despite a reminder to the Public about the availability of the Open Forum, there were no questions from Citizens.

The next step is for Staff to present Council with a work plan to address the actions specified in the revised plan.  Presumably a revised Strategic Plan will also be published.

Although the meeting was live streamed, a recording is not available on escribe as is the case with normal Council Meetings.[See update below]

Links

Update 6 April

The video of the meeting has now been put on line – go here.  So now you can see for yourself the context of some of the words quoted above.  And see who was not quoted.  The video is 6+ hours but you can fast forward etc.

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Kevin
3 years ago

Lots of interesting comments below. The town may not be directly responsible for affordable housing but there are things that can be done. A friend of mine and I were talking about the costs of owning a house in Cobourg. Not including mortgage and maintenance there is $4000 for taxes, $1000 heat, $1000 water/electricity, and $1000 for insurance. These numbers are very approximate and will depend on the number of people in the house, size of house etc. Notice that half the cost goes to the town. Renters pay property taxes indirectly through rent. This week 3 fire hydrants were moved to make way for a sidewalk that is not wanted. How much did it cost taxpayers for Behan, Lakefront employees and the planning department for this work? The town also has much control over the approvals for new buildings. Delays in construction result in increased costs for new housing. We are all affected by town policy.

Liz
Reply to  Kevin
3 years ago

Interesting Kevin – at $1500., a conservative rent today costs to rent are $18,000. annually.

Kevin
Reply to  Liz
3 years ago

The $1000 for each of heat, utilities and insurance are likely low so my friend and I rounded this up to a total of $4000. With taxes it could cost about $8000 to own a house. Yes, renting can be much more expensive than owning. There is mortgage interest and maintenance costs to owning but housing prices have been going up.

Liz
3 years ago

I see the comment I made with regard to the whole ball of wax pertaining to racism throughout the cultures was removed. It had garnered all up votes, no down votes yet it was removed. It isn’t just a “white” problem. Until all aspects are brought out racism will never be solved as it will never be fully discussed only in the politically correct sense.

Liz
Reply to  John Draper
3 years ago

John with all due respect the original post you had on this subject contained the information a councillor named at that point was most disturbed about racism in Cobourg. My post was not obnoxious but brought in the points of it being a culture wide problem not just pertaining to white people. Unless that is opened for discussion – racism no matter where it is coming from should be addressed if a solution is to be gained. Therefore I commented at that point before edit of the subject and was on topic.

Liz
Reply to  Liz
3 years ago

Interesting that the first post I made which stated the same things the post received 7 up votes and no down votes at all, yet here is it stated with the same thought and the votes are reflected as the exact opposite result. “Brownie points” voters?

cornbread
3 years ago

Was the Mayor at this meeting and if so, how come he had no input as the Leader of council?
Where is the project to investigate where Cobourg can save money thru more efficient practices?

Ken Strauss
Reply to  cornbread
3 years ago

Was the Mayor at this meeting and if so, how come he had no input as the Leader of council?

Where is the project to investigate where Cobourg can save money thru more efficient practices?

Excellent questions! For most Cobourg residents reducing our high property taxes is a very important issue. Council’s priority list doesn’t even mention reducing taxes yet they include numerous ways to spend more. Why?

Jojo
Reply to  cornbread
3 years ago

“How can he not do more?” He could have done better for my awful municipal problems, that is not mine, and a lot more for the people affected with a planted transient house etc… He washes his hands to be neutral pretends he is involved but damages in the end. “Bring a man to your committee” is not in the past for him ! He works with that mind set in a world where there are more widows and professional women today. He pretended he was from Cobourg (making me feel I wasn’t) and I discovered from the internet we both came to Cobourg at the same time. He likes (is even amused ) to answer all his calls but is not a doer.”The role of the mayor is not to be participatory” in general. There is no school on how to lobby and influence for the best of your constituency. Some mayors have it some don’t. — Old Cobourg will tell you about Heenan. He was the best business man mayor in history of a smaller Cobourg. –Henderson was not sworn in as an elect mayor, and is a retiree from the school system. He will always be a rooky mayor close to staff, aloof from councillors. His specialty cronyism.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jojo
cornbread
Reply to  cornbread
3 years ago

Read the “Abbott Sidewalk Letter to the Editor” and you will really get a feeling how messed up our Town of Cobourg is right now. Perhaps we need stronger leadership in the future…But…do strong business types want the job and all the “stuff” that comes with the job?

