The Cobourg Record

Regular Council

June 25, 2025

Who was there

Present (7): Randy Barber, Nicole Beatty, Aaron Burchat, Adam Bureau, Lucas Cleveland, Brian Darling, Miriam Mutton

Taken from the roll call in the town’s own minutes. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why.

What was decided (32 motions)

31 carried, 1 recorded otherwise. Every motion below is printed as the minutes print it.

THAT Council confirm the agenda, as amended.
Moved by Councillor Adam Bureau, seconded by Councillor Brian Darling
Carried
THAT Council receive the HOLDCO Annual Report presentation for information purposes.
Moved by Councillor Brian Darling, seconded by Councillor Adam Bureau
Carried
THAT Council meet in Closed Session in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 regarding:  a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations
Moved by Councillor Adam Bureau, seconded by Councillor Randy Barber
Carried
THAT Council approve the minutes of Cobourg Municipal Council, as circulated.
Moved by Councillor Adam Bureau, seconded by Councillor Aaron Burchat
Carried
THAT Council receive the minutes of the Cobourg Municipal Standing Committee for informational purposes.
Moved by Councillor Adam Bureau, seconded by Councillor Brian Darling
Carried
MOTION TO AMEND That the following wording be added: FURTHER THAT the report back to Council include details of an option for a Lease Agreement.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, seconded by Councillor Aaron Burchat
Carried
THAT Council refer the delegation received from David Gaudette, Lori Brander, and Larry Bowman on behalf of the Cobourg Pickleball Club regarding a request for staff to engage in negotiations with the Pickleball Club to staff for a report back; and FURTHER THAT the report back to Council include details of an option for a Lease Agreement.
Moved by Councillor Brian Darling, seconded by Councillor Adam Bureau
Carried
MOTION TO AMEND That the motion be replaced with the following wording : THAT Council receive the delegation from Jane Hepburn on behalf of Nessie's British Shop regarding approval for the shop to access the Cobourg Tartan for information purposes; and FURTHER THAT Council grant Nessie's British Shop approval for permissions to move forward with their Tartan request.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, seconded by Councillor Adam Bureau
Carried
THAT Council receive the delegation from Jane Hepburn on behalf of Nessie's British Shop regarding approval for the shop to access the Cobourg Tartan for information purposes; and FURTHER THAT Council grant Nessie's British Shop approval for permissions to move forward with their Tartan request.
Moved by Councillor Randy Barber, seconded by Councillor Brian Darling
Carried
MOTION TO AMEND That the following wording be added to the motion: FURTHER THAT Council exempt parking fees between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, so that members of the public, dignitaries such as the MP and MPP, and the Norwegian ambassador may park without a permit and any other associated Town fees.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, seconded by Councillor Randy Barber
Carried
THAT Council receive the delegation received from Leona Woods and Graham Beer on behalf of the Fern Blodgett Sunde Statue Committee to provide information to the Council regarding the Statue Committee from Farsund Norway and Fern Blodgett Sunde's daughters and spouses visit for information purposes; and FURTHER THAT Council exempt parking fees between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, so that members of the public, dignitaries such as the MP and MPP, and the Norwegian ambassador may park without a permit and any other associated Town fees.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, seconded by Councillor Adam Bureau
Carried
MOTION TO AMEND That the motion be replaced with the following wording: WHEREAS Ontario and Northumberland County are experiencing a severe housing shortage crisis, where affordable and attainable housing options are increasingly limited for residents across the housing continuum; and WHEREAS the Intermunicipal Taskforce on Housing and Homelessness was established by resolution of lower-tier Municipal Councils across Northumberland County in late 2023 to address these pressing housing challenges; and WHEREAS the Taskforce recently convened a Housing Solutions Workshop on February 28, 2025, bringing together diverse stakeholders including developers, builders, real estate agents, lenders, municipal planners, building officials, and elected officials to identify barriers to housing development and recommend solutions; and Page 8 of 27 June 25, 2025 WHEREAS the Taskforce has released its Northumberland Housing Solutions Workshop - Summary and Recommendations report that identifies key challenges and provides specific recommendations to accelerate housing development across Northumberland County; and WHEREAS lower-tier municipalities across Northumberland County are currently undertaking Official Plan reviews, presenting a timely opportunity to incorporate housing solutions identified in the report; and WHEREAS coordinated action across municipalities is essential to implement the report's recommendations effectively and efficiently; and WHEREAS time is of the essence to address
Moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, seconded by Councillor Adam Bureau
