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Friday, March 3, 2023

Strategies and Insights

Further insight into the philosophies I live by, approaches I take in decision making or articles that have changed my thinking.

It was an eye-opening experience with exceptionally informative sessions.

Nuclear energy provides enormous economic opportunities as well as access to clean energy sources for communities across our country that will help us meet many of the ambitious climate goals that we have set.

Canada has been a nuclear leader for almost 70 years. It may be surprising to hear that 60% of Ontario’s power needs already come from nuclear energy. All levels of our government continue to lead the charge in Nuclear through research and development into Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) technology. This safe, emerging technology has the potential to provide needed power to remote communities, to lower emissions and further to diversify our energy sector. To be first to the market with SMRs could mean massive economic potential. For Ontario specifically, there is also research being conducted into a deep geological repository site for nuclear waste. Which will be a multi-billion-dollar project.

Here in Cobourg, we have a great working relationship with the nuclear industry and with Cameco — and there are further possibilities for our Town and county to benefit from nuclear energy. It was also inspiring to find out that one of the leaders of the Women in Nuclear – Durham Chapter is a Cobourg resident. These at-home connections are important for inspiring our local youth to look into jobs in STEM and Nuclear. I look forward to continuing to work with local Mayor’s, MPs and MPPs and our partners in the Nuclear Industry, to realize the economic potential and greenhouse gas reduction possibilities that nuclear energy provides.

Monthly FAQ’s

My responses to the frequently asked questions of the Mayor’s Office each month.

residential facility at the site of 206 Furnace Street, submitted by the Northumberland Sleeping Cabin Collective.

Cobourg Council received a delegation from the Sleeping Cabin Collective in response to the staff report. Known as the Sleeping Cabin Pilot Project, this initiative has been proposed by Green Wood Coalition to provide a more stable solution for our unsheltered population.

Additional delegates provided impactful stories and important insight into the challenges our unsheltered community face. According to a February 13th report from Statistics Canada, one in four Canadians are unable to cover an unexpected expense of $500. Homelessness and poverty is a growing issue in our community and one that requires our focus and attention.

As a community, we must find appropriate solutions for our unsheltered residents that help them get back on their feet and support their efforts to be self-sustaining. However, we also need to ensure that these solutions are well researched and sustainable.

Green Wood Coalition Proposal for the Pilot Project:

• A 12 cabin, gated village providing safe and secure living for community members currently unsheltered/living rough.

• Each 8’x10’ cabin will be heated & insulated, with space for a bed and some belongings.

• Shared kitchen/washrooms and showers in an existing building or portable plumbing facilities and a trailer for a kitchen.

• Access to wrap-around services that address mental and physical well being, addiction counselling, and harm reduction.

• The village will be fenced and locked. All visitors will be required to sign in/out.

  
  

Green Wood’s vision with this initiative is that the stability residents receive would ensure they are able to move onto independent, affordable housing after a period.

What’s Next?

Due to the significance of this application, as well as a petition submitted to Council which raised concerns about proposed plan, myself and Council felt it very important that the greater community have the opportunity to learn more about this program in order to submit feedback and recommendations before the application comes back to Council at the proposed date of April 3, 2023. In the coming weeks, Green Wood Coalition will engage with local area residents and the broader Cobourg Public, including Cobourg Police Services, Cobourg Fire, Northumberland County Social Services, HKPR Public Health Unit and other partner agencies.

Northumberland County, in collaboration with residents and partner agencies, has developed a plan to improve safety and well-being in our community.

The goal of the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan is for residents and local agencies to collectively develop and implement actions that will address the root causes of crime and complex social issues within our community. The Plan is broken down into four priorities and goals:

• Homelessness and Affordable Housing

• Mental Health

• Poverty, Income and Employment

• Substance Use and Addiction

As part of this initiative, the Homelessness System Review was updated this February and will be presented at the County Social Services Committee in May. In anticipation, County Council has approved 300K in unknown expenses in the 2023 budget, to fast track any objectives emphasized in this review.

I have stated numerous times, that Social Services is the responsibility of Northumberland County. Many of you have taken this as a deflection or concern. The issues of homelessness, of substance abuse, and of mental health, poverty and unemployment are near and dear — they are some of the reasons I ran for Mayor. As your representative at Northumberland County, my involvement in the Community Safety and Well-Being Committee is how I plan to bridge the gap between Cobourg and Northumberland County Social Services. This is how I will continue to fight for the issues that face our residents, advocate for solutions that will lead to positive change, and how I will continue to communicate these initiatives with Cobourg Council and our residents.

As we move forward, I encourage all of Council and the Community to continue working towards a shared vision of a community that cares for its most vulnerable.

When the owner put the building up for sale, the County, in partnership with Northumberland County Housing Corporation acquired the property to incorporate these units into its housing portfolio to support current tenants and preserve these units as affordable over the long term.

The Road Ahead:

On February 16th, the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announced the launch our new Mobile Wellness Clinic they are calling, ‘The Road Ahead’. This mobile Wellness Clinic operates out of two vehicles and supports individuals who may have difficulty accessing services by bringing a full range of mental health and addictions supports to rural and remote areas, including Northumberland County. The program provides counselling and therapy, support with addictions and substance use, mental health education, medication support, and access to other services such as psychiatry.

