West-Northumberland Independent - August 14 by Grant Haven Media

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West Northumberland Independent

Friday, August 14, 2026

VOL. 1 • ISSUE 3

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‘Angels in the Outfield’ honours the late Jeff Lees SARAH HYATT Editor/reporter

Honouring a long-time leader who dedicated much of his life to community in Port Hope will be the focus of a first-time fundraising baseball tourney on Saturday. Jeff Lees wore many hats in the Municipality of Port Hope, including as a devoted servant on council for 25 years. He passed away suddenly in January 2025. But in addition to his councillor and deputy mayor positions, he is remembered as a family man, a huge sports advocate, and a dedicated volunteer – so much so, he was also the recipient of the 2022 Outstanding Citizen Civic Award in recognition of his 30-plus years of community service. Whether helping through the Kinsmen or Lions, to Santa Claus parades and Canada Day fireworks, along with beloved traditions like Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny, those who knew him often remember Lees as a man with an unwavering willingness to help others and a huge Port Hope supporter. Over the decades, his fingerprints can be found on several other projects – from helping with sports, to the arts and Big Brothers Big Sisters or at the HBIA, Port Hope Fair, and Highway of Heroes Ride, to name just a few of the causes close to his heart. Now, this Saturday, two friends have come together CONTINUED TO PAGE 12

YMCA Northumberland board chair Mark Galonski takes a spin on a stationary bike beside an architect’s drawings of a proposed new YMCA facility in Cobourg. /Natalie Hamilton photo

YMCA says need for new facility is now NATALIE HAMILTON Reporter

One recent Monday morning outside the Cobourg YMCA’s front doors, two women chat, one with a yoga mat tucked under her arm. Meanwhile, a string of young kids in summer day

camp parade pass a window of the YMCA’s Gravity and CycleFit Exercise Studio, which is lined with stationary bikes and other fitness equipment. Earlier that day, about 50 seniors made a splash getting a work-out in the pool. Many parking spaces in the Elgin Street West lot are occupied. CONTINUED TO PAGE 6

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Friday, August 14, 2026

West Northumberland Independent

Town of Cobourg News

August 14, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE Final Day to Submit Nomination Papers for 2026 Municipal and School Board Election is August 21 The Town of Cobourg Legislative Services Division would like to inform all residents that the final day to submit nomination papers for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election is Friday, August 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. The upcoming Municipal Election to elect a Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors and School Board Trustees will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026. Interested candidates may file their nomination papers at the Clerk’s Office, 55 King Street West, Cobourg, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Nomination Day, Friday, August 21, candidates may file their papers from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Candidates are encouraged to contact the Town of Cobourg Clerk’s Office or visit CobourgVotes.ca for nomination forms, election information and to schedule an appointment to file nomination papers. Candidates should be aware of the following requirements: • Nomination papers must be filed with the Municipal Clerk/Returning Officer by 2 p.m. on Nomination Day, Friday, August 21, 2026. • Municipal Council candidates must submit Form 2 – Endorsement of Nomination signed by at least 25 eligible voters. • Candidates must be registered before spending money on their campaign or accepting campaign contributions. • A filing fee of $200 for Head of Council candidates and $100 for all other offices is required when submitting nomination papers. • Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements to run for municipal office and are encouraged to confirm their eligibility before filing nomination papers.

Snow Clearing Assistance 2026-2027 Pilot Program

Municipal Sidewalk Clearing & Driveway Windrow Clearing Eligible Applicants: • Residents 65 years and older, OR • Individuals unable to clear snow due to a disability 25 eligible applicants will be selected using an electronic lottery process Applications must be received by September 14, before 4:30 p.m.

Apply Online Cobourg.ca/SnowHelp CBCCBC andand The Hip present TheTragically Tragically Hip present

Following Nomination Day, the Municipal Clerk will review all submitted nominations and will determine whether each candidate meets the qualifications and requirements under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996. Candidates whose nominations are certified will be eligible to run in the election. Those whose nominations are rejected will be notified. About the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election The 2026 Municipal and School Board Election will take place across all Ontario municipalities. Voting in the Town of Cobourg will be internet voting, a secure and convenient way to vote anytime and from anywhere during the voting period. Prefer to vote in person? The Town of Cobourg will be hosting Voter Help Centres during the voting period where residents may use a secure voting kiosk, with staff support available every step of the way. The voting period will open on Friday, October 16, 2026, and close on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. For more information, visit CobourgVotes.ca or contact the Election Office at 905-372-4301, ext. 9520, or email cobourgvotes@cobourg.ca. Have a question? Contact our Customer Service team: 905-372-4301 x 0 | customerservice@cobourg.ca 55 King Street West, Cobourg, ON, K9A 2M2

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

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Next Summer Council Meeting experiencecobourg.ca/thetragicallyhip AUG Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 1 p.m. calendar.cobourg.ca/council

West Northumberland Independent

Friday, August 14, 2026

Council advances $96K cleanup at former file factory Stay Connected

SARAH HYATT Editor/reporter

Cleanup will be getting underway at 121 Cavan St. – the property more commonly known as the former file factory. The vacant property has been the site of two fires since 2024 – the latest was about two months ago. “Going back to the fire that happened at 121 Cavan St. – known as the file factory – in mid-June, an order was issued pursuant to the Building Code Act to have the file factory remediated,” said David Chatwell, manager of municipal law enforcement, during a verbal update at Port Hope council’s Tuesday meeting. “The order was not complied with so staff went through the procurement process to obtain a contractor, which is (Cliffshore Excavating and Paving.) The bid was $96,400 plus HST (and) that will be placed onto the owner’s tax (bill).” As previously reported, this verbal update follows direction from council after an in-camera session and rise and report by Mayor Olena Hankivsky at council’s July meeting. In short, council directed staff earlier to proceed with remediation work after the expiration of an order to remedy, in accordance with Port Hope’s procurement policy and property standards bylaw and then communicate publicly on future finalized remediation details and upon completion of the procurement process. In more plain language, according to the municipality, enforcement staff had issued an order to have the property remediated and this work wasn’t completed within the prescribed timeframe, resulting in council’s July direction. The July council resolution passed also states any costs associated with remediation be added to the property owner’s tax bill. This does mean clean-up costs are initially being paid for by the municipality, then placed on the owner’s tax account, a municipal spokesperson told the Independent, in response to inquiries. In a release about debris removal at the site, officials stated work at the former file factory was starting Monday, Aug. 17. Chatwell expressed hopes in response to council inquiries that work would wrap before school started again. Crews will be working at the site to remove building remnants and fire-related debris over the next two weeks, and as a result, there may be temporary lane disruptions and increased truck traffic in the area, staff noted. As previously reported, the two fires at the property were in June 2026 and

porthope.ca

Connect with the latest municipal information including upcoming meetings, events, and important notices.

Remediation work is getting underway at the former file factory property. /Municipality of Port Hope photo

July 2024. The latest fire resulted in “extensive damage.” In both, the cause of the fires have gone down as “undetermined” at this time, Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services Director and Chief Jason Williams previously told the Independent. A Port Hope Police Service probe continues, and a spokesperson said as of Wednesday, Aug. 12 there were no new updates. Cleanup was also undertaken in July 2025 after the fire in July 2024, and in a public notice, the municipality also spoke to non-compliance issues with a property-related order, saying cleanup then was being completed in accordance with municipal and provincial regulations. “As the order pertaining to the remediation of the property has not been complied with, the municipality has secured a contractor to bring the property into compliance at the owner’s expense,” reads the July 7, 2025 notice. However, at press deadline, inquiries seeking clarification around whether the municipality initially paid for cleanup costs in this instance – and if so, how much – and whether costs were recouped, were not answered. A municipal spokesperson did respond about recouped costs after the July 2024 fire saying that staff cannot provide information about specific property tax accounts unless that information becomes public as part of the tax sale process. “As a standard practice, any property clean-up costs incurred by the municipality are added to the property’s tax account,” the spokesperson continued. “If those costs remain unpaid, the municipality may begin the tax sale process when permitted by the Municipal Act.”

Upcoming Municipal Election

Community Calendar

porthopevotes.ca

porthope.ca/calendar

You can view the current list of candidates who have submitted their nomination papers with the Municipality of Port Hope. The Nomination Period closes August 21, at 2 p.m. The official list of certified candidates will be confirmed on August 24, 2026.

Summer is in full swing and we have many community events throughout the rest of August. Have an activity or program that you’d like to promote? Visit the calendar page and fill out the ‘Submit an Event’ form to share the details with the community.

e-Billing porthope.ca/water-bill Did you know? We offer e-billing and a virtual billing/payment portal for water services? Get your bill delivered straight to your inbox or get a login for Virtual Town Hall. Signing up is quick and easy! You can switch back to paper billing at any time. Thanks for helping us reduce paper use while enjoying a faster and more convenient way to receive your bill.

