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Pending winter brings crisis for local homeless

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As the air becomes crisper and snowflakes tease us about what is coming, housing advocates in Northumberland County sounded a dire warning last week only days before a new federal national strategy was announced to deal with the problem. Coincidence or not, it catapulted the issue to the front as Northumberland Affordable Housing Committee warned of a pending crisis this winter. Previous studies in the county have shown there are between 1,000 to 2,000 people either without shelter or on the brink of losing a roof over their heads. Cornerstone and Transition House, the two government-sponsored shelters, are at capacity or over, meaning there is no emergency or temporary housing. Cobourg Police Service offers overnight accommodation and a warming room, but it is already heavily used. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns

Competitive tourism events needs transparency for taxpayers, business

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Cobourg’s first Food and Music Festival held on Saturday was an innovative attempt to generate energy and excitement to draw people into downtown with kudos going to organizers for their effort. In the cutthroat world of tourism, it is not an easy task to find a niche and create instant success. In fact, Campbellford held its Incredible Edible Festival on the same day. It is a much more established, sophisticated event with more than food and music. It is a celebration of rural life, including food displays, tastings and farm tours. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Community

Need for civility, mutual respect in order

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It seems we have forgotten how to be nice to one another. The point was made dramatically last Tuesday night in Port Hope. During a portion of the meeting for questions from the public, an elderly man with a cane got up and spoke. He was agitated about some issues, slowly gathering momentum until he became aggressive and insulting to the councillors. Thankfully, Councillor Robert Polutnik, who was chairing the meeting at the time, warned him repeatedly to show respect and reminded him to control himself. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Politics

Proposed labour laws affect rural businesses differently

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The proposed changes to Ontario’s labour laws and employment standards will have a profound affect on local business and workers because of the fragile nature of the region’s economy as compared to major urban centres. The most significant changes to Ontario’s labour laws and employment standards are expected to be announced very shortly, overhauling a system brought in the 1990s under Premier Mike Harris, Labour Minister Kevin Flynn said last week. Both union leaders and business organizations are holding their collective breath, as each will have its criticisms, as well as praise. Under the current proposals, the provincial government are looking to make paid sick days mandatory, boost the minimum required paid vacation, lower the overtime threshold, abolish the lower minimum wage for students under 18 and those who serve alcohol. Most important are the changes for precarious workers, a growing part of the workforce. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Economy

Slow down on Vernonville Community Centre decision

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A proposal to sell the Vernonville Community Centre is an emotional one for many residents in the tiny hamlet northeast of Grafton. But for the council, it represents a harsh reality of fiscal prudence. Sadly, the political price may end up being costlier for both residents and politicians. Built in 1862, it is one of five community centres within the township. These spaces are used for a variety of purposes. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Alnwick-Haldimand Township, Community

Input should be sought for business incubator in Cobourg

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A business incubator to assist entrepreneurs starting up new ventures is gaining momentum in Cobourg over the past week, but it is already facing some negativity. The $1.6 million Venture 13 is moving forward after council gave its blessing. It will be home to some existing public services, as well as provide space for small start-ups in an unused building within the Northam Industrial Park on Darcy Street across from the Cobourg Community Centre. The empty building represents $70,000 in lost revenue, compared to the $90,000 it will generate when the project is running. The Cobourg Police will occupy the second floor, using it to house its business services division, which does background checks for communities across Canada. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Economy

Basic income plan missing critical piece

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The three-year pilot of a basic income plan by the Ontario government last week is good news for some, but not all. The program guarantees an income of about $17,000 annually for a single person and $24,000 annually for a couple, less 50 per cent of earned income. Those with disabilities will get up to $600 per month extra. The idea is to replace the current welfare system and disability payments that often demands people deplete all their financial resources before getting assistance. It also can be punitive when people earn income because that amount reduces the welfare support. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Community

Farmers facing further hurdles as land speculators drive up assessments

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Once more local farmers find themselves in a precarious position, drawing into question the sustainability of agriculture in Northumberland County and across the province. Members of the Northumberland Federation of Agriculture came before county council asking for a tax break to offset skyrocketing increases in the land assessment last month, only to be turned down. Bruce Buttar, a long-time farmer and member of the Federation, said some farms are facing increases of 123 percent, far above the provincial average of 64 per cent. This is placing a huge burden on local farmers, he said. Farmers already get a break. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Agriculture

Community counselling centre looking for needed funds and merited recognition

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In the mix of local mental health agencies sits a little-known non-profit organization struggling to make ends meet while trying to provide an array of services with little recognition, both in profile and funding. Northumberland Community Counselling Centre Executive Director Janet Irvine recently completed a tour of the county and municipal councils looking for funding. The centre was formed in 2007 after agencies and physicians realized the need for accessible, affordable generic counselling services. While many offer counselling for certain clients under specific criteria, the average person struggling with relationships problems or mourning the death of a family member or dealing with a problem child cannot always afford private rates. After a decade, the centre has grown to meet the expanding needs of the community offering referrals, education, support, advocacy and clinical services for every age group from children to seniors. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Health