In a video interview, Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf spoke about a number of issues concerning the downtown including protestors, the Cobourg Farmer’s Market and Victoria Beach enforcement.
Over the weekend, one person was given a $880.00 ticket under the Emergency Management and Civil Protect Act for protesting in front of Victoria Hall on Saturday, May 15, 2021.
VandeGraaf says the protests have, “morphed into a non-issue.”
“Yes, we are still in the Stay-at-Home order, but we can find every hour of the day that people are not abiding by those rules.”
Even though people may differ on their views, VandeGraaf says he believes the protestors are good people, “but we have a rule and a obligation and a lot of people in the community tell me quite regularly they don’t want this to happen and they want this to stop.”
Something different that did happen this Saturday that has never happened during the anti-lockdown protests before is the protestors were offered free coffee by a Special Constable.
VandeGraaf said although the officer’s intentions were good it sends a “mixed message” and the service is conducting an internal review.
“There’s a limit what I can say, but we are looking into the matter. Obviously we want to see the background, what was behind this and what happen to this and where it came from and we’ll go from there.”
VandeGraaf has been contacted by people regarding their concerns with the number of people at the Cobourg Farmers’ Market, non-essential items being sold and live music and/or dancing taking place.
As a regular Farmers’ Market attendee, VandeGraaf said, “it’s an absolutely, fantastic, great thing,” but admits “we’re struggling right now.”
At this point given some of the concerns that have been raised, police at this point are engaging and educating with the Farmer’s Market, “but we all know what the end “e” looks like and that’s enforcement.”
“The Farmers’ Market has very significant and very specific rulings within the current regulations.”
“The discord we have here is the non-essential store or services that have booths.”
Stating there is no ill-intent on the Farmers’ Market with certain businesses being closed because of the lock-down while other booths are being allowed to operate at the market, “it creates this sense of uncertainty. Ultimately it falls to us to try and figure it out.”
“The Provincial Government passes the regulations that we try to interpret and abide by.”
Police will continue to “engage” this week with the Farmers’ Market.
“Hopefully we can get the Farmers’ Market to understand some of the grief that’s being cause in the community, by no intention of theirs but, the outcome of what they’re doing is causing other issues.”
With the lockdown hopefully ending on June 2, VandeGraaf would love to have a celebration of the Farmers’ Market at that time, “but for now I think we really have to bring it back to, let’s stick to essential services in the Farmers’ Market to honour and keep a level playing field for everybody.”
Even when VandeGraaf was shopping at the Farmers’ Market people were approaching him making conversation, but he admits he may have been abrupt to people as he wanted to keep moving and said he apologizes if he was short in conversation with visitors to the market.
Victoria Beach on Sunday, May 16, 2021 had a number of people on the beach sun-bathing, with tents and having picnics.
“The weather caught us. We weren’t ready for this weekend on the beach.”
Both Saturday and Sunday were gorgeous days to be outside, but we all have to try to follow the rules laid out by the Provincial Government.
“This coming weekend we are going to be moving people along. They aren’t going to be sunbathing or setting up for picnics.”
VandeGraaf adds, “the people have been fantastic. This town has really come out and supported our people and we appreciate it.
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
