Haliburton man deceased after collision north of Lindsay

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December 14, 2021

In late November, Highlanders lined the main streets of Minden and Haliburton to wave at Santa, the grinch, dancing elves and kids on floats grinning from ear to ear.

Around half the floats were sponsored by local businesses, often with the owners or their families riding on board.

Some of the County’s most popular vendors didn’t show up.

There was no Amazon float. Costco’s board of directors weren’t waving to the crowd; BestBuy didn’t make an appearance either.

Jeff Bezos has almost certainly never heard of the Highland Storm, let alone donated money to fund a kid’s hockey team or held a toy drive for a Highlands public school.

Short on cash? Not likely.

Amazon’s profits rose to more than $100 billion a quarter in the first half of 2021, shipping with razor-sharp precision at a speed even Saint Nick would struggle to match.

If anything, COVID-19 has expanded the largest vendors’ reach.

It’s the local businesses who’ve felt the brunt of COVID-19: lumber yards, grocery store owners, restaurants and car dealerships who are actively working in the County.

And many are struggling with long-term impacts of COVID-19: we reported on supply chain woes in late summer that still threaten nearly every niche, and the Highlands inhospitable housing market makes it increasingly tough to find retail or service workers.

As a reporter, talking to people brave enough to start their own business is a highlight of the job. However, if I’m honest, I’ve often clicked “purchase” on gifts online I could have easily gotten from an independent shop within 20 kilometers.

It’s the local storefronts that bustle with holiday cheer and garland this time of year; those are the places that draw visitors and make towns into communities. Those are the places that support County kids with toy drives, gather coats for local families or take the time to get to know your name.

While large corporations strategized Boxing Day marketing, a group of artisans, crafters and bakers gathered at Abbey Gardens over the weekend to sell their wares: mittens, baking, soaps and paintings that are injected with the personality and care of the maker.

Haliburton’s Chamber of Commerce joined regional chambers in a new “Keepin’ it Local” marketing initiative, all about increasing local shops’ visibility.

In Haliburton, a Ladies Shopping night Dec. 9 is a night of sales, hot chocolate and late hours for local shops.

I recognize there is lots you just can’t find without going online. But since I’m the kind of person who shops for Christmas a little last minute, I have a choice to make this Holiday season: will I support the businesses working to build the kind of community I want to live in? Or will I chip in for Bezos’ next rocket?

You should care about the service delivery review

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December 14, 2021

would encourage the public to tune into the County services delivery review (SDR) steering committee meetings. The next one will likely be held in March or April via Zoom and YouTube.

I watched the Nov. 24 one learned a lot about what is going on behind the scenes. There are a number of working groups, mostly comprising staff from the five townships, who meet frequently to chip away at recommendations in the November 2020 SDR. At the quarterly meetings to County council, you get a glimpse into what they’re doing.

It also gives insight into what seems to be going smoothly and what isn’t going so well, and those who appear more open to change than others.

At first glance, it struck me that it’s going to take years. Turns out, I’m not wrong. CAO Mike Rutter said there’s basically a three-year window from when the report was delivered in November 2020, which takes us to the fall of 2023.

Procedure-wise it’s not simply a County council decision-making process, either. Each municipality will be voting on various recommendations before they are implemented. In other words, not all of them may be adopted if there is not the political will.

There has been some movement. For example, Scott Ovell began his job as the new director of economic development and tourism on Nov. 8. It was one of five new positions recommended in the SDR to support coordination and increased service levels. The townships have also signed off on hiring a procurement specialist to achieve savings through better sourcing. The only problem is they can’t find anyone.

I laud the building, bylaw and septic working group for inviting the Haliburton County Home Builders Association to the table. The human resources working group had Kyle Brewer attend a meeting. What better input than to hear from customers, or potential service providers, directly? We would encourage the other working groups to consider opening the door to dialogue with other key customers and user groups in the County.

I found the fire and emergency management discussion notes perhaps the most interesting as well as what Dysart et al fire Chief Mike Iles had to say on behalf of the group.

