While Cobourg’s Police Chief was patting himself on the back at a Neighbourhood Watch launch on Saturday, numerous vehicles just a few blocks away were traveling the wrong way on a one-way street.
From approximately 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 approximately 20 vehicles went the wrong way on Charles Street beside Victoria Park. While Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf was less that two blocks away at a Neighbourhood Watch launch at the Cobourg Farmer’s Market.
Cobourg’s beach is a extremely popular destination for visitors over the summer, but it’s also become a dangerous place to travel by car or for pedestrians.
Vehicles went north of Charles Street which is a one-way street going south and then west to Division Street.
Some vehicles honked horns to alert drivers they were traveling in the wrong direction.
Given there would be no stop sign facing north on Charles Street at Queen Street because Charles Street is a one-way south, pedestrians also had to be extremely careful along with other vehicles at the intersection.
Ironically just a day before Cobourg Police Service issued a press release announcing the Service has concluded it’s July Selective Traffic Enforcement Project (STEP) which focused on speeding.
The month-long initiative aimed to enhance road safety through targeted enforcement and public education, but it appears by the release there were no tickets issued in the area of Charles Street even though it is well known throughout the community of the congestion and Highway Traffic Act infractions throughout the summer.
The release stated during the July STEP initiative, officers issued 28 Provincial Offence Notices (PONs) for speeding and charged one driver for Stunt Driving – Excessive Speed. Officers also issued Numerous warnings and PONs issued for various other offences
“As summer continues, CPS encourages everyone to stay alert, obey posted speed limits, and prioritize safety, especially in residential areas, near parks, and along waterfront routes where pedestrian activity remains high,” states the release.
While numerous vehicles were traveling the wrong way on a one-way street on Saturday, Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf was at the launch of the Neighbourhood Watch Program at the Cobourg Farmers Market less than two blocks from Charles Street.
The initiative was inspired by two engaged residents who approached CPS with a shared vision: to build stronger, safer communities through a citizen-based approach to crime prevention in partnership with the CPS.
In a release it states, momentum for the project gained at a CPS Town Hall on November 7, 2024, when a resident asked Chief Paul VandeGraaf if the Service would support a Neighbourhood Watch initiative.
Shortly after, another resident expressed similar interest. The two began working together and, on April 2, 2025, met with CPS leadership. At that meeting, Chief VandeGraaf confirmed that the CPS would support Neighbourhood Watch as an operational initiative and provide the necessary resources to pilot the program. At the April 15, 2025, Cobourg Police Service Board meeting, Chief VandeGraaf informed the Board of the planning underway for the new operational initiative.
While still in the area of Victoria Park on Saturday, a number of visitors are still taking up parking in the Charles Street parking lot that is only for residents of Cobourg.
In a short period of time several people exited their vehicles and paid for parking at a machine directly north of the parking lot.
There is a sign that clearly states the lot is strictly for residents.
Fines for parking are $160.00
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
