Standing up for Cobourg - always
I am entering this election with a clear understanding of what changes Cobourg residents need, and I bring the experience and skillset to make them happen.
I have spent the last four years as Mayor of Cobourg working to make changes and improvements to drive results for Cobourg residents, often in very tough opposition.
From fighting to make Northumberland County deliver the social services we need to stop the drug crisis to securing funding for large projects that had been stuck for years.
I've worked hard to lay a foundation for Cobourg to once again become a great place for all of us to live.
That foundation is a balanced budget, outside investments, more policing and a multi-layered plan to solve the drug crisis in our town.
Originally, I did not expect to run for a second term but I truly think that I can leave Cobourg a much better place at the end of the next four years.
One term has been spent cleaning up and getting the operations more efficient. The coming term I will use to deliver changes that will allow Cobourg to be set up for a great future.
What I bring to the position as Mayor
Collaboration and Teamwork
Teamwork comes together through a process. If I can serve as Mayor with a new team at the Cobourg Council, we can achieve great things. Already, we have seen good collaboration on multiple levels of government, regional, provincial and federal.
Hard Work
A decade in the service industry, a decade on the oil rigs, a stint as an entrepreneur and a term as Mayor has taught me the value of hard work. In a second term I will continue to work hard , putting Cobourg first, while always paying meticulous attention to detail and never backing down.
Experience in Operations
Being the first person in recent Cobourg history to go directly from resident to Mayor was a steep learning experience. The experience I now have from improving Operations the last four years is the foundation needed to ensure that Cobourg tax dollars are being used efficiently, effectively and to solve the problems that residents are experiencing.
Why that matters for you
More funding
We have secured more grants and funding in 3 years than the last 10 years combined with more announcements still to come.
By working with Provincial and Federal levels, we are removing the financial burden and risk from Cobourg residents. This puts us in a position to be in control of our growth and development and not dependent on developers and builders. With a new Town Council that works as a team, we can secure progress for Cobourg.
Safer Streets
Creating safer streets in Cobourg is hard work with many parties involved and I will keep pushing this forward first with more services then with more police and by-law officers on the street.
The ECE by-law was established, enforced and politically defended setting a minimum set of safety standards for shelters in Cobourg.
I have kept Northumberland County accountable regarding the impact they have had on the safety and security of Cobourg resident.
Managing Tax Dollars
Cobourg's new water tower was built with numerous funding sources and completed before the deadline and under budget.
We have introduced new financial and accounting policies to introduce true transparency for Cobourg residents.
This is how we manage tax dollars more effectively.
My view
GOOD INTENTIONS DON’T CREATE SAFE STREETS.
YOU MIGHT NOT ALWAYS LIKE MY STYLE. VOTE FOR MY RESULTS
I TAKE ON THE FIGHT NOBODY WANTS BUT COBOURG NEEDS
Any project that supports more drug use won't solve the drug problem (ie. safe injection sites) and parks are for recreation, not illegal drug use. We need to look at data from other locations and implement what works: a mix of policing, treatment beds, mental health services and high barrier shelter where people can sleep but not do drugs.
Much has been said about my way of negotiating and leading but one thing is clear: I deliver results for Cobourg. I fought for Cobourg in Northumberland County meetings and hold the County accountable for the services that need to be delivered in Cobourg.
Creating a better place for all of us requires a lot of hard work that few people like and nobody gets applauded for. Water, sewers, power, collaboration with other towns. If it's important for the future of Cobourg, I'll take the fight. And often, I'll win.
The results so far
- and we're not done
Better customer service
Fought for safer streets
Said No to the normalization of Criminal Drug Behaviors.
Making Cobourg residents priority number one at Town Hall, including a customer service desk.
Open door policy to the Mayor's office
Specific economic partnership outreach; manufactures tour, bank tour, save the job task force.
Continually polled direct feedback about service improvements at resident doors and community events throughout the entire four years.
Championed ECE Bylaw for more secure and safe shelters while ensuring order and the rule of law in surrounding communities.
Ensured By-laws were enforceable against unsanctioned safe supply sites operating throughout town.
Fought to raise the barrier at 310 Division from low to high barrier shelters
Stood against the normalization of criminal behavior in town policies, funding, grant processes and by-laws
Convened town hall for residents after publishing Enough is Enough to ensure County leadership listened.
Fought against drug advocate language in the Parks Master Plan.
Voted against funding Mom's stop the Harm and Greenwood with tax dollars
Asked uncomfortable questions at County of Northumberland until ideological fantasies, falsehoods and misrepresentation were no longer tolerated or funded.
Over 30 million dollars in grants received
Reimagined County of Northumberland accomplished
Fought for responsible police budgeting
By working with Provincial and Federal levels, we have secured 36 million dollars in grants and investments into the Cobourg Pier, our infrastructure and other critical projects saving local tax dollars.
With up to 28 million more potentially coming, this approach needs to be continued and expanded
The County of Northumberland now has a new CAO, new Director of Social Services, new Deputy Director of Social service, and a new Integrity Commissioner.
The challenges Cobourg faces as the largest town in the County are now in focus.
Fought against a 20.5% increase in 2026 policer budget in opposition to both Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty and Police Chair Adam Bureau.
The New Chief will need a new board ready to focus on a service we can afford and one whose main priority is protecting law and order.
Your Support Matters!
1
Get involved
Are you passionate about Cobourg's future? Write us a note to see how you can help make it happen!
Questions? Call: 289-691-3624 or write to lucasforcobourg@gmail.com
2
Donate
Getting the message out to the community requires resources for printing, advertising and media. If you resonate with my vision, any donation is appreciated!
Donate via e-transfer to lucasforcobourg@gmail.com. Remember to include your name and address.
3
Get a sign
Visible support goes a long way. A lawn sign, button, pin or poster in the window is a great way to show your community that you're voting for a great future for Cobourg.