Small town retailers face unique challenges as Brighton-Cramahe Chamber responds

One defining characteristic about the new reality under COVID-19 is everything is changing constantly. Press conference from leaders and health officials are daily touchstones. Announcements from local officials flag the tweaks being made to battle the pandemic and keep people safe and healthy.

Peeling back those changes presents an unfolding story of how our community is being reshaped. Today’s stories are snapshots of those moving sands.

This story looks at two of the smaller communities in Northumberland County and the response of local retailers to the reopening of the local economy. Brighton-Cramahe Chamber of Commerce manager Sherry Hamilton shares the efforts being made to support entrepreneurs as they face the challenges of reopening in their own unique world.

Here is my phone conversation with Sherry Hamilton, manager of the Brighton-Cramahe Chamber of Commerce.

Rethinking the future of statue in front of Port Hope town hall

On September 12, 1889, Sir John A. Macdonald, the prime minister of Canada, a father of Confederation and an architect of the residential schools, came to Port Hope to unveil at statue of Lt. Col. Arthur T.H. Williams.

Williams was a hometown hero. He fought against the Fenians prior to Confederation and then became the commander of the Midland Battalion of Volunteers Militia. He led a decisive charge at the battle of Batoche during the Northwest Resistance against the Metis. The resistance led to the formation of the province of Manitoba, under Louis Riel, one of Canada’s Father of Confederation after 1867.

Recently, the statue has come under scrutiny on social media and during protests held in Port Hope. There are those who want the statue removed, while others argue it should be left as part of our history.

I spoke with Professor David MacDonald, a Political Science and Research Leadership Chair for the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences at the University of Guelph. Here is my online conversation with him.

Cobourg police chief looks at defunding in the face of protests

The death of George Floyd, the 46-year old man who died while in the custody in the Minneapolis police, became a lightning rod for intense debate. Even in Northumberland County, there were protests held to draw attention to the issues of unfair treatment of Indigenous and Black people, as well as other minorities. 

Out of these concerns, other discussion have emerged, reflected both globally and locally. Today’s show will try to explore two of those.

One of many issues coming out of the Floyd demonstrations centres around police defunding, which grew out of a larger protest against police brutality. The definitions of defunding are wide ranging, from literally shutting down an entire police force to redirecting funds to other social services instead of police. Cobourg Chief Paul VandeGraaf addresses the impact of defunding and the delivery of police services locally in the context of the concerns being raised by activists and others.

So, let’s start today’s show there. Here is my online interview with Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf.

An inside look at one local nurse’s world during the pandemic

This is the second of a two-part podcast taking us inside Northumberland Hills Hospital to look at what it is like to be a nurse working during a deadly pandemic. The first episode deals with a protest held on June 19, 2020, outside the office of MPP David Piccini in Port Hope. Please listen to both episodes. Driving throughout Northumberland County, there are many lawn signs praising the work of frontline workers, especially those in healthcare. Many people, including Premier Doug Ford, have called them heroes.

And now, more of my conversation with Ontario Nurses Association Local 105 President Sarah Cowin.

Nurses protest outside MPP’s office seeking right to negotiate contract, says union leader

Driving throughout Northumberland County, there are many lawn signs praising the work of frontline workers, especially those in healthcare. Many people, including Premier Doug Ford, have called them heroes. Countless volunteers have sewn, knitted, crocheted masks, surgical bags, caps and mask buddies, along with all kinds of other donations to honour their work.

Yet, nurses across Ontario are not very happy. Over the past two weeks, we watched as protests took place. Nurses are not happy with the Ontario government over a piece of legislation that limits their current salary increase to one per cent. It was only last Wednesday when an arbitrator confirmed the amount after an appeal. But it is not the amount that has them so upset. It is the right to negotiate a contract fairly. And to seek wage parity with other emergency workers. So, the union representing nurses has appealed the act, known as Bill 124, in the courts. Manitoba nurses just won their case against similar legislation.