121 Cavan Street porthope.ca/news Clean-up of the old file factory site will begin on August 17 (weather permitting), for two weeks. During this time, there may be temporary lane disruptions and increased truck traffic in the area. This work is being completed alongside PHAI activities in the area, so drivers and pedestrians are asked to exercise caution when travelling nearby.

Upcoming Events or Meetings: porthope.ca/calendar SEPT

Committee of the Whole Meeting

The next Committee of the Whole meeting takes place Tuesday, September 1 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers (Town Hall). When available, the agenda will be posted at: porthope.ca/agenda

AUG

Movies in the Park

Relax under the stars for a showing of Inside Out in Memorial Park. Film begins at dusk. The final movie night is September 2. For more details, visit porthope.ca/movies

Stay Connected: Subscribe to our eNewsletters at porthope.ca/subscribe

Friday, August 14, 2026

West Northumberland Independent

EDITORIAL Inspired at Cobourg Rotary meeting STEWART GRANT Publisher of the West Northumberland Independent

Last Friday, I had the honour of speaking at the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Cobourg about Grant Haven Media and the West Northumberland Independent. The meeting was held in the ballroom of the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre, with 63 Rotarians present, plus a couple of noteworthy guests, including a former Rotary international exchange student who visiting Canada and reuniting with the club that had hosted her nearly two decades ago. Rotary exchange has been an incredible, life-changing experience for so many young people over the years who have taken part. As I walked into the room, I saw a poster highlighting Rotary International’s “Four-Way Test,” which helps guide the actions of Rotarians. The Four-Way Test asks four simple questions: • Is it the truth? • Is it fair to all concerned? • Will it build goodwill and better friendships? • Will it be beneficial to all concerned? When I look at our goals for the West Northumberland Independent, I feel that we are very much aligned with Rotary’s Four-Way Test. We seek to pro-

Publisher Stewart Grant talks to Rotarians about the new West Northumberland Independent at the Rotary Club of Cobourg’s meeting last Friday, Aug. 7. /Peter Dounoukos photo

vide truthful and fair reporting of local news events, while we also aim to benefit the community by helping inform of area events and thus bring people together. “Service above self” is the official Rotary motto, and I’ve learned that the Rotary Club of Cobourg is one of the largest and most impactful clubs in all of Canada. The local club held its first meeting back in 1921 and remains strong with more than 120 registered members. One of Rotary’s huge local projects is this weekend’s annual Northumberland Ribfest and Music Festival. The event will be held from Aug. 14 to 16 at Vic-

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Publisher Stewart Grant • stew@granthaven.com

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Editor / Reporter Sarah Hyatt • sarah@granthaven.com

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Graphic Design Melanie McGill • info@wnuindy.ca

Business Development Heather Dunbar • heather@granthaven.com

Billing Administrator Claire Jones • claire@granthaven.com

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Sports Correspondent Alan Rivett, Photographer Tim Burgess

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Cobourg Rotarians are seen here holding up their issues of the Independent last Friday at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre as Publisher Stewart Grant talked about Northumberland’s new newspaper. /Peter Dounoukos photo

toria Park in Cobourg, and during Friday’s meeting, it was really evident just how much volunteer time is needed to make something like this a success. The event has continued to grow year-over-year and thanks to the community’s support, the Rotary Club of Cobourg has been able to make meaningful differences in the community and abroad through support of Northumberland Hills Hospital, the Cobourg Community Centre, Cobourg

Heritage Harbour, literacy projects at home and abroad, clean water projects, and the eradication of Polio. The club is one of many local service organizations in Northumberland that give back to the community in meaningful ways. We are pleased to help boost awareness of these selfless efforts and events through the pages of the West Northumberland Independent.

Have something to say? Submit your Letter to the Editor to us at sarah@granthaven.com

West Northumberland Independent

Friday, August 14, 2026

New director of community, social services

Forty-year public service veteran to tackle ‘one of the county’s largest and most diverse service portfolios’ SARAH HYATT Editor/reporter

A long-time veteran of public service and a familiar face has returned at the Northumberland County level to tackle “one of the county’s largest and most diverse service portfolios.” This means work on advancing strategic leadership under housing, homelessness, physician recruitment, community safety, Ontario Works, and more. For more than a decade, Bill Detlor served in senior leadership roles with Northumberland Paramedics and held the position of chief before transitioning to the role of administrator for the county’s 151-bed Golden Plough Lodge long-term care facility in 2020. He stayed the course through COVID-19 and until the official declaration of the end of the pandemic. His retirement came in July 2023. And now Detlor has returned in a new role as a director of community and social services, Northumberland County has announced. “We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Bill back to the county,” said CAO Dan Borowec, who also previously retired in 2025 and returned earlier this year to serve at the helm of the county. “He is a thoughtful, collaborative leader who understands our organization, our community and the importance of building strong partnerships to improve quality of life for residents.” County leaders described Detlor as a respected municipal and healthcare executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience. Until his latest appointment, he previously served with Northumberland County for 13 years – but his background includes more than 40 years of public service throughout his lifetime. His appointment to his new post was effective this Monday, Aug. 10 following what the county detailed as a competitive recruitment process. “His experience across municipal government and healthcare, combined with his commitment to public service and his ability to lead people through change, make him exceptionally well-suited to lead community and social services,” said Borowec. “We look forward to having him return as part of the county’s leadership team.” During Detlor’s previous tenure, officials credited him with leading significant service improvements across both of his portfolios, including implementation of the community paramedicine program, enhancements to paramedic emergency response through data-driven deployment strategies, and leadership of the county’s long-term care home “through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.” According to a recent county release, after his retirement from the county in 2023, “Bill returned to public service in a leadership role with Campbellford Memorial Hospital further strengthening his experience in healthcare operations, organizational leadership and system-wide collaboration.” In his new post, Detlor will be tasked with providing

Bill Detlor is Northumberland County’s new director of community and social services, which is described as one of the organization’s largest and most diverse portfolios. /Northumberland County photo

strategic leadership for a broad portfolio that includes Ontario Works, children’s services, housing, homelessness, physician recruitment, community safety and wellbeing, and related community supports, explained county staff. Detlor will report directly to Borowec. Detlor will also be responsible for guiding longterm service planning, fostering partnerships across the health and human services sector, advising council on strategic priorities, and “ensuring high-quality, fiscally-responsible services that respond to the evolving needs of the community.” Detlor also sounds fired up about his new post. “It is a privilege to return to an organization that has meant so much to me throughout my career,” said Detlor. “The staff of community and social services and the broader county team are committed to delivering compassionate, responsive and high-quality services – and I am excited to once again work alongside this team, county council, community partners and residents to advance the programs and supports that help people thrive. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and helping advance innovative, integrated services that respond to the changing needs of our community.” County leaders also anticipate Detlor’s abilities to develop high-performing teams, lead complex organizations and build strong relationships across various levels of government and within healthcare and the

Quote of the Week “The hours and days ahead will be difficult. The Bald Ridge fire remains extremely active and significant challenges remain. But British Columbians always show up for one another when it matters most. We will continue to support affected communities, stand with those who have lost so much and do everything possible to keep people safe. Our thoughts are with every person, family and community affected by this wildfire. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.” - From a statement issued by the premier of British Columbia, David Eby, after a provincial state of emergency was declared due to the ongoing wildfires”

community will be of benefit. What’s more, officials said his extensive experience in strategic planning, operational leadership, financial stewardship, emergency management, labour relations and organizational development closely align with the leadership required to oversee “one of the county’s largest and most diverse service portfolios.” The role of director of community and social services has been vacant since March 13, 2026, while recruitment was underway, but department oversight was still being provided by Lisa Ainsworth, director of corporate services, during this period, a Northumberland County spokesperson told the Independent, in response to inquiries. Previously, Glenn Dees had assumed leadership of the community and social services department as part of his health and human services portfolio after longtime director of community and social services Lisa Horne retired after 34 years in public service in 2024. Dees – another former long-time employee who originally started in the finance department in 2009 – held many roles with the county over his 17 years of service, including his latest as acting CAO before announcing earlier this year he was moving on to a new professional opportunity. “He retained oversight of this portfolio while in the acting CAO role from October 2025 until his departure on March 13, 2026,” confirmed the county spokesperson, in response to questions around timelines for this position. Dees had taken over at the helm following a council appointment and after long-time CAO Jennifer Moore’s departure in September 2025. Back in June, Moore was appointed as CAO for the Township of Selwyn. As previously reported by the county, Borowec ended up being the successful candidate in the recruitment for a new CAO and was appointed to the position effective March 13, 2026. Back in January 2025, Borowec had also announced his retirement after more than three decades in public service. At the time of his retirement, he previously held the post of director of economic development, planning and strategic initiatives.

