Local Cobourg Business Owner says “Heightened Public Perception” Requires Police Intervention

Pete Fisher
2 years ago
• Categories: Letter to Editor, Local

A local business owner has voiced his concerns in a letter to Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland, Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf along with other town staff.

The letter is below:

“Policing Victoria Hall Parking lots at end of evening shows

There is a heightened public perception of compromised safety and security in Downtown Cobourg, especially after dark. The current controversy over the issue of un-sanctioned overdose prevention sites (OPS) has become a sensitive issue and members of the public are speaking out against what is perceived as a ‘laissez faire’ attitude by Council and Police that is creating public risk.

I operate a business, the success of which hinges on my ability to persuade people to leave their homes to attend evening music events at Victoria Hall. My shows finish after 9:15 pm and upwards of 200 people exit into the night and the dark parking lots that service Victoria Hall. Northumberland Players operates in a similar environment (Firehall Theatre) as do all other presenters who stage evening entertainment events at Victoria Hall.

Members of my customer base have expressed concern.

As a short-term preventive measure while the OPS issue is being debated I request that a visible police presence be mounted in and near those parking lots that service the Concert Hall and that the police presence be most visible when shows and plays are ‘spilling’ from the theatres. The dates and times can be provided by Experience Cobourg Management.

When I stage an event at the Concert Hall I am required to hire a Private Security Firm to preside over the duration of my event in the lobby of Victoria Hall.. I believe that Cobourg Police Service should concentrate a visible presence in the public areas around the Concert Hall when the public is most vulnerable as a part of their policing strategy.

I would be happy to discuss this at your convenience.

Ken Prue

LOFT Productions

Live Music, Film Events, Workshops”