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Swift action urged for parking

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By Robert Washburn

Parking is the Gordian knot of municipal politics, especially in Cobourg. Truly, it could be any municipality. Those involved like to pick at the individual threads of this tangled issue giving the impression it is being worked on, but it seems like it is never solved. With some 2,238 spaces available in the downtown area, it almost seems incredible people cannot find a spot and happily use the retailers and services without complaint. And, what is even more mindboggling is through the week and on weekends, Cobourg is not coming close to using its effective capacity, according to a study presented to town council recently by its consultants. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Community

Christmas needs a holiday from itself

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By Robert Washburn

The rescheduling of Cobourg Santa Claus Parade drew some unfortunate attention to the event, leaving organizers a bit red-faced. While it does not need to be blown out of proportion, it is still significant all the same. It appears there was an oversight when the annual parade was scheduled on Nov. 10, one day before Remembrance Day. Event chair Ron Wiebe said the Lion’s Club of Cobourg, Cobourg Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) and local cable station COGECO put on the parade. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Community

The results of my reporting at Northumberland Today

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The two weeks helping out at Northumberland Today resulted in the following stories (not all got posted):

2011 derailment shone light on areas needing improvement: NORTHUMBERLAND – In the face of the recent Lac-Megantic train derailment in Quebec, officials in Northumberland County say they are prepared to handle rail disasters and emergency evacuations if necessary. Animal Control responsible for more than cats and dogs, Council hears: COBOURG – A dying squirrel and an injured duck created a tempest over the jurisdiction of the Animal Control officer at Cobourg Council Monday night. Mutton sends letter to council: While a Cobourg councillor is trying to get answers about the future of her boulevard garden, the Town cut her plants Tuesday morning. A letter from Councillor Miriam Mutton regarding the boulevard garden in front of her George Street home created a minor stir Monday night at the regular Council meeting. Council destroying harboour’s west headland – naturalists: COBOURG – A group of angry naturalists chastised town Council for destroying the west headland of Cobourg harbour in a letter to Council Monday night, but the director of public works said there is no reason for concern. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Community

Time to tidy mainstreet

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By Robert Washburn

It is gravely disappointing to see the lack of attention to smaller things along King Street West. The Burd Report rightly points out some weeds in need of cropping. His point is not quiet the same as mine. He is angry over the inconsistency of town policy regarding the clearing of Councillor Miriam Mutton’s garden, causing a huge controversy over the application of the town’s bylaws. This is a bit less ambitious. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Thinking Out Loud, Community

Kudos to council for dog initiative, but time to deal with bigger issues.

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By Robert Washburn

Far too many times local municipal councils take an iron fist approach to dealing with the public. Rather than working with citizens, politicians don’t realize how hard they make it. But, kudos need to go to Cobourg council and their partners as they attempt an innovative approach to its ongoing problem with dogs running free in James Cockburn Park. An unofficial dog park, the town, along with the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA), want to enforce the bylaws governing dog control. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Community

Boring but important development charges deserve attention

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By Robert Washburn

For most taxpayers, nothing could be more boring than a group of politicians and bureaucrats discussing development charges. Yet, nothing could be more important, especially for those worried about rising municipal taxes. Development charges are fees paid by developers of subdivisions, malls, commercial properties and new industry to offset costs for roads, sidewalks, sewers and other infrastructure. The purpose of these fees is to ensure existing residents are not saddled with the costs of new development. In principle, it is the right thing to do. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Thinking Out Loud, Community

Northumberland United Way should consult community before announcing goal

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By Robert Washburn

With much fanfare, the Northumberland United Way campaign announced its $950,000 goal for 2012. But before anyone gets too excited, a moment of reflection on this year’s goal is needed. Campaign co-chairs Mark Holmes, of Northumberland Today, and Peter Dounoukos, of Northumberland News, rallied the troops during the traditional campaign kick  off event, the Showcase of Delectables. There was plenty of confidence as both chairs provided quotes to their respective newspapers filled with optimism. As publishers/managers of the local newspapers, the United Way will not need to worry about ensuring press coverage – an astute move by executive director Lynda Kay. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Thinking Out Loud, Community

Local museums demonstrate bold vision for preserving past for the future

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By Robert Washburn

In a time when many museums struggle to survive, two projects in West Northumberland County share a bold vision, looking to preserve the past, as well as create an opportunity for the future. The Sifton-Cook Heritage Centre will hold its official opening this weekend launching an important place for viewing the rich and diverse history of Cobourg. At the same time, efforts are underway to raise money for the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum in Port Hope in an effort to turn it into a national attraction and create a home for the many artifacts it has collected. The heritage centre in Cobourg is the fruition of more than a decade of work and fundraising by a dedicated group of citizens, who originally wanted to save a limestone building located at Orr and Durham streets in the downtown. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Community, Heritage

People, not government, should preserve Christmas traditions

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By Robert Washburn

When MPP Randy Hillier staged a protest last week in Napanee regarding a decision by Tri-Board Transportation to ban Christmas decoration in their school buses, he missed the target completely, playing only to some people’s fears and prejudices. The Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington politician, along with a few elderly citizens, decorated a Christmas tree and sang carols outside the company’s offices, complaining the board was motivated by pressure to be politically correct. It banned the decorations due to safety concerns, a policy it has held for many years.  Hillier presented a petition with 1,750 signatures. This protest comes at a time when there appears to be a growing confusion over how Christmas should be celebrated. A school near Ottawa cancelled its Christmas concert this year to accommodate nine students who did not want to participate. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Community

Feds fail women hurt by violence

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By Robert Washburn

As women from across Northumberland County gathered to remember the victims of the Montreal massacre and others who suffer at the hands of violent men, it will be particularly poignant. Yes, they will think about the 75 women who were murdered this past year as victims of violence. And, they will reflect on the 45 minutes an enraged gunman strode through the corridors of the Ecole Polytechnique on Dec. 6, 1989, mowing down innocent women with his automatic weapon, killing 14. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Community, Politics