By Jake Grant

1. Albuquerque is located on the shores of what river? 2. What are baby Koalas called? 3. What is the most spoken language on Earth? 4. The deficiency of which vitamin causes scurvy? 5. What is the term for the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise? 6. The “Hollywood” sign originally spelled out what word? 7. What’s the name of the pig in the book “Charlotte’s Web”? 8. How many points does the Star of David have? 9. Which dinosaur is famous for having three horns? 10. What is the term for being romantically or sexually unfaithful to a partner? This week’s answers are found on pg. 22

Friday, August 14, 2026

West Northumberland Independent

Town wants Y to provide clear implementation strategy, business plan CONTINUED FROM FRONT

Eunice Kirkpatrick, YMCA Northumberland’s president and CEO, said with Cobourg’s growing population, time is of the essence to build a new, modern facility to accommodate the community’s needs. With the topic of a new YMCA site in town discussed for at least two decades, Kirkpatrick doesn’t want the project delayed any longer. That’s one reason why YMCA Northumberland, through Kirkpatrick and board chair Mark Galonski, made a recent delegation before Town of Cobourg council. They are looking to the town for about $2 million through the donation of land located on the campus of the Cobourg Community Centre (CCC) to build a new state-of-the-art activity hub, according to Kirkpatrick. YMCA Northumberland is also seeking access to Town of Cobourg development charges in the ballpark of $6.1 million and the continued exemption and payment of municipal taxes, according to a recent staff report. The organization has presented the Town of Cobourg with drawings for a 62,000-square foot proposed facility that would include an aquatics hall, squash courts, a conditioning centre, a gym, child-care spaces, community meeting rooms, and more on land located on D’Arcy Street to the north of the CCC. The concept is still on the table, but the project didn’t receive the momentum Kirkpatrick had hoped for during the recent council meeting. During the meeting near the end of July, council received a staff report about the YMCA recreation facility proposal. Ultimately, council passed staff’s recommendation that asks YMCA Northumberland to report back with a clear implementation strategy and business plan for council’s review and consideration. Staff also asked council to indicate to YMCA Northumberland that any future consideration of municipal financial support be contingent upon the submission of a comprehensive business plan outlining the project’s objectives, financial sustainability, implementation timelines, and the demonstrated community benefit to Cobourg residents. “It’s certainly not the decision we were hoping for,” Kirkpatrick told the Independent. “We’ve put a lot of work into trying to move this project forward. We had some momentum going.” She noted there were meetings between the YMCA and the town in the spring. Ultimately, the YMCA was hoping those discussions with the town could continue and not be put on hold. The YMCA provided the town with an architect’s drawings of the proposed building and parking spaces as requested. “We were hoping we could continue discussions, at least at the staff level, through the election to keep some momentum going.” Kirkpatrick said the YMCA needs a commitment from the town before it can apply for provincial and federal funding. The charitable organization’s revenue

primarily stems from government-funded community programs, its child-care services and day camps and membership fees. In March 2024, the Town of Cobourg entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with YMCA Northumberland. The intent of the MOU was to explore a potential partnership to develop a recreational centre in Cobourg that would provide expanded facilities that align with a YMCA operation, including an aquatic centre, as detailed by staff. Following a March 2024 presentation from the YMCA, town staff participated in several meetings with the YMCA (president and CEO) and members of the YMCA board, between March 2024 and March 2026, according to staff. “During these meetings, town staff offered recommendations and guidance to the YMCA to advance their capital facilities project,” noted Lacricia Turner, the town’s director of community services, in her latest staff report on the proposal. In April 2026, Town of Cobourg staff struck an MOU working group with the YMCA president and CEO and YMCA board members to discuss the YMCA capital facilities project. The group met once in April and twice in May, as detailed in staff’s latest report. The reported goal of those meetings was to prepare all required background information to support the YMCA as outlined within the MOU so that it can return to council with a detailed business plan, outlining specific requests from the Town of Cobourg, the report reads. “Further, as per the MOU, the business plan must facilitate programs to meet the needs of the municipality, which would support its current (parks and recreation master plan) and other relevant strategic plans. “Following the series of meetings and discussions as mentioned above, staff remain concerned that the YMCA capital facilities project has not advanced to a stage that demonstrates a clear implementation strategy or sustainable business plan,” noted Turner. “At the same time, YMCA Northumberland’s requests for municipal staff support and resources have continued to increase, resulting in growing demands on staff capacity without a defined roadmap or measurable benefits the facilities project will bring to Cobourg residents.” The town also noted while the $6.1 million the YMCA desires is identified within the development charge study, “there are important practical and legislative considerations that should be acknowledged.” Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland said there’s a perception that he has a bigger role in decisions about the YMCA project, noting he has one vote just like everyone else on council. Cleveland voted in support of the motion and said he views the current situation as a time to “pause.” “Council clearly said pause,” Cleveland told the Independent. “Pauses are good. Pauses aren’t no. Pauses are yes and … (we need more in-

A newborn baby and new mother take part in an aquatics program in the YMCA Northumberland’s pool. /YMCA photo

formation) and I think that’s really important to stress.” “This is a good thing. We all want (the project) to happen.” As for its next steps, Kirkpatrick said its board of directors will have to regroup and discuss. “What we wanted to determine, is if the land at the CCC wasn’t suitable, can we explore other land options within the community?” Kirkpatrick said they don’t

have that answer. YMCA Northumberland operates three health and fitness centres, 25 child-care locations, four EarlyON centres, and one seasonal outdoor pool. It offers summer day camp at four locations in Northumberland. In 2025, there were 299,100 visits to YMCA Northumberland’s health and fitness centres.

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West Northumberland Independent

Friday, August 14, 2026

Port Hope paints the town for annual arts festival

Left-to-right: Port Hope kids and youth like Maggie seen here holding ‘Chicky,’ Gracie with ‘Lover’ and Leila holding ‘Buzzer,’ had a blast at annual arts festival last weekend. They acquired their new friends from the vendor’s market.

Festivalgoers visit craft vendors behind Port Hope Town Hall.

Meadow Haubold from Baltimore is seen here enjoying some cotton candy-flavoured ice cream at the Port Hope Arts Festival. The hot weather didn’t deter her from waiting patiently in the long line to get a cold treat at food trucks set up downtown.

Festivalgoers were wowed by these stilts walkers who took several selfies with residents while walking around Memorial Park.

Jilliam Rolph, 12, and a Grade 7 student from Cobourg, played a few songs on the bandshell stage at Memorial Park. Jilliam has been playing for three years and performed ‘Ocean Eyes.’

Actors Sue Minor and Mark Brownell from Toronto perform ‘For Buggies Sakes’ to the crowd on Lent Lane. This was one of the 10-minute plays as part of the festival. /Tim Burgess photos

Friday, August 14, 2026

West Northumberland Independent

RibFest ‘brings the community together’ Cobourg event from Aug. 14 to 16 raises money for local projects NATALIE HAMILTON Reporter

A weekend to savour both sticky ribs off the barbecue and live music starts this Friday, Aug. 14 in Cobourg’s waterfront park. Cobourg Rotary Club and sponsors present Northumberland RibFest and Music Festival from Friday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 16 in Victoria Park. The event runs on Friday from 4 to 11 p.m., on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. It features five award-winning “ribbers” who will be working their magic to serve up their own special ribs for attendees. The ribbers are Boss Hogg, Uncle Sam’s, Jack the Ribber, Camp 31, and Billy Bones. There will also be several food trucks, live music and refreshments, including beer, wine and spirits, throughout the entire weekend. Hotel California, “the original Eagles tribute band,” performs on Saturday from 8 to 10 p.m. Admission to Northumberland RibFest is free. Donations are welcome and the money supports a variety of local initiatives. “All proceeds from this event are donated back to the community,” not-

ed Lynda Kay, past president of the Cobourg Rotary Club and chair of the marketing committee for the event. Northumberland RibFest is important because “it brings our club members together working on a project that will provide vital supports to the community,” she said. “The best possible outcome (is) that we will have another record-breaking event. This is our 18th year bringing friends and family together for a good time and to support the community.” New features for 2026 include a “KidZone,” and a special tribute on Saturday to the Tragically Hip. Ten years ago, RibFest was held on the same weekend during which the Tragically Hip played its last concert in Kingston. Money raised will support organizations and their projects and include Beyond the Blue Box, Habitat for Humanity, Air Cadets Squadron 598, Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg Lawn Bowling Club, local radio station 89.7 FM, Community Care Northumberland’s “adopt a grandparent program,” Friends of the Ganaraska Forest, and Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre.

Northumberland RibFest runs from Friday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 16. This photo captures a 2025 ‘ribber’ who was part of the event. /Karen Truter photo

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West Northumberland Independent

Friday, August 14, 2026

Masterpieces at Cobourg’s Sandcastle Festival draw huge crowds

Kids are seen here at the community sandcastle. Children were encouraged to add their own creativity to the REMAX-sponsored sandcastle.