Ken Strauss
Reply to  cornbread
3 years ago

Being a Councillor doesn’t even pay minimum wage so only retirees can afford the job. But our Mayor gets over $100K when you include their pay as Cobourg Mayor + pay for county council warden + boards.

Just a thought
Reply to  Ken Strauss
3 years ago

?? 4 (technically 5) of the 7 people currently on council do not fit this categorization. They are clearly many years away from retiring.

Dunkirk
3 years ago

Friends–Without some sort of Key Performance Indicators to measure progress, we could see another meeting and chart get issued a year from now looking very similar. Same topics/new colours? A public company’s shares would plummet if they presented a Strategic Plan without corresponding universal measurable components that shareholders and stakeholders can understand. (ie–When I go to the voting booth I want to know–Did the Council hit the plan numbers or not?)
For Council to “continue’; to ‘explore’; to ‘ investigate’ to ‘pursue’ & to ‘consider’ are the most intentionally vague calls-to-action imaginable. So disappointing….
Getting sidetracked into discussions of identity politics is also unfortunate, if not embarrassing.
Having said all of that–any move towards better governance would be real progress and real governance can only be provided by parties free of self-interest.

Just about every community in North America is struggling with the issue around Affordable Housing. We’re not special. It is not just our issue to solve. As with most other concerns, we have to create some real knowledge of facts about our situation locally so that when other more capable levels of government(the ones that print money) do form policy and platforms to assist us, our Elected Representatives know exactly what to ask them for that works for all parties.

Liz
Reply to  Dunkirk
3 years ago

Dunkirk – you present many sound ideas that should be a priority in your first two paragraphs. But your last paragraph I have some disagreement with.

I certainly agree our rental housing pricing and lack of affordability should be studies and presented to both County, Federal and Provincial levels of government. Not only for the purpose of assists to build various forms of housing, private, market value and subsidized but to ensure policies are being enacted that are healthy for the economic well being. I have never seen so much homelessness. But that is a separate issue. Both the Federal and Provincial governments so far have offered economic housing assists here. However as rents continue to escalate indicating a need and shortage other effecting policies should be looked at such as immigration until this country is able to offer a reasonable standard of living in housing. You can’t invite people if the table is bare. I look at rental housing sites daily and shake my head at what is being asked in rents and the great jumps in just a few short years to levels where I see independent living vanishing for many. Multiple generation households to afford the rent. The Town jumped in as the situation is critical and too little was being done.

I provide for you today a link on the rentals available in Cobourg today. You will note included now as listings for this area have become very short many listings from Ottawa to flesh it out. The asking prices prove my point.
https://www.kijiji.ca/b-apartments-condos/ontario/cobourg/k0c37l9004

Dunkirk
Reply to  Liz
3 years ago

Liz–you and I don’t disagree on this. I don’t have a solution to the affordable housing situation but neither do our Councilors. Some of them I am told are landlords which would automatically place them on the wrong side of a solution for us anyway. With respect– community leaders in most other cities and towns also struggle with the issue. (ie-Toronto now has 19 Hotels serving as Homeless Shelters). I personally believe that affordable housing just happens to be a symptom of some very other large systemic issues we have that are far beyond the hopes and dreams of local policy reach.

With that said, I do know that if you are a developer trying to get a condo project financed, most banks will fight over your business. On the other hand, if you want to build an apartment complex–nobody wants to answer your calls. The former model is de-risked and the second is full of it even if it’s what the market now demands.

Here’s a link to an interview this morning from Bloomberg where an Analyst from the Toronto Real Estate Board suggests that the ‘solution’ to our housing situation is immigration and more building….(see link starting at 5:00 minutes)…not sure what you think about that?
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/toronto-home-sales-double-in-march-average-price-hits-1-1m-1.1586410?jwsource=cl

Liz
Reply to  Dunkirk
3 years ago

Hi Dunkirk – as there isn’t enough housing now my thoughts would be build the housing first and build and build before you bring further people in. I do know the Town Council was offering incentives and by-law relaxing to encourage owners of the many very large homes to sub-divide into apartments just as the mansion type home was re-done at the top of College Street. Another home was renovated that is on College into three very nice apartments $1300, $1400 and $1500. It is a start. There needs to be more interest.
In fact a lot of people are creating apartments from their basements everywhere – never seen so many for rent.

