eNewsletter | September 20, 2017

Next Meeting of
County Council
 
October 18, 2017




Food banks recognized during Hunger Awareness Week

In honour of national Hunger Awareness Week, taking place September 18-22, County Council today recognized Northumberland food banks for their invaluable contributions to local food security. Four million Canadians have trouble putting food on the table. Northumberland's 14 food banks are striving to fill the gap locally, helping approximately 2000 individuals each month -  roughly 725 of whom are under the age of 18.
Council approves community plan for transition to new Ontario Early Years Child & Family Centres

County Council today approved a plan for establishing nine Ontario Early Years Child & Family Centres (OEYCFCs) in Northumberland, starting in 2018. Required by the province, this plan was created by Northumberland County in consultation with early years partners throughout the community. It will advance a commitment by the Ontario Ministry of Education to integrate and transform child and family programs across the province.
Members of the public invited to free screening of the film 'Us & Them'
 
The film Us & Them is shattering stereotypes about homelessness with the aim of supporting permanent solutions for ending homelessness. This feature documentary chronicles the director's experience befriending four chronically homeless individuals, who ultimately change the course of her life. County Council previewed the trailer for this film today, in advance of a public screening at Rainbow Cinemas in Cobourg on Wednesday, October 11th at 9:00 a.m.  Admission is free; donations to the Northumberland United Way will be accepted at the door.
Notes
October is Child Abuse Prevention Month
October is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in advance of this staff from the Highland Shores Children's' Aid as well as The Children's Foundation have shared information with Council about how to identify and help prevent child abuse. One of this campaign's key goals is to educate communities and key partners about how calling a Children's Aid Society is one of the most effective ways to prevent child abuse. As part of this campaign, Children's Aid works closely with school boards, schools, and community partners on a provincial "DRESS PURPLE DAY."

Another successful 'Bike Up' Northumberland campaign

John Russell of the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation and Natasha Jacobs of the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation today recognized Warden Walas and County Council for their support of the 3rd Annual Home Hardware Bike Up Northumberland event.

Report on results from Budget Open House

Council received a report from staff detailing the results of the recent Financial Planning Framework Open House. The 2018 budget schedule approved by Council on June 21, 2017 included facilitation of a public information session. Northumberland County staff held a Financial Planning Framework Open House on July 27, 2017. The intent was to educate and engage the public on the County's services and budgetary processes.  At the open house event a survey/feedback form was provided to attendees and was subsequently posted on the County website allowing for responses up until August 23rd.   
 
Proclamations
Community Health and Wellbeing Week
During the last week of October, people across the province will be spotlighting the importance of working better together to achieve a complete sense of health and wellbeing for all people in all communities in Ontario.


Local Government Week

From October 15 to 21, people throughout the province will acknowledge and celebrate the significant role that municipal governments play in helping to define the character, priorities, physical make-up, and quality of life of communities across Ontario.


International Disaster Reduction Day

With October 13, 2017 proclaimed as International Disaster Reduction Day, Council is encouraging all citizens to contact their municipal office for information on how to increase resiliency against disasters both at home, and in their communities.


Cyber Security Awareness Month

Digital technology plays a central role in our everyday lives and it can have far-reaching security, economic and social impacts. The internet is a shared resource, and securing it is a shared responsibility. Northumberland County acknowledges its responsibility by taking a proactive and adaptive approach to data security, and for this reason Council has proclaimed October to be Cyber Security Awareness Month in Northumberland.


Waste Reduction Week

October 16 to 22, 2017 is Waste Reduction Week. Northumberland County is committed to reducing our waste, conserving resources, and educating our community about sustainable living.