Master sculptors from Dundas Sandi Stirling and Dennis Hall. Sandi has been making sandcastles for 30 years. It took the team two days to construct ‘Cameco.’

Andre Poulin and Lucie Rioux from Mirabel, Que., are pictured here. This was their first time in Cobourg at the festival. They started building together in 2011 and won first place in the adult category with their ‘Sand Dream’ creation.

Master sculptor Tom Chalmers from Peterborough is seen here putting on the final touches to his creation ‘Adventure Awaits.’ He says he did a few practice runs and variations at other beaches in preparation for the festival here.

Left-to-right: Kylie, Lacey and Contessa won first place in the youth division and received a $50 gift card for the Spark Toy Store.

Left-to-right: Judges Georgia Rickerby, an Experience Cobourg ambassador, Massimo Merrett, a Town of Cobourg waterfront worker, and Cole Lomax and Gavin Marriott with the town’s parks department, are seen here during one of their evaluations. /Tim Burgess photos

Friday, August 14, 2026

West Northumberland Independent

MAYORAL COLUMN Did you know?

LUCAS CLEVELAND Independent Columnist

An unexpected part of this job is how much of it I have spent in a classroom. I have sat through more presentations on provincial planning law than I ever expected. Here is some of what I learned. Did you know Ontario has passed a major planning bill almost every year for the better

part of a decade? These are omnibus bills – the kind that rewrite many laws at once. Reviewing the record in spring 2024, one municipal law firm counted no fewer than 10 since 2021 alone. More have come since. Last year’s Bill 17 amended eight separate acts in a single stroke. This June’s Bill 98 changed the Planning Act, the Municipal Act and the Building Code Act together. Each of these bills contains dozens of individual changes. These are not abstractions. Between them, these rules decide what gets built and where, what a town can ask of a developer before approving it, and who pays for the pipes and roads underneath. Two clarifications. “Omnibus” is not a criticism – it is how modern legislatures work,

and every party at every level now drafts legislation this way. And I take no position on the merits of any of it. Cobourg is a creature of the province. I swore an oath to work within that structure, and I will follow the lawful decisions of any democratically elected provincial government, whatever my personal views or party sympathies. That is the job, and the responsibilities of this job outweigh all of that. Nobody fully knows yet what these changes will add up to. Much is still being phased in through regulations not yet written, and the data is very early. Add the new HST relief on eligible new homes, and several large shifts are landing at once and interacting with each other – and we are seeing that here in Cobourg. Closer to home, council re-

cently endorsed an application to the new federal-provincial infrastructure grant program, and we await word – one more moving part in a picture with plenty. Listening to coverage of the housing numbers, it struck me that the experts are solving for X while Y and Z remain unknown. As anyone who survived high school math can tell you, that does not work. So how do we make sense of it together? We already know how. In February, our Heritage Atlas was named a finalist in the infrastructure category of an international StoryMaps competition built in-house by our own staff. This month, our public works team released a StoryMap on how we care for assets worth more than $1.12 billion (at Cobourg.ca/AMStoryMap.)

Those projects started from an assumption not often made in this business: That residents can understand complicated things when somebody bothers to tell the story properly. So perhaps it is time we really told the story of how this provincially-regulated development process has evolved. I can tell you, firsthand, what has happened to these rules and regulations in just the past four years is a real story, as I’ve lived it firsthand. I heard clearly the opening chapter at my very first council meeting, and what I heard is exactly why I have been sitting in classrooms trying to keep pace ever since. That story deserves more than these 500 words can allow. Lucas Cleveland is the mayor of the Town of Cobourg.

MENTAL HEALTH COLUMN ‘Head Space’: Mental health should be snackable, too

BRANDON W. HAHN Independent Columnist

I’ve been writing about mental health for a long time. Long enough to remember when talking openly about it could make a room suddenly very interested in its shoes. Thankfully, things have changed. Not completely. But

enough. These days, I find myself in an interesting place professionally. I’m a writer, a mature film-school student, a podcaster, a mental health advocate and once again, a newspaper columnist. Apparently, I don’t enjoy spare time. But all of these things have started to connect. A couple of years ago, I created Snackable Mental Health with a pretty simple idea: Mental health conversations don’t always have to be turkey dinners to be meaningful. Sometimes we need the clinical conversation. Sometimes we need the serious conversation. And sometimes, we just need two people talking hon-

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estly about what it’s like to be human. That’s really what “Snackable Mental Health” has become. Through the podcast, I’ve had conversations with advocates, writers, actors, comedians and people with lived experience. We talk about mental health, but we also talk about work, creativity, relationships, recovery, bad days and occasionally ridiculous things. Because people are more than their diagnosis. I know that personally. I’ve lived with serious mental illness for more than 30 years. But I’ve also written books, performed comedy, hosted radio, gone back to school in my 50s, made mistakes, fallen in love, lost people, started over and somehow accumulated an

unreasonable number of stories along the way. Mental illness is part of my story – it isn’t the whole story. That’s something I want to explore in this column. I don’t want this space to become 500 words of advice from someone pretending to have everything figured out. I don’t. What I do have is experience. And curiosity. I want to talk about mental health the way we actually experience it: At kitchen tables, in classrooms, at work, in relationships and during those strange 3 a.m. negotiations with our own brains. Some weeks will be serious. Some will be hopeful. Some might even be funny. Probably a lot will be funny. That’s life.

And yes, if you’d like more of these conversations, you can find Snackable Mental Health on YouTube. Consider that my tiny commercial. We now return to our regularly-scheduled column. Mostly, though, I’m simply happy to be here. Community newspapers gave me a place to talk about mental health years ago when these conversations weren’t nearly as common as they are today. Now I get another 500 words. Let’s see what we can do with them. Brandon W. Hahn is a podcaster, screenwriter and mental health advocate. He hosts Snackable Mental Health on YouTube and writes about the strange business of being human.

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West Northumberland Independent

SPORTS First-ever baseball tourney to honour Jeff Lees’ community spirit CONTINUED FROM FRONT

to organize the first-ever “Angels in the Outfield – the Jeff Lees Memorial Baseball Tournament” in his honour. “We just were sitting together one day, and we decided that we were going to do something in memory of Jeff, and we knew he did a lot (in the) community … so we thought what better way than to do a tournament and give back to the community, which is what he enjoyed doing,” Tracey McBride told the Independent. McBride and Melony Gilmour are leading the charge for the inaugural tournament, which will be hosted at Alex Carruthers Memorial Park (3625 Ganaraska Rd.) in Garden Hill this Saturday, Aug. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Both McBride and Gilmour worked on fundraisers and community events with Lees over the years. And for Gilmour, in addition to also playing ball together and working on committees, she considered him a longtime close family friend. What started as a business friendship quickly blossomed into more of an “everyday friendship” where he became like an uncle to her kids, she shared. “They knew him as Uncle Jeff, so he was in our lives consistently – at least three times a week. So we – myself and my kids – got to see firsthand what that man gave to this town.” Simply put, this tournament is to honour his memory, his lifetime of service, his love for sports and his dedication to bringing community together and giving back, explained the organizers, adding they also just miss their friend. All proceeds raised through this year’s tournament are going to Port Hope Challenger Baseball and Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Durham and Northumberland. These organizations were close to Lees’ heart and chosen by his family, noted Gilmour.

Former Coun. Jeff Lees is seen here during the Port Hope Canada Day parade. An inaugural ‘Angels in the Outfield – the Jeff Lees Memorial Baseball Tournament’ has been set up in his honour for Aug. 15, 2026. /Municipality of Port Hope photo

On Saturday, the Lions Centre will also be dishing up food, and there will be a fundraising raffle with lots of prizes. (Attendees are encouraged to bring cash for both.) Eight teams will play three games each on two dia-

monds, with the championship round at the end. Even if you’re not a baseball fan but want to honour Lees and contribute in another way, all are welcome, whether to take in a game or show the Lions some love or take part in the raffle, said organizers. And with respect to prizes, McBride noted the community has been “fantastic” stepping up with sponsorships and donations, including people from Port Hope, Garden Hill and Cobourg. Next year, the tournament will still be in Lees’ honour, but the duo plans to choose another member of the community who has passed away and dedicate a year to them. After his passing, council colleagues also called Lees’ many years of service invaluable, saying he had a tremendous influence in shaping Port Hope. “As a life-long resident, Jeff took immense pride in his community and consistently placed the well-being of Port Hope residents at the forefront of all of his efforts and incredible volunteerism,” said Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “His dedication was not only professional but deeply personal, reflecting his love for the place he called home.” Former Mayor Bob Sanderson worked closely with Lees during their time on council and called him a “true pillar of our community.” “During my years as mayor, I came to trust and deeply appreciate his counsel,” said Sanderson. “He never sought the spotlight – his focus was always on what was best for Port Hope. “In his heart and in his actions, Jeff lived for this community. He was practical, thoughtful and brought a steady balance to the council table. His door was always open, and he was someone the community knew they could depend on.” Sanderson added that his quiet strength and unwavering dedication touched countless lives.

