Consider This Northumberland

In this interview, I am sharing two conversations from the more than 100 interviews done by Consider This Northumberland over the past year.

The first is a lovely chat I had with Marsha Smoke, the Southeast Regional Chief of the Anishinabek Nation and a member of the Alderville First Nation, in August.

Smoke has long been an advocate for Indigenous rights. She takes on many of the pressing issues facing First Nations in her role as Regional Chief, supporting people like Alderville’s Taynar Simpson and others. She is also a successful entrepreneur, a knowledge keeper, and a devoted great-grandmother.

Sally Armstrong is an internationally renowned Canadian journalist, author, and documentary filmmaker. She is also a vocal human rights activist. She is often called the war correspondent for the world’s women.

Armstrong has reported for CBC, CTV, and the Globe and Mail. She has filed stories from Bosnia to Somalia and from South Sudan and Jordan to Israel. Her stories often focus on the impact of conflict on women and children. This is our conversation from April.

Christmas is only a few days away. While there is great excitement and anticipation, it can also be a time of stress, anxiety, and even depression for some.

Kids, grandkids, spouses, partners, and uncles who always have too much to say can cause people to worry and be anxious. The food, presents, and juggling all the responsibilities can be a bit much.

In this interview, two local experts from Community Mental Health will provide some timely advice to make things go a bit smoother. Emma Taylor and Jake Lauder provide practical suggestions for coping with the holidays.

For 36 years, the Giving Tree has made sure children and teens in Northumberland do not miss out on Christmas. More than 1,000 children will have gifts under their tree on Christmas morning due to the volunteers and generous donors who ensure there are toys, clothing, and other essentials.

Cheryl Baker, the coordinator of the Giving Tree, will take us inside this volunteer project to see how it all comes together. From the agencies who collect names to the generous donors who buy gifts or give money, plus the people who sort and deliver the presents, you will discover a host of elves who help ensure nobody is forgotten this Christmas in Northumberland County.

Northumberland County council approved a 6.12 percent increase in taxes, which is $92 more for the average homeowner.

Staffing levels were scrutinized during the debate. As of Dec. 4, there were 91 vacancies, including seasonal and summer student jobs. Without the student jobs, 68 positions need to be filled, council heard in a verbal report.

This represents about $1.29 million in total. Some positions are partially funded by revenue from other levels of government or other sources, council was told.

A hiring freeze was approved for the next three months, along with a request for a staff report. A special council meeting will be held to review the report and look for cost savings.

The vast majority of these positions are considered essential, with only some good workers and seasonal jobs categorized as non-essential. The province legislates some essential positions that must be filled to meet standards. This would include positions like those at the Golden Plough Lodge. Others are considered essential by the county administration to meet service levels.

This episode of In Their Words captures the discussion as politicians attempt to lower the tax levy and reduce the budget while others argue the need to maintain legislated staffing levels to meet provincial requirements. Find out where your mayor stood on this issue.

In Their Words is a feature that allows people to listen to what is going on at the various councils within Northumberland. No spin. No opinions. No one is telling you what to think. Just what was said.

It is a chance you might not have otherwise to hear directly from your elected representatives. I hope you find it useful and informative.

Restructuring Northumberland County is on the table once more.

Northumberland County council approved a study to examine options related to reorganizing the upper-level municipal government locally. At the Dec. 16 regular meeting, councillors were told that any concrete steps would not be taken until at least 2026.

The study would look at eliminating all seven municipalities into a single municipal government, according to a staff report debated at the meeting. Another option would be to review local and county services and combine them for cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

In 1998, Northumberland County was amalgamated into seven municipalities, down from 14. After years of study and debate, the Mike Harris government forced this on local politicians.

A letter will be sent to the seven municipalities to get feedback. Municipal staff from both the county and the local municipalities will also provide input.

In Their Words captures the debate among county councillors on this decision. Listen to the politicians and their positions as they discuss what to do.

In Their Words is a feature that allows people to listen to what is going on at the various councils within Northumberland. No spin. No opinions. No one is telling you what to think. Just what was said.

It is a chance you might not have otherwise to hear directly from your elected representatives. I hope you find it useful and informative.

The decision regarding the process to replace Councillor Byron Faretis was made after a lengthy discussion at the meeting on Dec. 16.

Faretis, a first-term councillor, died after a short battle with cancer on Nov. 19.

A staff report outlining the various options for filling the vacancy was presented to the council. The council has 60 days to fill the seat. It declared the vacancy on Dec. 17.

The report outlined two options: a by-election or an appointment process. There were three variations in the appointment process. The first would be an appointment of a candidate from the 2022 municipal election. The second would be an appointment by a call for applications. The third would be a direct appointment by council.

Councillor Jeff Wheeldon motioned to discuss an appointment by call for applications.

You will hear councillors express their views on the process, how it was refined, and the justification for the final decision on how to go forward.

The call for applications is underway.

In Their Words is a feature that allows people to listen to what is going on at the various councils within Northumberland. No spin. No opinions. No one is telling you what to think. Just what was said.

It is a chance you might not have otherwise to hear directly from your elected representatives. I hope you find it useful and informative.

This time of year many places collect for local food banks.  It is hard to miss.

No matter where you look – nationally, provincially, or locally – food bank usage is up. In Northumberland, more than 5,600 people visited a local food bank in the past year. Altogether, these people used the various food banks over 61,000 times.

There are 12 local food banks in the county. However, 52 non-profit groups receive food from the county’s Food4All warehouse, and so do 40 student nutrition programs located in local schools.

It is staggering.

This interview delves into what is happening at the Fare Share Food Bank in Cobourg and Port Hope. Meghan Flindall, the executive director, will take us inside the efforts to meet the demands of a growing number of people face to feed themselves and their families. This is incredibly challenging during this festive season.

The Salvation Army in Cobourg is one of the key organizations that helps those in need at Christmas and throughout the year.

Volunteer Jim Alford and Major Dan Broome were interviewed this time last year. They spearheaded the Kettle Campaign and the Toy and Food program. The Salvation Army raises funds yearly to help pay for all its programs, including Christmas. You will hear details about the Christmas efforts and what it takes to ensure a Merry Christmas for all.

Tensions over the accountability, transparency, and responsiveness of the Cramahe Township council and staff were hotly debated once again at a meeting on Dec. 3.

The procedural bylaw was discussed, which sets the rules and regulations regarding a wide range of council activities and their interactions with the public.

Councillor Joel Schriver started by suggesting how to handle public questions, which led to a broader debate about making changes.

Members of the public are pushing back against the bylaw. Some residents believe the current rules jeopardize their access to council, staff, and the citizens' ability to hold politicians accountable.

Many municipalities across Northumberland County have recently adopted new procedural bylaws with similar public concerns.

Listen to this debate and see what you think.

In Their Words is a feature that allows people to listen to what is going on at the various councils within Northumberland. No spin. No opinions. No one is telling you what to think. Just what was said.

It is a chance you might not have otherwise to hear directly from your elected representatives. I hope you find it useful and informative.