Carried
WHEREAS Ontario and Northumberland County are experiencing a severe housing shortage crisis, where affordable and attainable housing options are increasingly limited for residents across the housing continuum; and WHEREAS the Intermunicipal Taskforce on Housing and Homelessness was established by resolution of lower-tier Municipal Councils across Northumberland County in late 2023 to address these pressing housing challenges; and WHEREAS the Taskforce recently convened a Housing Solutions Workshop on February 28, 2025, bringing together diverse stakeholders including developers, builders, real estate agents, lenders, municipal planners, building officials, and elected officials to identify barriers to housing development and recommend solutions; and WHEREAS the Taskforce has released its Northumberland Housing Solutions Workshop - Summary and Recommendations report that identifies key challenges and provides specific recommendations to accelerate housing development across Northumberland County; and WHEREAS lower-tier municipalities across Northumberland County are currently undertaking Official Plan reviews, presenting a timely opportunity to incorporate housing solutions identified in the report; and WHEREAS coordinated action across municipalities is essential to implement the report's recommendations effectively and efficiently; and WHEREAS time is of the essence to address these barriers to development while Official Plan reviews are underway, providing a unique opportun
Moved by Councillor Aaron Burchat, seconded by Councillor Brian Darling
Carried
WHEREAS Bill 17, the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 was passed and received Royal Assent on June 5, 2025; and WHEREAS Schedule 4 of Bill 17 amends Section 26.1 of the Development Charges Act to add residential development other than rental housing development as a type of development in respect of which development charges may be paid at a time that is different than what is set out under section 26; and WHEREAS the amendment allows for development charges to be paid on the day the building is first occupied; and WHEREAS the specified amendment will come into force on a future date to be named by the Lieutenant Governor in Council; and WHEREAS the Town of Cobourg has already begun to receive requests from the development community to defer development charge payments from building permit issuance to building permit occupancy in an effort to increase cashflow during the critical construction phase of new builds; and WHEREAS Council wishes to support the development community to further the provincial priority of building 1.5 million new residential units by December 31, 2031, as prescribed in O. Reg. 580/22. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize staff to enter into Agreements, in accordance with Section 3.20 of the Town's Development Charges By-law No. 001-2022 with a developer providing for all or any part of a development charge to be paid before or after it would otherwise be payable, in accordance with section 27 of the Development C
Moved by Mayor Lucas Cleveland, seconded by Councillor Adam Bureau
Carried
THAT Council receive the resolution from the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting regarding Concert Hall Accessibility for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, seconded by Councillor Aaron Burchat
Carried
THAT Council adopt the following recommendations from the Standing Committees contained within the consent agenda as a single motion. 15.1 Community Services, Protection and Economic Development Standing Committee 15.1.1 Report No. COMM-2025-014 from Manager of Events, Culture & Tourism and Director of Community Services regarding Tourism & Marketing Strategy Update WHEREAS at the Community Services, Protection and Economic Development Standing Committee on June 4, 2025, the Committee considered Report No. COMM-2025-014 from Manager of Events, Culture & Tourism and Director of Community Services regarding Tourism & Marketing Strategy Update. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council reaffirms its support for tourism as a vital economic and social contributor to the Town of Cobourg; and FURTHER THAT Council continues to welcome and encourage international, national, and regional visitors to experience the Town's unique attractions, cultural amenities, and local businesses, recognizing the positive impact of tourism on community vibrancy, economic development, and quality of life. Page 13 of 27 June 25, 2025 15.1.2 Report No. FR-2025-001 from Emergency Planner & CEMC regarding Community Emergency Management Plan WHEREAS at the Community Services, Protection and Economic Development Standing Committee on June 4, 2025, the Committee considered Report No. FR-2025-001 from the Emergency Planner & CEMC regarding Community Emergency Management Plan. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
Moved by Councillor Brian Darling, seconded by Councillor Adam Bureau
Lost