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West Northumberland Independent

Friday, August 14, 2026

SPORTS Cobourg Angels hosting PWSA regional championship in Baltimore ‘We’re the only girls’ rep fastball association in Northumberland County’ ALAN RIVETT Sports correspondent

Two Cobourg Junior Angels softball teams will attempt to fly high at the regional championships in Baltimore this weekend. The Cobourg Angels squads – Green and Black – will compete in the Provincial Women’s Softball Association (PWSA) Regional Championships in the U9/U11 category with 10 teams taking part at the Baltimore Community Centre from Aug. 14 to 16. They include the Port Perry Angels (two teams), Kawartha Lakers, Napanee Express, Barrie Storm (two teams), Clarington Ravens and Frankford Fury. Both Angels’ teams will play in the five-team Blue pool against Kawartha, Napanee and a Barrie squad. The top two teams in each division will advance to the playoff round. Aaron Gaudet, president of the Cobourg Angels softball organization, noted the regionals will mark the end of a full season of softball for the teams where players on each team started with winter workouts throughout the off sea-

ciation in Northumberland County.” As for the outlook in the tournament for the Cobourg squads, Gaudet said their goals are to play in the finals on Sunday. As for the strong suits of the local teams, Gaudet said pitching on each squad has improved steadily throughout the season and they’ll be looking to continue that trend at the regional playdowns. “They’ve really progressed well and they throw more strikes than they started with and they keep the teams in the ball The Cobourg Angels Green and Black Two Cobourg Junior Angels softball teams game,” he said. squads are competing at the Provincial have plans to fly high during the PWSA ReTournament games are at the BalWomen’s Softball Association Regional gional Championships in the U9/U11 categotimore Community Centre diamonds Championships in Baltimore this weekend. ry. /Cobourg Angels photo /Cobourg Angels photo (three fields), with the majority of the nament in Cobourg from June 6 to 8. games, including the playoffs, played at son. “This is the culmination of the entire the main Neil Cane diamond. The Junior Angels Green team, season for both teams,” said Gaudet. “It The Cobourg Junior Angels Black coached by Jordan Jones, is the older will be a competitive weekend for sure. squad will open the tournament against version of the U9/U11 squads and has “They both had great seasons, with been together for the past two years, said team building and growing them as more Kawartha on Friday at 3 p.m. Meanwhile, the Green team will open against Platinum Gaudet. Meanwhile, the younger Black than just ball players butPlatinum as kids asPlatinum well,” Napanee at 4 p.m. Platinum team, coached by Mike Lefabvre, in- he added. Elocroft Farms Ltd. Ltd. The gold-medal final is slated for SunElocroft Farms Lynn Hardy volves younger playersElocroft in the developHardy Farms Ltd. Elocroft Farms (RQ) He noted players on Ltd. eachLynn of Lynn the U9/ RogerRoger & Donna Cole (RQ) day at 1 p.m. Lynn Hardy & Donna Cole Hardy (RQ) mental program. (RQ) (RQ) Roger & Donna Cole (RQ)be available throughout the Roger Donna Cole U11(RQ) teams &live throughout NorthumberFood will (RQ) The Green squad, in particular, has enland County, including Cobourg, Port weekend at the canteen at the Baltimore joyed a terrific season thus far, winning Hope and Grafton. GoldGold Community Centre, which is located at Gold its own Paul Currelly Invitational TourGold23 Community Centre Rd. “We’re the only girls’ rep fastball asso-

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West Northumberland Independent

Cobourg Lawn Bowling Club championship fun this weekend SARAH HYATT Editor/reporter

It’s been a stellar season so far for the Cobourg Lawn Bowling Club, and more exciting play is just around the corner. Club President Bill Arthur said Cobourg is gearing up to host the Ontario Ladies’ Novice Pairs Championships at the 177 Church St. club and is encouraging residents to come out and watch the games. This championship round is a two-day event starting on Saturday, Aug. 15 and ending on Sunday, Aug. 16. “There will be 16 teams competing from across the province,” Arthur told the Independent. “From Lambeth in the southwest, to Stittsville, Ottawa. “They are all novice bowlers, which means they have been bowling for five years or less. For some, it will be their first time competing at this level and for some it will be their last as their five years expire at the end of this season,” explained Arthur. To kick-off the day Saturday, an opening ceremony is in the works for 8:30 a.m. Arthur said dignitaries such as Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini and Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland will be in attendance. The games will get underway at 9 a.m. “The Ontario Lawn Bowls Association is split into

Oshawa’s Heather Stubbings and Cobourg’s Lori Wills (left), as well as Cobourg’s Lynn Bryans and Sheri Perkins, will play in the Ontario Ladies’ Novice Pairs Championships this weekend in Cobourg. /Cobourg Lawn Bowling Club

16 districts. The teams have all qualified from playdowns in their own district for the honour of playing in the Ontario championships,” said Arthur. The Cobourg club is situated in district 14 and there are two teams representing the district, including Lori Wills, of Cobourg, and Heather Stubbings, of Oshawa, and an all-Cobourg team of Sheri Perkins and Lynn Bryans, noted Arthur.

The teams will compete in round robin play on Day 1 and the top two teams in each of the four groups will qualify for elimination play on the second day, explained the president. Arthur added that the men’s championship is also this weekend but is being hosted in Bobcaygeon. Al Bell and Terry Bradshaw from Cobourg are competing there.

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West Northumberland Independent

Friday, August 14, 2026

POLICE BLOTTER:

Your latest Cobourg, Port Hope police rundown Independent staff

From drug-related offences and failure to comply with probation charges, to open alcohol in public incidents and another incident where a man wanted on a warrant allegedly tried to flee from police after a bicycle stop, here is your latest police rundown for Cobourg and Port Hope. FOUR CHARGED AFTER ALCOHOL-RELATED OFFENCES: Four Cobourg residents are facing charges after police said they responded to four separate incidents involving public alcohol-related offences. On Aug. 8, at about 1:30 a.m., police said they responded to the Nickerson Drive and D’Arcy Street area after a report of a disturbance. As a result of the investigation, police said a Cobourg resident was charged with being intoxicated in a public place. Later, at about 7:50 p.m., police on general patrol in the Albert and 2nd streets area reported also finding a group of individuals with open alcohol containers. Three Cobourg residents were subsequently charged with having open alcohol in a public place. CHARGES LAID AFTER ‘SHORT FOOT PURSUIT’: A 35-year-old Cobourg man is accused of breaching a release condition and trying to evade police. On Aug. 9, at about 12:05 a.m., police said officers on general patrol observed an individual biking eastbound on King Street East and that the man was known

Cobourg police station. /Sarah Hyatt photo

to be on release orders with a condition to remain at his residence. After trying to stop the bicycle, officers said the individual allegedly fled the area and “tried to evade police.” “After a short foot pursuit, the individual was arrested without further incident a short distance away.” During the arrest, police allege they found a quantity of suspected cocaine. Police said the man was charged with failure to comply with a release order, cyclist – failure to stop, and possession of a controlled substance. POSSESSION CHARGE AFTER WARRANT ARREST: A 35-year-old Cobourg man has been charged after initially being arrested on an outstanding warrant. On Aug. 5, at about 1 p.m., police on patrol in the Division and Ewart streets area reported locating an individual wanted on an outstanding warrant. Following an arrest on the strength of the warrant, police said they found a quantity of suspected fentanyl, leading to an additional charge of possession of a schedule I substance – fentanyl.

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OPEN-AIR DRUG USE REPORT LEADS TO CHARGES: A 31-year-old Cobourg man is facing charges after police said they responded to a report of open-air drug use. Police said they responded to the report on Aug. 5 at about 9:45 a.m. in the Queen and McGill streets area. After arriving on scene, officers reported finding an individual with drug paraphernalia and a suspected controlled substance in plain view. During the arrest, police said they found about 0.4 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine and two U.S. counterfeit $100 bills. The accused was charged with possession of a schedule I substance – methamphetamine, possession of counterfeit cash, two counts of failure to comply with a probation order and failure to comply with a release order. DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE PORT HOPE: In Port Hope, the service said a recent report of a domestic disturbance has also led to charges. The Port Hope Police Service said officers responded to the call on Aug. 9. As a result of the investigation, police said a 42-year-old Port Hope woman was charged with domestic assault and breach of recognizance. None of the charges in the above unrelated incidents have been proven in court.

