Robert Washburn

Professor of e-journalism Publisher of Consider This

Recent Posts

Economic development working to attract, sustain and retain business in Cobourg, says manager

Northam Industrial Park

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At the east end of Cobourg sits the Lucas Point Industrial Park. Across from the Cobourg Community Centre sits the Northam Industrial Park. Daniel Van Kampen and his team are responsible for looking after those industries and attracting new ones. He is the manager of economic development for the town of Cobourg. He also shares responsibility for bringing new retailers and services to the downtown and the rest of Cobourg. Continue Reading →

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Hamilton Township part of significant pilot project studying innovative water treatment

Waalkerton Clean Water Centre

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Hamilton Township recently won a lottery of sorts. It was chosen to work on an internationally significant pilot project with one of the top institutes managing water supply in Ontario. The treatment plant for Creighton Heights uses an innovative biological system from the United States to remove ammonia from its water supply. The Walkerton Clean Water Centre is partnering with the township. If successful, it could pave the way for other smaller municipalities in Canada and the United States to use this advanced system. Continue Reading →

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The Murray Canal’s history is one of fierce lobbying, immense pressure and a lucky election victory

Murray Canal

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Just outside of Brighton, along County Road 64, is the beautiful Murray Canal. Today, it is a recreational waterway that takes boaters from Presqu’ile Bay to the Bay of Quinte. Most people use it to get to the Trent-Severn Waterway or to Kingston by boat. However, in the 19th century, businesspeople, residents, and politicians saw it as a vital route for commerce, national security, and safety. While the Welland and Rideau canals were built in the mid-1800s, the Murray Canal was consistently delayed. Continue Reading →

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School board chair will explain new strategic plan and its impact on kids in classrooms

Kid at computer

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The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board trustees recently released a strategic plan for their term in office. The document is very short at a glance, with sweeping expressions of what they hope to achieve. In this interview, the school board chair, Jaine Klassen-Jeninga, will take us behind the plan to explain what is going on. She will give context and flush out the details. Most importantly, she will explain how the board’s goals will be measured and achieved over the next four years. Continue Reading →

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County launches new tool for taxpayers to keep an eye on its performance

Northumberland County landfill recycling

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Is the county fixing enough roads? How much waste is being diverted from the landfill? Are your tax dollars being appropriately managed? These are only a few questions Northumberland County residents find with just a few clicks of a mouse. County staff developed a performance dashboard on its website. Continue Reading →

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Access to medical care and relations with the federal Conservatives are discussed with Alderville Chief

Former Cree Grand Chief Matthew Mukash

 

Access to medical treatment for Indigenous people living in the far north is a challenge. In this episode of Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Taynar Simpson, the Alderville First Nation chief, will explore this timely issue. Recently, the CBC reported on Cree grand chief Matthew Mukash, who spent four days in an ER hallway. Simpson will also talk about efforts by the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Cindy Woodhouse, who is trying to make inroads with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, hoping to forestall the tensions and angst that marked the party’s last time in power. And, as always, there is lots of news and information about what is happening in Alderville. Continue Reading →

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Some optimism shines through despite gloom in Ontario Chamber report, says Port Hope CEO

Downtown Port Hope

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The Ontario Chamber of Commerce released its annual report recently. Business confidence is low across the province. There are a host of issues facing a wide range of sectors across the business spectrum. Yet, amid all the doom and gloom, there is some limited optimism about the upcoming year. Brenda Whitehead, CEO of the Port Hope Chamber of Commerce, will give a local perspective on the mood of her members. Continue Reading →

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Film festival hosted by farmers in Campbellford takes on issues and challenges facing agriculture

Aaron Theatre

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Farmers and film festivals are not always something you would think go together. Yet, the local chapter of the National Farmers Union of Ontario is screening several documentary films at the Aaron Theatre in Campbellford next Saturday afternoon. These are interviews with farmers across Canada dealing with serious issues like climate change, sustainable farming practices, loss of agricultural lands, and the family farm’s future. These are not just films for farmers. They are films for everyone. Continue Reading →

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New show provides insight into Indigenous community in Northumberland County and beyond

Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

In November, a new show launched on Northumberland 89.7 FM called Conversations Towards Reconciliation with Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the Indigenous community in Northumberland and elsewhere every month. So far, the show included topics like Indigenous portrayal in movies, games, and TV. There was a chat about the 10th anniversary of the solar farm in Alderville and boil water advisories. Each episode also includes a long list of events and announcements about what is happening in Alderville. Continue Reading →

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Additional officers, additional auxiliary will raise profile of Port Hope police, says chief

Port Hope Police

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The full interview with bonus material:

The Port Hope police recently released its two-year strategic plan. While the title sounds pretty lofty, there are many nuts and bolts in it. In this interview, Chief Tim Farquharson will address critical issues facing the community. He will discuss the hiring of three new officers and the expansion of the auxiliary force in the hopes of increasing police presence. But that is not all. Continue Reading →

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