SIRCH Community Services has kickstarted its annual ‘Gifts from the Heart’ campaign early, with demand through the organization’s community kitchen program soaring.

Now in its 13th year, the campaign, which traditionally runs in the lead up to the holidays, raises money to sustain SIRCH’s meal preparation and delivery. Volunteers gather weekly at the Bistro in Haliburton to package free, nutritious frozen meals for people across Haliburton County and Bancroft.

Communications lead Angelica Ingram said the non-profit is preparing approximately 1,400 meals, plus soups and desserts, every month. That’s about as many as SIRCH was doing in a full year back when the program launched in 2011.

“We kicked this off so early because there is an urgent need for more funds to sustain the community kitchen program… costs continue to increase, making it more important for the community to donate if they want to see certain programs continue,” Ingram said.

SIRCH also works with 12 partner agencies across the County to ensure those who aren’t aware of the program, but who could benefit, have the option of enrolling.

The Haliburton County Youth Wellness Hub has been one of the main beneficiaries. Over the past year, the organization has handed out roughly 850 frozen meals to clients.

“This program was heavily utilized by families and youth who were grateful to have access to healthy, home cooked meals,” said hub manager Mary Sisson. “Our community benefits a great deal from this program and the difference it makes to children, youth, and families in Haliburton County.”

Ingram said SIRCH also receives goods, and money, directly from local farmers, growers, community partners, and grocers to help keep the program afloat. CanoeFM station manager, Roxanne Casey, attended The Bistro earlier this month to deliver a $5,000 cheque to support the campaign. The money was raised from Canoe’s radio bingo, with SIRCH selected, “based on the great work they do tackling food insecurity,” Casey said.

The community kitchen program is supported entirely by donations and doesn’t receive financial support from any level of government. That’s what makes campaigns like this so important, she added.

“We are very fortunate to live in a caring and compassionate community, where we receive a tremendous amount of support. Fundraisers like this are vital because it’s helping your friends and neighbours. All the money raised goes back into supporting programs and ensuring no one in Haliburton County goes to bed hungry this winter, or that seniors and kids are not malnourished because they don’t have enough money for healthy food after they pay all their other bills.

Ingram added, “we hope the support continues… our goal is to be able to sustain the community kitchen program on a yearly basis.”

For more information, visit sirch.on.ca. To donate, call 705-457-1742, or email info@sirch.on.ca.

CanoeFM is adding Rich Anton to its roster of on-air personalities. He will be taking over the Buckslide Blues show, starting at 7 p.m. Sept. 26.

“I know that I have some big shoes to fill,” said Anton about stepping into the show that Pat Monaghan had broadcast for a number of years. “I didn’t know just how big, but one thing I found with Canoe, which I am so grateful for, is that everyone, from fans of the show to people at Canoe, have all stepped up and said, ‘we’ve got your back, we’ll help you and you got this’,”

Having worked with the TTC for 29 years, and recently retired, Anton bought property in the area and built a home. With the house completed this summer, he discovered CanoeFM and, “just fell in love with the radio station.” He enjoyed the variety of shows, as well as the whole vibe. “When I first tuned in, it felt like a warm blanket, it had a warm, down-home kind of feel to it. And some of the ads I found were so endearing and humorous.”

He regrets he never got to meet Monaghan, however in a short time he has come to realize what a great authority Monaghan was on the Blues. “His contribution to this community was so vast.”

Anton has some roots in the Blues, listening for enjoyment, and playing the harmonica the past 28 years. When he heard of Monaghan’s passing, he did not know if the show would continue, but really wanted to keep it going. Even though he has only been here a few months, he is very excited about the opportunity to get involved and do things.

“The people are so friendly and supportive. It is a testament to the people who live here that there is so much going on. There are a lot of wonderful, awesome, giving, loving, proactive, community-minded people that are making a lot of cool stuff happen up here,” Anton said.

He is looking forward to his debut saying he is excited, and a little nervous.

“In honor of Pat, I want to keep things the same, like the name of the show, the intro music, ‘Green Onions.’ I think it is respectful and appropriate to continue in the same vein. However, I will be adding my own style and flavour, but I think it is respectful at the same time when carrying on some history.”

