Paving Over Paradise
The revised Frink design was released today and is on the agenda for approval at Monday’s Council meeting. The new design is staggeringly atrocious. The pond is gone. The concrete basin will be simply that — a bare concrete basin — during all the warm months of the year. This is approximately what will be in the centre of the concrete oval:
Can you believe it — a self-contained crappy little fountain surrounded by bare concrete. The concept of a year-round water feature has been completely discarded. What we end up with is a skating rink for a number of months per year and for the rest of the year a huge patch of concrete sitting there in the middle of our beautiful new waterfront park. Does anyone else think this is insane?
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Perhaps Cobourg should consider ‘twin-ing’ with another town similar in its lack of imagination. The criteria to choose such a town seems pretty straightforward. First, everyone has to be white. The whiteness of Cobourg is also the reason -if not the very raison d’etre- for its bland, inofensive nature. Second, whatever towns make the shortlist they MUST be ruled by a smiling cabal of meddlesome Rotarians intent on a place for everything and everything in its place -including independent thought. Third, and most importantly, the twin town must be able to demonstrate passion for one thing and one thing only -festivals. Rib Festivals. Telephone-pole throwing festivals. Ice and snow festivals. Illumination festivals. Festivus festivals if that’s what it takes. Just so long as the festivals are contrived and are representitive of committee-think and, of course, mindless civic boosterism.
I’m thinking Moron, Cuba. But probably only because of the name….
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Yuck. This pointless fountain in a concrete saucer is atrocious. It is an insult to Cobourg and a complete waste of money. Our money.
February 22nd, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Must we assume that there will be no public consultation on this new, awful design? Can we round up the troops for Monday evening? Will it help?
February 23rd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Not this Monday Dilys. Lobby like crazy until the Budget approval date and pack the room that night. Delegation after delegation of irate taxpayers should be standing in front of the mic and then if the budget still doesn’t have the offending item removed refuse to leave the room. Let them charge 50 people for creating a disturbance, after all Pete V was charged just for raising his voice. Cobourg ratepayers have a chance to prove that they are not docile.
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
The citizens of Cobourg don’t always get what they want, but they sure as heck get what they deserve: a muddle at the middle, which not so incidentally is the dream team they voted on to council in the last election.
February 23rd, 2008 at 10:55 pm
I say power to the people. Whether it is Federal, Provincial or Municipal tax money it all comes out of the same pocket, ours. Based on that, there needs to be widespread consultation with residents. Cobourg is a beautiful town, lets keep it that way.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:19 am
’scuse et moi there Art. Cobourg is gone. The ‘beautiful’ Cobourg you think is there, of the present tense so to speak, is gone. It’s been sold to the highest (Royal Cobourg) bidder. Cobourg is the latest Nioagara-On-The-Take -open to all and any offers.
Don’t take my word -just look around. Then wait ten or fifteen years and tell me what you see. The people of Cobourg elected a development oriented council. Miriam Mutton is a disease to these people. Something to be expunged at all costs.
If you have not already said good-bye to your ‘beautiful’ town, do so as soon as possible.
As a final thought, Rotary is a cult. Festivals are the Soma of the bored/old/stupid. Cult plus bored plus money plus stupid equals….well…take a look around.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Looking at it, I thought to myself that it would be a very effective rectal extraction device to be gingerly applied to certain selected councillors.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Where are the Bland Busters when they’re needed?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8039250@N08/2288963762/sizes/m/
February 24th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
This will be a magnet for weekend drunks; three bowls to serve the needs of the short, the tall, and the ambitious.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I see the Bland are leading the Bland in council.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Wow, poorly decorated Retro Radar Dishes.
“Mr Gorbachev, tear down this fountain.”
February 25th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
In response to Common Sense on keeping Cobourg beautiful - perhaps, but at what cost, and from whose pocket? Oh yes, I forgot - we have the mayor’s/deputy-mayor’s private slush fund over on D’Arcy Street to tap at their whim. I wonder, sometimes, how the staff at town hall reconcile their duties with their consciences.
It’s hard to stay out of the fray but anything said or written these days is of little consequence other than a little relief for one’s own sensibilities. But it’s fun to read along, despite some of the nastier banter that slips in now and again.
