It’s interesting – and exciting – when you see a pattern emerging.
Last week, a fellow by the name of Kevin Taylor made an appearance at a Highlands East council meeting.
He talked about the prospect of something called ‘little blue cabins’ potentially coming to Bancroft and surrounding communities in future.
The fact his presentation was during the same week a report said Bancroft had the fastest growing housing prices in Canada was not lost on me. And coming to Highlands East meant he also thought the concept could work in Wilberforce and maybe Cardiff and Harcourt.
Taylor discussed how mental illness, addiction or substance use, and unemployment all lead to homelessness.
Trent University student Ellen Buck-McFayden looked into chronically homeless people in Bancroft, finding about 20 folks, most high school dropouts, who had experienced past trauma, and lacked supports. Most were long-time residents, former classmates and neighbours, who had not had a lot of opportunities in life.
It was also found that while a small number, these people were a mighty drain on health care and OPP, and fell through that crack between the province and township.
Just like in Haliburton, they’ve hosted homelessness summits. In 2023, the province’s minister of mental health and addictions attended, along with the MPP and mayor. Perhaps more politically-motivated than their Highlands counterparts, “another” more than $6M was pledged to Hastings County to address homelessness.
That’s where the idea of 20 sleeping cabins came about. Measuring eight by 16-feet, they have two windows and a door, microwave, mini-fridge, heater, smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, a bed, desk, chair, and wardrobe. They are attached to a larger community building with kitchen, laundry, showers, washrooms, office and meeting rooms. They have access to professionals, whether medical, social, or jobs and training.
This isn’t new. The folks in Bancroft had studied models in Kingston, Kitchener, Hamilton, Calgary and throughout the U.S.
A model with 20 units could cost $1.5 M for site development and servicing, community building and cabins, and landscaping. It could cost another $400,000 a year to operate. For once, a price-tag for affordable housing like this did not floor me.
Also last week, there was a story in the Toronto Star by Joelle Kovach titled ‘Modular cabins to end homelessness: How this Ontario city’s project is succeeding.’
Peterborough council took some flack but had the guts to install 50 small modular cabins in the Rehill parking lot. It’s early days, but so far so good. They did it in an amazing six-month period, ending homelessness for 50 residents. That’s huge. It’s costly, too, naturally, at $2.4M to build and $1.9M in annual costs. But politicians reckon it’s saving costs in other areas.
On March 23, meanwhile, Sean Campbell, executive director of Union Cooperative in Kitchener-Waterloo, will serve as the U-Links celebration of research keynote speaker. He’ll discuss ways to bring innovative housing projects to small communities. It’s an important topic, with U-Links recently partnering with local residents Fay Martin, Fay Wilkinson, and Dave Wilfong, and grad students from Trent, to look into housing alternatives for Haliburton County. Results of that project will be available in the fall.
We urge County, and all other politicians to check out the Highlands East delegation, read about Peterborough’s success story, attend Places for People’s Sleeping in Cars event at Head Lake Park March 22, and attend the celebration of research. It’s time for a made-in-Haliburton solution to housing and homelessness, and the need for worker accommodation.
Small houses – big ideas
Go Huskies Go
Growing up outside of Sudbury, I spent a fair bit of time at the Sudbury Arena watching the Ontario Hockey League Sudbury Wolves.
One of the highlights then – and still today – is when the Wolves score and a taxidermy wolf descends from the rafters. It is, naturally, accompanied by a wolf howl. The tradition dates back well over 50 years.
Back then, there was also a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at one end of the old hockey barn. In the glory days before netting, the then-monarch took a lot of pucks to the face. She was pretty disfigured by the time they took her down.
Attending the Haliburton County Huskies playoff game March 12, I was delighted to see the Haliburton Highlands Sports Hall of Fame has been duplicated on the wall behind the stands at the arena. It pays tribute to 17 athletes – including hockey builders A.J. LaRue and Lenny Salvatori and players Bernie Nicholls, Cody Hodgson, ‘Joe” Iles, Glen Dart, and Marla MacNaull. The hall’s first home is upstairs at the A.J. LaRue Arena.
