Consider This Northumberland - June 24: Trent Hills Pride / Open Letter Homelessness

It is another first for Northumberland County. Trent Hills Pride is holding its first official celebrations this weekend. Two events were held previously, but over the past year, a group of dedicated people have organized a three-day event. It started yesterday and it is packed with fun things to do. You will want to hear all about it.

The next interview provides context for a meeting that took place earlier this week. About 60 people gathered at the Columbus Centre on Spencer Street Tuesday evening to address homelessness in Cobourg and Northumberland County. Three organizations wrote an open letter to residents asking them to come out and share ideas and potential solutions to the crisis facing many who are without shelter. You will hear from the leaders of those three groups.

Consider This Northumberland - June 17: Local Tourism

Tourism in Ontario is a $38 billion business. It is a critical part of Northumberland County’s economy. It generates $120 million annually, according to a 2021 county report.

 For the past two years, tourism operators and related businesses faced tough times. Lockdowns, travel restrictions and various public health measures crippled the industry.

 Now, as the restrictions ease, people are starting to travel more. Tourists are returning as venues and events prepare for the summer of 2022.

This week’s show focuses on tourism. Two key people are going to talk about the trials, tribulations, and triumphs as this beleaguered industry climbs out.

Nancy Allanson, executive director of the Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce, will take us back to a major promotional campaign called Right Here in Northumberland.

Eileen Lum, tourism manager for Northumberland County will provide a broader insight.

Both will look at the impacts of the pandemic on entrepreneurs, business owners, employees, and the economic impacts. AS well, they will look forward to what is ahead.

Consider This Northumberland - June 10: Rick Beaver / Rich Quodomine

June is Indigenous History Month. On June 21, it is National Aboriginal Day. It is for these significant commemorations today’s show has a special guest. Rick Beaver, an artist, elder, and conservationist living in Alderville, will share his recollections of Alderville. Plus, he will give insight into Indigenous life celebrated in his art and conservation activities.

 Then, you will hear from Rich Quodomine. He is the host of Act of Stats here on Northumberland 89.7 FM. He loves to crunch numbers. He is going to help us make sense of the election last week. We will look at the impact of the low voter turnout locally and provincially. And he will dig into some fascinating facts you might not expect.

Consider This Northumberland - June 3: Breaking down the election with former MPP Steve Gilchrist

Last night a historic election took place in Ontario and Northumberland. David Piccini was re-elected as the MPP for Northumberland Peterborough South with over 26,000 votes, increasing his tally by six percent over the last election. Liberal Jeff Kawazenuk had half as many votes. The NDP candidate Kim McArthur Jackson also took a huge hit. For Green Party candidate Lisa Frances, she met her own goal. She wanted to increase her share of the votes. She did that with just over 2,000. It was nearly six percent of the total votes. That is a record for the local Green Party in this riding.

In this episode, those local results, plus the province-wide results, are discussed. A former MPP under the Mike Harris government, Steve Gilchrist has worked in politics for the past 52 years. He is also the host of the show Naturally Northumberland on 89.7 FM.

We will parse out some of the numbers locally and delve into what were the dynamics at play. We will also look at what happened provincially as the Progressive Conservatives saw won 83 seats last night. That is an increase of 16, which by all accounts is remarkable.

We will also talk about some of the local issues that were not addressed. Plus, we will explore some of the undercurrents that may or may not explain what happened during the campaign. I hope you will find the insights interesting, whether you agree or not.

Consider This Northumberland - May 27: Provincial Candidates Joshua Chaloub and Vanessa Head

This is the third week of shows dedicated to candidate interviews for the provincial election for Northumberland Peterborough South to be held on June 2. The order is completely random based on when the various campaigns were able to book interviews.

The last two candidates for the provincial election are interviewed on today’s show. The first will be Joshua Chaloub, the candidate for the New Blue Party. This is the first election for this brand new party. He lives in Hastings.

The second interview is with another new party, the Ontario Party. Vanessa Head lives in Norwood.

Consider This Northumberland - May 20: Candidates Kim McArthur Jackson and Lisa Francis

This is the second week of shows dedicated to candidate interviews for the provincial election for Northumberland Peterborough South to be held on June 2. The order is completely random based on when the various campaigns were able to book interviews.

