Highlands East theatre troupe resurrected

April 18, 2024

After overcoming some challenges, and a hiatus partially due to COVID, Highlands East has its theatre company back.

The Loop Troupe Little Theatre will hit the stage once again with two shows on the Mother’s Day weekend, May 11-12.

“The future of the Loop Troupe Little Theatre group in Wilberforce had looked bleak,” spokesperson, Mary Barker, said.

Their most prominent member, Hilda Clark, had passed away, and so had their favourite videographer, Doug Stephen. Sound and lighting man, Dan Linkert, was killed in a tragic automobile accident. Some of their senior actors had retired to nursing homes, and many others had moved away during the pandemic.

It looked like “curtains” for the troupe, Barker said.

However, there was a little bit of money in the theatre group’s bank account that had to be dealt with. Treasurer, Gill Stephen, called a meeting in the spring of 2023. Barker said it was 30 years, almost to the month, after the inaugural troupe meeting in 1993.

Barker said Stephen told them to “use it or lose it. Resurrect the Loop Troupe or suggest some worthy organization to donate the money to.”

Barker added, “not that the group begrudged giving the money away, but they knew how hard all those former troupers had worked to accumulate the little nest egg to finance its next play. The group knew they could cultivate the passion and talent of the community once again to carry on the vision of the founding troupers.

“In quick order, the Loop Troupe was enthusiastically resurrected,” Barker said. She volunteered to spearhead the revival and other helpers jumped onboard.

Aiden Smith created a Facebook presence. Linda Ladd researched and recovered much of the troupe’s history, once thought to exist only in Clark’s head. Matt Barnett offered to transfer Stephen’s VHS performance to YouTube and stepped in to fill Linkert’s shoes as the sound and lighting person.

Barker said, “lots of people joined up, some wanting to act, others offering backstage help. There was even enthusiasm for cleaning out the old storage container that housed all the props and costumes.”

Skit-oodles May 11-12

While there is “tons of enthusiasm,” Barker said there isn’t much theatre experience, so they thought it best not to plunge into the deep end. For their first performance, they will wade in by performing a collection of short skits, followed by a 30-minute play directed by Jan Dahms.

“Everyone who expressed interest in acting has a part to perform without having to sink or swim,” Barker said.

She said rehearsals have been a lot of fun, and “there’s not a dry eye by the end of the evening.”

There will be two shows: Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 12, at 2 p.m., at the Lloyd Watson Centre in Wilberforce. Tickets are available at Agnew’s General Store, Wilberforce and at the door. Adults $10, youth (18 and under) $5. Bring your loonies for the snack bar as everything is $1.

“Those bucks will be used to replenish the little nest egg needed to finance the next play,” Barker said.

Food banks make splash with fundraiser

Mike Baker

April 18, 2024

After successful inaugural events that saw more than a dozen County residents plunge into frigid water to raise money for the Minden Community Food Centre and Central Food Network (CFN) in Highlands East, the two organizations are teaming up for this year’s Jump in the Lake fundraiser.

Friendly competition is the theme touted by Jean Munroe, manager of the Minden food bank, and Tina Jackson, executive director at CFN. The “fun” event will be happening across the Highlands May 4.

“Unlike a typical polar plunge, Jump in the Lake challenges participants to take a dip from wherever they choose – their own docks, a public beach, or heck, even a cold plunge tub,” Munroe said.

She added there won’t be a central gathering spot where people can jump, and the public will observe, noting there would be significant insurance costs to host a public event.

“We want every penny from this to go towards helping people in our communities,” Munroe said.

Events last year raised $3,500 in Minden and $3,015 in Highlands East. Jackson said she reached out to Munroe earlier this year to partner on the initiative, in the hopes of drawing larger numbers.

Jackson said they’re promoting the event as a way for friends, family, and local businesses to engage in some friendly competition. caught onto the initiative after seeing how successful it had been in Coboconk, for the community’s health hub. She’s raised more than $5,000 over the years.

“There’s so many ways to get involved and push your fellow plungers – businesses can challenge other businesses, friends and family can challenge one another. I think it’s a really fun way to do this,” Jackson said, noting there will also be a competition between the two food banks, with the losing team donning rubber duck floats on their way into the water.

