The Ontario Chamber of Commerce released its annual report recently. Business confidence is low across the province. There are a host of issues facing a wide range of sectors across the business spectrum. Yet, in the midst of all the doom and gloom, there is some limited optimism about the upcoming year.

Brenda Whitehead, CEO of the Port Hope Chamber of Commerce, is going to give a local perspective on the mood of her members. A record number of businesses from Northumberland County participated in the survey this year.

When it comes to painting a picture of the business environment, her message is simple: it all depends on who you are talking to. For some, the opportunities for expansion and growth exist. Yet, for others, there are big challenges, such as layoffs and cutbacks. She will give her analysis and insight.

Then, there is a story about a group of farmers holding a film festival in Campbellford next weekend. That’s right. I said a film festival presented by local farmers.

Collin Whitehouse 2/12/24 Collin Whitehouse 2/12/24

Consider This Northumberland - February 9: YMCA Daycare / Campbellford Memorial Hospital CEO

As one of the largest daycare providers in Northumberland County, the YMCA offers a unique perspective on the pressures operators face. As we heard last week, the transition to providing $10/day spaces has left many providers wondering if they can stay open.

Eunice Kirkpatrick, CEO of the YMCA Northumberland, gives a candid assessment of the situation from the frontlines. Operating 22 programs in the county, it is the largest non-profit supplier of daycare, as well as before and after school programs for kids. You will want to hear what she says in the first segment if you are a parent, grandparent, or caregiver.

Then, you will hear about the trials and tribulations of running a small hospital in rural Ontario. Campbellford Memorial Hospital CEO Jeff Hohenkerk (HO-en Kirk) will respond to a recent report released by the Rural Ontario Municipal Association detailing the immense challenges rural hospitals face.

Collin Whitehouse 2/5/24 Collin Whitehouse 2/5/24

Consider This Northumberland - February 2: Daycare Closures / Black History Month

Northumberland County spends nearly $1.5 million supporting local daycare. This is on top of fees paid by parents and guardians. Despite the county’s contribution, daycare operators are struggling to stay open.

On today’s show, Lesley Patterson, manager of Early Year service programs for Northumberland County, will talk about the funding crisis in daycare. Recently, operators across Ontario expressed concerns about possible closures of daycares due to a lack of funding from the province. It froze fees two years ago. This was all part of a federal/provincial plan to provide affordable daycare. The goal is to provide $10 per day daycare by 2025.

Patterson will explain what is going on in Northumberland. With the frozen fee structure, parents are paying a lot less. In some cases, it is now about half of what parents were paying before the freeze. But none of this pays for additional operational support, some capital projects, and other parental assistance. That is where the county comes in to help.

The lack of spaces compounds the situation. Nearly 1,500 families are currently on the waiting list.

Next, you will learn about efforts by one Port Hope resident to highlight the achievements of some residents as part of Black History Month.

Collin Whitehouse 2/5/24 Collin Whitehouse 2/5/24

Consider This Northumberland - January 26: Transition House - 310 Division

The move of Transition House to 310 Division Street is controversial. Supporters view it as a chance to modernize the system to help those who are homeless and need services. Then, some are concerned about the new location. These people are worried about community safety, their homes, and their businesses.

Today's show is a deep dive into the new facility. Public meetings are taking place. A new executive director is at the helm of Transition House. Meanwhile, members of the public, politicians, and the police are among those voicing their thoughts.

In the first segment, you will meet Ike Nwibe, the new executive director at Transition House. You will get to know him. He will talk about his background, experience, philosophy, and aspirations for the new shelter.

In the second segment, Nwibe and Neil Ellis, the board chair, discuss the public meetings. We'll talk more about that in a moment.

Collin Whitehouse 1/24/24 Collin Whitehouse 1/24/24

Consider This Northumberland - January 19: Repeat Offenders / Cobourg Budget

At a recent Cobourg council meeting, a debate ignited over hiring additional police officers. This led to a tense discussion about public safety and the 2024 budget. With community safety a hot topic in the council chambers and on the street, it is creating a lot of strong emotions in and outside Victoria Hall.

On today’s show, both the police and the 2024 Cobourg budget are front and centre.

First, you will hear from Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf. Since he arrived in 2014, the number of officers has stayed the same. He asked for six new officers in his 2024 budget submission. But, the Police Services Board approved only four. The Chief will shed light on his request and the resulting debates. He will also review the rest of the police budget and his thoughts on the new home for Transition House at 310 Division Street.

Before that, he will talk about repeat offenders. A new provincial grant program was announced last week. Since this is one of his pet peeves, the Chief has lots to say about bail reform.