Transparency needed for community centre project

It appears Cobourg Mayor Peter Delanty’s juggernaut reigns supreme one more time as the plans to hire a communications staffer and fundraising co-ordinator for the new Cobourg Community Centre sailed through council this past week.

Cobourg council will lay out about $300,000 for a communications consultant, as well as administrative, office and staffing costs, plus a request for tender from a fundraising campaign co-ordinator to help raise more than $3 million.

Councillor Bob Spooner and Deputy Mayor Gil Brocanier were quick to slap down Councillor Miriam Mutton’s objections when she questioned the need to hire anyone considering the skills of the fundraising committee, which include Katherine Mullin, Lynda Kay, Rhonda Cunningham, Gord Ley and John Ovens, all capable individuals who have the requisite knowledge and experience.

What Mutton failed to point out was the conflict of interest having two major fundraising organizations sitting on the committee. With Kay, who heads up the United Way, and Cunningham, who is in charge of the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation, it seems a bit awkward. No doubt their expertise is enormous and benefits the town to have such knowledge to assist. But, to actually sit on the committee means they can influence the fundraising during a period where organizations are competition for scare donations. Of course, they would never manipulate the situation to protect their own donors, but the perception makes it messy.

Then, there is the incredible call for a fundraising campaign organizer. With all the incredible talent within the town, it seems a bit wasteful the town needs to seek outside leadership. Community leaders like Bill Patchett, Don Conway, Lynn Harding, Bill Moebus, and just about any United Way campaign chair in the past few years are all good candidates.

Certainly, raising $3 million is no easy task and represents three times the amount the United Way is raising this year. And, with the tough economic times, it is going to be a tough job. By taking it to a formal process of requiring a request for proposal, it is no longer about community volunteers and it is professionalizing the campaign.

The danger is this may turn off some volunteers and donors because the town may end up with an outside firm. It made sense to have professionals raise help raise the $24 million for the new hospital six years ago. But that was completely different.

But, there are politics at work. Delanty is determined to push this project through council, just like he did with the rink/fountain project in the harbour. He has lined up his players and they are going to serve his goal. And, with his plans to run again in next year’s municipal election, he wants the project to be a success on all fronts for his campaign.

And, Mutton’s effort demonstrates how ineffective she is on council. Even when she raises very valid concerns, she is muted by weak, lame arguments.

Possibly public outcry may work. But, what might be more effective is for donors and service clubs to let council know it needs to clean up it act before any money will be raised and council moves forward.

A call for complete transparency is needed. The committee needs to get a housecleaning and the campaign and communications contracts needs to be revisited. If there is going to be a request for proposals, then both staff positions should require this so the community can see what the plans are going to be. Maybe then, donors will come on board.

If not, then let’s engage the local talent pool and create a body outside the mayor’s office that can do the job free of political interference.

Return of Atlantic salmon good news for Cobourg Creek

The return of Atlantic salmon to the icy waters of Cobourg Creek is welcomed news after decades of hard work and dedication by numerous individuals and groups. It represents a milestone in the rehabilitation of the species, but also places a salve on an old wound in the community.

Terry Quinney, fish and wildlife services manager for the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, told Cobourg council recently that the work being done by the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program was proceeding extremely well. It appears Atlantic salmon, a breed nearly wiped out of provincial streams, creeks and rivers, may return to spawn following years of efforts to rejuvenate the population.

More than 120 years ago, early settlers, who dammed creeks, streams and rivers for mills, wiped out Atlantic salmon. Also farmers were denuding the landscape of trees and other vegetation to create farms.  Without the ability to get to the headwaters to spawn, the fish died off.

But, the story of Cobourg Creek has its own unique history. The mill was built in the early 19^th century, serving  as a sawmill and as a gristmill. While it was active for decades as an industrial site, the pond eventually became a wildlife preserve. As Audrey Wilson, an award-winning educator and naturalist, recalled in a 2008 interview, she would go out from her backyard and paddle to the dam, seeing foxes, beavers, does and fawns.

