Relocating a little piece of Minden history

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November 25, 2021

Having spent the best part of a week restoring “a cool piece of Minden’s history” over the summer, Sharon Lake resident Brian McGroarty wants to reassure area residents that an old lighthouse, that for decades sat on a property overlooking Hwy. 35, lives on.

In August, while returning home from a morning scouring for goodies at area garage sales, McGroarty and his partner Jan Delville noticed something different about the lighthouse they had long admired – it had a small ‘for sale’ sign attached to it.

“This lighthouse has been on that property forever, I think for over 40 years” McGroarty said, referencing the home immediately north of the Kawartha Dairy and Minden Coin Wash. “I love something that has history and character, and when you come across something like this it really doesn’t get any better.”

McGroarty spent $100 to acquire the lighthouse and a further $100 to restore it. The finished product now sits in his backyard on Sharon Lake Drive, overlooking the water.

Many of his neighbours and visitors to the lake have marvelled at the structure, McGroarty said. The couple are renowned in their neighbourhood for decorating their property with antiques and collectibles.

Adding the lighthouse was an opportunity McGroarty says he could not pass up. Now, it will serve as the crown jewel of their lakefront home.

“When I tell friends and family about the lighthouse, their immediate reaction is to go ‘aww, you got that?’ I think a lot of people have recognized it over the years, which is why I wanted to come forward and let people know where they can find it,” McGroarty said. “I think people will have noticed it’s not there anymore. I know that I have it, and I still find myself looking towards that same spot when I drive by.”

He and Delville said they would welcome any visitor who wanted to stop by, check it out and get a few photos.

“It’s a piece of Minden history. We don’t just want to keep it for ourselves,” Delville said.

As well as the main structure, which stands around eight feet tall, McGroarty also took possession of a smaller lighthouse, which he says he plans to refurbish next year. While he doesn’t yet know where he will put that lighthouse, he says it will be well away from the main structure – likely on the front of his property, overlooking Sharon Lake Drive.

“I’ve always been attracted to these little oddities. I see beauty in things old and worn down,” McGroarty said. “I’m just so happy to have been able to get my hands on this lighthouse. It really did deserve to be fixed up and showed off. It’s a beautiful piece.”

Former teacher loved and respected by all

By

Mike Baker

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November 25, 2021

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A former auto shop teacher at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School is being remembered for his boundless community spirit, and a “kind and gentle” nature that resonated with students and family alike.

Bill Johnston was an institution at the local school for more than 30 years having taught there from 1967 until his retirement in 1998. Over the years he taught hundreds of students how to change a tire, identify issues under a car’s hood, and make simple repairs.

On Oct. 29, he passed away at the age of 80, shortly after suffering a stroke. His family held a memorial service in his honour last week at Haliburton Community Funeral Home. Dozens of people attended in-person, with a virtual offering made available to those who couldn’t be there.

“I have come to realize just how amazing and exceptional my dad was.

He was a truly gentle, caring and sensitive man who could command the attention of a room without being loud or boisterous,” said son, Mark Johnston. He shared stories of the guidance his father offered him while growing up: how he was supportive when, on the pair’s first hunting trip, Mark had trouble pulling the trigger and making his first kill; or, when Mark was about to embark on an overseas mission trip, offering a piece of wisdom that changed his son’s entire outlook on the adventure.

Tales of Bill’s humour also drew more than a few laughs. Mark recalled a time when he and his friend, Benton Brown, were out in his back yard hitting a few golf balls.

“My dad strolled out with a book under his arm and walked up to Benton and said, ‘I was just going through some stuff in the house and I found something that I thought you might find useful.’ He handed Benton the book, which was called ‘Golfing for Women’,” Mark said. “Then he just walked away. It was so funny, and I still think about that all the time.”

