Consider This Northumberland - September 15: KPRDSB / Walk-In Clinic

Consider This Northumberland - September 8: Virginia Bailey & Missy Mclean

Last week, a group of people encamped at 600 William Street were removed from the site. County officials used the Trespass to Property Act to give 24-hours notice before a private security firm and the Cobourg Police would take action to clear the property. The site is owned by the county and, houses offices for economic development, tourism and is a hub for ambulance services. County politicians approved the removal plan at a special meeting on Sept. 5.

Before any of this took place, two people intimately involved with the encampment provided their side of events. Virginia Bailey is familiar to many who have followed the story of the encampment from its formation at the West Beach in Cobourg to William Street. In this interview, she will tell her story about how the encampment started and how she got to this point. She will also reveal other aspects of this story not often, if ever, told.

Then, you will hear from Missy Mclean. She is also deeply involved in this story. As a social worker and community organizer, she will provide yet another perspective on these unfolding events.

Consider This Northumberland - September 1: 600 William / Cormac Russell

A group of unsheltered people moved from Cobourg’s West Beach to a county-owned building at 600 William Street recently.

While this may resolve some of the tensions between those living in tents and the public, it has created a challenge for Northumberland County officials.

On today’s show, you will hear how the county’s administration and social services staff are responding to this new encampment located at the ambulance centre and economic development offices at the old Kraft building.

County CAO Jennifer Moore and Social Services Director Lisa Horne will explain in detail what is being done and what is unfolding at the site.

In the next segment, you will hear from Cormac Russell. You might remember him as the internationally recognized expert who came to Cobourg recently to talk to agencies and organizers about community building.

This interview includes highlights of the conversation aired early in August and is relevant to public discussions about the encampment.

Consider This Northumberland - August 11: The future of agriculture in Northumberland County

In the main hall in the Cobourg Best Western, Mike and Ingrid Aird are sitting at a table, taking notes. They listen intently to an expert panel discussing protecting farmland in Northumberland County.

They care deeply. The future of agriculture is vital to the family’s farm located on Community Centre Road just east of Baltimore. They own what is called a farm-to-table operation. That means they raise beef, chickens, and turkeys, which they sell in a retail store on their property. They also sell eggs and other specialty items. Their approach is unique, based on organic, sustainable methods that break many of the traditional norms.

On today’s show, you will hear about their farming practice. But more importantly, you will hear their concerns and why they were so interested in what the expert panel said about saving farmland in the county.

Then, you will hear about one of the steps Northumberland County council staff are taking to preserve prime agricultural land.

Consider This Northumberland - August 4: Creating a sustainable community

A group of community leaders gathered one Saturday morning in Cobourg to hear a speaker from Ireland talk about creating a sustainable community.

Cormac Russell is a highly regarded expert in helping organizations and citizens build stronger communities. Russell has given multiple TED Talks and is recognized worldwide within bureaucracies, politics, and citizen groups.

Representatives from Northumberland County, Northumberland Hills Hospital, churches, social agencies, chambers of commerce, and community groups listened intently to his message.

In this interview, Russell and his Canadian colleague John Massimi will share what they said at the event. In light of the recent number of public meetings where residents are expressing their frustrations, Russell’s words are even more poignant.

In the second segment, you will hear one such example. A public meeting was held in June to discuss the opioid crisis in Northumberland County. It seems relevant to look through this new lens in determining its effectiveness. 

Consider this Northumberland - July 28: County Housing

While affordable housing remains a priority for all levels of government, recently, two important steps were taken locally. County council is creating a municipal body to build workforce housing. That is housing created specifically to attract people to live in Northumberland if they agree to work locally for up to five years. At the same meeting, politicians listened to a report telling them local taxes are paying for a disproportionate amount of the county’s housing programs.

On today’s show, you will hear the details explaining plans to build workforce housing and why affordable housing efforts are not cutting it.

You will also hear some shocking numbers showing how local taxpayers bear the burden of the county’s housing efforts.

Consider This Northumberland - July 21: Cobourg Mayor returns from India / How is the mayor doing?

Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland and CAO Tracy Vaughan recently returned from a trip to India. The mayor participated in a panel at the U20 conference. It is a gathering of mayors from around the world. They set priorities about issues at the municipal level and pass them on to the G20 global leaders for action. It is pretty prestigious since only three mayors are chosen from across Canada.

For some, there is a basic question. What benefit does this trip have for residents in Cobourg and Northumberland County?

