Politics

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Recent Posts

Port Hope mayor discusses long-term care proposal details, insights and her thoughts after MZO issued

Olena Hankivsky

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

A proposed long-term care facility in Port Hope is a complex situation. It is tangled up in myriad issues, from the desperate need for beds for the elderly to preserving heritage buildings. Mixed within this is the need to follow sound planning principles and the varying voices of the public on all sides. If that is not enough, the Ontario government issued a Minister’s Zoning Order or MZO. This will allow the project to go forward and create a seven-storey, 192-bed facility. Continue Reading →

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Rural coalition organizing panel on protecting farmland in Northumberland County

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

It is a well-known statistic. Ontario is losing more than 300 acres of farmland every day. It is stunning when you realize we are talking about our food source. What you don’t hear as often is how this affects Northumberland County. But there is a group trying to change that. Continue Reading →

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Northumberland Hills Hospital works within the community and itself to recognize LGBTQ2+ community

Northumberland Hills Hospital Pride crosswalk and flag

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The celebrations associated with Pride Month are as diverse as the residents themselves. In this interview, the focus turns to two areas that may not be as high profile as others regarding Pride but are equally significant. The first interview is with two representatives from Northumberland Hills Hospital. It is flying a Pride flag and creating a rainbow crosswalk at its main entrance. You will find out the significance of those two initiatives. Continue Reading →

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Affordable housing top of mind for residents as county seeks public input on strategic plan

Habitat for Humanity

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The number of complex issues facing Northumberland County staff and politicians is enormous. Affordable housing, a viable workforce, economic support for businesses, tourism, agriculture, homelessness, Internet connectivity, and so on. In this interview, you will hear from Dan Borowec, director of Economic Development, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, and Kate Campbell, director of Communications. They will share what people have been saying about these significant issues as the county reaches out to get the public’s opinion. It will also give insight into a host of things you may think you know about and much more you don’t. Continue Reading →

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Municipality, neighbours, and Community Care respond after Colborne grocery store fire

Foodland fire Colborne

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

A fire was called in on May 24, just before 5 a.m. The Foodland in Colborne was burning down. It would be devastating to the community as it was the only grocery store. Within no time, the residents responded. Offers for rides or to pick up groceries filled social media. Municipal staff jumped in to provide coordination. Continue Reading →

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Trent Hills celebrates Pride month as anti-gay, anti-trans movement spreads in Ontario

Trent Hills Pride Pet Parade

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The Durham District School Board banned spectators from its next two meetings due to safety concerns earlier this week. Members of the audience were ejected after making homophobic, transphobic, and hateful comments, according to trustees. It is one of several examples of anti-gay and anti-trans demonstrations across Ontario. Norwich Township and the city of Windsor were also in the news this past week. It all centres around Pride Month, which starts in June. Continue Reading →

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Proposed changes to short-term rentals in Alnwick-Haldimand coming to council

AIRBNB

The story:

The future of short-term rentals in Alnwick-Haldimand Township is about to come to a head over the next few weeks. A coalition of short-term rental operators and the local business association have teamed up to fight proposed changes to a bylaw controlling short-term rentals. They argue the changes will further limit short-term rentals and continue to burden operators. Meanwhile, supporters of the bylaw welcome the restrictions limiting the places where short-term rentals can be located, plus other tweaks. The township has received complaints from neighbours of some short-term rentals regarding noise and parking violations. Continue Reading →

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Port Hope reviewing cultural plan from festivals to kids arts camp to Capitol Theatre

Cultivate Festival

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

In 2012, Port Hope town council adopted a cultural plan with five strategic goals. The municipality would support cultural assets, raise awareness and build on existing assets, strengthen emerging cultural groups, increase cultural participation, and respond to cultural space needs. These lofty objectives have guided the town for the past decade. Now, they are being reviewed by town staff to figure out what should be happening for the next decade. Leslie Murray, Manager of Community Recreation and Culture, is reaching out to the public to get input on what should happen within Port Hope. Continue Reading →

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Everything from Grafton arena to housing considered in strategic planning, says mayor

Grafton arena

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

For nearly 75 years, the arena in Grafton has served the local hockey community. Once again, its future is uncertain as major repairs are necessary to keep it in service. The five community centres in Alnwick-Haldimand Township are also under review as budget pressures raise questions about their viability. Mayor John Logel says these are only two of the items under consideration when thinking about the township’s strategic plan. It is a time for strategic planning across Northumberland County. Continue Reading →

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Town’s finances are critical to future of new parks and recreation plan, says Brighton mayor

Splash pad King Edward Park Brighton

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Brighton is one of the fastest-growing places in Northumberland County. With all the development taking place, town council is continuing to examine how it looks after the health and wellness of residents. As you will hear in this interview, Mayor Brian Ostrander will explain how the town was not creating sufficient green space under the old system. He also knows residents are looking for more recreational opportunities. You will hear what is being considered under the new Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Continue Reading →

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