 This week we will start with NDP candidate Kim McArthur Jackson. You might recognize her name. She was also the NDP candidate in the federal election this past fall. Then, you will hear from Lisa Francis. She is the Green party candidate.

Consider This Northumberland - May 13: Speaking with David Piccini and Jeff Kawzenuk

This week’s show is the start of a series of candidate interviews for the provincial election in Northumberland Peterborough South. The order is completely random based on when the various campaigns were able to book interviews.

 To begin, you will hear from incumbent David Piccini, the Progressive Conservative candidate. Next, Jeff Kawzenuk, the Liberal candidate will be interviewed. 

Consider This Northumberland - May 6: Rural Internet / Planning Bill 109

If you are a person living anywhere in rural Northumberland County, there was good news for you last week. High speed internet is coming. The little spinning beach ball is gone. The downloads that seem to take an eternity are over. That’s what politicians are promising.

 A $110 million project was announced by officials from all three levels of government. It will bring super-fast connectivity to the doors of 13,500 people in the county who are currently not being served or underserved.

 Once this all gets built, then others will also be able to connect, too.

 The project is a unique public-private partnership that could be a model for other rural municipalities across Canada. Dan Borowec, the director of economic development for Northumberland County, will give all the details.

 Next, we will talk about where you live. The provincial government passed new legislation just before end of April. It is going to make it easier for developers to get approvals for their plans. For some, it is reducing red tape. For others, it represents less local control. A mini-documentary featuring Anne Taylor Scott, the town planner for Cobourg, will explore how this will change where you live.

Consider This Northumberland - April 1: Animal Control / Patricia Rebelledo

For some, nothing brings more sadness than seeing a lost animal. And nothing brings more joy than knowing a pet is reunited with its owner.

The town of Cobourg was spending $104,000 per year on animal control. That is the service that picks up stray dogs and cats, takes them to a pound to hopefully be reunited with their family.

Cobourg Councillor Aaron Burchat is the town’s point person for animal control. Two years ago, the town decided it was spending too much on animal control. At that time, it was part of a management committee made up of municipalities from the west half of Northumberland County. But in 2020, the council said it had enough and left.

In January, Cobourg council announced the Northumberland Humane Society would be providing pound services by looking after strays and reuniting pets with owners.

The two-year journey is the subject of the first segment of today’s show. Aaron Burchat is going to walk us through what happened and why. If you are a taxpayer or a pet lover you will want to hear what he has to say.

Next, we say goodbye to Patricia Rebelledo. She is the executive director of Horizons of Friendship, an international organization supporting projects in Central America. She is retiring. Many of you may know the Thrift Shop on the corner of Covert Street and George Street in Cobourg. But you may not know her and what she has accomplished in her time at Horizons.

Consider This Northumberland - March 25: Police stats / Sports Hall of Fame

The number of calls for service for the Cobourg police was down this past year. That is the third year in a row. Yet, the number of incidents related to illegal drugs, like fentanyl, cocaine and crystal meth, was up. Violent crimes, like people using weapons during an assault, was also up.

Cobourg Police Chief Paul Vandegraff will discuss these stats and more this week. It is all part of a conversation we had about the annual report for 2021.

After that, there is a story sports fans will enjoy. Recently, a number of Cobourg athletes and volunteers were honoured by the Cobourg Sports Hall of Fame. Some of these people did not just distinguish themselves at local fields and arenas, but also received accolades regionally, provincially, nationally, and in some cases, internationally.

Don Conway, the group’s secretary, will share these amazing stories of great accomplishments.

Consider This Northumberland - March 18: OHT-Northumberland / Radicalization

Lots of people complain about the local healthcare system.

 

Well, now you can make a difference. On this week’s show, two people involved in a massive initiative to talk about the local healthcare system are interviewed. There is a major outreach campaign going on right now through the Ontario Health Team Northumberland. It is the first and the largest initiative ever in the history of the county. It touches every aspect of health and well-being. Everyone can comment on all aspects from hospitals to home care to mental health to your own doctor. And, there is much, much more.

 

Then, the show will revisit a vital conversation from a few weeks ago.

