Consider This (https://consider-this.ca/tag/alnwick-haldimand-township/)
The show:
On September 30, the Alnwick-Haldimand Township council met to discuss the state of the Memorial Arena in Grafton. The ice rink’s pipes were failing, and the situation was grim. The council debated what to do. The choice was stark: either pay $50,000 for repairs on the system that may or may not fix the problem or cancel the hockey season. Children were already registering. Continue Reading →
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The show:
The state of the Memorial Arena in Grafton has been an issue for a long time. Over decades, many councils have dealt with the more than 75-year-old building and its infrastructure. The current Alnwick-Haldimand council inherited this legacy. In January, Mayor John Logel appeared on the show to discuss a survey to determine the arena’s future. Since then, multiple reports have been written or are underway. Continue Reading →
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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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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 →
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 →
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 →
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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The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
Earlier this week, the report from the ad hoc committee on short-term rentals in Alnwick-Haldimand Township was officially brought before the planning committee of council. Many delegates and council members spoke about the divisive nature of the issue and the need to get it right. Councillors deferred any action to give politicians and the public a chance to provide more input and consider the numerous delegations at the meeting. Have a listen and see what you think. Originally aired: May 26, 2023 Continue Reading →
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The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
Municipalities across Northumberland County struggle to deal with short-term rentals. Those are the rental properties often associated with AirBnB or Verbo online platforms.
For some, renting a space, either a room or a house, is an excellent source of income. It can be a stimulant for the local economy. Others see it as a significant boost for tourism. Then, there are others who see it differently. Continue Reading →
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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 →