Cobourg council has unanimously supported a motion directing staff to revise portions of the town’s draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
The motion, introduced by Mayor Lucas Cleveland, calls for the removal of several recommendations related to homelessness, harm reduction and housing that the mayor argued extend beyond the purpose of a parks and recreation planning document.
The debate follows weeks of public discussion surrounding the draft plan. Earlier this month, Mayor Cleveland requested changes to a number of recommendations, while several local organizations, including Northumberland United Way and Transition House, urged council to retain references related to public health and homelessness in an open letter to council. MBC Media has previously reported on both developments.
During council’s discussion, members of the public also addressed concerns about some of the proposed recommendations. Among those speaking was a representative of the Cobourg Ecology Garden, who raised concerns about references to syringe disposal bins and the potential impact on volunteers, visitors and school groups using the waterfront facility.
Council members also discussed existing municipal bylaws and enforcement measures aimed at addressing encampments in public parks.
According to town staff, the public consultation process generated significant interest, with nearly 2,900 visits to the Engage Cobourg project page and 348 pieces of feedback submitted by 265 participants.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is intended to guide park, recreation and open space planning over the next decade. The revised document is expected to return to council for final consideration at its July 22 meeting.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