Born in Haliburton in 1942, Johnston spent the majority of his life living in the community. Upon graduating from HHSS in the early 1960s, he took on a mechanic apprenticeship at Curry Motors. He then moved to Oshawa, working at another Chevrolet dealership, before returning home and, ultimately, rounding out his professional career by moving into education. In 1975, he married Jane Stokes – also a teacher at HHSS. Together, the pair had two children, Mark and Tammy.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Tammy said her dad actually foreshadowed the event, and had but one request.

“Dad told me once about a funeral he had been to. The minister had approached him and said, ‘when we grieve, what we’re actually doing is feeling sorry for ourselves because our loved ones are no longer with us. The truth is, they’re doing just one, and they’re in a better place,” Tammy said.

“Dad then said, ‘when my time comes, I don’t want people to make a big fuss or get upset. I just want them to remember the good things.’ I see a lot of truth and value in that story. “When I look back on the last 34 years I got to spend with dad, there are so many good things to remember and be grateful for that it almost doesn’t make sense to be sad,” she added. “I remember the good things. Dad’s spirit is very much still there, and the connection remains. And I know he’s doing just fine on the other side.”

Talent readies for Highlands Christmas Shindig

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Lisa Gervais

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November 25, 2021

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The Highlands Christmas Shindig “now has a life of its own” as organizers ready for the Nov. 27 event Mike Jaycock said.

“The wonderful talent lineup has been rehearsing and they’re all primed and ready to go,” he said. “ We’ll have a live audience, which will be wonderful for the performers too.”

Jaycock said the volunteer production staff have been working diligently to create stages, backdrops, sound, lighting and technical equipment to stream the signal via YouTube (search Highlands Christmas Shindig), Facebook (Highlands Christmas Shindig page) and fuelforwarmth.com.

Three cameras will capture all the fun and, thanks to a strong internet feed at the Haliburton Legion, they will have a clean, clear video stream.

Close to 30 production volunteers are involved in the planning and delivery of the fundraiser. Many have been working on it since the late spring.

“It’s so typical of the Highlands that, when there’s a worthy cause, the good’uns pitch in and make it happen. All that remains is for our viewing audience to join us Saturday evening and be generous in their giving to Fuel for Warmth. They’ll be able to do that at fuelforwarmth.com,” Jaycock said.

The tech team, led by Tammy Rae, will be doing live feeds on Saturday, every hour for five minutes, from noon to 6 p.m. “This will give folks an opportunity to access the feed on their smart tv, computer or tablet and test it out. People will get to see snippets of the tech rehearsal and the flurry of activity at the Legion. How fun is that?

“We hope people near and far join us to celebrate Haliburton talent, visiting guests, and the fun. After all, it’s in support of a cause close to all our hearts.”

The Haliburton Christmas Shindig is Saturday evening at 7.30 p.m.

Highlands Summer Festival to make 2022 return

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Lisa Gervais

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November 25, 2021

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The Highlands Summer Festival will kick off its 2022 theatre season in July with a world-famous Richard Rodger and Oscar Hammerstein musical.

The announcement of the new season was made by artistic producer Scot Denton and festival president Brian Kipping Nov. 14.

“It will be an exciting year for the festival,” Denton said.

“The Highlands Summer Festival will be celebrating its return to the stage leading off with The Sound of Music July 4 for 10 performances, including three matinees,” Denton said.

Kipping added, “We are so excited to finally be presenting the season we promised you before our theatre, and the world for that matter, went dark. We knew from the enthusiastic response to the announcement in 2019 that we should make every effort to bring that season and we have.”

In addition to The Sound of Music, the festival season includes: Oscar Wilde’s satirical The Importance of Being Earnest, the touching Every Brilliant Thing and feature a rollicking performance from Marshall Button as Lucien and a memory evoking, toe tapping rock concert, Across the Pond (The British Invasion), with Leisa Way and the Wayward Wind Band.

The season will run from July 4-August 11.

Details for the shows can be found on the festival’s newly refreshed website, highlandssummerfestival.on.ca .