But in 1989, an out-of-town developer pulled the logs from the dam and drained the pond. He planned to create land from the empty pond to build a condominium and golf course, destroying the sanctuary along with the spawning beds below the dam. The damage to the fishery was serious.

After years of fighting with council and local activists, the condos were never built, but the golf course remains as a reminder of the environmental disaster that took place. So, the news of the Atlantic salmon’s return is a signal of the creek’s recovery from this horrific period.

Cobourg Creek’s reputation as a fishery is well known. In fact, the Ministry of Natural Resources identified it as a place to release rainbow trout in 1978, demonstrating its potential for introducing species.

In October 2001, the first Atlantic salmon were introduced to the creek with the help of CDCI East biology students. These mature fish were followed with the introduction of 60,000 salmon fry released in May 2006. This time, it was with the help of Sir Sandford Fleming College students.

Then, along came the Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program two years later and 1,000 salmon fry are given a new home in the creek with the help of CDCI East and West students, the federation of anglers and hunters, the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority and volunteers.

However, the town has a terrible history polluting the lower end of the stream. There are numerous incidents of leaked material from the sewage treatment facility below the railway tracks on King Street West. The town has faced charges and convicted on several occasions, paying fines, as well.

Hopefully, this news will mean the town will take better care of the lower section of the creek.

Anglers of all ages enjoy sport fishing. Cobourg Creek represents a proud moment for anglers and naturalists, who have watched as less caring individuals and institutions have failed to respect the local natural resources. Through the diligence, hard work and persistence of these people and with the help of provincial agencies and organizations, Cobourg Creek is a success story the entire county can be proud to share.

Good economic news should not make us blind

A steady trickle of economist, politicians and pundits are telling Canadians the recession is over, at least technically.  Prime Minister Stephen Harper gave his state of the economy speech in St. John to

Bank of Canada Deputy Governor Timothy Lane announced the economy was puling out of the recession and the American Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, among others, have joined a growing chorus of cheerleaders.

This is based on a number of indicators, which show increases in key performance indicators, stability in the American banks; as well, the feeling of improvement is propped up by gains in the stock markets, as investors slowly see their dividends returning at greater rates.

And to add to the boisterous tone, a Nanos Economic Monitor poll released last week said Canadian are experiencing levels of economic optimism no seen in nearly two years.

It seems the pollster, economists, politicians and pundits must be talking to each other because they are certainly not talking to 486,000 Canadian who lost full-time jobs since the recession began a year ago.

These are the people who are feeling the pain of this economy. These are the ones who are watching their chances of returning to find job equal value slowly disappearing and their employment insurance benefits running out like sand through an hourglass.

Workers who were making decent money are now expected to work for half their previous wage. There are approximately 3.3 million Canadian who are working less than 30-hours per week, which means they are part time.

And what is most frightening, nine per cent of families of employed workers in Canada live below the poverty line.  The Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development estimates the average for its members is seven percent.

All these figures come from an insightful analysis in the weekend edition of the Globe and Mail. And, the message derived from this combination of facts is simple: despite what pollsters, economists, politicians and pundits say, there is a lot a whole lot of hurting going on at a grassroots level.

But a jobless recovery can only spell disaster in the long term. For an economy to work, consumers must have money to spend. If every penny is going toward basics like food and shelter, than any signs of recovery and consumer confidence are smoke and mirrors. Henry Ford said he paid his employees well so they would go out and buy his cars.

If people don’t find jobs, then Canada could experience what is known as a double dip recession, where the current recovery collapses because the unemployed run out of savings or cannot get credit or they run out of safety net programs like EI.

It is time to stop kidding ourselves. We can forget any leadership on a local level from federal or provincial politicians. Northumberland MP Rick Norlock will do nothing other than what the puppeteers in Ottawa tell him. So, it is way too ambitious for him to call an economic summit for Northumberland.

And, we can write off MPP Lou Rinaldi, since he is too busy settling into to his new job as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to lead a charge on solving economic issues locally.

As for municipal politicians, they are too busy shaking in their boots to wrestle the economic bear. If they upset the upper tier politicians, then their federal and provincial counterparts will leave them off the grants list during the next round.

