Politics

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Mayor says perfect storm hits as Port Hope council approved 6.9 percent increase for 2024 budget

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

It is budget time for local municipalities. Without exception, politicians, bureaucrats, and taxpayers sweat it out to come up with a solution for the annual budget. With more pressures than ever, it is a struggle to find a balance between affordability and services. In this interview, Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky outlines the decision by council to raise the levy by 6.9 percent. She outlines the complexity of trying to maintain services and address critical issues, while not creating fiscal hardship for taxpayers. Continue Reading →

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

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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Community canvas strives to meet concerns in east end, says police chief

Cobourg Police cars

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Crime in Cobourg is on the increase. Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf says that is true everywhere. An analysis of recent statistics shows calls for service are up. There were 14 assault charges laid in the past two months. Two of those involved officers being assaulted. Continue Reading →

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Ryan inquest uncovers truths about violence against elderly women, says Cornerstone CEO

Ryan Inquest

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Earlier this week, the federal government announced spending $162 million over the next four years to implement a National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence in Ontario. The timing is not by chance. Nov. 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. November is Women Abuse Prevention Month. Continue Reading →

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Changes to Port Hope council’s procedural bylaws impacts public input, citizen voices

PORT HOPE COUNCIL

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

A proposal to create sleeping cabins was before Port Hope council recently. The gallery was packed as residents wanted to be heard. When the public learned the matter was being put off to the next meeting, things erupted into chaos. Some members of the public gallery started yelling at the councillors. Decorum broke down as politicians and citizens argued. Continue Reading →

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Local chapter of Council of Canadians raising awareness of universal pharmacare in Northumberland

Pharmacare pharmacy

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

According to the federal government, one in five Canadians struggle to pay for prescription medicines. Three million people don’t fill prescriptions because they cannot afford it. One million Canadians will cut the amount they spend on essentials like food or heat to afford medicine. In the next few weeks, the federal government hopes to introduce a plan to cover the cost of prescriptions. Many, including the NDP, want to see a universal Pharmacare plan. Continue Reading →

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Cobourg’s mayor applies new strategic plan to current issues facing town

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Cobourg council wants to create a thriving community, provide better services, and be more sustainable. These are the three pillars of the new four-year strategic plan it hopes to pass this Monday. For the past 10 months, Cobourg council has worked with its consultant, Capital Park, towards a strategic plan. It has sought public input. The process is now wrapping up. Continue Reading →

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Protecting Farmland in Northumberland: Placing precious lands in a trust

Aerial shot of farmland

Margaret Walton, board chair, Ontario Farmland Trust

 

One way to ensure a secure future for agriculture is putting farms in a land trust, says Margaret Walton, board chair of the Ontario Farmland Trust. There are 840 farms in Northumberland County. The vast majority are prime agricultural land. That designation ranks these areas as the best for growing the crops that feed us. Yet, these lands are under threat. Continue Reading →

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Protecting Farmland in Northumberland: Political critique from the provincial Liberals

Queen's Park legislature

Liberal Agriculture Critic MPP Stephanie Bowman

Farmers can advocate for change, according to MPP Stephanie Bowman, Liberal agriculture critic. There are 840 farms in Northumberland County. The vast majority are prime agricultural land. That designation ranks these areas as the best for growing the crops that feed us. Yet, these lands are under threat. Continue Reading →

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Protecting Farmland in Northumberland: An overview from the county warden

Northumberland County Council Chambers

Northumberland County Warden Mandy Martin

Warden Mandy Martin reviews efforts by the county to preserve farmland. There are 840 farms in Northumberland County. The vast majority are prime agricultural land. That designation ranks these areas as the best for growing the crops that feed us. Yet, these lands are under threat. Continue Reading →

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