Approximately 20 people showed up in front of Victoria Hall to protest the Cobourg Mayor, violence and protecting the vulnerable on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Ironically, the protest was called shortly after two people were assaulted with baseball bats at an encampment in Cobourg’s west end.
While Cobourg Council held a special meeting, protestors stood outside Victoria Hall with signs stating, Kindness Matters, Kind People Know Words Matter, Resign Mayor Cleveland, Homes Not Cells and Love Your Neighbour Don’t Lock Them Up to name a few.
The announcement on social media promoting the protest stated, “Emergency! March on Cobourg Town Hall: Wednesday July 16 1:30 p.m. – Stop the Violence – Call Out the Mayor – Protect the Vulnerable.”
Shortly after the protest started, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland sent out a notice about the ongoing investigation.
“I do not comment on Police investigations. I have full faith that the Cobourg Police Service will investigate this unfortunate incident appropriately.
We have no idea yet the circumstances surrounding the incident, any possible motives or potential for interconnectedness there may be between the individuals involved.
Speculating on the reasons for the incident to fit certain narratives is wildly inappropriate.
There is no place now or ever for this type of criminality in our community.”
Today’s Northumberland spoke with downtown business owner Theresa Rickerby who was holding a placard that read, “Mayor Cleveland – Accountability Now.”
“I think what people need to realize is this protest – we’re not speculating. It’s about when you have someone in a leadership position that emboldens the community to take action.”
Rickerby was referring to a statement by Cleveland on June 26, 2025 that stated, “we should make Cobourg as hostile a place as possible to criminals all day, every day.”
Even though Rickerby believes there was “already discussions I believe about gathering to deal with concerns inflammatory, dehumanizing language that was put out publicly,” the protest was called just hours after two people were assaulted at an encampment.
“Cobourg is not a hostile place and we do not call for hostility here.”
“The unfortunate tragedy (assault) that happened yesterday, that is just unfortunately a scary reminder of what potentially could happen if people are calling for hostility.”
“But this is about so much more.”
Rickerby alleges abusive language, rhetoric, the language going on in town hall, to members of the community, seniors, erratic behaviours, people on the street, the use of Strong Mayor Powers, the abusive behaviour of women on council.
“There is so much – the toxic workplace environment that’s going on in town hall. I cannot stand for it and I don’t know why we as taxpaying citizens are standing for it.”
“Cobourg is not a hostile place and we do not call for hostility here.”
Stating Cobourg is, “beautiful, safe, vibrant, thriving and a really nice eclectic blend of all different kinds of people.”
With numerous signs that weren’t calling for resignations at the protest, Rickerby added that, “I think you need to understand that Mayor Cleveland has expressed his disdain for people who use drugs and struggle.”
(Moments after the comment, the Iphone shut down stating it was overheating)
One person who had a conversation with what he called, “the nutbars” protesting said since he’s lived in Cobourg for the past eight years, “Cleveland has been the best mayor.”
“He’s the only one standing up to a corrupt council – bringing in drug addicts from other communities.”
The man who did not wish to give his name said, he’s not one for speaking about politics but praised Cleveland.
“I finally see a Mayor whose standing up to the left, who just yells and screams – I’m just sick of it.”
Cleveland issued a statement after the protest stating, “I will always respect the fright of any individual who wishes to peacefully protest outside Victoria Hall. This right extends to all Canadians including the 16-18 individuals who chose to take part in a protest today.”
Numerous people drove by honking and shouting their support for Cleveland.