The future of the “iconic” Dorset bridge was discussed at County council Oct. 9 as Keystone Bridge Management Corp. provided its every two-year bridge and culvert inspection report.

Company managing director, Harold Kleywegt, said they inspected 41 structures, 17 bridges and 24 large culverts, valued at $121 million.

“We identified there’s approximately $8 million in capital needs between 2025 or 2030,” he said. “We’re recommending three culverts be replaced, and three bridges receive a comprehensive rehabilitation.”

Kleywegt said Paudash Lake, Dorset and West Guilford bridges need work, with two culverts on County Road 9, and a 503 timber culvert replacement top of the list.

He said a further four culverts (Kingscote Road, Wood Box, McGillivary Road and Inlet Bay) and Horseshoe Lake Bridge have less than 15 years left. He suggested Furnace Falls Bridge be done by 2060.

The good news, he said, is the depreciated value of inventory has improved 7.5 per cent since 2020 due to recent works.

The structures range from new to 117 years old, with 16 of them between 40-60 years old.

He said council should spend $1.4 million a year on bridges over the next 20 years, and about $420,000 a year over 20 years on culverts. He said that would be a “healthy and responsible level of investment…”

He said the immediate needs are substantially less; $663,000 over the next six years on bridges and $657,000 on culverts.

Director of public works, Sylvin Cloutier, added the County had invested considerably in bridges and culverts over the past four years, and if it continues to do so, “we’ll keep our structures in good health moving forward.”

CAO Gary Dyke said the one per cent draw from the tax base for infrastructure might have to increase to two per cent in 2025 for large capital structures.

Dorset bridge

Councilor Jennifer Dailloux asked for specifics on the Dorset bridge, commenting “it is very old, and it is hard to overestimate the heritage value of the bridge for the population of Dorset. It’s iconic.”

Kleywegt said the bridge “is old and tired.” He noted it is load posted, so has weight restrictions. He said the challenge is it is difficult to properly inspect, however there is significant visible corrosion. However, he said it is the corrosion they cannot see that is most concerning.

“There’s a significant risk when you continue to keep a structure such as that in service,” he said.

He said it requires more intense, regular, and thorough inspection. He said their lookover was “generous” but based on standing on the ground and clamouring over the bridge and looking over the edges.

As a result, they have to speculate on what they can’t see. To keep the heritage value, he said steel would have to be removed and replaced piece-by-piece. He said the concrete has wear and tear from snowmobiles and general traffic. The deck is at risk of potentially having a local failure, which he said was not dangerous to the public, but could result in closure of the bridge until it’s fixed. He said if nothing is done in the next 10 years, the deck could have a local failure.

However, he said it could be fixed and maintain its heritage value, though more expensive than a replacement.

The 152-feet long steel bridge underwent works in 2017.

Dailloux said Algonquin Highlands would ask the County to consider how to preserve the iconic bridge it shares with Muskoka.

Lori MacKay was one of the first patrons through the newly-opened Dorset branch of the Haliburton County Public Library Oct. 11.

The HCPL held a soft opening of the branch last Friday.

MacKay, from Dorset, said she loves libraries.

“It’s exciting that we have our branch back,” she said. The library was closed for about four years while Algonquin Highlands did a major retrofit of the Dorset Recreation Centre.

MacKay said she appreciated that HCPL supplied lockers to drop off and pick up books at Robinson’s General Store in the interim but, “we’re happy to have a place to come and browse and visit.”

HCPL CEO Andrea Brown told the library board at an Oct. 9 meeting that the new branch was having a soft opening, but would be holding a grand opening Oct. 25.

She said the real deal will feature a ribbon-cutting and cupcakes at 1 p.m.

Brown said the branch furniture had all been received and installed. The County IT team has set up staff and public workstations. The library’s WiFi, printer/copier, and the other pieces of technology required for the provision of branch services (VOIP phone, barcode scanner, receipt printer, etc) are all in place.

She added library staff prepared their circulating collections so items were on the shelves and ready for patrons to browse and borrow as of last Friday.

