Economy

Recent Posts

A conversation about the Alderville economy, plus the challenges of procurement policies

The podcast:

Alderville First Nations Chief Taynar Simpson discussed economic development in Alderville, including the diverse economy, the role of the Band Council in the economy, and the ongoing community comprehensive business development plan. He also addressed the issue of indigenous procurement in Canada and the challenges indigenous businesses face. He made a case for more transparency and accountability. Of course, he touches on upcoming events in Alderville. Originally aired: October 15, 2024

  Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , , , ,

Young entrepreneurs from across county showcase variety of talents and unique enterprises

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Young people stood inside Staples in Cobourg this week, showing off their talents. They are part of the Youth Entrepreneurship  Showcase, which displays the various businesses they ran over the summer. In this interview, you will learn about two programs the Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland runs for young people. The first is the Summer Company, which gives micro-grants to high school and university students. Plus, you will discover the My Future My Career program, where children ages eight to 14 can get up to $500 to create their own business. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , , ,

Cramahe mayor discusses impact after closing of local grocery store on local economy, development

Colborne Foodland

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The recent loss of the Foodland grocery store in Colborne was a blow to the community. The parent company, Sobey’s, sent a letter to the municipality telling them it was not interested in building a new store. A major fire destroyed the building last May. As expected, there was regret and disappointment at first. Then, the question became, what’s next? Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , , , ,

Walton Street construction underway as councillor explains what it means to Port Hope

Ground breaking Walton Street construction

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

It was not your usual official kickoff ceremony. The mayor, councillors, business leaders, residents, and others gathered on Walton Street earlier this week. Behind them, construction equipment and workers in hard hats were tearing up the road behind them. It is part of a major upgrade of water and sewer that is more than 100 years old. There is never a good time to undertake such a massive project. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , ,

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 →

Filed under: , , ,

Some optimism shines through despite gloom in Ontario Chamber report, says Port Hope CEO

Downtown Port Hope

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce released its annual report recently. Business confidence is low across the province. There are a host of issues facing a wide range of sectors across the business spectrum. Yet, amid all the doom and gloom, there is some limited optimism about the upcoming year. Brenda Whitehead, CEO of the Port Hope Chamber of Commerce, will give a local perspective on the mood of her members. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , , ,

Mayor says perfect storm hits as Port Hope council approved 6.9 percent increase for 2024 budget

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

It is budget time for local municipalities. Without exception, politicians, bureaucrats, and taxpayers sweat it out to come up with a solution for the annual budget. With more pressures than ever, it is a struggle to find a balance between affordability and services. In this interview, Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky outlines the decision by council to raise the levy by 6.9 percent. She outlines the complexity of trying to maintain services and address critical issues, while not creating fiscal hardship for taxpayers. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , ,

Workers should get more than $20 an hour to afford living in Northumberland, says group

Living Wage

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Currently, the minimum wage in Ontario is $16.55 per hour. But if you live in Northumberland County, that amount should be $20.60. That is what the Living Wage Network Ontario says. Recently, the Living Wage Network released its figures for 2023. It calculates how much it takes to live and work in one of 10 areas within Ontario. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , ,

Protecting Farmland in Northumberland: Legislative agenda facing farmers

Northumberland County farm

Eric Gillespie, EKG Corporation

Lawyer Eric Gillespie reviews new regulations, policies, and legislation introduced by the Ontario government impacting farmland in this episode. There are 840 farms in Northumberland County. The vast majority are prime agricultural land. That designation ranks these areas as the best for growing the crops that feed us. Yet, these lands are under threat. Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , , ,

County plans to create affordable housing specifically for workers if they promise to stay

workforce housing

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

While affordable housing remains a priority for all levels of government, recently, two important steps were taken locally. County council is creating a municipal body to build workforce housing. In this interview, you will hear the details explaining plans to build workforce housing and why affordable housing efforts are not cutting it. Originally aired: July 28, 2023

  Continue Reading →

Filed under: , , , ,