Council says no to Bobcaygeon Road tower

August 7, 2025

Minden Hills councillors, July 31, voted to withhold a statement of concurrence for a cell tower on Bobcaygeon Road, leaving the build in limbo.

The ultimate decision about whether or not a tower is built rests with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), although they do take into account municipal planning input.

The vote went against the recommendation of planner Amanda Dougherty, who said the required public consultation had been completed, and the proposal complied with land use requirements of the official plan and zoning bylaw.

The 70-metre wireless telecommunications tower is proposed for a private property at 830 Bobcaygeon Rd. in a licensed aggregate pit.

In her report, Dougherty said, “a new communications tower would support essential infrastructure objectives by increasing broadband and cellular connectivity and further supporting the economic and socio-economic advantages within the community.”

She said it was 1,141 feet from a well-treed road so would be somewhat screened, there are no wetlands in the development area, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Foresty has no issues. She noted some concerns were not considered reasonable and relevant, such as the effect on property values or municipal taxes, or health concerns, since they are under Health Canada jurisdiction.

Mayor Bob Carter said, “the scope of local councils are limited. We are involved with making sure that there is compliance with the prescribed consultation process and compliance with the township’s land use documents.”

However, council heard from residents Sandi Prentice and David and Priscilla Hessel, who asked them not to issue a statement of concurrence.

Prentice said “my house is the same height as the top of the proposed tower. That tower will be eye level to my bedroom window with a blinking red light in my face every night.”

She went on to say she had “serious concerns, not just about the tower itself, but the integrity of the public consultation process.” She claimed “the process was supposed to inform and involve the community, instead it’s been riddled with contradictions, misleading statements, and in some cases outright falsehoods.”

The Hessels said they live 500 metres north of the proposed tower. “We and our neighbours don’t want a tower. We don’t see the need for it and we are concerned about the impact on our property, our health and the environment.”

They claimed that “upon finding a landowner willing to host a tower, Rogers/EORN have moved to expedite he public consultation process; the public notice did not include the required information; did not adequately consider alternate sites or co-location options; and does not meet the stated objectives (improving service near Mountain Lake).”

Coun. Shirley Johannessen said of 20 impacted properties, 13 are opposed, one undecided, two in favour and four unknown. She said with that level of public opposition, she needed to listen to her constituents.

Carter said he represented all constituents, and if EORN or Rogers does not build the tower, it will result in a continuing cell gap in the area.

EORN communications lead, Lisa Severson told council the cell gap project – and its federal, provincial, and municipal funding – will be done at the end of 2026. She said it takes 12 to 36 months to find appropriate sites and build. “I can’t guarantee there would be an alternate site built.”

CUPW rep calls for contract arbitration

Mike Baker

August 7, 2025

Doug Ford, president of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) local 564 in Haliburton County, wasn’t surprised to hear that more than two thirds of Canada Post mail workers rejected the Crown corporation’s final contract offer last week.

About 55,000 of the Crown corporation’s employees have been working without a renewed contract for the past 18 months. Collective agreements for rural carriers expired Dec. 31, 2023, and for urban workers Jan. 31, 2024.

A month-long strike shuttered the country’s postal service between Nov. 15 and Dec. 17 last year, before the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) mandated a six-month temporary contract that restored operations. That deal, which carried a five per cent retroactive wage increase to the day after collective agreements expired, ran until May 22.

After negotiations between the two parties yielded little progress through the first half of 2025, federal jobs minister Patty Hajdu indicated she was going to send the issue to arbitration in late-May. However, Canada Post successfully argued it was within its rights to demand workers vote on its most recent offer.

According to CIRB, about 82.8 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot – 43,370 of 53,614 active CUPW members – with 68.5 per cent of urban workers and 69.4 per cent of rural employees turning it down.

“The language that Canada Post has put in the global offers that the public has seen is only part of what’s going on – it’s all bullet point, there’s no actual details in there,” Ford told The Highlander. “That makes it hard [for people to vote yes] when they don’t actually know what they’re voting for.”

