Update – Video – Cobourg Cancels Littering Ticket Issued to ZAP Records Owner
A littering ticket issued to ZAP Records owner Tim Horgan has been cancelled by the Town of Cobourg after municipal officials acknowledged that the downtown business owner was dealing with garbage and debris being left on his property.
Horgan was issued a ticket by Municipal Law Enforcement on Thursday, August 20, after remnants of a tent were dumped behind his King Street East business, near Victoria Park.
Horgan said the situation was particularly frustrating because people regularly gather in and around Victoria Park, directly across from his store, and he has previously raised concerns about the impact of nuisance activity in the area.
On Thursday, Horgan said he intended to fight the ticket.
But by Friday, the situation had changed.
Horgan said Municipal Clerk Brent Larmer contacted him Thursday night and told him the ticket was being cancelled.
“I have good news,” Horgan said. “The town got a hold of me last night and they are ripping up the tickets and they were very over-the-top apologetic, which I didn’t really need that, but happy to hear it.”
When asked whether the Town explained why the ticket was being cancelled, Horgan said there was no detailed explanation.
“They didn’t really say why. I think we all know why,” he said.
Horgan said he was relieved he would no longer have to spend time fighting the ticket.
“Yeah, it probably would have been a lot of work and not a lot of fun and it just adds more chaos to what’s going on,” he said. “I’d rather just do work.”
Horgan said he appreciated the Town reaching out and believes the conversation could lead to a better approach going forward.
“Brent was very nice and apologetic, like I said, and we’ve kind of got a plan to move forward with it and it’s going to work better for everybody, I hope,” Horgan said.
Larmer confirmed to Today’s Northumberland that the ticket has been cancelled.
“Unfortunately, due to its proximity to Victoria Park, the owner of Zaps has seen a significant increase in trespassing and nuisance behaviour on and near his property,” Larmer said. “The Town has been working diligently to address these issues, and while progress is being made, we will continue to dedicate resources to support our downtown businesses.”
“Zaps is part of the solution, not the problem, and we will continue to work cooperatively with the owner to help maintain the area in good order,” Larmer added.
Larmer said the Administrative Monetary Penalty System notice issued to Horgan will be cancelled under the authority of the Director pursuant to the Town’s AMPs By-law.
“I have also apologized to the business owner, as I understand this has added another layer of frustration for him, during an already frustrating situation,” Larmer said.
Larmer said the Town and Horgan had a productive conversation about how the municipality can better support the business owner when waste is left on his property.
The Town is also emphasizing that it continues to take what it describes as a zero-tolerance approach to repetitive nuisance behaviour in parks and open spaces.
“Municipal Law Enforcement officers are prioritizing calls based on reported nuisance activity, ensuring our response is targeted where residents and businesses are telling us it is needed most,” Larmer said.
The Town also recognizes that businesses and property owners can be affected by activity originating in nearby public spaces.
Larmer said support available to property owners includes trespass authorization and a direct line to the Town for debris and garbage pickup.
He encouraged residents and businesses to report nuisance activity and illegal dumping through the proper channels so Municipal Law Enforcement can respond effectively.
Municipal Law Enforcement Officers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 905-372-8380.
For Horgan, the cancellation means one less fight to deal with as he continues to operate his downtown business.
“I appreciate the Town calling,” he said.
Video – $175 Cobourg Business Owner Vows to Fight Littering Ticket
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