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Consider This Northumberland - March 15: Solar Eclipse / Cobourg Economic Development

A total solar eclipse will pass over Northumberland County on April 8. Residents will experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch this unique phenomenon. The last one took place nearly 400 years ago, and it will be another 400 years before it happens again.

On today’s show, Rick Stankiewicz, publicity director for the Peterborough Astronomical Association, will walk us through a total solar eclipse. He will explain what it is, where it will occur, and how to watch it safely. As someone who has watched a total solar eclipse before, he says it will be an awesome experience.

 Next, you will learn more about the Cobourg economy. The town’s economic development manager, Daniel Van Kampen, recently released its annual report. You will learn more about what he and his team do to bring industry, services, and retail to the town and what he hopes to achieve during the upcoming year.

Consider This Northumberland - February 23: Port Chamber Report / Campbellford File Festival

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce released its annual report recently. Business confidence is low across the province. There are a host of issues facing a wide range of sectors across the business spectrum. Yet, in the midst of all the doom and gloom, there is some limited optimism about the upcoming year.

Brenda Whitehead, CEO of the Port Hope Chamber of Commerce, is going to give a local perspective on the mood of her members. A record number of businesses from Northumberland County participated in the survey this year.

When it comes to painting a picture of the business environment, her message is simple: it all depends on who you are talking to. For some, the opportunities for expansion and growth exist. Yet, for others, there are big challenges, such as layoffs and cutbacks. She will give her analysis and insight.

Then, there is a story about a group of farmers holding a film festival in Campbellford next weekend. That’s right. I said a film festival presented by local farmers.

Consider This Northumberland - February 9: YMCA Daycare / Campbellford Memorial Hospital CEO

As one of the largest daycare providers in Northumberland County, the YMCA offers a unique perspective on the pressures operators face. As we heard last week, the transition to providing $10/day spaces has left many providers wondering if they can stay open.

Eunice Kirkpatrick, CEO of the YMCA Northumberland, gives a candid assessment of the situation from the frontlines. Operating 22 programs in the county, it is the largest non-profit supplier of daycare, as well as before and after school programs for kids. You will want to hear what she says in the first segment if you are a parent, grandparent, or caregiver.

Then, you will hear about the trials and tribulations of running a small hospital in rural Ontario. Campbellford Memorial Hospital CEO Jeff Hohenkerk (HO-en Kirk) will respond to a recent report released by the Rural Ontario Municipal Association detailing the immense challenges rural hospitals face.

Consider This Northumberland - February 2: Daycare Closures / Black History Month

Northumberland County spends nearly $1.5 million supporting local daycare. This is on top of fees paid by parents and guardians. Despite the county’s contribution, daycare operators are struggling to stay open.

On today’s show, Lesley Patterson, manager of Early Year service programs for Northumberland County, will talk about the funding crisis in daycare. Recently, operators across Ontario expressed concerns about possible closures of daycares due to a lack of funding from the province. It froze fees two years ago. This was all part of a federal/provincial plan to provide affordable daycare. The goal is to provide $10 per day daycare by 2025.

Patterson will explain what is going on in Northumberland. With the frozen fee structure, parents are paying a lot less. In some cases, it is now about half of what parents were paying before the freeze. But none of this pays for additional operational support, some capital projects, and other parental assistance. That is where the county comes in to help.

The lack of spaces compounds the situation. Nearly 1,500 families are currently on the waiting list.

Next, you will learn about efforts by one Port Hope resident to highlight the achievements of some residents as part of Black History Month.

Consider This Northumberland - January 26: Transition House - 310 Division

The move of Transition House to 310 Division Street is controversial. Supporters view it as a chance to modernize the system to help those who are homeless and need services. Then, some are concerned about the new location. These people are worried about community safety, their homes, and their businesses.

Today's show is a deep dive into the new facility. Public meetings are taking place. A new executive director is at the helm of Transition House. Meanwhile, members of the public, politicians, and the police are among those voicing their thoughts.

In the first segment, you will meet Ike Nwibe, the new executive director at Transition House. You will get to know him. He will talk about his background, experience, philosophy, and aspirations for the new shelter.

In the second segment, Nwibe and Neil Ellis, the board chair, discuss the public meetings. We'll talk more about that in a moment.

Consider This Northumberland - January 19: Repeat Offenders / Cobourg Budget

At a recent Cobourg council meeting, a debate ignited over hiring additional police officers. This led to a tense discussion about public safety and the 2024 budget. With community safety a hot topic in the council chambers and on the street, it is creating a lot of strong emotions in and outside Victoria Hall.

On today’s show, both the police and the 2024 Cobourg budget are front and centre.

First, you will hear from Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf. Since he arrived in 2014, the number of officers has stayed the same. He asked for six new officers in his 2024 budget submission. But, the Police Services Board approved only four. The Chief will shed light on his request and the resulting debates. He will also review the rest of the police budget and his thoughts on the new home for Transition House at 310 Division Street.

Before that, he will talk about repeat offenders. A new provincial grant program was announced last week. Since this is one of his pet peeves, the Chief has lots to say about bail reform.

