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.