Northumberland County is exploring an innovative partnership to address local labor shortages in healthcare, construction, and advanced manufacturing. Inspired by a pilot project in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, the initiative would engage the federal government's Economic Mobility Pathways Project to connect skilled refugees with job vacancies in the community. The project would involve local organizations, international partners and community members, based on the Pictou model. Northumberland County is considering this solution to attract a diverse workforce and promote rural development. Negotiations are underway with Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Shapiro Foundation, an organization specializing in refugee resettlement, to advance the initiative. Next steps would include securing support, assessing industry demand, raising public awareness, and addressing accommodation challenges for resettled refugees and their families.

Northumberland County's 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan 2022 Annual Report highlights work to address local housing need and combat systemic challenges contributing to homelessness. The community, like communities across Ontario, is facing an unprecedented housing crisis, with high home costs and low rental vacancy rates. The County made strategic investments in 2022 to increase access to affordable housing and enhance supports for individuals experiencing homelessness. This included enhanced emergency shelter services, such as an overnight winter warming room and overflow accommodations at local motels. Funding was also directed to Northumberland Hills Hospital to increase resources for homeless individuals with mental health concerns. In partnership with the Northumberland County Housing Corporation (NCHC), 2022 saw the County advance the construction and acquisition of multiple affordable housing units. One example of this is the progress of the Elgin Park Affordable Housing Redevelopment in Cobourg, which aims to increase the number of subsidized and market rental units at this location from 18 to 40. A shelter benefit extension was also piloted as a means of increasing housing stability and and preventing homelessness. In 2023, key initiatives will include the creation of a housing stabilization subsidy, launch of a housing support program, collaboration on more affordable housing development, and other strategic investments. The County remains committed to innovative strategies, partnerships, and services to offer housing solutions and support those at risk of homelessness.

Northumberland County and its partners are committed to ensuring safe and affordable housing for all residents and ending chronic homelessness. In 2022, the County initiated a review of the Emergency Shelter System to develop recommendations for advancing the community-wide response model. The review aimed to strengthen service coordination, provide the right support at the right time, and analyze funding models, partnership opportunities, service standards, and program delivery strategies. County staff, community partners, individuals with lived experience, and data from various sources informed the review. The final report includes 44 recommendations. Staff will now proceed with an implementation plan to address the findings.

Northumberland County and its partners are committed to ensuring safe and affordable housing for all residents and ending chronic homelessness. In 2022, the County initiated a review of the Emergency Shelter System to develop recommendations for advancing the community-wide response model. The review aimed to strengthen service coordination, provide the right support at the right time, and analyze funding models, partnership opportunities, service standards, and program delivery strategies. County staff, community partners, individuals with lived experience, and data from various sources informed the review. The final report includes 44 recommendations. Staff will now proceed with an implementation plan to address the findings.

County Council has recommended approval for Cramahe Official Plan Amendment No. 21 – 891 Pinewood School Road. This amendment includes a land use mapping change on the property, which is located between County Road 25 and County Road 30 in rural Cramahe Township. The amendment will facilitate the creation of three rural residential lots for detached houses and a lot for an existing house.

The Year-to-Date Financial Results  condense at a high level the financials results and impacts related to the County Budget, as of April 30, 2023. Finance staff allocate the annual budget to each month of the year based on estimated timing of events, although changes will occur throughout the year based on unforeseen factors. At present, the total variance to budget is $13.9M favourable.