Costumes are encouraged, especially considering the event is being held on May 4 – universally accepted as Star Wars appreciation day.

Fundraisers like this are more important than ever, both Munroe and Jackson say, with demand at their food banks at an alltime high. Munroe said usage in Minden was up 35 per cent last year, and 27 per cent in 2022, with Jackson sharing a similar story in Highlands East, which reported a 37 per cent increase at locations in Cardiff and Wilberforce in 2023.

“We’re having a tough time keeping up. We’re getting new people through the door every day. We used to see, maybe, four new people per month. Now we’re seeing four or five new people per day sometimes,” Munroe said. “And the big thing is it’s working people… between the high cost of rent and prices increasing for practically everything else, people don’t know where to turn.”

Horseshoe Lake resident Amanda Federchuk has been raising money for the Minden Community Food Centre by jumping into cold water for the past five years. She caught onto the initiative after seeing how successful it had been in Coboconk, for the community’s health hub. She’s raised more than $5,000 over the years.

“It’s always such a thrill on that day. I’m lucky that I have a whole community that rallies around me, which always helps to get the adrenaline pumping pre-jump,” Federchuk said. “Once you’re in, it’s a blast of cold. A bit of a shock to the system – it’s definitely breathtaking, but it’s all over in a minute or so.

“I tell people all the time – I’m pretty sure jumping in an ice-cold lake is good for your immune system. The water hits differently here. I always feel great right after.” To register as a participant, or to donate, visit mindencommunityfoodcentre.ca, or centralfoodnetwork.org.

May the fourth be with you

Highlands realtor Dean Michel is preparing for his fifth Jump in the Lake challenge, raising money for the Coboconk and area food bank.

In previous years, the event has served as a fundraiser for the Coboconk health hub – currently under construction. Since its inception in 2020, Jump in the Lake has raised over $150,000. Michel noted this year’s goal is $20,000.

Leaning into the Star Wars theme, given the May 4 date, Michel encouraged the community to get involved.

“This challenge embodies our strong community spirit. Year after year we are absolutely thrilled with how such a small action by a number of people has the ability to transform and inspire a small community,” Michel said. “It’s a lot of fun for a fantastic cause.”

LTC homes REAP rewards from Walkabout

Mike Baker

April 18, 2024

Having established her equine-based learning and emotional support program at Minden’s Walkabout Farm, owner Jennifer Semach is preparing to take her horses on the road to support the County’s senior population.

Located on 100 acres along Spring Valley Road, the farm specializes in providing support for people with varying levels of developmental and physical disabilities, mental health issues, and loneliness. Now in its sixth year, programming at Walkabout has blossomed – with around 800 visits in 2022 and 2023.

That number would have been higher last year had Semach not been forced to close the farm for five months while she dealt with a serious illness. Fully healthy again, Semach said she has an even greater desire to expand the farm’s footprint.

Beginning next month, she will be taking a selection of miniature horses into Hyland Crest, Highland Wood, and Extendicare Haliburton long-term care facilities for weekly visits.

“It’s something that’s always been in the back of my mind – my grandmother had Alzheimer’s and lived in long-term care for almost a decade. I know the benefits of using animals to reach the depths of a person’s mind, just to give them that little spark – I’ve seen it happen,” she said.

Through the new Recreational Equine Assisted Participaction (REAP) program, Semach said horses will provide full sensory engagement for seniors. Sessions will be hosted indoors on Fridays at one of the LTC facilities, or on-site at Walkabout Farm.

“Movement through grooming, leading, holding, hugging, or petting horses activates the autonomic nervous system and releases endorphins brought about by physical activity, thereby lifting someone’s mood and contributing to a sense of well-being,” Semach said.

Like all of Walkabout’s other programs, REAP will be free to participants.

Semach said the program is already turning heads – long-term care centres in Lindsay and Bobcaygeon have reached out, wanting to get involved, while Semach has been invited to speak at a June Aging Together as Community conference at the Pinestone focusing on how to deal with dementia in rural communities.

There are other new additions – Semach is partnering with Shellie Preston, a mental health clinician, for weekly group session workshops through July and August designed for children and young adults dealing with anxiety and other diagnoses like autism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and behaviour disorders.

