Consider This Northumberland

Trent Hills Mayor Bob Crate gets pretty excited when he talks about the new $22 million arena under construction in Campbellford. It is with good reason. The new facility boasts an NHL-size ice pad, a lap pool, space for fitness programs, and daycare.

It was a long road to get to this point. Originally a $16 million project, the price tag has jumped. The mayor will explain why. He will also touch on the associated expenses taxpayers will bear in the future.

What a difference a year can make. 

In this interview, you will hear from the new county Warden, Brian Ostrander. He was elected only a few weeks ago. The focus of our conversation is a new three-year budget passed by county council two weeks ago. You will learn how this approach works and the aspirations of politicians for the upcoming year. There is a six-and-a-half percent increase this year and more than eight percent next year. The final year is nearly nine percent. The warden will justify these hikes over the next three years.

A new year is about to begin. It can be a valuable exercise to reflect on the past 12 months. In this interview from a year ago, you will hear former Warden Mandy Martin. County council had just passed the 2023 budget.

This is a great chance to compare what was promised with what happened. You will hear about affordable housing, homelessness, financial pressures, etc.

It would be best to listen to the interview with the new warden, Brian Ostrander. You will notice the contrast between the two budgets and the approach of politicians this year compared to last. See if you can find the differences and decide what they mean.

If everything goes smoothly, Northumberland County will purchase a former retirement residence at 310 Division Street in Cobourg to become the new home for Transition House.

It means 35 low-barrier shelter spaces will be available to those in need. It will have accommodations, food, and support services. It will also provide a 24-hour drop-in centre year-round, giving unsheltered people a place to get out of the cold of winter or the heat of summer or a place to go anytime.

In this interview,  Rev. Neil Ellis, former acting interim executive director for Transition House, will share the story behind the purchase and what it means to those who do not have a home. He will explain what it means to the county and its impact on the community. And, while it is a huge step, Ellis acknowledges the challenges in the future. You will hear him address concerns from neighbours, the downtown, and the unsheltered.

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.

For some, it is coal in their stocking. For others, it is the pursuit of political and fiscal realities that no wrapping paper or bows will hide.

The Salvation Army has helped people in need at Christmas for many years. Through its family services operation, using money raised from its Kettle Campaign, it will provide food and toys to ensure nobody is missed during the festive season. This year, more than 800 families have registered to receive this assistance. That is up from 750 last year.

You will hear from Jim Alford and Major Dan Broome in this interview. They spearhead the efforts of both the Kettle Campaign and the Toy and Food program. Broome hopes to raise $125,000 this year to help pay for all the programs, including Christmas. From Alford, you will hear details about the Christmas efforts and just what it takes to make it all work. This includes the collaborative efforts of many businesses and individuals, plus other community groups, who all pull together to ensure there is a Merry Christmas for all.

The Fare Share Food Bank is seeing a rise in demand. Over the last year, the number of people using its services is up by 50 percent. These are two of many organizations trying to help those in need.

Dick Kauling, chair of the board for the Fare Share Food Bank, will describe the pressures it faces and the response to the increase in demand. You may be surprised to learn that more young families with children are accessing the food bank in Cobourg and Port Hope. The number of seniors coming to get assistance is also up. He will give us the full picture. He will also address critical issues about the organization's future and sustainability in these tough times.

In 1923, a group of women got together to help the hospital in Cobourg. They would roll bandages, sew tourniquets, and give assistance wherever needed. This was the early days of the hospital auxiliary.

The role of the auxiliary would expand. It would fundraise and offer expanded services to support the doctors and nurses. Over the years, it would continue to be a pillar within the organization to help deliver care.

Now, 100 years later, volunteers continue to provide essential support. These are the people at the front desk to direct visitors. They assist in various clinics, fill vending machines, and wheel patients to the door as they leave. The list goes on. Beyond that, it continues to be a significant contributor to the fundraising.

Listen as three key people with the auxiliary share their knowledge and experience as the organization commemorates a century of service.

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.

Rebecca Carmen, the county’s associate Director of Housing and Homelessness, will discuss both events in this interview. She will explain what the county is doing to address affordable housing needs. More importantly, she will address the issue of building public consensus amongst residents. This is in light of the hostilities being faced by local municipalities. And it may provide a path toward finding solutions instead of facing angry citizens.

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. Another two of those involved weapons.

Break and enters are up over the last six months. The same is true for property crimes.

But the reasons for these increases are not what you think. Let me say that again: it is not what you think.

In this interview, you will hear the chief explain how the assaults are going up due to domestic violence. The minor crimes are not associated solely with the encampment. That is despite all the rumours, gossip, and social media.

And he will tell you about a recent community canvas his officers did to get to the root of the issues. All of it is meant to address people’s concerns about feeling safe. Plus, he will tackle the misinformation and disinformation.