They have basically discounted much of the SDRs recommendations, saying they already have a hybrid approach to training and other collaborations they say were not reflected in the SDR report. However, they want a countywide community emergency management coordinator, not recommended in the report.

The roads, bridges and drainage working group is looking into things such as joint tenders for engineering services and automated traffic control. The waste management group is exploring an integrated waste management program and joint hazardous waste events. The planning group is discussing the County doing all pre-consultation work for consent applications and a consolidated County official plan and harmonized fees. The human resources group is investigating pooling benefits.

This is just a quick snapshot of some of the work taking place. All of the eventual changes will affect you in some way, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the process. I know we will.

Artist supports Canadian women for a cause

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December 9, 2021

Organic Times’ new Haliburton location on Industrial Park Road is decorated for Christmas, with handcrafted gifts and housewares laid carefully around a Christmas tree.

Much of owner Deborah Lyons’ inventory comes from local makers. However, one book on display in the weeks leading up to Christmas has a local and nationwide connection.

Haliburton-based artist Gerda Neubacher is selling copies of Portraits of Canadian Women Who Inspire with 100 per cent of the profits going to SIRCH Community Services.

It’s a series of portraits accompanied by interviews with some of Canada’s most influential women: Neubacher painted Kim Campbell in her pyjamas, chatted about family life with celebrated TV Anchor Farrah Nasser, and remains friends with many depicted in the book’s glossy pages.

Neubacher’s portraits of each woman reflect parts of their personalities, past or future aspirations. It was a project which took years. Neubacher writes in the introduction that it was one of her most challenging and rewarding life experiences.

Neubacher added: “This book has a long shelf life. It’s as new now as it was 10 years ago.”

She said it felt right to contribute the proceeds of each sale to SIRCH. “I was so in awe with the idea of educating and training people there,” Neubacher said.

“I’m talking about Canadian women who inspire: this is another group of Canadian women who inspire and take people to the next level,” she said, mentioning SIRCH’s community support and training programs.

Lyons pointed out one woman is from Haliburton: Marion Sedgewick. Sedgwick was a nurse, missionary and United Church of Canada minister from Haliburton. Lyons said she values how the book uplifts women’s experiences and accomplishments.

“Those women need to be celebrated,” Lyons said.

Organic Times’ new digs

Lyons said business has been brisk at the shop’s new location so far. “It’s so difficult for people to travel, at times, from Eagle Lake, or Redstone to Minden,” she said.

All her goods are aimed at creating sustainable lifestyles: soy candles, glass repurposed into Christmas ornaments, locally-made greeting cards and soaps.

“People are really happy to repurpose products, give new life to products: they’re tired of the Amazons. They want to support local,” she said.

Outdoors association spawns steady year during COVID-19

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December 9, 2021

The Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Assocation’s (HHOA) year got off to a rocky start.

In January 2021, two pumps and a well failed at the hatchery.

Without water, there’s no fish: the association has stocked Haliburton lakes with more than 700,000 since 1998.

“Local folks and the general public contributed, and we were able to get those major repairs,” said association president Dan Smith.

Twelve months later, Smith said “it’s been a good year.”

Community contributions have been a major piece of the 2021 puzzle; resulting in a $20,000 budget boost and triple the membership.

“That’s a big shot in the arm for us, the community support we got this year.”

Especially, said Smith, since much of the association’s in-person fundraising was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

“We’re on tenterhooks when we can’t do fundraising,” he said.

Smith said many members, the majority being seniors, were cautious to gather due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

“We got the same work done with less people,” said Smith. An ongoing challenge is preserving the County’s fisheries, with many respondents to the association’s 2021 walleye survey reporting less than usual fish stock.

To combat that, the association stocked locations by helicopter and distributed fish to 25 lakes across the Highlands. Volunteers also spent days cleaning silt off underwater spawning grounds.

Despite a strong financial year, the association is aiming to develop guaranteed incomes over the next years to decrease the reliance on donations.

“Every year we look at our year and say we gotta’ raise this and this and this,” said Smith.