 

As we watch the Russian-Ukrainian war, we realize how lucky we are as Canadians. It also reminds us to be grateful for what we have and how precious and fragile our democracy is. We cannot take anything for granted. You will hear once again about how we here in Northumberland can take steps to protect our community from radicalization and extremism.

Consider This - March 11: Afghan Family / House Journey

Millions of refugees are pouring out of Ukraine. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has already offered to give them a place to go. There is no doubt this is a humanitarian crisis. Still, there are other refugees from different countries seeking asylum, too. According to a CBC investigation, Canada failed to meet its target of welcoming 81,000 refugees in 2021.  The government only sponsored 7,800 people and only 4,500 were privately sponsored.

 Syliva Terpstra, the former Director of education for the local public school board, will share a story about the efforts of a small group of women trying to bring an Afghan family to Canada. They are fundraising in Northumberland County and Belleville. They hope to pay for this family to flee after they are being targeted by the Taliban. You will hear about the challenges the family and this group are facing.

Then, you will hear a story about a journey of house. That’s right – a house. Meghan MacDonald, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, will tell us about a house slated for demolition. You will hear how it was saved and how it found its way to Bewdley where a family will be moving in on March 11.

Consider This Northumberland - March 4: Local Ukraine connection / Rising food prices

As the war rage on in Ukraine, Aleks Goloborodko watches in horror. He is an artist living in Peterborough. His daughter, her husband, and their three children are in Ukraine right now trying to stay safe. Aleks' brother, friends, and relatives are also trying to do the same.

 On today’s show, Aleks' will share his story. As a refugee coming to Canada from Crimea in 2014, he knows first-hand what it is like to experience Russian tanks and soldiers invading a country. He will give his own deeply personal and heartfelt perspective on what is taking place in Ukraine. You will want to hear this.

After the break, you will get another unique perspective. This time on rising food prices. Mark DeJong, the president of the Northumberland Federation of Agriculture, will provide insight into why grocery bills are going up. And, you will be surprised to know there is a Russian connection in this story, too.

Consider This Northumberland - February 25: Discussions on the Freedom Convoy

The trucks may be gone from Ottawa. The Emergency Measures Act is over. But many questions remain.

One of the key issues is whether or not the Freedom Convoy is a one-off protest or a political movement gathering momentum. One thing is evident, what happened cannot be ignored.

 Today’s show will explore one of the undercurrents of the protest – radicalization. During the protests, extremism was on full display. Instances of racism, hate, intimidation took place amongst others trying to exercise their right to protest.

 Jennifer Wolowic, a co-leader of the Strengthening Canadian Democracy Initiative at Simon Fraser University, will talk about the aftermath of the protest and the lessons learned. She will also suggest ways to keep our communities in Northumberland places of vibrant democracies. Plus, she will suggest ways we can bridge the gaps with those we don’t see eye-to-eye.

 Next, is an interview with the Northumberland Labour Council. It wrote a letter condemning the Freedom Convoy protest, saying it was impacting workers. It also set out a number of demands for the federal and provincial governments. President Dan Tobin will explain.

Consider This Northumberland - February 18: Not Orange Shirt Day / Grief Stories

Last week, members of the Freedom Convoy posted a video on Facebook urging children and parents to honour Orange Shirt Day. It asked children to walk out of class on Feb. 11. It was meant to be an act of solidarity with those involved with the truckers’ protests in Ottawa and on international borders.

 However, Feb. 11 is not Orange Shirt Day. It is Sept. 30. That is a national day to commemorate children who were sent to residential schools.

 The video sparked outrage among Indigenous communities and many Canadians, including Alderville. It also caught the attention of Alderville First Nations Chief Dave Mowat.

 In today’s interview. Chief Mowat will address this incident and other aspects of the convoy that have touched the Indigenous community. Some of it you many not even be aware of.

Next, is a unique project. In Northumberland, 25 people have died of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. That does not count the others who have passed away over the past two years. For those left behind, the grief they face is different in so many ways. For some, they may not have been given access to be with loved ones at the end. For others, there may be unimaginable situations, barriers, and other hurdles that have made their experience unique, as well as difficult.

A group in Northumberland is connecting with these people. Grief Stories is charitable organization giving people in mourning an opportunity to share their experiences with others. Participants can create videos, listen to podcasts or read blogs as a path towards healing the pain of loss.

