Cobourg town council has decided to temporarily close Victoria Park Beach until Monday, June 7th in an attempt to discourage out-of-town visitors and others from congregating on the beach during the province’s stay-at-home order.
“Our beach is already seeing hundreds of visitors daily and, with the upcoming long weekend, we want to ensure our community remains safeguarded against further potential spread of this virus,” said Cobourg mayor John Henderson.
Council held a virtual emergency meeting on Wednesday night (May 19) to discuss a recommendation from the town’s emergency control group, supported by the health unit, to temporarily close the beach and install fencing with two emergency entrances and exits and signage.
Although beaches fall under the same category and are allowed to remain open during the stay-at-home order, council voted to accept the recommendation in anticipation of crowding during the Victoria Day long weekend.
Councillors Emily Chorley, Aaron Burchat, and Nicole Beatty voted against accepting the recommendation. Councillor Chorley, who is also coordinator of parks and recreation services, had earlier brought forward a motion to amend the staff recommendation to only close the beach on weekends and statutory holidays. That motion, supported by the same councillors, was defeated in a vote.
Town staff will begin installing the fencing and signage along the board walk on Thursday (May 20).
Council will reconvene for a special emergency meeting on Wednesday, May 26th to decide on the continued operation of the beach over the remainder of the spring and summer.
