Cobourg introduces infrastructure StoryMapping

Photo by Dan Jones, CFWN, LJI

By: Jolie Manez.

The Town of Cobourg is encouraging residents to explore a new online StoryMap that highlights how municipal infrastructure is planned, maintained, and replaced to support a reliable and sustainable community.

Town officials say the StoryMap titled “2026 Asset Management: An Annual Review”, displays the scale and complexity of municipal infrastructure. It explains how services residents rely on every day, such as roads, water systems, parks, emergency vehicles, and other infrastructure, are managed over time.

The StoryMap is meant to assist in increasing residents’ awareness around the Town’s assets, infrastructure planning, and investment, as well as explaining challenges municipalities face, such as the infrastructure funding gap.

According to the Town, Cobourg's municipal assets have a combined replacement value of more than $1.12 billion. The new StoryMap outlines how the Town uses data, planning, and risk assessments to make decisions about repairs, upgrades, and future investments regarding its assets.

The StoryMap features local examples of asset management in action, including the King Street West culvert replacement project and the replacement of a fire pumper truck.

Melanie Chatten, GIS Coordinator and creator of the StoryMap says that the project will help residents understand how Asset Management is about making informed decisions that benefit the community long-term.

Residents can view the StoryMap at Cobourg.ca/AMStoryMap.