Algonquin Highlands staff and council gathered June 27 for the official opening ceremony of the new operations centre at the Maple Lake waste disposal site.

“As a million-dollar project, we are celebrating the completion of its first phase, which will improve the efficiency of operations at the site,” said communication coordinator, Chad Ingram.

Public works supervisor Adam Thorn and environmental manager Melissa Murray were joined by mayor Liz Danielsen, deputy mayor Jennifer Dailloux and councillors Lisa Barry and Julia Shortreed for a ribboncutting. Coun. Sabrina Richards was absent.

Danielsen said, “it’s a really exciting day for the municipality. This project has been a long time in the planning. It is really an exciting project, working so much better for everybody, so much more organized and costeffective.”

She thanked Thorn and Murray for the work they’d done, the contractor, and Cambium.

Murray said it’s been up and running for a couple of weeks and they’ve had “excellent” feedback from the public. “Not a negative comment, which is fabulous. I’ve had people make a point of pulling me aside to say how fabulous this is. Long-time residents who’ve been here and this has been the best change that they’ve seen.”

She said they’d gone from about half to three-quarters-ofa-hectare to about two hectares, giving them a lot more useable space. After working on an active landfill, they now have permanent bins, and can use the landfill as it was intended.

They have room for 10, 40-yard bins and potentially two more. The site is split into two parts now, household waste and recycling, and non-household, as well as space for things such as tires and metal. On the other side are chargeable materials, such as construction waste, brush and leaves, shingles, concrete, mattresses, furniture, fridges etc.

“And the long-term plan is that area will all be scaled materials. Right now, we assess based on volume but in the future, they will be based on weight and there will be a scale in place. So, people can scale in, go through the loop, go through this area, or exit the site.”

Murray added they still have all of their existing diversion programs, such as electronics, batteries, propane cylinders and a well-used reuse centre.

Murray said the contract was worth nearly $900,000 and they would get weigh scales this year.

“It’s a very popular site.”

A new report released June 21 by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit sheds light on what the health unit is calling significant health risks posed by climate change in the area.

The Climate Change Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment report emphasizes climate change is not just an environmental issue but also the “biggest global health threat of the 21st century.

The report presents a comprehensive analysis of the current and future impacts of climate change on the health of residents in the area. It identifies populations more likely to be impacted and recommends adapting to reduce health risks.

According to the report, climate change can worsen existing health conditions and introduce new health threats.

Climate hazards identified in the report include extreme temperatures, extreme weather, poor air quality, vector-borne diseases, safe food and water, and solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

“This report shows that climate change is not a distant problem but a pressing local public health issue that requires immediate attention,” said Sue Shikaze, health promoter with the HKPR District Health Unit.

“We must act now to protect the health and well-being of our residents, especially those at greatest risk.”

Shikaze added there is a strong need for collaboration to adapt and be more resilient to climate change.

The report calls for action from multiple sectors, including health care, environmental agencies, community organizations, and policymakers. Key findings from the report include:

Temperature: Projections indicate a significant increase in hot days by 2050, leading to heat-related illnesses and mental health impacts, particularly affecting older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and those with limited income.

• Extreme weather: Flooding, power outages, severe storms, wildfires, and droughts are expected weather hazards, resulting in injuries, mental health impacts, and disruptions to health care services.

• Vector-borne diseases: Longer warm seasons contribute to the spread of insects carrying diseases, such as black-legged ticks (Lyme disease) and mosquitoes (West Nile virus). Outdoor workers, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

• Safe food and water: Increased temperature and precipitation pose threats to the safety and availability of drinking and recreational water, as well as food security. People on low income are particularly affected.

• Air quality: Rising temperatures contribute to higher concentrations of air pollutants, worsening allergies, and respiratory illnesses, and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Traffic-related air pollution zones affect a significant portion of the population, including schools and long-term care facilities.

Shikaze said, “many programs of the HKPR District Health Unit address the health risks posed by climate change, including public education, collaborative initiatives, and advocacy for policy changes.

“The next phase of this work is the development of a climate change adaptation action plan that will provide a detailed roadmap for implementing adaptive measures to ensure the future health and well-being of the community.”

The report can be found at hkpr.on.ca/ ClimateChange.

During an AGM, met with “deep displeasure” by critics, HHHS acting CEO Veronica Nelson committed to town hall meetings, a continued quest for a CT scan machine, and better planning for the County’s future health care.

It was also revealed at the June 22 online meeting that the Corporation had a $3.3 million deficit at the end of the fiscal year ending March 31, partly due to paying agency nurses to work at Minden and Haliburton hospitals.