In between periods, I noted the township of Minden Hills has done a good job of decorating the arena and community centre. There are fine display cases in the lobby, featuring championship trophies, photos and memorabilia, all paying tribute to our Highlands sporting glory.
Inside the rink itself, there are banners marking the various team championships over the years. The Huskies logo is painted at centre ice. There is the requisite Canadian flag underneath the score clock. There were plenty of ‘Go Huskies Go’ posters in the stands.
The atmosphere is always good as a Huskies game here attracts about 500, and even more, in the playoffs. Had it been a better game – the blue and white lost 4-2 – the stands would have been a tad bit more raucous.
Susan was in the lobby flogging Huskies merch. Jess Jackson was running around the arena – as usual – making sure everything was in order. Owner Paul Wilson always presses the flesh. The bar staff and fine folks from Mulligan’s were busy upstairs. The kids, as usual, were running around and having a blast.
There was really only one thing missing – or maybe two or three.
I wondered about the prospect of getting a stuffed Husky – maybe not a taxidermy one – but a replica, stringing it up on a wire, and running it across the roof every time the Huskies score – along with a blood-curdling dog howl.
Over the years, in Sudbury, there’s also been a large inflatable wolf head that the players have skated through.
I also pondered the prospect of a portrait of King Charles II at one end of the arena. With the netting, we would be assured the monarch’s face would remain intact throughout the course of his reign.
Meanwhile, we are down two games to one in this first-round series with a pivotal match in Cobourg March 14. So, Go Huskies Go!
U18 rep team storming to OMHA championships
The Highland Storm U18 Tom Prentice and Sons rep team are on their way to the OMHA championship in Halton Hills Easter weekend.
The series was tied one game to one when the Storm and Orono Leafs clashed at the A.J. LaRue Arena March 21 for the penultimate game. The previous two games had gone into double overtime, so this promised to be a tough, physical matchup.
The Storm came out with speed and pressured the puck, leading to Aiden Perrott scoring in the first period.
Josh Scheffee scored in the second period, assisted by Brechin Johnston.
Solid defence and hard work kept the Leafs off the board until the third.
But the Storm put the pedal down and kept the goals coming. Beckham Reynolds fired one in, with two more from Perrott, assisted by Cooper Coles and Alex Hendry. The final score was 5-1 Storm, to give the team a 2-1 series win.
Team manager Amber-Lee Johnston said “the coaching staff, parents and families are extremely proud of the U18 rep team and wish them all the best at the OMHA tournament.”
U 13 Cheryl Smith RE/MAX
The U13 Cheryl Smith RE/MAX team had a terrific season, only losing one regular season game.
They came home with silver medals after the MPS playdowns.
This team played a lot of exhibition games and showed great improvement throughout the year.
We are looking forward to ending the year with a tournament in Caledon.
U13 LL Up Right Roofing
The Highland Storm U13 LL Up Right Roofing team had a very successful season.
The team started off with a tournament in Bancroft, losing in the final game. But their spirits remained high and their focus was on the upcoming Silver Stick tournament in Haliburton.
After the round-robin portion of the tournament, our team was able to advance to the semis after winning the tie-breaker of best goals for or against ratio.
Our team was backstopped by two first-year goaltenders, Corbin Elliot and Matthew Mueller. These two quickly became proficient between the pipes under the guidance of assistant coach, Taylor Consack. Unfortunately, we lost in the semi-finals but came out of the tournament having learned a lot about our team.
Our third tournament of the season, held in Norwood this past January, was one to remember. The tournament format created extra excitement and some anxiety. With the possibility of earning 15 points per game, every period counts and if you could manage a shutout, it gave you the best chance to advance.
We managed two shutouts in the round-robin with fantastic defending from Callum Merrit, Liam Milburn, Patrick Valentini and Lucas Vale. We again found ourselves in a tie-breaker situation and again our goals for and against ratio helped us advance, this time to the final game. We came up short in the final game, but again we learned more about our team and our capabilities.
