Fines issued for Illegal moose hunting in Forest

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September 17, 2021

By Mike Baker

Dysart et al Mayor Andrea Roberts says she and her council are still “very much committed” to moving ahead with a new affordable housing development on Wallings Road, but admitted this week that the planning process has been more difficult than anyone anticipated.

Municipal officials spent close to two hours on Tuesday (Sept. 14) discussing the proposed project during a closed session of council. Jeff Iles, Dysart’s director of planning and land information, presented an official draft letter of intent, which outlined the expectations of both the municipality and Places for People – the local non-profit that is partnering with the township on the development.

In that letter, it was revealed that the near 2.7 acre plot of land on Wallings Road, located directly beside the school bus terminal, would be transferred from Dysart to Places for People for a cost of $2 once the site has been rezoned.

It was noted that the location, once complete, would consist of up to 48 affordable rental units for low and moderate income households.

Township staff and representatives from Places for People have been collaborating on the proposal since November 2020. It was originally hoped that the land could be rezoned by Oct. 31 of this year – a deadline that Iles, on Tuesday, recommended that staff remove.

“Timelines associated with the zoning process depend on many factors, and I’m of the opinion that the [Oct. 31] timeline does not appear to be achievable,” Iles said. “The intent is certainly not to delay the process. However, before the process can proceed, certain items need to be addressed.”

While Iles did not disclose specific details surrounding those items, Ward 4 Coun. John Smith said he had a problem with some of the financial details outlined in the letter.

Places for People is requesting that Dysart waive $374,000 in fees to help push the project over the line. Having agreed to donate the land in question, Smith feels that amount is excessive.

“They are not going to get the land and all of the other concessions we would normally make for an affordable housing development… It’s always been my own perspective that the land was a generous donation on our part. But to layer on top of that another [near] $400,000 worth of waiving fees is, I feel, excessive,” Smith said.

Roberts agreed, highlighting a need for further discussions with Places for People before an official letter of intent can be signed. One sticking point she referenced was a request to waive the municipality’s sewer connection fee, which for this project is slated to be $225,600.

“Sometimes these things take longer than one would hope, but that is the way the planning process goes. It’s not to delay anything whatsoever, or hold anybody up. We want to see this project go forward,” Roberts stated. “Not signing the letter of intent today does not mean [we won’t]. The intention is still to go forward with this project. We’re all wanting the same thing. It’s just not as easy to get there as we originally thought.”

Iles said he would confer with Places for People and the County of Haliburton over the coming weeks on some of the financials, as well as a plan to install a flashing light at the corner of County Road 21 and Wallings Road to help with traffic flow once the development is complete. Iles said he would bring a revised letter back to council “as soon as possible,” but held off on committing to an actual date.

Protesters urge action on climate change

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September 17, 2021

People gathered to hold signs reading “climate change is real” and “there is no planet B” in Haliburton Sept. 8 to urge political action on climate change in the upcoming election.

Organized by Environment Haliburton! and Concerned Citizens of Haliburton County, the march drew more than 23 people to Head Lake Park before they walked to the side of Highland Street, passing cars and trucks honking their support.

It was part of 50 marches planned across Canada by 350, a U.S.-based non-profit dedicated to ending the reliance on fossil fuels and advocating for climate change action.

“When you look out west, when you look at Europe, Australia, those are ways you can tell the climate crisis is almost past a crisis. there has to be action now,” said Bonnie Roe, of Concerned Citizens of Haliburton County. “We believe our politicians need to start listening.”

Carolynn Coburn, a director with Environment Haliburton! said she’s been frustrated with a perceived lack of action from federal and provincial representatives in the County. “I don’t hear Jamie Schmale, I don’t hear Laurie Scott talking about climate and their party’s policies,” she said.

Schmale’s Conservative Party has proposed multiple climate change goals such as ensuring the country meets Paris climate accord emission targets, as well as making electric vehicles more affordable and introducing a low carbon savings account.

