Bad news bears plaguing Scotch Line landfill

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October 21, 2021

Minden Hills council will have to consider bear-proofing the Scotch Line landfill, manager of waste services, Tara Stephen, told council Oct. 14.

“I think everybody is aware we’ve had ongoing issues with bears accessing public areas at the Scotch Line landfill,” Stephen said. “The ministry has been raising red flags with me over the course of the last year and have directed us to take some action.”

Stephen said landfill attendants have been doing everything they can in the interim, including employing scaring devices and practicing proper waste cover, “but we have a few very stubborn bears that just won’t go away.”

She said, in talking to other municipalities with similar problems, it’s been recommended Minden Hills put up an electric fence. She included $50,000 for that in the first draft of her department’s proposed capital budget.

Mayor Brent Devolin said he had noticed a difference with better cover. “I don’t have bears up at my vehicle helping me unload my garbage.”

However, the mayor added he was “going to ask my redneck question. The reality is $50,000 versus selective culling of the problematic bears … am I living in an alternate reality, or is that not even a consideration of what we may or may not do around our landfills?”

Stephen said it is an option, “but I don’t know how effective it is long-term. The populations turn over every year and this is something that we have to find a permanent solution for. If we want to get into culling bears every year that is an option.”

Coun. Jean Neville asked if the bears are coming when the public is on-site or just at night.

Stephen said the bears are present during operating hours “and they are no longer afraid of humans, so we’re now concerned about people’s safety.”

Coun. Bob Carter asked about the size of the site and Stephen said eight hectares. Carter said he was having some problems with the proposal to erect an electric fence around the perimeter.

“If a farmer puts up 20 acres of electric fence to protect their sheep from wolves, they would go bankrupt paying this amount,” he said. Carter suggested the estimated cost was inflated. “Electric fences are not that expensive. It is one of the reasons people use them. I am just a little shocked by that [$50,000].” He said the township could go to a feed store and get an estimate.

Stephen said the price includes the cost of bringing hydro to Scotch Line and she had not gone out to the market to test the estimate.

Neville said an electric fence to deter bears would have to be stronger and taller, as opposed to fencing for cows or horses. She said the ones she has seen around honey operations in the County “are massive and much more voltage or amp.”

She and Coun. Ron Nesbitt added there were solar and battery-operated fences on the market.

Devolin asked Stephen if she thought the ministry was going to compel the township to do something. She replied, “I think we’re getting to that point. It [electric fencing] may not necessarily be the exact solution but we’re very close to receiving an order from them to manage these bears.”

She said staff had built a very good working relationship with the district office and “we just want to show them that we are trying to address the issues that they raise.”

Coun. Pam Sayne said, “I think we need to do something here.” However, she said she’s hopeful Stephen can come up with less expensive options for the next council budget meeting.

Health unit fears unfunded service backlog

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Sam Gillett

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October 21, 2021

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After 18 months of COVID-19 program delays and cancellations, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit said it’s unable to meet demands due to provincial government underfunding.

While Doug Ford’s government has committed to reimbursing health units for COVID-19-related costs, that won’t cover the price of restarting programs cancelled by the pandemic, the health unit said.

HKPR reports that 2,400 students have missed school-based immunizations, more than 70 drinking water systems are overdue for inspections and 5,300 children have not received regular oral health screening.

“We are reaching a point locally that if we don’t start to catch up on these services the backlog will become too large of a hurdle to overcome,” wrote HKPR board chairperson Doug Elmslie in a Sept. 16 letter to Minister of Health Christine Elliott.

Since then, said HKPR chief medical officer of health, Dr. Natalie Bocking, in an Oct. 13 press conference, the health unit hasn’t “had communication from the province or an acknowledgment of the number of other additional expenses health units are accruing in regards to catch-up activities and recovery activities.”

Current base funding levels, which have only been increased once in five years, can’t cover the costs of restarting all these programs, she said.

“To do those catchup activities within our budgets, I don’t believe that’s a reasonable expectation.”