A large source of support is the association’s members themselves: the group went from 35 to 100 members in 2021. Membership chair Ken Fielding said at the HHOA AGM he hopes to attract 100 more by next year.

Smith joined the group five years ago.

“I fished all my life and hunted. I wanted to know where the fish are going, and where the good fishing spots are,” he said. “You can work as little or as much time as you want.”

Chasing the sweet treats to Carnarvon

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December 9, 2021

It may be on a different highway, but fans of The Country Bakery are finding the business’s new home in the former Zion United Church in Carnarvon.

The bakery, coffee and lunch spot recently moved from its Hwy. 118 home of the past six years to the site along Hwy. 35.

Following their third weekend, spokesperson Jeanette Angus said, “We’re finding the local people are very happy to have us here, very thankful we’re here, and they’re happy the church is being used again. Very good reception. They’re all plugging us and telling their neighbours and strangers that we’re in here.”

The church ceased operations in May 2019 and was purchased by David and Helen Litt, who are renting part of the hall space to The Country Bakery and plan to sell antiques in future.

Angus said they’d been telling people at the other location for quite some time that they would be moving, they just didn’t know exactly when. There were a few delays in getting the building up and running. However, that reopened Nov. 19.

“So, a lot of the Hwy. 118, lovely people that have supported us all these years, they know where to find us,” she said.

Angus said the move is benefitting them in a number of ways.

“We’re right on Hwy. 35 which is nice, a little bit more convenient for those folks, when they come by, they don’t have to deviate too far.”

She added, “It’s a nice, bright, happy, larger space for us. It’s a larger kitchen to work in. The other location got a little bit small. We outgrew it. We were on top of each other. And we only had certain areas we could walk. Here, we have lots of choices to get around each other.”

She said the only con, if you can call it that, is when she arrives very early in the morning to begin baking, she is entering a nearly 130-year-old former church building.

“It feels a little spooky. It’s a big place. It’s got its creaks and groans that I’m not used to.”

Walking in, the bakery is taking up about half of the former Zion Church Hall with its various display cases. There are no tables and chairs yet but that is the plan.

“Eventually we’ll have tables and chairs for sitting and have the little café back and there’ll be more antiques. That will get better and bigger as well,” Angus said. “The two things go together quite well.”

The bakery is preparing for Christmas, working on a scone order Dec. 6 at the time of the interviw, and doggy treats were being packaged up as well.

“We’re happy. We can make Christmas things and kind of get ready.”

Their regular hours are Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. However, those days and hours may be extended over the holidays. Find them on Facebook for days and hours of operation and products or call 705-489-2917.

U-Links calls for curious Highlanders

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December 9, 2021

U-Links Centre for Community Based Research wants to turn questions about Haliburton County into academic studies.

The organization connects community groups and organizations with research teams from Trent University and Fleming College. They’ve completed local studies on topics from climate change to littering.

In November, they opened the call for 2022 research topics that may be picked up by winter or spring classes at each school.

Sadie Fischer, U-Links program coordinator, said she encourages anyone to come forward with an idea. Then, U-Links can help narrow a research focus or reach out to others who may be able to host research.

“We need a host organization, but that organization can be a business, it can be a volunteer group,” she said.

U-Links can help develop project ideas and “define the appropriate research questions,” a press release stated.

Fischer mentioned how many 2021 projects, such as benthic biomonitoring as well as monitoring trees in Land Trust forests, were centered on climate change.

“A major need in the community is looking at the environment and factors there,” Fischer said.

However, U-Links has facilitated a range of projects on everything from community development to healthcare outcomes to a wetlands assessment of Gull Lake.

Fischer has already received a number of project proposals this year. For example, Abbey Gardens wants to incorporate indigenous knowledge and practices into its facility, and Fischer said U-Links is developing plans to study the County’s youth employment patterns.

Ideas or questions are passed on to research groups or classes within the schools. Sometimes an idea can spawn multiple academic projects.

In 2021, Fleming College students dove into waste management practices and common themes surrounding roadside dumping.