There will still be regular programming year-round for established visitors – Semach said she has a group of 60 people who visit the farm at least once per week.

Annual running costs are pegged at around $85,000 – Semach said she and a small group of volunteers managed to fundraise $114,000 in 2023. Any leftover money is reinvested into the farm, mostly to improve accessibility, she said.

Walkabout Farm received a $50,000 grant from the Quebec-based Chamamdy Foundation this year, with the money to be used to construct a new 32×14 foot building fitted with hydro to accommodate indoor learning. Semach said she’s applied for $170,000 in Ontario Trillium Foundation funding to pay for a tractor, to make the farm more accessible in the winter, upgrade equipment, and construct washrooms.

“This is my calling – people, kids in particular, are struggling big time with their mental health. We’re trying to be a reliable resource for families, here whenever we’re needed to provide that extra layer of support,” Semach said.

For more information, visit walkaboutfarmtra.com.

ARC sets sail as new name unveiled

Lisa Gervais

April 18, 2024

Abbey Retreat Centre announced April 13 it is changing its name.

At a ‘No One Dances Alone’ fundraiser at the Haliburton Legion, executive director Barb Smith-Morrison said it will now be known as Brooksong Retreat and Cancer Support Centre.

She said it took four months of “listening, creativity, engaging discussions and discernment and so much community support” to come up with the new moniker.

Smith-Morrison said the name is inspired by the two ‘singing’ brooks on either side of the retreat centre “that evoke a sense of deep connection with nature, calm and flowing energy, and the stories or songs that each one of us have to tell about our lives.”

She said the new name reflects the “beautiful” location and peacefulness retreat participants experience.

Chair of the ARC board of directors., Lynda Shephard, added, “this name provides a great foundation to move forward as we continue to create a legacy-making and life-changing impact for future participants facing a cancer diagnosis.”

Shephard said while they share the grounds with Abbey Gardens and have a close working relationship with them, they are two different organizations and their new name will help remove confusion in the community and help both organizations grow.

Located in Haliburton, the centre provides a variety of in-person and online retreats and programs that offer “renewal, companionship, and evidence-informed practices that tend body, mind, and soul in the midst of a cancer diagnosis,” Smith-Morrison said.

“We are unique in our approach, which includes support people or caregivers who also find solace and community with people who are going through the same challenging cancer experience.”

Although there are no fees associated with participating in one of the retreats or online gatherings, Smith-Morrison said it takes a generous and caring community to financially support programs. “We are grateful to all who contribute financially and to our volunteers, who ensure no one walks alone through a cancer experience.”

Last Friday, local bands, the priMates and Adverse Conditions, donated their time to a fundraiser that featured a 50/50 draw, silent auction, baking, a chili dinner and dancing.

Founder John Patterson said, “working alongside a group of dedicated community volunteers, Thea and I were honoured to help in the creation of the Abbey Retreat Centre in 2016. We are thrilled to see how much it has grown and look forward to watching Brooksong expand into our next phase, while continuing the goal of the transformation and strengthening of whole-person cancer care.”

Rotary looking for partners for Summerfest

Mike Baker

April 18, 2024

Haliburton Rotary is telling County residents to circle Aug. 6 on their calendars as the local service club prepares to bring Rotary Summerfest back to Head Lake Park.

The annual event has been a community staple for more than 60 years, but this iteration comes with a twist, explains Rotarian Ursula Devolin. Unlike homecomings and carnivals from yesteryear, Summerfest will allow an array of Highlands-based talent and businesses to take centre stage.

Rotary has put out a call for community partners to come forward with ideas for games, presentations, and other features to keep people busy on the day. The idea is to make these offerings free to the public, and help direct hundreds of eyes towards County businesses, entertainers, and entrepreneurs.

“We love that this new format is dynamic and affordable for families. Our call for partners engages the creativity of our entire population – anyone can offer a game, craft, or challenge that will bring laughter and joy to families,” Devolin said. “These unique offerings will make this event truly special.”

After taking an enforced hiatus during the pandemic, Devolin said Rotary had a tough time finding operators to bring a midway back to town when Summerfest returned in 2022. It’s meant the club has had to pivot to find new ways to keep the public engaged and entertained.

They have merged Summerfest festivities with the popular Music in the Park, a weekly concert series on Tuesday nights at the Haliburton bandshell. Jeff Moulton and friends will take to the stage Aug. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. There will be a children’s show prior, with The Stunt Ventriloquist performing from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

There will be complimentary cotton candy and popcorn in the park from 4 to 8 p.m., coinciding with the partner event. Following recent tradition, Rotary will be BBQing up a storm throughout the event, offering beef on a bun and hot dogs for purchase.

During the musical intermission, at 8 p.m., the club will reveal the winner of its annual car draw, while also bringing out a cake to celebrate Rotary’s 80th anniversary in Haliburton.

“The week around Civic Day has always seen former Haliburton residents flock back to reconnect with family and friends and participate in local events – families can expect the same homecoming feeling they’ve always gotten from Rotary summer events,” Devolin said. “I’ve attended these events all my life… I’ve always loved doing an annual check-in with schoolmates who return each year.

And best of all, “kids can expect a lot of fun,” Devolin added.

Anyone interested in partnering with Rotary can contact Devolin at ursuladevolin@gmail. com. Materials for any activity, as well as staffing it, will be the responsibility of the individual vendors, she said.

Possible activities include a sidewalk chalk station, giant Jenga game, obstacle course, egg and spoon race, craft table, dance performance, musical offering, juggling tutorial, putting game, or bubble blowing. Devolin said partners can also pay to supply entertainment, such as a bouncy castle or animal show.

“The goal is to create a fabulously diverse Summerfest for children,” she said.

Time for a real easy ride

Mike Baker

April 18, 2024

Cyclists Robin Bell and LeeAnn Cruz say the best way to stay in shape over the summer is to get out and pound pavement across Haliburton County using nothing but a pair of wheels.

The duo are members of the Haliburton Real Easy Ryders cycling club, a membership-based group committed to promoting biking across the Highlands.

With the 2024 season on the horizon, the club is hosting an information session at the Stanhope Firefighters’ Hall April 28, from 1 to 3 p.m., where people can learn about the Ryders. Bell said there will be volunteers offering safety tips and teaching about biking etiquette.

“This is sort of like our annual kick off. There won’t be any riding at the event – it’s more of a workshop for people who may be interested in becoming a member or learning about everything we do,” Bell, past president of the group, told The Highlander.

Cruz, the current president, added, “We want to get our name out there and tell people that it doesn’t matter if you consider yourself an experienced rider or not, if you have a road bike, gravel bike, fat bike, or e-bike, anyone is welcome.”

Memberships run $40 annually. It qualifies riders to participate in up to three weekly local rides – on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays – as well as monthly socials. Members will also be granted access to the club’s Ride for GPS, which tracks distance covered and provides voice navigation for all ride routes, and Zwift, for virtual riding, accounts.

Now into its 27th year, the group has gone through something of a renaissance post-pandemic. It had 105 members in 2019, dropping to 55 in 2021 at the peak of COVID-19 lockdown measures, but climbing to 159 last season.

Cruz said members like that each ride starts in a different location.

“Some rides will leave from Head Lake Park, so a nice central location, but we have others that start in Wilberforce, Stanhope, rural Minden. We try to hit all four corners of the County,” she said.

There will usually be 20 or 30 riders at each event. Bell said those larger groups will typically break off into smaller groups of five to six people, depending on how fast and far they want to ride.

“It’s important that, as cyclists, you don’t completely take over the road. Riding in smaller groups allows vehicles to pass safely,” he said.

Now into his 60s, Bell said he’s planning to enter this year’s Hurtin’ in Haliburton, an annual eight-hour bike race in Haliburton Forest. He’ll be using his weekly rides with the Ryders to prepare.

He said cycling has helped keep him feeling young at heart. For Cruz, after years of trying and dropping various fitness initiatives, she said cycling is a perfect fit for her, and many others.

“There’s no impact on your joints. It’s great for cardiovascular health, building fitness and muscle – it’s a full body workout,” Cruz said. “You’ve got your upper body going constantly, your core strength for balance, and then your quads, hamstrings, and calves through pedalling.

“After a long ride, you’ll feel the results – you’ll be tired, but there’s no better workout in my opinion. Cycling just hits all the important points,” she added.

