Consider This Northumberland

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: Inside look at the county and mental health association’s collaboration to provide supportive housing in Campbellford Port Hope woman shares life experience of drug use and recovery, plus advocacy and activism Unique health service serves some of the most vulnerable in community

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

A new clinic on the second floor of Northumberland Hills Hospital recently opened, providing enhanced care for babies The post Northumberland Hills Hospital newborn clinic aims to serve mothers and babies, especially those without a family doctor appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Hospital officials outline strategic plan for healthcare and its impact on you New rural outreach clinic marks collaborative efforts by municipality and health team to increase access Northumberland Hills Hospital COVID-19 outbreaks part of cold and flu season, says CEO

Municipalities across Northumberland are finalizing their 2026 budgets. Politicians struggle to meet their communities’ needs while balancing a The post Township budget is an example of budget challenges across county appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Farmers, roads and development high on the list of concerns for Logel Logel reviews recent Integrity Commissioner’s report on council, staff and residents’ relations Resident won’t give up being watchdog after council approves budget despite concerns raised

If you are a resident of Alnwick-Haldimand Township, your taxes will be going up about four percent. At The post Resident won’t give up being watchdog after council approves budget despite concerns raised appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: In Their Words: Halfway into term Alnwick-Haldimand council debates and approves strategic plan In Their Words: Public gives input on Alnwick-Haldimand 2026 budget, along with new reports In Their Words: New ice pad approved for Grafton arena

Residents across Northumberland are raising concerns about the county’s response to the number of seniors facing homelessness. They The post Seniors make up 40 percent of those living in county’s affordable housing stock, says director appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Northumbeland County warden weighs in on seniors facing homelessness and need for affordable housing Help Centre sees a 15 percent increase in number of seniors facing homeless Growing number of seniors becoming homeless in Northumberland County

Last week, Kim Lauder, executive director of The Help Centre, called the rising number of seniors facing homelessness The post Northumbeland County warden weighs in on seniors facing homelessness and need for affordable housing appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: National Housing Day draws attention to county’s efforts to address affordable housing and homelessness County council takes on big projects over the past year with more to come, says Warden New county warden reflects on a busy year in the face of a pandemic

The new Golden Plough Lodge passed its final construction inspection, as Northumberland County took possession earlier this week. The post County takes possession of new Golden Plough Lodge as project moves on to next steps appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Inside look into new Golden Plough Lodge’s final construction phase, hoping to open in June 2025 Friday January 23, 2026 County budget explored with Northumberland Warden John Logel

In the past two months, 11 seniors have come to the Northumberland Help Centre because they are facing The post Help Centre sees a 15 percent increase in number of seniors facing homeless appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Half of people staying at 310 Division Street are seniors, says interim executive director Growing number of seniors becoming homeless in Northumberland County Local minister steps in while county homeless shelter faces emergency – again

For the past 12 years, the Coldest Night of the Year walk is held in Port Hope to The post Coldest Night of the Year back again, hoping to raise $60,000 appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Walkers hope to raise $50,000 during Coldest Night of the Year walk in 2025, says organizers Awareness of plight of others higher this year, says Coldest Night of the Year organizer Coldest Night of the Year raises awareness and money to support the homeless, says organizer

A year ago, the county began handing over its recycling program to a provincial body called Circular Materials The post Major changes to county recycling program as provincial agency takes over responsibility appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: No changes to recycling program for residents, but big changes behind the scenes Time to sort yourself out around recycling, Phase 2 kicking in County sells recycling plant to Emterra Environmental as producers take over recycling

Half the people currently using Northumberland County’s emergency shelter are seniors. Christian Harvey, the interim executive director of The post Half of people staying at 310 Division Street are seniors, says interim executive director appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Transition House has empty beds, but more needed to solve homeless crisis, says executive director Cobourg’s emergency shelter operator in search of permanent leader following resignation Impact of operational changes to 310 Division Street explained by executive director on morning of closure

