(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
March 12 Standing Committee Meeting to be Held Virtually
The Town of Cobourg’s Legislative Services Division would like to inform the public of upcoming audio-visual upgrades in the Council Chambers at Victoria Hall.
The audio-visual system upgrades were approved by Council in December 2025 and will support Cobourg Council’s continued commitment to transparency, engagement, and accessibility. Clear sound, high-quality visuals, and reliable livestreaming will help ensure residents can follow and participate in Council meetings both in person and online.
The new technology will support smoother meeting operations through improved audio, visuals, and seamless streaming. The upgraded digital system will include:
• Pan-zoom cameras that automatically focus on the active speaker(s)
• Higher-resolution cameras with multiple viewing angles
• Speaker name and title display on screen
• Centralized delegation controls and simplified microphone activation
• Digital meeting management tools, including a “request to speak” function to assist the Chair
• Centralized touchscreen or software-based system controls
• Remote system support, updates, and maintenance coverage
• Reduced need for technical staff to be on standby during meetings
• Greater ability for clerks and administrative staff to focus on meeting management rather than troubleshooting AV issues
The upgraded audio-visual system will improve how staff, Council, and the public participate in the democratic process by reducing technological disruptions.
Temporary Closure of Council Chambers
To accommodate the upgrades, the Council Chambers will be closed for in-person meetings from Thursday, March 12 until the Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 6 p.m.
Virtual March 12 Standing Committee Meeting
The Corporate Finance and Legislative Standing Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 12 at 1 p.m. will be held virtually using the Town’s hybrid meeting platform.
Members of the public may watch the meeting online at Cobourg.ca/escribe.
To participate in the March 12 Standing Committee meeting, the Zoom meeting information for
speakers is as follows:
• Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82611381552
• Meeting ID: 826 1138 1552
• Phone: 647 374 4685
The total budget is $120,000.
In the 2025 budget, $45,000 was approved to replace the microphone systems, but staff recommended a full upgrade to the complete AV system, which is an anticipated additional cost of $75,000 for a total budget amount of $120,000.
The $45,000 budget approval amount came from the 2025 Tax Levy and the additional amount to be funded from the reserve fund.
In addition to the initial cost and setting up of the upgraded AV system, there will be a yearly service contract that will deal with any technical issues, service requests and replacement and cost for equipment for the life of the system, which we currently do not have. The yearly costs are anticipated to average between $15,000 to $20,000. These costs would be consistent in current service agreements in the industry and across the Town.
For any questions regarding how to view or participate in the March 12 Standing Committee Meeting, please contact the Clerk’s office at clerk@cobourg.ca or call 905-372-4301.
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
