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Letters to the Editor
A collection of Letters sent to the Editor of Cobourg News Blog and provided as a service to Cobourg residents.
Note that opinions expressed in letters are those of the author and may or may not be my opinions.
Notification of new letters is sent to subscribers of Blog posts at 8:00 pm.
Letters go offline after 3 months or when the date promoted has passed - whichever is later. In some cases where interest is extended, the offline date is also extended.
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- 825
With regards 202 Second Street development, I fully support and endorse the project with a few caveats.
As a long time resident I have seen this plot sit idle and I have considered it "wasted space" sorely in need of development. The current proposal looks terrific, will enhance the area, will provide housing, beautifies the waterfront, and would be a plus for our downtown. In our quest to have more housing choices, no one on Council should oppose this development. If Planning approves this development, Council should give unanimous approval, in spite of any personal opinion. If Planning approves the proposal that should be good enough, and it will support our Provincial Government's desire (and our need) for more housing. As to how well it "fits" vis-a-vis Victoria Hall (which is downtown's architectural outlier), it works very well. Remember all the naysayers complaining about the new Legion building and the Coast Guard building. They both sit well in our community.
- 1743
I am writing on behalf of the team behind the proposed development at 202 Second Street in downtown Cobourg, a joint venture led by Balder Corporation, with Dez Capital serving as our lending and development partner.
Balder Corporation has been active in Cobourg and Northumberland County for the past 7–8 years. Our commitment to quality and community-focused development is exemplified by our work at 325 University Avenue West, where we took deliberate steps to enhance the surrounding streetscape and contribute meaningfully to the neighbourhood.
For 202 Second Street, we have assembled a team of professionals who are both mindful and respectful of the heritage character of downtown Cobourg. From day one, we have approached this project with a deep appreciation for the historic and cultural fabric of the area — while also recognizing the critical need for increased housing density in the downtown core. BSN Architects, our architects on the project, have a long list of heritage sensitive projects that they have executed across Ontario.
- 2086
Our community has been crying out to bring back safety to our streets and to change the poor decision to have a "transition house" in the middle of our community. We want political will not just political words!
As a former council candidate I found myself asking questions at the time of the last election, can I support this "new" mayor if elected? Like most voters I spoke with, the jury was still out, after all Lucas Cleveland was a new face in a very traditional town taking on the incumbent Mayor, an almost impossible task. After election night the results came in and the voters had spoken. Change was on the way, a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
After what can be described as a rough start, some rookie mistakes and questionable decisions at the beginning of this term, Mayor Cleveland has seemed to have learned from these missteps and become a strong advocate for our town particularly on the 310 Division St. issue.
- 2950
June 26, 2025
Our recent Cobourg Town Hall regarding 310 Division and Transition House made it very clear ... enough is enough.
The vast, vast majority of the general public are no longer going to accept the criminality, chaos, and unaccountability. The anger of our citizens is finally being heard and responded to.
310 Division, as it operated prior to Wednesday June 18, 2025, was a failure of public social policy. What was going on at 310 Division is tantamount to a taxpayer-funded criminal drug den. A "Low Barrier Shelter" has simply meant a free-for-all.
I voted for the creation of 310 Division as a County Councillor with every good intention. I now realize the meaning of the old adage, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." I deeply regret my misguided support.
However, my record, if you will, standing up to the majority of my fellow county councillors, senior county staff, and drug advocates is 100%, time and time again, clear and undeniable, often to my own detriment. I am in no way playing the victim, I am being factual.
From judicial reviews launched, to a "weaponized" Integrity Commissioner system, to myriad personal slanders, it has been the most difficult time I can say I have faced. There were never-ending personal antipathies, all because I won't be silenced and I won't agree.
This changed, however, on June 18th when all but one of my fellow county councillors voted collectively to finally make the beginnings of the changes critical for 310 to continue operations. I thank those councillors for seeing reason.
- 1942
The Police Services Board (PSB) coming forward to request Council's approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), concerning policing finances, highlights a crucial point for our community: the Police Services Board is and must remain accountable to Cobourg Council.
It's essential to understand that our Cobourg Council holds the ultimate responsibility for the entire municipal budget, and this unequivocally includes the policing budget. A significant component of police funding, particularly the revenue generated from "Crimcheck" operations, has historically helped to offset the cost of policing for taxpayers. This direct contribution has been a valuable part of our local financial picture.
However, we are now seeing proposals from the PSB that appear to aim at removing Council's direct responsibility to oversee a large part of the policing budget. Such a move would be a disservice to transparent governance and financial accountability.
Our Council represents the citizens; they are directly elected and, therefore, directly accountable to us, the taxpayers. The PSB, while vital for strategic oversight of the police service, does not hold the same direct democratic mandate for budgetary control.