Maybe it is time the political wannabes take up the call for action. With a potential federal election on the horizon; a municipal election a year away and a provincial election shortly after that, those interested seeking elected office could step up and fill the vacuum.

In the meantime, we should not turn a blind eye to our neighbours who are suffering from unemployment or are working poor. Poverty and isolation are two ingredients that lead to bitterness and fear. By sharing their burden and raising our voices with theirs, we may be able to stir those paying lip service to these problems into action.

New train station in Cobourg unnecessary

When tough economic times exist, it is really hard to dish out any criticism towards those bringing big spending announcements. So, when Northumberland MP Rick Norlock, Cobourg Mayor Peter Delanty and VIA Rail Chief Operating Officer John Marginson stood on the platform of the Cobourg train station late last week to announce a $7-million plan to build a new station and improve the tracks, it is considered blasphemy to be critical.

Nobody wants to appear rude or ungrateful when money is being passed down from the federal to the local level. Still, residents of Northumberland need to pause for a moment to give careful consideration to this overt generosity. So, it is with all due respect…

First, the money given to the region is taxpayer’s dollars. So, it is within the purview of any citizen to be critical. It does not take a great deal of cynicism to realize this announcement is good politics for Norlock and Delanty, both of whom are facing elections in the near future.

And, it is hard to believe there is a case to build a new station – especially one that is worth $7 million. One of the biggest points not communicated to the community is the rationale for such a huge change.

The current station appears to be in fine shape and seems to meet the needs of the community. Yet, in the 2008 annual report, VIA announces a five-year investment plan to upgrade and modernize 22 stations, including Brantford, Guelph, London and Niagara Fall, among others.

To justify the new buildings, the report uses terms like “modernize” and “serve customers better”. Improvements include better platforms, lounges, lighting and boarding gates, along with interior and exterior renovations.

There is no question VIA needs to upgrade tracks, rehabilitate bridges and improve pedestrian overpasses. This is going to create a better service and enhance safety.

However, a new station is unnecessary.

The current building appears to be sufficient and underutilized, as well as represent an important piece of architectural history for the region. The quaint interior is full of character. New is not always better. Modern does not equal improved.

Originally, a Grand Trunk Railway station built in 1911; the Romanesque building is a significant structure. It was completely restored in 1993, only 16 years ago. Only half of the available space is used. Several entrepreneurs have tried to operate a restaurant without success. It would appear there is an opportunity to make changes while still preserving the building and meeting the stated objectives of VIA.

Shouldn’t VIA and the federal government spend taxpayer’s dollars wisely. Rather than build a new structure, the current building should be renovated, keeping its historic façade both inside and out.

The greatest fear for those who appreciate historic architecture is the future of the building. Cobourg council has an abysmal record when it comes to preserving historic buildings. One only needs to remember the old Post Office on King Street, the Lydia Pinkham building, St. Michael’s Rectory, Whitehall, and the Pump House to know how ineffective council can be in saving significant architecture. Even Victoria Hall, which will celebrate its 150^th anniversary in 2010, was nearly turned into a parking lot before citizens stepped forward to save it.

Rail enthusiasts, architectural conservationists and ratepayers need to raise their voices to save this wonderful building and save taxpayers dollars from being spent on an unnecessary new building. Take the money and build more and better tracks to improve services. Buy even more new rail cars.

In the meantime, VIA Rail needs to consult with the community and find a way to preserve this historic structure and guarantee its future through daily use.

Viceroy closing Port Hope operation

As municipal, provincial and federal officials scramble to find ways to keep Viceroy Homes, in Port Hope, from closing its doors and sending more than 100 unionized workers to the unemployment lines, there are some concerns that need to be raised beyond the obvious.

First, how was it nobody knew what was going on? With all the politicians claiming complete surprise at the announcement earlier this week, as well as highly paid economic development officers lounging around, it seems unbelievable that a major employer was able to come to this decision without someone having an inkling.