Additional required programs such as vision screening, infection prevention and control complaints, swimming pool inspections, as well as inflation and rising salary costs, also stretch the budget, Elmslie noted.

“This means that we were already under-resourced to respond to an infectious disease emergency, as well as implement routine public health priorities prior to the pandemic,” Elmslie wrote.

The health unit, responsible for enforcement, education and programs related to mental health, addiction, family services, and more, says its work might not be as easy to see as emergency services.

“We hear a lot about things like surgical backlogs and the gaps in other things like cancer screening in the acute health care system,” Bocking said. “We hear very little about the backlog in public health. We’re not as visible and people are not as familiar with the work we do.”

MPP Laurie Scott did not directly address the health unit’s question of additional funding, but said she’s confident the province’s new chief medical officer, Keiran Moore, will work for positive change.

“He’s going to be leading, [talking about] what happened, what can we do better. Word will come on that,” she said.

Scott said the difficulties incurred by public health units during COVID offer opportunities to “modernize.”

Previously, the Ontario government reduced its funding of public health units by five per cent, meaning municipalities are responsible for 30 per cent of public health costs, as opposed to 25 per cent. The County of Haliburton contributed $463,508 in 2020.

Province announces $484K for LTC homes

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Lisa Gervais

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October 21, 2021

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Hyland Crest, Highland Wood and Extendicare Haliburton will get a combined $484,451 from provincial government taxpayers to increase staffing, MPP Laurie Scott announced Oct. 15.

She said Hyland Crest in Minden will get up to $220,852; Highland Wood in Haliburton $106,861 and Extendicare Haliburton $156,738 to increase hours of daily direct care for residents.

Further, she said they’ll share in nearly $3 million more by 2024-2025, with Hyland Crest to be handed $1,352,700 a year more than current funding; Highland Wood, $654,528, and Extendicare Haliburton $959,976.

“This funding will allow long-term care homes in our community to hire additional staff so they can provide a better quality of care to local residents,” Scott said. “This is part of our government’s plan to train, hire, and retain thousands of new staff over the next four years.”

Haliburton Highlands Health Services CAO Carolynn Plummer said as of Oct. 19, they had not yet received their specific funding letters for either LTC home they manage so they could not confirm the amounts they will receive.

“We do indeed appreciate the additional funding to support care for our residents; until we know for certain how much we will receive, it is difficult to know whether it will be enough to reach the target number of hours per day,” Plummer added.

Currently, residents province-wide receive an average of two hours and 45 minutes of direct care from nurses and personal support workers. This funding will increase the daily average to three hours, per resident per day by the end of this fiscal year, Minister of Health Rod Phillips said. The Ontario government said it wants to provide four hours of direct care by 2024- 2025. Overall provincial funding also includes $42.8M to homes to increase care by allied health care professionals, such as physiotherapists and social workers, by 10 per cent this year.

Plummer added that recruiting staff will be a challenge, not just for HHHS but across the province due to “a general shortage of human resources across all sectors of healthcare. It takes time to attract people to healthcare and have them trained in the various needed roles.”

She said they did have an opportunity during the pandemic, when temporary funding was available, to create a caregiver support aide role, which helped to assist residents and staff during some difficult times – while at the same time creating opportunities for people to learn about LTC and potentially enroll in training programs such as a PSW program.

Bonnie Roe is one of the founding members of the Haliburton-City of Kawartha Lakes Long-Term Care Coalition.

“He (Phillips) is coming forward with money, it is not enough money, that is a definite, but it certainly shows the intention of the government,” she said. “Because over the last year and a half of the pandemic, any promises they have made they have not come forward with any money or any changes to inspections, or quality of working conditions for people. There’s always a lot of rhetoric and talk but until you see the money, you always question is this going to be the same as in the past?”

Phillips said the Ontario government will provide up to $270 million this year to homes across the province and is investing $4.9 billion over four years by adding 27,000 staff.