Last edited 3 years ago by Liz
JimT
Reply to  Liz
3 years ago

 OK, Liz, but who are you suggesting “build and build” all this housing? The town? The county? Private landlords? Should local governments also be landlords, big time? Please explain.

Also, how to reconcile:
“…as there isn’t enough housing now…”
with
“…never seen so many for rent…” ?

Last edited 3 years ago by JimT
Liz
Reply to  JimT
3 years ago

It’s required Jim – I suggest build and build by everyone. If there were mountains of garbage in the street I would suggest haul and haul as there is a need. There has to be somewhere for people to live. Peruse the ads Jim people have added basement apartments, some very nice but that is all that seems to have been added to the rental market and many are going for would you believe $1500 and more.

What do you suggest? Federal government has announced a big drive for further immigration – with little plan of increasing housing. A home in Toronto is One Million dollars now and everywhere the prices are ridiculous. Hate to be a family starting out but then we could decrease the value of our dollar by simply increasing wages, pensions and welfare in order for people to be able to live. Not a good idea.
I know it is unpopular with homeowners as they fear their taxes will increase by false values dependent on low interest rates and current lack of supply when new owners have mortgaged their souls in order to buy.

Last edited 3 years ago by Liz
Liz
Reply to  Dunkirk
3 years ago

The Real Estate Board! Really. Talk about vested interest. They suggest more building – well duh. Of course they suggest more people to enter the market their pockets must be bulging.

Sandpiper
3 years ago

Hey we are all correct An Election is eminent and it certainly appears that very little has been completed in this term a lot of Pot stirring Pot Stores –yes but actual accomplishments ?? saaame old stuff still on the table .
In fact I think we have gone backwards and lost much of the potential
and jobs If we just look at what the out come has actually been from our decisions and lack of foresight and preparedness ie: West High school ?, Kraft Foods / Marijuana Grow op ?. , Brook side leaving we knew this was coming , Vandyke Homes pulling out , No real progress in the Affordable housing area .– Taxes and costs are certainly higher
This group of leaders are certainly tired , Granted Corvid has not helped but it has given all of us more time to ponder what is important to us as individuals and our Citizens of Northumberland We should not be making the same mistakes or or the same old economic growth path as we were pre Covid 19

Gerinator
3 years ago

I’m Sooo curious re Beach: “Councillor Beatty became very emotional and objected strongly to this sentiment.” Not sure what sentiment she is referring to. Very glad that someone on Council has discerned there is a difference ‘tween Beach Goers and Tourists. Also from Councilors Beatty, Chorley and Darling we move from “underlying tone” to “latent” to “educated” as it relates to racism in Cobourg. These sentiments appear to give the impression that racism is a fact and is escalating. Are there racists? YEP. Is there racism – How? When? Who(m)? We must be very careful to ensure that the dividing line between discussion/conversation/disagreement and racist reactions/sentiments is very robust. Otherwise we fall into the ‘woke’ trap of any disagreement is immediately, and publicly, labeled as racist. On a more positive note I’m very glad that DM Sequin is pushing for performance reviews, a burden on Staff I know, but how does anyone know whether the intention, supported by public funds, was met or not. Perhaps overly optimistic of me but somehow I feel like transparency and accountability, as tenets, are in ascension. Great work John on the organizing and reporting of what must have been a ‘active’ session.

Last edited 3 years ago by Gerinator
warren
3 years ago

GREAT reporting John!

John king
3 years ago

Cobourg Caribana
Why not organize events that promote tourism, welcome the thousands of multicultural beach visitors and encourage local spending.
Cobourg could create its own Caribana events that recognize the diverse cultures of beach visitors with food and entertainment that celebrates multiculturalism while promoting tourism.
Cap’n John

JimT
Reply to  John king
3 years ago

Well, for one thing, there’s nothing here to spend money on. The park is a food desert except for one pokey little takeout window. Downtown is mostly sit-down dining. No food trucks at the pier; no kiosks for snacks, no beer garden, no picnic area, no pushcarts selling bottled water.

