The Town of Cobourg has released the final draft of its proposed Parks and Recreation Master Plan, setting the stage for further public discussion and a council decision expected next month.
The 10-year plan contains 175 recommendations intended to guide investments, policies and priorities for parks and recreation facilities through 2036. Residents can now review the updated document through the town’s Engage Cobourg platform.
The release comes after several weeks of public debate surrounding portions of the plan dealing with homelessness, public health and harm reduction measures in public spaces.
Earlier this month, Mayor Lucas Cleveland raised concerns about several recommendations contained in the draft plan, arguing some provisions were inconsistent with provincial legislation and outside the intended scope of a parks master plan. MBC Media previously reported on the mayor’s request for changes to the document.
Among the concerns raised were references to homelessness as a human rights issue, recommendations related to safe syringe disposal infrastructure and language discussing encampments in public parks.
The mayor’s comments later prompted a response from Northumberland United Way, the Green Wood Coalition, Northumberland Community Legal Centre, Rebound Child & Youth Services and Transition House. In an open letter previously covered by MBC Media, the organizations argued that public planning documents must acknowledge the realities facing people experiencing homelessness and defended the inclusion of public health measures and references to housing insecurity.
According to the town, sections receiving significant revisions in the final draft include Public Health and Parks, 117 Durham Street, the Waterfront Nature Park, trail mapping, Centennial Pool and recognition of Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority ownership lands.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan Task Force is scheduled to begin its review of the final draft on June 23 before meeting again on July 6 and ultimately presenting recommendations to council on July 22.
Residents wishing to comment on the plan will have an opportunity to address council when the matter comes forward for consideration.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