Here is Northumberland, a group of nurses were joined by other unions and members of the public outside of MPP David Piccini’s office last Friday to make their concerns known. He met with a group of nurses and held a press conference afterwards.

On today’s show we are going to go inside that meeting to find out just what said and what has nurses at Northumberland Hills Hospital so upset. I am talking to Sarah Cowin, the president of Local 105, about their concerns and what they mean. She will also share what it is like to be a nurse during this pandemic. She will take us inside the hospital to understand what it is like to be working every minute of every day facing a deadly disease.  We will hear about how it affect her and her family. And, we will hear about the passion and commitment of nurses on the frontlines. 

Here is the first part of my interview with Sarah Cowin.

Public school board reviews future of local schools as it prepares to reopen classrooms in fall

Talk to any parent about schooling their kids and you will get an earful. Talk to teachers and it is the same. No question. Bad or good, it is certainly one of the most challenging times for education since the first schools were built in Northumberland in the mid-19th century.

Children across the school board have not entered a building since March Break. Over the past three months, teachers, parents and kids were forced to pivot from a traditional face-to-face learning environment to online. None of it has been easy. As the school board navigates these tricky waters, it also recently released it plans for the future of those buildings nobody is occupying right now. It is called the Accommodation Plan. It is done every five years. And, it deals with all aspects of keeping schools opened or closed.

Here is my conversation with public school board chairperson Diane Lloyd as we discuss these topics.

County economic task force recommends mask wearing mandatory in stores to build consumer confidence

County Economic Development Director Dan Borowec c-chairs the Northumberland Economic Recovery Task Force with Brendan Cunneen, a well-respected retired businessman. Together they are working with representatives from all the various sectors of the local economy to figure out what is needed to help business restart during the pandemic. It is not an easy task and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Three recommendations were released on June 5 for immediate action as the committee continues to work toward a major report to be done later this summer.

Here is my conversation with Dan Borowec and Brendan Cunneen.

Northumberland United Way distributes critical dollars to agencies in need during pandemic

One of the largest contributors to funding local social services outside of government is the United Way. The contributions it makes in Northumberland ensures critical resources to address poverty, homelessness, troubled youth or children are well-known for 50 years.

When the pandemic hit the region, once more it stepped up to address urgent needs. Through its COVID-19 Community Relief Fund, it quickly raised $23,000, which was immediately directed to helping the most vulnerable.

But, that was not all. The federal government announced a $350 million fund to help charities and agencies provide essential social services in the community. The United Way was one of the organizations chosen to distribute this money to key community groups facing financial hardship, but needed to maintain vital services. The Northumberland United Way received $282,000 to hand out. And while it bring much needed relief to those critical groups, it is also a major change in how the United Way does its business. Fundraising for many groups that provide essential services in the community are facing great uncertainty, including the United Way. On this show, we have talked to many of them all expressing deep concern.

Today, I am pleased to interview Bobbie Dawson, executive director of the Northumberland United Way. She is going to shed light on the current efforts being made by she and her staff, along with the board of directors, to address the complexities of the pandemic on the work being done by the United Way and other groups to address the needs of the community. She will shed light on the significance of this new role of distributing federal funding. And, she will talk about fundraising. But, she will also share touching stories about the various agencies and people doing incredible acts of kindness and generosity, demonstrating once more how caring people are in Northumberland County. Her insights are so significant, I am dedicating the entire show to this interview.

Here is my online conversation with Northumberland United Way executive director Bobbie Dawson.

Trent professor explores why some people comply during pandemic and others don’t

We watch as anti-lockdown protesters shouting their objections to the restrictions placed by the government in the United States. This inspired a small, local group to demonstrate in front of Victoria Hall. Then, there are those people who object to wearing a mask to prevent the spread of the virus or those who ignore the physical distancing requirements. Then, there are those on social media who spew their vitriol by posting memes against public health officials or restrictions placed by governments and experts. They see it as an impediment to their freedoms and rights.