If you build it, they will come, but first you have to actually build it. Even before that, you have to deal with the “we-don’t-want-them-here” crowd. Promotion comes after all that.

Last edited 3 years ago by JimT
Jojo
Reply to  JimT
3 years ago

Chip trucks are great by the countryside they undermine the taxpaying businesses struggling to stay open in our Town. The rents are very high downtown. Have a chat with a serious banker he will explain. This issue was never understood in the past. It’s like racism today.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jojo
JimT
Reply to  Jojo
3 years ago

“Chip trucks…undermine the taxpaying businesses
struggling to stay open in our Town.”

No, they don’t, actually. People will either buy snack food down by the park and pier or they will do without (or learn to bring their own). Depriving them of a quick bite will not drive them uptown to a more expensive sit-down restaurant to dine.

Fact is, those in the food-service business in town could easily augment their existing trade by catering (literally) to the down-at-the-beach crowd on the side.

Jojo
Reply to  JimT
3 years ago

A business is a business and we heard your story before. Your arguments of being hungry is not a winning one. A well established restaurant with his own canteen is not what we talk about. There are restaurants in place since years offering summer menus with tables and parasol. All restaurants pay a huge amount of taxes. Chip trucks pay a small seasonal permit fee ONLY. The harbour has a nice canteen well operated for swimmers. Cobourg is a beach town who always had family picknicks on the beach! It is a family beach not a resort for adults club Med only. It means we should have also healthy foods. It’s a feel good town. ~ But if the town let well established family restaurants with WC and a sit down meal have a chip truck park in front of their door undermine their living, the town will loose revenues. ~ Chip trucks are great for summer camps, bickers or villagers with one church and nothing else. ~Besides you should think. ~Eat well you are what you eat. Feel good town hey? Restaurant owners pay for their buildings, taxes, other permits, upkeeping, staff, repairs, heat and cooling bills, equipment and are responsible for so much more, including passing tests from the province. It is a responsibility to keep our business alive and good townspeople happy and healthy. We all know that and this is not selfish but responsible. AMEN.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jojo
Bryan
Reply to  JimT
3 years ago

JimT:
Are you volunteering to be the event’s champion? When can we expect you to present your vision to council…in practical terms with details: WHO will organize the event (not the Town… must be someone that benefits financially from the event), provides services, kiosks, food carts, garbage collection and cleanup.

JimT
Reply to  Bryan
3 years ago

Bryan:
I think you are replying to John king’s posting, not mine.

Bryan
Reply to  JimT
3 years ago

JimT:
You wrote: “Well, for one thing, there’s nothing here to spend money on. The park is a food desert except for one pokey little takeout window. Downtown is mostly sit-down dining. No food trucks at the pier; no kiosks for snacks, no beer garden, no picnic area, no pushcarts selling bottled water.
If you build it, they will come, but first you have to actually build it. Even before that, you have to deal with the “we-don’t-want-them-here” crowd. Promotion comes after all that.

I agree that my comments apply equally to John King’s suggestions. However, as indicated above, you made similar suggestions: “…build it, they will come….”

Seth
3 years ago

Thanks John for providing this information to us.
The council has put a lot of work into the strategic planning of Cobourg.

I would like to see more information in the strategic plan:

-define the issue (what problems are we trying to solve, why is it an issue)
-what has been done so far
-where are we going (goals)
-how do we get there

I’d also like to see open townhalls to discuss issues (I think that there was one held recently). It’s important that everyone living in Cobourg has a voice and can share ideas and concerns. Surveys are great, but after you press “send” where does that information go?

Due to growth there are quite a few priorities that need to be addressed in Cobourg. For example, some time ago there was discussion of creating a new facility in Cobourg (YMCA and Cobourg venture). There is no public indoor swimming pool in Cobourg and no plan (that I’m aware of to build one). More people in Cobourg require more infrastructure and planning for the future.

How do we manage economic, social and recreational needs of citizens responsibly? There is certainly a lot of consider.

Jojo
Reply to  Seth
3 years ago

VISIBILITY AND OPENNESS: Bailey’s room should be used on the ground floor. This is ours. Council was told to sit in the bottom center, the people around and higher. The historic row of judges against the wall should stay intact and empty. The latter was recommended by the Toronto safety board. Our stairs and maze are no longer appropriate with the pandemic and our aging community.