Plummer said, “I am thrilled that there is an opportunity ahead not only to improve care for our residents, but also to help improve the work experience for our staff giving them the supports they need to continue to do such amazing work.”

Vaccine certificate scanning arrives in the Highlands

By

Sam Gillett

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October 21, 2021

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SG- vaxx cert-1- — Haliburton Huskies' staff check gameday attendee's vaccine status before entry on Oct. 2.

Since Sept. 22, Highlands restaurants, gyms, arenas and many community spaces have been asking guests for proof of vaccination. Now, a new App-based identification system can be used to confirm whether diners, hockey fans, gym-goers or coffee-sippers are vaccinated.

In an Oct. 15 press conference, Premier Doug Ford said the rules “mean we have the best chance to avoid being forced back into lockdowns nobody wants.” County residents can access the new QR code via covid-19.ontario.ca/ and establishments can download a scanning app through the App Store or Google Play Store.

Multiple business owners and community groups contacted by The Highlander reported a generally positive reception to the new rules. Maple Avenue Tap and Grill owner Andy Oh said he supports the certificate program, however it’s meant some guests have walked away after being asked to show receipts. “It’s affected business,” said Oh.

He added since Haliburton’s population is, on average, older, people may have more difficulty obtaining app-based certificates. “I understand what the government wants, to increase vaccination to a certain point. But here is a small town, compared to a big city,” said Oh. Diners have the option of using a QR code, considered quicker than showing a printed version. Oh said methods so far had slowed service.

Craig Belfry, director of community services for Minden Hills, said the rules have been fairly easy to enforce. The township has hired a COVID screener to assist with checks. “There’s a little bit of waiting, but people are understanding,” Belfry said.

“We’ve had good feedback from community groups who use our space.” In an Oct. 13 press conference, HKPR chief medical officer of health, Dr. Natalie Bocking, reported only one establishment in the region has been fined in an incident related to vaccine certificate inspection. HKPR declined to confirm if the establishment was located in the Highlands.

The Haliburton Highlands OPP reported one incident of a customer refusing to show proof of vaccination so far, however, the incident was resolved before officers arrived on the scene.

Capacity limits lifted for some

On Oct. 9, the provincial government removed capacity restrictions for outdoor events and indoor venues with less than 20,000 capacity. That includes sports venues such as the Minden arena.

“I think it allows us to really provide the community with the type of experience we want to be able to provide,” said Jess Jackson, Huskies’ game day operations manager. “It provides a social atmosphere I think is beneficial to the community itself.” Jackson said all fans attending games have been compliant with COVID-19 safety measures, such as masking and showing vaccine certificates.

Many in the restaurant and fitness industries say capacity limits set a doublestandard as arena seating is often more confined than tables at a restaurant, for example.

It’s expected restaurant capacity limits will be lifted in late October, however Ford urged a slower approach to easing restrictions. “We’ve seen what happens in provinces that move too quickly, and the results can be horrifying,” he said.

There are no active cases of COVID-19 in Haliburton County, and 10 unresolved cases in the HKPR region. Most are occurring in people between 20-39 years of age. Since July 1, 63 per cent of cases were unvaccinated, 20 per cent partially vaccinated and 17 per cent fully vaccinated.

Throwing disc for a cause at Abbey Gardens

By

Sam Gillett

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October 20, 2021

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Since opening in July, disc golf fans from across Ontario have been playing Abbey Gardens’ expansive 18-hole course.

Now, beginners, those fresh to the sport and any disc golfer looking for a good time have the chance to showcase their skills in the Leaf Drop Doubles Disc Golf Tournament Oct. 23.

“I wanted it to be family-friendly and anyone who’s heard of it but hasn’t thought to come out and play,” said Victoria Fenninger of FR Bike – E-Bike Tours. She’s organizing the tournament along with fellow disc golf enthusiast James McKenna.

Competitors can choose from three categories based on their skill level. Beginners and novices will play from the short tees, while more experienced players will throw from the further tees.

