Tag: Tourism

Tourism – Municipal Candidates’ Positions

John Draper

The second “leading question” asked of all candidates in the upcoming election was “Tourists – Are they good for Cobourg?”  Many of the Policies and decisions made by Cobourg’s Council encourage visitors to Cobourg.  There are Town staff whose job it is to cater to Tourists; the Town has a web site that provides information for Tourists yet not all Downtown merchants and citizens see a benefit. Although the DBIA organizes many events downtown, it could be argued that these are intended to attract residents to Downtown and not necessarily visitors.  Tourists spend money in Cobourg but they also cost for more policing, garbage collection and they create crowds.  Is it worth it?  Should Tourists be encouraged?  Each Candidate gives their… Read complete articleTourism – Municipal Candidates’ Positions

Criterium Race Downtown on Saturday

John Draper

The Gran Prix Bicycle race is a first for Cobourg and is billed as “one of the most exciting spectator events this town has ever seen.”  Organizers have worked hard to ensure that all the details are covered, and risks are minimized, especially due to the road closures.  The 1.2 km race course (see map below) is East on King St. to Third, South on Third to Albert, West on Albert to Bagot, North on Bagot to King and East on King to the start/finish line. Each race involves a minimum of 33 laps at high speed.  Residents living on the course would be wise to move their cars south of Albert to facilitate access to the town throughout the… Read complete articleCriterium Race Downtown on Saturday

Sandcastle Festival 2018

John Draper

There must be a lot of people without air-conditioning or maybe Cobourg’s Beach simply draws big crowds.  I checked it out today and although there were thousands on the beach, I didn’t see any signs directing people to the Sidewalk sale – but then there were so many people a sign would get lost.  It was perfect beach weather – hot and humid; lots of people spent time in the water and although there were quite a number of “master sculptors”, there didn’t seem to be many amateurs. Parking was scarce (and/or expensive) so many had a long walk and just maybe they went via downtown.   There was a DJ blasting music from a spot on the boardwalk and when… Read complete articleSandcastle Festival 2018

Sandcastle Festival upgraded this year

John Draper

Cobourg’s Sandcastle festival on the Saturday of the August long weekend (the 4th) will be more fun this year – there will be a live DJ (the DJ is live, not the music), free live entertainment by Mark Sepic the “Nutty Music Professor”, a Kid’s zone, an inflatable Fun Park (for $5) and of course a Sandcastle competition and Sand Sculpting Lessons.  The Schedule of events is being made available in advance (see below) and the event runs at the same time as the Downtown Sidewalk Sale so once again Cobourg should get a lot of visitors. There’s a kids movie in Victoria Park at sunset (Sherlock Gnomes) so overall it seems to be aimed at families although the Sidewalk… Read complete articleSandcastle Festival upgraded this year

Farmers’ Market in New Location

John Draper

Today was the first Saturday in May so the Farmers’ Market was open but in a new location.  Operating since 1839 – mostly from the parking lot behind Victoria Hall – it is now located around the concrete pad that serves as a base for the rink in winter and a fountain in summer.  I counted 28 booths, mostly with tents although the weather was kind: sunny and cool.  Vendor trucks were parked in the adjacent lot so there was parking available for customers behind Victoria Hall.  The day opened with Mary Ito of the Cobourg Legion Pipes and Drums providing a ceremonial “Piping in”; she led Mayor Gil Brocanier and Councillor Séguin around the central space.  Vince Ruttan provided… Read complete articleFarmers’ Market in New Location

Water Park approved in close vote

John Draper

Because the streaming of the previous Committee of the Whole meeting was missing the sound (this was blamed on You-Tube), Mayor Gil Brocanier asked Director of Recreation and Culture Dean Hustwick to repeat the rationale for the proposed Water Park.  Dean did so and I have summarized his long response below.  Each Councillor then spoke on whether they were supportive of the proposal or not and then voted.  Seeing that it was contentious, Forrest Rowden asked for a recorded vote and the result was four in favour and three opposed so the motion was carried and the contract with ATL Distributing will proceed.  The Water park is expected to be operating for this summer with a start date of June… Read complete articleWater Park approved in close vote

Waterpark to be ready for Summer 2018

John Draper

Although the most recent date for release of the Waterfront Study is now May 2018, one idea from it is going ahead.  On Monday, Council approved going ahead with a Waterpark based on the tender bid by Peterborough based ATL Distributing.  They will supply and operate a Waterpark made by Aquaglide.  At the Council meeting, they provided operational and financial details.  Once finally approved at next week’s regular Council meeting, the contract will be for 2 years with a 3 year extension available.  The Town will get 10% of gross revenues which are estimated to be $278K – so an estimated $27.8K/year will go to the Town.  Economic benefits include 8 local seasonal jobs (mostly lifeguards) and an increase in… Read complete articleWaterpark to be ready for Summer 2018