Barry Devolin says the passing of his older brother, Brent, on July 22, will leave a hole for the immediate and extended family.

Barry reminisced about Brent, who was a son, husband, father, grandfather, and his only sibling, this week.

He recalled how Brent was technically-minded from a young age. He relied on him when purchasing vehicles or parts.

“We will miss that,” Barry said. “I’m 61-years-old. I have never bought a car or a set of snow tires without talking to him first. I’m finally going to have to look after myself. There’s a big hole in our extended family he filled – we’re going to have to figure it out ourselves now.”

Barry said the cause of death was progressive terminal brain disease and Brent died at Toronto Western Hospital after a five-week illness. He was 63. Barry commented on Brent’s history of working both white-and-blue collar jobs.

Brent’s wife of 38 years, Laurie Devolin, said her husband was “a highly intelligent, capable person. He’d only do things for so many years because he’d get bored and he was looking to see what he could do next.”

He worked in forestry, construction, ran a cement plant, did retail, sold vehicles with Ridgewood Ford, and helped Home Hardware develop point of sale in the early 80s.

Laurie added he was always curious and wanted to know how things worked. She recalled that as a boy, he once took apart, fixed, and rebuilt the family lawn mower. As an adult, if he didn’t know how something worked, he would research to find out.

Barry shared an anecdote of how a salesperson at Ridgewood commented, “I’ve been in this business for a long time, 30 years or more, and I’ve never before seen a mechanic come out of the shop and walk up into the salesroom and ask one of the salespeople (Brent) a question, saying, ‘I don’t understand how the carburator in this old truck works.’ And he would walk back to the shop to explain how something needed to be fixed.”

A politician

Barry said Brent was very proud when elected Minden mayor for the first time in 2014. Laurie’s dad, Lyle McKnight, had been reeve of Anson, Hindon and Minden and Brent was very fond of his father-in-law.

He added Brent, “very much wrapped his arms around Minden… that was really important to him, and was his home team for sure.”

During his tenure, the township built a fire hall and new arena and community centre, and attracted the Haliburton County Huskies hockey team. He worked to ease flooding and for greater connectivity with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network. Laurie said he got into politics because, “he saw a need.” For example, he was passionate about getting housing for Minden and low-income housing was built adjacent to the arena. After two terms, and a stint as County warden, Brent decided not to run in 2022, hanging up his handyman shingle instead.

Barry said, “since leaving public life, he enjoyed that side of things and seemed happy. He had three kids, two grandchildren he adored, he and Laurie were touring on motorbikes, and had bought a travel trailer.” He added Brent’s passing was “frustrating and tragic” because “he was in a groove.

“Brent and I were close. I only had one sibling. He was two years older than I am… kind of the classic older brother, younger brother relationship in terms of he went ahead of me and I got to follow.”

Laurie added she didn’t know until recently how many friends Brent had, nor the impact he had on their lives. She said he had a big heart when it came to people. He would call people if they were going through a rough patch, asking how he could help. Sometimes he would just do things for people, without being asked. She added he was a Christian with love of Christ and church, doing many things for Minden Bible Church.

Municipal accolades

Minden Hills deputy mayor Lisa Schell said she had the “privilege” of serving two terms of council with Brent and, while coworkers, also became great friends.

“Brent was an excellent mayor who was respected and well-liked by staff. Brent was a devoted family man who lived life to the fullest and never missed an opportunity to go skiing or snowboarding, camping, or on his motorcycle,” Schell said.

“Everyone who knew him knew that Laurie was the centre of his world, as well as his children and grandchildren. As a friend, he was always there whenever I needed him for advice for something council-related, or prayer for something personal. Brent was a good human being and will be missed by the community. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.”

Former County warden and Algonquin Highlands mayor Carol Moffatt said she, too, was a municipal colleague, but also a friend of Brent’s. “Brent was smart and engaged and dedicated as a municipal colleague.” She added they had different styles, and did not agree all the time, but because of mutual respect, they always found common ground, “and that’s really important when you’re trying to build communities.” She added they had a lot in common, in terms of close-knit families, and had many in-depth conversations. “We got along tremendously as people. In casual conversation, we laughed a lot. He was a fun, and funny guy, and he and I got along as people… I’ll miss him.”