Consider This Northumberland - February 11

On Feb. 15, Port Hope council will debate one of the largest land acquisitions in the recent history of Northumberland County. The town is looking to purchase  more than 1,300 acres for around $20 million. The land is currently owned by Ontario Power Generation in Wesleyville. Just about half the land is environmentally sensitive, while the remainder can be developed for residential, commercial and industrial uses.

 Mayor Bob Sanderson and town staff have toiled away on the deal for the past two year. Earlier this month, the deal was made public. If council gives its blessing at its next meeting, the acquisition will be finalized on March 31.

 The public has yet to have any input. And, there are many questions.

 In this interview, Mayor Bob Sanderson walks through the process of getting this massive land deal in place. He will go over the background. And, he will address questions about growth, the environment, and financing.

For the past two weeks, Canadians have watched as the Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa and across Canada. This has sparked many debates and drawn attention to numerous issues. Regardless of your reaction, one aspect is striking. The use of social media to organize and execute the convoy.

The second segment is a special feature. It is an extended report about the role of influencers on social media. Nataly Leveques is a published expert in this field and she will talk about the role of these people on social media. But it is not just the convoy. She will also talk about how influencers work in communities like Northumberland.

Consider This Northumberland - January 28: Dean Pepper / Mayor Bob Sanderson

Cobourg Police Services Board Chairperson Pepper reflects on his long service, the changes, and the future of policing in Cobourg. He will also talk about the board’s past year. He will discuss the recent decision to approve body cameras for frontline officers. He will talk about the police budget and its highly profitable background check operation. Pepper will also talk about efforts to deal with the opioid crisis and policing efforts to clean up neighbourhoods in the town.

 The next interview is also one of reflection on the past year and the future. Port Hope Mayor Bob Sanderson will look back and forward to tell us about the council’s activities and expectations.

Consider This Northumberland - January 14: Warming Centre / Northumberland Growth Study

As temperatures begin to drop and winter settles in if you are homeless, finding a place to stay warm in Northumberland County is not as easy as you think.

 In this show, you will learn about the only formal warming centre in the entire county. During the day, there are few, if any, alternatives. A partnership between Transition House and St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Cobourg offers an overnight place for people to stay. You will hear how this partnership came to be and what is going on to help the most vulnerable find shelter in the bitter cold.

 Then, you will hear about a study done for the county projecting our population is expected to grow to 122,000 by 2015. That is up from the 90,000 who live here now. Some say it will hit that number much earlier. We will find out what this means for Northumberland.

Consider This Northumberland - January 21: Thrive Report / Cobourg Mayor Year End

During the first year of the pandemic, 34 women found themselves homeless in Northumberland, fleeing an abusive situation. This is according to a recently released report by a group representing organizations in the county whose job is to protect people against gender-based violence.

 It was one of the more shocking statistics released by Thrive. It is the third annual report from the group that works with a range of services in the county with a mandate to help those who face violence. This includes rape to assault to abuse. And, as you would expect, the pandemic is making things worse.

Today, I will be talking with the coordinator, Nicole Beatty, about the report's contents and what it means for women.

Next, I will talk with Cobourg Mayor John Henderson. This conversation is part of an ongoing series of interviews with local politicians getting caught up on the council's activities over the past year and what to expect in 2022.

Consider This Northumberland - January 7: Dr. Bocking / MPP David Piccini

There was a major shift in the way Ontario is responding to the pandemic over the past week. The Omicron variant is a game-changer. The speed at which it spreads – technically known as transmissibility, has left the health care system in tatters.

 In the first segment of today’s show, you will hear local MPP David Piccini explain the government’s response and why he thinks it is effective. He will discuss major changes to the way policy-makers, public health officials, and scientists are tracking the virus and its spread. And, he will address the impact of the recent changes on schools, kids, parents, and teachers.

 Then, you will hear from Dr. Natalie Bocking, Chief Medical Officer for the health unit. She is going to give another perspective on these changes, especially when it comes to tracking the spread of the virus locally. She will take a deeper look at the numbers and what we should be watching as we go forward.

 For a change of pace, there is the third segment this week. While talking with David Piccini, there was an opportunity to catch up with him. He was able to share his views on the past year. He also took a few moments to look ahead at the looming provincial election in June and what residents in Northumberland should expect.