It was a quick backtrack for the Town of Cobourg Council on it’s religious declarations policy.

Last autumn, citizen Bob LeDrew, who is an atheist, requested that the town declare March 23 as Atheism Awareness Day. Last November, Council declared December as Christian Heritage Month.

He claims he was denied that request, suggesting Cobourg’s Flag Raising and Proclamation Policy does not allow for religious declarations.

LeDrew argued that atheism is not a religion, and that Council’s November declaration opened the door to other religion’s demanding their own declarations.

He explained that Northumberland County is becoming less religious, citing a 2021 Statistics Canada religious diversity report suggesting that approximately 45 percent of the County’s population has no religious affiliation, up from 25 percent from 10 years ago.

Council voted to rescind the Christian Heritage Month declaration Wednesday. 

Cobourg Religious Declarations Policy-LJI

Dan Jones Tues. Feb 25 Morning News

Dan Jones Wed. Feb 26 Afternoon News

A Cobourg firefighter sustained minor injuries on Monday evening, after authorities allege a tractor-trailer struck a stationary fire truck on Highway 401 near Port Hope.

The fire truck was parked as personnel were assisting with a vehicle in the ditch. OPP report the driver of the transport failed to remain at the scene following the collision. Charges were laid against a Toronto area driver Tuesday.

Cobourg Fire Department Chief Ellard Beavan says fortunately the firefighter was not seriously hurt. He told a Cobourg Council Committee meeting this week that the damaged fire truck will not impact local service, as the truck is being replaced soon.

Fire-Fighter-Report-LJI

News from Northumberland County on March 5

Dan Jones Tues. Mar. 4 Morning News

News from Northumberland County on March 11.

Dan Jones Tuesday March 11 Morning News

News from Northumberland County on March 14.

Dan Jones 3-14 News

Morning News from Northumberland County on March 18, 2025

Dan Jones-March 18 Morning News

I am a political multi-media journalist since 2006. I have covered three territorial and three provincial elections, three federal elections, 2009 Western Premiers Conference, multiple Northern Premiers Forums and 2016 Council of the Federation Conference.

In my previous position with Missinipi Broadcasting in Regina, I was the Legislative Affairs reporter and Station News Director

Cobourg Religious Declarations Policy-LJI

Dan Jones

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