Warden Liz Danielsen said, “it is with a great sadness that I learned about Brent’s passing. His commitment to his family, his community, and to governance on a variety of levels was unparalleled and he will be missed by so many. This has been a terrible time for Brent’s family and friends and my heart reaches out to them as they mourn their loss and ours.”

Minden Hills mayor Bob Carter, who served one term on council with Brent, and five with him on the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Housing Corporation, said, “Brent loved Minden Hills and Haliburton County. He was always engaged and always open to new ideas to improve the organizations and help people. I would reach out to Brent from time to time because I appreciated his perspective on issues. I, like many, will miss him.”

Warden Liz Danielsen has given the County’s shoreline preservation bylaw a passing grade more than one year from its implementation, while Dysart et al mayor Murray Fearrey believes his township’s new site alteration bylaw is also making a difference.

The new shoreline preservation bylaw was endorsed by Algonquin Highlands, Minden Hills, and Highlands East, coming into effect April 1, 2023.

The main purpose, Danielsen said, was to strengthen existing controls for waterfront development. The bylaw regulates the removal of trees and alteration of land grades within 20 metres of the County’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

The County hired three staff – an applications examiner and two compliance monitoring officials – to run the program. A new permitting system has been established, forcing applicants to ensure shoreline development plans comply with the bylaw before work can proceed.

New shoreline lake health assesment

Elizabeth Purcell, the County’s new director of planning, said staff have followed up on 52 complaints from the public to date, issuing stop work orders at 11 sites and “some form of remedial action” at 22 properties.

Danielsen said, “rollout seems to have gone well, particularly with an emphasis on education and efforts to bring folks into compliance rather than immediately taking enforcement action… the number of files and ongoing action tied to them seems reasonable.”

She noted many complaints were related to work completed prior to the bylaw coming into effect. “In these cases, we are unable to take any enforcement action.”

CAO Gary Dyke estimated the first-year costs at approximately $118,000, including $5,000 for legal fees. He said they are split between the three townships.

While the County has collected around $4,000 in permit revenues, Purcell said the program is about more than money.

“This bylaw program stems from council’s decision to ensure the long-term health of our lakes, which remains the priority over cost,” she said.

Dysart different

Dysart et al was the sole County township not to endorse the bylaw. Instead, its council rolled out its own legislation focusing on site alteration. Approved and adopted last August, Dysart’s bylaw has a similar mandate – enhancing the protection and encouraging the preservation of natural shorelines.

Karl Korpela, Dysart’s chief building official, said it regulates all site alteration within 30 metres of a lake or in environmentally-protected areas. The program is managed in-house by existing staff.

The bylaw is solely complaint-based, with no pre-screening of development plans. Korpela said the municipality has followed up on four cases of potential illegal site alteration. Two investigations were completed without any fine being levied, while the other two are still in process.

Korpela said the bylaw has been wellreceived, particularly by the building industry.

“The main focus is on education – discussing silt control and erosion protection requirements with building and septic contractors on-site during regular building inspections,” Korpela said.

The building officer is excited about a new shoreline lake health assessment staff are completing while conducting septic inspections. It provides owners with a score based on existing native vegetation along the shore.

Bri Quinn, who manages the assessments, said 61 were completed in May on properties overlooking Benoir, Elephant, Farquhar, Fishtail, and Grace lakes. Of those, 25 scored between 90 and 100 per cent; 12 between 80 and 89 per cent; 10 between 70 and 79 per cent; and nine between 60 and 69 per cent. Five properties scored between zero and 49 per cent.

“The results have been pretty exceptional – there haven’t been too many low scores. Homeowners, for the most part, are asking a lot of questions… it’s provided some fun competition for people,” Quinn said.

Following the assessment, property owners are given a digital report showing the rationale for their score, and how they can improve it. Quinn reiterated the process is strictly educational – no remedial actions have been levied.

Fearrey believes his council got it right opting for site altercation over shoreline perservation.

“There are opportunities to connect with people before they have work done. We’re addressing things before they happen. We’re talking to people about the reasons why they can’t do things – that’s a big plus for me.

“To only have four complaints in a year in a municipality our size is huge. The aim isn’t to make a ton of money through fines, it’s to protect our lakes and shorelines. I think we’re doing a pretty good job of that without having to spend the world. We’ve probably saved $100,000 doing things the way we are,” Fearrey added.