For officials trying to navigate the path, it must be frustrating. It can be disturbing for the rest of us who are trying so hard to limit the spread of COVID-19, hoping it will mean we can reach our public health goals sooner. And, for those who are most vulnerable or those who face the greatest risks, it can be terrifying to think there are those out there who just don’t care. 

Today, I am so pleased to welcome someone who may shed some light on the various behaviours and motivations behind those who don’t want to cooperate, who are adamantly opposed, or reject the rules and regulations being put forward. And to help us understand some of the intense emotions we see expressed in the news and via social media.

Consider This is pleased to have on the show Professor Momin Rahman, an internationally recognized scholar from the sociology department of Trent University. Together, we are going to peek behind the curtain in the hopes of better understanding some of the factors influencing our society right now. In the process, we may shed some light on these behaviours and what is behind them.

Here is my conversation with Professor Rahman.

Local Chief Medical Officer gives timely update as province relaxes rules

It is now an all too familiar mantra. Physical distance. Wash your hands. Stay home. Wear a mask. But, there is a lot more to it than just repeating those guidelines. Businesses are reopening. We are being given more chances to get outside and enjoy nature. This is something important especially for those who feel cooped up for the past two months. It is a chance for some to go back to work and begin making money again. Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, Medical Officer of Health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, has a complex job of trying to keep people safe, while at the same time, making sure everyone is compliant and not complacent. Here is my phone conversation with her.

Mayor outlines issues for Cobourg Beach before upcoming debate

On May 19, the Ontario government announced it was relaxing a number of restrictions it put in place to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The idea was to “flatten the curve” to prevent widespread illness and death. While it allowed some businesses the ability to re-open in a limited way, it also permitted some recreational opportunities to start up.

It was a chance to see if people could follow public health guidelines. Would individuals maintain physical distancing? Would people wear masks? How would we handle it? And most importantly to officials, would the changes cause a spike in cases and deaths?

The results were telling. Over the past week, there was a jump in cases and deaths. These are being attributed to Mother’s Day where people stopped isolating. And, there was the now-famous Trinity Bellwoods Park incident where masses of Torontonians packed into a small park completely disregarding any public health advice.

Today’s show focuses on how Northumberland is going to go forward as the province chooses to follow its framework for reopening Ontario. It will look at the debate over the future of Cobourg Beach and Victoria Park in Cobourg, as an important example of the struggles municipalities are facing. As well, there will be an update from the Chief Medical Officer of Health for the area.

On June 1, that is next Monday, Cobourg council will debate one of its most significant decision during the pandemic: the reopening of Cobourg beach and Victoria Park under the new provincial guidelines.

There is a passionate public debate taking place on social media and on the street as people try to express their concerns for public health. Meanwhile, others argue it is time to open things up and leave people to manage themselves.

There is even a petition being circulated online to close down the beach. It

Cobourg Mayor John Henderson spoke to me online earlier this week.

Re-opening the economy a delicate balance, says local MPP

The other day I was looking out my window only to see a local construction crew working on a roof. None of them were six feet apart. There was no physical distancing. The same day, I received an email from a national grocery chain heralding the expansion of hours, allowing more people into his company’s stores, along with the opening of meat counters and bakeries.

Yet, scanning social media, there is a wave of people expressing their concerns that we are reopening too quickly. There are obvious tensions between people fed up with being hampered by public health rules and guidelines and those who are genuinely scared there will be a second wave of the pandemic similar to other countries who have reopened too fast.

In today’s show, I get to talk to one of the people who is at the table helping to make the decisions about how we go forward from here during COVID-19. I think you will find the conversation interesting.

Earlier this week the Ontario government relaxed the rules around businesses opening, giving retailers and others an opportunity to restart.