In a statement, Canada Post said the deal contained a 13.59 per cent wage increase over four years; signing bonuses of $500 to $1,000; removal of compulsory overtime for urban workers; and reversal of proposed changes to employee health benefits and pension contributions.

There was also a commitment to create new permanent flex positions to fill shifts for weekend delivery – with the Crown corporation saying new services on Saturdays and Sundays are vital to its longterm success.

Ford said those positions are almost exclusively part-time and would replace relief workers already employed by the company.

“When we were told they were going to create a new workforce, that’s not exactly true. All they’re really doing is getting rid of the pre-workforce we have now and giving them a new name and expanding their duties. It’s not really a new category,” Ford said.

“Our union is not against weekend delivery. All CUPW wanted was for [the current pre-workforce employees] to get weekend delivery assigned to them, so it would give them meaningful employment. That’s been the crux of this from the beginning,” he added.

In an Aug. 1 media release, Canada Post said it is “evaluating next steps following [the] vote outcome.”

The emailed statement read, “while we are disappointed in the results, we want to thank employees for participating in the process… this result does not lessen the urgent need to modernize and protect this vital national service. However, it does mean the uncertainty that has been significantly impacting our business – and the many Canadians and businesses who depend on Canada Post – will continue.”

Since 2018, Canada Post has accumulated over $3.8 billion in losses before taxes. It posted a $1.3 billion loss in 2024.

Company spokesperson Lisa Liu told The Highlander that, over the past two years, Canada Post has seen its share in the country’s parcel market drop from almost two-thirds of all deliveries to around 20 per cent.

“As we have not been able to make changes to our delivery model and have been negotiating for more than 20 months without resolution, businesses are choosing parcel delivery companies that provide a more convenient seven-day a week service,” Liu said.

Ford maintains workers in Haliburton County don’t want another strike but said they’re becoming disillusioned by the protracted negotiations.

He feels the next step will be Hadju sending CUPW and Canada Post to arbitration, which will force a new contract.

“I certainly hope she’s wise enough to do that… because there’s a lot on the line here,” he said. “It’s clear there isn’t a will for a strike… but the longer we go without a contract, who knows.”

Feds expand national dental care plan

Mike Baker

August 7, 2025

Anna Rusak, a health promoter with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge district health unit (HKPR) said recent changes to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) initiative will improve access to oral services for thousands of Ontarians – including many in the Highlands.

In early June, the federal government announced all remaining adults in Canada aged 18 to 64 are eligible for public coverage through the CDCP. Eligibility is determined by net income, with families earning $90,000 or less encouraged to apply.

Rusak said the program is open to people without their own private dental insurance – through employment or retiree benefits, a family member’s plan, or provincial plan. Previously, the program targeted seniors aged 65 and older, children under 18 and adults with a valid disability tax credit certificate.

It helps cover the cost of basic dental care, including regular check-ups, cleanings and treatments to help keep teeth and gums healthy, Rusak said.

HSO provides additional coverage for children and youth 17 and under from low-income households. The program provides funds for youth to visit a licensed dental provider and covers the costs of check-ups, cleaning, fillings, x-rays, scaling, tooth extraction, and emergency care.

To qualify, families with one child must earn $28,523 or lower, with the threshold increasing $2,159 for each additional dependent.

“Good oral health is fundamental to overall wellbeing, and programs like HSO and CDCP play a critical role in making dental care accessible to qualifying children and youth,” Rusak said. “With an increasing number of dental providers asking patients to enroll in CDCP, we want to make sure families are aware and prepared. We are here to help them through the process.”

Applications can be submitted online. If approved, families will receive a package from insurance provider Sun Life Canada, the company managing the program. It will include a member card, program details and a start date for benefits.

Rusak said it’s important to wait until the start date before booking any dental appointments, to avoid any unexpected costs.

Not all dentists accept patients through CDCP – an online app shows two offices in Haliburton County are signed up, Smolen Dentistry and Dr. David Butera Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, both located in Haliburton village. There are also options in Bracebridge and Bobcaygeon.