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that unless urgent action is taken to keep temperature level increases below 1.5 degree Celsius, extreme weather events could have terrible consequences.

For many such as Coburn, that means Canada should do everything possible to limit emissions, even if it means temporarily hurting parts of the economy such as the oil and gas sector.

“You can’t have an economy on a dead planet,” she said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s climate record has attracted criticism, too. For example, in 2019, the first year of federal carbon pricing, emissions rose by 0.2 per cent. Many also regard Trudeau’s purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline as a violation of climate action goals. “If we don’t deal with climate there’s nothing else,” said Judi Forbes, Liberal candidate for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. Forbes was the only candidate who attended the event. Schmale and other candidates had scheduling conflicts, said Susan Hay of Environment Haliburton!

Tom Regina and Andrea Percy, both members of the Green Party of Canada, attended the march to advocate for urgent action on the climate crisis.

“We’ve got to get started on doing something,” Percy said.

Regina noted that so far in the election race, demonstrations seem to have centred on issues surrounding COVID-19 protocols.

“It’s important to show different kinds of protests,” Regina said. “The protests that have been given media attention in the last few days are quite different from what we’re here trying to draw attention to. By having these demonstrations, we can have our voice brought out just as much. There are people thinking about the environment and various progressive platforms.”

Concerned Citizens of Haliburton County and Environment Haliburton! is holding a Fridays for Futures Global Strike on Sept. 24 at noon in Minden.

Minden waives fees for housing project

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September 17, 2021

Minden Hills council voted to formally waive fees associated with a proposed new affordable housing project at Highway 35 and County Road 21 in Minden.

It’s part of a countywide initiative to provide incentives to prospective builders to achieve affordable housing targets under the County of Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes Housing and Homelessness Plan.

At its Sept. 9 meeting, CAO Trisha McKibbin said, “I know that council is very much aware that we do have within the County and Minden Hills a lack of purposebuilt rental units and rental properties are few and far between and it is a challenge for … residents to find housing.”

It means the County and township waiving just under $400,000 in application fees, site plan security and building permit.

She said the benefit is the KLH Housing Corporation is planning to build 36 new affordable housing rental units.

The County and its four lower-tier municipalities are inviting private developers, community housing providers, affordable housing providers, community agencies and residents to apply for the incentives.

Coun. Bob Carter commented, “For us, it’s really a waiving of fees and a donation of a road allowance that we weren’t using. The $360,000, which is the majority of it, 90 per cent, that’s part of the County program that really has nothing to do with us. I certainly would have no objection.”

Coun. Pam Sayne said, “our downtown is screaming for people that can find affordable housing so that they can be employed in our downtown area so I think this is going to be a big boost for our community and I’m looking forward to the shovels in the ground.”

Coun. Ron Nesbitt asked about the project timeline.

Carter, who sits on the housing task force, said there is one outstanding item before the MTO and it is also in the hands of the CMHC, so “we don’t know.”

Deputy mayor Lisa Schell said the ask was nothing new and council is supportive of the program.

A formal agreement and the passing of a bylaw will come to a future council meeting.

Condo development proposed for Haliburton

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September 17, 2021

Haliburton could have 88 new residential units off of Peninsula Road if the owner of a vacant 14.9 ha parcel of land gets planning approvals from Dysart and the County.

Paul Wilson owns the land on the west side of Grass Lake. It is bordered by Peninsula Road to the west and Haliburton County Road 21 to the north. The turn-off would be just west of the Lakeview Motel.

In addition to what would be condos, there is a plan to have a commercial component along the highway.

Harburn Holdings Ltd., in a June 1, 2021 letter to residents from planner Anthony Usher, reads, “my client and I look forward to discussing any concerns you may have about the proposal and the application information. We are open to considering changes to the application that might reasonably accommodate those concerns.”

Usher said they are looking to develop “lifestyle residential” units and some commercial uses. He said they are talking about one or two multi-residential buildings, for a total of 88 units. Usher added each lot would have its own entrance from Peninsula Road, and have municipal sewer and wells.

