Dysart et al has applied for a special exemption through the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to take over demolition of the Wigamog Inn property.

The township’s chief building official, Karl Korpela, said staff discussed the situation with MECP officials Nov. 25. Tear down of the main lodge structure and 36 accessory buildings began in April 2023, with property owners, Aurora Group, handling the project. Workers demolished about a dozen smaller out buildings before the ministry shut things down in June, following reports of at-risk species – endangered bats and the eastern hog-nosed snake, being found on-site.

The township engaged with MECP earlier this year, wanting to know if there was any way to speed up the project.

“There is an exemption we can apply for, for health and safety reasons. The main building, with the roof collapsing, it likely falls under that, but [MECP] is checking with their legal team to see if the municipality can apply for that exemption, being that it’s not the property owner,” Korpela said. “It’s a very unique case here.”

In October, council directed staff to investigate removing debris from already felled buildings – bylaw officer Hailey Cole said the township needs to conduct a waste audit of the property and send the report to MECP, then it can step in. She estimated the audit would cost about $10,000.

Regarding the main lodge and other remaining buildings, Cole said a monthslong species at-risk study paid for by Aurora Group was deemed inconclusive by the ministry. She said the township had two options – wait until next summer to conduct another study, or apply for an exemption to proceed with demolition for health and safety reasons.

Korpela recommended that exemption cover only the main lodge, to improve the township’s chances of approval.

“That’s the main issue – the building people are still trying to break into, that’s falling down. If we’re able to do that it might also speed the RFP (request for proposals from companies to do the work) along… then the Auroras could handle the rest [of the project] and demolish at their own pace,” Korpela said. “At least that would give us something we can accomplish this year.”

Council didn’t like that approach – Ward 1 representative Pat Casey said he’d prefer to do it all at once, believing the township has grounds for a full exemption.

“Between toxic mold, [risk of] fire, animals getting into it – the safety hazards go on and on,” Casey said. “I don’t want to tear down the main lodge and then still have that eyesore lurking behind it.”

Korpela said that runs the risk of MECP saying no – and the project being paused for a further four months, until migrated bats return, and another at-risk species study can be completed.

Cole said preliminary quotes for the remaining demolition and removal of all debris was around $800,000.

Dysart CAO Tamara Wilbee said the township will have to be cautious about how much it spends at the site – attempts will first be made to recoup funds from Aurora Group, but failing that they’ll have to be made whole through selling the property. How much is still owed on the property is not known.

Point in Time, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge, and several organizations representing the Haliburton County Connections Committee, have announced the launch of a two-year project.

‘Coming Full Circle: Training, Mentorship and Employment Supports for People with Lived Experience in Haliburton County ’ will begin Jan. 1.

Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) has given the partners just under $800,000 for the project.

It aims to build a network of people with lived and living experience of substance use and mental health challenges who are trained, equipped and supported to become peer support workers. These workers will have opportunities to build their own professional and leadership capacity to contribute to health and social system improvements across Haliburton County.

Marg Cox, executive director for Point in Time, said they are grateful to have the “exceptional” opportunity for training, education and employment supports for people with lived experience, as well as new community spaces and educational initiatives for community leaders.

“We are aware that the pandemic, economics and stress levels have contributed to substance use and we are thrilled to have an opportunity to co-develop supports with people with living and lived experience.”

CMHA HKPR will play a primary role in the operations of the project. Other partners include: Haliburton Kawartha Lakes Pine Ridge district health unit, the County of Haliburton Community Safety and WellBeing, Community Living Trent Highlands, Kawartha Lakes Housing Corporation, John Howard Society of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton, PARN – Your Community AIDS Resource Network, and Haliburton Highlands Health Services.

Kerri Kightley, director of programs and services at CMHA HKPR, said they know people who have experienced challenges related to mental health and substance use have unique expertise in navigating systems and services that support their own recovery.

