Politics

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Brighton residents express multiple concerns about a proposed development in Gosport

Gosport flood

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A proposal to develop a 32-unit condominium in Gosport, which is part of Brighton, has many residents worried. It also has the mayor and councillors concerned. The location is next to a provincially protected wetland close to the shores of Lake Ontario. The developer, JRB Williams Enterprises, wants to build on lands next to it zoned for residential. Residents packed the community center at a public meeting on January 16 to make their concerns known. Continue Reading →

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Warden outlines what is in store for Northumberland county council in 2023

Northumberland County warden Mandy Martin

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Northumberland County will spend about $200 million in 2023. That is all the salaries, programs, and services, plus the capital stuff like roads, new equipment, and so on. Understanding where your tax dollars get spent is crucial. Politicians are under the gun. It is up to the county council to spend it wisely. Continue Reading →

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County CAO explains how tax dollars are being spent across Northumberland

Snow plough

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Property taxes! How much are local taxes going up this year? Hopefully, I have your attention right now. January is budget month across Northumberland County. Municipal councils are working overtime to finalize their budgets. Continue Reading →

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Looking back and forward as Chief Dave Mowat provides an update

Alderville Pow Wow 2022

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Lots is going on in Alderville. The council has made numerous land purchases over the past year as the reserve expands its boundaries. Economic development continues. There is a band council election coming up later this year. Chief Dave Mowat will update us on all this and more. Continue Reading →

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Northumberland Federation of Agriculture president critiques provincial farm to fork plan

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The Ontario government recently released a plan aimed at helping farmers. There are a host of issues challenging all those who put food on our table. The changes are aimed at the food supply chain. That is the path from farm to fork. It looks at what can be done to deal with everything from labour shortages to the use of advanced technology. Continue Reading →

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Tenant’s rights eroding as province continues to hold online hearings, advocates say

Eviction notice

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If you got an eviction notice, had trouble paying your rent, or the landlord was not fixing a tap in the kitchen, you could go to the Landlord and Tenant Board for a hearing. This is a tribunal meant to resolve these kinds of disputes. During the pandemic, the board began holding hearings online. Then, last spring, the board decided it would not go back to in-person hearings. Instead, it would remain digital. Continue Reading →

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Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland outlines lessons learned since election and gearing up

COBOURG MAYOR LUCAS CLEVELAND

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Last week, the newly elected Cobourg council was sworn in. There was much pomp and circumstance as each member took their oath of office. Friends, family, and supporters were on hand to enjoy the moment. It was also significant as the new mayor, Lucas Cleveland, gave his inaugural speech, outlining his path forward. Cleveland provided a glimpse of his vision for going forward among the many thank-yous. Continue Reading →

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Province’s proposal to build on Greenbelt not a great idea, says Naturally Northumberland host

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Recently, the Ontario government announced it wants to turn over portions of the Green Belt for housing development. The Greenbelt is about 7,000 sq. kilometres of protected land stretching from the Golden Horseshoe to the eastern edges of the Durham Region. For developers, it is welcomed the news as it opens opportunities for new housing along the northern edges of the GTA. For environmentalists and farmers, it is not so good. Continue Reading →

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Changes to legislation could end up impacting property taxes and your neighbourhood

Bulldozer

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The Ontario government made a significant announcement saying it would make changes to speed up the building of affordable houses and rental units. Several sweeping changes are meant to speed up the process and make it cheaper to build units. On the surface, it sounds great. But when I talked to Cobourg planners at town hall, there was a different picture. The money developers could end up on your tax bill. Continue Reading →

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A view from the frontlines: Inside the CUPE protest in Northumberland

CUPE member Lynn Lewis.

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Last week, we watched as the Ontario government imposed a contract on support workers in our schools. These workers belong to the Canadian Union of Public Employees or CUPE. When it announced the deal is said Premier Doug Ford said he wanted to keep kids in the classroom. The provincial government also used the notwithstanding clause to prevent any appeals of its legislation. Then, last Friday, those workers held a protest. Continue Reading →

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