Consider This Northumberland

A major shift in relations between First Nations and the rest of Canada is the assertion of existing treaty rights, especially regarding land and resources.

Representatives of the Williams Treaty First Nations recently made deputations at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission hearing based on the principle of the duty to consult. This principle calls on governments at all levels to ensure Indigenous people’s input is considered before any changes or developments.

It can cause great tension. This was most clear when hereditary chiefs held up a liquid natural gas pipeline in British Columbia over the past few years.

Listen to this interview from December 2023. Alderville Chief Taynar Simpson will explain the duty to consult and respond to critics who argue it is a form of NYBISM.

With over 3,000 families on waitlists across Northumberland County, creating affordable daycare is a priority.

In this interview, you will hear from Eunice Kirkpatrick, the President and CEO of Northumberland YMCA. The YMCA runs most of the county's daycare services.

She will walk us through several major changes that went into effect earlier this month in Ontario to make daycare more affordable. This includes information on where parents can find less expensive rates locally. She will also explain several other changes and how all of this will impact Northumberland.

Back in July, Northumberland County announced the creation of 181 much-needed additional daycare spaces. Some of these are just opening now. Earlier this week, the county said these spaces were quickly filled. They are in Port Hope, Warkworth, and the Northumberland Centre for Individual Studies.

To meet the growing demand, childcare providers are hiring over 10 new staff members to ensure another 82 spaces open as quickly as possible.

It is all part of a larger strategic plan to open 404 spaces by 2026.

This is the original interview with Lesley Patterson, the Early Years Service Manager, back in July. It provides a lot of background and context for all the changes occurring across the province and in Northumberland. Have a listen.

Brighton council's newest member is Hannah MacAusland. She was selected on Jan. 24 at a special meeting.

Brighton council selected Hannah MacAusland, 22, as its newest member to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Councillor Byron Faretis. She will be sworn in on Jan. 27.

Nine people applied for the job. Each was given a chance to present themselves before council, making their case to be chosen.

In this segment of In Their Words, you can hear MacAusland's presentation to the council, followed by the council's debate as politicians made their choices.

The final vote was 4 - 2, with councillors Emily Rowley and Deputy Mayor Anderson abstaining.

MacAusland is a lifelong resident of Brighton. Let her own words tell her story and explain how she plans to serve the town. Have a listen.

Northumberland County council had a tumultuous year in 2024. The question is: Will it continue into 2025?

In this interview, Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander will try to answer that question. Past issues like the Cobourg encampment, 310 Division Street, county finances, and affordable housing are only a few examples of the heated, tense debates in the council chambers from 2024.

Then, in 2025, there is the upcoming review of staff and services. Some politicians are discussing restructuring the county into a single tier, while others want to increase shared services. Both sides are looking to keep taxes down.

Ostrander will address all of this and more.

If you live in Northumberland County, there is a huge chance you are on a septic system. Yes, that includes Cobourg, Port Hope, Brighton, and Campbellford.

For many, it is not a top priority. But if it breaks down or is not maintained, it could lead to serious problems with drinking water and other environmental impacts

It can also lead to serious legal actions if it breaks down and taints your neighbour’s property.

In this interview, Kirk Johnstone, the Senior Plumbing and Sewage System Inspector for Northumberland County, will discuss a program offering septic system re-inspections that is currently being promoted. It may not be sexy, but it is super crucial if ignored.

In November, a public meeting was held in Hamilton Township to discuss the possible development of 1,600 acres of farmland along County Road 2. That is nearly two-thirds of the land between Port Hope and Cobourg from the 401 to Lake Ontario.

Many concerns were raised at the meeting, but nothing was moving forward at the time. No sale had occurred. No plans were before the township staff or council.

Still, many residents were concerned. Since then, a group of residents are gathering monthly to monitor the situation.

In this interview, you will hear from one of the people who is quite concerned. Paul Burnham will discuss the impact on his family’s farm, which includes a retail market and other operations that abut the east side of the proposed development. He is also a member of the group of residents monitoring things. He will explain why he and his family are so worried.

Two years ago, Northumberland County announced a public-private partnership to provide internet services to rural residents with poor or no service.

Relief is on the way. According to the county, shovels will be in the ground by the end of the month to provide high-speed internet to people who struggle to get good internet service.

In this interview, you will hear the details as the county is finalizing its efforts. Dan Borowec, the county’s lead on this project,t will go over the details and tell residents how they can participate.

This interview is pulled from the Consider This Northumberland archive of more than 100 interviews done in 2024.

One major change to the local healthcare system in the past year was the reopening of the Port Hope walk-in clinic. After a year of hard work and countless challenges, access began in August.

The hours continue to be irregular, and people still need to check the county’s website or call to find the days and times it is open. But it was a big change in the face of a huge demand.

You will hear an interview done in August with Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky and Northumberland County Health and Human Services Director Glenn Dees as they talk about what it took to get the job done.

This interview is pulled from the Consider This Northumberland archive of more than 100 interviews done in 2024.

Nineteen people got to meet someone special in 2024. It is not what you think. Those 19 people experienced a heart attack somewhere in Northumberland County. But thanks to the paramedics, they could attend a ceremony bringing together the lifesavers and the patients.

The ninth annual Survivors Night ceremony was held at the Cobourg Lion’s Centre. The Lightning Bold Awards recognized the first responders and those they saved.

In this interview, you will meet one of the recipients, County paramedic Matthew Rollwagen. He will share the story behind his award. You will also hear from his boss, Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown. Together, they will discuss this emotional night as survivors and responders reunite.