Northumberland at 5 August 13, 2026
By Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Volunteers were preparing 850 backpacks Tuesday for children in need across the County as part of the Northumberland United Way Backpacks for Kids program. Now entering its 21st year of ensuring students from JK to Grade 12 start the school year with the tools they need, including essentials like math supplies, pencils and colouring materials. As well, nutritious snacks were also included. United Way Executive Director Alicia Vandine says the community is really supportive of the program.
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The Port Hope Historical Society has been operating for over 60 years, documenting and preserving the rich history of the region. It has documents and objects dating back centuries. Catherine Tozer presented to Port Hope Council this week, saying the municipalities Town Hall once served as a community dance hall, school room and had an apartment building.
Northumberland At 5, July 30, 2026
Photo courtesy of Melly's Market + Cafe Facebook.
By Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.
A summer training program has now launched in Port Hope to assist young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build skills needed to enter the workforce.
Melly’s, a charity, public cafe and workplace is providing practical training, real work experience and confidence to participants to be successful in employment.
Young people with disabilities are less likely to have the resume experience potential employers are expecting.
Melly’s curriculum develops transferable skills combining repetition, and coaching in a paid environment.
Aimee Ruttle, co-founder at Melly’s says many graduates of the program are now gainfully employed.
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A very successful and popular program in Whitby, but with roots in Northumberland has expanded to Port Hope.
Melly’s has opened a summer cafe, aimed at helping young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain the skills and confidence necessary to enter the workforce.
Ellen McCrea, a Director at Melly’s says the program originated in Grafton and has helped 38 people obtain meaningful employment
Northumberland at 5 July 16, 2026
Late last month, Northumberland County and the EarlyON Child & Family Centres, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services opened a new Indigenous child playroom, designed to promote cultural awareness and create opportunities for Indigenous children, youth, and families to connect with culture, and their community. Leslie Patterson, the Early Years Manager with Northumberland County, Rachel Nicholson and Tanya Jones, spoke to Robert Washburn of Consider This about this project.
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Colborne will play host to the 2027 all-star game for the Greater Metro Hockey League. The January event will highlight the Northumberland Stars hockey club, which won the league championship this season. Alex McConnell, General Manager of the team says the all-star game will be great for the community. He adds support from the community has been incredible, as fan attendance has doubled. McConnell says there are plans to add a training and learning facility in Colborne.
Northumberland at 5 June 25, 2026
Cobourg Council was unanimous Wednesday night in a motion by Mayor Lucas Cleveland that no plan nor any draft plan paid for by the taxpayers of Cobourg should encourage, endorse, or make it easier to commit acts of criminality under federal or provincial law in our public parks or any public space. This comes after Cleveland raised concern earlier this month that the draft parks master plan may endorse encampments or drug use in public parks. Cleveland says there are laws in place to address criminal activity, but also social programs to help those struggling.
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Community groups in Cobourg are attempting to calm the discussion regarding homelessness, possible encampments and drug use in public parks. Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland spoke out against language consultants used in the draft parks master plan. The plan, which recently closed to public comment, discusses that homeless people may use the parks for living and injecting drugs, as it is recommended for the installation of safe disposal site for used needles. Cleveland, who openly admitted to fear mongering said the draft plan may open the door to chaos in parks. However, Alicia Vandine, Executive Director the United Way Northumberland is calling for a meeting with Cleveland to find solutions to benefit all residents of Cobourg.
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The dome project at the Port Hope Racket Club is well underway, meaning outdoor courts are currently unavailable. Darryl Goodall, President of the Port Hope Racket Club provided an update to Council recently saying the project is experiencing cost overruns. He pointed to soil issues and increased costs for fuel and asphalt.
Northumberland at 5 June 11, 2026
Cobourg marked the start of Pride Month Monday with a flag raising ceremony. However events began over the weekend in Cobourg, Trent Hills and Port Hope. For 10 years Ashley Bauman has organized festivities and watched events in Northumberland County grow. For her this month is about recognition.
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Cobourg’s new Police Chief Chris Leather, although only on the job for 11 days, says he will listen to feedback from police, the community and others before formulating a plan on policing in the community. However, without elaborating, Leather says he will be tough on crime, wanting residents to feel safe in parks and on the street.
Leather took over from retiring Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf June 1.
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A large electric vehicle and sustainability event is taking place this weekend in Cobourg, aimed to educate interested residents to the benefits of the EV movement. Several owners and dealers will have a variety of vehicles on display, with test drives available. Organizer David Kuhnke says while eclectic vehicles are great for the environment, advancements in technology are starting to narrow the competitive gap with gas-powered vehicles. The EV event is Sunday 10-4 at Northumberland Mall.