Rusak said patients should call ahead to check if there are any extra fees beyond what CDCP covers. She said families should never pay the full cost upfront, as Sun Life will not reimburse patients directly.

Families must meet the eligibility requirements each year to qualify – qualifying once does not ensure lifetime coverage.

The federal government said it expects the CDCP expansion to improve access to dental services to around five million Canadians. As of May, four million people had been approved under the previous thresholds.

A survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute in May, polling 1,500 Canadians, found more than half of respondents, 56 per cent, were delaying health appointments due to cost. Young adults aged 18 to 34 were the most affected with 66 per cent saying they were delaying health care, compared to 58 per cent among those aged 35 to 54. About 47 per cent of respondents aged 55 and older said they also put off dental care due to cost.

To apply, visit www.canada.ca/en/services/ benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/apply.html.

Pioneer says electric vehicles are ‘better in every way’

Mike Baker

August 7, 2025

It was the mid-1980s when Steve Lapp was first introduced to the concept of an electric vehicle (EV).

While the first commercial EV, the Tesla Roadster, didn’t hit North American roads until 2010, work on the technology stretches back decades. Lapp, who studied solar thermal energy at Queen’s University, was part of a small team at a Canadian startup, Alu Power, that converted a Chrysler minivan into an EV in 1989.

Because the lithium-ion technology used today didn’t exist yet, the team transitioned the vehicle using an aluminum air fuel cell. Lapp, who will be in Haliburton County Aug. 9 for a talk on EVs, said it was capable of travelling about 300 kilometres.

“The technology has improved dramatically since then, with the breakthrough coming in the early 1990s, when the lithium-ion battery became commercially viable,” Lapp said.

Originally designed for cell phones and laptops, the units are now used to power about 70 different EV models in Canada, Lapp said.

Before that, companies utilized aluminum, lead-acid and sodium-sulfur batteries for EVs. General Motors released the EV1 in 1996. The company built thousands, but rather than sell they opted to lease. Interest in the small two-seater, which had a low range of travel of less than 200 kilometres on a full charge, was limited and it was quickly discontinued.

It’s a different ballgame today, Lapp said, with most EVs capable of travelling 400 to 500 kilometres on a full charge. Compared to standard vehicles, which utilize internal combustion engines, they’re much cheaper to run. Owners can charge vehicles at home for pennies on the dollar, he said.

“Using the low overnight [hydro] rate, it costs something like three cents per kilowatt hour to charge, which is about $2.10 for a full battery,” Lapp said. Owning two EVs since 2012, he estimates he’s saved well over $10,000 in gas alone. There’s been another five-figure savings on oil changes – not required with EVs.

Lapp said recent studies indicate EVs pay off their energy debt for climate change emissions within two years.

“Other than the energy it takes to make them, EVs don’t have much carbon dioxide emissions attached to them… the only thing that’s restrictive is the distance you can travel, otherwise they’re better than standard vehicles in every way,” Lapp said. “They cost less to operate, they’re quieter, and they aren’t contributing to climate change.”

He noted global sales are increasing 20 to 25 per cent annually, pegging the number of EVs actively on the road at around 60 million. Combined, manufacturers are producing about 20 million EVs per year. About 17 million were sold in 2024, including 264,000 in Canada.

During his Environment Haliburton! sponsored talk at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School this weekend, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lapp said he’ll be discussing EV life cycles, costs, and other practical things would-be owners need to know.

With the federal government mandating that 100 per cent of new light-duty vehicle sales be zero-emission by 2035, Lapp said EVs are the future. He says the technology is constantly improving, with weight-reducing long-life super capacitors likely arriving in the next few years, though any new battery enhancements are “probably” 10 years away.

“A new unit will set you back $50,000, but it’s probably one of the best investments you can make,” Lapp said. “But more than the monetary savings, we all know climate change isn’t waiting… it’s something we have to address. EVs may have some limitations – they may never go as far, may cost a little more up front than standard vehicles, but that’s the social cost of addressing climate change.”