“This project aims to match that expertise with people who are struggling or who may be hesitant to reach out for help, and work to connect them with services to support their health and recovery. CMHA HKPR is thrilled to be working with Point in Time and our partners in Haliburton County to launch this important work.”

Project planners will be looking for people with lived and living experience to consult with as well as explore new space opportunities. If you would like to get involved in this project, phone or text 705-761-5499.

Places for People has launched a seasonal fundraising campaign – birthed when they found out they have to replace an “ancient” oil furnace in one of their properties.

Spokesperson, Sherry Lawr, said starting at the beginning of December, people have been purchasing a ‘degree’ as part of ‘Turn Up the Heat for P4P’.

Lawr said they maintain their properties in the most economical way possible, giving tenants a safe and secure home with the most effective appliances they can provide.

The unexpected cost of the new furnace is $8,450.

“Add that new purchase to the cost to keep the heat and lights on in our units last year and the bill comes to nearly $40,000,” Lawr said.

“While our tenants pay rent that incorporates some of those costs, there is still a deficit at the end of the day. We need your help to ensure we can continue to operate and everyone stays warm this winter and beyond.”

Last year, through the generosity of Haliburton County residents, P4P was able to replace windows in one of its properties. “Together, we raised $13,000, which went a long way to helping that project become a reality.”

Lawr said the goal for this holiday season is to surpass that total and raise $15,000 by Dec. 31.

For $200, people can buy a full degree, or purchase a portion of a degree for less.

“Our aim is to ‘Turn Up the Heat’ to 72 Fahrenheit (room temperature). Places For People now owns and operates 20 affordable units throughout Haliburton County without the support of government grants. Maintaining those properties and supporting our tenants is a daunting task but one we are proud to take on,” Lawr said.

They encourage the public to follow their Facebook and Instagram pages throughout December to track the campaign’s progress. The public can purchase degrees through Canada Helps by going to placesforpeople.ca.

Louise Sisson is always a welcome guest at the Youth Wellness Hub in Haliburton at this time of the year.

The St. George’s Anglican Church parishioner stopped by the Dysart Avenue facility Dec. 9 to deliver 50 handmade satchels, filled with gift cards and other goodies, to be given out to youth over the holidays.

It’s the eighth year for the effort, which Sisson said is all about giving back to the community.

“It started when Rev. Anne Moore was here, she brought it to our attention, but we didn’t start until Rev. Ken McClure was here. His wife, Becca, worked at the youth hub and so she would tell Ken about the need. And Ken loved a good story – he took this story of the ‘St. Nick’s Satchel’ and ran with it. Here we are years later still making it happen.”

Sisson said there’re about 14 women from the church who work on the satchels from the end of October to early December. They always use bright, festive colours and jam the bags full of fruit, chocolate and small keepsakes, as well as three $25 gift cards to businesses in the County.

All costs are covered by the church congregation, Sisson said, with collections running through November.

New this year, the Haliburton Highlands Quilt Guild contributed small gifts to each satchel pack – Sisson said she wanted to see other organizations and businesses get involved too.

“A lot of people are struggling now. There’s lots of troubled families in our community – there’s a real need and we try to be there when we can. We don’t do a whole lot anymore, like the pancake supper we had to stop, but this is one way we’re able to give back,” Sisson said.

She noted churchgoers also assist the hub in providing transportation for youth to and from the centre, while contributing financially to other initiatives throughout the year.

“We all have grandchildren, so we don’t want to see anyone go without,” she said.

Mary Sisson, manager at the youth hub, said the satchels are a welcome donation at this time of the year as older kids are often overlooked.

“We usually see a lot of toy donations over the holidays, but it’s harder with teenagers because they don’t necessarily want toys… it’s harder making sure they get something they like,” Mary said.

The satchels tend to fly out the door like hotcakes, Mary said, with all 50 usually accounted for. Sometimes, if there are spares, Mary will set gift cards aside for those in need in the new year. She’s also given to students at the adult and alternate education centre.