Korpela said the spend on site alteration bylawrelated expenses has been negligible – around $900 for educational materials.

Despite the difference in cost, Danielsen still feels it’s unfortunate Dysart did not subscribe to the County bylaw.

“It is always easier for residents of Haliburton County to have the same rules applied throughout the County, reducing confusion and possible frustration,” Danielsen said.

Bylaws necessary

Michael Thomas, president of the Paudash Lake Conservation Association, said legislation protecting shorelines is more important than ever. With more people frequenting the Highlands and lakes busier, there’s an increased risk to watershed health, he said.

“These programs are vital if we want to maintain our pristine lakes, which is what we’re really known for,” Thomas said.

There is evidence suggesting some local lakes are deteriorating – there were unconfirmed reports of blue green algae blooms on at least two County lakes last summer, while Thomas confirmed Paudash saw its first ever bloom in early July.

“It’s not good, but we’re using it as an educational tool to show people what can happen if you’re not responsible. These types of blooms occur, often, because of run-off from someone’s property getting into the water. That’s why the shoreline bylaw is so important,” Thomas said.

Andy Gordon, director at U-Links and a former professor of forest ecology at the University of Guelph, feels both programs have their merits but could be bolstered by introducing key performance indicators on the aquatic side.

“We know how they’re working politically, the acceptance levels, the costs… what is lacking is something that would indicate we’re seeing improvement in near-shore lake health, that’s something U-Links could assist with,” Gordon said.

He added U-Links, with the support of the County and other partners, has continued to expand its water quality testing program in the Highlands, and is currently engaging with more than 25 lake associations.

Gordon said he’s pleased with that commitment to engage the local community. Gordon feels the bylaws have the potential to make a real difference.

“The bylaws are very important to make sure we do maintain pristine water quality, because that is directly tied to the economy of Haliburton County. Pristine lakes equal tourists, which equal money, which equals jobs for more people up here.”

Liquor stores across Haliburton County reopened July 23 as a two-week standoff between the LCBO and its unionized employees concluded.

All 680 LCBO stores were closed from July 5 to 12, with 9,000 workers walking off the job to advocate for higher pay and increased job security. Select outlets reopened with limited hours last week, but all five County stores and one in Kinmount were shuttered for 18 days.

In a media release, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) confirmed a new three-year contract includes significant improvements for LCBO workers. The new deal was approved by 90 per cent of union members.

The agreement includes an eight per cent wage increase over three years, an extra 7.8 per cent jump for those on minimum wage or just above, and a wage adjustment for some trade positions in LCBO warehouses.

Colleen MacLeod, bargaining team chair, said the new contract also includes a clause guaranteeing there will be no store closures over the term of the deal, while also implementing a cap on the number of agency or private liquor stores opening.

As well, approximately 1,000 casual workers will be taken on as permanent parttime staff, with 60 new permanent full-time positions created. There’s also improved access to benefits for casual part-time employees who work over 1,000 hours.

OPSEU said the strike impacted around 40 LCBO employees in Haliburton County.

“We went on strike to protect good jobs and public revenues, and to win more permanent jobs with benefits and guaranteed hours,” MacLeod said. “Our members stood strong. They held strong lines, they talked to their communities – and they won.”

On July 19, Haliburton LCBO workers paraded along Highland Street to celebrate their big win, serenading passersby with renditions of Queen’s We Are the Champions and Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Gonna Take It.

Stores reopened with regular hours on July 23.

New Minden Hills fire chief, Don Kruger, did not began his career as a firefighter until the age of 32.

Somewhat older than most volunteers, he was enticed by a neighbour after he had moved to Waubaushene, on the southeastern shore of Georgian Bay. The neighbour was the fire chief for Tay Township.

“I come from a family of cops and originally wanted to be a cop,” Kruger says while seated in his office at the Minden fire station on Hwy. 35.

At the time, policing was a sought-after job and it did not happen for Kruger. Shortly after, he and his wife, Angela, moved to Waubaushene.

“One evening [the neighbour] came across the street and introduced himself and asked, ‘have you ever thought about joining the fire department?’ and I said ‘no.’ He said, ‘you’re a relatively young guy, you’re a family guy, you live in town, we have a couple of openings, would you be interested’?”