February 25th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I too am shocked at some of the “nastier banter” that slips in here. So shocked in fact that at times I find myself suffering attacks of the vapours brought on, my physician assures me, by the societal epidemic of nasty bantering attributable entirely to internet blogging.
The cure (or at least remedial treatment) she says is to ‘avoid confrontation, restrict your intake of caustic opinions, rest on your laurels, drink plenty of milky, pap-like liquids, wear sensible shoes with proper arch support, control your anger (she actually said “f*****g anger” but I cut her some slack on that part because she herself seemed to be losing it), find a hobby, learn a skill, check your tire pressure, stop calling your meter ’smart’, stop listening to friendly beavers with cel-phones, start listening to yourself, ignore all OLG reassurances, think yourself lucky, grasp the obvious, unhand the complicated. Laugh.
Yep. Nasty banter. It’s a scourge. A damned outrageous scourg. Good thing it’s covered under OHIP….
February 26th, 2008 at 12:20 am
“We recommend the cast iron triple basin bird bath mounted on a nozzle.
That’ll be $110,000.00.
Good luck with the civilians.”
February 26th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
So Delanty & Spooner will get their mickey mouse fountain at any cost.
What a shame…..
Totten Sims are sure making their money on this farce.
February 26th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Stan Frost revealed, last night, that the quoted cost of $110,000 is actually $128,000 and presumably rising. Wait until the project is finished and then let TSH count their money!
February 27th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Thank god this came back into the spotlight, now we all have something to do!
Oh the benefits of being old, angry and insensitive to the other 15,000 people (a conservative guess).
And never mind that this land is public property, which can be used by many families and youth who would (we can only assume) hate the thought of spending an afternoon down at the park, enjoying themselves. Dreadful thought that is, other people enjoy themselves while we have to sit here and live with the consequences of the kind of democracy we have. You know, that one where the majority of the people get what they want. Who ever thought of putting that in government form? Too bad only those over 50 and live above their means couldn’t just vote. Ahhhh, those were the days.
Moreover, the even mere picture in mind mind of a massive planted garden with a fountain in the middle just made me throw up a bit in my mouth. I don’t know how the people who have that in their backyard could manage. I much rather enjoy the burnt crisp smell and look of a large grass park.
But do not fear - I have an idea. Lets all go to council, or even go to the build site and get on our backs and whine, stomp our feet and pout like three year olds. We could set ourselves and community back an entire century! Too bad that would work of the type of democracy too …
February 27th, 2008 at 9:11 am
From what I’ve seen of the plans for this thing, it’s ghastly. Unimaginative, out of place and tacky.
We’d never stand for anything like that being shoved down our throats in Port Hope.
(Unless you count the unimaginative, out of place and tacky faux-Roman pillared gazebo-like thingy the Rotarians plopped down across from Town Hall on Queen Street. But….the Rotarians -noted arbiters of good taste- paid for it and it wouldn’t be nice to say anything bad about it because Rotarians are going to stamp out worldwide polio and how can you say anything bad about that, eh?)
February 27th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
anybody like anything about this town? Nope?
Then take a look at downtown Trenton - at the ‘mouth’ of the Trent, or Hastings - the hub of the Trent, or Campbellford - another jewel on the Trent.
Somebody in this town must be doing something right.
Wonder who it is?
.
February 27th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I like MacGreggor’s. I especially like it when Troy’s behind the bar because he’s got an I-Pod with 2,500 jazz numbers from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s on it that he runs through the sound system. Stuff like Lee Morgan and Theloneous Monk and Cannonball Adderly. I like Woody’s for magazines -those things people used to hold in front of them and read before computers came along. I like the No Frills on Division. And Legacy and The Cat and Victoria Hall. I like Donna at Peter’s Barber Shop because she’s the only person who seems to understand that baldness only looks worse if you try to hide it. I like Bagot Street because the weasel that changed Dominion Day to Canada Day lives on Bagot Street and I think it’s important we know where he (David P. Smith) is so we can keep an eye on him at all times.
There’s lots to like about Cobourg. But not that stupid fountain idea…..
February 28th, 2008 at 6:20 am
The interesting thing about the previous post is that sll of his likes had nothing to do with the Pols, natural organic growth of a Town, it’s only when the Pols interfere that conditions worsen. For example traffic calming devices, embossed asphalt, kitschy people festivals and the frink!
February 28th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Quite correct, Ben. As a matter of fact, even I didn’t notice my subliminal aversion to politician-led inititives.
