Cobourg Mayor Proposing “Save the Jobs Task Force”

Pete Fisher
12 hours ago
• Categories: City Hall, Local

Notice of Motion from Mayor Lucas Cleveland, regarding Save the Jobs Task Force

Cobourg Mayor will be asking for council to create a “Save the Jobs Task Force” at the next council meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

The proposal is as follows:

Action Recommended:
WHEREAS the Town of Cobourg is committed to preserving and strengthening its local economy and employment base as part of the Strategic Goal of “Thriving Community” and

WHEREAS recent developments have indicated the closure of a significant local operation within Cobourg Northam Industrial Park that that will cease operations before the end of 2025 resulting in the loss of at least 150 local jobs; and

WHEREAS the Town recognizes the urgency of coordinated efforts to respond to this closure exploring all available solutions, including the identification of new operators or alternative manufacturing opportunities.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT an Economic Task Force be formed according to Bylaw 050-2024, section 9 of Cobourg’s new governance model; and

FURTHER THAT the mandate of this Task force will be to develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan to identify, market, recruit and sign a new company to replace the vacant space in Northam Industrial Park while focusing on replacing the 150 jobs that are being lost at the end of this year; and

FURTHER THAT the Task force shall be composed of the following members:

Mayor Lucas Cleveland (Chair)
Daniel Van Kamp, Manager of Economic Development, Town of Cobourg
Thomas Flynn, Investment Attraction Officer, County of Northumberland
Jill Bollettieri, General Counsel, Post Holdings Inc. or designate
Sandra Arthur, Property Manager Northam Industrial Park
Darla Price, Managing Director Northumberland Manufactures Association or designate

AND FURTHER THAT Save the jobs Task Force 2025 will meet and report back to Council at its earliest convenience, before the June 2025 Regular Council meeting with a draft terms of reference, including a mandate, comprehensive plan, budget implications, reporting timelines and reporting relationships inclusive of a start and end date; and

FURTHER THAT municipal staff be directed to provide the necessary guidance and legislative support in the creation of the ‘Save the Jobs 2025’ Task force, including outlining any procedural or regulatory requirements necessary under the Town’s new governance model to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance.