PODCAST · news
Consider This Northumberland
by Robert Washburn
Politics, Life and Journalism in Northumberland County: Local journalist Robert Washburn hosts a current affairs program dedicated to the issues facing our community. He talks to people on the frontlines and those behind the scenes, who make a difference in your life and Northumberland County.
Episodes
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Electing a mayor is also choosing a Northumberland County council member
With the municipal election three weeks away, campaigns are pushing hard towards the finish line. It can be hard to remember that when voters elect a mayor, they also send a representative to Northumberland County Council. This interview is part two of an interview with County CAO Dan Borowec.…
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County CAO warns municipal voters councils will be dealing with Wesleyville within the next four years
There is an issue lurking in the dark corners of this municipal election. It’s the proposed Wesleyville Nuclear Power Generation project. Stop for a moment and think. The federal government is pushing power generation as part of its Build Canada Strong agenda. The Ontario government recognizes it...
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Five years after $10/day childcare in Ontario Northumberland parents still struggle to find spaces
Five years ago, the Ontario government struck an agreement with the federal government to introduce $10/day daycare in The post Five years after $10/day childcare in Ontario Northumberland parents still struggle to find spaces appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: YMCA Northumberland…
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Ostrander’s campaign issues in 2022 are similar, but the specifics are different in 2026
This interview with Brighton mayoral candidate Brian Ostrander is very nostalgic. Many of the issues from the last The post Ostrander’s campaign issues in 2022 are similar, but the specifics are different in 2026 appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Physician recruitment, wastewater…
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County says status quo for Food4All warehouse following review as demand increases
Nearly 6,000 people were served by food banks in Northumberland, according to the county’s Feed Change Report. Almost The post County says status quo for Food4All warehouse following review as demand increases appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Food4All program under review by...
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Candidate Grogan’s platform from 2022 to compare to current run for mayor
Before casting a ballot on October 26, it is good to learn about candidates. It is even better The post Candidate Grogan’s platform from 2022 to compare to current run for mayor appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Summer Edition: A blast from the past with Port Hope Mayor from 2022...
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Summer Edition: A bit of nostalgia revisiting campaign interview with Cleveland from 2022
After Labour Day, municipal election campaigns across Northumberland County will take off in earnest. Sometimes it helps to The post Summer Edition: A bit of nostalgia revisiting campaign interview with Cleveland from 2022 appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Cleveland provides his...
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Summer Edition: A blast from the past with Port Hope Mayor from 2022 election
After Labour Day, municipal election campaigns across Northumberland County will take off in earnest. Sometimes it helps to The post Summer Edition: A blast from the past with Port Hope Mayor from 2022 election appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Hankivsky discusses engaging…
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Summer Edition: Healthcare on municipal election ballot in Northumberland
Most voters in the municipal election may not realize healthcare is on the ballot this October. Doctor recruitment is a critical issue. Finding a doctor or nurse practitioner can be a real challenge for those without. Municipal taxes fund recruitment. Each municipality in Northumberland County...
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Summer Edition: Thinking about school issues before voting for trustees in Northumberland
The summer is winding down. The kids go back to school in one week. That makes it a good time to reflect on some of the challenges facing those running for trustees on local school boards. In May, the Ontario government announced the Putting Student Achievement First Act. In this interview, you...
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Summer Edition: Port Hope fire chief wins prestigious award
Back in June, Port Hope’s Fire Chief received top honours from a provincial organization. The Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association named Jason Williams the 2026 Fire Chief of the Year. It was a huge honour for him and for the municipality. His distinguished career spans decades,...
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Summer Edition: Viritual hiring project continues promotion, says executive director
When we think of virtual reality, we often think of computer-based gaming. But in April, the Northumberland Manufacturers Association and nVenture launched a pilot program to use this technology to help hire workers. Many people leave a manufacturing job within 90 days. This is mainly because…
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Summer Edition: Community safety remains a key issues in upcoming municipal election
Community safety is often an issue during municipal elections. Police performance elicits a range of responses. This is especially true these days. It is a particularly hot topic in Cobourg, but not exclusively. Port Hope police face many similar issues. Some of the rural municipalities also face...
