Cobourg Blog

Our Town Council announced with much fanfare that parking would not be permitted on certain roads in winter.  The reason given was that snow plowing can’t be done if cars are in the way.  So we just had a snow storm that meant plowing was needed - and Hibernia street had cars parked and the plow went around them.  But no tickets were issued and no cars were towed!  So why make a law if it is not going to be enforced?  It just makes sure there are empty parking spots for people who ignore the law.  I wonder if there was enforcement for any roads on the list.  The Police can’t do the enforcing on a stormy night - they are busy with other problems.  So who enforces?

“Does it make any sense for councils to employ economic-development staffers, and then allow competitors from beyond our borders to come in and usurp business from our taxpaying merchants who support everything from local charities to minor sports?” asks the editorial in the Cobourg Star.
Yes, it does!
The largest amount of Cobourg’s tax revenue – by far! – comes from residential assessment, not commercial. Cobourg residents are consumers and it is in their economic interest to spend their dollars where they get the most value and selection; just as it is in the economic interest of the merchants to restrict competition to get the highest prices for their goods.
As far as supporting local charities and minor sports is concerned, for Cobourg’s business people that is a form of advertising. As the old saying goes, “they want to do well by doing good”. But Cobourg’s residents contribute countless hours volunteering for community activities without seeking economic gain. Without them the business community would not have any events to sponsor.
Now what about the huge ad for an Oshawa jeweller on our Cobourg buses?

“Trauma counselors have been called in to work with employees of Northumberland County Council, shocked by the news that a senior manager had been charged with fraud.
The trauma counselors were available to the 500 county employees on a round-the-clock basis for as long as they are needed.” Brighton Independent
Haven’t we come a long way in shielding our public servants from the stark realities of life in Northumberland County?

A year or more ago, Stephane Dion committed the Liberals would pull Canadians out of Afghanistan after the mandate ends February 2009. He has now travelled there and has seen the good work Canadians are doing and been thanked by the Afghanistan government for that. So now he is saying that Canadians should stay after 2009 but not have a combat role.

So who is going to protect the Canadians who do the “good work”? American troops? German troops? What has he been smoking? The only thing that makes sense is to have Canadian troops there doing the protection. And when the Taliban bombs the workers (and they will), will the Canadian troops just say “naughty boys” or will they actually protect by chasing after the bombers? And unless someone in our army has not been listening to Romeo Dallaire, they will actually have effective weapons and they will chase the criminal bombers. So how is that much different to the current role?

Stephane is either a dreamer (I’m being kind) or he is speaking nonsense and is an idiot - hopefully a potential PM is not an idiot.

John Draper

Even in winter when the weather can sometimes be miserable, Cobourg is a great town to live in. Who else has a Santa Claus parade, lights in the park, a New Year’s Eve “First Night” and a Mayor’s levy? The season kicks off with a Santa Claus parade - yes I know it’s commercial and lots of other towns have them - but we do have one. Then Victoria Park has so many lights decorating it that bus tours come to see it! And for New Year’s eve, we’ve had a “First night” celebration for many years where several restaurants and other venues have entertainment with a great fireworks display over the harbour. Everyone said this year’s was the best ever!

Above is the Wagon used for a Hay-Ride to transport between venues on First Night. More photos here: Cobourg photos

Then the next day, the Mayor and all the councillors, put on a reception (levy) to meet and greet anyone who came. The Cobourg Concert Band had a concert and a “good time was had by all”.  Some reasons why they call us a “feel good” town.

The moral of all this? A blog does not have to be all negatives!

John Draper