(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
After three years of raising concerns with Town Council, it is a relief to see Rotary Park finally being returned to safe, public use.
When the building on Albert Street adjacent to the Rotary Park Frink was constructed, it was intended to serve a clear public purpose: a transit shelter with washrooms and a place for people—especially children and families—to put on skates, warm up, and enjoy the recreational facilities, the beautiful park and Christmas lights that Cobourg is so fortunate to have.
Unfortunately, over the past several years, this facility became an unofficial illegal drug consumption site and a private escape from public oversight.
There is clear evidence that many members of the public avoided these washrooms altogether because they did not feel safe using them. Bylaw and Police officers documented repeated infractions in and around the shelter, including trespass, public intoxication, public indecency, consumption of controlled substances, noise, vandalism, and other nuisance activity.
Council and staff attempted several measures. The building was initially locked. Later, operating hours were limited. The lobby area has remained closed while washrooms were left open. As recently as January 2025, staff and Council appeared to believe these steps were sufficient.
They were not.
After the lobby was closed, portable toilets were installed and quickly became consumption sites. When exterior doors were later added to meet accessibility requirements, illegal drug activity simply moved indoors, occurring in larger groups and out of public view, behind locked doors. Individuals routinely refused to leave when bylaw or police intervened, and the washrooms effectively operated as private consumption sites.
Vandalism was frequent, repairs were costly, and in 2025 calls to EMS, Police, and Bylaw related to this location increased by 437 percent. Authority figures were repeatedly called to evict individuals, only to have them return within minutes—an inefficient and unsustainable use of public resources.
The impact on the community has been significant:
· Members of the public waited anxiously, assuming the washroom was legitimately in use, only to eventually give up.
· Unsuspecting residents entered washrooms immediately after drug use, potentially exposing themselves to dangerous residue.
· Parents were forced to help young children put on skates in snowbanks during freezing weather.
· Park staff were often left waiting to perform maintenance because individuals refused to exit.
· A bus driver unable to use the washroom was forced to detour to Tim Hortons, temporarily taking the bus out of service.
At the December 17 Council meeting, staff requested approval to hire external security to provide a on-site presence to prevent further abuse of the facility, at a cost of up to $100,000 for the remainder of the winter skating season. This approach allows Police, Bylaw, and EMS to focus on other community needs while reducing damage and restoring the building to its intended use. Council approved the motion, with staff committed to reporting back on its effectiveness.
The greatest benefit of this investment is the restoration of Rotary Park as a safe, welcoming space for the broader community—one where people can once again feel comfortable enjoying the park and its amenities. Many residents who live near and regularly use Rotary Park share this sense of relief.
This issue has never been about exclusion. It has always been about safety, responsible use of public space, and ensuring that facilities intended for the public can actually be used by the public.
Carol Leighton
An appreciative Cobourg resident
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