But it isn’t just pol-led I’m averse to. It’s service clubs and do-gooder committees too. Any entity that promotes contrived amusement for the distraction of the bored should themselves be the be the star attraction at a ‘people festival’ i.e.: a public hanging.
(Hey. Not a bad idea. Maybe we should get a committee together. Whaddaya think?)
February 28th, 2008 at 11:34 am
What I find disturbing, yet cynically amusing, is the singlemindedness with which this project (Rotary Waterfront Park) has moved through the motions of public consultations from the very beginning. I attended some of the earliest committee meetings that sprang forth from the ‘CAUSE’ report, contrived by his worship when he was co-ordinator of planning. Even then, there was already a sense of a predetermined destiny for that space, regardless of the cross-section of ‘you and me’ individuals seated around the table at that stage. Let’s not kid ourselves, public consultation is merely a hedge against the inevitable failure of some politician-inspired initiatives. Town committees are of a similar ilk that permit the politicians to abuse the civic-mindedness of those who serve on them in the misguided hope that they will have some meaningful impact on the outcome. The only way to beat them is to beat them at the polls, period. You, we, anyone, can stomp and scream endlessly but nothing matters to the politicians beyond the lofty belief in their own infallibility which they feel was bestowed upon them when they were elected. I can’t wait to see the commemorative plaque that gets planted there once the park is ‘complete’. After all, they can’t name a street after him since that’s not an available option, and it’s unlikely there will be a ‘community centre’ available any time soon to receive such an ‘honour’.
February 28th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
“cynically amusing” Hmmm, mind if I use that, Manfred?
If in the day and age in which we live you aren’t politically ‘cynical’, well then, I suppose you must be ‘amused’. Easily amused at that. That’s what’s going on in Cobourg I’m afraid. The council is trying to bribe you with your own money. The bribe in question is a ticky-tacky place of childish and child-like public frivolity. It has no past, no present and no future connection with Cobourg. It’s an alien spaceship that the alien space cadets at council are counting on to mollify, pacify, amaze and amuse the dull-witted, tranquilized and tranquil taxpayer. The frink is the modern, non-offensive equivalent of the Stalin statue: Homage to nothing -and nothing is more important than nothing.
Sadly, the best we can hope for after this travesty is inflicted is its defacement by creative graffiti artists. Let’s start a collection for the spray paint now, shall we?
Remind them of where the sun doesn’t shine.
March 3rd, 2008 at 9:34 am
Daniel! Please leave the lion’s den this minute. You’re causing a disturbance, saying unpleasant things that make people think when you should be removing thorns, not driving them further home. That’s dangerous. Have you no shame? Has it not occurred to you that 1984 has come and gone. The time is long past since the proles were allowed a say. As for the next election to replace this appalling selection of praetorian guards with which we’ve been landed, as one Manfred Schumann advises, forget it. They’re here to stay because we sluggish proles are too idle to get out and vote. All we are good for is squeezing our you-know-whats to quirt our milk (aka taxes) into the ever-open mouths of the old guard.
March 3rd, 2008 at 10:57 am
Speaking of the preatorian guard, I trust you’ve followed my Parlaiment of Canada link to Gordon Gilchrist’s criminal conviction?
But look on the bright side. As I sit here pecking away, Conrad Black is on his way to start six-and-a-half years of stewing in his own juices. Next time you’re in a room full of lawyers (geez- what a ghastly thought, eh?) pop the question: Who’s the best criminal lawyer in Canada? Gauranteed, 8-out-of-10 will say ‘Eddie Greenspan’. Then ask part 2: ‘Name me a case that he’s won? The silence will be deafening.
About 97% of the Canadian population is so gosh-darn dumb that we’re lucky we’re not all dead from staring up at the sky with our mouths wide open during torrential downpours. We’re lucky we can even dress ourselves or figure out how to stop a running toilet. We believe in anything that calls itself ‘green’, the goodness of our intentions (see: Afghanistan), that Tim Horton’s is friendly and nice (as opposed to ruthless and predatory), that the death penalty is reversible, that an unlawful conviction can never happen to ‘me’, that The Leafs will rise again.
