By Cecilia Nasmith
Following the vote at this week's committee-of-the-whole council meeting, Cobourg has proclaimed May as Museum Month in the Town of Cobourg and May 19 to 25 as National Public Works Week in the Town of Cobourg.
Marie Dressler Foundation president and chair Rick Miller made the request for the first proclamation in a letter that pointed out that Museum Month has been celebrated annually since 2000 by Ontario's 700 museums, galleries and heritage sites. May 18, in fact, is recognized as International Museum Day.
Situated at the start of the summer tourism season, Miller added, Museum Month provides an excellent opportunity for promotion and awareness.
President Angela Storey of the Ontario Chapter of the Canadian Public Works Association made the latter request for the annual observance that since 1960 has celebrated the contributions of public-works professionals in Canada and the United States.
This year's theme is It Starts Here, recognizing the many facets of modern civilization that grow out of their contributions.
“Together, the more than 30,000 members of CPWA and APWA in North America design, build, operate and maintain the transportation, water supply, sewage and refuse-disposal systems, public buildings and other structures and facilities essential to our economy and way of life,” the letter said.
Councillor Brian Darling pointed out that this makes two simultaneous proclamations in the Town of Cobourg, and wondered if that is a problem. Legislative clerk Brent Larmer assured him that it is not.
Mayor John Henderson asked about a rodeo he had heard about to celebrate public works – that's spelled “road-e-o”, Darling said.
“On June 26, we are hosting a Roadeo, an annual competition of our public-works drivers,” director of public works Laurie Wills confirmed.
“They come together and go through creative exercises on courses to prove their abilities on and skills for driving.
“It's an event with Peterborough and Northumberland counties, a fun celebration of their driving abilities.”
It's an all-day event held at the public-works yard, Darling added, expressing the hope that councillors could attend some of the events.
