Robert Washburn

Robert Washburn

Professor of e-journalism Publisher of Consider This

Recent Posts

Chair of ad hoc committee provides another perspective on short-term rentals in township

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Earlier this week, the report from the ad hoc committee on short-term rentals in Alnwick-Haldimand Township was officially brought before the planning committee of council. Many delegates and council members spoke about the divisive nature of the issue and the need to get it right. Councillors deferred any action to give politicians and the public a chance to provide more input and consider the numerous delegations at the meeting. Have a listen and see what you think. Originally aired: May 26, 2023 Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Alnwick-Haldimand Township, Community, Economy, Northumberland County, Tourism

Trent Hills celebrates Pride month as anti-gay, anti-trans movement spreads in Ontario

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Trent Hills Pride Pet Parade

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The Durham District School Board banned spectators from its next two meetings due to safety concerns earlier this week. Members of the audience were ejected after making homophobic, transphobic, and hateful comments, according to trustees. It is one of several examples of anti-gay and anti-trans demonstrations across Ontario. Norwich Township and the city of Windsor were also in the news this past week. It all centres around Pride Month, which starts in June. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice, Trent Hills

A-H Township short term rental operators, businesses seek changes to proposed bylaw

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Short term rentals

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The full interview with bonus material:

Municipalities across Northumberland County struggle to deal with short-term rentals. Those are the rental properties often associated with AirBnB or Verbo online platforms.

For some, renting a space, either a room or a house, is an excellent source of income. It can be a stimulant for the local economy. Others see it as a significant boost for tourism. Then, there are others who see it differently. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Alnwick-Haldimand Township, Community, Economy, short-term rentals

Community Counselling Resource Centre continues mental health services in Northumberland.

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Community Counselling Resource Centre

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The full interview with bonus material:

When it comes to mental health services in Northumberland, there are several options. These can range from private psychologists and psychiatrists to walk-in clinics and helplines. More than a year ago, Northumberland Community Counselling Centre shut its doors. It offered programs that served nearly 1,000 people annually; many were free or at a low cost. Some of those services were transferred to other agencies. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, mental health, Northumberland County

Proposed changes to short-term rentals in Alnwick-Haldimand coming to council

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AIRBNB

The story:

The future of short-term rentals in Alnwick-Haldimand Township is about to come to a head over the next few weeks. A coalition of short-term rental operators and the local business association have teamed up to fight proposed changes to a bylaw controlling short-term rentals. They argue the changes will further limit short-term rentals and continue to burden operators. Meanwhile, supporters of the bylaw welcome the restrictions limiting the places where short-term rentals can be located, plus other tweaks. The township has received complaints from neighbours of some short-term rentals regarding noise and parking violations. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Local News, News, Alnwick-Haldimand Township, Community, Economy, Politics

Port Hope reviewing cultural plan from festivals to kids arts camp to Capitol Theatre

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Cultivate Festival

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

In 2012, Port Hope town council adopted a cultural plan with five strategic goals. The municipality would support cultural assets, raise awareness and build on existing assets, strengthen emerging cultural groups, increase cultural participation, and respond to cultural space needs. These lofty objectives have guided the town for the past decade. Now, they are being reviewed by town staff to figure out what should be happening for the next decade. Leslie Murray, Manager of Community Recreation and Culture, is reaching out to the public to get input on what should happen within Port Hope. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Culture, Heritage, Politics, Port Hope

Everything from Grafton arena to housing considered in strategic planning, says mayor

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Grafton arena

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The full interview with bonus material:

For nearly 75 years, the arena in Grafton has served the local hockey community. Once again, its future is uncertain as major repairs are necessary to keep it in service. The five community centres in Alnwick-Haldimand Township are also under review as budget pressures raise questions about their viability. Mayor John Logel says these are only two of the items under consideration when thinking about the township’s strategic plan. It is a time for strategic planning across Northumberland County. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Anwick-Haldimand Township, Community, Northumberland County, Politics

Town’s finances are critical to future of new parks and recreation plan, says Brighton mayor

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Splash pad King Edward Park Brighton

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Brighton is one of the fastest-growing places in Northumberland County. With all the development taking place, town council is continuing to examine how it looks after the health and wellness of residents. As you will hear in this interview, Mayor Brian Ostrander will explain how the town was not creating sufficient green space under the old system. He also knows residents are looking for more recreational opportunities. You will hear what is being considered under the new Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Brighton, Community, Parks and Recreation, Politics

Here is a chance to have a greater say in how Cobourg is run, says deputy mayor

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Victoria Hall

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

People have said local governments should be run like a business for many years. It should be efficient and cost-effective. And taxpayers should be treated like clients or customers, ensuring excellent service and accountability. Then ask anyone who has gone before a local council as a delegation to ask for something. You get 10 minutes to speak. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Democracy, Politics, Social Justice

Longtime county resident and MP leads charge to preserve Canada’s largest urban park

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Rouge Valley Urban Park

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Preserving land in its natural state is critical for the future. With all the pressures to develop affordable housing, the idea of making sure we protect and preserve areas can easily get lost. In this interview, you will hear a story about ensuring our natural heritage does not get overlooked. Pauline Browse, a former MP and a lifelong resident of Hamilton Township, will talk about protecting the Rouge National Urban Park located in Scarborough. This is a fight she has waged for more than 30 years. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Environment, Northumberland County