Consider This 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 contributes to the doctor recruitment efforts. The Ontario Health Team Northumberland is one of many agencies that connects patients with a primary care provider, either a doctor or nurse practitioner. In May, it announced the team helped 1,600 people find one. The health team is developing its next five-year strategy and is undertaking a survey. It wants to know what matters most in your community and the barriers people face. It also wants to improve things. County residents have until September 4 to complete it. In this July interview, Ram Puva, Executive Lead for Ontario Health Team Northumberland, explains how to connect with a primary health care provider. If you missed it the first time, it is a good chance to catch up. With so many people asking how to connect with a doctor, this is a chance to become better informed. So, take a listen.

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 will hear the school board chairman talk about the legislation and potential changes. Since then, the board passed its $522 million budget in June. It has also been integrating the legislated requirements ahead of the new school year. Take a listen and see if this can help you prepare to head to the polls in October to select the next trustee.

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, with him working mainly as an investigator for the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office and in various other roles along the way. He gave the interview on the cusp of presenting a comprehensive wildland fire management plan for the Ganaraska Forest. Council adopted it. With all the wildfires burning across the country, his timing seemed spot on.

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 they don't understand what is expected once they are hired. This leads to high turnover in factory jobs, which is costly and discouraging for both employees and employers.

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 challenges under the OPP. Budget time is always tense, igniting its own set of challenges. On today’s show, you will hear a familiar voice. It is former Cobourg Chief Paul VandeGraaf speaking just before he retired in May. It is an opportunity to track the evolution of many of the highly charged issues, see the throughline to today, and hear the candidate promises.

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 the Alto High-Speed Rail project. This interview revisits a conversation done in March with Trent Hills Mayor Bob Crate. The Alto High-Speed Rail project has him and his council very upset. So are many residents in Trent Hills. One proposed route goes straight through the heart of the municipality, impacting the village of Hastings and Campbellford, along with the surrounding area. Opposition to the rail project has gained momentum since this interview, including Alderville band council and many other residents and municipalities along the proposed routes across the province and Quebec. Have a listen and think about the Ontario government’s demands in the context of the local disapproval. Will this turn the tide?

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 are alleged to have used coercion, deception, manipulation, and psychological harm to maintain control and influence over the victims. In April, Jocelyn Enright, prevention education and community engagement coordinator for the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, talked about human trafficking in Northumberland County, especially along the Highway 401 corridor. Girls as young as 11-years-old are being recruited into sex work. Her organization had just lost a $1`75,000 grant from the federal government to prevent recruitment and help those who wish to leave sex work. Take a listen and hear the hidden tragedies in our area.

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 aspects of the county's social safety net. In this interview, he shares his personal journey from addiction to recovery. He discussed various recovery paths, including 12-step programs, Smart Recovery, and faith-based approaches, highlighting the need for more resources and better support systems for people struggling with mental health, addiction, and homelessness. As the municipal elections are on the horizon this fall, it is an opportunity to revisit a person with lived experience sharing his views on key issues within communities. Take a listen.

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 in motion. In this interview, Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky set out what is included in this agreement as council and residents began to debate the project. She outlined the terms, the money, the goals, and the objectives for this initial stage. Since then, there has been a lot of debate and details shared. Have a listen and see if you think this could be an issue for the upcoming municipal election.

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 seeking assistance as they faced the possibility of becoming homeless. She said the situation in the county is a crisis. It remains a concern even today. The recent Northumberland County Homelessness and Housing Report, including stats on the number of seniors facing possible homelessness, is rising. Lauder discussed the diverse reasons why seniors become homeless, including financial difficulties, lack of family support, and challenges accessing benefits, while highlighting the importance of creative solutions and collaboration among stakeholders.

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 about the state of seniors in the county, from affordable housing to unsheltered individuals. He will discuss what is being done and what also needs to be done. This includes the possible expansion of 310 Division Street. The warden will also talk about the recent Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) conference he attended earlier this week. Many municipal politicians were also in attendance. Homelessness and housing were a major takeaway for him. Take a listen to see if you think the county is doing enough to help seniors and address affordable housing.

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 opportunities over the past year, says hospital board chairperson It’s no mystery where Northumberland County taxes go, just read the 2020 annual report New health centre next to hospital under consideration, says CEO

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 a critical moment. It said all the people who had registered with Health Care Connect before Jan. 1, 2025, now have a primary care person looking after them. That means a local doctor or nurse practitioner is taking care of them. In this interview, you will hear the person in charge of this process talk about how it happened. He is going to provide a step-by-step path anyone can follow. So, if you are looking for a doctor or know someone who is in need, you may want to listen carefully to how you can join these others who do.