By the end of our league’s regular season, we were undefeated and had only 12 goals against and 132 goals for. Our forwards, Gibson Pockett, Aiden Innes, Jacob Manning, Lucas Upton, Claire Hamilton, Katie Lavalle and Duncan Evans-Fockler, learned to work together and defend our end very well.
All of our hard work and practice this season came together during the playoffs, where we were crowned champions. It has been a pleasure coaching this team alongside assistant coach Rod Upton, trainer Dan Fockler, Consack and manager Audrina Townsend.
Celebrity clowns spreading cheer
Spreading smiles and raising money – that’s the mantra of a new “fun-focused” branch of Minden Rotary.
The local service group launched a celebrity clown initiative last year – combining philanthropy with laughter while encouraging locals to don eccentric costumes and big, bright red noses at community events.
“The idea was to demonstrate to people that Rotary has a good time – but also to increase our presence in the community,” said Rotarian Sally Moore, who came up with the initiative. “The role of a celebrity clown goes beyond just putting on a costume and walking through a crowd – it’s about creating magical moments, bringing smiles to faces, and connecting with people in a way that transcends words.”
The clowns were present at last year’s Canada Day celebrations in Minden, as well as various Minden Pride events, Rotary Fest, and both the Minden and Haliburton Santa Claus parades.
The inaugural class of jesters included former Minden Hills mayor Brent Devolin, Minden Rotary president Dave Woodcroft, Moore, and community members Jan Clarke, Gina Deighton, Deanna Garbutt, Bob Baynton-Smith, and Gary Stoner.
Collectively, they raised approximately $6,000 – with every penny being reinvested into various community programs, Moore said.
Woodcroft noted the bulk of the funds were donated to the Minden Community Food Centre, with some also supporting operations at Abbey Retreat Centre and youth hockey. Money was also earmarked for several youth leadership programs Rotary runs, such as its ‘capital experience’ initiative, which sends a student to Ottawa with MP Jamie Schmale.
Money raised this year will also go to the food bank, while also helping to pay for a new shed Rotary is building at Minden’s community garden.
“We’ll be putting the shed up just after Easter – it’s a good size and gives people space to store their wheelbarrows, hoses and all the tools they need to tend to their plot. This saves them having to cart them back and forth, or leave them at the garden unattended,” Woodcroft said.
Moore said she’s looking to add to her army of celebrity clowns this year.
“We’re looking for people who are comfortable putting on a costume and getting out into the community and having fun. We try to be present year-round, so have both summer and winter events,” Moore said. “Being a celebrity clown is a one-of-a-kind adventure that leaves a lasting impact on both the participants and the community at large.”
Woodcroft said the initiative has added a new dimension to Minden Rotary and helped boost the service club’s image in the community. He volunteered as a celebrity clown at a Minden Pride event last summer, noting it was a memorable experience.
“People just love getting their picture taken with us – there’s lots of smiles and excited faces. I’d recommend it for anyone,” he said.
Anyone interested in becoming a celebrity clown can contact Moore at 705-286-4922 or info@sunnyrockbb.ca.
Bingo helping to lift elevator at Hali Legion
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 129 in Haliburton is working towards becoming fully accessible.
President Mike Waller said they are fundraising for an elevator, and have finally started on the build. They hope to have it finished for the Remembrance Dinner, the Saturday before Remembrance Day, in the fall.
Waller said they want to make the upstairs and downstairs accessible to everyone.
“There is a clubroom downstairs, as well as an accessible washroom that is not available for those who can’t do stairs,” Waller said.
The legion depends on volunteers, who run events, fundraise, and do outreach within the community.
“We rely on donations, and room rentals to keep the lights on and the doors open,” Waller said. “We have several things happening at the legion every week, and there is more that we would like to do here, as well as in the community.”
Darts, cards, and bingo are some of the weekly activities, but there are also information sessions, a walking club, concerts, 50/50 draws, and meat draws, to name a few.
According to Waller and secretary Michelle Anton, the meat draw every Friday can be quite an experience. Anton said, “it can be a lot of fun and provides some folks with something they might not be able to afford otherwise.”