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West Northumberland Independent

Who’s running for Cobourg council so far

Unofficial list for candidates for 2026 municipal election Independent staff

The nomination period for the 2026 municipal council and school board elections, which opened on May 1, ends on Friday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. The election is on Monday, Oct. 26. In Cobourg, as nominations are filed with the Town of Cobourg, town staff updates the list daily at 3 p.m. As of the Independent’s publication deadline, there were three people running for the position mayor, including Nicole Beatty, Max LeMarchant, and Lucas Cleveland. Meanwhile, for the position of deputy mayor, which occupies one seat on council, Adam Bureau has filed his papers. There are five positions on council to be elected at large. Aaron Burchat, Randy Curtis, Alexander Cahill, Randy Barber, Joel Scott, Cindy Beman, Miriam Mutton, Brian Darling, Johnny Percolides, Mark Mills, and Lindsay Grim-

ley are running for a seat. For the school boards, there are two elected positions for the role of school board trustee. Elizabeth Terrell, of Campbellford, Jaine Klassen Jeninga, of Baltimore, and Lindsay White, of Cobourg, are running for seats on the English public (Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board) board of trustees. For the single position of English separate (Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board) board of trustee, no one has yet filed papers. For the single elected position of school board trustee for the French public board (Conseil Scolaire Viamonde), Kristine Dandavino, of Oshawa, is running. For the single elected position of school board trustee for the French separate board (Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir), Marcellin Kwilu Mondo, of Ajax, has filed papers.

Who’s running for council so far in Port Hope Nomination period closes next Friday Independent staff

The deadline for the nomination period for the 2026 municipal council and school board elections is just around the corner. The election is set for Oct. 26, but the nomination period closes Friday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. As of the Independent’s publication deadline, there were five people running for mayor for the Municipality of Port Hope, including Angela Grogan, Todd Attridge, Jordan Stevenson, David Stambrook, and Ian West. Several people have filed their papers to be a Ward 1 councillor. They are Claire Holloway Wadhwani, Norm Orviss, Miranda Lukaniuk, Les Andrews, Vicki Mink, Angela Bray, Caleb Carisse, and Adam Pearson. Only five candidates will be elected as Ward 1 councillors. For Ward 2, Jamie Ferguson, Darrell Toms, and Glenn Deeth have submitted their papers.

Two candidates will be elected from the rural ward. For the school boards, there are two elected positions for the role of school board trustee. Elizabeth Terrell, of Campbellford, Jaine Klassen Jeninga, of Baltimore, and Lindsay White, of Cobourg, are running for seats on the English public (Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board) board of trustees. For the single position of English separate (Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board) board of trustee, no one has filed papers. For the single elected position of school board trustee for the French public board (Conseil Scolaire Viamonde), Kristine Dandavino, of Oshawa, is running for a seat at the table. For the single elected position of school board trustee for the French separate board (Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir), Marcellin Kwilu Mondo, of Ajax, has filed their papers.

Time is running out for candidates looking to toss their hats into the ring for the 2026 municipal election. /Sarah Hyatt photo

West Northumberland Independent

Friday, August 14, 2026

What you need to know about Port Hope transit this summer Construction activities could lead to delays; new program offers help during extreme heat SARAH HYATT Editor/reporter

With construction season underway, the Municipality of Port Hope says residents should plan for occasional transit delays. Under improvements, Construction in the Municipality of Port Hope is causing some transit woes – but there’s also a new transit program being rolled out to help residents beat the heat. CONSTRUCTION DELAYS: “Due to the ongoing construction activities in the community, transit services on both in-town routes may experience occasional delays, which could affect connections at the transit hub,” said municipal staff, in a brief summer transit release focused on delays. “We appreciate your understanding as our transit drivers continue to navigate changing traffic conditions safely and efficiently,” said municipal staff, in their notice to residents. “Safety remains our top priority for passengers, drivers and all road users,” added officials. In response to Independent inquiries, a municipal spokesperson said the transit message was intended more as a general reminder that summer road construction is underway and to plan ahead by allowing a little extra travel time. “We haven’t received any complaints, and it hasn’t become a significant issue,” said the spokesperson, BUS STOP OUT OF SERVICE: Earlier, the Municipality of Port Hope also advised residents that bus stop A13 – located at Hillcrest Drive and Toronto Road – was temporarily put out of service until further notice due to the Toronto Road construction project. Additional transit information, including alternative stops, is accessible via Port Hope’s transit’s webpage. In Port Hope, there are three routes in the urban area: Route A, B and C (also known as the Express Cobourg Shuttle Bus.) All buses depart from the Port Hope Town Hall Transfer Hub at 56 Queen St. on the hour- and half-hour

Beachgoers are seen here relaxing and cooling off at Victoria Beach. /Natalie Hamilton photo

mark. HELP TO BEAT THE HEAT: In positive transit news, the Municipality of Port Hope has also rolled out a new heat advisory transit accessibility program to help keep residents safe. The goal is to help residents during extreme heat declarations, explained municipal staff. When these events occur, the municipality typically issues information about area cooling centres, and now this new program. When these heat warnings are in effect, Port Hope is now operating its transit on a “pay-what-you-can” model for fares for those needing transit to get out of the heat and who may face financial barriers, said staff. What’s more, “safe flag-down boarding” is being permitted along existing routes – but not on County Road 2 due to higher traffic speeds, noted staff. Simply put, transit drivers may allow flag-down boarding along routes where it is safe to do so. However, officials also noted that all boarding decisions are ultimately at the operators’ discretion – and all must comply with not just municipal safety policies but also the Highway Traffic Act. HOW DOES IT WORK? Riders accessing transit to find relief from the heat without a specific destination are transported to the near-

est available municipal cooling centre during those facilities’ operating hours. This could mean the Jack Burger Sports Complex, Port Hope Public Library or Town Park Recreation Centre. “Residents are encouraged to use these services responsibly and prioritize safety.” The new program only rolls out when Environment Canada issues an official heat warning or advisory for the region. Ultimately, the program has been designed to reduce financial barriers, encourage access to safe, air-conditioned spaces, and support community well-being during periods of elevated risk, said Port Hope staff. PROTECTING YOURSELF IN EXTREME HEAT: Heat-related illnesses and deaths are a concern across the nation and beyond – but a recent CBC analysis found there are struggles to obtain accurate, fulsome data because there is no federal coroner’s organization and no standard way to report heat-related deaths in Canada. However, that doesn’t mean data doesn’t exist, as shown in the Government of Canada’s national-level examination of heat-related illnesses and deaths from environmental health exposure. Meanwhile, the federal government has also declared its plan to end deaths due to extreme heat waves by 2040.

In the national report, compiled by Health Canada, officials state that Canada is experiencing warming at twice the rate of the global average due to climate change. The intensity and frequency of heat events are also projected to increase in the future because of climate change, reported officials. What’s more, as Canada’s climate continues to change, it’s projected the warmer period of the year will lengthen, therefore leading to more frequent, intense and severe extreme heat events. “Without intervention, climate change is expected to result in more heat-related illnesses and deaths among people in Canada,” reads part of the report. Further, future heat-related mortality in Canada is expected to increase due to climate change by potentially as much as 10.7 per cent by 2090. According to the Canadian Climate Institute, studies surrounding extreme heat and heat waves put the global mortality rate associated with extreme temperatures at about five million deaths per year.

Port Hope transit van. /Municipality of Port Hope photo

Just three years ago, in 2023, when extreme heat events hit large parts of North America, Europe and China, it became the hottest year in recorded human history. Meanwhile, in one of its 2021 reports, the institute reported that the projected costs of heat-related deaths and reduced quality of life from extreme heat in Canada would range from $3 billion to $3.9 billion per year by mid-century.

Watch party for 10th anniversary of Tragically Hip’s final concert Town invites residents, visitors to gather for CBC presentation of ‘The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration’ Independent staff

The Town of Cobourg’s community services division says residents and visitors are invited to gather for a special watch party to mark the 10th anniversary presentation of “The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration.” In 2016, CBC’s live presentation of The Tragically Hip: A National Celebra-

tion, which encompassed the Hip’s final concert, was viewed by an estimated one-third of Canadians, “becoming one of the most memorable moments in Canadian music history,” the town noted. Cobourg invites people to gather at Cobourg Marina, located at 103 Third St., on Saturday, Aug. 22 to take in the concert once again. The outdoor community watch party is free.

“Hosted by Experience Cobourg, the event will bring The Hip’s legendary Kingston performance to the waterfront, creating an evening of music, memories and celebration.” The town encourages residents and visitors to arrive before the 8 p.m. start time to set up lawn chairs, purchase food and refreshments, listen to music and take in the atmosphere before the show begins. The event is open to all

ages. The Cobourg Yacht Club will operate the licensed bar, with food also available for purchase on site. Municipal parking is available nearby, including three hours of free downtown parking. Visitors are encouraged to review parking options in advance at www.Cobourg.ca/Parking. For more information, visit ExperienceCobourg.ca.