At 160, Dominion has stories to tell

Submitted

August 7, 2025

by Susan Tromanhauser

More than 20 years ago, Shawn Chamberlin and his wife Elli purchased the Dominion Hotel in downtown Minden with plans to tear it down. They thought the land could be put to better use as a parking lot to support their restaurant Grill on the Gull. Instead, they discovered the historic icon was a good source of cash flow and they didn’t touch a thing – at first.

The more time the couple spent in the place, the more they fell in love with it, realizing it had a story to tell. They spent many evenings sitting, looking and listening until they got their vision for the business. They knew the walls could talk and they wanted to be able to speak for the place. Instead of a tear down, they began renovations. They soon learned the hotel was originally built by local people with, perhaps, less than professional skills. In the Dominion Hotel, nothing is level, nothing is straight, but to the Chamberlins, that is part of the charm.

Chamberlin’s curiosity piqued when he realized one section was 11 feet shorter than the other. After measuring and re-measuring, he discovered a secret chamber above the dining room. The space was empty with the exception of a large brick fireplace. The concern was there was no support for the heavy fireplace and no one is quite sure why it hadn’t yet crashed through onto diners below. Chamberlin deconstructed the fireplace but upcycled the bricks by creating a pathway in a meditation garden along the river at the rear of the building.

At the age of 160, many assume the Dominion is the oldest establishment in Canada. A building in Newfoundland holds the distinction of oldest pub, but the Dominion can claim the oldest continuous running hotel in the country.

The birth of the Dominion Hotel coincided with the presidency of Abraham Lincoln and the onset of the American Civil War. The Chamberlins find it ironic during this time period the colonies were beginning talks to form the Confederation of Canada, in part to avoid being forced to join the U.S.

The hotel was originally on the other side of the street until a liquor inspector informed the first owner the Dominion Hotel was located on the dry side of Bobcaygeon Road. Government red tape caused a delay, but within a few years it was relocated to its current location to comply with liquor laws. There was no Brewers Retail or LCBO during the time period; instead, a wagon would arrive on an unpredictable schedule. Chamberlin tells a story that when the wagon, by chance, arrived in time for New Year’s Eve, the patrons stayed until all the liquor was gone – drinking day and night well into the first week of January.

Chamberlin concedes many of the stories may just be rumours, like one the place is haunted. While he won’t say he believes in ghosts, Chamberlin does admit to seeing unexplained things. One night, playing the piano as his form of relaxation after a long evening of hospitality, he was startled to hear a woman’s voice singing along. “It scared the hell out of me. It was the middle of winter – 1 a.m. and I was the only one” in the place. Was it a friend playing a prank? The experience has never been explained. The woman’s voice has returned with Chamberlin playing old standards and the unexplained voice singing beautifully, knowing all the words – even the ones Chamberlin himself doesn’t know.

Chamberlin is quick to point out most of the Dominion Hotel stories are anecdotal and very little is documented. People did not deem it important enough to write down, but Chamberlin’s opinion differs, as the patrons of the Dominion were the real people of history. It is important to Chamberlin to “pay homage to those who have walked before.”

Chamberlin has many more stories to tell of 160 years of the Dominion in Minden. He will be speaking Aug. 7 at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre starting at 5 p.m.

Summer soccer players aiming for the stars

Submitted

August 7, 2025

As these young and passionate athletes hit August and begin the second half of the summer soccer season, the parents, coaches, and supporters on the sidelines are all enjoying the growing sense of camaraderie, effort, and teamwork that is steadily taking root within each unique team.

There is also an increasing amount of fun and lighthearted banter with the opposing teams as the weekly summer match rotation continues, which is helping inspire each player to push themselves further and rise to meet whatever challenge comes their way, whether it is fierce competition on the field or the relentless heat of the summer sun.

These developing pro-stars are beginning to truly understand the value of commitment, as their constant practice, skill-building, and unwavering perseverance are leading to incredible improvements and results on the field.

We could not be prouder of this enthusiastic and talented new generation of soccer players who are putting in the work, showing up with heart, and boldly aiming for the stars.

Folk society announces concert line-up

Lisa Gervais

August 7, 2025

The Haliburton County Folk Society has announced the artists it will present in the 2025-26 concert series.