Anton is not only hosting the Buckslide Blues show, but has become an active member of the Highlands Buckslide Blues Society, which is sponsoring a concert Oct. 26 by the Downchild Blues Band, that he will emcee. He is also playing a gig with Sean Cotton at the Haliburton Highlands Museum Nov. 17.

He said people should jump right in, see how they can contribute, and get involved. “It is rewarding, exciting, fun, and meaningful. And you will meet some wonderful people,” Anton said.

“I can’t fill Patrick’s shoes, but I believe that we as a community can.”

Rich Anton will host the Buckslide Blues show on CanoeFM starting Sept. 26

Haliburton entrepreneur Brandi Hewson is tapping into the family business through her company Kohara + Co., recently launching new kitchen and bathroom product lines and unveiling a new showroom at her home base along Industrial Park Road.

When launching Kohara in September 2021 Hewson focused on providing custom lighting solutions to contractors and interior designers, but quickly developed a strong following among local DIYers. When the unit beside hers suddenly became available, she jumped at the chance to expand her portfolio.

“This is a very exciting time – we opened our new showroom in August, and we couldn’t be happier with the response. We’ve been up and running for just over a month and already we’re working on multiple projects and have seen lots of people come through the door,” Hewson said.

The pivot to kitchen and bathroom makeovers is extra special for Hewson, given her grandfather, Jack Hewson, spent much of his life in the industry having owned Highlands Plumbing.

He had an installation and service company, but also had a showroom just like this one. My dad said it was surreal stepping in here and seeing this, as it was kind of what he saw [with his dad’s business],” Hewson said.

Pivoting when an opportunity arises is nothing new for Hewson. Prior to launching Kohara, Hewson built her other brand, WAI Products Ltd., which distributes water supply, irrigation, and landscape lighting products across Canada. When the COVID19 pandemic hit, she spent some of her spare time developing a new business that would cover interior lighting, after being pushed by several clients to expand.

Now, Hewson views Kohara as a fullservice operation.

“No matter what you need for your home renovation project, we have it. Whether it’s a new faucet for your kitchen, sink or tub for the bathroom, or cabinetry – we have solutions that meet every need and price point,” Hewson said, noting she and her staff will also be providing design services for clients who need it. “We can help with design concepts, vision boarding, and then we can provide them with all the fixtures they need.”

Hewson said one of the more popular trends right now for home renos are freestanding tubs. She has put a focus on that in the showroom, with one of her tubs taking centre stage.

She noted this expansion will also see Kohara partner with local craftsman Ryan Mitchell to offer custom cabinetry to clients.

“Ryan is incredibly talented,”

Hewson said. To learn more, visit koharaco.com, or visit Hewson at the showroom located at 175 Industrial Park Road. The space is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. B

Sledders should be back on the IB+O trail this winter. Highlands East council voted Sept. 12 to work with user groups to replace a bridge that’s been closed since July 2022.

Council unanimously backed public works operations manager Perry Kelly, who recommended spending $215,000 exclusive of GST on the new bridge, with user groups chipping in nearly $100,000 of the cost.

Kelly said the Central Eastern Area Snowmobile Region had committed to onethird of projected costs ($71,686.79) while The Haliburton ATV Association had pledged to provide $25,000.

He added once the bridge is made and delivered, the work can be done in five days.

“This is an amazing project bringing the user groups together and the community together in order to pull this off,” Kelly said.

He noted the new bridge will be able to support all user groups.

Kelly said for sledders, it’s “an integral asset” for connectivity to the rest of the trail system. He said it will bring increased traffic for retailers, and will reduce municipal liability.

Council passed the resolution unanimously without discussion, with its portion of the money ($118,394.94) coming from reserves. Highlands East met with user groups Aug. 22, culminating in last week’s decision.

Kelly suggested the most economical replacement would be a Lessard bridge, made of steel, 50-feet long, and with a 10-ton capacity to support a trail groomer. He said it’s a good price, the easiest to install in a remote trail area, and local contractors can do the work.

In August, Wilberforce Service Centre co-owner Todd Watling told council the closure had a significant impact on his and other businesses in winter 2022-23. He said co-owner, Lindsay Watling, had estimated they were down more than $140,000 last year. He said it was so bad, they considered closing last winter and embarking on renovations earlier.