On today’s show, you will hear Cleveland answer that and many other questions about the trip, including the cost and who pays. (As a bonus, he will also explain the cost of a number of courses he has recently taken as well.) The mayor will make his case for initiatives to raise the international profile of the town.

But that is not all. Cleveland made many promises when he was running for office last fall. In the second interview, you will hear a rerun episode where candidate Lucas Cleveland as he outlines his aspirations and positions. You decide how he is doing.

Consider This Northumberland - July 14: Affordable Housing and Workforce development

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce recently released a report calling on all three levels of government to tackle the Affordable Housing Crisis. Some people might wonder why a business organization is producing reports on housing.

In this interview, Port Hope Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Brenda Whitehead will dive into that mystery. It has a lot to do with workers being unable to live in the communities where they work. This was not an issue in the past because people were expected to commute to jobs. Now, there is nowhere that is cheap to live, and it is expensive to commute. So, it is vital communities create housing where people can once again live and work. This is only one of a host of other issues that are being raised by the chamber.

You will also learn about some initiatives going on in Port Hope to address workforce development and other projects that are meant to deal with issues raised by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Then, there is some breaking news on a story featured on Consider This Northumberland previously.

Consider This Northumberland - July 7: MPP Piccini / Tattoos4Trauma

It has been a while since I’ve spoken to Northumberland Peterborough South MPP David Piccini. It was last year after his re-election. With all his responsibilities as Minister of Environment, Conservation, and Parks, plus the work he does locally, he is hard to pin down. But finally, we got a chance to chat.

A lot has gone on. There is the opening of new parks and the release of 7,400 acres of Greenbelt for development. Locally, there is the Minister’s Zoning Order to allow a long-term care home to be constructed in Port Hope. The list is quite long.

In this interview, you will learn about all of this and more.

Then, you will hear the heartfelt story of a mother and an aunt who have taken the pain of losing a loved one and turned it into something positive. Tattoos4Trauma is raising money for the Northumberland Warming Hub while honour the death of a beloved son and nephew.

Consider This Northumblerand - June 30: Supportive Housing / PARN

Northumberland County and the Canadian Mental Health Association announced a ground-breaking partnership to provide supportive housing in Campbellford. This is a huge step forward in helping people facing mental health and addiction challenges. These are people who often find themselves on the street and homeless.

As you will learn in this interview, supportive housing provides an environment that helps people who would otherwise struggle when seeking a stable home. The tenants will live in a five-bedroom house with a worker present to assist them in their journey to recovery.

While there are several supportive housing projects in Northumberland, this is the first outside Cobourg and Port Hope. It is also the first time the county’s housing corporation has partnered with the mental health association.

It is a piece of the puzzle when dealing with homelessness, mental health, and addictions.

Then, you will hear more about local efforts to address people with addictions.

Dane Record, the executive director of the Peterborough AIDs Resource Network, is back on the show. This time, it is in his role with the Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland Drug Strategy. This group held a public meeting in Port Hope. It is the first in a series across the county dealing with the opioid crisis.

Consider This Northumberland - June 23: Ward Street / Migrant Workers

A proposed long-term care facility in Port Hope is a complex situation. It is tangled up in myriad issues, from the desperate need for beds for the elderly to preserving heritage buildings. Mixed within this is the need to follow sound planning principles and the varying voices of the public on all sides.

If that is not enough, the Ontario government issued a Minister's Zoning Order or MZO. This will allow the project to go forward and create a seven-storey, 192-bed facility. A new application to demolish the existing historic buildings on the site is currently winding its way to council.

On today's show, Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky will talk in-depth about the background of the project, the Minister's Zoning Order, and the path forward. More than that, she will share her feeling and thoughts on what is unfolding.

Then, you will hear from the new migrant workers' outreach coordinator at Horizons of Friendship. Megan Botha will discuss the current status of migrant workers, the programs being offered this year, and her views of the upcoming season.

Consider This Northumberland - June 16: Protecting Farmland / Fare Share Food Bank

It is a well-known statistic. Ontario is losing more than 300 acres of farmland every day. It is stunning when you realize we are talking about our food source.

What you don't hear as often is how this affects Northumberland County. But there is a group trying to change that.

The Northumberland Rural Coalition is hosting a panel discussion about protecting farmland in this region. Local MPP David Piccini is scheduled to speak on the panel. There are also several experts from groups like the Ontario Farmland Trust and specialists who will also add their perspectives. Considering agriculture is one of the most significant economic drivers in the county, you will want to listen.

The following story is an important update.

The recent Colborne grocery store fire reminds us of the fragile nature of our food supply. It only takes an instant, and people are struggling to eat.

