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Port Hope council will consider heritage permit demolition at special meeting

A special Port Hope council meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday  at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at town hall.  

Council members will receive and consider a staff report regarding a Heritage Demolition Permit Application for 121 Cavan Street.

A structural assessment report, conducted by structural engineering firm LEA Consulting LTD, has been provided to the Municipality from the property owner. The report determines that Block 2 of the old File Factory exhibits severe damage and a substantial risk of collapse, particularly the west exterior wall immediately adjacent to Cavan Street. The property owners are requesting approval to demolish Block 2 of the File Factory in order to address the major concerns raised in the structural assessment.

The session is open to the public and the meeting will be live streamed on the Municipality’s YouTube channel. Members of the public may speak to this matter at the meeting by making a deputation. To do so, submit a deputation request form at porthope.ca by noon on the day before the meeting.

The municipality announced earlier in the week the partial closure of Cavan Street in the area of the factory would continue until further notice.

Cougars lead Huskies 3-1; Panthers host Amherstview on Saturday

Logan Kelly scored twice and Trevor Hoskin had three points as the Cobourg Cougars placed the Haliburton County Huskies on the brink of elimination with a 5-2 win Thursday night at the Cobourg Community Centre.

Hoskin had a goal and two assists less than 11 minutes into the contest. Jordan Fuller and Andy Reist also scored as Cobourg was up 3-0 after the first period. 

The Cougars now lead Ontario Junior A Hockey League best-of-seven playoff series 3 games to 1. Game 5 is tomorrow in Minden at 4 p.m. If necessary, the Cougars will host Game 6 Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at the CCC.

In the Provincial Junior C Hockey League playoffs, the Port Hope Panthers will host Game 2 of their Tod Division semifinal series against the Amherstview Jets tomorrow night.

Game time is 7:30 p.m. at the Jack Burger Sports Complex. 

The Panthers won the series opener 6-3 Tuesday night in Amherstview.

Northumberland County signs on for extra shelter funding

By Cecilia Nasmith

The additional $2.47-million in year-end funding from the province in support of the shelter facility at 310 Division St. in Cobourg received support in a special session of Northumberland County council on Thursday to execute documentation confirming the county's obligations before the March 15 deadline. 

This will speed up the completion of a facility that offers drop-in room, locker-and-shower facilities, warming space, shelter beds and transitional housing – and, as Associate Director of Housing and Homelessness Rebecca Carman noted, offer the chance to provide these services upon the facility's opening rather than phasing them in over several years.

“It's wonderful to be receiving this money from the province and signing on the dotted line,” Acting Chair Olena Hankivsky said.

The point was made several times that this extra funding was not applied for. The project was brought to the province's attention and got favourable notice when it came time to allot year-end funding because it aligns with their own priorities. Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Moore said that the county keeps the province informed of their homelessness and housing initiatives, so they were aware of this fact.

But Associate Director of Housing and Homelessness Rebecca Carman pointed out that this kind of grant has its own obligations.

“One of the key things about any year-end funding is that you have to be ready to go very, very quickly,” Carman said.

This priority favours so-called shovel-ready projects that are well along, like 310 Division St. 

The extra boost makes a solid difference to the project, Carman said, making it entirely possible that the new facility will open with more services in place from the start instead of having them phased in. And it sets aside money towards things like fencing, security and a smoking area.

“Any consideration about the environmental design – the aesthetics of the interior, the furniture?” Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland asked.

“It's important we don't create something that's a cinder block-looking design. People have to live in something they can be proud of.”

Manager of Homelessness Services Bill Smith assured him this will be part of the planning.

Warden Brian Ostrander – attending remotely – pointed out that the letter accompanying the good news made reference to supporting the closure of “the homeless encampment in the Town of Cobourg,” but noted that the county has no authority to do this.

“That's not what these funds will be used for,” Ostrander stressed.

“They will be used to renovate sheltering space that hopefully organically will get people out of that encampment and into a housing situation.”

Former Warden Mandy Martin returned to the important point that the money was given by the province without being applied for.

“It's at their discretion. It's Santa Claus coming to town across this province,” Martin said.

“I think this gift to us, as I call it, is recognition of all the work that has gone on, not just within the last year but for the last years, addressing a situation, addressing how we serve the community – the county community.

“I think this is an amazing amount of money granted here, and I think that's an affirmation of the responsibility and professionalism that has gone into addressing the situation, working together, finding ways to ameliorate and co-operate,” she declared.
“To my mind, this project is so far ahead of so many other communities, they are looking to us – how did we get so lucky? How did that happen?

“To me, this is a telling example of how we can do it together in a smaller community. We are not dragging hundreds and hundreds of civil servants behind us. This is on-the-ground stuff with people who really mean it.”

Running with the Santa Claus metaphor, Councillor John Logel likened the year-end funding to the jolly gent having passed out all the presents and then finding he still has few left.

Moore said that next week's county council agenda will include a status report and feedback from community consultations that were recently completed. She confirmed that a report on negotiations for an operating agreement among the county, the Town of Cobourg and Transition House are ongoing and will also be part of that report.

Statement from Northumberland County Deputy Warden Olena Hankivsky on passing of Kim Rudd

The following statement from Deputy Warden Olena Hankivsky was issued by Northumberland County:

It is with deep respect and sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Kim Rudd, who served as Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Peterborough South from 2015-2019. Kim was not only a distinguished public servant but also a remarkable community member whose passionate voice for women, and whose contributions to her community, extended far beyond the political arena.

Her commitment and dedication to so many important causes, both within politics and in our community, will leave a lasting legacy.