“We love the look of pleasant surprise and gratitude that spreads across young people’s faces when they receive these satchels… they’re always really thankful that people would think of them and go out of their way to do something nice for them. Especially so for youth that may not have close family,” Mary said.

Integrity commissioner, Tony Fleming, has ruled that Minden Hills coun. Tammy McKelvey has breached two sections of the Municipal Act’s code of conduct.

However, McKelvey told council Nov. 28, “she felt she had not violated the code of conduct.” Council went on to accept the report as information only, not endorsing Fleming’s recommendations council reprimand McKelvey to reinforce the proper role of council, and to ensure the breach is not repeated.

The integrity commissioner’s report – tabled at last Thursday’s meeting – said Fleming received a complaint May 22, alleging McKelvey improperly directed staff.

He said the incident happened May 21, when, “[McKelvey] wrote to staff to report a development that she believed was illegal (after being advised by residents of the problem). [McKelvey] took pictures of the property and submitted her findings to staff.”

Fleming said he determined McKelvey sent an email to staff after she’d driven onto private property along a newly-built road to take a picture of the alleged illegal development. However, he said McKelvey did not request or demand action from staff in the email, and investigators had no evidence she provided verbal prompts.

Minden council dismisses integrity commissioner’s recommendations

However, he said council members have clearly defined roles under the Municipal Act.

“Council and councillors have a policy-setting role and not an administrative or operational role. Attending a site and taking pictures of an alleged illegal activity is not the proper role for a member of council. This is purely a staff function, and no member of council should cross this line. It is appropriate for council members to pass complaints along to staff, but they should never engage in any aspect of an investigation,” Fleming said.

He ruled McKelvey breached sections 4.2 and 7.3 of the code, as “clearly the councillor was more than encouraging staff to enforce in this instance given her direct role.”

Fleming said McKelvey told him, “she was not participating in an enforcement matter – she was simply helping staff understand the complaint.” However, Fleming said, “we do not accept this response. There was clearly a perception of the public and [McKelvey] that the development in question was illegal. There is no other reason to attend the site and take pictures other than to demonstrate to staff that the activity was occurring – illegal activity. Enforcement actions always start with an initial site visit and then an assessment of next steps. The actions of [McKelvey] were part of enforcement; the problem is that [McKelvey] was not the person authorized to take those steps.

Fleming added it was an opportunity to explain to council the practical implications when they “stray into operational duties of staff… This is not a finding of the investigation, but it is an opportune time to reinforce with all of council the general concerns associated with not respecting the limits of their role.”

He said staff administer policies and bylaws set by council. When councillors interfere, even if well-intentioned, staff can feel undermined, that their work is not respected, or they’re seen to be unqualified. He said it can impact staff morale and keeping, or recruiting staff.

He went on to say, while staff can investigate, any ‘evidence’ gathered by a councillor is not admissible in court, and the fact a councillor was on-site early in the process, without legal authority, might be a reason to refuse to admit other evidence, even if gathered legally, afterwards.

“This obviously has serious repercussions for the township and underscores why councillors must respect their roles.”

Councillors weigh in

At the meeting, mayor Bob Carter said it was “essential to acknowledge the importance of the report and follow proper procedures to address the report before council and public.” He said they had sought legal advice.

McKelvey said, “I feel that I have not violated the code of conduct. I did what any other member of council has been asked to do… and investigate a complaint that came in… and I sent that information off to staff…”

Coun. Bob Sisson said, “I think we’re all guilty of this sooner or later. I’ve had people call me and I pass it on. I think it’s blown way out of proportion myself.”

Coun. Ivan Ingram said, “I have no intention of agreeing with the recommendation.”

Carter, deputy mayor Lisa Schell and councillors Pam Sayne and Shirley Johannessen did not publicly comment on the recommendations. Council accepted the report for information only.