Next, it is a killer to see that this company, like so many other Canadian firms, was sold to a foreign investor and suddenly is pulling up stakes. When will MP Rick Norlock and his Tory buddies learn that selling off Canadian corporations to foreign investors is bad? There is no loyalty and there is no interest in helping the Canadian economy. It will not matter how many dollars taxpayers throw at these companies, we lose. Those dollars will flow out of the country in the long run. However, we can’t let our friends in Port Hope down. The plant must be saved.

Finally, it is no coincidence this all happens with union negotiations occurring in the background. Workers struggling to keep decent wages, fair working conditions and protect their members from the ravages of a global economic meltdown are met with disdain and reproach. Crushing unions will not help the economic recovery. And, corporations cannot justify this kind of open hostility. Still, no level of government will stand up for working class people anymore. It is merely a mad rush to vilify unionized workers at any costs through smear campaigns and propaganda. Now, more than 100 people will suffer.

All this shows the fragility of this economic recovery. Norlock and the Tories have nothing to boast about when it comes to this kind of reality. Even if he finds a program to help Viceroy stay open, it was his government’s policies that put the company in jeopardy. Also, MPP Lou Rinaldi needs to smell the coffee and take more interest in what is going on in his riding rather than serving his political ambitions at Queen’s Park. Finally, municipal leaders and economic development officers need spill some blood. We pay far too much money to allow this one to go by the boards. Somebody needs to step down or be fired for incompetence.

Micro-audiences and ambient journalism as new approaches

UBC Professor Alfred Hermida’s recent posting on Twitter as a system of ambient journalism is quiet insightful in understanding the level of change taking place within the industry.

He suggests technology like Twitter enables citizens to maintain a heightened sense of news awareness called ambient journalism. The tool is being quickly embraced by journalists to present multi-faceted, fragmented news experiences. Rather than leaving professionals as gatekeepers in this case, Hermida argues for leveraging the collective intelligence of the audience with the efforts of journalists and, in doing so, create a new “awareness system: to help people be more aware of others ideas and activities.

In my thesis, The Future of Journalism Online: a case for e-journalism, part of the discussion proposes a new approach to journalism where micro-audiences replace mass audiences. Instead of trying to reach out to global or even regional audiences, smaller, more focused communities are the targets. These communities may be geographic or communities of interest.

The recent success of hyperlocal journalism in some rural communities is a good indication of this trend. Also, the use of social media to distribute news and information is significant. By monitoring blogs, Twitter and Facebook, as examples, journalists can discover sources of news, which can be redistributed virally through alternative networks.

This can take place in a one-to-many communications model, as journalists generate news and information for a particular community. Or, it can be a many-to-many situation, where members of various communities share news with each other that can be further redirected to others by journalists. The Information Valet is one example of this kind of information service.

Key to all this discussion is the recognition of the idea that smaller is better. As fragmentation continues, news organizations and journalists must adapt. Hermida’s explorations are very useful in this regard.

Herrington is the one to watch at Liberal nomination meeting

While it would be easy to focus on the two frontrunners at the nomination meeting for the Northumberland Quinte West federal Liberal Association tonight in Grafton, the person to watch is Brighton Mayor Christine Herrington.

Insider polls indicate there may be a tight race forming between Andrew McFadden, from Warkworth and Kim Rudd, of Cobourg. Both of these candidate have strong backing from former MPs. McFadden is enjoying the support of former Environment Minister Christine Stewart and her organization, while Rudd has many of Paul Macklin’s old machine on her team.

Ben Burd, in his Burd Report Thursday morning, is predicting a Rudd victory, only if there is a low turnout. If McFadden is able to get out his supporters, a second ballot is possible, thereby sending the nomination meeting into a frenzy.

And, this could be why Herrington is the one to watch closely. After entering the race very late in the process, she was not able to attain full momentum and is sitting well behind the field. No doubt she may be in a position to play spoiler to one or another of the two frontrunners. So, this becomes a “Let’s Make a Deal” situation.

The question is: What does she want? And, who is prepared to meet her terms?

Herrington’s entry so late in the game suggests she was caught off guard by the shortness of the race. But, another look might suggest it was an opportunity for her to show politicos around the county that she is thinking of moving up from municipal politics. After several terms and mayor, along with a term as county warden, her ambitions are growing.