Included in the cost of entry is a full-day disc golf pass so players can practice before or after the tournament. Experienced players will be on hand to assist those fresh to the sport.

Disc golf is much like golf: players tee-off at set locations and try and land their disc in a metal basket. At Abbey Gardens, the course takes players from a gravel pit to forests to ponds all over the property. It’s also a growing sport.

“We’ve had a pretty good turnout every time I’ve been out there, there are multiple groups of people,” she said. “Especially this time of year as the colours begin to change; it’s a beautiful walk in the woods.”

Proceeds of the tournament and a raffle will go towards the Abbey Retreat Centre, a cancer care centre on Abbey Gardens property. “‘Because of COVID-19 there’s been a more of a focus on online retreats,” Fenninger said. “Now they are looking at hosting in-person retreats now that people are getting vaccinated.”

Funds from disc golfers will help with those retreats and help the center continue to develop new services throughout the pandemic.

To register, visit: discgolfscene.com/tournaments/The_Leaf_Drop_Doubles_Disc_Golf_Tournament_2021

SIRCH coat drive warms the Highlands

By

Sam Gillett

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October 19, 2021

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SG-share the warmth-1- — Vounteers at last year's Share the Warmth event

As the weather gets colder, SIRCH Community Services is on a mission to provide warm clothes to Highlanders in need and they want your help.

The organization is kicking off its sixth annual Share the Warmth fundraiser.

Each year, Highlands community members in need are given donated coats, boots, hats, gloves, and more.

Oct. 18, drop-off locations around the County will begin accepting donations, and SIRCH will be at Lakeside Baptist Church in Haliburton and St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Minden to distribute winter gear Nov. 6.

Last year, Share the Warmth brought in 1,450 pieces of used Winter clothing, which is all checked and sorted.

The HKPR District Health Unit estimates that approximately 25 per cent of Highlands children live in poverty, which can mean good quality winter gear is out of reach. “It is more important than ever to help those who are vulnerable stay warm,” writes SIRCH in a press release.

SIRCH Executive Director Gena Robertson said in a press release that the initiative is a way for Highlanders to help their neighbours.

“We have seen so much generosity in the past when it comes to Share the Warmth and we are hopeful this year will be no different,” she said.

Included in the statement is the story of Haliburton resident Thomas Smith, who received a coat from Share the Warmth just after moving to the County.

At that point in time I didn’t have a job. I had just moved up here and only had a fall jacket and I didn’t have any money to spend on a new coat,” he told SIRCH. “It got me through and I still have it.”

All donated gear must be in good working order without stains, rips or tears.

For more information about Share the Warmth call 705-457-1742 or email info@sirch.on.ca.

(Sam Gillett)

Witches gather for high-flying Abbey Gardens fire show by NorthFIRE Circus

By

Sam Gillett

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October 19, 2021

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Fire dancers and aerial acrobats are coming to Abbey Gardens Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 for “Theatre on FIRE: The Witches.”

It’s a collaboration between NorthFIRE Circus, a troupe that’s performed multiple times at the Gardens, and The Bass Witch Coven.

“We are drawing the parallels with the story of the witches with our own feminism,” said NorthFIRE and Bass Witch member Jessica Clayton. “It’s about witches being healers, powerful women in society who were oppressed.”

The show revolves around three central character in neopagan tradition: the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone.

“We kind of take that story and use it to perform our fire dance and be powerful women on stage, hopefully inspiring people to come to our performance, both men and women alike,” Clayton said.

“The Witches” is produced, performed, and choreographed by women.

“It’s going to be a very different show,” said Clayton, mentioning how the choreography, production and style have changed from their show last year.

And it falls right near Halloween when all things witches and magic are top of mind for many.

“It falls on a time of year we really love to perform this kind of a show, bringing that really powerful feminine energy but also it’s in the spirit of Halloween.”

NorthFIRE dancers celebrate the season with flaming batons and ropes as well as using aerial silks to perform twirling acrobatics, all to the electronica of Toronto-based producer Jonah K.

