Consider This Northumberland

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.

Today's show reveals the deeper, more complex side of poverty and food insecurity. The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit recently released its annual report. You will hear just how serious this issue is within Northumberland and the factors increasingly making it difficult for many to live.

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. The local chapter of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario organizes it. While walking around in these historic buildings is nice, their future could be less than certain. Rob Mikel is one of Ontario's most respected architectural historians. He grew up in Cobourg and recently moved back. He will talk about heritage preservation. You decide if these structures should be saved and at what cost.

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?

In this interview, Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin explores the more profound impact of losing a significant retailer in a small community. The grocery store served as an anchor for the downtown. Its consequences can be felt in the local economy, the viability of future development, and its ability to remain attractive to new investment. Martin will address these concerns and more.

Local music historian Andy Sparling released an audio documentary about the Streamliners. They were a swing band taken from the ranks of aircraft maintenance trainees to become a touring band that traveled throughout the European front from 1944 to 1945. The band would be known as one of the best bands of the time.

It is a privilege to share this documentary with you on today’s show. Its historical and musical significance cannot be underestimated. Enjoy the trip down memory lane while learning some incredible Canadian history.

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. Often, sexual assaults are combined with other violent crimes, making the picture less clear.

May is Sexual Assault Prevention Month. Today’s first interview is with Nancy Johnson, the executive director of Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre. She will discuss some of those numbers, but it is not all bad news. The rest of the conversation will be about women returning to the community. After receiving support in the emergency shelter, she will explain how these women and children integrate into the community.

A Canadian report released in March says 90 percent of women in trades will be harassed at least once in their careers. Women in skilled trades often don’t have proper equipment that fits or is comfortable. Washrooms on a construction site are frequently disgusting.

Labour Minister David Piccini recently introduced legislation addressing these and many other concerns. Piccini, also the local MPP for Northumberland Peterborough South, will explain the new laws and regulations to improve conditions for women in skilled trades. He hopes it will also pave the way for more young women to choose the trades as a career. Listen and decide if he hits the mark.

It was not your usual official kickoff ceremony. The mayor, councillors, business leaders, residents, and others gathered on Walton Street earlier this week. Behind them, construction equipment and workers in hard hats were tearing up the road behind them. It is part of a major upgrade of water and sewer that is more than 100 years old. There is never a good time to undertake such a massive project. Yet, as you will hear on today’s show, Councillor Les Andrews will explain why it had to be done and the impact on businesses, residents, traffic, and much more. He even chides local business groups to do more to promote the downtown retailers.

While we were talking, he also gave a quick update on the walk-in clinic, fishing season on the Ganaraska River, and the future of policing in the town.

A lot has changed at Horizons of Friendship in the past year. The non-government organization that serves Mexico and Central America experienced a major transition as a new executive director took over. Certainly, familiar programs supporting migrant workers are ongoing. So is the health promotion project in Guatemala.

But as the world's eyes focus on Ukraine and the Middle East, Central America falls into the shadows. Executive Director RODRIGO KONIGS will update us on new developments, proposed projects, and the fiscal situation at the Cobourg-based organization.

Cobourg council recently received a report from the Police Service Board outlining the current conditions of the station on King Street. Complete with numerous images of the deficiencies, it calls into question the viability of the historic Armoury Building as a suitable space.

In this interview, Cobourg Police Services chair Ron Kerr and Chief Paul VandeGraaf discuss the submission. While there are several options, it is clear that they are pushing for a new facility with a cost ranging from $30 to $35 million. However, the final decision will be up to the council. Once you have heard their case, you decide what should be done.

You will want to listen to today’s show if you care about your municipal taxes.

The cost of policing is one of the largest expenses for municipalities in Northumberland County. It is one of the main drivers, but not the only one, behind a review underway at the county council. Meanwhile, the Cobourg council is facing a tough decision regarding a police station. Port Hope budgets are under strain, plus it has a mixed service for Ward 1 and 2. Hamilton Township is contracting Cobourg police for its bylaw enforcement in the summertime.

Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander will provide insight into the police review. He will outline the various options and issues as consultants begin to determine the possibilities. As you listen, keep in mind that once a decision is made, going back may not be feasible.

The critical question is: What level of service will residents support?