Then, it would seem reasonable for her to step into the MPPs role. Herrington is a long-time

protégé of Lou Rinaldi’s, who has worked quietly in the background supporting her and her agenda. He is getting to a point where he an retire from politics and receive a pension. Making her is natural successor might be part of his plans.

So, Herrington may be looking for some assurances to secure her nomination for provincial candidate after Lou steps down. Also, she may be looking for favours to help secure a new expanded penitentiary for Warkworth, as the federal government moves forward with its plans to close down facilities and centralize services.

Her list could be endless. But, those might be some of the reasons to watch her tonight. Her ability to deliver power in a second ballot could be shaping Liberal politics in Northumberland for the foreseeable future.

Local school boards need to rethink reaction to study

Both local school boards were quick to attack the results of a recent study of public school released by the C. D. Howe Institute. And, with students returning to school next week, the news was worth more than those responsible were prepared to give it.

The Institute hired Wilfred Laurier economic professor David Johnson to prepare a report based on three years of provincial tests done for Grades 3 and 6 administered by the Ontario Education Quality and Accountability Office. However, Johnson factored in socio-economic data creating a more meaningful set of performance indicators that dealt with previous criticisms of studies that were said to have skewed results.

Northumberland County parents got an earful of disappointing rhetoric from school board officials. Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board chair Diane Lloyd blasted away calling the rankings demoralizing and divisive, while Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board superintendent Ron McNamara called the study unfair and gave no new analytical data.

In a brief moment of candor, Mr. McNamara said plainly, school boards don’t like “comparisons of schools”.

This is the same reaction school board officials give the EQAO reports every year.  Without exception, officials work hard to downplay any results, leaving parents, teachers, taxpayers and school administrators scratching their heads.

Accountability is one of the central reasons for these tests and studies. Parents cannot gain insight into the performance of teachers and administrators running the system without these kinds of studies. By removing socio-economic factors, Johnson’s study provides a greater insight than previous work. No longer are schools given lower rankings to disadvantaged neighbourhoods and higher rankings to privileged neighbourhoods. He is comparing apples with apples, not oranges. Rankings that don’t take this into affect really tell parents little about a school, teachers or instructional methods.

It would seem obvious Johnson’s methods would be something praiseworthy. But in Northumberland, it is not.

Critics charge the data Johnson used was two years out of date and the Census data was seven years old. However, these are the materials he was given. And, with the length of time it takes to undertake this kind of analysis, the results are meaningful enough to provide a useful comparison.

But rather than fighting over statistical relevancy, maybe school board should take a serious look at the numbers and use them to identify schools that need attention and those that are doing well so it could be duplicated elsewhere.

Efforts should be made to reach out to St. Mary’s in Port Hope, Brighton Public School, Grafton Public School, Hillcrest in Campbellford and South Cramahe Public School, as examples. Meanwhile, let’s celebrate the even longer list of successful schools.

Still, if school board officials aren’t prepared to be accountable to parents and taxpayers, then start providing meaningful date of their own prepared by authorities parents can trust, as well as trustees.

By denouncing these studies, it pulls the rug out from under parents and taxpayers, leaving them without any tools to assess the performance of administrators and front-line educators in an objective manner. Maybe, this is the point. And, it explains McNamara’s aversion to these comparative studies.

How else can parents make demands of principals and teachers, if they lack good information to advocate for their children and the community?

The rhetoric over the Johnson study only goes to show the distain administrators and officials at the school board have for parents and taxpayers. The trash talk needs to be replaced with more action and announcements about how trustees, principals and teachers are going to do to improve classrooms and address the poor results that keeps piling up from the various studies, including Johnson’s.

Spare us the moaning and step up to the challenge. Show some results instead of contempt.

Robert Washburn is a professor of e-journalism at Loyalist College.  His columns are archived at his blog at http://rwash.wordpress.com/. Comments are welcome.

Local Liberals need to define Northumberland County agenda

It is most intriguing to watch the local Liberal candidates seeking the nomination for the riding as they rhyme off their resumes and announce their endorsements. Certainly, it is impressive on some level. Yet, what is truly lacking from Andrew McFadden, Kim Rudd and Christine Herrington is a public statement about their plans for Northumberland County.

