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Opponents get break on Cobourg stormwater fees, but others sectors make up for it

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Stormwater management flood

 

Cobourg council decided to proceed with changes to its stormwater management rates to satisfy residents’ concerns at its meeting on June 26. After nearly an hour of debate, councillors voted five to two to reduce some rates that apply to vacant landowners, cemeteries, and farmers. However, the lost revenues will now be placed on commercial and industrial landowners. Landowners charged under the previous system will also receive a rebate. A report looking at the implications of the new system is expected to come back in September. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Local News, #Cobourg, Cobourg Council, Planning and Development, Politics

Alnwick-Haldimand Township council approves final tweaks on short-term rental bylaws

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AIRBNB

 

After over a year of tweaking, Alnwick-Haldimand Township council finalized its short-term rental bylaw at its June 25 meeting. In the spring of 2023, the controversial bylaw was opposed by residents and business owners. Residents were upset about the noise and other offences at some short-term rental properties, and business owners felt the original bylaw was too restrictive and unfair. It was sent back to staff, and an ad hoc committee was formed to review it. After several iterations, the bylaw returned and was approved by council in November 2023. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Local News, Alnwick-Haldimand Township, Community, Planning and Development, Politics

Cobourg police step up enforcement using dynamic patrol and Downtown Community Action Plan, says chief

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HARP

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Cobourg police Chief Paul VandeGraaf discusses the increased focus on the Dynamic Patrol and the Downtown Community Action Plan. He will look at the impact of these initiatives, what they mean to public safety and law enforcement, and the cost to taxpayers. He will address the concerns related to the increasing size of homeless encampment and the recent spike in drug-related arrests and weapons charges. Lastly, the Chief will speak to the potential risks and strategies, along with the future of the encampment site. Originally aired: June 21, 2024 Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Cobourg Downtown, Cobourg Police, Community, Encampment, Police, Politics

Port Hope mayor gives an update as the walk-in clinic is in the final stages, preparing to open in July

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PORT HOPE WALK IN CLINIC

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Port Hope Council is spearheading an effort to create a walk-in clinic. It announced the plans last fall. The clinic was supposed to open before the end of 2023, but several challenges arose. It is still not open, but officials say the goal is sometime in July. Mayor Olena Hankivsky is a key figure in the walk-in clinic’s development. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health, Northumberland County, Politics, Port Hope

In the shadow of the pandemic, health unit brings back programs in 2023, according to annual report

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Vaccination clinic COVID-19 CCC

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

For most of us, the pandemic is a memory. People have moved on. For the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, the pandemic continued to influence services and programs in 2023 up until today. In this interview with Dr. Natalie Bocking, the chief medical officer of health, she will explain what has happened in the past year. It is all included in the health unit’s annual report. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit, Health, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Food insecurity and poverty in Northumberland remain deep concerns for health unit as costs soar

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Food insecurity

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

It’s a startling fact. Nearly one in 10 people living in Northumberland County struggle to survive on a low income. According to officials, this isn’t just a statistic; it’s a pressing issue that demands our attention. These individuals, including seniors, those on employment insurance, disability payments, and others, face daily hardships. The situation is so severe that the number of people relying on food banks in Northumberland has surged by 50 percent. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Cobourg could be doing more to preserve its historically significant architecture, says expert

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St. Peter's Church Mortuary Chapel

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

People move to Cobourg and Port Hope because they feel like they’re in the past when they drive around. The old town halls, grand mansions, and Victorian houses along the tree-lined streets are an attraction to many. However, many of these old buildings are being left empty, some to the point of irreparable neglect. The urgency to save our heritage is real and immediate. In this interview, you will hear about the upcoming house tour in Cobourg on June 1. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, #Cobourg, Community, Heritage, 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

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

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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 →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Colborne, Community, Cramahe Township, Economy, Planning and Development, Politics

Transitioning back into the Northumberland community after leaving an abusive relationship

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Women sexual assault

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Please be aware that the first segment of today’s show may cause distress to some people as it deals with sexual assault and violence against women. Thank you. About one in three women and one in 10 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. That is according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Locally, no specific statistics are given to residents of Northumberland. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, Politics, Social Justice