What you need to know about Cobourg, Port Hope inaugural council meetings
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
Inaugural council meetings will get underway starting next week in west Northumberland.
For both Port Hope and Cobourg, the inaugural meetings are set for next Tuesday, Nov. 17.
In Port Hope, the new council will make their declarations of office at the 6:30 p.m. meeting in council chambers at town hall. This will officially mark the start of the 2026-30 term.
“No council business will be considered at the inaugural meeting,” the municipality has noted.
The new Port Hope council will be led by outgoing Ward 1 Coun. Todd Attridge, who unseated incumbent Mayor Olena Hankivsky in the 2026 municipal and school board election.
Others returning to council include Vicki Mink, who is shifting from Ward 2 to Ward 1. Adam Pearson and Claire Holloway Wadhwani are also back in their seats in the urban ward. The only newcomer for Ward 1 is Caleb Carrisse.
For Ward 2, Coun. Darrell Toms was re-elected and Jamie Ferguson is joining council.
Municipal staff are reminding residents that seating in council chambers is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors at town hall are set to open next Tuesday evening at 6 o’clock. People can also watch the meeting live via the municipality’s YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, a “watch party” is also in the works for next Tuesday at the Port Hope Community Hub (5325 County Rd. 10) “to make attendance easier for Ward 2 residents,” said the municipality. Again, doors are set to open at 6 p.m.
In Cobourg, the town’s legislative services division is also calling on residents to get involved with their new council and take in the official swearing-in ceremony, marking the start of a new chapter for the next four years.
“During the meeting, the mayor, deputy mayor and members of council will take their oath of allegiance and declaration of office,” explained town staff, in a recent notice. “Council will also consider motions related to appointments to represent Cobourg on Northumberland County council.”
As previously reported, Mayor Lucas Cleveland is back at the helm of council for a second consecutive term after defeating outgoing Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty and Max LeMarchant in Cobourg’s mayoral race.
Meanwhile, Adam Bureau is stepping into the deputy mayor’s seat and incumbents Brian Darling and Miriam Mutton also held onto their councillor seats. In terms of new faces in council chambers – but definitely not the community – Joel Scott, Mark Mills and Randy Curtis will round out council for the new term.
Cobourg’s meeting is set for 7 p.m. at Victoria Hall.
“Reserved seating will be available in council chambers, while additional guests are welcome to watch the meeting from the citizen’s forum or foyer,” noted the town.
Staff said the gathering will also be a chance for residents to celebrate with their new council and take in interactive displays in the foyer. There will be refreshments and residents can stay for a reception afterwards to meet and connect with their newly-elected representatives.
Residents also have the option of watching online through the town’s website and YouTube channel.
In the Township of Hamilton, the inauguration of the 2026-30 council is happening Tuesday Nov. 17 but at 1 p.m. in council chambers at the municipal office. Residents here also have an option of livestreaming via the township’s YouTube channel if unable to attend in-person.
As previously reported, Mayor Scott Jibb is still at the helm, as he and Deputy Mayor Larry Williamson were acclaimed. Councillors Bruce Buttar and John Davison are also back in the mix for the 2026-30 term, along with Pat McCourt returning to the fold.
As for the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, the inaugural council meeting will come the week after, on Tuesday, Nov. 24.
As previously reported, Sherry Gibson secured the mayoral seat in the 2026 race over outgoing Coun. Mike Ainsworth.
Meanwhile, the deputy mayoral race was won by outgoing Coun. Mary Catherine O’Neill. Residents will also see change with the additions of incoming councillors Jim McCormack, Jim Hogg and Cathie Ritchie.
At the Northumberland County level, the outgoing council had its last meeting Thursday, which was past the Independent’s press deadline. The inaugural meeting at the county level is set for Wednesday, Dec. 19.
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