Kruger said he didn’t know, but asked what he would have to do. He was told to fill out a form and shave his beard. Firefighters cannot have beards because their self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) can’t seal properly over beards. Kruger filled out the paperwork, the chief brought it to the station and he was approved. He showed up with Kruger’s pager the next day. That was 20 years ago.

Asked if he recalled his first ever callout, he replies, “I remember everything about that day. Right from day one, I loved it.” It was a boat on fire tied up at a marina. He drove to the fire hall, ran from the car to grab his gear and hop onto the truck, and raced to the scene.

He still recalls the chief – as he was slowly walking to the truck – telling him that after four or five years he wouldn’t be running anymore.

“I still run.” He attributes that to both the adrenaline rush and helping people. “I know I have saved lives.”

He’s been at the helm in Minden just over two months. Prior to that, he was the chief in Manitouwadge, about four hours east of Thunder Bay, and for the Township of South Algonquin. He’s been a fire instructor with the Ontario Fire College. He’s also done a lot of public fire education, in schools and at libraries.

Kruger grew up in Stratford and then Midland, was in Barrie for a spell, and then Coldwater before Waubaushene. His dad retired to the family cottage on Kennisis Lake and he and Angela are living there until they find their own home. He recalls working at the marina as a teen and spending his summers on Kennisis.

Kruger elaborated that Manitouwadge felt like a long way from family. “We had a death in my wife’s family in January and we could not come down for the funeral because it would have been a 14-hour drive. That was kind of the catalyst.” In February, they got news his dad had health challenges and the two decided, “maybe we should start looking for something back down this way.” Their 19-and-21-year-old children are also in the region.

Kruger said “the dominoes all fell into place very well” as they are helping his dad, and Angela got the executive director role at Abbey Gardens. Angela is originally from the Peterborough area. “This has always been an area that we identified where we wanted to be,” the chief said.

So far, he said he is loving the job, adding it’s quite a bit busier than what he is used to up north. He noted the County is large and he is happy for mutual aid. His closest department was an hour away in Manitouwadge.

He said the biggest challenge is getting to know the place and the people. From a firefighting perspective, it’s familiar. He’s looking for more volunteers. They have 21 but he’d like 30. He plans on doing more fire code inspections and public education about fire prevention.

“Other than that, we have a Timmie’s here and a Dairy Queen,” he says with a chuckle. “Up north, our closest Timmie’s’ was an hour away.”

Al Skinner built his Stormy Lake cottage, in 1961, when he was 37 years old.

Having just celebrated his 100th birthday July 20, the Second World War veteran still cottages in the area, and lives in the home he built on Walnut Street in Toronto.

His brother, Harold Skinner, said, “he is a good provider and good fun to be around. I’m really happy for him reaching his hundredth birthday. I think it’s terrific. He’s just a great, great guy. And I’m really thankful to have him as a brother. He’s always been there when you needed him. And someone you always looked up to.”

Family and friends celebrated the milestone at the Haliburton Legion this past Saturday.

Before starting to work in construction, Skinner joined the wartime effort in Europe in 1943. On deciding to enlist in the army, Skinner said in an interview with the De Nederlandse Courant newspaper that everyone else was doing it. “Canada had conscription, but if you enlisted voluntarily, it was just a better feeling.”

He was trained in Petawawa, before going overseas. He was stationed in Holland for a while, having landed there on Christmas Day 1944.

Skinner spent a lot of time outdoors doing construction work after the war, but also had a penchant for gardening in his backyard.

His youngest niece, Mary Skinner, said he “always brought stuff from his garden to our family reunions, and I was always eating his tomatoes.” She said those reunions were a highlight.

The cottage Skinner and his family still visit is in Gooderham. One of the neighbours on the cottage road, Kevin Lecey, said after Skinner built the cottage, he raised it to put a basement underneath. “His wife was still in the cottage at the time. He did all that. And he’s a mastermind at what he does,” Lecey said. He added, “he’s always been good to the neighbours. Whenever there’s any problem, he always came down to help us. He’s really good.”

Skinner was the treasurer for the Stormy Lake Road Association for a number of years and collected the money for basic road fees.

His daughter, Diana, whom Skinner lives with in Toronto, said her dad was still chopping down trees for the neighbourhood at 95.

“I was in a play and he carved out swords for me. He was always there,” Diana said.