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West Northumberland Independent

Friday, August 14, 2026

Fifty volunteers rally for ‘Backpacks for Kids’

The community didn’t hesitate to answer the call to donate their time on Tuesday, Aug. 11 to help United Way Northumberland stuff backpacks so local kids and youth can start school with the supplies needed to achieve success in the classroom. /Joseph Goden United Way photo

SARAH HYATT Editor/reporter

More than 50 volunteers answered the call throughout the day on Tuesday, Aug. 11 to help United Way Northumberland ensure local kids have a smooth start to the school year with the supplies needed to achieve success in the classroom. From local leaders to police chiefs, councillors, business leaders, county officials and more, they all answered the call to help stuff “Backpacks for Kids” at the Cobourg Lions Community Centre. “There’s always a need in our community and with the rising cost of living, that need continues to grow,” said

Alicia Vandine, executive director of United Way Northumberland. “‘Backpacks for Kids’ is about uplifting families and children and making sure no child starts the school year without new supplies of their own. “It’s a small thing that makes a big difference (and) when kids have what they need, they walk into that first day with confidence.” A long-standing tradition for United Way this time of year, the community never hesitates to answer the call, and volunteers rally to help in a hands-on way by physically stuffing backpacks with donated school supplies for kids and youth across Northumberland and Alderville First Nation. This year marks the 21st year for the

Local leaders, volunteers, politicians and more rallied on Tuesday, Aug. 11 to help United Way Northumberland stuff backpacks for kids and youth across Northumberland./Joseph Goden United Way photo

program, which helps students from Junior Kindergarten through to Grade 12 “start the school year with the tools they need.” To make this program possible, it’s truly a community effort, powered by local businesses, sponsors, service clubs and donation drive partners, including this year’s partnership with Sarah and Brett Turck, of Sherwood Mortgage Group, noted United Way. The Turcks also brought back their “Stuff the Truck” donation drive in Port Hope earlier this month to give the fundraiser a major boost. In other words, the initiative may be managed by United Way, but the program relies heavily on community support.

However, despite a huge outpouring of support, help is still needed as demand continues to soar. In particular, binders, lined paper, crayons and pencil crayons in still high in demand. And while the stuff the backpack event is the big push, Vandine also noted that this program runs year-round. This is to ensure help is also there during semester changes or changes in circumstances or simply when the need for help arises, she explained. Donations can be dropped off at United Way Northumberland at 62 Swayne St., Cobourg, from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Online donations can also be made via www. mynuw.org.

Need for help continues to grow: Walk a Mile returns Last year alone, Cornerstone helped 2,400 women, kids and youth impacted by gender-based violence SARAH HYATT Editor/reporter

A signature fundraiser is returning as Cornerstone continues its mission to help thousands of women, kids and youth impacted by gender-based violence (BGD) every year. This year marks the 19th edition of the Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre’s Walk a Mile event – a critical fundraiser the organization depends on to help an increasing number of women, kids and youth who are turning to Cornerstone for help. “Walk a Mile is an important fundraiser that helps women, children and youth access shelter, counselling, housing support, violence prevention education, family court support, and other essential programs,” explained long-time Cornerstone executive director Nancy Johnston. “The need for our programs and services continues to grow (and) last year Cornerstone served more than 2,400 individuals across Northumberland County.” Cornerstone is once again hoping the community will answer the call and flood downtown Cobourg in their red pumps and attire, which is also meant to serve as a show of support for women, kids and youth impacted by gender-based violence. This year’s event will again take place during the Cobourg Harvest Festival on Oct. 3, and Cornerstone hopes to see parades of red lining the streets for the event.

Cornerstone’s 19th Walk a Mile Fundariser will make its return on Oct. 3, 2026. Until then, you can start with registration and fundraising. /Cornerstone photo

Organizers have described this year’s gathering as a family-friendly walk-through of the downtown area. And while the big event isn’t until October, registration is now open via cornerstonenorthumberland.ca/ walkamile. On the big day, in-person registration starts at 9:30 a.m. outside the police station. There will then be a complimentary breakfast thanks to the Cobourg Lions Club and coffee from the Pulse Café and Eatery in Port Hope before participants start their stiletto-inspired treks (although, all types of footwear are always welcome.) The Cobourg Legion Pipes and Drums are also back again to lead participants down King Street. “Whether you walk on your own or with a team, we invite everyone to join us in raising awareness and

showing support for those impacted by gender-based violence,” said Cornerstone. “Bring your family, friends, coworkers and even your pets, for a morning filled with purpose, community and fun.” Registration is $20 for adults and it’s $10 for youth under age 18. Individuals, teams and even furry friends are welcome to join in the festivities. Funds are also raised as walked are encouraged to collect additional pledges to support Cornerstone’s vital programs and services. Organizers noted that Walk a Mile wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of sponsors like lead stiletto sponsor Cameco for its continued support and commitment to community. For those who are unable to join on the big day but are still interested in showing their support, there are online fundraising/donation options through Cornerstone’s website, which the organization also said make a lasting impact. Cornerstone describes its Walk a Mile fundraiser as its most impactful annual fundraiser to help women, kids and youth safely access shelter, counselling, housing supports, violence prevention education, family court support and other essential programs. In a Facts, Stats and WAGE’s impact: Gender-based violence study issued by the Government of Canada last September, an analysis detailed that from 2011 to 2021, an average of 102 women and girls were victims of gender-related homicide per year in Canada, totaling 1,125 over this period.

Friday, August 14, 2026

West Northumberland Independent

Riddles Pet of the Week I fly without wings, I cry without eyes. Whenever I go, darkness flies. What am I? A cloud.

Justin’s Pet Store is pleased to be the sponsor of the Pet of the Week.

The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I? Footsteps. I’m full of keys but can’t open any doors. What am I? A piano. I’m tall when I’m young, and short when I’m old. What am I? A candle. I get wetter the more I dry. What am I? A towel. I can be cracked, made, told, and played. What am I? A joke.

FRITZ

I’m not alive, but I can grow. I don’t have lungs, but I need air. What am I? A fire.

Fritz is our indoor, adorable six-year-old ball of fluff and loves to play with his toys. But even more, he loves his food, especially his treats. He makes for a wonderful companion for seniors.

I’m round and bright and seen at night, but sometimes I’m gone from sight. What am I? The moon. I can run but never walk, I have a bed but never sleep. What am I? A river. I shine bright in the sky, but I’m not the sun. Kids wish on me when the day is done. What am I? A star. You can hear me and feel me, but you can’t see me. I make trees dance. What am I? The wind.

Nominate your pet to be featured by emailing info@wnuindy.ca

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West Northumberland Independent

Friday, August 14, 2026

COMMUNITY EVENTS Cobourg | Port Hope | Surrounding Areas ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS WITH US Call 289.251.1902 or email peter@granthaven.com

Aug. 15 Victoria Hall Tours 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. | Victoria Hall, 55 King St. W., Cobourg. Take the free historic Victoria Hall Tour this summer, running every Thursday and Friday through to the end of August. Tours must be booked via Experience Cobourg. No walkins allowed unless the schedule permits.

Orr St., Cobourg. A day at the museum designed to help newcomers and community feel more welcome.

Aug. 15 Port Hope Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 56 Queen St., Port Hope.

Aug. 18 Outdoor Pop-Up Music with Friends of Weslevyille Village 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | 2082 Lakeshore Road, Port Hope. Gallo and Caz perform folk music. Next up on Aug. 25, Angie Robinson Austin takes on classic country.

Aug. 15 Cobourg Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Rotary Harbourfront Park (around the Oval) on Albert Street behind Victoria Hall. Aug. 14 to 16 Northumberland Ribfest & Music Festival Aug. 14 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Aug. 16 from noon to 6 p.m. | Victoria Park, Cobourg. Presented by the Rotary Club of Cobourg. Aug. 15 Newcomers Day 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Cobourg Museum, 141

Aug. 16 Roseneath Carousel 1 to 3 p.m. | 11794 Third Line, Roseneath. Open every Sunday from the Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving Sunday.

Aug. 18 Concert Band of Cobourg summer concerts 7:30 to 9 p.m. | Victoria Park, Cobourg. Bring your own lawn chair and take in the show at the bandshell. Weather permitting. Aug. 20 Victoria Hall Tours 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. | Victoria Hall, 55 King St. W., Cobourg. Take the free historic Victoria Hall Tour this

summer, running every Thursday and Friday through to the end of August. Tours must be booked via Experience Cobourg. No walkins allowed unless the schedule permits. Aug. 20 Market in Memorial Park 3 to 8 p.m. | Memorial Park bandshell, 44 Queen St., Port Hope. A weekly cultural festival of music, food, art and community. Aug. 20 Strong Kids Duathlon 19th anniversary 5 to 8 p.m. | Cobourg Waterfront area, Centennial Pool and Victoria Park. Hosted by YMCA Northumberland. Aug. 20 Road to Cultivate Concert Series 6 to 8 p.m. | Memorial Park, bandshell, 44 Queen St., Port Hope. Collaboration with Port Hope Jazz and Angela Pincente Big Band. Next up Trash Panda Brass performs Aug. 27. Aug. 21 Victoria Hall Tours 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. | Victoria Hall, 55 King

St. W., Cobourg. Take the free historic Victoria Hall Tour this summer, running every Thursday and Friday through to the end of August. Tours must be booked via Experience Cobourg. No walkins allowed unless the schedule permits. Aug. 22 Port Hope Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 56 Queen St., Port Hope. Aug. 22 Cobourg Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Rotary Harbourfront Park (around the Oval) on Albert Street behind Victoria Hall. Aug. 22 Vendor Market at Golden Beach Resort 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Golden Beach Resort, 7100 County Rd.18, Roseneath. Aug. 22 17th annual Monarch Tagging and Release 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Dorothy’s House Museum, 3632 Ganaraska Rd., Garden Hill. Learn more about monarchs with Donald A. Davis.