Ken Strauss
3 years ago

“…economic development should support the whole Town and not just Downtown

It’s great to hear that one councillor realizes that businesses and taxpayers outside of downtown are also important!

Bloated Senior
3 years ago

Sounds like it’s time to become a part of a Regional Municipality .
Happy Easter!

Last edited 3 years ago by Bloated Senior
ben burd
3 years ago

Hmm, not one word in this report, of the councillors’ comments about their number 1 priority and campaign promise from last election – the homelessness problem and the lack of affordable housing.

There is only an 18 month period from now and the next election, perhaps they are thinking that the public has forgotten what they promised last time around and will swallow this guff for the next one!

Note this one is offensive without sources and facts:
Councillor Beatty: “there is an underlying tone of racism in the town”. Councillor Chorley called it “a latent racism”. “

Jojo
Reply to  ben burd
3 years ago

PRIORITIES are not controlled from a quick reading. Racism: I doubt any narcissist character will allow anybody to expose him.They practice this twisted form of control through networking with boys (Trump was a perfect example).Remember that harassment combined with racism is criminal, no matter who you are! If a predator among your peers is part of another group practising those methods he could be found an accessory to this crime.
~There is nothing wrong by questioning the victim, with the proper facts. The town lawyer (your constituency is putting free of charge at your disposition) will advise the proper individual to govern himself accordingly.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jojo
Wally Keeler
Reply to  ben burd
3 years ago

It is unfortunate that this accusation of racism is being raised when there is no evidence indicating such. What does a “tone of racism” sound like? A tone refers to the general character or attitude of a place. Does that mean that Cobourg is racist, in general? But what kind of “tone” is it? It’s an “underlying” tone according to Councilor Beatty. It’s foundational, supporting the tone of racism in Cobourg.

Councilor Chorley called it “latent“; existing racism but not yet developed or manifest; hidden or concealed. It is steaming just below the surface, the underlying tone, of Cobourg. The wrong word, a wrong glance, and all this latent, underlying racism will raise its fiercely hated head.

Why do politicians always exploit this cheap dime-a-dozen accusation? It doesn’t unite; it divides. In what way is such an accusation helpful for the community?

Sixty-plus years ago, a Mayor made a pejorative remark concerning Greeks. It created a considerable scandal. The Mayor lost their mandate. That was the community speaking back in the day. That same community speaks the same today. There is no underlying, latent racism in Cobourg.

Case in point: view the multitude of videos made by GTA visitors available on YouTube of Cobourg beach. They are invariably happy videos. Regardless of their ethnicity, race, religion, nationality, culture, they make happy videos. They had a good time integrating into our family of Canadians. If anyone could sniff out underlying, latent racism, it would be those GTA visitors. That is the measure of our community, and it is not latently racist. To suggest otherwise, is a gross insult to the generous hospitality of Cobourg residents overall.

Jojo
Reply to  Wally Keeler
3 years ago

Let’s not blame the visitors 🤣.They never stay that long…but the arrival of recent investors could change our community. Other issues of racism are not disclosed yet. Racism is misunderstood on this blog : ” born out of town is excluding you from this community ?” Woaw! Poetry should bridge the suffering victims of such racism.
~ Look at Amanda S. C. Gorman who is an American poet and activist. Her work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization, as well as the African diaspora. Gorman was the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. She knows what racism is. She is very smart and doesn’t blame the tourist. She wants you to climb that hill because “justice is not just it”~

Last edited 3 years ago by Jojo
ben burd
Reply to  Jojo
3 years ago

“Other issues of racism are not disclosed yet.”

Obviously a problem yet to be uncovered by the ‘anti-discrimination and inclusion industry’. But don’t worry we will all be exposed through ‘unconscious bias’ workshops.

Hey Councillors how about running the Town and leave the undiscovered alone!

You are certainly laying yourselves open to the accusation of being white and privileged.

Last edited 3 years ago by ben burd
Wally Keeler
Reply to  Wally Keeler
3 years ago

Of all the minorities, the individual is most vulnerable, a minority of one. Conform or perish.

Linda
Reply to  Wally Keeler
3 years ago

Racism exists in Cobourg, period. The ignorance shown by people is unbelievable.

