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

Tweak Easy Peterborough

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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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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

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

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee at Northumberland Hills Hospital

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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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Old transit bus becomes new warming centre for Port Hope

Buddy Bus

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Jordan Stevenson is a local Port Hope businessman. He is also an advocate for the homeless and affordable housing. An old city transit bus from Windsor arrived at his office on Hamilton Road. He is transforming the bus into a mobile warming centre. He named the project the Buddy Bus after his constant companion, a rescued dog. Continue Reading →

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Centennial Pool on chopping block, plus lifeguards, and other items in Cobourg draft budget

Cobourg Centennial Pool

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The draft 2023 budget was made public recently. It proposes a five percent increase or a hike of $138 on average. Council will be debating the budget on Monday. There is immense pressure on politicians. Inflation, interest rates, provincial downloading, police, the library, transit, and the harbour, among a long list of other items under fire. Continue Reading →

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Alderville chief angry over lack of consultation regarding proposed Brighton development

Gosport development site

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Last week, I brought you the story of a proposal to develop a 32-unit condominium in Brighton that has many residents worried. It also has the mayor and councillors concerned. The developer, JRB Williams Enterprises, wants to build on lands next to a provincially protected wetland on an area zoned for residential. An archeological assessment report submitted to the council says some Indigenous pottery was found dating back to 600 AD. Alderville Chief Dave Mowat is pretty upset. Continue Reading →

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