Jeff Weng, owner, and Mike Charles, Director, of the William Academy introduced themselves to the people of Northumberland with an appearance on Northumberland 89.7's Post Meridian on Wednesday afternoon. The William Academy will commence high school classes in the fall with a largely foreign student body coming from Asia and South America. Local students, especially those who can benefit from a high student/teacher ratio can apply and even receive a scholarship. The school presently has campuses in downtown Toronto and Scarborough. William Academy purchased the former Cobourg District Collegiate Institute West. The school intends to be a good community partner and invites, for example, local sports teams to enjoy free use of the school gymnasium. To house students, the Academy has various models including a "home stay" program that will place a student with a selected Cobourg family and pay $600-$1,000/mo. Interested parties are invited to contact Jeff Weng at (437) 992-2888. The podcast of the interview will be available shortly at www.northumberland897.ca
Cobourg Police Weekly Report
From the 19th of June 2017 through the 25th of June 2017, the Cobourg Police Service responded to 186 occurrences including: 9 Motor Vehicle Collisions, 7 Mental Health calls, 5 Alarm calls, 9 Theft calls, 7 Suspicious Persons calls, 7 Domestic/Family Disputes, 4 Neighbor Disputes and 7 Assault calls. Here are some examples of calls for service for the week:
June 19:
• Police recovered a stolen vehicle that was abandoned in the parking lot of a local business.
• Police responded to the theft of a quantity of change from an unlocked motor vehicle. Police are reminding the public not to keep valuables in their vehicles and to keep their vehicles locked at all times.
June 20:
• Police charged a male driver with Drive Motor Vehicle with no Valid Licence under the Highway Traffic Act after a vehicle stop on D’Arcy Street.
• An adult male was arrested for being intoxicated in a public place in the downtown core and released from custody when sober.
June 21:
• Police responded to a family dispute at a local hotel involving an argument between a mother and son. Both parties were spoken to and counselled by police with no charges being laid.
• Police located a student who was reported missing after failing to return home after school. The student was found in good health and returned to the care of his/her parents.
June 22:
• The driver of a motor vehicle was charged with Fail to Yield from Driveway under the Highway Traffic Act after a motor vehicle collision on Strathy Road.
• The driver of a motor vehicle was charged with Careless Driving under the Highway Traffic Act after a collision on Division Street.
June 23:
• Cobourg Police assisted with traffic control on Elgin Street East between Division Street and Birchwood Trail after flooding of the roadway.
• Police investigated the theft of household items from a residence that was under renovations.
June 24:
• The driver of a motor vehicle was charged with Follow too Close under the Highway Traffic Act after a motor vehicle collision on King Street East.
• An adult male was issued a trespass notice from a local store after attempting to steal food items.
June 25:
• A male driver was charged with Drive Suspend, Careless Driving, and Fail to Surrender Permit under the Highway Traffic Act after a motor vehicle collision on Elgin Street East.
• A Youth was arrested and charged with Failing to Comply with Probation after being found breaching the conditions of his/her Probation.
Cobourg Condos Evacuated
Heavy rainfall on Friday did more than flood Elgin Street East. Cobourg Internet News provides the following report: "From an unfortunate chain of events, Cobourg Harbour Walk Condos at 145 and 125 Third Street were forced to evacuate today. These condos are joined by a single underground garage whose floor level is 4 feet below the normal level of Lake Ontario. When it flooded today (no surprise) a resident said that machinery used to try to cope with the flood generated high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in the building. Then when the machinery was stopped, water levels rose and flooded the electrical system causing total power blackout in the two buildings. Small pumps powered by a portable generator cannot keep up with the inflow of water so large “vacuum” trucks have been called in (photo below).
It may be unrelated but the same condos are in the middle of replacing their garage entrance ramp. The under slab heating was faulty and replacement meant all cars had to be out of the basement while the work was completed. Irrespective, the ramp provides a fast track for torrential rain runoff to enter the garage. Also, the pump trucks would no doubt need to use the ramp to access the basement/ garage but since the ramp is not yet fully set, it could be damaged.
Residents were told to evacuate (because of the CO level) around 2:00pm and firemen went door to door to make sure everyone got the message. Later, some were allowed to quickly retrieve stuff but were accompanied by a fireman.
They understood that the recovery work would be finished by Saturday and they could expect to return then. But Lakeland expects that Power “will 100% NOT be restored by Saturday” and a best guess would be Monday. So an overnight stay in a hotel will become a nightmare 2 or 3 night stay. My guess is that they may be allowed back to get more clothes once the CO is cleared.
