#Cobourg

Recent Posts

Transition House officials respond to impact of Cobourg’s emergency shelter bylaw

Transition House

The full interview:

Plans for 310 Division Street continue to move forward. Senior staff at Northumberland County and Cobourg are hammering away at a deal to operate an emergency shelter. Meanwhile, the town’s bylaws are now in place to regulate operations at local shelters, including Transition House and Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre. County Warden Brian Ostrander and Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland appeared on last week’s show to discuss the situation. Meanwhile, the provincial government provided $2.5 million to renovate the former senior’s residence, with the caveat that the work must begin within the next four months. Continue Reading →

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Canadian Fire Fighters Museum signs lease and makes plans for a new home in old arena

Canadian Fire Fighters Museum Chair Michelle Hainey-Kileeg and Treasurer Dickson Wood

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

In 2018, the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum in Port Hope closed its doors. It was a fixture in the town for 34 years. Its collection was one of the most extensive in the country, with a long list of items that captured glimpses of the history of firefighting. Besides several trucks, the museum features a range of items and documents that continue to grow. Sadly, the collection has been in storage for the past five years. Continue Reading →

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New police rules and regulations started on April 1, impacting local police with little fanfare

Cobourg Police Service

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

A new Community Services and Police Act came into effect on April 1. The irony of the date did not get past Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf. It was not an April Fool’s joke. The new legislation significantly overhauls how police are regulated. The last time this occurred was in 1990. Continue Reading →

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Cobourg’s mayor explains recent debate over emergency shelter bylaw and its impacts

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

At a council meeting on February 28, Cobourg politicians approved a bylaw to regulate emergency shelters regarding operations, safety, and security. The most notable impacts will be on Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Transition House. The bylaw is meant to address concerns from the public, town staff, and politicians over the new shelter planned for 310 Division Street, a former senior residence. The county purchased it and recently received $2.5 million from the Ontario government for renovations. During a special county council meeting on March 6, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland passionately defended his municipality’s decision. Continue Reading →

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County warden addresses concerns over Cobourg emergency shelter bylaw

Northumberland County Council

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Earlier this month, tensions between Cobourg and Northumberland County were on display. Cobourg passed new bylaws impacting emergency shelters within the town. This would include Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Transition House. The bylaw is aimed at quelling concerns raised by many about the relocation of Transition House to 310 Division Street. Since the county is responsible for Transition House, county staff and politicians called a special council meeting on March 6. Continue Reading →

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Economic development working to attract, sustain and retain business in Cobourg, says manager

Northam Industrial Park

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

At the east end of Cobourg sits the Lucas Point Industrial Park. Across from the Cobourg Community Centre sits the Northam Industrial Park. Daniel Van Kampen and his team are responsible for looking after those industries and attracting new ones. He is the manager of economic development for the town of Cobourg. He also shares responsibility for bringing new retailers and services to the downtown and the rest of Cobourg. Continue Reading →

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A deep dive into the new Transition House at 310 Division Street: meet the new ED and public meetings

The show (Part 1):

The show (Part 2):

The full interview:

The move of Transition House to 310 Division Street is controversial. Supporters view it as a chance to modernize the system to help those who are homeless and need services. Then, some are concerned about the new location. These people are worried about community safety, their homes, and their businesses. These interviews are a deep dive into the new facility. Continue Reading →

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Record participation in survey and still time to give input into Cobourg 2024 budget, says deputy mayor

Life guard station at Cobourg Beacy

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

A record number of people participated in a recent survey about the 2024 Cobourg draft budget. Two hundred and eighty residents went online and filled out a survey. It was four times greater than last year. Inflation, high interest rates, grocery prices, and the cost of gas are hammering everyone’s wallet. Last fall, Cobourg councillors told staff to aim for a five percent increase. Continue Reading →

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Chief explains hiring of new officers; plus he critiques provincial changes to address repeat offenders

Sgt. Janice MacDonald and Constable Janet Bertrand are on their walking rounds in Cobourg’s downtown.

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

At a recent Cobourg council meeting, a debate ignited over hiring additional police officers. This led to a tense discussion about public safety and the 2024 budget. With community safety a hot topic in the council chambers and on the street, it is creating a lot of strong emotions in and outside Victoria Hall. In this interview, you will hear from Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf. Since he arrived in 2014, the number of officers has not changed. 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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