Regular weekly open hours in Dorset will be: Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Brown also told the meeting Dysart et al staff will be removing the brickwork and paving the walkway that runs along the side and front of the Dysart branch. She said the replacement with concrete will make the pedestrian areas on the south side of the building significantly safer for everyone.

To facilitate this work, they will be temporarily closing the Dysart branch from Oct. 28-Nov. 1.

Discussing the 2025 budget, Brown said the board request is for the County to fund approximately $1.213,386, a 0.25 per cent increase from 2024, or about $3,300 more.

The next regular meeting of the HCPL will be Nov. 13, at 4 p.m. The public can view these meetings on YouTube.

Chelsea Cosh, manager of waste facilities, brought Minden Hills council up to date on work towards the Scotch Line transfer station design – as well as to ask for more money for 2025.

Speaking Oct. 10, Cosh noted council approved $1.4 million for phase one of the project in the 2024 budget. She is seeking another $710,000 for next year. She said staff need an additional $543,300 for construction costs, a little over $30,000 to cover HST, and $136,604 for contingency. She thinks the final price tag will be about $2.11 million.

Staff are looking to add 80-foot scales to accommodate larger vehicles and trailers, accessible wheelchair ramp, lighting, design specific document for concrete, site works, mechanical, thermal and moisture protection, an electrical site plan, and an additional one metre width for the bypass lane at the scale area.

Cosh was seeking budget pre-approval, saying the project “is critical and will be essential in managing the growing population in the township. With the growing population comes increased traffic, and demand on the Scotch Line landfill site.”

She added scales will allow for waste disposal fees to be applied more precisely and be more accurate with the cost of managing the material.” She expects more construction and demolition material in future.

Cosh further said they would be able to further landfill in the northwest portion of the site once the reconfiguration takes place at the site. She said the only other option is having waste hauled away, which is costlier.

Coun. Bob Sisson asked if there was any way to cut the number back. “Do we need two sets of scales… do we need 80-foot scales?” he asked. “You go to any gravel pit, and they have one set of scales, and you go around again. We have to try to cut some money here.” He said they are already 50 per cent over budget and is worried about how much the project could blow out.

Director of public works, Mike Timmins, said they are recommending 80-foot scales as tractor trailers are 53 feet long, which is what their haulers use. “The last thing we want to do is undersize this facility.”

As for two sets of scales, Timmins said during peak days of 500 vehicles-a-day in summer, he anticipates long waits with just one.

CAO Cynthia Fletcher told Sisson she asked similar questions, however, “we’re building for growth in the future. This is a very important project for Minden Hills.”

Coun. Tammy McKelvey was struggling with pre-approval in October, faced with unanswered money questions and not having an overall look at the township’s finances. But Coun. Pam Sayne was okay with going over budget, saying it would contribute to the longevity of the site. Coun. Ivan Ingram asked why they could not just put it out to tender now, without pre-approving $710,000.

Cosh said it would appear they were fishing for quotes and that could get them into trouble. She said they are doing their best to keep the budget in-line but would not know an actual cost until they put it out to tender.

Fletcher said council can put a stop to the project, or put it out to tender to see what the actual price might be.

Mayor Bob Carter said they were not buying anything today, simply pushing the project ahead to get a tender. If they don’t like the price, they can then make a decision about whether to go ahead or not.

“The fact of the matter is our present situation is not something that’s sustainable. We’re building here for the next couple of decades at least. It’s a responsible thing to do for the municipality.”

Council approved the request.

The County of Haliburton has received a 2024-2025 seniors community grant to support Aging Together as Community’s [ATAC] new project, entitled Bridging the Gaps.

County warden Liz Danielsen said, “I am greatly appreciative for this funding from the Ontario Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility to help support programming for seniors in Haliburton County.” She added, “this partnership between the province, the County, and Aging Together as Community positively benefits the senior population and County as a whole.”

The Bridging the Gaps project will provide social, health, fitness, educational and digital literacy programming to help rural, low-income, and LGBTQ+ seniors stay active, connected and living independently throughout Haliburton County. The project was awarded $25,000 through the Seniors Community Grant Program.