To access the clinic yourself or to refer someone to the clinic, please contact us at one of the below:

Phone: (705)-991-3551

Toll Free: 1-(888)-357-1294

Fax: (705)-304-0667

Email: tra@cmhahkpr.ca

What’s Happening at the County

News and information impacting Cobourg at the County level.

In the first six months, 588 registered users have signed up to the payment portal with:

• 89 inter-county trips taken (59% increase since Jan. 1)

• 853 Oshawa trips taken (34% increase since Jan. 1)

When surveyed, riders indicated that the number one reason for using the service was to visit friends and family (58%), followed by work-related activities (47%). Using the service to access entertainment and medical appointments also ranked high on the list of reasons.

What’s Next for the Program:

The purpose of the pilot is to assess local need and opportunity for increased transit options for local commuters. The pilot is due to conclude in September 2023, with the County collaborating with Hop In Technologies, a transportation logistics provider, to evaluate ridership to fully understand how best to plan for any future services. Over the next six months, the County will continue to work with partners to promote this initiative and engage new users.

To learn more about this service or access ride schedules, visit CommuterConnect.ca.

Business Spotlight

Sit down discussion with Cobourg’s entrepreneurs and business leaders bringing innovative thinking and solutions to Cobourg.

We were fortunate to sit down with Megan Carr, Business Development Officer who provided some insight into credit unions – highlighted their benefits, dispelled some misconceptions and of course, shared her excitement about the GFCU.

Tell us about Ganaraska Financial Credit Union.

GFCU, like banks, provide financial services. We offer savings and chequing accounts, mortgages, retirement savings, financial advice, and every other financial service you can imagine. You can make deposits and withdrawals with us. We offer surcharge free ATMs and online services. But we’re not a bank. We’re a credit union and we’ve been serving Northumberland County and surrounding area for almost 80 years.

Credit unions are co-ops, which means when you open an account with us, you’re not just a customer — you’re an owner. Every person who opens an account with us becomes an owner in the business. That means when we profit, you profit. That means you have a say in how we operate. That means your money stays local. That means we are accountable to you. And it’s why we say we don’t have customers; we have members. And because we prioritize people over profit, Canadians have ranked credit unions number one in customer service for personal banking for over 18 years in a row.

Why are credit unions important to communities?

At GFCU we are about investing in our members and our local communities. We support local programs, groups, events, services, teams, and more to help grow and strengthen the places we live, work, and play.

Through our donations, volunteering, financial literacy workshops, sponsorships, scholarships, and more, it is our way of saying thank you to the communities that sustain and support us.

Also, when you deposit money at GFCU, your money stays in the local community and can be used to help a family get their first mortgage, finance a student’s education, or help a local business owner open a new store location. We like to call this Community Recycling.

What are the biggest misconceptions about credit unions?

There are a few misconceptions about credit unions, I always say credit unions are the best kept secret.

1. Not everyone can become a member. This is not true, anyone who lives in Ontario can become a member/owner of GFCU.

2. Credit unions don’t offer all the same products & services as the big banks. No matter the type of product you’re searching for, you can find it at the credit union.

3. Another myth is that your deposits aren’t insured with a credit union.

How do you know if a credit union is right for you?

If you’re looking for a concrete answer, we can’t give you one. The truth is that no one can tell you whether a credit union or bank is right for you. That’s a decision you must make for yourself. But if you are looking for a change, we’d be happy to help you become a member of the GFCU family.

What are your current offerings and programs?

We have some great promotions at the credit union right now. Check out our ‘Sweet Rates’ promotion where you can get 4.95% for 18 months OR 5.25% for 6 months. We will also cover your transfer fees. Come on in and open an account, mention you read this newsletter and we will give you your $50 member share (terms and conditions apply).

Local Heroes

Highlighting the hardworking citizens making a positive impact on our community.

David often speaks about being an advocate within his workplace and although he doesn't mind, he often refers to the importance of allyship and how much work can be done when folks work together to make significant changes.

What has the journey of moving to Cobourg been like for you and your family?

My journey moving to Cobourg has not been easy. I do see some change over the last 12 years, but I feel there could be more. As a father, I sometimes blame myself as for moving my family to a predominantly white community. Even as an adult working in this community, I have faced microaggression in many ways. My family has faced many transitional issues, but we have found ways to rise above them in the best way we can.

Black and other marginalized individuals are often the people put in the position to be the educators on EDI to others. As a father, what are the conversations you are having with your children as you prepare them to be some of the few black faces in their classes, extracurriculars and in the general community?

As a father, I try my best to teach my children to love everyone no matter how they identify. I also try my best to keep them family oriented. My daughters have been in Girl Guides, SONG, and take taekwondo. I think my children see the differences in their classrooms, so I try my best to immerse them in our culture and people.

What are you advocating for as an EDI committee member, in our community?

As a parent, speaking with connections within the community, I have noticed that there are not many options and educational tools that represent diverse cultures. From the books that they read to the educational videos that they watch, it is important for all students to be able to see themselves portrayed so that they may feel more comfortable embracing their authentic selves. I joined the EDI committee to help not just my children but, all children no matter their race or cultural background.

This is the first year the Town of Cobourg has proclaimed Black History Month, how can we evolve BHM in the years to come?
This year, through partnership with community organizations we found creative ways to talk about Black Excellence, bridge challenging conversations, and educate how the greater community can be allies. Moving forward, we can learn from diverse communities like Durham who are trying their best to include more culture and diversity.

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