Alongside the performers will be a custom-made projection display by artist Jax A Muse.

All attendants will be seated in physically-distanced circles in the Gardens’ Little Pit gravel pit.

Proof of vaccination is mandatory, and those over 12 must show their vaccination along with a government-issued ID.

NorthFIRE Circus is a performance troupe that has toured extensively around Ontario, bringing shows such as “From Chaos to Calm” and last year’s performance of “The Witches” to the Highlands.

“We’ve really realized how important performing and bringing artistic experiences to rural Ontario is for us,” said Hoops.

Tickets for “Theatre on Fire: The Witches’ are available at northfirecircus.com/the-witches

Waste reduction week

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Lisa Gervais

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October 19, 2021

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In recognition of Waste Reduction Week in Canada, the Township of Algonquin Highlands, Municipality of Dysart et al, Municipality of Highlands East, Township of Minden Hills, County of Haliburton, Haliburton County Public Library, and Community of Making are partnering to share ways everyone can minimize their waste.

Each of the partners will use their social media channels to highlight the daily themes, supported by complementary book recommendations that help deepen the understanding and impact of actions.

In addition, the HCPL and Community of Making is hosting a number of free waste reduction activities on its Facebook page and YouTube channel:

Circular Economy: Monday, Oct. 18 – watch a maker video and get excited about a circular weaving grab n’ go Kit available Oct. 26
Textiles: Tuesday, Oct. 19 – pick up an up-cycled autumn decor grab n’ go kit from Dysart and Minden libraries.
E-waste: Wednesday, Oct. 20 – watch a tech time tutorial about downloading and using the Haliburton County Waste Wizard mobile app.
Plastics: Thursday, Oct. 21 – watch a maker video showcasing 3Doodler maker kits available for loan from HCPL.
Food Waste: Friday, Oct. 22 – watch two maker videos demonstrating two seasonal recipes: harvest muffins, and apple crisps.
Sharing Economy: Saturday, Oct. 23 – watch a highlight reel of HCPL’s grab n’ go kits and learn how the community has shared resources to make these kits.

Two vaccine pop-up clinics coming to Algonquin Highlands

By

Sam Gillett

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October 16, 2021

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Close-up medical syringe with a vaccine.

Two drive-through style vaccination clinics are coming to Oxtongue Lake and Stanhope fire halls.

On Oct. 19 there will be clinic at the Stanhope fire hall, followed by a Oct. 21 clinic at the Oxtongue Lake fire hall.

Anyone born before 2009 can be vaccinated at both locations from 3-6 p.m. with no reservation required.

Both mRNA (Pfizer and Moderna) vaccines will be available.

There are no active cases of COVID-19 in Haliburton, and 17 active cases in the HKPR region.

Medical officer of health Dr. Natalie Bocking reported Oct. 13 that most cases are occurring in a younger demographic, between 20-39.

Since July 1, 63 per cent of cases were unvaccinated, 20 per cent were partially vaccinated and 17 per cent were fully vaccinated.

Correction: The Highlander incorrectly stated both clinics were on Oct. 19. The Oxtongue Lake clinic is on Oct. 21. The Highlander regrets the error.

Gooderham man charged with weapons offences

By

Sam Gillett

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October 15, 2021

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Haliburton Highlands OPP officers have charged a Gooderham resident with weapons offences after responding to an incident in Highlands East.

According to a distributed press release, on October 14, 2021, at approximately 9:07 p.m., officers responded to an altercation between two males involving a firearm on County Road 503 in Highlands East.

As a result of the investigation a 43-year-old man from Gooderham was charged with pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order, mischief under $5,000 and three counts of failure to comply with release order.

The accused is being held in custody pending a bail hearing.

County Road 503 was temporarily closed between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. for a police investigation. The OPP Emergency Response Team, Tactics and Rescue Unit and Canine Unit attended the scene. There is no threat to public safety.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Haliburton Highlands OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or https://ontariocrimestoppers.ca.