No-one was hurt but it’s not known if all pets were removed with residents – and certainly there will be spoiled food in refrigerators.
At around 8:00pm, the Town of Cobourg issued the following:
We would like to advise that the condo buildings located at 125-145 Third Street have been safely evacuated earlier due to flooding affecting the electrical system in the basement.
All individuals located within these buildings are safe. The Cobourg Community Centre (CCC) at 750 D’Arcy Street is serving as a temporary Reception Centre offering support to evacuees until they find accommodation with nearby relatives or friends.
Genedco Property Management Ltd. manages the condominium properties located at 125-145 Third Street and are working on getting the properties restored as soon as possible. They hope to have residents returning to their homes within 24 hours.
The evacuation did not proceed smoothly. Residents were told to go to the CCC where the Red Cross would look after them. They were also told that a bus would be provided to take them where they needed to go. There was no bus to be seen and no Red Cross. Instead they were given a list of hotels with vacant rooms and taxis were called. Their cellphone numbers were collected and would be used to let them know when they can return. You have to wonder who is responsible for managing this kind of thing. The Fire Department seemed to do a good job clearing the building but there was mixed communication.
There were several hundred people (mostly seniors) involved in this evacuation and with no injuries (at least not yet) it has to be called a success but you can bet at least some of the residents will be critical." [content and photo credit: John Draper. Used with permission]
Cobourg Police Weekly Report
Between Monday May 29, 2017 and Sunday June 4, 2017 the Cobourg Police Service responded to 195 calls for service including 4 Noise Complaints, 3 Mental Health related, 10 Alarms,1 Fraud, 10 Thefts,5911 Calls, 2 Break and Enters,8 Assaults, 10 Motor Vehicle Collisions and 3 Liquor Licence Act.
Here is a summary of the week;
Monday May 29, 2017
- Police responded to a motor vehicle collision at King Street East and Coverdale Avenue involving two vehicles. One driver was charged with Careless driving.
- Police were called to a local long term care facility in response to a physical altercation involving two elderly residents. No charges were laid.
Tuesday May 30, 2017
- Police received a complaint of Identity fraud after a cell phone account was opened unknowingly in the victim’s name. Investigation ongoing.
- A local resident called police to report that he had parked his vehicle overnight at a north end business and discovered that it had been broken into when he attended the next day to pick his vehicle up.
Wednesday May 31, 2017
- Police received a 911 call which following an investigation was determined to be a “pocket dial” or an accidental dial.
- A resident contacted the police to check on the wellbeing of a friend whom she was concerned about. Police located the male at a city hospital who was receiving medical treatment.
- Police responded to a theft of a licence plate from a vehicle which was parked overnight on Ivey Crescent.
Thursday June 1, 2017
- Police identified a motor vehicle that was driving erratically and at a high rate of speed at William Street and King Street. Upon conducting a vehicle stop and subsequent investigation, the driver, 21 year old Jacqueline THERRIEN was arrested and charged for Operation while Impaired.
- Police responded to a north end shopping plaza in response to a motor vehicle collision involving two vehicles. No charges were laid as the accident occurred on private property.
Friday June 2, 2017
- Police were called to a north end business in response to a theft. A 16 year old female who cannot be named and 18 year old Carlianne PIPER were charged with Theft under $5000.
- A female resident called police to report that her purse had been stolen. A short time later, the purse was located by the resident with all of the contents still inside.
Saturday June 3, 2017
- Cobourg police we called to the area of King Street and Division Street in response to an assaultive male at that location. Subsequent to investigation, 19 year old Dylan CAMPBELL was arrested and charged with Assault with a weapon and resisting arrest.
- Police received a report of a male who was trespassing at a residence on Springbrook Road and refusing to leave. Upon police arrival, the unknown male had left on his own.
Sunday June 4, 2017
- Police attended a residence on Munroe Street in response to a noise complaint. Upon speaking with the irate occupants, it was determined that someone had taken the resident’s vehicle and had not yet returned. The vehicle was eventually returned without incident.
- Police were contacted by a citizen regarding her friend winning a large sum of money at Bingo and not sharing the winnings as promised. The citizen was cautioned about misusing 911 for non-emergency matters.