Near the end of the meeting, prior to a 20-minute question and answer period, Nelson said, “I recognize the last few weeks and months have been challenging for this community. I understand there are still many questions regarding the consolidation of the Minden emergency department.”

She went on to say her priority is hearing from the public, and working with the community and health service partners, to provide quality care to patients.

Nelson announced she’ll be hosting the first of four town halls June 29 in Minden. “This town hall will be an opportunity for us to share information, to hear from you, and discuss how we plan to continue providing high quality patient care for our community today and into the future,” she said via Zoom.

Head of the finance committee, Irene O’Dell, said, “HHHS finished a very challenging year of operations with a $4.2 million deficit compared to a minor surplus position for the prior year… with that, our net debt at the year-end was close is $3.3 M for the year ending March 31, 2023.”

Acting chief of staff, Dr. Norm Bottum, said he will be replaced by Dr. Anna Costia July 1. However, he said, “it’s our sincere hope the board is able to find a permanent chief of staff in the new year. With all the ups and downs over the last few years, it’s increasingly apparent that a permanent chief of staff will be an important role to help support the board during this time.”

He said challenges include nearly nonexistent home care services, pressures on long-term care, a loss of personal support workers and family physicians. He said many people in the community do not have a primary care provider “and there are no good prospects at present to help with this.

“Our system is stressed, and for many in our community, it is failing.”

He said the key is to attract staff who live, work and play in the region as outside agency employees are temporary and unsustainable. He hopes the situation can improve over the next two to three years. Dr. Bottum added that getting a CT scan machine will help.

Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation has committed to raising the money for a CT scanner if the Ministry of Health approves one. In her report, executive director Melanie Klodt Wong said, “it was yet another challenging year with the uncertainty of the pandemic impact, impactful world events and economic concerns, but despite all of this, the foundation was successful in raising more funds than expected through generous donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, community associations, and service clubs.” She said they were able to transfer $336,000 for capital equipment.

At the meeting, David O’Brien (chair), Diana McNiven, Irene Odell, Mark Bell, John Herald and Kurtis Bishop were elected as directors.

The Save the Minden ER group issued a press release condemning the AGM.

“Once again, HHHS has chosen to silence the community and evade their responsibility to the people of Minden,” spokesman Patrick Porzuczek said.

“The lack of transparency and meaningful community involvement demonstrated during the meeting continues to raise serious questions about the board’s commitment to serving the best interests of the entire community it claims to represent.”

Peterborough-based band, Backwoodsmen, will bring some of Ontario’s rural folk song culture to the Minden Hills cultural centre June 24.

Minden Hills manager of cultural services, Shannon Kelly, said the 2 p.m. performance is accompanying the exhibit, Cross Cut, by Rob Niezen, currently on display at the Agnes Jamieson Gallery.

Niezen is part of the musical quartet that also includes historian and musician, Dr. Allan Kirby, and musicians John Bird and Rob Cory.

Kelly said, “Ontario’s rural folk song culture is revealed in words and music by traditional music group Backwoodsmen, performing live outdoors in the Heritage Village.”

She added the province has one of North America’s richest folk-song traditions, saying that between 1929 and 1960, internationally-recognized scholars have documented more than 3,000 orally-transmitted folk songs.

In 1958, the cultural services manager said Folkways Records of New York City released the first of 10 vinyl recordings featuring Ontario singers and musicians.

“This little-known piece of Ontario history is presented by Backwoodsmen,” she said. “The quartet focuses on folk songs documented throughout rural Ontario in the 1950s by song-collector and scholar Edith Fowke.”

For their part, the Backwoodsmen said Fowke worked for CBC and collected the folk songs, many in Peterborough County.

“Traditional music came to Ontario with European settlers. Lyrics and tunes were adapted to local experiences and the personal preferences of the players, and these offer a reflection of society at different moments in history,” they added.

“The underlying themes are of a timeless nature, as they deal with human existence: love, deception, politics, war, immigration, work, leisure, murder, death.”

They said they selected and revisited the songs, adapted lyrics, and created contemporary arrangements.

Niezen and Dr. Kirby also produced a book that introduces Fowke’s work, the song lyrics and their history, along with the linocuts in the exhibit.

The exhibition runs to July 1.

The gallery is a public art gallery with year-round exhibitions of local and regional art. It’s part of the cultural centre, which includes the museum, Heritage Village and Nature’s Place. The MHCC is at 176 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden. The gallery is fully accessible and is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation.

