I have read a few members here making the defamatory connection to individuals leaving their employment with the Town of Cobourg and very falsely connecting it to me. Categorically not true. For a general edification, I have included below our former Town Planner Cristal Laanstra’s email she sent regarding her leaving her position. Her email makes her feelings regarding her time working in Cobourg abundantly clear.
Ms. Laanstra very kindly sent the email below in regards to her taking a position in her home community of Prince Edward County of her own accord. She took this new position, I will suggest, for a few good reasons, such as no longer having to commute, more time and easier access to her young family, and possibly the substantial pay increase, to name a few. So to suggest this has anything to do with me is not only baseless, but frankly, defamatory. I enjoyed a very collegial and professional relationship with Ms. Laanstra which I am sure she would agree to under oath in Court.
As to defamatory statements made about me in the last couple months, I will be making a public statement in regards to legal actions I am taking against certain local individuals based on the defamation of my character in the next few weeks, as I now have been successful in retaining top legal representation in this regard. Criticism comes with any public position and I fully accept that.
Defamation is a completely different situation altogether and will be for a court to decide.
Lucas Cleveland
Mayor of Cobourg
Dear colleagues,
I’m writing to share that I have made the difficult decision to resign from my position as Director of Planning and Development. My last day with the organization will be Thursday, August 14, 2025.
This choice was not made lightly, nor was it a reflection of any dissatisfaction with my time here. On the contrary, even in the relatively short time I’ve been part of this organization, the experience has been deeply meaningful. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a passionate, dedicated team that truly cares about the work we do and the communities we serve.
The only reason behind this change is a practical one: I’ve been offered a very similar opportunity just five minutes from home. With two young children and a growing need to be closer to where my family is rooted, the pull toward a better work-life balance became too significant to ignore.
I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together. From creating a resilient planning team to advancing policy initiatives while also finding creative solutions for development applications, I’ve learned, grown, and been inspired every step of the way. I’ll carry that with me always.
To those continuing the important work in Planning and Development—and across the organization—I have every confidence in your ability to lead with thoughtfulness, creativity, and care.
Thank you for the trust, collaboration, and camaraderie. I’m grateful for all we’ve shared, and I hope our paths will cross again soon.
With appreciation,
Cristal Laanstra
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