The show's second segment is with the Fare Share Food Bank's executive director, Helen Donovan. There is a shocking rise in the number of people using its services. Plus, you won't believe who is showing up at the door in need.

Consider This Northumberland - June 9: Pride in Northumberland

The celebrations associated with Pride Month are as diverse as the residents themselves. Today's show focuses on two areas that may not be as high profile as others regarding Pride but are equally significant.

The first interview is with two representatives from Northumberland Hills Hospital. It is flying a Pride flag, and it also created a rainbow crosswalk at its main entrance. You will find out the significance of those two initiatives. But you will also learn how the hospital works to improve its relationships with the LGBTQ2+ community. Many studies show health care providers don't always measure up when it comes to caring for these people. That is not just patients but also the staff. You will hear about the hospital's ongoing efforts to improve those connections.

Then, you will hear about how a newly formed group in Brighton is holding its first Pride Day this Sunday. A partnership between the Peterborough AIDS Resource Network or PARN has joined with community members to organize an event.

Consider This Northumberland - May 19: Short Term Rental Struggles / Community Counselling Resource Centre

Municipalities across Northumberland County struggle to deal with short-term rentals. Those are the rental properties often associated with AirBnB or Vrbo online platforms.

For some, renting a space, either a room or a house, is an excellent source of income. It can be a stimulant for the local economy. Others see it as a significant boost for tourism.

Then, there are others who see it differently. There are noise issues, parking problems, and a host of other negatives.

Alnwick-Haldimand Township council is the latest to wrestle with its attempts to control short-term rentals. An ad hock committee recently brought forward some changes to a bylaw passed in 2022. These tweaks have a group of operators and the business association very concerned.

On today’s show, you will hear those concerns. Two representatives of the group will dive into the issue to see if a balance can be found. They will give their perspective on how it plays out in the township before council decides later this month.

Next, there is an update. About one year ago, the Community Counselling Resource Centre in Peterborough arrived in the county. It hoped to fill in a gap left by the closure of the Northumberland Community Counselling Centre, which was serving about 1,000 clients when it shut its doors.

We will hear from the executive director. She will share how the group is doing in Northumberland. The Chief Executive Officer for Family Services Ontario will also paint the bigger picture and where Northumberland fits into the array of mental health programs offered.

Consider This Northumberland - May 12: Mayor John Logel / Port Hope Cultural Plan

For nearly 75 years, the arena in Grafton has served the local hockey community. Once again, its future is uncertain as major repairs are necessary to keep it in service.

The five community centres in Alnwick-Haldimand Township are also under review as budget pressures raise questions about their viability.

Mayor John Logel says these are only two of the items under consideration when thinking about the township’s strategic plan,.

It is a time for strategic planning across Northumberland County. Nearly all local councils will be seeking input from taxpayers in order to set goals for this term of council.

While a strategic plan often draws little attention from the public, it is critical. It is fundamental. It is the basis for decisions going forward. Everything from affordable housing to tax rates can be guided by the plan.

You will hear how one municipality, Alnwick-Haldimand, is going about its strategic planning and how it may impact residents.

Then, you will hear about another plan. This time it is a cultural plan for Port Hope. From local musicians playing at the Ganaraska Hotel to kids' art camps, culture permeates where we live. Writers, painters, musical theatre, and diverse, multicultural events are only a few of the things that make up the cultural fabric that wraps around us.

Leslie Murray, Manager of Community Recreation and Culture, will explain the town’s efforts to update the current cultural plan from 2012.

Consider This Northumberland - May 5: Town Governance / Brighton Parks

For many years, people have said local governments should be run like a business. It should be efficient and cost-effective. And taxpayers should be treated like clients or customers, ensuring excellent service and accountability.

Then ask anyone who has gone before a local council as a delegation to ask for something. You get 10 minutes to speak. Politicians ask a couple of questions. You sit and wait until your item comes up on the agenda. Then, depending on your request, you get what you want, or council votes to accept your presentation for informational purposes. There your request goes to sit on a shelf and gathers dust.

In 2019, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities released a national poll saying 56 percent of Canadian feel their local government can improve the quality of life in their community. That is barely half.

On today’s show, Cobourg Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty will explain a major overhaul to the way council is run. The goal is to make it easier for people to talk to politicians and get more input. It is also going to change the structure of how council operates. For some, it means a more transparent system that will give politicians and the public a greater voice in decisions. For others, it could mean a path to full-time councillors and a power grab by those in charge. Have a listen and you can decide.