Kim’s entrepreneurial spirit was a foundation of her career and she was gracious in extending her support and mentorship to help empower individuals.  She was a dedicated leader who generously gave her time and talents to many charitable organizations and worked tirelessly to enhance our community’s well-being and advocate for much needed housing supports in Northumberland County.

Her involvement in sports and local service clubs further exemplified her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

As the first Member of Parliament elected in the newly created riding of Northumberland-Peterborough South, her term of office was marked by dedication, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to representing the interests of her constituents.

Our thoughts and condolences are with her family, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness, leadership, and passion for making a difference.

In recognition of the passing of Kim Rudd, former member of Parliament and Brian Mulroney, Canada's former Prime Minister, Northumberland County has lowered its flags as a mark of respect for both esteemed individuals and their significant contributions.

Statement from Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland on Kim Rudd's passing

On behalf of all members of council and staff, the Town of Cobourg would like to pay tribute to former MP for Northumberland-Peterborough South, Kim Rudd who has sadly passed away.

Kim Rudd served as MP for Northumberland-Peterborough South from 2015 to 2019. Flags across all municipal buildings are currently lowered in honour of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Flags will remain lowered until after Prime Ministers Mulroney’s funeral on March 23.

Statement from Mayor, Lucas Cleveland:

“Kim Rudd was a respected entrepreneur and committed volunteer who will be missed. An RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award recipient, she was a courageous and resourceful businessperson known locally for growing post-secondary career training in Cobourg with the introduction of Willis College and co-founding Cooks School Daycare in 1985. One of the first rural child-care projects in our area, Cooks provided an incredible resource for women and families in our community, providing a safe place for children so parents could go back into the workforce.

As a volunteer she was President of the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the local Physician-Recruitment Committee when the Committee succeeded in bringing eight new doctors to the community.

As MP, she continued to work toward initiatives that would have a positive impact on our local families and businesses. Her government improved the Child Canada Benefit which helped thousands of children in her riding, helped bring over $70 million for improved broadband and cellphone service to Eastern Ontario, provided a boost in federal money for new and affordable housing and she personally worked on five housing projects in Northumberland-Peterborough South. She was also a terrific supporter of the Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre and all local businesses here in Cobourg.

Ms. Rudd was an advocate for Cobourg and Northumberland County, a committed volunteer and a trusted and valued mentor. On behalf of all council and staff, we would like to thank her for all that she did for our community and its residents.”

Former Northumberland MP Kim Rudd passes away

Former Northumberland-Peterborough South Member of Parliament Kim Rudd passed away Tuesday at Ed's House Hospice Care Centre in Cobourg following a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer. She was 66.

Rudd was elected as the local MP in 2015 and was appointed parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources. She also served as chair of the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus  and was a member of the federal standing committees of both finance and natural resources. 

Prior to entering politics, Rudd was owner of both Cook's Day School, Willis College, and Archer CPR Training. In 2011, she was awarded an RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur award which specifically recognized her impact on the local economy. 

Rudd was involved in numerous local charitable organizations, including serving as the President of the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee of Northumberland. She was a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Cobourg and actively involved with local sports groups, including baseball and hockey.

In addition, she also served as Vice-Chair of the Ontario Training Completion Assurance Fund Secretariat; was vice-President of the Association of Career Colleges; and she was the founding Executive Director of the Association of Private Colleges.  Most recently, she served as a consultant to the Canadian Nuclear Association.

Kim Rudd is lovingly remembered by her husband Tom, daughters Alison and Stefanie and their families. A release stated her family would like to express their profound gratitude to all the medical professionals and staff who supported Kim during this time, particularly Drs Kate Everdell, Stephanie Lheureux, and Kirsten Smerdon.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you consider donations in Kim's memory to Ovarian Canada at ovariancanada.org.

The Office of the Prime Minister sent a statement to Northumberland 89.7. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it was with great sadness he learned of the passing of his former MP, calling her a thoughtful and tireless advocate for Canadians and advancing progress on important issues from affordable housing to rural broadband and health care.

As parliamentary secretary to the minister of natural resources, Trudeau stated she stood up for Canadian energy workers and helped move forward on climate action. The prime minister also recognized that as a co-founder of a child care centre in Cobourg, Rudd was passionate about expanding childcare and making it easier for parents to balance work with family.

Prime Minister Trudeau said he spoke with Rudd last week and was inspired by her optimism for the country and that she truly believed in Canada and Canadians. The PM said she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, warmth and remarkable strength.

Port Hope to hold Ward 2 by-election June 6

The by-election to fill Port Hope’s vacant Ward 2 council seat will be held June 6, the municipality has announced.

Nomination forms are now available for interested candidates and must be filed with the return officer by April 19th or on nomination day April 22nd between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Each potential candidate must file the prescribed endorsement of nomination form signed by at least 25 individuals who are Canadian citizens, aged 18 or older, and have a qualifying address in the municipality. The filing fee is $100. 

Candidates can’t spend or raise any funds for their election campaign until the nomination forms have been filed. Full details on the nomination procedures to be followed may be obtained from the Returning Officer or check out porthope.ca/by-election.

Northumberland County receives $2.47 million from province

The Ontario Government announced Monday an additional $2.47 million dollars to Northumberland County, the local social service system manager, to support closing the encampment in Cobourg. 

The encampment is located on provincial property, the former Brookside Youth Detention Centre. Infrastructure Ontario has the property listed for sale at $9.1 million dollars.

Announced through the office of Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini, the  funding is aimed at assisting the County provide housing options for the unhoused and the most vulnerable members of the community. 

The new funding, which follows the $2.2 million through the Homelessness Prevention Program announced by Piccini in May of last year, is to be used to support priority projects that will assist those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.