Artistic director Sue Shikaze said, “we are really excited about our line-up. These artists will appeal to a range of musical tastes, with folk, blues, and Celtic influences. Some of the artists are wellestablished and some are up-and-comers whose talents are sure to take them places.”

She added, “we pride ourselves in presenting high-quality performances and introducing our audience to artists that showcase a diversity of great Canadian talent. I think people know folk society shows are a great night of live music, representing a broad range of genres.”

The series opens Sept. 27, with Sandra Bouza and her band. “Sandra is a voice of power and passion, with songs that touch your heart and fuel your soul. Performing a mix of folk and rhythm and blues, it will be a concert to remember,” Shikaze said.

Bouza was the 2019 winner of the Toronto Blues Society’s talent search and was nominated for 2025 contemporary album of the year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. She has a special connection to the Haliburton Highlands. She participated in the Halls Island Artist Residency on Koshlong Lake, where she wrote most of her latest album, A Sound in the Dark.

Mimi O’Bonsawin, performing on Oct. 25, is a contemporary roots singer-songwriter born in Northeastern Ontario. She is mixed French Canadian and Abenaki, a member of Odanak First Nation. “Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi’s music embraces the beauty of the land. The ethereal quality of her music whisks

you away with uplifting melodies and introspective lyrics that weave pop sensibilities with acoustic instruments. The layers of percussion and surprising harmonies make you feel the music rather han just hear it,” the folk society said.

On Jan. 31, 2026, it’s Union Duke, with the folk society saying the band, “is twofifths country, two-fifths city, and one-fifth whiskey. They have been described as a raucous collision of alt-rock and twang, bringing crowds to their feet with songs from the heart and with an abundance of soaring harmonies, driving rhythm, and infectious enthusiasm.”

On April 18, 2026, Minor Gold is coming. “Blending sixth sense harmonies with sun-dappled folk-rock reminiscent of the late 60s and early 70s, Minor Gold are an award-winning duo led by vocalists and guitarists Dan Parsons (Australia) and Tracy McNeil (Canada). With a trademark groove and an undeniable stage chemistry, their music floats you down long desert highways and coastal canyons,” the folk society said.

The series wraps up with Jessica Pearson and the East Wind on May 30, 2026. “Like sirens calling from an ancient shore, the haunting three-part harmonies of this trio will bind you in a timeless folkloric spell. Alchemizing roots, classic country, Americana and Celtic soundscapes, the trio spin tales of outlaw heroics, matriarchal power, resistance and resilience, and the unrelenting beauty of becoming who you are,” the folk society said.

People can save money by purchasing season tickets at www.haliburtonfolk.com Tickets for individual concerts are also available.

Family fun theme of Wilberforce Fair

Mike Baker

August 7, 2025

The biggest little fair around is getting even bigger this year.

The Wilberforce Agricultural Fair returns Aug. 8 and 9 with a refreshed lineup designed to attract more youth and families. The 42nd annual event kicks off Friday with an opening ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Wilberforce Fairgrounds, with activities running into the evening. Nancy Duff, a longtime member of the organizing committee, said there will be lots going on to usher in the weekend.

“The colour guard from the legion will be coming to get us started – this is the first year we’re doing an opening ceremony, so we’re excited about that. It makes the fair a little more special,” Duff said.

Following the opening, the fairgrounds will be abuzz with a petting zoo, live music from Geoff Webber and ball hockey on the tennis courts. At 5:30 p.m., there will be pedal tractor test drives, with a pony pull and cake walk starting at 6 p.m. New this year, there will be things going on at Keith Tallman Memorial Arena – homecraft exhibits, live music, and an antique and classic car show starting at 5 p.m. and bingo at 7 p.m.

Gates open Saturday morning at 9 a.m. There will be a fresh face greeting guests throughout the day – Tianna Hall, the Wilberforce fair’s first-ever ambassador.

“It’s something a lot of fairs do, but we never have. This is our first stab at it, but we couldn’t have picked a better representative,” Duff said.