The first outdoor ride is scheduled for April 30 in Stanhope.

“I’ve made so many friends by being part of the Easy Ryders – it’s just as much a social thing for me as it is a fitness thing,” Bell said. “I’d encourage it to anyone. It’s a great group of people.”

For more information, visit haliburtonrealeasyryders.com.

Gatineau-based trio to lift Minden church

Lisa Gervais

April 18, 2024

Haliburton County Folk Society’s Barrie Martin says churches have ideal acoustics and are great venues for live music.

Highlands’ churches often host concerts presented by organizations such as the Highlands Opera Studio, HCFS, choir groups, and the churches themselves.

Martin added there have been memorable concerts in the Maple Lake United Church, Lakeside Baptist, St. George’s and Irondale churches.

The Highland Hills United Church in Minden is no exception, he added, as the folk society has presented many concerts there over the years.

“The wonderful sound qualities, wood and stained-glass beauty, the spirit of place, and soft seats make it the perfect venue,” Martin said.

The church will again be full of harmonies April 20 with a performance by Leverage for Mountains. They are a trio from Gatineau, Quebec, who will be opened by special guests, The Salt Cellars.

Leverage For Mountains is Nick Loyer, Jay Trépanier and Jay Flynn. The indie/ folk trio is quickly gaining popularity with their rich acoustic sound and powerful vocal harmonies.

Flynn said the show was initially planned to be part of their tour last February but they had to postpone it to April for him to be able to be present for the birth of his baby girl. “Sue Shikaze from the Haliburton County Folk Society has been a real sport to accommodate the postponement and we couldn’t be more thrilled to perform Saturday,” Flynn said.

Loyer added it’s their first visit to Minden but they hope it won’t be their last.

“We feel pretty excited to meet new people. We know the Haliburton County Folk Society has been working really hard to push this show and want to give them a great night of live music.”

He said he thinks the audience will love the story-telling, harmonies and deep and thoughtful lyrics.

“This is a show for the people to feel at home with us in their living-room. A nice, cozy, evening with the LFM family.”

Martin said Elly Tose of the Sleeping Giant Folk Music Society said, “Leverage for Mountains were a delight to host as part of our concert series. Finely crafted threepart harmony, seamlessly blended with instrumental skills, superb songwriting, and witty banter, had our audience laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. Their music can absolutely leverage mountains.”

Just before the pandemic, Don Bird, former artistic director of the Summerfolk Music and Dance Festival (Owen Sound) said, “these guys stunned the Folk Music Ontario conference. A ‘must-see’ Gatineau band that should be at every festival next year.”

Martin said several members of the HCFS attended that conference and “wholeheartedly agree with Don Bird.” He said artistic director, Sue Shikaze, has worked hard to get them to come to the Highlands.

The Salt Cellars are an independent duo from the south side of Algonquin Park. They are a product of their many influences and blend the sounds of Folk, Americana, Blues, Jazz and Pop to create a sound uniquely their own. “People love their tight harmonies, writing styles, skilled musicianship and energy,” Martin said.

Tickets are available at haliburtonfolk.com The show is presented by the HCFS, a them to come to the Highlands. The Salt Cellars are an independent duo from the south side of Algonquin Park. They are a product of their many influences and blend the sounds of Folk, Americana, Blues, Jazz and Pop to create a sound uniquely their own. “People love their tight harmonies, writing styles, skilled musicianship and energy,” Martin said.

Doors open at 7 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. start. Tickets are $40, $35 for folk society members and students, $45 at the door. Children and youth 18 & under are free.

Children 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets must be obtained online to reserve a ticket for children and youth.

Boughner Road down to single lane after washout

April 16, 2024

Dysart et al roads staff are investigating after a portion of Boughner Road, about five kilometres north of Evergreen Cemetery, washed away April 12.

Rob Camelon, the township’s public works director, said he received a call around 3 p.m. on Friday to say rushing water had taken out a chunk of the municipally owned road. It’s believed a nearby beaver dam burst, sending water hurtling towards, and eventually through, the dirt road.

“We lost the entire road for a stretch of about 30 feet,” Camelon told The Highlander.

Staff worked into the evening on Friday on temporary repairs, establishing a single lane so people who live on the road can get in and out. It was reopened on Saturday.