True, party nominations are insular events. It is far more important to sell Liberal memberships and get those votes, than capture the public’s imagination.  And, it could be unfair to ask them to do more, since they are running for a Liberal position and only Liberal members will vote.

Still, they do have public websites and they do try to get their names in the news through public debates and events.

So, it would be great to see a Strategy for Northumberland County that included some specifics about what they will do to turn back the economic downturn, stop the loss of industry, introduce programs for farmers and the agriculture industry, helpthe unemployed, provide social services to deal with the new economic reality and so forth. Sure, there are allusions to these issues in the campaign literature and the websites, but nothing directly as to what they plan to do for us, the citizens that will ultimately vote for them. We need details.

Strategically, this would be risky. Conservative MP Rick Norlock and his fellow Tories might get a hold of such an agenda and plot to use it against the successful candidate. So, it may be bad to show their respective hand too early.

Yet, it may have a different affect. Mr. Norlock lacks his own vision for Northumberland. And, while he articulates all kinds of positions, those tend to be the party line. He fails to provide his strategic plan, engage with the community and he has no excuse. He holds is open houses and public meeting, but he never reports back on the outcomes and what he is going to do, in terms of specific policy initiatives for the county. In fact, it is his job to do so. A brave Liberal candidate may force him to be accountable and show his agenda or, at the very least, demonstrate his lack of one.

Election are no longer run during set campaigns. One thing the Conservatives have picked up from the American strategists is that the campaign never ends. Maybe it is time for Northumberland federal political hopefuls to take a page from this book. While the election has not been called, the campaign is already underway. And, Northumberland voters want to know what they can expect when th election date is finally set.

Virtual communities cannot replace the real ones

This past weekend, Colborne celebrated its 150^th anniversary with a series of events and school reunions that brought back many memories for village residents.  Among the period costumes, vintage cars, great food and festivities, were the strong emotions of fellowship and community pride that were hard to miss.

The village of Colborne was incorporated on Jan. 1, 1859 within the township of Cramahe with an original population of 1,104. The first known settler was Joseph Keeler, who came from Rutland, Vermont in 1789. Within very little time, forty settlers joined Keeler and soon a sawmill, flour mill, carding and woolen mill were part of the settlement.

The Keeler family would continue to be influential. Keeler’s son, Joseph A., founded the village. He was a merchant, postmaster, and Justice of the Peace. The grandson of the original Joseph Keeler would go on to have a distinguished life as a politician, establishing the first newspaper and printing office, as well as serving as a major in the local militia.

Certainly, there were other families that contributed to the growth of the village. Names like Richardson, Scripture, Beattie, Cooper, Bristol, Crandell, Edwards, Palmer and more made their mark.

While there is so much rich history to celebrate, it was the gathering of local residents, families and friends that was so impressive. It was particularly striking to see the old and the new mixing. One small girl caught the spirit of the day, dressed in a long historic frock and apron wearing a pair of Crocs.

To celebrate history brings a community together in a unique way by strengthening our sense of collectivity and sense of belonging.

Yet, modern technology brings people together in so many different ways. The virtual world rubs against the physical one. With social media creating online relationships that make it easy to connect with friends, family and others instantly, it has never been so easy to stay in touch.

For some, the virtual world of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and blogs represents a global conversation where people are free to connect with like-minded people on a host of topics.

We are no longer alone. Think of high school days many years ago, before this technological revolution, when it was a massive sin to be different. Peer pressure either drove one to become part of an undesirable clique or be banished to isolation with few or no friends.

Social media allows us to connect to an endless collection of networks for everything from punk bands that play Croatian folk songs to model train lovers who take pictures of engines to share worldwide.

Still, can virtual space replace physical space? In other words, will the residents of Colborne come together to celebrate the 175^th anniversary in 25 years?

Let’s hope the answer is, yes.  We can hope the town square will be packed once more and the gazebo will be centre stage for many activities. But, we may also see another community gathering – one that is online – sharing the celebration and extending the feeling of belonging well beyond the limits of geography.