Wally Keeler
Reply to  Linda
3 years ago

I have no doubt that some individuals living in Cobourg are racist, but to characterize a community as racist is off the rails.

Just for the edification of Cobourg residents, Linda, could you provide some examples of racism existing in Cobourg?

Jojo
Reply to  Wally Keeler
3 years ago

Freedom of expression is an important human right, but so is the right not to be discriminated against. … And you must not incite people to violence or discrimination. If you do, you are punishable by law – in most countries. A court may therefore convict someone for inciting discrimination. No point arguing there is nothing in the “news”. This Tribune is not qualified to judge what is racism, believe me! Let the process work it’s way when it will be known.

Last edited 3 years ago by Jojo
Jojo
Reply to  Linda
3 years ago

“Racism exists in Cobourg, period. The ignorance shown by people is unbelievable.” I would add to your statement, not only ignorance is the problem, but they are proud to be!

Last edited 3 years ago by Jojo
Jeffy
Reply to  ben burd
3 years ago

Affordable housing should not be part of any priority of town council, this is mission creep, pure and simple. Housing is the county’s responsibility.

ben burd
Reply to  Jeffy
3 years ago

I disagree!

JimT
Reply to  ben burd
3 years ago

Sorry Ben: you are entitled to your own opinion; you are not entitled to your own facts.
As someone once said.

ben burd
Reply to  JimT
3 years ago

So JimT what facts are you disputing I don’t see any put forward, and my facts are usually sourced not like many spouted on this board. So what facts are you disputing in my posts?

JimT
Reply to  ben burd
3 years ago

 “Housing is the county’s responsibility.”

ben burd
Reply to  JimT
3 years ago

I never said that; read my previous posts on this file and you will see that although it is acknowledged that “housing is a County responsibility” it has never been absolute and the Town should use its resources to “supplement the County’s mandate” – taken from the Strategic Plan.

So why don’t they do it? Because they have found a convenient ‘out’!

Besides if the housing mandate is a county job why do we spend money on transition house?

Ken Strauss
Reply to  ben burd
3 years ago

Ben, making one mistake doesn’t justify more mistakes.

Gerinator
Reply to  Jeffy
3 years ago

I agree!

Liz
Reply to  Jeffy
3 years ago

Perhaps Jeffy – how do we get rid of the County reps since they are not creating any in a town that badly needs it. How do you explain rents of today except pure greed and locking out many working people by overprice, not just socially assisted. In a few short years rents have escalated mightily.
A link to a typical day of rental offering for your perusal.
https://www.kijiji.ca/b-apartments-condos/ontario/cobourg/k0c37l9004

Gerinator
Reply to  Liz
3 years ago

First Q: we don’t get rid of the reps but we ensure our mayor plays a stronger role in influencing the County via some hard bargaining. Second Q: Not greed but ‘what the market will bear’ a long held practice and philosophy in our capitalist society. If you are looking for landlords and building developers to take on a more responsible (as in enablers) role in our societies woes a whole lot of learnings (from childhood on through) and education will have to be effected. Not optimistic on that front.

Last edited 3 years ago by Gerinator
Liz
Reply to  Gerinator
3 years ago

The issue is supply and demand Gerinator, there is a need for the housing and a shortage of housing. Poor political policies at the Federal level. Cobourg Council with the exception of one councilor all stated affordable housing was one of their strongest priorities. Maybe the mayor isn’t listening to them hence does not take the issue further to the County. At least the Town Councillors are trying.

Last edited 3 years ago by Liz
Jeffy
Reply to  Liz
3 years ago

Rents are driven by market due to supply and demand. This is an expensive place to live – most of Ontario is. Rents are cheap in rural Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick. People have to live where they can afford to live. This is reality.

Liz
Reply to  Jeffy
3 years ago

Jeffy – be prepared here and everywhere for wide spread tent cities. Seattle – a man complained his tent was taken down and all his belongings. They interviewed many people living in tents. They could not afford the rents even through they were working full time – rents started at $2300 for a one bedroom – getting pretty close to price here – Peterborough had a big tent city problem – expect it here if nothing is done. On the news it also states there are many people now running out of money and are only staying in their apartments due to the non-eviction order under COVID. Perhaps as economics crash this will take care of the problem in the next year.