WHEREAS at the Community Services, Protection and Economic Development Standing Committee on June 4, 2025, the Committee considered the delegation from Jory Nash, Cobourg resident, regarding Resident Waterfront Parking Passes. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council authorize the elimination of allowing for only one (1) of two (2) registered vehicles to be parked at the same time utilizing a purchased Waterfront/East Beach Resident Parking Permit and allowing for both registered vehicles to be parked simultaneously utilizing the purchased parking permit, applicable for use during the Waterfront Season Parking season; and FURTHER THAT Council authorize Cobourg residents the ability to purchase more than one (1) Seasonal Waterfront/East Beach Resident Parking Permit following the current rules and regulations for the existing Seasonal Waterfront/East Beach Seasonal Resident Permit providing for more flexibility and options for residents when using the waterfront facilities and amenities.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, seconded by Councillor Adam Bureau
Carried
WHEREAS at the Public Works, Planning and Development Standing Committee on June 4, 2025, the Committee considered Report No. PW- 2025-010 from Director of Public Works and Engineering regarding Adoption of 2025 Asset Management Plan and 10 Year Financial Forecast. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council recognize that every municipality shall prepare an asset management plan in respect of its municipal infrastructure assets on or before July 1, 2025 in accordance with Ontario Regulation 588/17: Asset Management Planning for Municipal Infrastructure; and FURTHER THAT Council adopt the updated 2025 Asset Management Plan for all infrastructure as prepared by Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.; and FURTHER THAT Council proceed with the implementation of the adopted 10-year financial forecast as part of the 2026 budget process, with funding to be considered through a combination of debt financing, use of the tax levy, service level adjustments, a longer than 10 year phase in period, and/or reasonable assumptions regarding external funding opportunities; and FURTHER THAT Council direct Staff to include levels of service delivery questions specific to asset management during public participatory surveys leading up to 2026 budget deliberations.
Moved by Councillor Brian Darling, seconded by Councillor Randy Barber
Carried
WHEREAS at the Public Works, Planning and Development Standing Committee on June 4, 2025, the Committee considered Report No. DS- 2025-013 from Director of Planning and Development and Planner I regarding Bill 17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 - Overview. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council receive the report for information purposes; and FURTHER THAT a communication be provided to the public once considered by Council and direction provided on the Provincial legislative changes and amendments of Bill 17.
Moved by Councillor Brian Darling, seconded by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty
Carried
WHEREAS the Committee adopt the following recommendation and refer to Regular Council for final approval. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council approve the updated Memorandum of Understanding between the Corporation of the Town of Cobourg and the Cobourg Police Service governing the use of revenues generated by the Cobourg Police Service’s Business Services Unit. Recorded vote requested by Councillor Miriam Mutton NO (1): Councillor Miriam Mutton YES (6): Councillor Randy Barber, Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, Mayor Lucas Cleveland, Councillor Adam Bureau, Councillor Brian Darling, Councillor Aaron Burchat
Moved by Councillor Adam Bureau, seconded by Councillor Brian Darling
Carried
In favour (6): Councillor Randy Barber, Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, Mayor Lucas Cleveland, Councillor Adam Bureau, Councillor Brian Darling, Councillor Aaron Burchat · Opposed (1): Councillor Miriam Mutton
WHEREAS Members of Council are frequently approached by the media for comment on matters of public interest, including issues before Council or the municipality; and WHEREAS consistent, respectful, and coordinated communication from elected officials supports public confidence in municipal governance and ensures that media engagement aligns with the decisions of Council, municipal business, and enhances the corporate reputation and brand of the Municipality; and WHEREAS there is currently no Council-approved policy providing clear guidance on how Members of Council should engage with the media and the public in their official capacities. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to develop a draft Council Media Relations Policy that establishes general principles, roles, and expectations for media engagement by Members of Council, inclusive of social media; and FURTHER THAT the draft policy be brought back to Council for review and discussion at a future Regular Council Meeting.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, seconded by Councillor Adam Bureau
Carried
THAT Council receive the correspondence from Andrew Samis regarding Addressing the Seagull Infestation at Victoria Park Beach for information purposes.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, seconded by Councillor Aaron Burchat
Carried
BE IT RESOLVED THAT leave be granted to introduce By-law No.033- 2025 to By-law No.035-2025 and to dispense with the reading of the bylaw by the Municipal Clerk and that the same be considered read and passed and that the Mayor and the Municipal Clerk sign the same and the Seal of the Corporation be thereto affixed.
