The future of unmarked burials discovered in Alderville, plus a path toward an Indigenous police force

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Workers with ground penetrating radar on Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan.

Across Canada, First Nations are using ground-penetrating radar to uncover the burials of children near residential schools. In 2021, Alderville conducted its radar probes on a site near the Alderville United Church (formerly Wesleyan Methodist) on Second Line Road. This is where an Industrial School existed in 1849 as a training centre for several First Nations in the region. Alderville Chief Taynar Simpson will update the situation related to the burials, along with several recent developments. He will review the history of the Industrial School and its relationship to the burials. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Alderville, Chief Taynar Simpson, Indigenous police force, unmarked burials

Canadian Fire Fighters Museum signs lease and makes plans for a new home in old arena

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Canadian Fire Fighters Museum Chair Michelle Hainey-Kileeg and Treasurer Dickson Wood

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

In 2018, the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum in Port Hope closed its doors. It was a fixture in the town for 34 years. Its collection was one of the most extensive in the country, with a long list of items that captured glimpses of the history of firefighting. Besides several trucks, the museum features a range of items and documents that continue to grow. Sadly, the collection has been in storage for the past five years. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Heritage, Northumberland County

New police rules and regulations started on April 1, impacting local police with little fanfare

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Cobourg Police Service

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The full interview with bonus material:

A new Community Services and Police Act came into effect on April 1. The irony of the date did not get past Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf. It was not an April Fool’s joke. The new legislation significantly overhauls how police are regulated. The last time this occurred was in 1990. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Northumberland County, OPP, Police, Port Hope

Cobourg’s mayor explains recent debate over emergency shelter bylaw and its impacts

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The show:

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At a council meeting on February 28, Cobourg politicians approved a bylaw to regulate emergency shelters regarding operations, safety, and security. The most notable impacts will be on Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Transition House. The bylaw is meant to address concerns from the public, town staff, and politicians over the new shelter planned for 310 Division Street, a former senior residence. The county purchased it and recently received $2.5 million from the Ontario government for renovations. During a special county council meeting on March 6, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland passionately defended his municipality’s decision. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Homelessness, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

County warden addresses concerns over Cobourg emergency shelter bylaw

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Northumberland County Council

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The full interview with bonus material:

Earlier this month, tensions between Cobourg and Northumberland County were on display. Cobourg passed new bylaws impacting emergency shelters within the town. This would include Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Transition House. The bylaw is aimed at quelling concerns raised by many about the relocation of Transition House to 310 Division Street. Since the county is responsible for Transition House, county staff and politicians called a special council meeting on March 6. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Homelessness, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice