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All options open as council seeks public input on future of Alnwick-Haldimand Memorial Arena

Alnwick Haldimand Memorial Arena

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

For decades, Alnwick Haldimand Township council has wrestled with the future of the nearly 75-year-old Memorial Arena. The stacks of reports sitting on shelves are a testament to the debates over the years. Various councils have edged along with repairs and replacements as time has taken its toll. Now, with accelerated development near Grafton and a council struggling to keep the facility open, politicians are seeking public input on the future of the ice pad. As the mayor said in the interview, all options are on the table. Continue Reading →

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Trent Hills Mayor Bob Crate explains rising cost and future fiscal impact of new arena

NEW CAMPBELLFORD ARENA

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Trent Hills Mayor Bob Crate gets pretty excited when he talks about the new $22 million arena under construction in Campbellford. It is with good reason. The new facility boasts an NHL-size ice pad, a lap pool, space for fitness programs, and daycare. It was a long road to get to this point. Originally a $16 million project, the price tag has jumped. Continue Reading →

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New warden explains the ins and outs of a three-year budget for county

Northumberland County road repair

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

What a difference a year can make. In this interview, you will hear from the new county Warden, Brian Ostrander. He was elected only a few weeks ago. The focus of our conversation is a new three-year budget passed by county council two weeks ago. You will learn how this approach works and the aspirations of politicians for the upcoming year. Continue Reading →

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Former warden interview revisited, giving a chance to reflect on the past year

The show:

A new year is about to begin. It can be a valuable exercise to reflect on the past 12 months. In this interview from a year ago, you will hear former Warden Mandy Martin. County council had just passed the 2023 budget. This is a great chance to compare what was promised with what happened. Continue Reading →

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Transition House moves to new facility as county approves $2.3 million purchase

New Transition House

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

If everything goes smoothly, Northumberland County will purchase a former retirement residence at 310 Division Street in Cobourg to become the new home for Transition House. It means 35 low-barrier shelter spaces will be available to those in need. It will have accommodations, food, and support services. It will also provide a 24-hour drop-in centre year-round, giving unsheltered people a place to get out of the cold of winter or the heat of summer or a place to go anytime. In this interview,  Rev. Neil Ellis, former acting interim executive director for Transition House, will share the story behind the purchase and what it means to those who do not have a home. Continue Reading →

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Mayor says perfect storm hits as Port Hope council approved 6.9 percent increase for 2024 budget

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

It is budget time for local municipalities. Without exception, politicians, bureaucrats, and taxpayers sweat it out to come up with a solution for the annual budget. With more pressures than ever, it is a struggle to find a balance between affordability and services. In this interview, Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky outlines the decision by council to raise the levy by 6.9 percent. She outlines the complexity of trying to maintain services and address critical issues, while not creating fiscal hardship for taxpayers. Continue Reading →

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Salvation Army and others working hard to bring Christmas to everyone in Northumberland

The show:

The full interview:

The Salvation Army has helped people in need at Christmas for many years. Through its family services operation, using money raised from its Kettle Campaign, it will provide food and toys to ensure nobody is missed during the festive season. This year, more than 800 families have registered to receive this assistance. That is up from 750 last year. You will hear from Jim Alford and Major Dan Broome in this interview. Continue Reading →

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More families with children and seniors using food bank as numbers rise, says board chair

Fare Share Food Bank

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The Fare Share Food Bank is seeing a rise in demand. Over the last year, the number of people using its services is up by 50 percent. These are two of many organizations trying to help those in need. Dick Kauling, chair of the board for the Fare Share Food Bank, will describe the pressures it faces and the response to the increase in demand. You may be surprised to learn that more young families with children are accessing the food bank in Cobourg and Port Hope. Continue Reading →

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Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary commemorates 100 years of dedicated service by caring volunteers

Linda McCracken Ebbrell

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

In 1923, a group of women got together to help the hospital in Cobourg. They would roll bandages, sew tourniquets, and give assistance wherever needed. This was the early days of the hospital auxiliary. The role of the auxiliary would expand. It would fundraise and offer expanded services to support the doctors and nurses. Continue Reading →

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National Housing Day draws attention to county’s efforts to address affordable housing and homelessness

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Two things related to affordable housing took place in the last week. First, phase one of the new Elgin Park housing units was opened. It is a step forward in a project to increase access to affordable rental housing. The second event was National Housing Day. People from across Northumberland gathered to strategize how accommodation issues are addressed locally. Continue Reading →

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