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A program aimed at pairing women to share accommodations was relaunched earlier this week. Cornerstone Executive Director Nancy Johnston and Homeshare worker Deb Racine talk about the innovative, creative way this program helps women in the community find affordable housing in the face of a major shortage within Northumberland County. Johnston also explains how the women’s shelter is collaborating with a developer to provide affordable rental units in Cobourg.
Councillor Laurie Carr and Director of Finance David Baxter provide insight into the Port Hope town budget for 2019, including the rationale for a 1.9 per cent increase, a salary increase for council members and why affordable housing did not get any direct funding despite the mayor’s insistence the issue was a priority. All this and more.
Ontario Health Coalition board member Sara LaBelle gives a passionate rebuttal to the provincial government’s proposed changes to the health care system. Beyond the arguments against privatization and a stern warning against the new powers included in the legislation, LaBelle delivers a warning to Northumberland residents about potential changes locally. She provides steps residents can take to make their views known, as well.
Community Health Care Northumberland Executive Director Duff Sprague remains cautiously optimistic as the Ontario government’s proposed changes to the health care system unfold. He is proud of the work already taking place between the various service providers, but there is still more work to be done. He hopes a recent meeting with health minister Christine Elliott in Northumberland will help make the region a potential choice for a pilot program for the government.
The hospital continues to operate over capacity, placing stresses on its ability to deal with patients in the emergency room, Northumberland Hills Hospital Executive Director Linda Davis says. In an interview with Consider This Northumberland, she said the hospital currently fills 135 per cent of its beds, meaning it has one-third more people than the hospital can afford to operate. While it has received an additional $250,000 in funding from the Ontario government to open four more beds, it is not enough, Davis said, but the hospital works hard to ensure nobody is without care. In a series of candid answers, Davis outlined the challenges and successes of the hospital as it prepares for the proposed changes announced by the provincial government recently.
Cobourg Deputy Mayor Suzanne Seguin discusses how council came to a slightly less than two per cent budget increase for 2019. She also sheds light on her perspective on how to pay for affordable housing and community grants without raising taxes. She also gives a frank assessment of proposed increases in council salaries and the role the Cobourg Taxpayers Association and others provided input. Continue Reading →
Cobourg Councillor Nicole Beatty, the coordinator of planning and development, outlines the town’s plans to address affordable housing. While the proposal is in its infancy, Beatty unpacks why the town has put aside $250,000 to look at the formation of a new social planning and community development advisory committee, as well as creating a new housing support policy. Continue Reading →
Hamilton Township Mayor Bill Cane talks about his vision for the upcoming term of office, along with his focus on “co-operation, collaboration, consideration, and confidence in the job they are going to do.” Originally aired: Jan. 11, 2019 Continue Reading →
A two-tiered health care is one of several things necessary to repair what is wrong, says Stephen Skyvington, author of a new book titled This May Hurt a Bit: reinventing Canada’s health care system. In an interview with Consider This Northumberland, Skyvington gives his critique of the Ontario government’s recent proposals to overhaul the province’s system, as well as dissecting the Canada Health Care Act. He goes on to provide his 10 fixes as recommendations to those in charge as to what can be done to change things right now. Continue Reading →
Cobourg impresario Ken Prue, owner of the Loft, and Cobourg Councillor Adam Bureau talk about the work currently underway regarding the cultural master plan for the town. Consultants MDB Insights are leading the process with a series of focus groups and public meetings to gather input. A public meeting is set for March 21, 2019, at the Cobourg Community Centre, starting at 6 p.m.
The $65,000 study is meant to shape the town’s direction, not only to help enhance the arts and cultural life locally but to also find economic opportunities, as well. Prue provides insights into the significance of the study for those who actually work within the cultural community, while Bureau gives the political perspective. Continue Reading →