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Summer Edition: Alto High Speed Rail facing new hurdles as local MPP raises concerns
Just this week, the Ontario government said it is rethinking its support for a high-speed rail project after the federal government rejected its plans to expand Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto. Eleven MPPs from eastern Ontario, including our own MPP David Piccini, released a statement questioning...
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Summer Edition: Major human trafficking bust in Halton a reminder of issue in Northumberland
Earlier this week, arrests were made in the largest human trafficking case in the history of Halton Regional Police Service. Nine individuals were arrested and 85 criminal charges laid. It is a stark reminder of the exploitation taking place across Ontario, the country and the world. The accused...
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Summer Edition: Peer support worker and recovering addict Chad Valyear shares his journey and insights
Chad Valyear is a peer support worker and recovery advocate working in Northumberland. Back in May, he was the keynote speaker at the Come Together Northumberland event held at the Cobourg Community Centre. It was a major opportunity to bring a host of frontline agencies together and address many...
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Summer Edition: Revisiting a conversation with Port Hope’s mayor about a proposed nuclear power plant
It is heralded as the World’s Largest Nuclear Power plant. It promises to create thousands of jobs and add billions to the provincial economy. So, when Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Port Hope signed a partnership agreement known as a Memorandum of Understanding in February, it set a process…
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Summer Edition: Help Centre experiences a 15 percent increase in number of seniors facing homeless in January 2026
Back in January, 11 seniors went to the Northumberland Help Centre because they were facing homelessness. One of them is a 90-year-old woman. In this interview, Kim Lauder, executive director of the Help Centre, said at the time there was a 15 percent increase in the number of elderly people...
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Summer Edition: Northumberland County warden weighs in on seniors facing homelessness
One week after the interview with Kim Lauder, executive director of the Help Centre, Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate came on the show to contradict her. He said that, on a scale of one to 10, the situation in which seniors face potential homelessness may be a four to six. Crate will talk...
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Northumberland Hills Hospital officials explain how year ends with $1.1 million surplus
This year, Northumberland Hills Hospital had a $1.1 million surplus. It was slightly more than the previous year’s The post Northumberland Hills Hospital officials explain how year ends with $1.1 million surplus appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Pandemic created challenges and...
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Ontario Health Team Northumberland tackles waiting lists, helping more than 1,600 people
Finding a doctor is no easy task – not in Northumberland, not in Ontario, and not in Canada. It is easy for officials to say this. But if you don’t have a doctor, it is little solace. Recently, the Ontario Health Team Northumberland – the oil in the gears of the local healthcare machine – marked…
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Busy year as county tackles ongoing housing and homelessness issues across Northumberland
Transition House at 310 Division Street underwent major changes in 2025. For a year now, it has been a high-barrier model, operating at capacity almost every day. Last winter, the county operated a warming room at its main building. Then, there was a number of new projects starting up or…
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Aldervile joins Williams Treaty First Nations signing historic deal with Ontario Power Generation
Last week, the seven First Nations of the Williams Treaty became partners with Ontario Power Generation. Together, they want to build a new Small Modular Nuclear Reactor at Darlington. The federal and provincial governments are providing loan guarantees of up to $700 million to help finance one…
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Five agencies pen open letter to Cobourg mayor over response to draft parks and recreation plan
The draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan, released on May 20, created a firestorm over its recommendations. In particular, references to the use of parks by unsheltered people and to the availability of syringe disposal boxes in parks were among several controversial suggestions. Cobourg Mayor...
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Alnwick Haldimand Township CAO reveals reasons for municipal office closure
On June 9, Alnwick Haldimand Township announced it was closing its offices to walk-in traffic following serious threats, acts of intimidation, and harassment directed at senior staff. There were allegations of staff being targeted on social media, by email, and through comments on the municipal...