Nearby residents share concerns

“Much like a condo corporation,” he said.

They have submitted official plan and zoning bylaw amendment applications to Dysart and a severance request to the County. They have yet to come before council and no public meetings have been scheduled.

The Highlander has already received one letter of objection from residents, Jurgen and Angela Haedicke, over tree cutting, water quality on Grass Lake, and their belief the development does not fit in with its surroundings.

Usher said he had received a number of letters from Dysart et al planner Jeff Iles and was preparing a response.

Usher said they had done an environmental impact study and wetland site assessment as well as hydrogeological and archeological assessments. He said they would offer protection by only clearing 50 per cent of trees and leaving wetlands alone.

Usher said the report indicates “the proposed development would appropriately respond to the natural environmental sensitivities of this property, ensure excellent water quality protections for Grass Lake and also be sensitive to surrounding shoreline properties and to others using the lake for recreation.”

As for fitting in, his planning report noted the site is surrounded by predominately low-density development, such as Haliburton Veterinary Services, a six-unit residence, and the motel. He said the only high-density uses are the Tim Hortons and Whispering Pines.

However, he said the project would help with one of the municipality’s key goals of providing much-needed housing including some affordable housing.

The Haedickes sent a letter to the editor Aug. 20, expressing their “strong opposition.”

Residents of Grass Lake since 2004, they wrote, “This whole area is already heavily affected by the new Tim Hortons,” including light pollution.

Further while the developers say they will only have one small dock and not allow power boats, Jurgen Haedicke said “that’s misleading: who can forbid the use of a power boat on public lakes?”

He’s worried about the health of Grass Lake, saying the number of weeds has increased substantially in the last few years.

He further queried if the sewage treatment plant has capacity after other major developments in the town.

Iles told The Highlander there is sufficient sewer capacity for the proposal.

The Haedickes concluded their letter with “we hope that the council of this municipality is not only guided by the chance to increase the property tax base and the rule more and bigger is better, regardless of the negative consequences for the environment and people affected.”

But in his planning report, Usher said “It is not expected that this proposal will cause significant public concern, beyond immediate neighbours and the Grass Lake community, if at all.”

Usher said they would consider organizing an open house, virtual, if necessary, for interested neighbours and Lake Kashagawigamog Organization representatives “if at any point during the process it appears that it would be appropriate and productive for all concerned.” He urged the public to liaise with the township and council. Iles said the township is reviewing the submitted plans and background studies. Wilson declined an interview request. Usher said he did not have a timeline for the development, noting Wilson has owned the land since 2003

The Highlands votes: three questions posed to local candidates

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September 16, 2021

The Highlander asked Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock candidates three questions. They were:

• Pick one of your party’s issues. Give us a concrete example of
how it will help people in Haliburton County.

• If you were elected and in a position to put forward a Private Members’ Bill, what it would be?

• What issue from your
party’s platform would you vote against in an open/free vote and why?

Zac Miller, NDP

A: There are so many issues that affect Haliburton such as the environment, housing and economic recovery but I think the most urgent to address would be longterm care. Throughout the pandemic it is clear that private corporations have lost the right to run these facilities. Though Haliburton did not experience the tragedy that occurred in Bobcaygeon, or a large outbreak that occurred in Lindsay, every resident deserves to live with dignity and respect. I have organized the community to highlight the needs of removing profit from long-term care and implementing national standards. This means that whenever someone needs to move into a long-term care home, their basic care is met and exceeded. This will benefit residents in Haliburton who have family in LTC or will need to use the health services.

A: In a minority government there is a higher likelihood that it would pass. I would introduce a bill that reworks the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation so that they once again transfer money to municipalities and counties in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock to build homes that meet each respective region’s growth targets in the riding. Housing is a human right and governments on all levels need to work together to build 1.7 million homes and the NDP supports.

A: We’ve seen what happens in our communities when politicians don’t keep promises. What’s important is to vote for what I have platformed on and said I would do during this campaign. It’s easy to talk platform ideologies during a campaign but it’s so much more important to work every day to execute those promises, turning words into real legislation, real houses, real infrastructure, real improvements in healthcare. I’m a New Democrat and believe our platform is the most supportive for all Canadians. My only negative vote would be if we weren’t trying to do everything we have committed to.

Angel Godsoe, Green Party

A: The environment, period. It is the reason I became Green. The GPC is the only party that acknowledges the climate catastrophe we are experiencing and has a sciencebased plan to address the problem. And no band-aid approach, no denial; rather a 60 per cent reduction in GHG emissions by 2030. This is what we must do for our planet, never mind our riding. We must have bipartisan politics on this issue, we need to work together on this now. Now, or never.

A: I would propose a federal regulation of shoreline and wetland areas that supports responsible and sustainable development, and provides for effective enforcement against damaging practices that we see are on the rise in our local riding and across Canada. The pressure for development on our shorelines and wetlands is immense, and we need to make sure that future generations can thrive with healthy intact ecosystems to support their well-being and enjoyment of our natural areas. Why should Canadians continue to have such a confusing system of overlap between federal, provincial, and municipal regulations that fall short of offering the kind of protection we need?

A: Consensus politics must be the future. The goal must be to attain bipartisan support on issues to avoid gridlock and the resulting anger and misbehaviour by MPs and constituents. The GPC believes this and allows its MPs to vote with their conscience on issues. On this date, Sept 9, 2021, I would vote against the release of personal health information to anyone and everyone who asks for it. I think it sets a dangerous precedent and am yet to be convinced that the giving up of that freedom, for questionable security, is required.

Jamie Schmale, Conservative

A: The cost of everything is going up – grocery bills are up five per cent and gas prices have skyrocketed. With inflation at the highest level in 20 years and rising, families are struggling to make ends meet. If I had to pick a single party issue, it would be to secure affordable and reliable internet for the constituents of HaliburtonKawartha Lakes-Brock. Through securing Infrastructure, Canada’s Conservatives will take real action to reduce how much Canadians pay for this essential part of life by building digital infrastructure to connect all of Canada to high-speed Internet by 2025; promoting investment in communications facilities by local and regional communities and businesses. While also fostering competition by bringing in new internet companies and upholding high levels of accountability.

A: At the beginning of every new Parliament (after an election) a draw is held to determine the order in which parliamentarians can submit PMBs. As such, many MPs can go an entire career without ever being able to submit a private member’s bill. That is why most MPs consult organizations and constituents in the riding before determining what their PMB will be. I would not want to predetermine what that issue might be.

A: Should I be elected as Member of Parliament I would have the duty to review all bills that are introduced in the House of Commons. I fully intend to adhere to that responsibility entrusted to me by the constituents of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. Additionally, as all platform proposals could be votes of confidence, we are not able to answer that question.

Alison Davidson, PPC

A: The main issue right now for me is the COVID passport and other health mandates being imposed right now. The government has been completely ignoring our rights and freedoms. All these mandates need to be stopped and freedom restored in Canada.

A: If elected, I would put forward a private members bill to limit the governments’ authority to make arbitrary mandates that violate our constitution, our rights and freedoms, without parliamentary procedure.

A: There are no issues in the PPC platform that I am opposed to. If a vote did come up that I am against, I would be free to vote against it as we do not have a party whip and are free to vote for our constituents.

Gene Balfour, Libertarian

A: This pandemic can end if only our Public Health establishment focusses on immunity and not just vaccines. Immunity can be determined by a simple blood test. My summary of Dr. Noorchashm’s key advice: Test your antibody levels before taking the jab. If you already have high antibody levels from a prior COVID-19 infection or from a prior successful vaccination, you don’t need the jab because you are already immune; test your antibody levels before accepting the jab to protect yourself from vaccine harm. If you take the jab while infected with SARS CoV-2, the jab can kill you; test your antibody levels after each jab to see if it worked. The mRNA molecule is the most unstable molecule known to medical science.