Hall has been attending the fair for her entire life. Moving to Wilberforce permanently with her family a couple of years ago, the 16-year-old hasn’t been shy getting involved in things throughout the community.

“She’s volunteered at the fair the past two summers, she’s helped out with the Penny Raffle, where she did face painting this year, she’s been a waitress at the dinner theatre for the Loop Troupe, attends all the events at the curling club – any opportunity to help her community, she’s been there,” Duff said, noting Hall will receive a $500 bursary for the annual commitment, which includes attendance at other events in the district.

There’s no shortage of things to enjoy Saturday – the morning features include pony rides and petting zoo, painting demonstrations by Luann Coghlan, scarecrow building contest, nail driving competition, youth corn hole tournament, pedal tractor pull, sheep shearing demo, and a magic show by Pockets the Clown.

The afternoon includes an adult corn hole tournament, light and heavy horse draws, a pie-eating contest at the curling club and family dinner at the Lloyd Watson Community Centre.

“We’re keeping things fresh and exciting – we think the fair will have a whole new feel, so come on out and enjoy,” Duff said. Admission for the entire weekend is free for all children 16 and under, with no charge for adults on Friday. Entry will cost $7 on Saturday. For more information, visit wilberforcefair.com.

County placed under immediate fire ban

August 5, 2025

A total fire ban has been implemented across Haliburton County, with regional fire coordinator Michael French saying conditions locally “have advanced to the extreme… and it’s only going to get worse.”

The ban came into effect noon Aug. 5 and includes the townships of Algonquin Highlands, Dysart et al, Highlands East and Minden Hills. French said this means no outdoor burning is allowed at any time, day or night.

“We’re telling people there should be no open flames. That means no campfires or fireworks… torches and the lighting of charcoal barbecues, as well as any other light sources that use an open flame, are prohibited,” French said.

Cooking fires are also banned, though propane and gas-powered barbecues are allowed.

French, who heads up the fire department in Algonquin Highlands, said the decision was made following discussions between the County’s four fire chiefs and officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). He said the ministry, which conducts assessments at its Stanhope office, recently advanced conditions to ‘extreme’.

“If we did have a fire start, it would be fast-moving and would be considerably hard to control,” he said. “We’re being proactive… we can’t afford [not to be careful]. The way our townships are [geographically], a forest fire would be devastating for us.”

He said there haven’t been many fire-related calls over the past couple weeks, noting that’s a result of the daytime burning ban in place across the Highlands. Introduced last year, the new rules prohibit open-air fires between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. from April 1 to Oct. 31.

“That’s really helped to control the daytime burning, which gave us a little leniency for calling the total fire ban. In the evenings there’s more moisture and humidity, less winds, so we didn’t have to be as aggressive.

“We really wanted to hold off as long as we could, but it’s at the point now that it’s a risk over reward. It’s not beneficial,” French said.

The ban will remain in place until at least Aug. 12, with the four chiefs meeting next week to re-evaluate conditions. French said there’s no significant rain in the area’s 10-day forecast, meaning conditions are likely “only going to get worse.

“Until we get some very substantial rains, it’ll stay in effect,” he said.

Fines for violating the fire ban start at $500, with French saying people will also be billed for any calls due to a prohibited fire. Charges will depend on the number of vehicles and firefighters responding and time spent on-site. He confirmed some people were charged last year.

“People have got to respect the rules, they’re put in for a reason,” French said.

Landlords concerned about new rules

Lisa Gervais

July 31, 2025

A Places for People (P4P) founder and board member says her “hair is lit up” trying to understand what the Ontario government’s newly-enacted Bill 10 means for landlords when it comes to tenants and drugs.

The Bill received royal assent June 5. It basically says a landlord can’t knowingly permit a property to be used to produce, or traffic, drugs. The landlord can offer a defence that they took reasonable measures to prevent the activity. Failure to do so, however, could result in a first conviction fine of between $10,000 and $250,000 and, or, two years’ jail time. For corporations, such as P4P, it could mean a fine of $250,000 to $1 million on first conviction.

