#Cobourg

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Cobourg resident shares journey from quiet taxpayer to vocal critic of stormwater fees

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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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Environment, Politics, Social Justice

Request for building permits submitted to Cobourg as county pushes ahead on new shelter

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New Transition House

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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Emergency shelter, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Opponents get break on Cobourg stormwater fees, but others sectors make up for it

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Stormwater management flood

 

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 →

Filed under: Local News, #Cobourg, Cobourg Council, Planning and Development, Politics

Cobourg police step up enforcement using dynamic patrol and Downtown Community Action Plan, says chief

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HARP

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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Cobourg Downtown, Cobourg Police, Community, Encampment, Police, Politics

New Northumberland United Way Executive Director checks in to share first six months on the job

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Day of Caring Northumberland United WAy

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

So many people are struggling. Food bank use is up. We are reminded daily about the lack of affordable housing and homelessness. Drugs and the opioid crisis are serious concerns. While many organizations and institutions struggle with these problems, one agency tries to help them all. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Northumberland County, Social Justice

Cobourg could be doing more to preserve its historically significant architecture, says expert

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St. Peter's Church Mortuary Chapel

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

People move to Cobourg and Port Hope because they feel like they’re in the past when they drive around. The old town halls, grand mansions, and Victorian houses along the tree-lined streets are an attraction to many. However, many of these old buildings are being left empty, some to the point of irreparable neglect. The urgency to save our heritage is real and immediate. In this interview, you will hear about the upcoming house tour in Cobourg on June 1. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Heritage, Northumberland County, Politics

Executive director of Horizons of Friendship update after a year under new leadership

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DESMI

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

A lot has changed at Horizons of Friendship in the past year. The non-government organization that serves Mexico and Central America experienced a major transition as a new executive director took over. Certainly, familiar programs supporting migrant workers are ongoing. So is the health promotion project in Guatemala. But as the world’s eyes focus on Ukraine and the Middle East, Central America falls into the shadows. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, International Development, Social Justice

Cobourg council must decide on future of police station, says board chair

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Cobourg police station

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Cobourg council recently received a report from the Police Service Board outlining the current conditions of the station on King Street. Complete with numerous images of the deficiencies, it calls into question the viability of the historic Armoury Building as a suitable space. In this interview, Cobourg Police Services chair Ron Kerr and Chief Paul VandeGraaf discuss the submission. While there are several options, it is clear that they are pushing for a new facility with a cost ranging from $30 to $35 million. However, the final decision will be up to the council. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Police, Policing, Politics

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

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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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Homelessness, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

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

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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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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Heritage, Northumberland County