Watling said they heard similar stories from other Wilberforce businesses. “We just simply get bypassed. They choose their rides elsewhere, other trails, other towns, so it’s been significant.”

Jon Cumming, president of the Paudash Trailblazers Snowmobile Club, also told council at an Aug. 8 meeting, “I want to impress upon council the importance of resolving the problem prior to this winter.”

For Haliburton resident Andy Chvedukas, there are few things more important than raising money for causes that will better the community.

A relative newcomer to the Highlands, Chvedukas said it didn’t take long to learn how generous people in Haliburton County can be. Now, he’s trying to tap into that through a new fundraiser the Haliburton and District Lions Club is hosting to support the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation in its commitment to purchase diagnostic imaging equipment for the hospital.

An ‘Autumn Harvest’ dance will take place at the Haliburton Legion Oct. 6, featuring music from Highlands soul band Adverse Conditions, beef on a bun dinner, and live auction. Tickets are $35 each, or $60 for two.

“This is a close-knit community where everyone looks after each other. To have this diagnostic imaging in Haliburton County is going to be a big plus for this community,” Chvedukas said. “The Lions club wants to do its part to support this fundraising effort, because it’s going to take a lot of money to get it over the line.”

There will be several items available during the auction, including a private concert by Canadian singer and keyboard player Carl Dixon, and $250 of meat supplied by Jim Phoenix of Black Angus Beef.

Chvedukas said he’s hoping to raise $10,000, with some of the money earmarked for other long-time Lions club causes, such as supporting a national campaign to breed and train service dogs for people with disabilities, maintenance and upgrades to the ‘Enchanted Forest’ at Abbey Gardens, and various youth, art, and recreation camps.

Melanie Klodt Wong said fundraisers are vital for the HHHS Foundation. Earlier this year, the organization committed to raising money for a CT scanner and mammography unit – approved by the province in July. HHHS acting CEO Veronica Nelson pegged the cost of the machines at between $3 million and $3.5 million.

Klodt Wong wouldn’t commit to a fundraising goal, noting the foundation also wants to upgrade existing ultrasound and X-ray machines alongside purchasing the new equipment. She acknowledged it would be a multi-million-dollar commitment.

While there is some concern the fallout of the recent closure of the Minden emergency department may cause people to think twice about giving to HHHS, Klodt Wong noted the foundation operates as its own entity and will make the final decision about where the money is going. She noted the project would benefit everyone living in Haliburton County.

Diagnostic imaging supports the needs of the County in so many different ways – like keeping EMS local and making your services more efficient. Right now, if a doctor needs to get a CT scan for someone, it takes a long time figuring out where to send them, can we get transport arranged, is there a nurse available to go on that trip? It’s so complicated and takes unnecessary hours out of a person’s day, and is time consuming for doctors, nurses and paramedics,” Klodt Wong said.

Since neither the Ontario government nor HHHS sets aside money for equipment upgrades, Klodt Wong said that burden falls on the community.

Once the fundraising effort is complete, and the equipment purchased and installed, Klodt Wong hopes it will help attract more health care professionals.

“A CT scanner is a stethoscope for doctors. It’s a basic tool. If you don’t have one, doctors don’t feel like they can do their job. This is about finding a way to give our doctors the tools they need. If it helps bring more primary care physicians and nurses, that’s an added bonus.”

For more information, or to purchase a ticket, visit haliburtonlions.com, or call 705-457-1354.

Four of five people, vying for leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party, have vowed to reopen the Minden emergency department should they become premier in the 2026 election.

Nate Erskine-Smith, Ted Hsu, Yasir Naqvi, and Adil Shamji were at Rotary Park Minden Sept. 16, attending a BBQ by the HaliburtonKawartha Lakes-Brock (HKLB) provincial Liberal association. Sixty members attended, questioning the candidates on health care, education, and the economy, said association spokesperson, Donna Aziz.

“We are thrilled with the turnout, and the candidates took the time during the middle of their campaigns to come up and meet voters in HKLB,” Aziz said. “It’s important we start to rebuild [trust] in the party as the Liberals try to pull things together ahead of the next election so that we can challenge (Premier Doug) Ford.”