The province, in a press release, said, “new legislation is … being introduced to ensure landlords are held responsible for knowingly permitting their premises to be used for unauthorized drug activity. Any proposed requirements for landlords will only take effect once the Act and regulations come into force, at which time more guidance for landlords will be provided.”

The Highlander reached out to MPP Laurie Scott for comment but had not heard back from her as of press time. However, a spokesperson for Minister for the Solicitor General, Michael Kerzner, said, “to be clear, Bill 10 ensures landlords who knowingly allow the illicit production and distribution of illegal drugs on their property will be held accountable.” The spokesperson added, “we continue to work on regulations that will provide further guidance for landlords.”

Martin: ‘reasonable measures’ not defined

Martin has been trying to decipher the Bill, saying there’s been no guidance yet for landlords such as P4P.

“The Bill says that landlords can be fined significant amounts of money … for having a tenant undertake illegal activity in their units and they would be protected if they used ‘reasonable measures’ to prevent the activity,” she said. But Martin said ‘reasonable measures’ have not been defined.

Martin: ‘reasonable measures’ not defined

“From an on-the-ground point of view, you’re very limited in terms of how invasive you can be. You can’t knock on the door and say ‘hello, I’d like to come in and see if there is any illegal behaviour happening in this unit’. The tenants can say ‘no.’ Even police can’t do that unless they have a warrant.

“How am I supposed to know whether what’s happening in there is illegal activity?” Martin said she could go in and do a unit inspection, and perhaps see evidence of drug use, but would not know if it is illegal activity. For example, she said she does not know the difference between a methadone or heroin shot, or what an insulin injection needle looks like.

“Can I phone the police and say ‘I was just inside my tenant’s house and there was some dodgy stuff there. I think it might be illegal. Do they come? I’m not sure they would.”

Overall, she said the new provincial rules are “expecting landlords to do the impossible, and it’s a downloading of the responsibilities of law and order.”

Martin added, “the bottom line is, we need housing. We need rental housing. We’ve got a huge housing problem. If we’re going to solve that problem, everybody needs to lean in and do their part. This makes it incredibly more difficult.

“If you do rent, even under this circumstance, you are not going to take anybody that has any kind of risk. Anybody who needs a chance to turn the page and start a new life, you’re going to say ‘geez, I’d like to be helpful but I can’t afford to. I can’t take the risk’.”

The Canadian Mental Health Association says it’s not possible to know how the law will impact housing providers until it starts being enforced. They said it may deter landlords from renting to people who use drugs, and discourage them from working with supportive housing providers.

“Some landlords may try to evict current tenants if they think the law could expose them to penalties – placing an additional demand on an already over-burdened Landlord and Tenant Board and worsening the homelessness crisis.”

The CMHA said there are also concerns the law places “a disproportionate administrative burden on non-profit and supportive housing providers, organizations with minimal funding that are already under-staffed.

Tenant allowed to stay

Martin points to a Jan. 21 police bust at P4P’s George Street, Haliburton property.

Police executed a warrant and said they found multiple firearms, ammunition, other weapons and suspected drugs. A man was eventually charged with a number of offences, including possession of a Schedule 1 substance.

At the time, Martin said it seemed the accused had been living in an existing tenant’s apartment. She said the organization was aware of problematic, possibly illegal, activity at the site and notified police.

However, Martin said the finding of drugs likely only occurred as police went in due to suspected weapons.

P4P tried to evict the tenant but were unsuccessful. Their case was heard June 25, but the Landlord and Tenant Board ruled on July 10, the “landlord has proven on a balance of probabilities the grounds for termination of the tenancy and the claim for compensation in the application. However, I find it would not be unfair to grant relief from eviction provided that the tenant meets the conditions set out in the order.”

The tenant argued she had no knowledge of weapons or drugs and the other party would not be coming back. Conditions include that he not return and she not allow unlawful behaviour.

Martin isn’t sure how P4P can keep tabs on whether the man returns. She added that in facing the new Bill 10, “the thing that makes my hair light up is the contradiction between ‘we can’t even evict’, but we’re responsible for not evicting. That just kills me.”

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