Bingo at the legion happens Wednesday evenings with anywhere from 45 to 125 players, and is busier in summer. Not only does it have weekly jackpots of $500, but every month there is a $1,000 jackpot.
Volunteers Adrienne Clark and Andrew Hitchen co-run this event, which for some people in the community is the only time they get out of their house. “For some it provides a purpose, somewhere to go,” said Clark.
There is the obvious socialization and interaction that most people come to the legion for, but it also builds community, emotional health, and well-being. “One of our goals is to offer as many things as we can for seniors because there isn’t really any other place for seniors here,” Waller said. “Even though we cater to them, we welcome anyone that wants to come to anything we offer.”
Waller said they are grateful to those who donate money and time to the legion.
“We could not operate without either, and always welcome new volunteers.”
Saini reflects on ‘best years’ in Haliburton
After three years in Haliburton County, outgoing Huskies captain Patrick Saini said he’ll always consider the Highlands his home away from home.
His junior career came to an end March 16 after the Huskies were eliminated from the OJHL playoffs. Emotions ran high in the days that followed as Saini came to terms with the disappointing 4-1 series loss to rival Cobourg Cougars.
Saini said he couldn’t have asked for a better place to ply his trade.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I moved to Haliburton County at 18 – I had never lived away from home, but the fans and wonderful people made it like a second home,” Saini said. “I’ve met so many amazing people – teammates, billets, fans. I’ll always look back on my time there as some of the best years of my life.”
Saini started as a 16-year-old during the 2019/20 season, when the team was in Whitby. He was one of a handful of players who committed to moving north ahead of the 2021/22 season, featuring primarily in a middle six role, with 46 points in 35 games during the regular season, and another seven in the post-season.
He was handed an ‘A’ ahead of the 2022/23 season, forming a key part of the Huskies leadership. Saini exploded for 76 points in 57 games, finishing third in team scoring, as the blue and white enjoyed a run to the second round of the OJHL playoffs,
Being named captain for his final year, Saini broke several team records, including most goals, assists and points in a single season – finishing with 44 goals and 50 assists for 94 points. He had a hand in eight of the Huskies nine goals against the Cougars in the post-season. Saini wraps up his junior career as the franchise’s all-time points leader, with 256 in 218 games.
“It’s cool to put up those types of numbers, but it was never my goal to break records. I was just trying to help the team win and do everything I could on the ice,” he said.
As for memories, Saini said he’d always cherish the Huskies first win at rival Wellington Dukes’ home arena earlier this season, when Brett Fullerton sealed the game with a goalie goal.
Saini said he’ll also miss the connection with local fans. “everyone who supported me and my teammates. Seeing the fans in public, the kids giving us high fives on our way to the ice, how excited they were when we did school visits. Seeing the fans go crazy when we did our salutes and celebrations – I’m going to miss it all,” Saini said.
While he said he’s gained about 50 brothers, he singled out Lucas Marshall, Jack Staniland and Lucas Stevenson.
“Us four created a special bond playing together for so many years. We leaned on each other a lot – we’ll be friends forever,” Saini said.
Huskies coach Ryan Ramsay said Saini is “the most dedicated player I’ve ever seen,” and tipped him to reach the very top of the sport.
“I don’t think there’s a ceiling when you have an engine and a head like Patrick Saini. It’s almost like the world’s your oyster. People have bet against him because of his size (5”8’, 180 pounds) but he’s proven them wrong time and time again. If someone is going to doubt him at that next level, I guarantee after a year or two, he’ll turn heads,” Ramsay said.
“Even if I coach another 25 years in this league, I don’t think I’ll find another guy like Patty… his loyalty, commitment and drive are all next level,” he added.
Saini is taking time to process the end of his Jr. A journey before deciding next steps. Ramsay, and team owner Paul Wilson, believe he’s capable of playing Division 1 NCAA.
“He’s the hardest working, most prepared and most dedicated player we have ever had… I wish him the best and would love to see him get a D1 scholarship,” Wilson said.