Camelon said staff are working on a longer-term solution for replacement. Asked for an estimate on damages, and cost to repair the road, Camelon said he won’t know until an initial analysis has been complete. He didn’t say whether the rebuild could be handled in-house or need to be contracted out.

Steven Bekker, who lives on Boughner Road, said he was made aware of the issue shortly after 3 p.m. One of his neighbours texted to alert him after hearing the beaver dam collapse while driving home.

“They said about two feet of depth of the road’s surface on the downstream side was already washed away,” Bekker noted.

About an hour later, Bekker went down to the stretch of road to look for himself, but things had progressed significantly.

“The road had completely collapsed. The chasm was about eight to 10 feet deep – a culvert that ran under Boughner to carry spring runoff had been washed downstream. The volume of water rushing out of the beaver pond was intense,” he said.

Another of Bekker’s neighbours spoke with township staff at the site, who reported debris from the breech had likely plugged the culvert, forcing water over the road. Because Boughner is a dirt road, and the deluge of water was significant, it quickly washed away.

Bekker spoke with another neighbour who said this wasn’t a new problem.

“He said it had broken three or four times in the 30 years he has lived on the road,” Bekker said.

Loss of 12-Mile launch concerns boaters

Lisa Gervais

April 11, 2024

An estimated 1,000 properties on Boshkung, Little Boshkung and Twelve Mile lakes could be affected if the new owners of Wedgewood Marina get out of the marina and boat launch business, Boshkung Lake Property Owners Association (BLPOA) president Tom Steele says.

RPM Marinas general manager Cheryl Downs recently shared the news on social media that Wedgewood RPM had been sold and “the new owners will not be operating the property as a marina. The transition will take place early this summer.”

The property, on Hwy. 35 between Carnarvon and Minden Hills, was put up for sale in January.

In the Facebook post, Downs said those who use Wedgewood for boat storage would soon receive their annual correspondence from manager, Kerry Reid, outlining the out-of-storage process for boat retrieval. As per usual, they’ll need to request their out-date, providing three weeks’ notice, she added.

Downs said, “we want to assure our customers and partners that we are committed to providing the service you’ve come to expect and that it is business as usual.”

The Balsam location is also up for sale, but the Haliburton and Kennisis Lake locations are not for sale and Down said they will continue to offer their services from those locations.

‘Hwy. 118 launch too shallow’

Steele told association members and The Highlander, “we are extremely concerned, as is Twelve Mile Lake and Little Boshkung (TMLB), that the ramp at the foot of Twelve Mile is to be removed as part of the sale.”

The Highlander did not get independent confirmation of this removal. However, Steele said the tentative date is May 22.

“The property will no longer be operated as a marina and now we are all concerned. How do we get our boats out in the fall? For some people, it is also, where do I get service, fuel and store my boat? And for kids, where do I get my ice cream and snacks?

Steele said a group of people from all three lakes met April 8 and are working with Algonquin Highlands mayor Liz Danielsen and Minden Hills mayor Bob Carter.

Steele and Carter said Algonquin Highlands operates a boat launch at 8748 Hwy. 118 into Little Boshkung Lake. However, Carter said he believes the only challenge is the close proximity to the highway. Steele said the issue for them is the water is shallow at the launch and may not accommodate larger boats.

Steele said, “the ramp is the responsibility of Algonquin Highlands. And the issue is simple – not enough water depth to take the majority of the boats out in the fall at the current Hwy. 118 location.”

Danielsen said Algonquin Highlands had only just found out about the issue and were investigating.

“But there are some challenges because we would need to have a survey done and it doesn’t fit into this year’s work schedule or budget,” she said.

“Obviously, there’s going to have to be some more discussion. And it is my hope that through co-operative efforts, we can convince the buyers to leave the launch there, at least until the end of the season, and give us some time to plan something for our boat launch.”

Steele told members, “we just wanted to give you a heads-up that it is something that will affect over 1,000 properties on the three lakes. It will affect resorts, restaurants and other Haliburton activities.”

County looking to improve landfills

Lisa Gervais

April 11, 2024

The potential future of landfilling in the Highlands came before County council April 10 with a presentation on single-tier waste management.