Balancing the needs of businesses with the recommendations of public health officials is tricky. 

This week marks the beginning of a series of public consultations organized by Northumberland Peterborough South MPP David Piccini with six major sectors over a number of weeks. This is in addition to numerous individual calls he has received and a string of meeting with municipal and indigenous leaders to figure out how to restart the local economy while avoiding a second wave of the pandemic.

David took time out of his hectic schedule to speak with me online about the consultations, restarting the economy, and protecting people’s health.

Community preparing for mental health issues related to COVID-19

More and more we are hearing about the mental health echo. This is the effects of the pandemic on people’s psyche. The physical distancing, isolation, and other measures are placing unprecedented anxiety and stress on our lives. 

Mental health services in Northumberland are expanding. We have watched as new and existing organizations work hard to meet the needs in our community. However, the crisis is creating new challenges.

What help is available and what are some things we can do? 

To map out the situation and provide some expert advice is Christine Bailey, the interim director of the Northumberland Community Counselling Centre. This is my phone conversation with her.

Port Hope economy resilient, says Chamber of Commerce CEO

With the provincial government slowly trying to restart the economy, local businesses face numerous challenges. Some have already adapted, pivoting into the new limitations of physical distancing, pick up or delivery and online commerce.

 Business organizations and lobby groups representing the various sectors, like small business, manufacturing, retail, tourism, play an increasingly vital role in helping through the transition.

To give us another viewpoint on the local economy, I was pleased to speak with Port Hope Chamber of Commerce CEO Brenda Whitehead. She is working both locally and across the county with businesses and governments to support entrepreneurs as they navigate the maze of change taking place. Here is my online conversation with her.

Cobourg downtown businesses prepare as province reopens economy

Many will tell you small business is the heart of the Canadian economy. It is certainly at the core locally. When the provincial government issued its emergency order back in March, it divided things into essential and non-essential services. Those that were essential were to keep operating. The rest would be closed down. And, as time passed and public health officials raised concerns, it was necessary to tighten the lockdown further to stop the spread of the deadly virus. And so, even more businesses got shut down.

But at the same time, the provincial government began to address some of the problems facing business owners. Rent, electricity rates, loans and other measures are some of the steps being taken to ease the pain. There are also federal programs aimed at providing assistance to both employers and employees.

 To walk us through the challenges and successes of some of the small businesses in our region, Adam Bureau is joining me. He is the interim chairman of the Cobourg Downtown Business Improvement Area or DBIA, as well as being one of two councillors sitting on the committee. Here is our online interview.

Tourism industry teeters during pandemic as county seek to support local businesses

Tourism is a major contributor to the regional economy. And, while it is most obvious during the seasonal period between the Victoria Day weekend through to Thanksgiving, it is sustains many related businesses. It directly employs about seven per cent of the county’s workforce. Just think about all the weekend events, Canada Day, festivals and other attractions, not to forget the cottage rentals, marinas and boat launches that give recreational opportunities to a wide variety of people from across Ontario, Quebec and the United States. Then, there are all the family, friends and foreigners who come to our areas. It is not wrong to say tourism is significant.

To help us delve into the effect of the pandemic measures on the tourism industry is Northumberland County tourism manager Eileen Lum. Here is our phone conversation.

RCAF big band brought a bit of home to airmen during Second World War, says local author

That was the Streamliners playing My Blue Heaven.

This big band was formed by a group of young men serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. They were all barely 20 when they joined. 

Each one passionate about music, but also patriotic.

At first they were technicians and mechanics, training at a base in St. Thomas, Ontario. After a hard day’s work, they would sit around playing their instruments, jamming in the recreational hall. 

Someone heard them and suggested they play for a dance at the training camp. Then, they were asked to play for local residents nearby. It became evident their contribution was not going to be with wrenches and grease, but with the popular big band music they played.

Eventually, they would be transferred to the airbase at Gander, Newfoundland.

