It was standing room only at the Columbus Community Centre in Cobourg at the local ACO discussed the future of historic buildings on the Brookside property.
By the time the event on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 started at 7 p.m. the room was full of people hoping to learn more about the future of the Brookside property once it is officially sold.
The event was hosted by the Cobourg and East Northumberland Branch of the ACO with Chair, Cobourg historian and author Rob Mikel giving a history of the 32-acre property along with historic architectural landmarks including the Rowe Stables and Strathmore house (which was built in 1906).
During the presentation Mikel stated the ACO’s interest would include
· a quality development
· retention of Strathmore with municipal heritage easement and a purpose
· retention of Rowe Stable with municipal heritage easement and purpose
· retention of Brook Road Creek
· public space and recreational or cultural amenities
Speaking to Today’s Northumberland before the event, Mikel said a lot of the information from the Town of Cobourg and the Province has been, “non-transparent.”
“There have been a lot of rumours about what’s going to happen to the property.”
Mikel said people need to understand how unique the Brookside property is.
Strathmore House was built in 1906, a house in the middle of the property which was a managers house when the property was a cattle farm and a coach house at the rear of the property near Cottesmore Avenue. The house was designed by one of the United States most prominent architectural firms.
Mikel said when the property is owned by the Provincial government the buildings cannot be designated by a municipality as heritage sites.
“So when the house is sold and becomes private it can become designated. We all recognize that the development will occur – we just want good development and we want the aspects that make Cobourg, Cobourg and important heritage buildings to remain with the creative development plan.”
After the presentation a number of people spoke up about their concerns about the property and lack of transparency by both the town and provincial government.
Mikel stated there are a number of rumours including a unconfirmed rumour the deal had fallen through.
“It’s the lack of transparency, the lack of knowledge and the rumours going around that show how important everyone thinks this property is, but there is no response from the town to give any information about it,” said Mikel.
Cobourg Councillor Aaron Burchat was in the audience and spoke briefly to people in attendance.
“The only thing I can say – there was discussions at council and council decided at the time it wasn’t in the best interest to purchase the property so we passed on it.”
Burchat said he can understand, “there is some degree of interest in particular items.”
But also stated he wasn’t aware who bought the property or the closing date.
“Until that officially happens I am just as much in the dark as all of you.”
Once the sale is finalized, Burchat encouraged people to bring delegations to council.
One woman stood up and asked Burchat why the town said no to purchasing the property.
Much to the dismay of the audience Burchat said he couldn’t answer the question publicly.
“I don’t believe I can discuss those items, because those items were discussed in closed session.
Burchat said if the deal didn’t go through and people wanted the town to purchase the property, “I would say bring that to council.”
Another woman who has lived in Cobourg for almost three decades stood up and stated, “there is a huge veil of secrecy about what the council is doing.”
Other members of the audience spoke about turning Strathmore House into a cultural centre, possibly an art gallery.
Another audience members stated Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland should come to a meeting to give the information the public requires.
There was a round of applause from people when it was brought up that the town should reconsider buying the property if the current deal falls through.
One of the final members stated about standing up to Queen’s Park and contacting local MPP David Piccini.
“This all emanates from cronyism at Queen’s Park. It is political. And politics isn’t about authority, it’s about influence.”
“We’ve got to them think they are threatened by us for their ability to govern from Queen’s Park and only then when will we start to get answers.”
“If you want to get something done – you have to yell.”
“If you’re not going to be out front and threaten Piccini – literally, you’re not going to get anything done.”
Mikel stated that if people would like to get involved they can:
• Tell the Town and our MPP that you carel E-mail, write, call, stop them on the street – Anywhere you can raise your concerns to the Town and to the MPP.
• Tell all your friends and family about the importance of Brookside. Tell them to please let our local elected officials how your feel. As well contact Cobourg’s CAO and Director of Planning about your concerns.
• Support the us – your local Branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. – Consider a membership – the more members we have the more influence we have to fight for responsible development and the retention of Cobourg’s heritage.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