Erskine-Smith is serving his third term as MP for the Beaches-East York riding. Erskine-Smith said he’s played a key role in rebuilding the federal Liberal party over the past eight years and sees an opportunity to do the same thing at the provincial level.

He said health care was the number one issue brought up by members at Saturday’s event.

“It’s a human resource crisis that’s cutting deep across emergency rooms all over the province. People are rightly concerned about a lack of access to family health teams, mental health and addictions programs, home and community care for seniors, so improving health care has to be the priority,” he said.

Erskine-Smith added, “that has to be the minimum commitment we’re making to communities. There’s got to be emergency rooms that are open, including here in Minden.”

Hsu is MPP in Kingston and the Islands. He served as MP for the federal riding from 2011 to 2015. He said he was drawn back into politics by his daughter.

“She and her friends just want somebody to get something done. They see the problems with housing, cost of living, the health care system, the climate crisis. The economy isn’t working, mental health, addictions and homelessness are all huge problems… the only way I could see to make a real difference was to help set the direction of the party by being leader,” Hsu said.

He said he would invest money to ensure health care workers are provided, “decent working conditions, respect, and fair pay,” and vowed to reopen the Minden ER.

Naqvi is the MP for Ottawa Centre and previously served three terms as MPP in the similarly named provincial riding from 2007 to 2018. He was Ontario’s attorney general from 2016 until 2018.

He said he would invest heavily in Ontario’s education system after “years of neglect” under the Ford government. He wants to make post-secondary education free for students whose family earns less than $90,000 per year. Naqvi is also proposing a universal mental health care system.

Naqvi said he would encourage more immigration to Ontario to increase the provincial tax base.

After also promising to reopen the Minden ER, the MP for Ottawa Centre also committed to, “making sure that no other emergency room ever closes in our province again.” Naqvi said he would fast-track licenses for internationally-trained physicians and nurses.

Shamji has been to Minden three times in six months. He participated in events calling for the reopening of the Minden hospital. Based in Toronto, Shamji has been an ER doctor for more than 10 years.

“I’ve written a lot of prescriptions in my lifetime, but I’ve never been able to write a prescription for housing, or groceries, or clean air. That’s the reason I’m running… to go where the help is needed, be the change our province needs, and help people through these tough times,” Shamji said.

He said no emergency department would close under his watch and criticized Ford for the Greenbelt debacle. “Not only should we be protecting and preserving the Greenbelt, but we should also be expanding it,” Shamji said.

The fifth nominee, Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie, didn’t attend, though she was represented by Don Valley West MPP Stephanie Bowman – the vice chair of her campaign.

Bowman said she feels Crombie has the kind of experience, energy, character, and personality that appeals to voters, and represents the Liberal’s best chance of regaining power at Queen’s Park.

Members will decide the party’s next leader through a ranked ballot vote Nov. 25 and 26, with the winner announced Dec. 2. Only those with a party membership purchased before Sept. 11 will be eligible to vote. For more information, visit ontarioliberal.ca/ leadership.

Haliburton County’s population is going to grow by around 10,000 people over the next 30 years, Peterborough-based consulting firm Watson and Associates is predicting.

In a report to County council Sept. 13, firm partner Jamie Cook said he had studied numbers from Statistics Canada, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, and the four lower-tier townships before arriving at the number. The report provides a long-term outlook on jobs, housing, and population figures between now and 2051.

Cook said it’s a comprehensive study with background to the County’s official plan, and upcoming development charges work.

“This will help form the basis of further work for the County to look at urban land requirements, servicing needs, and long-term planning policies,” Cook said.

When looking at long-term growth in the Highlands, Cook considered the wider provincial macroeconomic picture to get a sense of how economic trends, competitiveness, and growth rates elsewhere may affect the potential growth of permanent and seasonal populations in the County.

He said migration is now the key driver of population growth locally.

County discusses growth

“Historical growth over the past 20 years has been fairly moderate, but in the last five years, we can see a significant uptick in overall population growth locally,” Cook said. He noted the County saw an approximate three per cent annual growth rate between 2016-2021, compared to around one per cent annually from 2001-2015.

