This is a letter that Ted Williams sent to the Parks and Recreation Committee on the Waterfront Needs Assessment
To: Parks and Rec Committee Members
March 29, 2017
Waterfront NEEDS Assessment
Defining the Assessment
We should be clear in what our goal is with this assessment. To strive to be impeccable with our word is paramount to success. “Needs” is misleading and in the interest of accuracy, this word should not be used. Reference to any dictionary, indicates needs means that which is essential. I would suggest the word “Wants” be used.
What exactly is this assessment.? When I walk along the Waterfront I pass the Boardwalk / West headlands preserve / Winter boat storage / Sail Club Storage / Parking lot and small beach / public boat ramp/ Yacht Club / Marina office / Marina / Div St. Pier / Trailer Park and Beach, the Waterfront is all finished, it’s fully occupied – what are we studying?
If the Committee wanted to commission an engineering Study of our Town-owned Harbour (meaning the piers, break wall etc.) that may discover that we may need millions of dollars in future years to reinforce deteriorating foundations and sinkholes – I would be strongly in favour.
Public / User Hearings
To paraphrase what I have heard from the residents of Cobourg on this matter of the Waterfront – here are some comments for consideration:
Stakeholders
There are two groups that have a permanent seasonal rental arrangement right on the Waterfront – the boaters and the RVers.
Over the past years the wants of the boaters has been meticulously documented through many discussions around the failed Marina expansion discussions and then again through the attempt of the boats asking the taxpayers to fund the $ 630,000 travelift. The boaters even have a rep. on the Committee itself. On the other hand the RVers who occupy 15% of the downtown waterfront frontage are not being considered. They should have a prominent place at the table. This campground is the only Municipal run, permanent entity, that makes a large profit year after year. They also supply a wonderful “vacation atmosphere” to our waterfront. Why are they being ignored? Why does the Town not reach out to them?
Public Wants
Over the past years I have spoken to hundreds of residents down at the Waterfront. Here are some of their/our “wants” for consideration:
An additional item that would be appreciated:
Respectfully submitted for a better Cobourg
Ted Williams
Cobourg
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