Lucas Cleveland has retained the mayor’s seat in Cobourg, defeating Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty and businessman Max LeMarchant in Monday night’s municipal election.
Cleveland’s victory gives him a second consecutive term leading the town after defeating former mayor John Henderson by 105 votes in 2022. Beatty, who entered the race as deputy mayor, finished second, while LeMarchant placed third.
The three-way contest centred on several contentious issues, including public safety, homelessness, drug use, municipal spending and the future of 310 Division Street. Cleveland campaigned on community safety, fiscal responsibility and sustainable development, while emphasizing Cobourg’s voice at Northumberland County council.
Beatty called for more collaborative leadership, greater accountability and measures to stabilize tax increases. Her platform also included physician recruitment, improved parks and recreation, and a coordinated approach to homelessness, addiction and mental health. Beatty says that she is grateful to the people of Cobourg for the support and she intends to keep her hand in town matters in her own way.
LeMarchant, a businessman with more than four decades of professional experience, entered the race promising to refocus municipal priorities and bring a different perspective to town hall.
The campaign also featured debate over police governance, campaign donations and the use of Strong Mayor Powers, adding to tensions among candidates.
Cleveland’s re-election sets the stage for another term in which public safety, development and the town’s financial priorities are expected to remain prominent issues.
Adam Bureau defeated Johnny Percolides to gain the Deputy Mayor chair only a few short hours after resigning his seat on the Cobourg Police Services Board.
(Written By: Richard Evans)