Moved by Councillor Adam Bureau, seconded by Councillor Brian Darling
Carried
MOTION TO EXTEND MEETING THAT Council extend the duration of the meeting past four (4) hours, pursuant to section 5.10 of the Procedural By-law 050-2024.
Moved by Councillor Brian Darling, seconded by Councillor Aaron Burchat
Carried
MOTION TO DIVIDE That the motion be divided into two parts, with the second part being the following:  removal of the two (2) weeks requirement to maintain individual property; and
Moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, seconded by Councillor Adam Bureau
Carried
First part of the divided motion: WHEREAS the Council of the Town of Cobourg continues to support the enforcement of its municipal regulatory by-laws, specifically its Parks and Facilities Regulations By-law and Nuisance By-law; and WHEREAS Council support the newly passed Bill 6, Safer Municipalities Act, 2025, An Act to enact the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, 2025 and to amend the Trespass to Property Act respecting sentencing, which received Royal Assent on June 5, 2025. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council allow for and reaffirm operational authority to Town Staff when dealing with and addressing encampments and those illegally sleeping/lodging on public lands within the Town of Cobourg, which includes removing any previous restrictions Council provided in the past to Staff on addressing encampments and the unlawful authority on town land; being the  the removal of the requirement for a 48-hour minimum notice for vacating public lands to those determined to be trespassing on municipal lands; and Page 23 of 27 June 25, 2025 FURTHER THAT Council request that Municipal Law Enforcement and Cobourg Police prioritize and proactively enforce the 11:00 P.M. closing of municipal parks and public lands pursuant to the Parks and Facilities Regulations By-law. Recorded vote requested by Councillor Adam Bureau Yes (5): Councillor Adam Bureau, Councillor Brian Darling, Councillor Miriam Mutton, Councillor Randy Barber, Mayor Lucas Cleveland No (2): Cou
Moved by Councillor Adam Bureau, seconded by Councillor Randy Barber
Carried
In favour (5): Councillor Adam Bureau, Councillor Brian Darling, Councillor Miriam Mutton, Councillor Randy Barber, Mayor Lucas Cleveland · Opposed (2): Councillor Aaron Burchat, Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty
MOTION TO AMEND That the motion be replaced with the following:  revision of the two (2) weeks requirement to maintain individual property to one (1) week; and
Moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, seconded by Councillor Adam Bureau
Carried
WHEREAS the Council of the Town of Cobourg continues to support the enforcement of its municipal regulatory by-laws, specifically its Parks and Facilities Regulations By-law and Nuisance By-law; and WHEREAS Council support the newly passed Bill 6, Safer Municipalities Act, 2025, An Act to enact the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, 2025 and to amend the Trespass to Property Act respecting sentencing, which received Royal Assent on June 5, 2025. Page 24 of 27 June 25, 2025 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council allow for and reaffirm operational authority to Town Staff when dealing with and addressing encampments and those illegally sleeping/lodging on public lands within the Town of Cobourg, which includes removing any previous restrictions Council provided in the past to Staff on addressing encampments and the unlawful authority on town land; being the  revision of the two (2) weeks requirement to maintain individual property to one (1) week; and  removal of the requirement for a 48 hour minimum notice for vacating public lands to those determined trespassing on municipal lands; and FURTHER THAT Council request that Municipal Law Enforcement and Cobourg Police prioritize and proactively enforce the 11:00 P.M. closing of municipal parks and public lands pursuant to the Parks and Facilities Regulations By-law.
Moved by Councillor Adam Bureau, seconded by Councillor Randy Barber
Carried
MOTION TO AMEND That the motion be revised to remove the second paragraph.
Moved by Councillor Adam Bureau, seconded by Councillor Aaron Burchat
Carried
MOTION TO AMEND That the following wording be added to the motion: and explore parking pass requests during the MOU discussions.
Moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty, seconded by Councillor Aaron Burchat
Carried
THAT Council direct staff to enter into Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) discussions with the Survivor Thrivers Dragonboat Organization regarding their long-time contribution as a community recreational organization to the community and the Town of Cobourg and explore parking pass requests during the MOU discussions.
Moved by Councillor Adam Bureau, seconded by Councillor Aaron Burchat
Carried
THAT leave be granted to introduce By-law 036-2025 and to dispense with the reading of the By-law by the Municipal Clerk to confirm the proceedings of Council of the Town of Cobourg at its Regular Council Meeting held on June, 25, 2025 and the same be considered read and passed and that the Mayor and the Municipal Clerk sign the same and the Seal of the Corporation be thereto affixed.
Moved by Councillor Aaron Burchat, seconded by Councillor Brian Darling
Carried

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