A: Federal government employees must join a union as a non-negotiable condition of employment. Existing labour legislation empowered union executives to increase the cost of government services to taxpayers unfairly. Proposal: collective bargaining must coexist with collective voting. Union representatives can negotiate a labour contract for all members. Empower them to also issue a single election vote on behalf of all members. No individual voting allowed federal elections. If collective voting is rejected, then union memberships become voluntary, all union-organized work actions become illegal, and unions must submit to annual audits reported to the public.

A: All political parties represent a spectrum of ideas about the appropriate extent of government powers. The LPoC is no different. Some “anarchocapitalist” Libertarians want no government at all. I prefer ‘minarchy’ (aka LibertarianConservatism) which restricts the role of government to “defend and protect individual persons (their mind, body and efforts) and their property from intentional and unwanted harm imposed by others including the state or any “collective” that acts to game public policy for self-serving special interests at the cost to others.”

Judi Forbes, Liberal

A: Housing; a challenging housing market and high rental prices have made housing a major concern locally and nation-wide. When elected I will work to help everyone in our community realize their goals and dreams of home ownership. Our plan is to: build and/or repair 1.4 million homes; improve access to housing via programs for rent to own, reduced closing costs, and temporary ban on foreign ownership and increase the accessibility tax credit to help seniors stay in their homes longer.

A: Provide a Universal Basic Income (UBI) to all Canadians. The pandemic has helped bring this issue to the front burner for me, and I will work to push this forward. The independent Parliamentary Budget Officer indicates such a program would boost the average disposable income of Canada’s lowest earners by just over $4,500, reducing poverty across the country. The impact on high earners of such a program would be modest. I would work to couple this with other initiatives such as pharma care, sickleave and other flexible work policies.

A: I fully support all elements of our platform and when elected I will work to ensure its successful passage and implementation. I would vote against anything that reduces our commitment to provide economic security for all Canadians. We must continue our work on many fronts: recovering from COVID-19, climate change, and indigenous relations and I will work to ensure this continues and oppose any legislation that impedes this

Turning cans and bottles into community food

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September 16, 2021

Cole Dobson and his mother Carolyn might have been the Beer Store’s most regular customers this summer, but they weren’t shopping for drinks.

The teen has spent the summer collecting more than 10,000 cans and 3,500 bottles from Koshlong Lake cottages, donating all $1,650 in proceeds to the Haliburton 4Cs food bank.

“It’s important to give back to the community,” said Carolyn, whose family lives in Stouffville. “The community is there for us, provides a wonderful environment to come enjoy with our family and friends and especially in COVID when people have lost jobs.”

Carolyn said she encouraged Cole to take up the project as a way to interact with the community and practice social skills. The teen is part of the ABLE Network, a program that helps people with intellectual disabilities develop job skills in placements and around their communities. Cole had been working at a bottle shop in his hometown, Carolyn said, prompting them to pick up a similar project at their summer community.

Cole said helping people is very important to him, and the project meant a lot of hard work. He and Carolyn spent about four or five hours a week collecting empties from five drop-off bins around Koshlong Lake.

“And they have been full, very, very full!” said Carolyn, mentioning how the cottagers on the lake were supportive of the project.

In an email, the Koshlong Lake Association said that “all those that participated on Koshlong are all very proud of what Cole and Carolyn Dobson have achieved and happy to have helped the Haliburton community.”

Judy MacDuff, of the 4Cs Food Bank in Haliburton, said she was surprised when Carolyn and Cole approached her about the summer bottle drive.

Judy MacDuff of the 4Cs Food Bank in Haliburton, along with Cole Dobson and Carolyn Dobson.

“It was wonderful!”

MacDuff said the donation will fund the food bank’s food box program for an entire month.

“That’s what keeps us going,” she said.

Carolyn said she wanted to thank the staff of the Beer Store in Haliburton, who she said were accommodating of her and Cole’s large weekly returns.

