News

News

Related Topics:

Recent Posts

Cobourg Police officers getting special training to better help troubled veterans

By: |
Homeless veteran

Veterans who are unsheltered and coming into contact with Cobourg police officers could get some unexpected help after the launch of a new program recently. The Military Veteran Wellness Program announced on Aug. 20 will train frontline officers to identify those who are unsheltered or facing a mental health crisis. Officers will have the necessary awareness to better recognize those veterans in trouble. Then, it gives the officers the skills to build rapport with the person and a formal path to helping the veteran access essential social services delivered through existing agencies. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Cobourg Police, Community, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Social Justice

County residents encouraged to support food banks and reduce food waste

By: |
Fare Share Food Bank

Northumberland County council wants residents to make a special effort to help those who cannot afford food during September. It wants people to participate in various ways over the 30 days to support local food banks and food security programs and reduce food waste. Council approved the initiative at its meeting earlier this month when it proclaimed Hunger Action Month. The suggestion came from Jennifer Glover, the Ontario Works manager for the county, at the Social Services Committee in July. She told committee members the project was supported in the past, involving several events that groups and individuals can participate in over the month. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Community, Food Bank, Food Insecurity, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Northumberland-wide doctor recruitment proposal sent for further review by county council

By: |
Port Hope Walk-in Clinic

A request to spend $45,000 to create a county-wide doctor recruitment strategy in partnership with the Ontario Health Team Northumberland was sent back for further consideration at the county council meeting on Aug. 14. Council was asked to enter into a shared project to develop a single physician recruitment plan following a presentation in July from the Ontario Health Team Northumberland. However, none of the politicians at the county council meeting supported the request. Instead, it was sent back to the Community Health Committee for reconsideration. Continue Reading →

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

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

By: |

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

By: |
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

By: |

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

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

By: |
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

By: |
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

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

By: |
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

By: |
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