Included in the schedule are eight matinee performances with special youth pricing of $20 for those 18 and younger. Single tickets will still be available for $37.50 Season passes, which include all five shows, are now on sale for $160. Passes can be purchased online, by phone 705-457-9933, 1-855-457-9933 or by mail at Box 678, Haliburton, Ontario, K0M 1S0. Season passes will be on sale until Jan. 31, 2022.

Committee worries about IB+O bridge

By

Sam Gillett

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November 25, 2021

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Highlands East trail and outdoors committee will seek engineers to conduct a structural assessment of the IB&O rail trail bridge.

If the committee receives a suitable quote, they can forward the decision for Highlands East council’s approval.

“I think we’re doing the right thing by bringing this forward to council,” said chairperson Coun. Cam McKenzie.

Committee members raised issues with the bridge, located near Farr Road, in the summer of 2020.

McKenzie estimated the wooden foundation is original, and other committee members pointed out makeshift supporting structures under the bridge seem unsafe.

“It seems as though they’re comprised of partial sections,” said member Peter Wood.

“To me, I don’t know how secure that is, If that’s a normal bridge-building practice. I’d think a proper review is worthwhile.”

The IB&O bridge regularly sees snowmobile traffic and increased ATV and side-by-side traffic.

For board member Frank Meurer, the bridge is a concern to riders.

“Having now seen the underside of the bridge, I’m a little more concerned than when I was riding on top of it,” said Frank Meurer.

It’s estimated an engineer’s review of the bridge could cost $2,500. Highlands East council will make the decision whether to hire a third-party inspector.

Incentives for landlords to start renting

By

Mike Baker

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November 25, 2021

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After successfully piloting a new rental incentive designed to combat homelessness across the region last year, the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Housing Corporation is kicking the program into overdrive this winter in the hopes of alleviating one of the region’s most serious and complex issues.

In its inaugural year, the rapid re-housing program found homes for 34 families from across Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Michelle Corley, manager of the regional housing authority, says that 85 per cent of those households remain housed 14 months later.

“We have seen a lot of success with this program since it was introduced. During the initial run last year, during the height of the pandemic, we did see a few landlords in the Haliburton area take advantage of it, and that helped some really vulnerable people find a home,” Corley said.

Through the initiative, the housing corporation offers landlords with vacant apartments a variety of supports and incentives, including funding to help prepare a unit for move-in, two months of pre-paid rent, and last month’s rent guarantee. Further security is provided to landlords in the form of compensation for damages beyond regular wear and tear and assistance in recovering any rent arrears. The housing authority also commits to carrying out weekly check-ins with tenants, and monthly check-ins with landlord to ensure things are going smoothly.

Any homeowner with a vacant unit, or with one that will soon be available, can apply for the incentive. Corley says while it’s designed to subsidize standalone living units, they may also consider co-habitation situations, such as someone looking to rent out a room in their home.

“We won’t say no, initially, to anything. We’ll work with landlords as much as we can,” Corley said.

In an attempt to learn the full extent of the region’s homelessness problem, the City of Kawartha Lakes led a homeless enumeration exercise in September aimed at finding people experiencing homelessness. Staff surveyed 80 individuals and families experiencing homeless across Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County.

Delving deeper into the statistics, Corley said there are currently more than 150 homeless households in the area. In Haliburton County, the survey found 15 families, seven seniors and seven youth who were living without a fixed addressed, and a further 10 households considered unsheltered and sleeping either outside, in a vehicle or a seasonal trailer.

“The number of individuals and families who are currently sleeping outside or in vehicles is significantly higher than what we have previously experienced,” Corley said.

While she acknowledged some people experiencing homelessness suffer from mental health and substance abuse issues, there’s been an alarming growth in the number of working households who have found themselves without a home over the past 12 months.

