Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan

Cobourg East is the Town’s last large remaining area of undeveloped and rural lands. The area represents a significant opportunity to help shape the Town’s future. The area is currently guided by the Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan, which was initially established in 2005. Its goals and policies have guided the growth of the Cobourg East Community for the past 20 years and requires an update to ensure the community continues to be prepared for the future, and guide how this area will grow over the coming decades.

This planning process will explore options for creating complete, connected, and sustainable neighbourhoods, with the potential to accommodate substantial new housing, employment, parks, and community services. As one of the most transformative projects in Cobourg’s history, with the potential to nearly double the Town’s population, this update will help ensure that growth is well-managed, financially responsible, and aligned with the community’s long-term vision.

Project Overview and Location

The Town of Cobourg and County of Northumberland have retained R.V. Anderson Associates Limited (RVA) and their subconsultant GSP Group Inc. to prepare an update to the Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan (CECSP) and conduct a Schedule “C” Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) for key recommended arterial roadways from the Secondary Plan. The study areas for the CECSP and MCEA studies are identified in the map below.

The CECSP was adopted by the Town of Cobourg Council in 2005 (updated in 2018) to guide future planning and development in the area. Over the next year, the Town will update this Secondary Plan to prepare for the growth expected by 2051. The Secondary Plan Update will ensure that the expected growth is managed in a way that protects the natural environment, provides the necessary infrastructure and community services, and builds complete communities with appropriate densities, a range of housing types, and commercial and employment areas.

In addition to the CECSP update, the Project Team will be undertaking a Schedule “C” Class EA study for the recommended mobility improvements. Phases 1 and 2 of the EA study will be completed concurrently with the CECSP update. Mobility recommendations from the updated CECSP will inform the Class EA Phase 2 preferred multi-modal transportation solution that will be carried forward to Phases 3 and 4 in accordance with the Schedule “C” MCEA process. This solution may include a combination of improvements to existing facilities and/or the introduction of new facilities within the study area.

Study Area Map:

Project Process and Timelines

Process & Methodology
The Cobourg East project is being completed through an integrated planning process that combines the Secondary Plan Update with a Schedule “C” Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA). This approach allows land use planning, infrastructure needs, and transportation solutions to be developed together. This ensures decisions are coordinated, efficient, and reflect the community’s long-term vision.

The MCEA process includes five phases, several of which align directly with the development of the Secondary Plan Update.

Phase 1 - Identify the Problem or Opportunity: Work begins by defining the transportation and infrastructure needs that will support future growth in Cobourg East.

Phase 2 - Evaluate Solutions: Potential mobility and road network options are developed and assessed. These options are informed by the land use concepts and growth scenarios being prepared through the Secondary Plan Update.

Phase 3 - Assess Alternative Designs: Once a preferred transportation solution is identified following completion of the Secondary Plan Update and Phases 1 and 2, more detailed design options are developed and evaluated.

Phase 4 - Prepare Environmental Study Report (ESR): The preferred design is documented in an ESR and made available for public and agency review.

Phase 5 – Implementation: Projects move forward to complete contract drawings and documents and proceed to construction as funding and approvals become available.

By integrating the Secondary Plan with the early phases of the Class EA, the project team can ensure that the preferred road network and mobility improvements directly support the planned community structure, housing needs, natural heritage systems, and infrastructure requirements for Cobourg East. This integrated approach avoids duplication, reduces delays, and results in a more complete, coordinated plan for future growth.

Key Deliverables
This project will deliver an updated Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan (CECSP) and a coordinated Schedule “C” Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) for future key arterial roads and mobility improvements in the area. Led by the Town of Cobourg and Northumberland County, with support from RVA and GSP Group, the work will refine the long-term vision for one of the Cobourg’s largest growth areas by planning for housing, employment, parks, natural heritage protection, and essential infrastructure to the year 2051. As the Secondary Plan is updated, Phases 1 and 2 of the Class EA will be completed in parallel to confirm a preferred multi-modal transportation solution—shaped by new land-use and mobility recommendations—which will then advance into in Phases 3 and 4 of MCEA. Together, these deliverables will provide an integrated and comprehensive roadmap for managing growth and building complete, connected communities in the Cobourg East.

A. CECSP Update
B. One (1) Environmental Study Report (ESR) documenting the Phases 1 to 3 of the MECA for the key Arterial Corridors. These arterial corridors will be identified following completion of the Phases 1 and 2 of MCEA.

Public and Stakeholder Engagement

How to Get Involved

We want to hear from you!

Community input is a key part of the Secondary Plan Update and Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. Throughout the project, residents, businesses, and stakeholders will have several opportunities to share feedback through online surveys, interactive mapping tools, and comment forms. You can also submit questions or written feedback at any time by email or by contacting the project team directly. All input will help shape the long-term vision, land use plan, transportation network, and infrastructure needs for Cobourg East.

Public Information Centres (PICs)

Two Public Information Centres will be held at key milestones to present emerging ideas, land use concepts, transportation options, and recommended solutions. Each PIC will provide an opportunity to review materials, speak with the project team, and offer comments that help refine the plan. This section of the website will include dates, locations, and virtual access options for upcoming PICs, as well as summaries and display materials from past sessions.

PICs dates, time and locations will be posted on this project page.

Consultation Materials

All public-facing documents will be available here for easy access throughout the project. This includes presentation boards, slide decks, discussion guides, statutory notices, and summaries of public and stakeholder feedback. Materials will be posted following each major phase to ensure the community can stay informed and follow the evolution of the Secondary Plan and Class EA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As the project progresses, we will compile and share answers to frequently asked questions from the community. Topics may include land use planning, housing, natural heritage protection, transportation improvements, servicing and infrastructure, the EA process, and anticipated timelines. This section will be regularly updated to provide clear, consistent information and address the topics most important to residents and stakeholders.