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Former Grafton resident authors book to help military, police and first responders facing mental health challenges
I knew Mark Nasmith when he was a kid growing up in Grafton. His mother, Cecilia, and I The post Former Grafton resident authors book to help military, police and first responders facing mental health challenges appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Cobourg Police officers getting…
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Alderville Chief shares First Nations preparations for busy fall legislative push
Several major initiatives were advanced during a recent meeting of the Union of Ontario Indians in Thunder Bay, The post Alderville Chief shares First Nations preparations for busy fall legislative push appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Alderville chief one of Indigenous leaders to...
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Port Hope Fire Chief talks about winning provincial honours, his life and his career
Port Hope’s Fire Chief just received top honours from a provincial organization. The Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers The post Port Hope Fire Chief talks about winning provincial honours, his life and his career appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Thursday, June 4, 2026 Not...
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Seniors helping with horror film subject of documentary at special event for older adults
A group of seniors volunteered to become the film crew for a horror movie called The Rug. Sounds The post Seniors helping with horror film subject of documentary at special event for older adults appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Film festival hosted by farmers in Campbellford takes...
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Councillor explains controversial arena decision, integrity commission change
Renovations to the Memorial Arena in Grafton are underway. Following months of controversy and intense debate, the 76-year-old The post Councillor explains controversial arena decision, integrity commission change appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: In Their Words: New ice pad…
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Local farmers face increased international pressures from events beyond control as planting season begins
Northumberland County farmers are facing skyrocketing diesel fuel prices. The cost of fertilizer is off the charts. Labour The post Local farmers face increased international pressures from events beyond control as planting season begins appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Local…
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Retired Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf reviews career and performance in final interview
Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf is officially scheduled to step down on Friday, May 22. This is his The post Retired Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf reviews career and performance in final interview appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Cobourg police chief promises…
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Many students creating their own business as an alternative to traditional summer jobs, experts say
University and college students are home on summer break. High school and elementary school will soon be letting The post Many students creating their own business as an alternative to traditional summer jobs, experts say appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Lots of summer jobs...
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Lots of summer jobs available, according to employment experts from Watton Employment Services
You may not believe this, but according to local experts, there are summer jobs out there. Lots of The post Lots of summer jobs available, according to employment experts from Watton Employment Services appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Summer jobs and the Supreme Court of Canada…
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New family physician comes to Northumberland as recruitment effort pays off six months after launch, says official
Northumberland County recently welcomed a new physician, Dr. Roshion Sabeeha Ishaque. She started in early March. In this The post New family physician comes to Northumberland as recruitment effort pays off six months after launch, says official appeared first on Consider This. Related posts:...
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Public school board chair defends role of trustees as provincial government proposes major changes
It is called the Putting Student Achievement First Act. Otherwise, it is known as Bill 101. It will The post Public school board chair defends role of trustees as provincial government proposes major changes appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: School board chair will explain new...
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Concerns over flooding on Rice Lake reduced as water-levels slowly recede earlier this week
Earlier this week, the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority downgraded water-level warnings for Rice Lake. There was lots of rain in April. There was so much that Environment Canada issued some warnings for our area. A total of 81.3 mm fell during the entire month. Just last week, a flood…
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Northumberland County road crews busy fixing potholes as construction season gets underway
Spring is a time of warmer weather, birds singing once more, and flowers pushing up tiny green shoots as the sun shines and wakes up our world. It is also a time when people complain about the crater-sized potholes that nearly break an axle. It is also the start of road construction season with…
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Young girls in Northumberland vulnerable to human trafficking due to 401 corridor, says expert
Girls as young as 11-years old are being recruited into sex work by human traffickers. Northumberland is particularly The post Young girls in Northumberland vulnerable to human trafficking due to 401 corridor, says expert appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Fighting human trafficking…
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IncrEdible Trent Hills provides diverse opportunities to learn and experience local food
There are more than 10 organizations in Northumberland County that support farmers and promote buying local food. There The post IncrEdible Trent Hills provides diverse opportunities to learn and experience local food appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Trent Hills Pride to offer...