Dysart’s John Watson, Algonquin Highlands’ Melissa Murray, Highlands East’s Perry Kelly and Minden Hills’ Chelsea Cosh delivered a staff report emanating from the 2020 service delivery review – accompanying a final report by Dillon Consulting Ltd.

The staff landfill leads said waste management is “an increasingly complex, and expensive, component of municipal services.” They added each township collects, processes and disposes [material]… with large geographic boundaries and small populations.”

They spoke of duplication, noting contracts are issued individually by each township, for waste hauling and processing, site attendants, environmental monitoring and reporting, extended producer responsibility agreements, and administrative reporting. “Often the same for each municipality, and each municipality completes the same report.

“Waste management services vary throughout the four municipalities. These variations include disposal fees, garbage bag limits, policies, and procedures. Residents and businesses can be confused by these variations. Promotion and education efforts are challenged by conflicting practices,” they added.

Watson, Murray, Kelly and Cosh said they do not totally operate in silos, having recently collaborated on the Haliburton County Waste Wizard app and household hazardous waste days, which allow the public to go to any landfill.

However, they added, “a single-tier waste management system has the potential to streamline policies, administrative functions, contracting, and customer service.”

In the service delivery review, waste management services were one of six key customer areas identified for improvement. Key recommendations included: establishing a waste inter-municipal committee; standardization of waste policies across Haliburton County; and a County-wide review of waste facilities.

Referencing the Dillon Consulting Ltd. report, staff said the consultants visited all landfills and transfer stations, interviewed staff, and researched and analyzed data. The final report includes a detailed review of the current state of waste management amongst the four lower-tier municipalities, a jurisdictional review, and proposed service delivery model for the future.

“The final report analyzes the concept of providing waste management services under a single administration at the County level. A coordinated service delivery model would provide dedicated staffing and expertise to plan and operate waste management services,” the staff report says.

It goes on to say, “in a coordinated approach, all waste management functions currently managed individually by each lower-tier municipality would be centralized. Common services would be recovered through user fees and the County rate tax levy.” Scotiabank Lighthouse, 100 Yonge St., 5th Floor, Toronto ON, M5C 2W1 File: 3266608 SWM Ads – Le Roy Financial Group, print ready ads R4 Workfront#: 3266608 Trim: 10.375 in” x 3” Colours: CMYK

Dillon has suggested three options for transitioning. Option one would see the County administering. Option two is administration by a non-profit municipallyowned corporation. And, option three is administration by a co-ordinating committee. Dillon Consulting’s report recommends Insertion: -Bleed: .125” Safety: n/a Deadline: Nov 2023 Designer: JK the preferred service delivery model begin with a coordinating committee and transition into County administration. It’s suggested the change could happen in one to two years “with the harmonization of service levels occurring over a longer time.”

As for next steps, staff said if councillors agreed with the recommendation, they should designate and fund a County staff resource to work on a transition plan, and seek approval from each of the four lower-tier municipal councils.

Conversely, the staff report said if the County disagrees, it could choose to establish a waste management collaborating committee… “to govern its operations and scope of work, for example, with focus on streamlining service and reducing duplicate efforts.”

Dillon Consulting said there are 18 sites in the County, 10 landfills and eight transfer stations, with environmental monitoring of 20 closed sites. The net operating cost is $4.37 million annually.

Dillon referenced “rationalizing the number of locations based on travel distances.”

Report off to townships

Commenting on Wednesday’s report, coun. Walt McKechnie said, “I cannot believe we’re not talking about incinerating garbage.” However, the consultant said that was not in the scope of their current project.

Coun. Murray Fearrey indicated there was nothing in the report on cost savings, with the consultant saying it was difficult to quantify without going to procurement. The Dysart mayor commented that sometimes there were advantages in “going together, and sometimes not.” He recalled three reports in his time on council, including recommending a centralized landfill, that would cost substantially more, not less.

Coun. Jennifer Dailloux said they would have to see the “trifecta” in recommending the service go to the County: cost savings, improved user experience, and efficiencies to operate.

Coun. Bob Carter added, “I’m not seeing a compelling argument,” since the townships are collaborating.

Council received the report for information only, deferred it to the lower-tier governments, and the discussion will come back to the County at the end of May.

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