Consider This Northumberland - January 12: Carruthers / McCue Recycling

Farmers rarely get a break. To operate a farm is a 24/7/365 job. Besides running their operation, the men and women who provide us with our food daily also spend time lobbying politicians at all levels of government.

On today’s show, Northumberland Federation of Agriculture President Allan Carruthers outlines some of the challenges local farmers face. He will talk about the carbon tax, legislation stalled in the Senate, and local efforts to keep good agricultural lands in Northumberland County out of the hands of developers. If you ate today, then you will want to hear this interview.

Next, you will hear from Adam McCue, associate director of operations at Northumberland County. He is Northumberland County’s recycling guy.

Last month, a major change occurred regarding the local recycling program. He will tell us about that change.

Consider This Northumberland - January 5

Consider This Northumberland - December 29

Consider This Northumberland - December 15: Transition House / Port Hope Taxes

If everything goes smoothly, Northumberland County will purchase a former retirement residence at 310 Division Street in Cobourg to become the new home for Transition House.

It means 35 low-barrier shelter spaces will be available to those in need. It will have accommodations, food, and support services. It will also provide a 24-hour drop-in centre year-round, giving unsheltered people a place to get out of the cold of winter or the heat of summer or a place to go anytime.

On the show today,  Rev. Neil Ellis, former acting interim executive director for Transition House, will share the story behind the purchase and what it means to those who do not have a home. He will explain what it means to the county and it impact on the community. And while it is a huge step, Ellis acknowledges the challenges going forward. You will hear him address concerns from neighbours, the downtown, and those surrounding the encampment.

Then, it is on to taxes. Taxes in Port Hope. Mayor Olena Hankivsky will explain the 6.9 percent increase approved by council recently.

Consider This Northumberland - December 8: Food Bank and Salvation Army Christmas Support

Eight hundred people are registered to receive help with toys and food from the Salvation Army and other organizations this Christmas. The Fare Share Food Bank is also seeing a rise in demand. Over the last year, the number of people using its services is up by 50 percent. These are two of many organizations trying to help those in need.

On today's show, you will hear from both these organizations.

First, Dick Kauling, chair of the board for the Fare Share Food Bank, will describe the pressures it faces and the response to the increase in demand. You may be surprised to learn that more young families with children are accessing the food bank in Cobourg and Port Hope. The number of seniors coming to get assistance is also up. He will give us the whole picture. He will also address critical issues about the organization's future and sustainability in these challenging times.

Next, you will hear from the Salvation Army. It is one of the critical groups helping people celebrate Christmas this year.

Consider This Northumberland - November 24: Community Canvass / LIving Wage

Crime in Cobourg is on the increase. That is according to Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf. He says that is no different from anywhere else.

An analysis of recent statistics show calls for service are up. There were 14 assault charges laid in the past two months. Two of those involved officers being assaulted. Another two of those involved weapons.

Break and enters are up over the last six months. The same is true for property crimes.

But the reasons for these increases are not what you think. Let me say that again: it is not what you think.

In this interview, you will hear the chief explain how the assaults are going up due to domestic violence. The minor crimes are not associated solely with the encampment. That is despite all the rumours, gossip, and social media.

And he will tell you about a recent community canvas his officers did to get to the root of the issues. All of it is meant to address people’s concerns about feeling safe. Plus, he will tackle the misinformation and disinformation.

Then, you will hear about fair pay. As people struggle to make ends meet, a group tries to get employers to pay a living wage rather than a minimum wage. There are several employers already doing this in Northumberland.

Consider This Northumberland - November 3: Cobourg Strategic Plan / Answers about Cobourg power outages

Cobourg council wants to create a thriving community, better services and be more sustainable. These are the three pillars of the new four-year strategic plan it hopes to pass this Monday.

For the past 10 months, Cobourg council has worked with its consultant, Capital Park, towards a strategic plan. It has sought public input. The process is now wrapping up.

In this interview, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland will explain how the three pillars will work as guiding principles for the council. He will also review how the strategic plan will influence politicians as they face the numerous issues facing Cobourg.

Next, you will hear from officials from Lakefront Utilities. Many residents have faced momentary outages over the summer and fall. In this interview, you will get answers to what is happening and what is being done to fix the problem.

Consider This Northumberland - October 27: COVID Update

A week ago, Northumberland Hills Hospital announced there was a COVID-19 outbreak. Eighteen cases were confirmed at the time. Patients in the medical and surgical units and some in the rehab unit were hit. Staff was spared.

Visitors and volunteers were restricted from these units. A number of preventative measures were taken, similar to those in the past.

This is cold and flu season looks like in Northumberland in a post-pandemic world.

On today’s show, you will hear from two organizations on the front lines.

First, Northumberland Hills Hospital CEO Susan Walsh will explain what is going on with the outbreaks. She will also give her insights into how the hospital copes with this new reality.

Next, the health unit will weigh in.

Dr. Natalie Bocking, chief medical officer of health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Until, will give her perspective on the outbreak. Plus, she will give an overview of the impact of COVID and other respiratory illnesses on senior homes and the community at large.

Consider This Northumberland - September 22: Orange Shirt / Port Hope Police

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.