New federal legislation announced last week could deem femicide a first-degree murder offence. It also makes coercive control The post Women in Northumberland may benefit from proposed federal laws, says Cornerstone executive director appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Day of remembrance marks dramatic increases in demand at women’s shelter, says executive director Violence against women up in Northumberland as shelter faces challenges to help and educate Transitioning back into the Northumberland community after leaving an abusive relationship

One year ago, Rebound Youth Services launched a new program for homeless youth called Nightstop. The volunteer-based program The post Youth Wellness Hub opens and Nightstop program continues as services expand for young people in Northumberland appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Rebound accepting referrals for homeless prevention program for youth Young adults want to stay in Trent Hills but face barriers, says youth survey Youth entrepreneurs display their summer businesses at Cobourg business expo

Tenant rights groups across Ontario are upset with the government over a series of changes to laws affecting The post Changes to landlord, tenant laws will have far-reaching impact for both sides locally, says expert appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Tenant’s rights eroding as province continues to hold online hearings, advocates say Chambers of Commerce call on all three levels of government to address housing crisis Lawyer worries about Northumberland tenants as landlords given additional powers under new provincial rules

A recent study found that nearly one-third of Canadians expect this year’s holidays to be more stressful than The post Mental health expert suggests helpful strategies to deal with Christmas pressures and stress appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Local mental health experts offer life hacks for addressing stress and anxiety during holiday season Surviving the stress of Christmas and a pandemic (round four) from two local experts Pandemic fatigue and uncertainty are some of the mental health challenges we face, says expert

The Ontario government is proposing to consolidate 36 conservation authorities into seven. A new central agency will provide The post Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority has many concerns over provincial consolidation proposal, says chair appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority raises questions over proposed amalgamation legislation Future of Garden Hill Dam debated as municipal council asked for financial support Rising water levels set records as experts explain why

Immigration is a hot topic these days. Changes to the system were announced in the recent federal budget. The post Changes in immigration policy affect country and Northumberland County, says expert appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Tories continue assault against new Canadians Help Centre prepares for possible repercussions of tariffs on Northumberland residents County CAO explains how tax dollars are being spent across Northumberland

Earlier this week, the Alderville Band Council made a landmark decision. It may be one of the most The post Alderville band council takes historic step towards personhood for Rice Lake, says chief appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: Historic decision by Alderville band council major step in quest for Rice Lake personhood Alderville chief takes Rice Lake personhood efforts to United Nations Legal personhood for Rice Lake slowly gathering momentum, says Alderville Chief

Nothing helps someone sick in the hospital more than having loved ones or friends giving the support they The post Northumberland Hills Hospital launches pilot program to include patient caregivers to support treatment appeared first on Consider This. Related posts: New pilot program at Campbellford hospital bridges patient care at home while waiting to meet ongoing needs In Their Words: Hamilton Twp sends well-known resident to new doctor recruitment committee Northumberland Hills Hospital COVID-19 outbreaks part of cold and flu season, says CEO

There are those in Cobourg who will tell you it is the epicentre for those living rough. Then, some people argue the other municipalities in Northumberland County are not stepping up to do their fair share. That may no longer be true. Brighton Council has a Homelessness Task Force, and on today’s show, you will hear about its efforts to help people living on the streets. The chair of the task force, Jeff Wheeldon, will describe how the municipality is working to coordinate services with the county and local organizations, churches, and the business community to ensure support and dignity for those who are living unsheltered. And, Wheeldon will explain how the municipality is paving a way for residents to help those in need while addressing concerns.

Nationally, the picture is grim, and the numbers are crushing. More than two million Canadians used food banks in March this year alone. The final figures for 2025 are not in yet. Locally, the situation is mirrored. In this interview, with Meghan Flindall, Executive Director of the Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank, she will outline the increasing number of people using its services in Port Hope and Cobourg. She will also discuss new initiatives, including a Mobile Food Market. You will learn about the drop in food donations, but the rise in people and organizations giving cash, as everyone feels the pinch at the grocery stores. Listen and see what you think as everyone struggles to eat properly.

Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf delivered his 2026 budget, which includes a whopping 20.5 percent increase. It is the largest police budget increase in living memory. The police services board approved it unanimously, although board member Sean Graham was absent. It was sent to the town for approval. This increase is five times the target set by Cobourg’s mayor, utilizing his strong mayor powers. In this interview, the Chief will defend his decision. He argues a number of factors are at the root of the increase. This includes current demands by residents for services and a budget reduction in 2025. The Chief also says there is nothing left to cut. Finally, if his budget is passed, he promises a single-digit increase next year. Listen carefully and see if you think the Chief makes his case.

The Northumberland County ambulance service celebrated its 10th Survivor’s Night recently. It is a chance for patients to connect with paramedics who saved their lives. Yet, at a recent Northumberland County council meeting, questions were raised about ambulance response times. One key area slowing down paramedics is the time it takes to drop off patients at local hospitals. This is called off-loading. The province provides funding for a dedicated hospital staff member to process patients upon their arrival by ambulance. It should take about 30 minutes. However, in most cases, it takes longer. A big problem is the province. It pays for the dedicated hospital staff. Yet, the money arrives late in the fiscal year and in amounts that are less than requested. Ambulance Chief Susan Brown will explain what is going on and what can be done. Take a moment to hear what she has to say and see if it makes sense to you.

Users of the municipal water system in Grafton could be on the hook for a $17.5 million upgrade, according to a study presented to Alnwick Haldimand Township council recently. About 30 years ago, the township created a water system for the village. In this interview, Mayor John Logel says the aging system and future development in and around the village are putting pressure on the council to take action now and in the future. He says, besides replacing and upgrading the current water system, there is also a need to expand the capacity to ensure services for any future development. The system is user-pay. So, while it may not impact all taxpayers in the township, those on the system will face rate increases to pay for the upgrades, while new homes will be charged development fees. Listen to see if you feel the mayor can justify the study’s recommendations as council considers what is next.

In the face of an ongoing debate over the fate of people living on the margins in Cobourg, a former activist and artist has created an interactive installation on display in the downtown in hopes of increasing awareness and humanizing some of these individuals. Former Greenwood Coalition Executive Director David Sheffield recently launched the I Belong Here project. It combines oral history, art, and community engagement to highlight the stories of individuals in Cobourg who are often labeled in negative terms. In this interview, Sheffield will discuss the art installation he created since retiring from the Greenwood Coalition, unpacking details about the individuals he interviewed and his own creative path to making the installation. Listen and decide if art can make a difference in addressing critical challenges within Cobourg.

Rural taxpayers in Northumberland County could be facing an 11 percent increase in policing costs next year. When it comes to oversight, the Cobourg and Port Hope police services garner a lot of attention, but the Northumberland OPP receives much less. In this interview, John Davison, the chair of the Northumberland OPP Detachment Board, will defend this increase. As a councillor for Hamilton Township, he knows first-hand how this will affect local taxes. He is not alone. His fellow board members from Trent Hills, Brighton, the townships of Cramahe and Alnwick-Haldimand face the same dilemma. The detachment board is new, having been in place for just over a year. But it is already working hard at keeping track of what is going on with the OPP and public concerns. Davison will also talk about rising domestic violence, speeding, and unsolved cases like Rohan Pyne, the owner of the Jamaican Patty House in 2022, and Vienna Irwin, a little girl who died in 2023 at a daycare in Baltimore. Listen and see if you think the OPP is giving good value for the money.

Hamilton Township residents using the municipal water system will see a possible 60 per cent increase in rates by 2035. That means the base rate will rise to more than $100 a month for the average user. About 600 people on the system will get hit. This does not cover the more than $11 million needed to pay for new equipment and systems over the same period. In this interview, Hamilton Township CAO Arthur Anderson will go into detail about a recent study presented to council regarding water rates. He will not only look at the financials, but also at current needs and the impact of potential growth. Have a listen and see how all this is going to affect your rates now and in the future.