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Public and professionals invited to share stories related to healthcare, mental health, addiction services in Northumberland
Just about everyone has a story to tell when seeking or using mental health, healthcare, justice, or addiction The post Public and professionals invited to share stories related to healthcare, mental health, addiction services in Northumberland appeared first on Consider This. Related posts:...
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Peer support worker and recovery advocate shares personal story to help youth and others in Northumberland
Chad Valyear is a peer support worker and recovery advocate working in Northumberland. He is the keynote speaker The post Peer support worker and recovery advocate shares personal story to help youth and others in Northumberland appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Summer Edition: Peer...
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Port Hope seeks equity and inclusion through new policy, says councillors
When thinking about equity, diversity, and inclusion policies, they are often associated with addressing issues related to race, The post Port Hope seeks equity and inclusion through new policy, says councillors appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: In Their Words: Port Hope council...
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New pilot uses virtual reality to help manufacturers hire and keep employees
Virtual reality is often associated with gaming. But a partnership between the Northumberland Manufacturers Association and nVenture has The post New pilot uses virtual reality to help manufacturers hire and keep employees appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Tariffs hit local…
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Northumberland Land Trust adds two new properties to its inventory in March alone
March was a busy month for the Northumberland Land Trust. Two recent acquisitions were announced as the group The post Northumberland Land Trust adds two new properties to its inventory in March alone appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Northumberland Land Trust acquires island in…
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New stroke clinic brings patient care home to Northumberland Hills Hospital
More than 100,000 people will suffer a stroke in a year, according to 2025 statistics from the Heart The post New stroke clinic brings patient care home to Northumberland Hills Hospital appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Northumberland Hills Hospital newborn clinic aims to serve...
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Northumberland United Way meets with focus groups to determine strategic direction
All this week, a series of focus groups took place to collect experiences from people who face poverty The post Northumberland United Way meets with focus groups to determine strategic direction appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: United Way Northumberland nears fundraising goal...
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If it is Spring in Northumberland, it is time for Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny
In March 1980, a massive flood from the Ganaraska River covered much of downtown Port Hope. It was The post If it is Spring in Northumberland, it is time for Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Port Hope council seeks to revamp its community grants...
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Checking in after 90 days with Jordan Prosper at Community Care Northumberland
Something old; something new. In this interview, you will meet Jordan Prosper, the new Chief Executive Officer The post Checking in after 90 days with Jordan Prosper at Community Care Northumberland appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Port Hope’s new police chief an innovator, leader...
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Trent Hills mayor angry over high-speed rail proposed route through major swath of municipality
Trent Hills Mayor Bob Crate is generally a pretty laid-back guy. But not in this interview. The Alto The post Trent Hills mayor angry over high-speed rail proposed route through major swath of municipality appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Trent Hills mayor Bob Crate and council...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Politics, Life and Journalism in Northumberland County: Local journalist Robert Washburn hosts a current affairs program dedicated to the issues facing our community. He talks to people on the frontlines and those behind the scenes, who make a difference in your life and Northumberland County.
HOSTED BY
Robert Washburn
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Consider This Northumberland currently has 300 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Consider This Northumberland about?
Politics, Life and Journalism in Northumberland County: Local journalist Robert Washburn hosts a current affairs program dedicated to the issues facing our community. He talks to people on the frontlines and those behind the scenes, who make a difference in your life and Northumberland County.
How often does Consider This Northumberland release new episodes?
Consider This Northumberland publishes regularly with 300 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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Who hosts Consider This Northumberland?
Consider This Northumberland is created and hosted by Robert Washburn.
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