Audio-visual upgrades coming to Cobourg council chambers

By Cecilia Nasmith

Audio-visual system upgrades approved by Cobourg council in December are coming to the council chambers on the third floor east at Victoria Hall this month.

“Clear sound, high-quality visuals and reliable livestreaming will help ensure residents can follow and participate in council meetings, both in person and on-line,” the announcement said.

Features of the upgraded digital system include:

• Pan-zoom cameras that automatically focus on active speakers

• Higher-resolution cameras with multiple viewing angles

• On-screen speaker name and title display

• Centralized delegation controls and simplified microphone activation

• Digital meeting-management tools, including a request-to-speak function to assist the chair

• Centralized touchscreen or software-based system controls

• Remote system support, updates and maintenance coverage

• Reduced need for technical staff to be on standby during meetings

• Greater ability for clerks and administrative staff to focus on meeting management, rather than troubleshooting AV issues.

To accommodate the upgrades, council chambers will be closed to in-person meetings from Thursday, March 12, until the regular council meeting at 6 PM on Wednesday, March 25.

The Corporate Finance and Legislative Standing Committee meeting, scheduled for 1 PM March 12, will be held virtually, using the town's hybrid meeting platform. Members of the public can watch online at Cobourg.ca/escribe.

For any questions on how to view or participate in this meeting, contact the clerk's office at 905-372-4301.