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Volunteers to launch overdose prevention site in Cobourg to support users, says organizer

Tweak Easy Peterborough

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

In the act of defiance, a group of activists and community volunteers are setting up an overdose prevention site in Cobourg. It will consist of two tents. Starting March 24, it will be in a place where addicts can take illegal drugs that will be safe and support them, say organizers. At first, it is shocking to learn this is taking place. Yet, Missy McLean, one of the organizers, says this is an act of resistance. Continue Reading →

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Port Hope’s new police chief an innovator, leader and working on his first 100-days plan

Port Hope Police Chief Tim Farquharson

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The full interview with bonus material:

On March 1, Port Hope got a new police chief. Tim Farquharson arrived from Peterborough, where he has spent 36 years in policing. In this interview, the chief will talk about his career as a young constable in Lakefield until he stepped down as deputy chief for the Peterborough Police. You will listen to his thoughts on the budget and other initiatives. Plus, he will give his plans for his first 100 days. Continue Reading →

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Local minister steps in while county homeless shelter faces emergency – again

Transition House graphic

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Two executive directors have left Transition House within a year. Three key board members have also left. This includes the chair and vice-chair stepping away within the past few months. The fiscal year-end is quickly approaching. And it is still winter and very cold out as the unsheltered try to survive. Continue Reading →

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Unprecedented letter from Cobourg Police Board accuses two mayors of spreading misinformation

Cobourg Police Service

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The full interview with bonus material:

A strongly worded letter from the Cobourg Police Services Board chair Ron Kerr was sent to the town council. It chided Mayor Lucas Cleveland and Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander for misleading the public regarding a county-wide police study. The county approved $75,000 to update a 2007 study for a Northumberland police force. In today’s interview, Ron Kerr will explain the letter’s purpose and why he thinks both mayors were out of line. For him and the police board, the answer was simple: ask us. Continue Reading →

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Food insecurity impacts nearly 4,000 people in Northumberland County, according to health unit study

Fare Share workers sorting items

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The full interview with bonus material:

Going to the grocery store makes many people cringe at the price of food. So, it is easy to understand how hard it must be for people who do not make enough money to buy what they need to feed themselves and their families. This is known as food insecurity. Food insecurity affects just under 4,000 people in Northumberland. Those are the ones that can be identified. Continue Reading →

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Cobourg mayor shares opposition to budget, statement on policing and his position on homeless

Ths show:

The full interview with bonus material

This past week, Cobourg council passed its 2023 budget. The only person to vote against it was Mayor Lucas Cleveland. In this interview, you are going to hear Cleveland explain his opposition. There were some tense moments during the meeting, and several important things happened. He will talk about the debate, his statement on policing, the library, and his position on homelessness. Continue Reading →

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Regional bus getting passengers to GO station and across Northumberland, says county reps

Commuter Connect

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For several years, Community Care has offered an on-demand bus service to get Northumberland County residents to doctor’s appointments and other places they need to go. In the fall, Northumberland County council struck a deal with Metrolinx to provide commuter service to the Oshawa GO station. It also intended to expand the local service to help residents get to jobs and generally get around. Most importantly, it would get people from more rural areas like the townships and Campbellford and Brighton to Cobourg and Port Hope. It would be a one-year pilot project at the cost of $300,000. Continue Reading →

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Use of temp agency key issue as nurses take job action during contract talks

Two nurses

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The full interview with bonus material:

Currently, nurses from across Ontario are negotiating a new contract. This includes nurses at Northumberland Hills Hospital and Campbellford Memorial Hospital. Exhausted from the pressures of getting through the pandemic, understaffing, and a wage cap imposed by the provincial government, many are upset. One key issue is the use of agency nurses. These are temporary, contracted positions used to fill in during staff shortages. Continue Reading →

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Black Lives Matters flag opens opportunity for education and discussion, says NHH vice-president

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee at Northumberland Hills Hospital

The full interview:

The theme for Black History Month in Canada is Ours to Tell. According to the government of Canada’s website, this represents an opportunity to engage in dialogue and commitment to learning more about the stories of Black communities in Canada – the histories, successes, sacrifices, and triumphs. As you will hear in this interview, Northumberland Hills Hospital also borrowed a bit from the American Black History Month, also taking place this February. The theme in the United States is Black resistance. In this interview with Lola Obomighie, the Vice President of People, Culture, and Organizational Effectiveness for Northumberland Hills Hospital, you will hear why the hospital did this and what it means, both to the hospital staff and the community. Continue Reading →

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Port Hope mayor explains budget increase as some taxpayers and councillor are upset

Sylvan Glen bridge

The full interview:

Port Hope residents are facing a big tax increase this year, and not everyone is happy. Seniors, business people, farmers, and some councillors are upset. The 2023 budget means an estimated increase of $183 for urban residents and $226 for rural residents on average. Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky will explain the reasons for this increase and the council’s decision. She will describe how inflation, interest rates, and the need to maintain the town’s infrastructure – things like roads, bridges, and other services – played into deliberations. Continue Reading →

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