U-Links also conducts community learning activities, such as the HaliburtonMuskoka-Kawartha Children’s Water Festival coordinated by Trent environmental science students.

Fischer said the community’s passion for learning and change is motivating.

“Because it is such a small community there are so many people who are trying to make a difference and trying to research and learn,” Fischer said. “I think that’s really inspiring.”

To contact U-Links about a research topic, email Sadie Fischer at environmental@ ulinks.ca or call 705-286-2411.

HHHS reports $613,000 deficit

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Mike Baker

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December 9, 2021

Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) is in a precarious financial position according to board chair David O’Brien, who says the organization is waiting on nearly $3 million of COVID-19 related funding from the provincial government.

During a Dec. 2 board meeting, O’Brien said HHHS was “experiencing another very challenging year” in light of the ongoing pandemic. The organization is reporting a budget deficit of $613,000 as of Sept. 30, although O’Brien indicated that number is likely significantly higher today. He noted the third quarter financials, once in, were “not going to be pretty.”

Year to date the organization has seen lost revenues of approximately $372,000, while staffing expenses are way up, totalling more than $350,000. This is largely attributed to the use of staffing agencies to maintain services and miscellaneous recruitment costs, said Carolyn Plummer, HHHS president and CEO. A “significant” increase in housekeeping hours and security services has also impacted the budget.

O’Brien noted HHHS is experiencing cash flow issues, which is making things difficult operationally. As reported in the Nov. 25 Highlander, the organization is preparing to reduce services at its facilities in Haliburton and Minden in the near future, although that decision is being driven by staff shortages, according to Plummer.

“These challenges are particularly onerous on small rural hospitals who have very, very limited sources of external revenue that they can depend upon,” O’Brien said. “We’re going to continue to have serious issues going forward into the new year.”

The money HHHS is owed by the province is accounted for in the budget, meaning when it comes in the organization will still have a fairly substantial shortfall. In her report to the board, Plummer stated she was still waiting on reimbursements for pandemic-related expenses dating back to March 2021.

MPP Laurie Scott did not respond to questions surrounding the funding as of press time.

Emergency department closures

Plummer said an announcement on pending emergency department closures is coming, with the organization ironing out the details on a new long-term service plan.

It is unclear at this time whether those changes will impact the Minden hospital, Haliburton hospital, or both. Plummer has previously stated that HHHS will ensure at least one emergency department is available at all times.

“Work is still underway to analyze some information that we have available to us, and to seek feedback from various groups,” Plummer said.

HHHS physicians and clinicians have been involved in the process, she said. Other stakeholders such as Haliburton County Paramedic Services, Ontario Health, and community partners have also provided feedback.

Once a decision has been made, it will be shared at least 48 hours before any changes are implemented so as to give the community time to prepare.

“I don’t think any of us wanted to see this happen, but it is the reality [of our situation],” Plummer said.

Facility enhancements

HHHS has hired Thom Runciman to serve as environmental services supervisor. Plummer said he has a lot of experience in long-term care, and would be working to improve some of the organization’s cleaning and maintenance protocols post-COVID-19.

Work to bring HHHS up to standards through the Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency Initiative is close to completion, Plummer noted. Staff have recently finished upgrading LED lighting throughout all HHHS facilities, while a new building automation system has been installed.

“This system allows us to continuously monitor heating, cooling and ventilation trends in our main facilities, to help ensure our heating and air conditioning systems are functioning properly to maintain a comfortable environment for our patients, residents and staff,” Plummer said.

The planned long-term care nurse call system replacement project will be completed at Highland Wood this month, with work to begin at Hyland Crest early next year. Plummer says the old system was outdated and difficult for residents to use. The project was funded by the HHHS Foundation.

The magic of giving

The local hospital foundation reports it is off to “a very strong start” with its annual festive fundraiser. While she didn’t provide any numbers, executive director Lisa Tompkins said she was “very grateful for, and very humbled” by the generosity of the Highlands community, who has continued to support the foundation throughout the pandemic.

All money raised through the Believe in the Magic of Giving campaign is donated back to HHHS to fund equipment and facility upgrades and service enhancements.

