Haliburton County’s four fire chiefs have lifted the fire ban that was imposed region-wide May 17.

Mike French, head of the Algonquin Highlands Fire Service, said in a media release the weekend rain had alleviated the County’s fire risk. The ban came into effect 48 hours after local departments responded to five blazes in a single day on May 15. Four of the fires were put out that day, while the most significant – a nine-hectare blaze on Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry land near Black Lake – raged for several days. As of May 22, MNRF reported the fire had been extinguished.

With the lifting of the fire ban, this means daytime burn permits are re-activated and outdoor burning is permitted between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

More information on burning regulations can be found on municipal websites in Algonquin Highlands, Dysart et al, Highlands East and Minden Hills.

The fourth annual Jump in the Lake challenge May 6 was “an overwhelming success” and raised more than $25,000 for food banks in Coboconk and Haliburton County, organizer Dean Michel said.

Unlike other organized polar bear dips, participants jumped into the frigid early May waters from their own docks or local piers.

Michel said a few hundred generous donors helped 35 participants raise the much-needed funds.

This year’s Jump in the Lake Challenge will have a significant, positive impact on the Coboconk and Area Foodbank (CAFB) for the next whole year,” said CAFB chairperson Amy Alfredsson. “With more than $16,000 in cash donations collected and more still coming in, the challenge has provided the funds to pay for all of the food bank’s meat purchases over the next 12 months.”

Alfredsson, who jumped into Balsam Lake, added the food bank would not exist without generous community support.

“As a privately-funded, fully volunteer-run food bank, these donations are both welcome and needed at a time when food insecurity and food costs are at their highest.”

Meanwhile, $3,015 was raised for the Minden Community Food Centre and another $3,015 for the Central Food Network (CFN).

CFN’s Tina Jackson said, “this event was a cool one and all participants we’ve chatted with had a blast. We look forward to making this an annual event to help bring people together to have some fun for a worthy cause.”

Jackson added, “food banks in Haliburton County do not receive regular government funding. The majority of our donations come through during the December holiday season – but hunger happens year round. Events such as the Jump in the Lake raise critical funds at a critical time to help keep shelves stocked.”

In four years, the annual challenge has raised more than $150,000 for the community.

“We continue to be amazed how our community has embraced what has now become a fun, annual event,” Michel said.

“When you combine brave individuals and generous donors, good things happen to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Save the date for the fifth annual challenge: Saturday, May 4, 2024.

A Haliburton County chef is using food to build community and fundraise for social change.

Miriam Echeverria, executive chef at Dimensions Retreat Centre in Algonquin Highlands, kicked off Cheffing4good with a pizza fundraiser in Haliburton recently.

The charity makes and sells high-quality food, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to organizations focused on women or marginalized groups.

“I think food is also a tool for progress,” Echeverria said. “I think it’s a tool that can change perspectives.”

At the event at Tiffany Howe’s How(e) Creative Studio, Cheffing4good raised more than $500 for the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. Every pizza made was sold, each in a box decorated by Echeverria’s coworkers.

She said the charity is a way for her and others in the culinary world to do more than just recognize problems such as the treatment of indigenous communities in Canada.

“There is a lot of awareness and we see regret for what happened in the past, but there’s very little action… But for me, it’s more than about taking action.”

As a professional chef, food seemed to be the perfect way to do so.

Echeverria previously ran the charity under the name Tribe Five Dinners in Toronto, partnering with other women working in Toronto’s culinary world. They hosted dinners showcasing diverse vegetarian and vegan flavour combinations and promoting equitable kitchens.

The main goal of the events was to support communities but also showcase the fact that these kitchens in Toronto are run by women and create a different perspective in our guests when it comes to plant-based food,” she said.

After she moved to Haliburton County, Echeverria and longtime County resident Melissa Tong began brainstorming what the charity could look like in the Highlands.

“A very special thanks to Tiffany Howe Creative on 35 Pine St. for the fun and creative space,” wrote Tong in a media release after the event. “[And] Keegan Kyle for his hard work and dedication from start to finish. And most of all, we would like to thank all of our pizza lovers, donators, and supporters for your hungry bellies and for coming out, even if it was to chat and check it out.”

Echeverria and Tong said they hope Cheffing4good can draw even more community support as it grows.

“I hope that one day it becomes something even bigger and we are able to support different charities but I think what we’re looking forward most of the time is for those charities or non-profit organizations that have very little support,” Echeverria said.

She added the food could continue to change too. Echeverria is originally from Mexico and said she’d love to bring those flavours to future events.

She also put out a call for Highlanders’ help.

“I think it would be nice if there are more folks out there that are willing to offer the space to create another event or even if more people just want to help,” she said.

Find out more about Cheffing4good on Instagram @cheffing4good.

Community Futures Ontario has recognized Haliburton County Development Corporation’s Local Initiatives Program (LIP) as the winner of its prestigious members’ choice award.

Community Futures Ontario has recognized Haliburton County Development Corporation’s Local Initiatives Program (LIP) as the winner of its prestigious members’ choice award.

“The purpose of the LIP is to strengthen Haliburton County communities by supporting community economic development projects that are incremental (new initiatives or enhancements/additions to existing activities) and strive to enhance the resiliency and vibrancy of the community,” Tallman said.

“The purpose of the LIP is to strengthen Haliburton County communities by supporting community economic development projects that are incremental (new initiatives or enhancements/additions to existing activities) and strive to enhance the resiliency and vibrancy of the community,” Tallman said.

Each year, Community Futures Ontario, a government funded program to facilitate rural economic development, recognizes the successes and impact of Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs). It handed out awards May 2 at the end of its annual conference.