Consider This Northumberland - January 12: Carruthers / McCue Recycling

Farmers rarely get a break. To operate a farm is a 24/7/365 job. Besides running their operation, the men and women who provide us with our food daily also spend time lobbying politicians at all levels of government.

On today’s show, Northumberland Federation of Agriculture President Allan Carruthers outlines some of the challenges local farmers face. He will talk about the carbon tax, legislation stalled in the Senate, and local efforts to keep good agricultural lands in Northumberland County out of the hands of developers. If you ate today, then you will want to hear this interview.

Next, you will hear from Adam McCue, associate director of operations at Northumberland County. He is Northumberland County’s recycling guy.

Last month, a major change occurred regarding the local recycling program. He will tell us about that change.

Consider This Northumberland - December 15: Transition House / Port Hope Taxes

If everything goes smoothly, Northumberland County will purchase a former retirement residence at 310 Division Street in Cobourg to become the new home for Transition House.

It means 35 low-barrier shelter spaces will be available to those in need. It will have accommodations, food, and support services. It will also provide a 24-hour drop-in centre year-round, giving unsheltered people a place to get out of the cold of winter or the heat of summer or a place to go anytime.

On the show today,  Rev. Neil Ellis, former acting interim executive director for Transition House, will share the story behind the purchase and what it means to those who do not have a home. He will explain what it means to the county and it impact on the community. And while it is a huge step, Ellis acknowledges the challenges going forward. You will hear him address concerns from neighbours, the downtown, and those surrounding the encampment.

Then, it is on to taxes. Taxes in Port Hope. Mayor Olena Hankivsky will explain the 6.9 percent increase approved by council recently.

Consider This Northumberland - December 8: Food Bank and Salvation Army Christmas Support

Eight hundred people are registered to receive help with toys and food from the Salvation Army and other organizations this Christmas. The Fare Share Food Bank is also seeing a rise in demand. Over the last year, the number of people using its services is up by 50 percent. These are two of many organizations trying to help those in need.

On today's show, you will hear from both these organizations.

First, Dick Kauling, chair of the board for the Fare Share Food Bank, will describe the pressures it faces and the response to the increase in demand. You may be surprised to learn that more young families with children are accessing the food bank in Cobourg and Port Hope. The number of seniors coming to get assistance is also up. He will give us the whole picture. He will also address critical issues about the organization's future and sustainability in these challenging times.

Next, you will hear from the Salvation Army. It is one of the critical groups helping people celebrate Christmas this year.

Consider This Northumberland - November 24: Community Canvass / LIving Wage

Crime in Cobourg is on the increase. That is according to Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf. He says that is no different from anywhere else.

An analysis of recent statistics show calls for service are up. There were 14 assault charges laid in the past two months. Two of those involved officers being assaulted. Another two of those involved weapons.

Break and enters are up over the last six months. The same is true for property crimes.

But the reasons for these increases are not what you think. Let me say that again: it is not what you think.

In this interview, you will hear the chief explain how the assaults are going up due to domestic violence. The minor crimes are not associated solely with the encampment. That is despite all the rumours, gossip, and social media.

And he will tell you about a recent community canvas his officers did to get to the root of the issues. All of it is meant to address people’s concerns about feeling safe. Plus, he will tackle the misinformation and disinformation.

Then, you will hear about fair pay. As people struggle to make ends meet, a group tries to get employers to pay a living wage rather than a minimum wage. There are several employers already doing this in Northumberland.

Consider This Northumberland - November 3: Cobourg Strategic Plan / Answers about Cobourg power outages

Cobourg council wants to create a thriving community, better services and be more sustainable. These are the three pillars of the new four-year strategic plan it hopes to pass this Monday.

For the past 10 months, Cobourg council has worked with its consultant, Capital Park, towards a strategic plan. It has sought public input. The process is now wrapping up.

In this interview, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland will explain how the three pillars will work as guiding principles for the council. He will also review how the strategic plan will influence politicians as they face the numerous issues facing Cobourg.

Next, you will hear from officials from Lakefront Utilities. Many residents have faced momentary outages over the summer and fall. In this interview, you will get answers to what is happening and what is being done to fix the problem.


Consider This Northumberland - October 27: COVID Update

A week ago, Northumberland Hills Hospital announced there was a COVID-19 outbreak. Eighteen cases were confirmed at the time. Patients in the medical and surgical units and some in the rehab unit were hit. Staff was spared.

Visitors and volunteers were restricted from these units. A number of preventative measures were taken, similar to those in the past.

This is cold and flu season looks like in Northumberland in a post-pandemic world.

On today’s show, you will hear from two organizations on the front lines.

First, Northumberland Hills Hospital CEO Susan Walsh will explain what is going on with the outbreaks. She will also give her insights into how the hospital copes with this new reality.

Next, the health unit will weigh in.

Dr. Natalie Bocking, chief medical officer of health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Until, will give her perspective on the outbreak. Plus, she will give an overview of the impact of COVID and other respiratory illnesses on senior homes and the community at large.