Some other talented musicians would join them. They would no longer be tradesmen, but full-time musicians. And, they would give themselves the name the Streamliners.

In 1944, they would leave Canada, heading for the frontlines to play for airmen across Britain and throughout Europe as the troops advanced against Germany.

Their job was to bring a bit of home to the men and women serving in the air force.

I am so pleased to welcome to Consider This, Andy Sparling. Andy lives in Belleville. His Dad was a founding member of the band back in St. Thomas. Andy is a big band enthusiast and plays in many big bands himself today. Often giving concerts in Cobourg and the surrounding area.. Andy has written a book called Dance through the Darkness: The untold story of the RCAF Streamliners. This was my online conversation with Andy about his book.

OFAH wades into discussion about fishing Ganaraska River during pandemic

For some fishing and hunting are great passions. And, the end of April marks a marvelous moment for avid anglers. It is the beginning of trout season. For many, it is the official start of fishing for the entire year. Sure there are the die-hards who go ice fishing. But for a majority, trout season is highly anticipated.

Coming to the Ganaraska River in Port Hope or Factory Creek in Cobourg or many of the other tributaries flowing into Lake Ontario, it is an annual ritual. People flock here from as far away as Quebec and the United States.

Yet, with the pandemic, it is not so simple. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has not banned hunting or fishing at this time. But for officials in Northumberland, the Ontario government’s emergency order is in place and every effort is being made to control the spread of COVID-19.

Port Hope and the Ganaraska Regional Conservation Authority have placed restrictions on accessing the river.

Cobourg has increased bylaw enforcement, along with new regulations it passed earlier this week that will ensure physical distancing.

Northumberland MPP David Piccini has called for a temporary suspension of fishing in the region.

For those who are passionate about fishing, these actions raise serious concerns. Yet, we are in a time when we define things as essential services and non-essential services. Is fishing an essential service? To answer this question and provide some perspective, I am pleased to share an online interview with Adam Weir, a field biologist with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.  Here is what he had to say.

Farmers face many challenges during upside down world pandemic

You can’t say it is an everyday sight to see a group of field tractors surrounding Northumberland Hills Hospital, along with a line of pick-up trucks following close behind. But that was the scene recently during a tractor parade organized by the Northumberland Federation of Agriculture to thank all the frontline staff at the hospital.

It is a rare sight to see farmers being so public. Usually, they toil away quietly making sure we all have food in front of us. And, while you may see the odd billboard reminding you that Farmers feed Cities, these are not the type of people who take a bow.

Like all of us, their world is also turned upside down.

Today, you are going to hear a bit of a different story from Consider This.

Rather than the usual Q&A format normally heard on the show, the interviews were turned into a documentary. Since there are so many different types of farms and farmers, it made sense to talk to a larger group rather than the one or two normally featured on the show. Five members of the Northumberland Federation of Agriculture gave time to be interviewed for this story. I hope you enjoy it.

Migrant workers arrive in Northumberland during pandemic to start work in fields

Close to 100,000 migrant workers from the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America come to Canada each year to work in the agri-food industry.

Hundreds come to Northumberland to help, especially on the fruit and vegetable farms. Many apple growers will tell you, it is an essential part of their business.

But with travel bans and concerns over the spread of COVID-19, there were big questions marks about what was going to happen this spring. Farmers lobbied hard and got exemptions, along with a financial aid package. So, these workers were given a choice to stay home with their families or come and earn money working on farms. For some, it is not really a choice since this money is more than they would ever make at home.

Then, there are the new public health rules farmers must meet to ensure the safe working conditions for these migrant workers.

Physical distancing, quarantine measures and increased health inspections are only a few of the new realities. To tell us more about these changes and the arrival of the first wave of migrant workers to Northumberland, I did an online interview with Daniel Quesada, a long-time local advocate for migrant workers and community outreach officer with Horizons of Friendship. Here is that conversation.