Tickets for the foundation’s December 50/50 draw are still available, with an early bird draw taking place on Dec. 15 and grand prize draw happening Dec. 31.

Townships continue work on service review

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December 9, 2021

County of Haliburton CAO Mike Rutter says COVID has helped speed up the service delivery review (SDR) process and residents should see improvements and savings in the coming months.

Much of the work is being done behind the scenes by staff of the County, Algonquin Highlands, Dysart et al, Highlands East and Minden Hills. However, the Haliburton County Home Builders Association (HCHBA) has been invited to the building, bylaw and septic working group.

Working groups are meeting regularly and report back to County council on a quarterly basis.

Rutter said since the pandemic began, the five CAOs have met once a week and that is continuing via Zoom.

“We simply did not communicate as often, or as well, prior to COVID. I would actually say we have come further, faster, on the service delivery review because of that meeting format,” he said.

The most recent SDR steering committee with County councillors was on Nov. 24.

Rutter is at the helm of the review, based on the 140-page report from consultants Strategy Corp., who identified 12 broad initiatives aimed at finding more than $900,000 in operational efficiencies and about $200,000 in productivity gains by getting the five corporations to work together better.

Rutter said it’s expected to take three years to complete, or into 2023.

“While not everything will be fully implemented by then, I do think the respective councils will have made decisions on many of the recommendations in that timeframe,” Rutter said.

However, he added, “That does not mean they will support every recommendation, but I do believe they will have all been debated and direction provided in that threeyear horizon.”

Rutter said he believes some changes will be implemented in the coming months. For example, the County has created, and now successfully recruited for, a director of economic development and tourism. Scott Ovell started Nov. 8, coming from the Town of Huntsville.

“As a result, residents should see improved service delivery/savings in those areas in the near term,” Rutter said.

County councillors also gave the green light to hiring a procurement coordinator. However, they have been unable to find a candidate so that remains on hold as of now. The other suggested positions, for which there has been no movement to date, include an in-house legal position and a communications officer and grant writer.

Building bylaw and septic

Referring to the building, bylaw and septic working group, Rutter said they will be reviewing bylaw enforcement and developing a recommendation on the potential for integration of that service in the near future.

The HCHBA declined to be interviewed, saying “we are very pleased to be included in the process with the County and the municipalities.”

According to meeting notes from Oct. 20, they asked that “given the level of activity in the building industry right now, is this the time to make monumental change like this?” They added if there is change, they want assurances service levels will not decrease during the transition.

The builders wanted to know if more municipal staff would be required. The answer was the model doesn’t include more inspectors, and it’s not yet known whether bylaw enforcement would be integrated.

The HCHBA also asked if changes would help the township attract more qualified staff. The answer was it was possible and there could be other benefits.

The builders said more discussion is needed on the pros and cons of having dedicated septic inspectors versus building officials who also do septic inspections. The four municipalities provide the services in a different way.

They said “consistency is critical” and were told an integrated model would result in consistent forms, interpretations, and approach.

The builders also wanted to know about maintaining connections with planning staff they are already dealing with at each township. According to the notes, it’s an area requiring more work.

The working group also had a number of questions for the builders. They wanted to know if it is important to have a physical office in each of the local municipalities. The HCHBA said that would be preferred. They said not everyone would be willing or able to submit plans electronically.

Councillor says towns must ‘work together’

Minden Hills Coun. Bob Carter, who has been keenly watching the process, said the need for change is crucial. “We have four different criteria for the minimum size dwelling in the area.

We have different rules for setbacks and little minor things like that, that drive builders crazy.

“I recall being in the office [Minden Hills] pre-pandemic and a builder came in and was showing the building department the plans for a garage he was building and they told him, ‘well, you can’t do that, and you can’t do that,” and he said ‘but I just took these same plans to Dysart et al and got approved’. And they said, ‘oh well, that’s Dysart’.

“That’s craziness and it’s hurting us all. I think that we have to work together.”

Doc head-hunter hits the ground running

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December 9, 2021