GO-VAXX coming to County

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September 13, 2021

CLINICS AT HALIBURTON HIGHLANDS SECONDAY SCHOOL Sept. 14-15

HEALTH – The local health unit and the Ontario government are teaming up to have the GO-VAXX bus come to Haliburton County Sept. 19.

A pair of GO buses have been temporarily retrofitted to serve as mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics as part of the province’s efforts to target those who have yet to receive a first or second dose.

Since hitting the road in August, the buses have visited Canada’s Wonderland, Rogers Centre, BMO Field, select shopping malls, various universities/colleges, farmers’ markets, festivals and more to provide COVID-19 vaccines.

Now, the GO-VAXX bus is coming to this region to provide COVID-19 vaccines as follows:

Sunday, Sept. 19, 1-4 p.m. at Abbey Gardens (1012 Garden Gate Dr.) in Haliburton County. The site is located 10 minutes from Haliburton Village, towards Carnarvon, just off Highway 118.

“We’re pleased to be working with the province and Metrolinx to bring the GO-VAXX bus to our communities,” says Doreen Boville, a health promoter with the HKPR District Health Unit. “We encourage anyone who still needs COVID-19 vaccine to get aboard the bus and get a first or second dose so they are fully protected against COVID-19, especially as we head into a fourth wave.”

Anyone wishing to take advantage of the GO-VAXX bus to receive a vaccine is reminded to:

Bring your health card. If you do not have a health card or your health card is expired, bring another form of government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license, passport, Status card, or birth certificate.
Eat and drink something before you arrive to prevent feeling faint or dizzy while being vaccinated.
Dress for the weather in case there is a line-up.
Wear clothing that allows for easy access to the upper arm such as a loose-fitting top or T-shirt.
Wear a mask that covers your nose, mouth, and chin.
Do not visit the GO-VAXX bus if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

HIGH SCHOOL CLINICS

Schools within Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) will have clinics run 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for students and staff only of the respective school, and then 4 to 7 p.m. for students, staff, parents, and members of the community:
• Haliburton High School – September 14 and 15

Terry’s committee calling for volunteers

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September 10, 2021

Since 1994, Minden’s Terry Fox run has motivated runners and walkers to raise more than $329,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation and its efforts to cure cancer.

While this year will, again, be a socially distanced and solitary affair, the committee behind the run hopes to motivate fundraisers and new volunteers to ensure the event’s future is just as bright as its past.

“We have people who do it every year. They go around to all their friends and relatives and they collect sponsorship money. They’re proud to wear their Terry Fox shirts. I guess it’s just part of the small town mentality,” said Minden’s Terry Fox committee chair Barb Millington.

This year the run is titled ‘Terry Fox Run. One Day. Your Way.’

Participants still raise money and submit pledges, but can take part wherever they are, for whatever distance they want.

“Terry had to stop his Marathon of Hope 41 years ago when his cancer returned,” said Fred Fox, Terry’s brother, in a foundation press release. “He asked Canadians to keep fundraising for cancer research without him so that his dream of finding a cure would one day be realized, and that is exactly what we need to do.”

Besides this year’s virtual event, Millington is hopeful a new generation of organizers will energize fundraising efforts for future runs.

“The main thing we need to keep things going is someone to look after it, to chair it,” she said. But anyone can volunteer; they need people to fill in for jobs like working the registration table, putting up signs and more.”

Millington has been a volunteer on the committee for 19 years. She said each year she sees the community come together in a special way for the usual 10 kilometre run or walk down Deep Bay Road. “It’s tradition and we’ve been doing it for so many years,” she said.

It’s a tradition she and the rest of the committee intend to keep alive, even through two years of COVID19. For many, it’s also a way to pay tribute to Terry himself, who gave hope to thousands of Canadians through his 5,373 kilometre run, Millington said.

“I think he just captured people’s hearts when he did that.”

To register for the hike visit terryfox.org/ run, and enter Minden, Site 1033 when recording donations.

Huskies getting ready

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September 10, 2021