“A three per cent growth rate is very significant – it’s about double the provincial average,” Cook said.

Impact on housing

It’s resulted in a dramatic increase in conversions of seasonal properties to permanent, year-round homes. Between 2016-2021, 61 per cent of the County’s new housing inventory was conversions. Cook expects this to substantially decrease in future, to 42 per cent by 2026 and 18 per cent by 2051.

He said building activity across Algonquin Highlands, Dysart et al, Highlands East and Minden Hills has been “pretty steady” the past 15 years, with between 100-120 new units each year. Long-term, he expects that number to grow to around 170 households per year.

By 2051, he’s predicting housing growth of 5,200 units in the County, expecting 66 per cent will be new builds, and 34 per cent conversions.

Cook says around 80 per cent will be low-density builds, such as single-family homes.

He attributed the conversion rate to the influx of people relocating to the Highlands from more expensive housing markets, noting they could afford to renovate waterfront cottages and relocate permanently. He expects those units to return to seasonal use in the future.

“Looking at the supply of units for conversion and considering the demographic trends of baby boomers aging and their desire to live year-round in Haliburton, as well as other generations following the boomers, we anticipate less opportunity for conversions, and there will be some pressure to convert back as baby boomers decide they don’t want to live in a cottage on a full-time basis as they get into their more senior years,” Cook said.

Population analysis

Cook projects the County’s population will be significantly older by 2051. Per Statistics Canada, 14 per cent of the County was over 75 as of 2021, and Cook expects that to double over the next 30 years.

“We’re seeing about 55 per cent of net migration to the County being in the 55-plus age category [in 2021]. We project that changing to roughly 45 per cent, so we’re seeing a bit more influence of families, younger adults, and children, but it’s still not enough to augment this aging population.

“It has significant impacts on population growth, servicing needs, municipal infrastructure and services, and housing.

This is a big finding – not surprising given the migration trends in recent years, but something to be very mindful of,” Cook said.

He added more people are dying than being born, so the area is going to become increasingly dependent on migration to boost its population.

Dysart projects to maintain its spot as the most populated township in the County 30 years out, growing from 7,300 people to 11,600 people… Minden Hills is projected to grow almost 41 per cent, to 10,000 people from 7,100, with Highlands East estimated to grow from 3,900 people to around 5,500. Algonquin Highlands is expected to grow from 4,000 residents to 5,000. Cook projects the County’s permanent population to be around 31,000 by 2051, up from 21,000 in 2021. He expects the seasonal population, pegged at 43,400 in 2021, to drop to around 42,900.

Cook said the projected population should lead to the creation of around 3,000 new jobs, two thirds in the commercial, retail, and institutional sectors. Cook said there was some cause for concern with the County getting older, it may put additional pressure on the labour market.

“Businesses across the County are already struggling to fill job postings now. In 2051, if over 28 per cent of the population is over 75, I’m not sure how this County can remain sustainable and provide for needs of that demographic,” said coun. Lisa Schell.

“Businesses across the County are already struggling to fill job postings now. In 2051, if over 28 per cent of the population is over 75, I’m not sure how this County can remain sustainable and provide for needs of that demographic,” said coun. Lisa Schell.

Coun. Cec Ryall asked what the County can do in the short-term to avoid potential long-term disaster. Cook said bolstering the local housing supply is the best path forward.

Coun. Bob Carter said he had a hard time buying into some of the projections, particularly surrounding future population. He noted Cook had presented a 1.3 per cent annual growth rate as the most likely outcome for the Highlands, but that the provincial rate is closer to 1.5 per cent.

“I don’t see us growing at less than the provincial average,” Carter said.

It was a mixed opening weekend of the new OJHL season for the Haliburton County Huskies, who dropped a 4-2 decision on the road to rival Lindsay Muskies on Friday before securing a 4-3 overtime win over the Pickering Panthers in Saturday’s home opener.

The blue and white went into the ‘Battle of Hwy. 35’ Sept. 8 full of confidence having won 11 of their 13 games with the Muskies since the beginning of the 2021/22 season. It was a scrappy opening few minutes as both teams tried to take control. Huskies defenceman Hunter Martell registered the game’s first shot, firing the puck low from the faceoff circle, drawing a good save from Ethan Fraser in the home goal.