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Ted Harp, Agent 9A Elgin St E Unit 3 Cobourg ON 905-377-0848 tedharp@tedharp.com tedharp.com

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Friday, August 14, 2026

West Northumberland Independent

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COBOURG Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre Black Cat Café Brocanier’s Mens Shop Burnham Family Farm Market Campbell’s Convenience Canada Post Canadian Tire Circle K Circle -University Clark’s Dale Road Variety Cobourg’s Buy and Sell Cobourg Community Centre Cobourg Drug Mart Kawartha Vision Care Cobourg Marina Cobourg Public Library Cobourg Tae Kwon Do Convenience K David’s NO FRILLS Cobourg Fabled Bean Foodland Cobourg Halcyon Place (seniors bldg) IDA York Super Pharmacy

Kelly’s Homelike Inn King George Inn The Pink Café Just Brew It! Justin’s Pet Store Metro Millstone Bread Mr. Sub Mucho Burrito Fresh Mexican Grill Newspaper Box at 440 George St Northumberland Central Chamber Of Commerce Northumberland County Community & Social Services Northumberland Hills Hospital (front rack) Northumberland Hills Hospital (Little Treasure Shop) Northumberland Mall Northumberland United Way Office of Philip Lawrence MP Palisade Gardens Petro Canada Prep Food Co Readers’ Nook Restore - Habitat for Humanity

Rosarya Bakery Café Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 Shell Food Mart Shoppers Drug Mart Ten Thousand Villages The Buttermilk Cafe The Market & Smør The Whispering Oak Tim Hortons (Division St) Tim Hortons (Elgin St W) Tim Hortons (King St E) Tim Hortons (William St) Top Cuts Tourism Information Centre Township of Hamilton Municipal Office Venture13 Victoria Hall (Cobourg Admin Office) Victoria Park Campground Walmart Supercentre Westwood Convenience Woody’s Smoke Shop YMCA Northumberland Cobourg Young’s Convenience

PORT HOPE Cameco Capitol Arts Centre Colour Concepts, Benjamin Moore Community Health Centres of Northumberland David Piccini, MPP Northumberland–Peterborough South Davis’ Your Independent Grocer Port Hope Dollarama Dreamer’s Cafe Ed White Appliance Food Basics Frosted Flour Co. Furby House Books Ganaraska Brewing Company Garden Hill Farmers Market Garden Hill General Store Gilmer’s Home Hardware Building Centre Happenstance Bakery & Coffee Roastery Jack Burger Sports Complex Lakelands Public Health Milly’s Market

Municipality of Port Hope Northumberland Arts Gallery and Shop Pharmasave Port Hope Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce Port Hope Public Library Queenies Bake Shop Royal Canadian Legion Branch 30 Shoppers Drug Mart The Hub Canton The Pulse Cafe & Eatery Town Park Recreation Centre Village Variety Coffee Shop Youth Wellness Hub TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON Baltimore Recreation Centre Arena Lakeside Supermarket Harwood Family Variety | Pizza | LCBO & BEER STORE Bewdley Community Centre BALTIMORE Esso

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West Northumberland Independent

Friday, August 14, 2026

OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO:

Soothing your spirit – and wearing a monkey – in Grenada’s rainforest

PAUL KNOWLES Independent Columnist

It’s not a surprise that, when travellers visit Caribbean islands, they often have two thoughts in mind: the beach, and rum punches. And there is no doubt that most Caribbean islands have great beaches, and no lack of rum drinks. But the best Caribbean destinations offer so much more, and it would be a shame to miss the wonders you will find if you dare to leave the beach resort and start to explore. In my view, Grenada is definitely one of “the best Caribbean destinations.” I have a special fondness for the “Windward Islands” – the nations that are in the eastern part of the Caribbean. And when I was in Grenada, earlier this summer, the beach played very little part in a menu of fantastic activities – although there is no doubt that the four-kilometer-long Grand Anse white sand beach is one of the best in the world. But we turned our focus inland, and spent one of our days exploring Grenada’s spectacular rainforest. Grenada has 3,800 acres of protected rainforest. The diversity of plants is mind-boggling: there are over 100 varieties of ferns, alone. One of my favourite stops was at Annandale Waterfall and Forest

Park. This being the rainforest, it wasn’t too surprising that it was, in fact, raining. But this being a tropical island, it also wasn’t too surprising that the rain was warm, and nobody seemed to care that we were getting wet. Because the plants and flowers were astonishing, and the waterfall is beautiful. Annandale is a 30-foot waterfall on a stream that emerges from the rainforest, and plunges into a beautiful, emerald pool below… open for swimming if you so choose. It’s one of nine waterfalls in Grenada, which is a volcanic island (there are hot springs you can visit), and so, rises sharply from the oceanfront to the heights of the rainforest. Not to wax overly botanical, I wandered along paths bordered by dramatic heliconia, lush bougainvillea (the national flower of Grenada), “shampoo ginger”, bird of paradise flower, torch ginger, and large, bright yellow flower called “buttercups” that bear no resemblance to any buttercup I have encountered in Canada. Plus dozens of plants I wouldn’t even begin to try to identify. The rainforest is simply beautiful, and I noticed that all of us travel-writing colleagues almost immediately relaxed, and stopped to savour the visual delights around us – in spite of the rain. Annandale Falls is just a small part of the large rainforest, which includes the Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve. There, visitors will encounter a cornucopia of unique delights. There is an extensive lake that is actually a volcanic crater. There are beautiful birds, Rainbow Eucalyptus trees with bark the colours of the rainbow, and rather shockingly large

Annandale Falls, one of nine waterfalls in the rainforest of Grenada.

Giant Frangipani caterpillars. But the highlights are the Mona monkeys. As you enter the park, you encounter this posted warning: “Notice. The Mona monkeys within the Grand Etang National Park live in the wild and can be very unpredictable. If you choose to interact with them, you are doing so at your own risk. The management of the park assumes no liability for any injury sustained as a result of such interaction.” That notice certainly echoed in my head a few minutes and a short distance away, as a Mona monkey sat on top of my head. Because there are some gentlemen who have apparently trained the wild monkeys to prance about on visitors’ heads, arms and shoulders in return for food. Or perhaps – and I might actually lean toward this explanation – the monkeys have trained the gentlemen. It sure seemed like the monkeys were in charge, at any rate. Our minibus driver stopped where these monkeys are likely to be found, and next thing we knew, we had become climbing posts for Mona monkeys. It was a ton of fun – and no tourists were hurt in the making of those photographs. Nor were any Mona monkeys. Grand Etang National Park features several walking and hiking trails. The hikes through the rainforest range from relatively easy walks to a challenging trail that climbs up Mount Saint Catherine, the highest peak on the volcanic island. Of course, as wonderful as the rainforest is, Grenada offers a lot more for visitors to enjoy (including, naturally, the beach). There is the unique and astonishing Underwater Sculpture Park (which I had the chance to re-visit, and which I will write about in a subsequent feature). The island is home to seven chocolate factories (and once you have had Grenadian chocolate, you may never go back), and – you knew we’re get back to this – five rum distilleries, which offer the most generous tasting experiences you are likely to encounter anywhere. The tours of the chocolate factories are fascinating, and the tours of the rum distilleries are tasty, as well. Our visit took us to Belmont Estates for chocolate, and to Clarke’s Court rum distillery. But tempting as those options are (and yes, you should yield to temptation in this case), nothing will soothe and inspire your soul like spending time in Grenada’s amazing rainforest. Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and Past-President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@golden.net.

Giant Frangipani caterpillars live up to their name!

Tropical beauties: heliconia and red ginger lily.

The author, with a Mona monkey pal.

Friday, August 14, 2026

West Northumberland Independent

BUILD FOR BUSINESS. BACKEDBACKED BY FORD. BUILD FOR BUSINESS. BY FORD.

Kristine Payne, Commercial Account Manager

Ryan Hockney, Sales Manager

Carlee Fraser, Vice President & General Manager

Commercial Account Manager: kpayne@fraserautogroup.ca