Haliburton business owner Kelsey Redman says she’s trying to stay upbeat after her Highland Street business, Redmans Records, was hit by a thief twice in three nights last week.

Haliburton Highlands OPP has confirmed they are searching for 29-year-old Connor Davies, who stands to be charged with three counts of breaking and entering, and three counts of theft under $5,000.

Redman said her store was targeted overnight Oct. 19 and again Oct. 21. She provided video footage of the incidents to police, who have issued a warrant for Davies’ arrest. Hers wasn’t the only store hit recently – Greenleaf Cannabis at the Village Barn was robbed late Oct. 27.

Redman said Davies is a frequent customer at her shop.

“I know who it is… this does absolutely suck, it feels awful, definitely a little discouraging but at least I know it isn’t personal. It’s weirdly comforting knowing he didn’t just go out of his way to target me,” Redman said.

She lost a few hundred dollars from her float, a T-shirt and a hoodie – all total losses, since her insurance deductible is worth more than what was taken.

After posting a video about the incident to social media, Redman said the community has really rallied around her.

“It’s really taken off here this week – so many people have come in, saying they were thinking about buying something but heard about what happened so wanted to show their support,” Redman said. “I super appreciate it.”

Mark Roy said a lone man broke a window to get into Greenleaf shortly after 11 p.m. Oct. 27 and made away with $90 cash and approximately $1,200 worth of cannabis product. With repairs, Roy pegged his losses at around $2,000.

“We’ve been open for a few years now and never, ever had an issue,” Roy said, noting he’s planning to install motion cameras at the Village Barn to deter would-be criminals.

Angela Ritchie, who works at Greenleaf, said the incident has left her feeling uneasy. She said she noticed someone lingering in the area shortly before the store closed at 7 p.m. that evening.

“It sucks knowing this is happening – it makes me wonder how safe I am when locking up at night,” Ritchie said, saying the store is open until 9 p.m. some nights.

This is the latest in a long line of robberies in Haliburton village recently. In September, McKeck’s Tap & Grill, Emmerson Lumber, Mega Munch, Kosy Korner and cannabis dispensary Fiore Verde were all hit – with mostly money taken. Police did not confirm whether Davies was a suspect in those incidents.

As of press time, Davies remained at large. Cst. Rob Adams said there is an active ongoing investigation and appealed to the public for assistance. Anyone with information regarding the Oct. 19, 21 or 27 break-ins can contact police at 1-888-3101122 and quote file number E251462863.

Anyone who knows of Davies’ whereabouts is asked not to approach him and call police immediately.

To remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.khcrimestoppers.ca. Tips leading to an arrest may be eligible to receive a cash reward up to $2,000.

The County of Haliburton has been asked to contribute an estimated 27 per cent more for human services managed on its behalf by the City of Kawartha Lakes.

In 2025, the County share was $2,650,528 of a $13,338,555 budget. CKL is asking for $3,362,926 for 2026 to put towards a projected $16,406,572 budget. That’s a $712,398 increase in one year.

City of Kawartha Lakes CAO Ron Taylor said the increase was due in part to inflationary pressures, and a two per cent capital infrastructure levy. He added they are looking to hire approximately five more people for human services. Another issue is the failure of the provincial government to provide any funding increases year over year, CKL staff noted.

It means the County is being asked for more money for administration, Ontario Works, early learning and childcare, housing, homelessness, and the KLH Housing Corporation.

Taylor said they are still looking at potentially trimming operating costs and hope to have the budget passed by CKL in late November, trying to “balance good service, but at the same time, taxpayer affordability and sustainability.”

CKL staff added they would be looking to refine their agreement with the County for 2027.

Taylor said, “that is an initiative that we need to do collectively. If you are looking at ways to influence your investment overall in this broad program, that’s the formulas, that’s the agreement that you need to focus on over 2026 to be able to then influence future contributions and future budgets.”

CKL staff also said continued advocacy over provincial government downloading is key, through larger organizations, such as the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, which would have more punch than the County and CKL.

Following the presentation, coun. Bob Carter said an increase of $750,000 is a three to three-and-a-half per cent tax increase for the County’s constituents. He noted CKL was looking at a $2.4 million jump.

“What’s the feeling at CKL about being able to sustain these numbers?” He said they did not know what provincial government grants for 2026 were yet, but does not anticipate extra money.

“How do we continue to sustain this? We still have all those things, like roads, ambulances, other departments we have to maintain and support.”

Coun. Lisa Schell added she fears middle class people paying increases such as this 27 per cent will get to a point where they might not be able to afford their own homes, putting more pressure on human services.

Taylor said the ask equates to nearly a two per cent increase for CKL, which is “substantive.” He noted the County’s $700,000 was largely an investment in people to deliver the programming. However, “that investment should start to flat line,” he said.

CKL staff added with no increases in provincial funding, their hands are tied, hence the need for advocacy.

Coun. Cec Ryall said in future he would also like information on the cost of not doing the services, saying “people who are going to end up taking the hit are people we all represent.”