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Massive initiative to coordinate county community services needs public input

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As the provincial government lunges forward into Phase 3 of the reopening of the economy, it can be hard to track all that is going on in Northumberland. County bureaucrats are moving quickly on multiple fronts seeking input on everything from budget to a strategy to support tourism. But it is not alone. Premier Doug Ford is out and about doing some political campaign-style stops across the province, attempting to ride the momentum of the relaxing of regulations, requirements, and numerous guidelines everyone has faced over the past five months. Mix this with people’s deep desire to return to the way it was before the pandemic can leave us all a bit heady. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Politics

Transition House prepares to move back to Chapel Street into new home with a new plan

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For those who face barriers finding a home, Transition House is an emergency shelter in Cobourg where they can find a place to sleep, a decent meal, and, hopefully, begin a journey back from the many difficulties they face. When the pandemic hit, the shelter was not well suited to provide the necessary protections for its clients. Through a collaboration of many people, a closed high school in Cobourg, CCI, was opened as a temporary location. But with fall quickly approaching and public schools reopening, clients and staff will return to the old Chapel Street building. Anne Newman, executive director of Transition House, spoke with me about the move back and the results of the organization’s recent annual general meeting. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Housing, Social Justice

Small town retailers face unique challenges as Brighton-Cramahe Chamber responds

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One defining characteristic of the new reality under COVID-19 is everything is changing constantly. Press conference from leaders and health officials are daily touchstones. Announcements from local officials flag the tweaks being made to battle the pandemic and keep people safe and healthy. Peeling back those changes presents an unfolding story of how our community is being reshaped. Today’s stories are snapshots of those moving sands. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Economy

Young adults in Campbellford undertake unique study to determine future

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There is a unique study taking place in Campbellford. It may be the only one in Canada. It is a survey of young adults, 18 to 29-years old. What makes it special is this. There are very few studies done about this age group. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Take a Moment to Consider This, Community

Rethinking the future of statue in front of Port Hope town hall

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The death of George Floyd, the 46-year old man who died while in the custody in the Minneapolis police, became a lightning rod for intense debate. Even in Northumberland County, there were protests held to draw attention to the issues of unfair treatment of Indigenous and Black people, as well as other minorities. Out of these concerns, other discussions have emerged, reflected both globally and locally. One of those debates is over the statue of Lt. Colonel Arthur Williams in front of Port Hope town hall. It raises concerns about aggrandizing historic figures who represent people who participated in racist activities. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Politics

Cobourg police chief looks at defunding in the face of protests

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The death of George Floyd, the 46-year old man who died while in the custody in the Minneapolis police, became a lightning rod for intense debate. Even in Northumberland County, there were protests held to draw attention to the issues of unfair treatment of Indigenous and Black people, as well as other minorities. Out of these concerns, other discussions have emerged, reflected both globally and locally. Today’s show will try to explore two of those. One of the major issues coming out of the Floyd demonstrations centres around police defunding, which grew out of a larger protest against police brutality. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Police

Habitat for Humanity makes sure an older house gets new life for local family

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There is a house that was built in the 1940s or 50s sitting in the parking lot of Northumberland County Movers on Highway 28, just north of Port Hope. It used to be at 311 University Avenue, across from the NAPA outlet or the old Home Hardware. It has an interesting story. Meaghan Macdonald, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, can tell it. The house is older and it needs some TLC. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Take a Moment to Consider This, Community, Housing

An inside look at one local nurse’s world during the pandemic

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This is the second of a two-part podcast taking us inside Northumberland Hills Hospital to look at what it is like to be a nurse working during a deadly pandemic. The first episode deals with a protest held on June 19, 2020, outside the office of MPP David Piccini in Port Hope. Please listen to both episodes. Driving throughout Northumberland County, there are many lawn signs praising the work of frontline workers, especially those in healthcare. Many people, including Premier Doug Ford, have called them heroes. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health

Nurses protest outside MPP’s office seeking right to negotiate contract, says union leader

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This is the first of a two-part podcast looking at the issues facing local nurses at Northumberland Hills Hospital. The first episode deals with a protest held on June 19, 2020, outside the office of MPP David Piccini in Port Hope. The second episode goes inside the hospital to look at what it is like to be a nurse working during a deadly pandemic. Please listen to both episodes. 

Driving throughout Northumberland County, there are many lawn signs praising the work of frontline workers, especially those in healthcare. Many people, including Premier Doug Ford, have called them heroes. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health, Politics

Public school board reviews future of local schools as it prepares to reopen classrooms in fall

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Talk to any parent about schooling their kids and you will get an earful. Talk to teachers and it is the same. No question. Bad or good, it is certainly one of the most challenging times for education since the first schools were built in Northumberland in the mid-19th century. Children across the school board have not entered a building since March Break. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Public School Board