“We are seeing rents significantly increase, and we are seeing the amount of available or advertised private rental units significantly decrease, so those are certainly very concerning trends,” she said. “In all circumstances, homelessness is often related to a lack of housing. And we know that there’s a significant lack of housing in the County.”

Corley said the strength of the local housing market was exacerbating the issue, with many landlords choosing to sell their homes to maximize their investment while prices are high.

“We have seen a lot of people dispersed because of that, and because there’s nothing available these people often have nowhere to go,” she said.

For more information about the rapid re-housing program, visit kawarthalakes. ca/housing, or contact Jessica Little at 705-324-9870 ext. 3427 or jlittle@ kawarthalakes.ca.

Library lands free streaming service

By

Sam Gillett

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November 25, 2021

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The Haliburton County Public Library is rolling out a new video streaming service.

Anyone with a HCPL library card will soon have free access to Kanopy, a streaming service used by more than 45 million library patrons worldwide.

The program was funded with a $2,200 donation from the Haliburton Rotary Club.

HCPL CEO Chris Stephenson said the program “strikes a balance between education and entertainment which is what libraries strive to do.”

It includes top-rated dramas such as “Call me by your name”, “Lady Bird” and deepdive documentaries such as “The Facebook Dilemma.” New titles are added regularly.

“More than 6,800 library users can get the app on their phone, laptop or on some smart TVs as well,” Stephenson said. “It’s actually considered a gold-standard platform for public libraries.”

Stephenson said the program is a low-cost alternative to Netflix and other services, offering Highlanders “things to do with their families that are low cost and brings them together.”

Users get a set amount of credits to redeem for Kanopy titles per month.

“You don’t have to pick up a DVD or worry about returning them. If your credits are out, you just wait until the next month when they are restored,” Stephenson said.

He said Kanopy means the library can host new events too.

Often licenses to show films in libraries by large producers such as Disney can cost hundreds of dollars.

“That’s impossible for many libraries,” said Stephenson.

With Kanopy, if all viewers have a library card the library can host movie nights, film clubs and more.

“It opens up the door for many possibilities,” he said.

After a short staff testing period, Kanopy will be available to library patrons within a couple of weeks. Those interested in a library card can now get one online through the HCPL website.

Stephenson said Kanopy is another step in continuing to build the library’s digital services, which already include free access to e-books, learning experiences offered by National Geographic and event online databases such as Ancestry.ca.

“The library has something for everyone,” Stephenson said. “We always tell people it’s probably changed if it’s been a year or five years since you’ve been in.”

Site plan for treatment centre approved

By

Mike Baker

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November 25, 2021

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Algonquin Highlands has provisionally given the green light to Dimensions Health Centres to demolish and reconstruct a twostorey building on land the organization owns fronting Maple Lake.

At a meeting Nov. 18, municipal planner Sean O’Callaghan said the application complied with Algonquin Highlands’ official plan and bylaw provisions. The plan calls for the demolish of an existing building on the site, and subsequent construction of a new two-storey facility that O’Callaghan said will cover a “slightly larger” area.

The proposed building will boast a footprint of 6,400 sq. ft. and will be used, as per the application, for tourism purposes. It will include a spa, dining area, meeting rooms, gym, yoga studio, general reception area, sauna and float tank room. It will also include a walkout basement fronting the lake.

There was some public concern over the property in question earlier this year when, in a press release announcing its purchase of the site, Dimensions said the 40-acre property would be “the first of several destination retreat centres integral to [its] treatment model.” In the release, the company describes itself as a psychedelic treatment company focused on inpatient treatment, integrating neuroscience with traditional healing practices.

Some area residents approached local media in May, expressing concern that the site would be transformed into a drug rehabilitation centre. Dimensions has since refuted those claims.

Mayor Carol Moffatt said that while some remain skeptical over the company’s plans for the site, the municipality had no option but to approve the application.

