Consider This (https://consider-this.ca/tag/cobourg/)
The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
On September 4, at a town committee meeting, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland floated the idea of separating from the county. Warden Brian Ostrander came on this show two weeks ago to respond to his idea. A lot has happened since then. In this interview, Cleveland will elaborate. He will talk about his original motivation to propose a separation. Continue Reading →
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The full debate:
This is an experiment. Most people listening to this show live busy lives. So much goes on that it is difficult to stay on top of what is going on at the various councils within Northumberland. In this podcast, you will hear the actual debate from the September 18 county council meeting. It is straight out of the public meeting. Continue Reading →
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The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
At a recent committee meeting of Cobourg council, Mayor Lucas Cleveland said Cobourg’s efforts to deal with the encampment on King Street were only dealing with the symptoms, but not the sickness. The sickness the mayor was referring to was Northumberland County’s efforts to address the situation. The county is responsible for housing and homelessness. Cobourg is not. This limits what the town council can do to address the ongoing concerns raised by the public. Continue Reading →
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The show:
In the midst of a summer heat wave, it seems like a good time to take a break. This week on Consider This Northumberland, you will hear a favourite story. This story is about the Salsa kids. A group of 19 business students from Cobourg Collegiate Institute got some fantastic hands-on experience last semester. The class planned, developed, produced, and marketed their own retail-ready salsa. Continue Reading →
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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 →
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 →
The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
Earlier this week, images of the flooding in Toronto filled the news. A torrential rainstorm overwhelmed the sewer system, causing massive power outages, closing major roads, and costing millions to the city, businesses, and homeowners. It is also a vivid example of stormwater management, which is the ability of municipal infrastructure to remove water when it rains or snow melts. Cobourg is embroiled in a controversial change to how it funds that infrastructure. In this interview, you will meet one of many critics of the proposed system. Continue Reading →
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The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
Recently, a progress report regarding the new homeless shelter at 310 Division Street was provided to Northumberland County Council. At its June meeting, the council also received an update on its affordable housing and homeless strategy. Rebecca Carman, associate director of housing and homelessness for Northumberland County, will bring us up to speed on what is happening. The building permits for renovating the new shelter are submitted to the town’s building department. She will provide some timelines. Continue Reading →
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Cobourg council decided to proceed with changes to its stormwater management rates to satisfy residents’ concerns at its meeting on June 26. After nearly an hour of debate, councillors voted five to two to reduce some rates that apply to vacant landowners, cemeteries, and farmers. However, the lost revenues will now be placed on commercial and industrial landowners. Landowners charged under the previous system will also receive a rebate. A report looking at the implications of the new system is expected to come back in September. Continue Reading →
The show:
The full interview with bonus material:
Cobourg police Chief Paul VandeGraaf discusses the increased focus on the Dynamic Patrol and the Downtown Community Action Plan. He will look at the impact of these initiatives, what they mean to public safety and law enforcement, and the cost to taxpayers. He will address the concerns related to the increasing size of homeless encampment and the recent spike in drug-related arrests and weapons charges. Lastly, the Chief will speak to the potential risks and strategies, along with the future of the encampment site. Originally aired: June 21, 2024 Continue Reading →
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