Robert Washburn

Professor of e-journalism Publisher of Consider This

Recent Posts

Nurse practitioner incentive approved by council while debate focused on pay equity

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A new incentive program for attracting nurse practitioners will be included in the 2025 budget deliberations, Brighton council decided on Aug 12. The nurse practitioners will be paid $5,000 each year to sign a service agreement for a minimum of two years to a maximum of five years. This is to help meet the needs of local people without doctors.  This is in addition to the $100,000 the town offers doctors who come to Brighton for at least five years. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced university education. They can assess, diagnose, treat, and monitor various health problems. Doctors provide specialized care, perform surgeries, and require extensive training and education. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Brighton, Community, Health, Northumberland County, Politics

YMCA deal delayed for another month as councillors debate contents of contract

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Brighton YMCA

The future of the YMCA continues to hang in the balance as some Brighton councilllors expressed concerns about the cost during its meeting on Aug. 12. Town staff will negotiate the terms of a deal and present it to politicians at the town’s next meeting in September. The current lease agreement for space at 170 Main Street expired in October 2023. The YMCA is paying about $5,000 a month in rent. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Brighton, Community, Northumberland County, Northumberland YMCA, Politics

Brighton mayor shares disappointing news about funding for new wastewater treatment plant

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A grant application for money to move forward with a new wastewater treatment project was rejected by the Ontario government, but the mayor vowed to press on despite the disappointment, Brighton council was told on Aug. 12. Speaking from a prepared statement, Mayor Brian Ostrander said the municipality was unsuccessful in its application to the Ontario Housing-Enabling Waster Systems Fund. The multi-phase project is estimated to cost a total of $41 million. The town hoped the provincial government would pay just over 70 percent of the cost. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Brighton, Environment, Northumberland County, Politics

Public decorum foremost after zero tolerance policy reminder issued in Alnwick-Haidmand

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Alnwick-Haldimand Township town hall

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Several municipalities in Northumberland have implemented policies regarding public behaviour towards staff and politicians. A growing number of incidents has spawned this response, as some residents are becoming increasingly rude and belligerent. Meanwhile, members of the public argue they are frustrated by a lack of transparency and consultation. In this interview, the issue of public decorum is front and centre. David Dawson, Chief Administration Officer of Alnwick-Haldimand, sent out a public reminder to residents about its Zero Tolerance policy after an incident. Continue Reading →

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

Port Hope politicians raise concerns over new proposed protocols for cell towers

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CELL TOWER

The need for protocols and community awareness regarding cell towers was discussed at Port Hope council on Aug. 6, with concerns raised about private property owners’ vulnerability. Town staff introduce a report to council outlining guidelines for the site selection, design, and consultation process for anyone wishing to erect a cell tower. It comes after a controversial proposal to put a 60-metre tower at 1564 Oak Hills Road faced intense criticism from residents and politicians. Concerns were raised over environmental impact and location, but they were mainly related to the lack of public consultation and communications between the proponents, staff, politicians, and the public. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Community, Politics, Port Hope

Brighton expected to review agreement with Northumberland YMCA at August 12 meeting

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Brighton YMCA

The journey to reach an agreement between Northumberland YMCA and Brighton will take its next step on August 12 as the council prepares to receive an updated report on a possible deal. Northumberland YMCA Chief Executive Officer Eunice Kirkpatrick said optimistic as the path towards a partnership unfolds. “I am definitely feeling positive as we move ahead,” she said Thursday prior to the council meeting. Council deferred its decision at its last meeting in July after hearing a presentation from Kirkpatrick. During the presentation, she said she wanted to move away from a lease agreement for space at 170 Main Street and into a service agreement. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Brighton, Community, Health, Northumberland YMCA, Politics

Cobourg Collegiate Institute’s salsa kids rerun for a summer feel-good story

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The show:

In the midst of a summer heat wave, it seems like a good time to take a break. This week on Consider This Northumberland, you will hear a favourite story. This story is about the Salsa kids. A group of 19 business students from Cobourg Collegiate Institute got some fantastic hands-on experience last semester. The class planned, developed, produced, and marketed their own retail-ready salsa. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Cobourg Collegiate Institute, Community, Education, Northumberland County

County official praises cooperation with town over decision not to pursue a formal agreement

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New Transition House

 

By Robert Washburn

Northumberland County praised a decision by Cobourg council to not seek a formal agreement over the proposed new emergency shelter for 310 Division Street Thursday. Lisa Horne, Northumberland County Director of Community and Social Services, said in a prepared statement the county is looking forward to further cooperation. “The ongoing collaboration between local government and community agencies to deliver these vital services reflects our shared commitment to the well-being of our community and ensuring high-quality care for vulnerable community members,” she said. Cobourg council unanimously decided not to enter into a formal agreement with Northumberland County regarding a proposed new emergency shelter at 310 Division Street at a special council meeting Wednesday. Instead, it will rely on its existing Emergency Care Establishment bylaw to regulate the new facility. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, #Cobourg, Cobourg Council, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Opponents give mixed reaction to Cobourg council’s stormwater billing public notice

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Stormwater grate

 

By Robert Washburn

A group of residents fighting stormwater fees gave a mixed reaction to Cobourg council’s announcement regarding billing earlier this week. Colline Bell, a spokesperson for the group, said property owners are generally optimistic about changes to lower fees for cemeteries and agricultural lands. She also approved of changes for residential properties. “There is a more reasonable first-step approach for residential properties considering overall property size and attributes,” she said. The town sent a public notice on July 29 announcing potential changes to stormwater management billing. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, #Cobourg, Community, Northumberland County, Politics, Stormwater fees

Clarification: County staff proposal for 60 new affordable units for a property in Colborne goes before committee

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A story regarding a proposal from Northumberland County to develop affordable apartments in Colborne contained one error. The original story said:

A proposal to build 60 affordable apartments at 123 King Street East will be considered by politicians. This would be in addition to the 39 units already existing on the site. It should be:

The proposal will see 60 affordable apartments at 123 King Street, 38 more units than the 22 currently on-site. Consider This Northumberland regrets the error. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Clarification, Correction