“Let’s call a spade a spade. I know there are public concerns about this property. It needs to be stated, unequivocally, that the current zoning is being complied with and that we can’t make a decision on replacing a building about what may or may not happen on that property in the future,” Moffatt said. “We have to go with that it is today, and this is moving forward in accordance with our legislation.

Coun. Lisa Barry was concerned about the septic capacity at the site, especially in light of Dimensions’ proposal to increase the footprint of the main building. O’Callaghan said that the system on the site is large enough that it falls outside of municipal control, and is regulated by the province. He said the company would have to show that it is meeting ministry requirements when it submits an official building permit for the site.

Safety of Maple Ave. called into question

By

Mike Baker

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November 25, 2021

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Representatives from Dysart’s communities in action committee told council Nov. 23 the municipality needs to do a better job of establishing, and maintaining, a pedestrian system for residents walking in the downtown.

Sue Shikaze and Kate Hall presented on the state of sidewalks along Maple Avenue, saying they are not up to par with provincial safety standards. They took particular exception to conditions on the north side, just after the bend in front of the new Gardens of Haliburton retirement facility.

Only one side of Maple Avenue has a functional sidewalk that far out – leaving elderly residents walking along the side of the road, or crossing unsafely. When the Gardens was first proposed, Shikaze said the committee submitted several recommendations for improvements in the area.

“Now, two years later, with the Gardens fully operational, there has still been no improvements to the walking infrastructure,” Shikaze said. “This all leads to the question, what is someone who is a walker to do? There is no option for someone who wants to walk from the Gardens safely into town.”

She suggested council consider installing a sidewalk on the north side of Maple Avenue, in front of the Gardens, to connect to an existing sidewalk by Victoria Street, where a crosswalk would be installed. Shikaze also recommended designating Maple Avenue a community safety zone, which would lower the speed limit and result in higher fines for speeders, as well as implementing several other “traffic calming” measures, such as signs and pavement markings.

The committee walked Maple Avenue in September with Mayor Andrea Roberts, councillors John Smith and Larry Clarke and CAO Tamara Wilbee. Shikaze said participants admitted the walk “wasn’t overly pleasant” due to the high rate, and speed, of traffic.

It’s worse for the seniors who reside at the Gardens. Shikaze told a story of a 97-yearold man who goes for a walk early every morning as a way of getting some exercise and there is concern about him navigating snowbanks in winter.

She also referenced concerns with the safety of the York Street pedestrian crosswalk, disrepair of the fencing along the Drag River trail, and the condition of the existing pavement along some parts of Maple Avenue, crumbling in some areas and requiring extensive weeding in others.

She said the community has an excellent track record rectifying issues, such as the transformation along Highland and York streets. Now, there’s an “urgent need” to do the same to Maple Avenue.

“Our residents have a right to walk safely from their homes to services and amenities,” Shikaze said.

Roberts admitted the municipality had work to do. Council will discuss upgrading Maple Avenue during its 2022 budget deliberations set to begin Dec. 10.

Wallings Road development

A delegation representing a group of Halbiem Crescent residents expressed their opposition to a proposed 48-unit affordable housing development slated for nearby Wallings Road.

Tim Negus, president of the Haliburton By the Lake (HBTL) property owners’ association, and Derrell Stamp said they’re worried about the impact the potential Places for People project could have on their neighbourhood.

The group’s chief concern surrounds the possibility of a go-between road being built from Wallings Road to Halbiem Crescent, as touted by some council members and representatives from Places for People. That idea stems from concerns the project could be shelved unless alternate routes out of Wallings Road are identified. The County of Haliburton is worried the intersection at Wallings Road and County Road 21 won’t be able to handle the additional traffic flow.

Negus said Roberts told him in 2020 that Halbiem Crescent was not being considered as a potential thoroughfare for Wallings Road, so was surprised to learn the option is on the table.

He noted 94 per cent of residents along Halbiem “strongly opposed” any road way coming into the subdivision from Wallings Road. They’re worried about more traffic without proper infrastructure. Another concern is spillover parking with 63 spaces for 48 units.

