Housing

Housing and homelessness

Recent Posts

County staff proposal for 60 new affordable units for a property in Colborne goes before committee

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123 King Street East, Colborne

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The demand for rental housing in Northumberland is apparent, as vacancy rates are barely one percent. So, it may be good news when a proposal to build four three-storey buildings in Colborne goes before the Social Services Committee next week. The proposal will see 60 affordable apartments at 123 King Street, 38 more units than the 22 currently on-site.* The units will be a mix of rent-geared-to-income and market-value units. More importantly, it will be suitable for families and singles. In this interview, two officials from Northumberland County will preview the proposal and explain how it fits into the community’s overall housing strategy and how the public can become involved. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Affordable Housing, Community, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Workforce housing still on county agenda as it tries to recruit skilled international workers here

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workforce housing

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

About a year ago, Northumberland County created a Workforce Housing program. The idea was to build affordable housing to attract people to work in Northumberland. In a perfect world, these people would fill gaps in the local workforce and have an affordable home to move to. The creation of affordable housing is critical in the face of a major housing crisis within the county and across the country. The Workforce Housing program is separate from all other efforts by local municipalities to stimulate the construction of affordable homes. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Affordable Housing, Housing, Northumberland County, Politics

Chief discusses major steps Alderville is taking towards self-determination in housing and band elections

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Alderville band council 2024

The show:

Alderville First Nations are taking several significant steps to empower them in critical areas. There are historic barriers to Indigenous people owning homes on First Nations reserves. In this interview, Chief Taynar Simpson will talk about how members can purchase land and own their homes. Next, you will hear Simpson outline how the community moves towards self-determination in electing its band council. Historically, First Nations faced a prescribed process mirroring settler’s forms of democracy. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Alderville, Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Democracy, Housing, Indigenous People, Politics, Social Justice

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

Cobourg’s mayor explains recent debate over emergency shelter bylaw and its impacts

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

At a council meeting on February 28, Cobourg politicians approved a bylaw to regulate emergency shelters regarding operations, safety, and security. The most notable impacts will be on Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Transition House. The bylaw is meant to address concerns from the public, town staff, and politicians over the new shelter planned for 310 Division Street, a former senior residence. The county purchased it and recently received $2.5 million from the Ontario government for renovations. During a special county council meeting on March 6, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland passionately defended his municipality’s decision. Continue Reading →

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

County warden addresses concerns over Cobourg emergency shelter bylaw

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Northumberland County Council

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Earlier this month, tensions between Cobourg and Northumberland County were on display. Cobourg passed new bylaws impacting emergency shelters within the town. This would include Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre and Transition House. The bylaw is aimed at quelling concerns raised by many about the relocation of Transition House to 310 Division Street. Since the county is responsible for Transition House, county staff and politicians called a special council meeting on March 6. Continue Reading →

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

Transition House moves to new facility as county approves $2.3 million purchase

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New Transition House

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

If everything goes smoothly, Northumberland County will purchase a former retirement residence at 310 Division Street in Cobourg to become the new home for Transition House. It means 35 low-barrier shelter spaces will be available to those in need. It will have accommodations, food, and support services. It will also provide a 24-hour drop-in centre year-round, giving unsheltered people a place to get out of the cold of winter or the heat of summer or a place to go anytime. In this interview,  Rev. Neil Ellis, former acting interim executive director for Transition House, will share the story behind the purchase and what it means to those who do not have a home. Continue Reading →

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

National Housing Day draws attention to county’s efforts to address affordable housing and homelessness

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Two things related to affordable housing took place in the last week. First, phase one of the new Elgin Park housing units was opened. It is a step forward in a project to increase access to affordable rental housing. The second event was National Housing Day. People from across Northumberland gathered to strategize how accommodation issues are addressed locally. Continue Reading →

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

One person shares their story from inside the Cobourg encampment as events unfold

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Earlier this week, a group of people encamped at 600 William Street were removed from the site. County officials used the Trespass to Property Act to give 24-hours notice before a private security firm and the Cobourg Police would take action to clear the property. The site is owned by the county and houses offices for economic development, tourism and is a hub for ambulance services. County politicians approved the removal plan at a special meeting on September 5. Before any of this took place, two people intimately involved with the encampment provided their side of events. Continue Reading →

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

A frontline worker adds perspective related to Cobourg encampment

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Last week, there were interviews with county officials. You have heard from a person who was living in the encampment. But what is it like from the perspective of an individual trying to support those living rough? Missy Mclean is a social worker for the Northumberland Legal Centre specializing in tenant issues. She is also a community organizer working on harm reduction for people struggling with addiction. Continue Reading →

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