We believe that ultimately the frink will attract visitors from Angor Wat, Bellacoola and The Steppes Of Ancient Rome. We believe it because we see the incalculable hoards descending like locusts to Rib Festivals, Christmas Light Festivals, Winter Festivals, Highland Whatever Festivals, Festival Festivals, Public Washroom Festivals, Condo Balcony Leaping Festivals -you name it.
It’s 1984. We’re all on Soma. The Soma of nitwit HappyCommittees committed to keeping us happy. And we’re so stupid all we really want is to be ooh-ahh happy and never have to think about the people who are all of about one-half-of-one-percent brighter than we are -our elected representatives.
March 3rd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
The forward to Neil Postman’s 1985 ‘Amusing Ourselves To Death’.
http://www.serendipity.li/jsmill/post_1.html
March 4th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Start calling Eddie Greenspan and insist on a “pro bono” for the good burghers of Cobourg:assure him this is a case he can DEFINITELY win.That is,if Ben Burd is correct in stating that he can not find a resolution of Council to “engage” the firm of Totten Sims and Hubicki and Associates.
Mayors of cities cannot spend $ 128.000 on a proposal to dismantle the urban landscape ,chosen by their citizens,without the authorization of a MOTION presented in Council,and passed by their Councils. That is the Municipal Act and no mayor is above the law.
At least some members of his Council would have asked some questions…..like…” did the firm of Totten Sims and Hubicki and Associates not just get paid for the green space they designed for this location , which was APPROVED by a PUBLIC process????…..like..”is the Cobourg electorate that stupid to pay the same firm for a NEW concept they obviously did not think of the year before???? …like …. “Did we not just lose Kraft manufacturing jobs and Belden jobs and should we not spend our money wisely? “…..like …..”if they could not get it right the first time,why pay them again for a new concept?” …like “should we not engage some other firms?”( all questions a reasonable councillor would have asked).
Mayor Delanty and this firm superimposed “their personal dream/ambitions/self-interest” ,their personal agenda, on the electorate and the citizens have overwhelmingly indicated that the public purse will NOT be available for their purposes.
Mayor Delanty did cast the deciding vote to tender a project not publicly approved: he should be held accountable in another arena.
Let’s start a “draft Eddie Greenspan” campaign.
March 8th, 2008 at 9:29 am
Having
March 8th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Having been born here, growing up here and still living here, its disappointing to see what has become of Cobourg. This recent council has been the deciding factor that we will not likely stay here after our son has graduated college. Can fountains break camel’s backs? Yes!!!We were hesitant to accept the condos built at the west end of the marina…against the condos directly north looking onto the marina. We rarely go to the waterfront anymore because the leisurely walk generally turns to its downfall and loss of open space. I remember as a child going to the wading pool at Victoria Park, I took my son there when he was a toddler. It was a God send for mothers with toddlers. If anything it should be replaced using the “frink” funds. Its about time this town did something for younger members of the community. It seems to be only focused on the over 60 crowd. I’m in my 40’s. There is nothing here that we find entertaining anymore unless you are into chamber music (although we are watching with interest the offereing of a country singer at the new Park Playhouse, we love country). We travel to Oshawa, Peterborough and Belleville. Traditionally the country/farm folk from north of Cobourg ( Cold Springs, Baltimore etc.) as they aged, downsized and moved to town in their golden years. I seriously doubt this is attainable anymore with the price of the new condo sprouting up all over town. I can say that I sure won’t be able to retire here. Over the past 15 years our decent paying manufacturing jobs have disappeared and the council over these years have done nothing to attract new industry other than retail. Instead we’ve been turned into a retirement, arts and crafts town with little future for our young people.
I seriously wonder at the Art people who chose the “art” for our town. We have our homely bronze business man who graces our main street and our water trough fountain across from the liquor store (boring!). I will point out though that I love the water/rock feature tucked in behind Victoria Hall. Its peaceful and we stop to see it when downtown. The committee loses points though for nearly letting the Golden Plough cairn, an important piece of our history, disappear. Why isn’t a small piece of green grass, a meandering creek and attractive walk way left in the centre of our town good enough?
In closing, if the cement pond is to cover this small piece of paradise, I suggest they add a cement wall with the councillors and mayor’s names who supported it to go down in history as the council that “was like talking to a wall”. I also have a great idea for the opening, we can all gather and sing Joni Mitchell’s “they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.
March 8th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Have any “Art people” presented counter-proposals for the downtown Green Patch?