Cobourg Police Weekly Report
Between Monday the 8th of May and Sunday the 14th of May, 2017, the Cobourg Police Service responded to approximately 166 calls for service, including:
Suspicious persons, Police Information, Domestic Disputes, Community Service events, Police Assistance, Traffic Complaints, Drugs, Unwanted Persons, Neighbor Disputes, Harassments, Alarms, Motor Vehicle Collisions, Noise Complaints, Thefts,
Frauds, Mischief, Assaults, Property, By-Law, Family disputes, Warrants, Mental Health, Missing Persons and more.
Here are examples of the calls attended throughout the week:
Monday May 8th
• Police attended an address in the east end of town in report of a domestic dispute. Police arrested 1 person for mischief and breach of a court order. This person was held for a bail hearing.
• Police were called in report of an impaired driver on Division St. Police located the vehicle and discovered the poor driving was a result of the driver eating while driving. No alcohol detected. The male was cautioned for his poor driving.
• Police attended an address on Darcy St in report of a Break and Enter that had occurred throughout the day. A number of items were taken including a vehicle that was later recovered. Police continue to investigate.
Tuesday May 9th
• At approximately 5:40am Police responded to the intersection of Elgin St and Division St in report of a vehicle fire. Police arrived and learned a vehicle had mechanical problems that caused a small fire. No charges laid, vehicle had to be towed from the road.
• Police responded to the area of Division and Swayne St in report of a female causing a disturbance. When Police arrived they located an intoxicated female who was arrested and released with charge when sober.
Wednesday May 10th
• Police attended a University Ave address in response to an alarm call. When Police arrived it was learned that the alarm was false. No Police action was required.
• Police were called to an address on Burnham St in report of a break and enter. Police attended and learned that the home was broken into the day before the event was reported. Two rings, two necklaces and an amount of cash was taken during the entry. Police are continuing to investigate
• During the afternoon hours Police were called to the area of 500 Division St in report of an assault that had just occurred. Following a Police investigation a female was arrested and charged with Assault.
Thursday May 11
• Police assisted paramedics with a male who was experiencing some mental health issues. The male was transported to the hospital where he received care.
• Police were contacted in regards to a missing elderly female. After a brief search the female was located in the downtown core in good health going for a walk.
• Police attended the Cobourg pier in report of a group of youths climbing the lighthouse. When Police attended they located 4 males who were cautioned and moved along. No damage to the lighthouse was noted.
Friday May 12th
• A citizen of Cobourg received a telephone call from a person stating they were calling from the Canadian Revenue Agency requesting money. The citizen did provide the caller with credit card information but cancelled the card after learning this was a fraud. The caller was not out any money.
• Police attended a residence in the east end of Cobourg and kept the peace while property was recovered from the home.
• Police attended the Tim Hortons on Division St in report of a suspicious acting male. Police arrived and located an intoxicated male who was cooperative with Police. The male was taken home and left in the care of family members.
Saturday May 13th
• Police responded to two animal complaints involving coyotes in the east end of Cobourg Police arrived and were unable to locate the animals. No action was required.
• Police were made aware of a female that had failed to check in with friends at a pre-arranged time. Police located the female in good health. The female had just forgotten to contact her friends.
Sunday May 14th
• During the early morning hours Police conducted a vehicle stop on Darcy St after they spotted a vehicle driving with no lights on. Following a roadside investigation the driver was issued a 3 day driving suspension for driving with a blood alcohol level greater than 50mg of alcohol. The driver was also issued a number of other provincial offences notices.
• Police were called to attend a nursing home in report of an unwanted guest. When Police arrived it was learned that the unwanted person left prior to Police attending.
• Police attended an address in the east end of town to conduct a well-being check on a female. Police located the female who was in good health.
Developer Claims Town Hinders Progress
Cobourg developer John Lee, the principal of Phoenix Genesis Developments Inc., said he caught a plane from Florida to be able to make a presentation at Monday night’s Cobourg Council meeting. Lee said that he cannot proceed with his planned Heritage Harbour Townhouse development on the site of the old Cobourg Jail because Cobourg is demanding a cultural heritage impact assessment. Lee claims he would have to hire a consultant and pay a minimum of $10,000 for such a report. This, according to Lee, is “another burden to be placed on developers.” He urged council to exempt his project from this requirement. Lee told Northumberland 89.7 his building could start immediately with completion in the fall if he were to be allowed to go forward without such an assessment. Council voted instead to receive his submissions for information purposes. There was no promise that the Town will waive the requirement.