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 finishing. It was a busy year. In the face of all this, 1,300 households are on a waitlist for subsidized housing. On top of that, 78 people receive permanent rent supplements. And, 171 households received at-risk support, meaning they were on the verge of becoming homeless without the help. In this interview, Northumberland County Associate Director of Housing and Homelessness, Rebecca Snelgrove, will review her department’s Annual Report. And, while there is a lack of affordable housing and people continue to live rough, there are a few bright spots she will point out.

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 of the four small reactors scheduled to be built. In this interview, you will hear from Alderville Chief Taynar Simpson as he outlines the deal. More importantly, you will listen as he explains his position in terms of environmental impact, consultations with his community, and the potential revenues, jobs, and opportunities for Alderville. But don’t forget these same seven members of the Williams Treaty are also engaged with the nuclear generating station near Port Hope. How will this investment impact their position with Wesleyville? Have a listen to find out the answer to this and more.

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 Lucas Cleveland released a statement in response to the public outcry, saying enough is enough. In it, he assured the public that the contentious sections would be addressed. Five frontline agencies wrote an open letter responding to the mayor’s statement. This further stoked the community debate. On today’s show, one of the contributors to the open letter, Alicia Vandine, Executive Director of the Northumberland United Way, will talk about the letter, its intent, and its contents. If this concerns you, then you will want to hear what she has to say.

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 website. The offices were reopened Wednesday, three weeks after the closure. In this interview with township CAO Dave Dawson, he will explain the closure, speak about what happened, and why it was necessary. He will also clarify the steps taken to ensure staff safety.

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 special training to better help troubled veterans Inside look at the county and mental health association’s collaboration to provide supportive housing in Campbellford Public and professionals invited to share stories related to healthcare, mental health, addiction services in Northumberland

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 meet with Premier Ford over Bill 5 Alderville First Nation Chief seeks consultations on federal “nation building projects” Alderville Chief says provincial legislation violates treaty rights, plus band council elections

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 much wiggle room as Port Hope police told to review draft budget for savings, say Chief Retired Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf reviews career and performance in final interview

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 on issues and challenges facing agriculture Major changes to county recycling program as provincial agency takes over responsibility Community event honours Pink Shirt Day for parents and caregivers to help children prevent bullying

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 approved for Grafton arena Alnwick-Haldimand takes steps to move forward on the future of Memorial Arena after much debate AH council to seek a report at next meeting into the feasibility of Legion partnership to save aging arena

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 farmers facing many challenges locally, provincially, and federally in 2024, NFA president says Northumberland Federation of Agriculture president critiques provincial farm to fork plan Local farmers face huge hurdles as China and U.S. levy tariffs against Canada, says NFA president

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 single-digit increase in future following massive 20.5 percent hike for 2026 Cobourg’s Police Chief to retire Cobourg Police Chief defends budget as the public seeks answers to a 20.5 percent increase

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 available, according to employment experts from Watton Employment Services Young entrepreneurs from across county showcase variety of talents and unique enterprises CCI business students get first-hand experience creating retail-ready salsa for fundraiser

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 are hot topics Waterfront comes to life as Cobourg beach opens for summer, pop-up food vendors approved 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: Ontario Health Team leaders discuss major changes to doctor recruitment in Northumberland County In Their Words: Hamilton Twp sends well-known resident to new doctor recruitment committee In Their Words: Hamilton Township blindsided on doctor recruitment as county council backs Northumberland-wide plan

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 strategic plan and its impact on kids in classrooms Preparations are nearly ready as announcement about schools opening pending, says public board chair Municipal Election 2018: Klassen-Jeninga seeks another term on public school board

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 watch was extended for the Rice Lake Shoreline. So, what’s going on? In this interview, Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority hydrologist Cory Harris will explain it. He will talk about water levels and why, despite some good weather last week, West Northumberland continues to experience issues. He will also explain how development, climate change, and other factors contribute to the current conditions. He will also help shed light on the fancy terms experts use when discussing floods and water levels. Have a listen and see if this helps you understand all the flood watches and warnings in effect.

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 its delays and detours. In this interview, Denise Marshall, director of public works for Northumberland County, will talk about fixing potholes. She will also discuss the upcoming construction. This includes places near you, such as Welcome, Brighton, Trent Hills, and Grafton. Then, there are the upcoming projects in the planning stages, such as Cobourg’s east end, Roseneath and Fenella, Castleton, and Hastings. Have a listen and see if your road is mentioned or if there is construction going on near you this summer.

