Northumberland at 5 June 25, 2026
Cobourg Council was unanimous Wednesday night in a motion by Mayor Lucas Cleveland that no plan nor any draft plan paid for by the taxpayers of Cobourg should encourage, endorse, or make it easier to commit acts of criminality under federal or provincial law in our public parks or any public space. This comes after Cleveland raised concern earlier this month that the draft parks master plan may endorse encampments or drug use in public parks. Cleveland says there are laws in place to address criminal activity, but also social programs to help those struggling.
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Community groups in Cobourg are attempting to calm the discussion regarding homelessness, possible encampments and drug use in public parks. Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland spoke out against language consultants used in the draft parks master plan. The plan, which recently closed to public comment, discusses that homeless people may use the parks for living and injecting drugs, as it is recommended for the installation of safe disposal site for used needles. Cleveland, who openly admitted to fear mongering said the draft plan may open the door to chaos in parks. However, Alicia Vandine, Executive Director the United Way Northumberland is calling for a meeting with Cleveland to find solutions to benefit all residents of Cobourg.
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The dome project at the Port Hope Racket Club is well underway, meaning outdoor courts are currently unavailable. Darryl Goodall, President of the Port Hope Racket Club provided an update to Council recently saying the project is experiencing cost overruns. He pointed to soil issues and increased costs for fuel and asphalt.
