VOTE
Cindy Beman
for
Cobourg
Council
Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a wife, mother of three and grandmother of five who believes deeply in the power of community and connection. Born in New Brunswick, raised in Toronto and proud to call Cobourg home for the past seven years, I care deeply about the people who live here and the future we’re building together. I’m passionate about speaking up, listening openly, and advocating for issues that matter most to our community with honesty and compassion.
Cindy Beman - she get things done!
Achievements
Community Accessibility
Worked with the community to create a barrier free garden.
Addressed Food Insecurity
Created a local food pantry to allow people to access food with dignity.
Community Partners
Built strong relationships with community groups to advocate for local needs and priorities.
Prioritized Youth Voice
Worked with youth to build the second largest skateboard park in Canada.
Building a stronger community through equity and advocacy.
About Me
My first career was in banking, primarily mortgages, but also included Assistant Branch Manager and finally a Business Analyst. This provided me with the tools necessary to make sound financial decisions.
My second career has been in the non- profit sector which is very rewarding and fulfilling. This has provided me with insight into the needs of a diverse community.
Currently I am a part time Property Manager at an affordable housing apartment building for seniors where I am addressing the need for affordable housing for all.
I have always used my voice to advocate for issues that are important.
I believe…..
… in treating people with dignity and respect
… in inclusive communities
…that housing is a right
…that accessibility for all is the pillar of a strong community
…that we have an obligation to provide future generations with clean air, by starting with small changes NOW
…in open, honest and transparent leadership
…that we are all equal - we all put our pants on the same way, one leg at a time
…in asking questions and listening to your answers
… in “getting things done”
…
On October 26, 2026 - VOTE for
Cindy Beman
for Town Council
Stay tuned for more…..
I am now set up to accept donations in support of my Campaign.
Your $5.00 donation will cover the cost of 40 flyers.
Your $25.00 donation will cover the cost of one double sided election sign.
All of your donations are greatly appreciated!
Please etransfer donations to cindygetsitdone@gmail.com
July 9, 2026
During these very hot, humid days, I’m sure the last thing on your mind is a Fall Election!
I would like to plant a little bug in your ears though.
I’m not going to promise you that I will be transparent and accountable when you elect me. That is something that ALL elected officials should be.
I'm not going to tell you that I will remain honest and true to my campaign platform. That is something that ALL good people should be.
What I am going to tell you is that I will listen, really listen, to your concerns.
A few years ago, I was elected as the Chair of the Southeast Toronto Skateboard Association. It was a grassroots group created by skateboarders and their families as well as community members who saw a need for a safe place for skateboarders to be. In this role, I listened to what the youth wanted. I listened to the concerns of their families. I listened to the issues of the community partners. With all of us working together, we built the second largest skateboard park in Canada, designed by skateboarders, for skateboarders. By the way, I have never stood on a skateboard in my life!
August 28, 2026
I am so glad to have been able to connect with so many of you here on Facebook, email, and in person! Many people have expressed questions about where I stand on issues here in Cobourg and I would like to share my thoughts on the issue and tell you a little bit more about myself
Homelessness vs Housing Crisis
I grew up in Saint John, New Brunswick in a very small house that my grandfather built. It had 2 bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room for five of us. The insulation was newspaper. There was no running water or indoor plumbing. My mom cooked on a wood stove and a pot belly stove in the living room heated the house in the winter. My dad was a blue collar worker who never missed a day of work in his life, except for the Christmas his legs were crushed by barrels that he was unloading at the drydock (that's a story for another day!).
Money was tight but if someone showed up at our door at supper, somehow my mom stretched the food to feed the extra company.
My parents taught me to be kind and respectful and love everyone in our community.
As humble as it was, it was our home.
The definition of HOME is "the physical or emotional place where a person lives, feels safe and belongs".
A home can be anywhere that fits that definition to the person who inhabits it. Homes are determined by the people that live in them, but housing has a much more tangible definition; structures or spaces used as human living quarters, or protective cases that hold mechanical parts. A thriving community recognizes that housing is a shared responsibility. Because of this shared responsibility, I prefer to use the term “housing crisis” as opposed to identifying the issue as a “homelessness problem”.
How will I address the housing crisis in our community?
The easy reply to this would be to say that this is not a municipal problem and that it should be dealt with at the County level. You will never hear me say that - our neighbours are all of our concern!
First, we need to understand that there are a wide variety of reasons that people may be in need of housing support. Many are seniors or young people on fixed income or working minimum wage. All have their own stories and therefore their own solutions.
I plan to continue working with the County, non-profit organizations and socially conscious businesses to build affordable housing.
I hope to work with my fellow councillors and staff to find ways to make it easier to build affordable housing.
I intend to continue to meet with provincial and federal governments to ensure that we receive funding to build affordable housing.
Many of you have heard me say that we must break down the silos, leave our egos at the door and work together to find solutions to this housing crisis.
How will I address the safety of our community?
Everyone deserves the right to walk through their community and feel safe.
Firstly, I am not here to police people - I will let the police deal with the criminal side of the safety concerns.
Having said that, not all of the problems are criminal and social services may be needed. To address this, we need to work with the County to ensure that the proper services are in place. If you break a leg, you go to the hospital. If you are experiencing anxiety, substance use, or any other mental health concerns and want support, the resources available to you are very limited. We need to fix this.
The next step is to fill empty voids with positive uses. For example, the old Park Theatre has been empty for years. It attracts many people now who need a place to go. How can we all come together to reimagine this space? What would need to happen to use this space in a way that better serves the community?
These are areas that I would concentrate on. I also encourage you all to write letters to your MP and MPP.
Should Cobourg grow as per the proposals received by recent builders?
I must admit that I am very confused about our Official Plan - do we have one or not? The answers appear to change regularly. I am going to assume that we do not and therefore I would like to work to get this completed as soon as possible. I don't like to fly by the seat of my pants! I will not support changing by-laws to accommodate a builder. The new plan must address height, density, infrastructure and community needs.
Additionally:
Transportation -I would like to see our transportation system improved, within the existing budget, to accommodate the needs of the people of Cobourg who do not drive and perhaps help the environment just a bit!
Accessibility - Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Ontario legislated a goal to be fully accessible by 2025. We are not. I would like to work with the Accessibility Committee and the community to address this.
Lastly, I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect. I will ensure that your voice is heard and answered, at Council!
PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE ON OCTOBER 26!