ATAC steering committee member Paul Moore said, “this funding is perfect timing for ATAC. Our program not only fits with the priorities of the Seniors Community Grant Program of reducing isolation, being connected, accessing services and programs and increasing supports for health prevention and health promotion, but also, is extremely timely overlapping with some of the outcomes and directives from our recent community survey.”

The provincial funding will enable ATAC to continue its goal of bringing more seniors throughout Haliburton County together in inclusive meetings both virtually and in-person. Meetings will also provide an opportunity for participants to hear from speakers on a variety of educational topics such as navigating the healthcare system and understanding digital technology, while sharing a healthy meal and having time to socialize and make friends.

October 27 event

ATAC is hosting an upcoming event, on how to better access the healthcare system in the County at ‘Learn the ropes: a road map to healthcare services’, at the Haliburton Legion, Oct. 27 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Speakers include Jen Burns-West, chief nursing executive and vice president of clinical and community support services at HHHS; Christine Keenan, project coordinator of the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Ontario Health Team; Lauren Wilson, pharmacist-owner, of Haliburton Pharmasave, Chris Parish, commander clinical programs, Haliburton County Paramedic Service; and Kim Ballantyne, senior manager, patient services, home and community care support services. Afterwards, people are invited to enjoy a casual meal of beef brisket or vegetable chili, buns and pumpkin tart. People are asked to register by Oct. 21 by email atachhevents@gmail.com or calling Connie Wood at 705-457-7215.

MPP Laurie Scott said, “the renewed support for Aging Together as a Community is welcome news for Haliburton County. Our government is continuing their commitment to helping seniors stay active and healthy in our community and across our province.”

Haliburton County has a rural population of more than 20,000 residents, with over 35 per cent of residents being 65 or older.

With the festive season right around the corner, CanoeFM is once again recruiting the jolliest County-based kids to help spread Christmas cheer over the ho-ho-holidays.

The non-profit radio station is looking for youthful singers who want to participate in this year’s Christmas Kids’ Project, with three popular yuletide carols to be recorded and played on-air.

Now in its third year, the initiative is designed to inspire community, bring people together, and generate excitement for the most wonderful time of year, said Laurie Sweig, lead volunteer at The Studio – the professional recording space located inside CanoeFM’s Haliburton office.

“We are so fortunate to have a recording studio like this in the County. The equipment is top-notch, and we’ve got a volunteer team of knowledgeable individuals who love producing music for musicians of varying calibres,” Sweig said. “The Kids’ Christmas Project is an opportunity to demonstrate how a community can come together and create magic that can be shared, thanks to technology, throughout the world.”

The studio was a $70,000 investment, with half coming from a Community Radio Fund of Canada Grant. It opened in February 2023. It’s fitted with acoustic wall panels, new speakers, and computer set-up with access to editing programs, such as Logic Pro. For $20 an hour, locals can rent the space out and record songs, podcasts, instrumental pieces, or keepsakes for family and friends.

This year’s festive lineup features classics We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Deck the Halls, and O Christmas Tree. Sweig said she hopes to have between 15 and 20 children participate. Recordings are set to take place in late October.

It won’t be a free-for-all – Sweig said in most cases children will be allotted a time to come into the studio to individually sing songs. Once all the recording is done, volunteers will edit, mix and master the finished pieces before broadcasting.

“Our goal is to create the most fun Christmas songs ever recorded,” Sweig said.

Station manager Roxanne Casey said the program has been a big hit in recent years, with many kids using it as their excuse to begin the big Christmas countdown.

“There’s so much laughter – the kids have a blast, and I know the parents enjoy it as well,” Casey said. “Families loved getting a copy of the songs, and I know from my own grandkids, it was fun waiting to hear them on the radio.”

Casey added it’s a good way to introduce youth to CanoeFM and its range of community programs and initiatives.

Anyone interested in participating can contact thestudio@canoefm.com. Project packages containing everything kids need to rehearse prior to recording, will be available for pick-up from the station.