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Alnwick-Haldimand takes steps to move forward on the future of Memorial Arena after much debate

GRAFTON MEMORIAL ARENA

The future of the Memorial Arena in Grafton took another step forward on July 23, when the council directed staff to undertake several studies before it decides to revamp the aging facility. The studies will include several components: an assessment of the current facility, a feasibility study, a needs assessment, and three conceptual designs. This was in response to a Notice of Motion made by Councillor Mike Ainsworth at the last meeting. The decision came after a public delegation and an intense debate. Resident Jim McCormack provided a detailed deputation, expressing numerous concerns. Continue Reading →

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AH council to seek a report at next meeting into the feasibility of Legion partnership to save aging arena

Alnwick Haldimand Memorial Arena

A plan to partner with the Grafton Legion to upgrade the aging Memorial Arena took a step forward at the July 9 council meeting. Councillor Mike Ainsworth gave a notice of motion to direct staff to hire a consultant to do a feasibility study of the arena. The study would look at replacing the ice pad, the pad boards, renovations, and an addition to incorporate the Grafton Legion’s needs. The report for the regular council meeting will be due on Oct. 8. Continue Reading →

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Residents and politicians express deep concern over cell tower proposal at Port Hope council meeting

 

Members of the public and several Port Hope councillors were critical of a consultant at a regular council meeting on July 9 over a proposed cell tower near Campbellcroft. Two delegations and several politicians expressed concerns about a cell tower proposed for 1564 Oak Hill Road. Chris Leggett and Collin Lavery from Spectra Point attended the meeting to summarize the proposal for council. The Eastern Ontario Regional Network and Rogers Communications are working with the consultants to improve wireless communication in rural Port Hope. This initiative aims to improve access to broadband and cellular services in Eastern Ontario. Continue Reading →

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Mother pleads with Brighton council to reduce speed limit after near fatal accident

 

A distraught mother begged Brighton council to take action to lower the speed limit on County Road 2 in the east end near No Frills after a recent near-fatal accident involving her son. In an emotional presentation to politicians at the June 24 regular council meeting, Sarah BouDiab Nader described an incident on May 31 at nearly 9 a.m. as her son was preparing to board a school bus. As he stepped out, a truck sped by the bus, almost hitting him, she told council. Had it not been for her quick action of grabbing his coat and pulling him back, he would have died, she said, fighting back tears. Nader has three children. Continue Reading →

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Opponents get break on Cobourg stormwater fees, but others sectors make up for it

Stormwater management flood

 

Cobourg council decided to proceed with changes to its stormwater management rates to satisfy residents’ concerns at its meeting on June 26. After nearly an hour of debate, councillors voted five to two to reduce some rates that apply to vacant landowners, cemeteries, and farmers. However, the lost revenues will now be placed on commercial and industrial landowners. Landowners charged under the previous system will also receive a rebate. A report looking at the implications of the new system is expected to come back in September. Continue Reading →

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Alnwick-Haldimand Township council approves final tweaks on short-term rental bylaws

AIRBNB

 

After over a year of tweaking, Alnwick-Haldimand Township council finalized its short-term rental bylaw at its June 25 meeting. In the spring of 2023, the controversial bylaw was opposed by residents and business owners. Residents were upset about the noise and other offences at some short-term rental properties, and business owners felt the original bylaw was too restrictive and unfair. It was sent back to staff, and an ad hoc committee was formed to review it. After several iterations, the bylaw returned and was approved by council in November 2023. Continue Reading →

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Former MP Pauline Browes named Hamilton Township Senior of the Year

Harwood dock, Hamilton Township

 

Former MP Pauline Browes was named Senior of the Year 2024 at Hamilton Township Council meeting on June 18. It was a double honour. Browes received provincial recognition as a Provincial Senior of the Year, plus the local award. She was recognized for her extensive community involvement, including her work in environmental leadership, support for local churches, and dedication to improving the Harwood Memorial Park and Hall. She was awarded the 2024 Municipal Senior of the Year award for her tireless volunteer hours and commitment to enriching the lives of those in the community. Continue Reading →

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Protecting Farmland in Northumberland: Legislative agenda facing farmers

Northumberland County farm

Eric Gillespie, EKG Corporation

Lawyer Eric Gillespie reviews new regulations, policies, and legislation introduced by the Ontario government impacting farmland in this episode. There are 840 farms in Northumberland County. The vast majority are prime agricultural land. That designation ranks these areas as the best for growing the crops that feed us. Yet, these lands are under threat. Continue Reading →

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

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 →

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