Environment & Sustainability

Trees
The Town of Cobourg manages an urban forest with over 8500 active trees, approximately 66% are street trees, with the remaining 34% located in parks or around town buildings. Cobourg has a wide diversity of trees that benefit our community; environmentally, socially, culturally, and economically.

Visit the Town of Cobourg’s Virtual Arboretum which presents a unique opportunity to engage with the Town’s urban forest.

Invasive Species are organisms that are not native to a region and may cause negative effects on its environment or the public. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and Spongy Moth are two invasive species found in Cobourg which impact native tree species.

Learn more about how the Town is responding to invasive species here

Learn more about how the County is responding to invasive species here

Cobourg Community Garden
Did you know that in 2015, a community garden was established at James J. Tracey Park (located at 196 Spencer St E). It is home to 25 garden beds and three wheelchair accessible beds for vegetables, fruit, and any other desired plants. Three beds offer free produce for community members to enjoy!  

For more information about annual plot rentals or questions about the Cobourg Community Garden contact the Cobourg Community Garden Club at: info.ccgg.cobourg@gmail.com

Cobourg Water Conservation Garden
The Cobourg Water Conservation Garden was made in partnership between the Town of Cobourg, Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, Lakefront Utility Services Inc. and the community. You can find the Cobourg Water Conservation Garden on the South-East corner of Ewart Street and Division Street.

It was designed to demonstrate the importance of water conservation through the careful selection of drought-resistant, pollinator friendly plants that are native to Cobourg. The garden is surrounded by permeable walkways which allow rain and/or snow to drain into the ground rather than running off the surface. Relax at the shelter during times of heat and enjoy the garden from afar!

Cobourg Seed Library
Did you know that each March, the Town’s Public Library (located at 200 Ontario Street) launches its annual Seed Library? Seeds are available for you to take home to plant and enjoy throughout the growing season. The library includes a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs.

The library encourages community members to harvest seeds in the fall to donate back to the program. For any questions and for more information about the seed exchange program contact: info@cobourg.library.on.ca

The energy used to power homes and move through our community contributes to greenhouse gas emissions which negatively impacts climate change. Improving energy efficiency can reduce emissions and lower costs.

Home Energy Efficiency Tips
For tips to reduce costs and fossil fuel emissions visit Lakefront Utilities (LUSI) energy reduction factsheet.
Income-eligible households can qualify for Save On Energy’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP) which provides support to electricity consumers by helping them lower their monthly electricity costs and increase their home comfort.

Transportation
Transportation is a leading source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emission in the country. Using sustainable modes of transportation such as electric vehicles, public transportation, walking, and cycling reduces emissions and improves air quality.

Electric vehicles replace gasoline with electricity, this greatly reduces fossil fuel emissions from the mining, manufacturing and driving of motor vehicles. With the growth of Ontario’s electric vehicle market, the Town supports and encourages initiatives which promote sustainable transportation.

Consider joining the Northumberland Chapter of EV Society, an organization which promotes interest in vehicles propelled by electric power.

Below are some Town operated* charging stations along with other available stations located at the following sites:

Vehicle Idling Control By-law
Idling your vehicle is environmentally harmful, as it burns fuel while sending emissions into the atmosphere. For every 10 minutes of idling, the average three-litre engine vehicle loses more than a cup (330 mL) of fuel.

By-Law Number 013-2025 states that no person shall cause or permit Idling for more than two (2) consecutive minutes when the ambient outside temperature is more than 27˚C or less than 5˚C. Read the entire By-Law here: 013-2025 Vehicle Idling Control By-law.

Cobourg Public Transit
The Town of Cobourg’s fixed route operates Monday to Friday from 7 am to 7 pm. Did you know that the Town offers on-demand transit, which is a shared-ride service without a fixed schedule or route? Trips can be requested up to one week in advance to the same day.

Download the Cobourg Transit app for easy online booking and real-time ride tracking on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

For information about Cobourg public transit, visit the Cobourg Transit webpage.

Active Transportation
Cobourg is proud to be designated as a bronze bicycle friendly community by the Share the Road Cycling Coalition.

Some cycling trails in Cobourg include the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the Shelter Valley Route.

Consider joining Cobourg’s Cycling Club, a local non-profit which offers recreational and competitive cycling since 1974.

Reducing water use helps protect water resources and lower household costs.

For tips on how to be water-wise and conserve water, visit Lakefront Utilities’ water conservation webpage.

Did you know that Ganaraska Conservation offers discounted pricing for rain barrels for residents in the Town of Cobourg? Please visit the rain barrel webpage for more information and to learn more about various rain barrels and their availability.