Consider This (https://consider-this.ca/tag/economy/page/7/)
By Robert Washburn
There is only one issue in the upcoming municipal election: the local economy. Sure, across Northumberland each municipality has its own set of issues to be addressed by incumbents and challengers seeking office. But the new rural economy is facing a complex future. Globalization crushed the traditional manufacturing base. Agriculture is vastly different. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
If the local economy is the central issue for the fall municipal election, then sustainability must right up there along with it. Sustainability is often a term used when discussing environmental issues, but that is a limited interpretation. Sustainability, in this case, is referring to a vision of municipal governance where decisions are made within the context of medium and long-term goals, which meet the needs of citizens, but also provide the opportunity for the area to flourish over time. (more…) Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
Farmer and businessman Paul Burnham is right to seriously question Northumberland County’s official plan when he asks why industrial parks are replacing good farmland. It is a sign the county’s economic development plan is antiquated and/or the planners don’t talk to economic development officers. (more…) Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
It is hard to imagine a hike in Ontario’s minimum wage would do much good across Northumberland. The growing number of empty storefronts on main streets, plazas and inside malls is a sign of the troubled nature of the local economy. Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and her government approved a hike in the minimum wage to $11 per hour starting in June. While local, labour, poverty and social justice advocates praise the increase (although many say it is not enough), neoconservatives and businesses condemn it, saying it will kill jobs. Critics hold on to an antiquated view first proffered in 1946 by economist George Stigler. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
It is mind-numbing to realize the number of people who were given layoff notices in the last month or so, just before Christmas. A rough survey across Canada shows about 15,000 people were told they are no longer needed or the plant was closing, since Nov. 1. The vast majority of these were in Ontario. The companies included Potash Corp. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
With the presentation of the downtown improvement plans last week at the Cobourg’s revitalization committee’s open house, the group is well on its way to finalizing its reports and action plan for Cobourg council next month. The implementation plan will likely outline a number of steps needed, calling on businesses, citizens and the town council to invest and be supportive. The public should expect a centerpiece project to act as a catalyst, providing much needed momentum and a symbolic launch to capture people’s imagination and inspire further investment and activity. (more…) Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
Cobourg’s downtown must be ready to take advantage of a rebounding economy in the near future if it hopes to flourish, says the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) event and business co-ordinator. Andrew Hall said the economic downturn in Canada and around the world is taking its toll, but the end of the cycle is approaching. Read more. Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
Communication is the key to successful downtown revitalization, according to the person in charge of one of the projects heralded by the province as an example for others. Paula Lehr, co-ordinator of the downtown revitalization projects for Collingwood, said keeping all the various stakeholders informed, including business owners and citizens, is vital to success. Read more Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
COBOURG – As Cobourg prepares to undertake a major three-year downtown revitalization initiative, Northumberland Today examines the implications, history and potential impact of the unprecedented project. Join our discussion about this three-part series at the Northumberland Today Facebook page, where you can make comments, offer suggestions or ideas on the future of the downtown. The key to Cobourg’s economic health is the vitality of the downtown and it is time to address the issues facing the town’s core using a provincial program, Deputy Mayor Stan Frost said last week. Read more… Continue Reading →
By Robert Washburn
There is a lot of good news for the local economy lately, which is encouraging for Northumberland County residents. Still, there are reasons for taxpayers to be concerned. China’s Bright Food took control of U.K. breakfast cereal maker Weetabix last week, leaving the employees at the local plant in Cobourg wondering about their future. Despite assurances from the vice-president of operations for North America, the fate of the 250 people working in Cobourg cannot be assured. Too many times residents have watched as head offices far away close local operations, leaving a wake of unemployment and empty buildings. Continue Reading →