Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland is asking council to formally direct staff to remove several controversial elements from the town’s draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan before it returns for consideration.
The notice of motion, submitted to the clerk’s office and council on June 6, follows Cleveland’s public criticism of the draft plan and ongoing debate surrounding recommendations contained within the document.
The motion calls on council to direct staff to remove references that affirm housing or shelter as a human right within the context of parks planning, as well as recommendations related to harm reduction infrastructure such as syringe disposal bins and non-stigmatizing drug-use signage in municipal parks.
The motion also seeks the removal of language that frames homelessness or encampments as a parks planning consideration and any content deemed inconsistent with provincial legislation or municipal bylaws governing public spaces.
In the motion, Cleveland argues that parks should remain focused on recreation, health and quality of life, and points to recent provincial legislation, including the Safer Municipalities Act, 2025, as well as existing municipal bylaws regulating the use of public parks.
The mayor is asking council to require staff to provide written confirmation before the plan is adopted that the identified language has been removed and that the revised document reflects council direction and the municipality’s legislative obligations.
The draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan has generated significant public discussion in recent weeks, particularly around recommendations involving harm reduction measures and the role of public parks in addressing broader social issues.
The notice of motion does not amend the draft plan directly but, if approved by council, would provide direction to staff regarding revisions before the document returns for final consideration.
Council has not yet voted on the motion.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