Ward 4 Coun. John Smith chalked up many of the group’s concerns to NIMBYism, saying he hears the same thing every time a development is proposed. “There’s no greater, more urgent need in our community than additional housing. It seems every week I pick up a paper there’s a group saying ‘well, you can’t build housing in my neighbourhood.’ We’ve got to build it somewhere,” Smith said.

No decision has been made over the Wallings Road proposal, and the County, Dysart and Places for People are still talking. “We do intend to keep this project going forward, to keep you informed, and keep having these conversations,” Roberts said.

HHHS may be weeks from ER cutbacks

By

Lisa Gervais

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November 25, 2021

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County Warden Liz Danielsen said she’s “extremely disappointed” the County’s emergency departments could see reduced services in a matter or weeks following a Nov. 22 community update from the Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS).

HHHS CAO Carolyn Plummer and the board of directors wrote that if they can’t find adequate staffing, “We will have to close one of the emergency departments during a set number of hours and days. This situation may persist for some time and we may not be able to forecast when we can resume full operation at both emergency departments.”

Danielsen said if it happens, it “will have a ripple affect across the County, not only for patients in need, but on other services as well, like the County’s paramedic service.”

She added she was “particularly disappointed that there was so little notice of something that will have such an impact. The County will be discussing this to consider what we can do to help reduce that impact and try to ensure that there is no permanent closure.”

According to HHHS, there were 18,633 trips to emergency, including 10,426 in Minden and 8,207 in Haliburton.

In the community update, Plummer and the board outline some of the obstacles they say the organization is facing and its possible impacts.

She told The Highlander on Nov. 23 that they are facing a shortage of registered nurses, for which the average age is 47. They are also looking for an emergency department physician and registered practical nurses.

Plummer said although they have been trying to recruit, including help from staffing agencies across the country and other healthcare organizations in the province, personnel issues are prevalent across Ontario, Canada and the world.

She said it’s a particular problem in rural communities with retirements, injuries, parental leaves, health issues and pandemic burnout and stress further exacerbating a bad situation. She added “we know it has been a challenge for staff to find suitable and affordable housing in the community.”

She stressed the current staff shortage is not related to a vaccine mandate which took effect Nov. 15 with 97.4 per cent of staff either fully vaccinated or had received one dose, continuing to work with regular testing and proof of their intention to receive the second jab. “No Registered Nurses were placed on leave or resigned due to the policy, and the majority of the small number of staff on leave are in support areas rather than direct patient care,” she said.

Next steps

As for next steps, Plummer said no decision has been made about which emergency department will need to reduce services. They’ll make that decision based on typical volumes of patient visits to each emergency department; staff schedules, gaps and staffing models; the geographic location of each emergency department in relation to communities and feedback from the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health East and Haliburton County Paramedic Service, among others.

If they proceed, Plummer said they would give the community at least 48 hours notice. She added they will continue to try to recruit staff and work with health care partners to assist patients.

She said the community can help by spreading the word that the help wanted sign is out, and people can contact hr@ hhhs.ca.

Plummer and the board are also asking the public to access care through their family doctor or nurse practitioner whenever possible.

MPP Laurie Scott was unable to do an interview but issued a statement to the paper the afternoon of Nov. 23.

In it, she said, “It’s unfortunate that Haliburton Highlands Health Services may have to make the difficult decision to adjust hours for one of their Emergency Departments. As we know, the human resource shortage in health care is not a new problem.”

She went on to cite a list of Ontario health care investments to boost the ranks of nurses, and personal support workers.

Meanwhile, Minden Hills councillor, Jennifer Hughey, expressed concern on her Facebook page. She said she recently took her nine-year-old daughter to the Minden emergency department for an allergic reaction. She added that she’s been treated there herself and was once airlifted to Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

“Time matters. It always will, and some won’t have time to get to another ER,” Hughey wrote.