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 in Northumberland through community initiative, says police Public and professionals invited to share stories related to healthcare, mental health, addiction services in Northumberland Northumberland Land Trust adds two new properties to its inventory in March alone

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 seminars to promote inclusivity Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre partners with Trent Hills Family Health Team to improve access to services Trent Hills celebrates with community as pride events get underway across 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: Peterborough group offer affordable mental health services for Northumberland starting next week Peer support worker and recovery advocate shares personal story to help youth and others in Northumberland Mental health and addiction treatment plan gathers dust

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 support worker and recovering addict Chad Valyear shares his journey and insights Public and professionals invited to share stories related to healthcare, mental health, addiction services in Northumberland Summer Edition: Local veteran, recovery coach from Grafton pens self-help book

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 approved new diversity, equity and inclusion policy Diversity initiative launched by town hoping to make Cobourg more inclusive, says councillor Cobourg honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, plus launches new inclusion strategy

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 companies hard, but there is room for optimism, says manufacturers’ group The precarious world of temporary work New stroke clinic brings patient care home to Northumberland Hills Hospital

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 rare stewardship opportunity Northumberland Land Trust dedicated to preserving natural areas across county The Northumberland Land Trust acquires largest property yet

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 mothers and babies, especially those without a family doctor New rural outreach clinic marks collaborative efforts by municipality and health team to increase access Fundraiser for Port Hope walk-in clinic will add nurse practitioner, plus update for council

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 Rebuilding the annual campaign to rebuild Northumberland is goal for United Way New Northumberland United Way Executive Director checks in to share first six months on the job

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 program to align with strategic goals Biologist offer insight into challenges and pluses to fishing sanctuary on Ganaraska River Two members of Garden Hill group outline recent concerns over subdivision and adjacent dam

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 and working on his first 100-days plan County on track to meet daycare goals as milestone approaches for $10-a-day federal program Northumberland Hills Hospital newborn clinic aims to serve mothers and babies, especially those without a family doctor

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 refuse to buy in to strong mayor powers Details of a $110-million project bringing high-speed Internet to rural Northumberland Trent Hills Pride to offer seminars to promote inclusivity

Garden Hill is a tiny hamlet north of Port Hope, nestled in a rural area and surrounded by The post Two members of Garden Hill group outline recent concerns over subdivision and adjacent dam appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: In Their Words: Garden Hill delegation raises concerns over proposed Ganaraska Road development In Their Words: Garden Hill Dam to undergo environmental assessment to determine future Future of Garden Hill Dam debated as municipal council asked for financial support

Blue Dot Northumberland is an organization raising concerns over the proposed Wesleyville Nuclear Generation Station. The group believes The post County environmental group raises concerns over proposed Nuclear Generation Station for Wesleyville appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Port Hope mayor outlines recent memorandum signed for new nuclear power plant in Wesleyville In Their Words: Ontario Clean Alliance makes its case before Port Hope council Nuclear Discovery Centre in Port Hope opens to educate regarding Wesleyville project

Earlier this week, Brighton council agreed to assign one member to the Northumberland Food Policy Council, starting next The post Councillor wants all Northumberland municipalities to appoint reps, starting with Brighton appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: In Their Words: Brighton council debates role on food sustainability group Brighton launches first speed camera on main road, first in Northumberland County Brighton Homelessness Task Force collaborating with community to address issues as winter is coming, says chair

It is heralded as the World’s Largest Nuclear Power plants. It promises to create thousands of jobs and The post Port Hope mayor outlines recent memorandum signed for new nuclear power plant in Wesleyville appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Nuclear Discovery Centre in Port Hope opens to educate regarding Wesleyville project In Their Words: Ontario Clean Alliance makes its case before Port Hope council Port Hope mayor gives some details surrounding massive land deal to acquire Wesleyville

International Women’s Day is on Sunday, March 8. But on the Saturday, the day before, the Kawartha Sexual The post One to two percent of sexual assault cases end in conviction nationally and locally, says expert appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Transitioning back into the Northumberland community after leaving an abusive relationship Safe interview room helps victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, says police

Cramahe Township residents are well aware of the 3.79 percent budget increase for 2026. For the average homeowner The post Cramahe Township mayor sheds light and provides analysis of details for 2026 budget appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Cramahe mayor vows to take on illegal cannabis grow-ops in township Cramahe Township mayor defends status quo, while some residents concerned over lack of in-person voting In Their Words: Cramahe Township cuts animal control contribution by half, as part of a 3.79 percent tax increase for 2026

Northumberland County and the local school boards are teaming up to present a free, morning-long event on February The post Community event honours Pink Shirt Day for parents and caregivers to help children prevent bullying appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Friday, February 20, 2026 PM Freedom Convoy Orange Shirt Day video upsets Alderville Chief Alderville Chief shares a unique perspective on Orange Shirt Day 2023

The Liberal government promised $10-a-day child care within five years nationwide. Come March 31, it will hit that The post County on track to meet daycare goals as milestone approaches for $10-a-day federal program appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Parents get daycare relief as Northumberland County adds 181 new spaces, says manager New daycare spaces open recently in three locations across Northumberland County New early years program launches next month across county