Johnathan Mead, acquired by the Huskies last week from the Georgetown Raiders, was impressive in the early goings, consistently finding the puck and driving play. He was unlucky not to register his first point nine minutes in after finding Declan Bowmaster in space at the point, only for the 17-yearold’s shot to cannon back off the post.

Seconds later, the Huskies thought they’d found the breakthrough. Jack Staniland shot low from the blueline, with the puck appearing to beat Fraser before striking the iron at the back of the net and coming back out. The officials called no goal on the play.

“I didn’t have the greatest view, but I heard the sound you usually hear [on a goal], like a jingle in the back of the net,” said winger Ian Phillips, who watched the play from the bench. “The guys on the ice were a little closer and they thought it was a goal.”

Staniland was sent to the box at 14:53 for interference, but the Huskies kept pushing. Captain Patrick Saini chased down a loose puck behind the Muskies net, coming away with possession and going close on a wraparound attempt. Lucas Stevenson then had a breakaway, which was well saved by Fraser.

The Muskies landed a sucker punch with a minute to go in the period, Devin Shoreman beating Vlad Visan to give the home side a one goal advantage heading into the break.

The Huskies thought they had another powerplay opportunity a minute into the second after Nate Taylor was called for boarding after a dangerous hit on Saini, but Mead was handed a roughing after the whistle minor for his reaction. The Muskies added a second on the ensuing four-on-four play, scoring through Owen Fitzgerald.

Phillips, Gavin McGahey-Smith, and Lucas Marshall all went close to getting the Huskies on the board, with the visitors dominating the puck for large spells in the second. It was to no avail though – Brandon Nye added a third for Lindsay at 17:42, beating Visan bar down after a scramble in front of the net.

The Huskies started the third on the man advantage but couldn’t create any significant scoring opportunities. Staniland had a shot from the point well saved by Fraser, before taking a harsh interference penalty midway through the period. Lindsay capitalized on the opportunity, with Cole Patey adding a powerplay marker with 9:32 remaining.

With the clock ticking, Rhyse Brown missed a golden opportunity to get the Huskies on the board – firing a rebounded puck wide from dead centre after Fraser had denied Raine Nadeau.

Bowmaster finally ended the shutout with a little over two minutes remaining, stripping a Muskies defenceman of the puck behind the net and wrapping around to beat Fraser.

There was a frantic finish. Muskies defenceman Nick Galeazza was handed a double minor for kneeing with 1:54 left on the clock – leading to Huskies coach Ryan Ramsay pulling Visan and ending the game six-on-four. Saini and Mead were each robbed by Fraser, who finished the game with 38 saves, before Staniland added a consolation at 19:42.

Despite the loss, Phillips said the team took encouragement from the performance after outshooting their rival 40 to 22.

“I don’t think we played badly at all – we had a couple of breakdowns in bad areas that ended up costing us, but we created a lot of chances. We hit four or five posts, which, if a couple of those go our way, then it’s a totally different game,” said Phillips, who will serve as one of the Huskies alternate captains this season. “We’ll build off this and keep improving the more we play together.”

Win on home ice

It was standing room only inside S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena Saturday as 510 fans witnessed the return of junior hockey to Minden.

The Huskies had to battle from behind after Nolan Connolly notched a powerplay marker for the visiting Panthers 14 minutes into the first period. The home side got going midway through the second, Saini scoring his first goal of the season, assisted by Lucas Vacca, with 8:53 on the clock. The Panthers retook the lead at 11:01, but the Huskies replied quickly – Stevenson added a powerplay goal at 14:40 to send the teams into the second intermission tied.

Saini helped himself to his second goal of the game seven minutes into the third, assisted by Phillips and Mead, but former Husky Nick Athanasakos sent the game to overtime with a late tying goal at 18:53. Mead was the hero in the extra frame, beating Panthers netminder Aidan Feddema at 2:23, assisted by Staniland and Phillips.

The Huskies will be back in action Sept. 16 when they host the Toronto Jr. Canadiens. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m.