Housing

Housing and homelessness

Recent Posts

Who owns what? Unpacking Northumberland County’s housing market

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The show:

For years I have wanted to do this story. So often, when listening to people talk about homelessness or affordable housing, the conversation inevitably turns to real estate. What is going on with the housing market in Northumberland? Advocates will tell you skyrocketing housing prices are pushing people out of the market. They will also curse investors and speculators who snap up properties to flip them – that is, buy and sell them in a short period for a profit – or turn them into rental units going for unholy monthly amounts. Continue Reading →

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

Open letter calls on county residents to share ideas around solving homeless crisis

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

According to Northumberland County official reports, 78 people are homeless. It could be more. There are only 24 beds at Transition House, the county’s only emergency shelter. People are sleeping in tents in the local woods. They sleep on the beach. Continue Reading →

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

A house goes on an incredible journey thanks to Habitat for Humanity Northumberland

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

In 2020, just before the pandemic hit, a Cobourg developer decided not to demolish a house on University Avenue. Instead, he called Habitat for Humanity Northumberland. Meghan MacDonald, the executive director, jumped at the chance to get a home it could renovate for a family in need. But before anything could be done, the pandemic hit. Suddenly, she was scrambling to figure out all the protocols and what could be done to save this house. Continue Reading →

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

Coldest Night of the Year raises awareness and money to support the homeless, says organizer

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Coldest Night of the Year

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

With the recent wave of freezing weather, it is not hard to imagine what it must be like when you don’t have shelter. Once again, local organizers of the Coldest Night of the Year are asking for support. The walk-a-thon hopes to raise more than just money. It hopes to increase people’s understanding of the hardships many homeless people face when they don’t have a home or enough food or can’t find enough resources to live. You will hear Phil Redford talk about the event and its goals. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Housing, Social Justice

Cobourg mayor reflects on past year and the coming months in the face of an election year

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Coburg Development

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Cobourg is booming. If you ask Cobourg Mayor John Henderson, he would tell you. And, he has proof. All kinds of development is taking place, both residential and commercial. Several companies in Northam Industrial Park just renewed multi-year leases. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Economy, Housing, Politics

Will Northumberland become the next Barrie? Planning for growth critical, says county official

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Development Brighton

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

A recent study commissioned by Northumberland County is projecting the population will grow to 122,000 by 2051. This is up from the current 90,000 people who live here now. Some say we may hit that number sooner. The picture-postcard that draws so many people to come and live in Northumberland could be facing expansive, rapid growth similar to places like Barrie, Peterborough, and Clarington. The question is: where will these people live? Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Housing, Planning and Development, Politics

Cobourg church and Transition House partner to provide overnight warming centre for county

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

As temperatures begin to drop and winter settles in if you are homeless, finding a place to stay warm in Northumberland County is not as easy as you think. In this interview, you will learn about the only formal warming centre in the entire county. During the day, there are few, if any, alternatives. A partnership between Transition House and St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Cobourg offers an overnight place for people to stay. Continue Reading →

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

Advocates call for action on homelessness and affordable housing as prices skyrocket in Northumberland

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The housing market in Northumberland is red hot. Sales in September were up 10 percent over the same time last year. The price of a single-family home was up 30 percent over a year ago. If that doesn’t make you want to shake your head, think about this: The average home price in the county was more than $832,000. Renting a place can cost you anywhere from $1,500 a month to more than $3,000, depending on the apartment or house’s size, type, and location. Continue Reading →

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

Video explains how Transition House seeks to better serve the homeless in Northumberland

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Transition House video

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Not everything that happened during the pandemic was terrible. If you ask Anne Newman, executive director of Transition House, there were some positives. Transition House is the emergency shelter for homeless people in Northumberland. Sure, it was tough, she would tell you. But over the past few months, Transition House has worked hard to improve services. Continue Reading →

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

Creating affordable housing in Cobourg subject of public meeting Sept. 28

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The full interview with bonus material below:

So often it is easy to take things for granted. A roof over your head. A warm bed. Food in the fridge. Your favourite restaurant is open or a quick stop for a double-double. Continue Reading →

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