Hal High artists shine
Haliburton Highlands Secondary School student artists received accolades at the Art Gallery of Bancroft’s under 19 student exhibition March 15.
Karen Gervais, department head of arts and visual arts teacher, said Annabelle Borgdorff won best in show for The Things We Miss.
“The jurors described Annabelle’s work as having ‘very unusual and insightful conceptual elements. Beautiful use of paint and ink show the artist’s proficiency in their chosen medium’,” Gervais said.
Ceinwyn Mathura’s Inspiration from the Heart won first place in the painting and mixed media category. Gervais said the jurors described the work as “well conceived with various mixed materials and painted pieces bringing wonderful colour and movement. Juxtaposed elements are creatively thought out, providing dramatic impact and visual interest.”
Hailiee Embury received second-place in the category, as well as the creativity and concept award for her playful acrylic painting How It Actually Happened. The exhibition runs until March 30.
U-Links presents 26 projects at annual research celebration
It’s been a busy year for staff at U-Links, partnering with post-secondary students on 26 community-based research projects since last summer.
There was a full house at Haliburton School of Art + Design March 23 as the organization presented its findings at its annual celebration of research event. Some of the key takeaways included an economic breakdown on the benefits of owning an apple tree, the discovery of an ancient fault line beneath Grace Lake, and revelation that a wetland abutting the waterbody in Wilberforce could quality for provincially significant status.
Keynote speaker Sean Campbell said his firm, Union Cooperative, helped bring 58 new affordable rentals to Waterloo Region in 2022. The $16.5 million project was funded by contributions from a 200-plus person membership, charitable organizations, and businesses. Tenants are charged belowmarket rents, collectively saving them approximately $700,000 per year.
Campbell said the only way to address the Highlands housing crisis is to tackle it head-on.
“Could there be a change to municipal policies to further encourage development? Is there an opportunity for greater collaboration between local agencies? What land is available that could be opened for development, how to finance potential builds,” Campbell said.
The Ontario government has opened $1.2 billion in funding to incentivize housing developments. The federal government is getting involved too, announcing last month a $175 million investment to build 5,200 new housing units in Edmonton.
Student-led projects
Carmen Galea, of Toronto Metropolitan University, presented ATIP Haliburton, launched last year by Luba Cargill, who wanted a database of apple tree locations in the County. Galea said they discovered 170 apple tree locations, with Dysart et al and Highlands East having the most significant sites, with orchards at Abbey Gardens and Killara Station.
Wesley Ford, of Trent University, focused on the economic benefits. He said the County is producing 81,600 apples annually, with about 40 varieties, including atlas, yellow transparent and York imperial. If someone wanted to create a new orchard, it could be quite lucrative, with a five-acre plot fitting 250 trees, producing 100,000 to 120,000 apples per year. Those apples could return $37,000 annually, while also supplementing local apple sauce and apple juice programs.
The research of Fleming College students Rae Di Vito, Steven Del Ben Belluz and Madison Florence suggest a fault line exists beneath Grace Lake. The students partnered with U-Links after Dave Freeman, who is writing a book about the history of the lake and the Wilberforce community, found a map from the 1990s showing a possible fault line. Di Vito said her geological technician program class conducted seismic, radiometric, electromagnetic and gravity surveys before arriving at their conclusion. Work is continuing.
Trent’s applied bio-monitoring class started what student Dan Vandeloo said is a long-term, five-year project analyzing the biological makeup and health of the Smith Forest, Barnum Creek, Big Hawk Lake, Kabakwa Lake, and Halls Lake.
“The purpose is to set up an archive of how these forests look as they [age]. With the lakes, we’re assessing aquatic invertebrates to get a sense of what species are present and what that means for water quality,” Vandeloo said.
After studying a small section of wetland fronting Grace Lake, Trent students Ainsley Taggett, Emily Colautti, and Jessica Livingstone said the discovery of low bush cranberries and evidence of moose frequenting the area suggest it could qualify for provincially significant status, though a thorough analysis of the entire wetland, largely on private property, would be required.