A $95,000 study of local fire service across Northumberland is underway, says Hamilton Township Mayor Bill Cane. There are 17 fire stations across the county, costing each municipality about $1 million to $1.5 million annually. With the provincial government anxious to cut costs at the municipal level, this is an important effort towards greater efficiency, Cane said.

He also addresses Northumberland County council’s response to the concern of neighbours living near Transition House, the opioid epidemic and the rise of grow-ops in rural municipalities.

Like all the municipalities within Northumberland, Hamilton Township faces many of the same issues: balancing budgets, providing critical services like fire and police protection. Roads must be renewed or repaired. Families need playgrounds and libraries.