Then, you will hear about Brighton council’s new Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Besides proposing a multiplex rec centre, it looks at everything from parks to trails and what is in between.

Consider This Northumberland - April 28: Preserving the land

Preserving land in its natural state is critical for the future. With all the pressures to develop affordable housing, the idea of making sure we protect and preserve areas can easily get lost.

 On today’s show, you will hear two stories about ensuring our natural heritage does not get overlooked.

To begin, you will hear from Pauline Browse, a former MP and a lifelong resident of Hamilton Township. She will talk about protecting the Rouge National Urban Park located in Scarborough. This is a fight she has waged for more than 30 years. The Ontario government is threatening the park as it is about to open land for development adjacent to the park in Pickering. The Pickering lands are part of the Greenbelt.

Next, you will hear from the Northumberland Land Trust. This is a local group with a mission to ensure tracts of land within the county are protected forever. It encourages people to donate land to the trust. Then, it acts as stewards to help Mother Nature keep the property in a natural state.

Consider This Northumberland - April 21: Northumberland Drug Users Unite / Horizons of Friendship

Over the past few weeks, the opioid crisis emerged as a topic of public debate. Advocates and supporters of people with addictions often urged politicians and bureaucrats to include consultations with people with lived experience.

 That term, lived experience, means different things to people. It is also a perspective that many don’t understand. What is it like to live with or be recovering from an addiction?

On today’s show, this experience is the focus. Ashley Smoke, a 33-year-old Port Hope resident, will share her story. She lived with an addiction for 18 years. Now, she is recovering. She is a mother of a four-year-old son. Plus, she is a long-time advocate for people with addictions. She recently formed Northumberland Drug Users Unite, a group seeking to dispel myths about people who face or are recovering from addiction.

Then, you will hear from the new executive director for Horizons of Friendship. Rodrigo Konigs started his new position less than a month ago. But he is working hard to get up to speed in his new job leading this non-government organization that provides aid in Central America.

Consider This Northumberland - April 14: Harm Reduction / MRF Sale

Five people died of drug overdoses last month. That is according to the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. In 2021, 28 people died. That is more than double what it was only two years ago.

Northumberland County has more suspected cases of drug overdoses than anywhere else in the health unit’s coverage area.

If you ask Dr. Natalie Bocking, the chief medical officer of health, she will tell you it is a crisis. Many would agree.

The health unit’s support of a harm reduction approach to the crisis has politicians upset. Earlier this week, Bocking was in front of the county council, explaining the health unit’s position. As councillors vented their frustration, Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky was the only member of county council to try to take concrete steps during the presentation. She offered to seek the support of her council to help jump-start a drug strategy with the health unit.

In today’s interview, Dr. Bocking will explain the health unit’s position. She will also address much of the misinformation and disinformation being spread by politicians and the public about harm reduction, overdose prevention sites, and what can and cannot be done.

After that, something different. Every homeowner in the county puts out the recycling. Those gray, blue, and green containers help divert 90 percent of materials from landfills.

The recycling goes to  the Materials Recovery Facility, or what is referred to as the MRF. It has been around for decades. It was sold recently to a huge company taking over the plant at the end of this year.

You will hear two county representatives talk about the sale and the impact on the curbside pickup that residents currently enjoy.

Consider This Northumberland - April 6: What's next for NSCC / Film Fund

The Northumberland Sleeping Cabin Collective was before Cobourg council earlier this week. Politicians were deciding what to do next. Staff recommended two alternatives: reject it or go forward with the proposal to put 12 units next to the Memorial Arena on Furnace Street.

After politicians presented their positions, Deputy Mayor Nicole Beatty offered a third choice. Declare the land surplus and offer it to Northumberland County as a site for an affordable housing project. The idea was unanimously approved. Meanwhile, the sleeping cabin proposal was accepted for informational purposes, meaning it has not been rejected.

As for the collective, the question remains: What is next?

In today’s interview, you will hear the group’s reaction. Meghan Sheffield, a spokesperson for the collective, will talk about the group’s response to the various positions of politicians and opponents. Plus, she will say where the project goes from here.

Next, you will hear about an initiative to bring more films and TV productions to eastern Ontario. It involves a $25 million injection of money into the local industry. Heather Haldane, co-chair South Eastern Ontario Production Accelerator Fund, and Albert Botha, a steering committee volunteer living in Northumberland, will discuss these efforts. The goal is to create more local talent and production opportunities in the region from Northumberland to the Quebec border. It could generate up to $150 million in economic benefits if successful.