Coun. Tammy McKelvey said she was helping staff understand a complaint.

Calls for service to the Haliburton Highlands OPP have dropped about seven per cent this year, though interim detachment commander, Mike Cavanagh, said there’s been a 15.7 per cent increase to the number of Criminal Code and Provincial Statute charges laid locally.

Addressing the inaugural meeting of the new Haliburton Highlands OPP detachment board Nov. 29, Cavanagh said statistics had dropped for violent and property-related crimes in 2024, with increases seen in Highway Traffic Act violations and drug enforcement.

The detachment has processed 3,279 complaints from Jan. 1 to Nov. 30 – down from 3,522 last year – with 139 violent crimes leading to charges, down from 178, and 318 property crime violations, down from 343.

Cavanagh said there has been one murder, 15 sexual offences, 63 assaults and firearms-related offences, and 19 cases of criminal harassment this year. For property crime, he reported 40 break and enters, 29 thefts over $5,000, 106 thefts under $5,000, 85 cases of fraud, and 53 cases of mischief and minor property damage.

Speeding has become a serious concern for police, with a 53.7 per cent increase to the number of tickets issued in 2023, Cavanagh said, up to 976 from 635 in 2023. The detachment issued 47 impaired driving charges, down from 70 last year, 17 seatbelt-related charges, and two distracted driving tickets.

Drug crime is up 300 per cent, Cavanagh said, with 16 charges compared to four last year. Eight of the charges were for possession of an illegal substance, with seven intent to traffic charges.

“The way drug trafficking works in this community, this is more of a consumption site. Drugs come in across the border, land in places like Ottawa and Toronto. The drugs get divided up and sold to other communities,” Cavanagh said. “Investigations involve a great number of hands to do – it’s not as simple as a traffic stop. We need court orders… to know when drugs and dealers are arriving… it’s a lot of work.”

He said fentanyl and methamphetamine are the two most common drugs distributed locally.

“The opioid epidemic is migrating everywhere in the province. We’re not immune to it,” Cavanagh said. “Being a little more remote, we won’t see real bad drug addicts stick around long because the supply isn’t as high as in big cities. If we pick up a dealer here, people lose access and so they’ll go to where the drugs are.

“We may see a consistent problem here, but with decreased supply people will migrate where they can get the drugs,” he added.

Board member Walt McKechnie said he felt the courts are too lenient when it comes to drugs, saying he believes every dealer caught selling dangerous substances should be charged with attempted murder. Chair, Andrew Fletcher, said the board can advocate for stricter legislation.

Cavanagh noted the detachment’s clearance rate, or percentage of crimes solved, is 74.1 per cent for violent, 18.2 per cent for property, 81.3 per cent for drugs, 82.6 per cent for driving offences, and 69 per cent for all other cases.

Officers spent 5,918 hours patrolling the community in cruisers, 180 marine hours on the water, 27 hours patrolling off-road – important, Cavanagh noted, with three ATV vehicle deaths in the area last year, the most in Ontario – and 197 hours on foot patrol.

“Part of our goal is to increase community service. I’ve only been here three months, but our officers are really taking more of a community-driven approach. We saw a positive response when we did Take Back the Night and the Remembrance Day service in Minden, so we want to do more,” Cavanagh said.

Board make up

The new board is comprised of seven members – four council representatives, two public appointees, and a provincial nominee. Algonquin Highlands mayor Liz Danielsen, Highlands East mayor Dave Burton and Minden Hills mayor Bob Carter are on it, so too Dysart deputy mayor McKechnie, with Fletcher and Andy Chvedukas public appointees, and Andrew Hodgson the provincial rep.

Board terms are typically four years – with turnover coming six months after municipal elections.

Meetings will run every other month, with a summer break. There are five proposed next year. It was decided members would be permitted to attend virtually if they can’t make it in-person. Meetings will run in the afternoon, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Live streaming may be a possibility, though the board wants to see what costs are involved before committing.