Each year, Community Futures Ontario, a government funded program to facilitate rural economic development, recognizes the successes and impact of Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs). It handed out awards May 2 at the end of its annual conference.

With the warm weather now here to stay, Turtle Guardians is ramping up its activities ahead of what lead, Leora Berman, expects will be another busy summer.

The Haliburton-based non-profit acts as the first line of defence for turtle species across the Highlands. Launched in 2017, the organization – a subsidiary of The Land Between conservation group – conducts research and analysis on the population dynamics and trends of turtles; identifies threats to at-risk species, with a focus on maintaining important wetland areas; maps, designs, and pilots road mitigation measures to avoid vehicle collisions; and excavates, incubates and head-starts hatchlings to help bolster local numbers.

The Haliburton-based non-profit acts as the first line of defence for turtle species across the Highlands. Launched in 2017, the organization – a subsidiary of The Land Between conservation group – conducts research and analysis on the population dynamics and trends of turtles; identifies threats to at-risk species, with a focus on maintaining important wetland areas; maps, designs, and pilots road mitigation measures to avoid vehicle collisions; and excavates, incubates and head-starts hatchlings to help bolster local numbers.

That offering has expanded this year to include older residents. Turtle Guardians held its first adult workshop May 13, with 15 people attending.

“We’ve taught this kind of thing to kids a lot, but we found more and more that adults were interested in learning the basics of caring for turtles,” Berman said.

The program was led by Berman and Grace Wiley, a species-at-risk mitigation technician with The Land Between.

“We cover everything that kids at turtle camp would learn – why turtles are important for our wellbeing and future; what they do for our lakes and water supply; what they do for fish and wildlife. Turtles are one of the most environmentally significant species [in the world] and contribute to healthy ecosystems,” Berman said.

“We teach people how to identify the different species, how to handle and help them. We cover turtle biology and behaviour, how to recognize when they’re uncomfortable. That’s important, so people know what to do if they come across a turtle in need while out in the community.” she added.

Julie and Martin Harris attended the event after reading about Turtle Guardians’ efforts online. The couple relocated to the County in 2021 and have been looking for ways to become more involved in the community.

“This ticked all the boxes. I’m interested in learning more about turtles and how to help protect them, and we’ve had a chance to get to know some more people and learn in a very easy environment,” Julie said.

Asked what her biggest takeaway was, Julie added, “just learning about their habits. And what not to do. Because a turtle imprints in a specific area, you can’t just pick them up and plant them somewhere else. I hadn’t realized that at all. It turns out you’re committing them to almost certain death if you do that.”

All attendees received their level one Turtle Guardian certification. Berman said there are five training levels, with the highest qualifying volunteers to participate in advanced field work.

She noted there are plans to run another workshop in July. Heading into summer, Turtle Guardians has around 70 active volunteers.

“The more people who know how to help turtles in the world, the better,” Berman said.

“The more people who know how to help turtles in the world, the better,” Berman said.

A group of angry Highlands residents travelled to Lindsay May 12 as protests over the closure of the Minden emergency department continue.

Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) announced last month that it would cease operations at the Minden hospital effective June 1. Community members have spent weeks fighting the decision, launching social media campaigns, starting a petition, and hosting rallies in Haliburton County and at Queen’s Park in Toronto.

The group, led by Minden residents Patrick Porzuczek and Richard Bradley, spent time protesting outside MPP Laurie Scott’s constituency office in Lindsay last week, determined to bring more focus to what they’re calling a “life and death” decision.

“We do not accept this decision. We think this is going to have serious, life-altering ramifications for a lot of people. The community hasn’t been properly consulted, and we don’t think that’s right,” Bradley told The Highlander.

Tina Twyne and her husband, Ian Myers, were two of the 20 people who attended. They called on the local MPP to “stand up for her constituents” and help fight the ER closure. In a previous interview with The Highlander, Scott endorsed HHHS’ decision.

“We’re here to make our presence known and our voices heard,” Tina said. “I feel like Laurie has thrown us under the bus.”

“I asked – everybody here today supported Laurie Scott in the last provincial election. But now, when we need her most, she’s turned her back on us,” added another attendee, David Hammond. “She is our local representative. I want her to represent us on this issue, at least communicate to the powers that be how we feel.”

Scott was not at her Lindsay office at the time of the demonstration, telling The Highlander she had other commitments.

When asked how she responds to claims that area residents feel let down by her lack of action, and response, Scott said, “I understand that many people are concerned about the Minden ER merger. I have released numerous statements on the issue, and I have had discussions with HHHS CAO (Carolyn Plummer), as well as past chairs, nurses, physicians, and, most importantly, constituents.”

Scott said she met with organizers of the rally held in Toronto May 10.

Asked why she was supportive of the Minden emerge closure, Scott said, “HHHS spoke publicly about the fact there were more than 20 ‘close calls’, which would have resulted in the temporary closures of both emergency rooms… in an effort to give at least one emergency department the best chance of remaining open, HHHS made the difficult decision to merge.”

Hammond, who moved to Minden in 2021, said this decision throws his long-term future into doubt.

“We bought where we did because it was so close to a hospital. My wife doesn’t drive, so if something happened to me now, with the Minden site closing, I’m a long way from any emergency room and doctors,” he said.

Twyne believes HHHS is playing with fire by closing the only hospital with immediate access to Hwy. 35 between Lindsay and Huntsville – a busy artery during peak tourism months.

“How many cottagers travel on that road in the summer? How many head-on collisions are there? Minden is a vital hospital. Time matters when it comes to emergencies,” she said. “We need a one-year moratorium on this, where we are consulted… the way this has been handled is not acceptable, it feels like a dictatorship.”