For questions about the exhibit, call the community services department at 705-286-1260 x 542. For more information, visit mindenhills.ca

Highlands bird enthusiasts were given a few pointers on how to attract different species to their gardens at a special event in Haliburton last week.

The Haliburton County Historical Society hosted a presentation from Haliburton County Master Gardener, Pauline Plooard, at the Haliburton Highlands Museum June 15 at 1:30 p.m.

Plooard dished out many useful tips and directions on how to make your properties more attractive to birds. Discussing different techniques, Plooard said keeping things simple, and natural, is the best way.

“Birds have evolved with our native plants, that’s what they’ve been raised on and it’s what they expect,” she said.

She gave many other pointers during the presentation, such as what to do with your bird feeders. She suggests having them placed by a window so you can get a nice view. She also recommended trying to place them near some shrubs.

Plooard also talked about the benefits of installing a bird bath, suggesting people should keep them  low to the ground and have shallow water in the bath so the birds can bathe properly.

More useful tips can be found on the app Merlin Bird, which Plooard said is a “great resource” for bird lovers seeking identification of species via sight or sound. The software can be downloaded via the app store on your smartphone.

The Master Gardeners provides consultations for residents looking for assistance with their gardens, Plooard noted. For more information, visit haliburtonmastergardener.ca.

Following the resumption of regular activities post-pandemic, numerous local businesses and organizations in Haliburton County are seeking to replenish their volunteer bases.

The Haliburton Legion was the venue for a volunteer engagement fair June 16, with approximately 30 organizations on hand to promote their business and operations. The event was organized by the Haliburton Highlands Volunteerism Coalition.

The Haliburton County Heat Bank, Haliburton Highlands OPP, Canadian Red Cross, and Places for People (P4P) were among the many in attendance. Service clubs such as Haliburton Rotary, the Haliburton Lions Club and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton were also there.

Fay Martin, vice president of Places for People, said events such as this are vital to remind the community about the importance of volunteering. Martin said the non-profit, which seeks to provide affordable housing options to area residents, has seen a 25 per cent increase in demand for housing after the pandemic. Ramping up its efforts requires additional peoplepower, she added.

Planning is underway for this year’s Highland Yard, taking place in Minden Aug. 6. Martin noted the fundraiser is celebrating its 50th anniversary, with 90 per cent of funds raised helping P4P maintain affordable rents for its 15 tenants and exploring opportunities to increase its portfolio of properties. Rotaract Haliburton Highlands is taking over organizing Highland Yard this year, Martin noted, with volunteers needed. Since 2012, the event has raised more than $140,000 in support of P4P.

Tina Jackson, executive director of the Haliburton County Heat Bank, said they had several volunteer opportunities available. The organization had representatives accepting applications and conducting on-the-spot interviews with anyone interested.

During its 2021-2022 fiscal year, the Heat Bank assisted 266 households by offering, and delivering, free firewood, while completing complementary income tax returns for 45 people.

Volunteers have the opportunity to “make a difference in their community for the people who really need it,” Jackson said.

The Douglas C. Hatch Legion Branch 624 in Wilberforce is marking its 50th anniversary in style this weekend, with a three-day celebration June 23 to 25 featuring live music, games, food, and prizes.

Hilary Klapow, a member for 32 years, took the lead in organizing the festivities, which she said will honour the Legion’s rich history in the community.

“The Legion here means so much to so many people. It’s been a hugely important part of my life,” she told The Highlander. “Fifty years is a tremendous milestone. When I think back to all the celebrations, all the fundraisers – people have poured huge amounts of their lives into this place. It’s important, I think, to honour that.”

Hilary’s husband, Robert, is one of the longest tenured members at more than 40 years. His dad, Walter, was one of the founding members of the branch when it was chartered in April 1973. The elder Klapow served in the Navy during the Second World War. Stationed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he worked on boats about to leave for Europe, and those just coming back.

During the early years, members met at the Wilberforce fire hall monthly, with dances and other fundraising events at the Harcourt Hall. The current location, which served as a laundromat and snack bar, was bought and renovated in 1975.

Over the next decade, members raised money for a new drilled well, a lounge complete with console television and satellite, new floor and wall tiles in the washrooms, installation of outdoor lights, extended parking lot, and a new pool table for the bingo room. By 1986, the mortgage had been fully paid, with locals fundraising for a new cenotaph, which was erected outside the Lloyd Watson Centre.

One of the most generous donors during this time was Douglas C. Hatch, whose contributions were recognized by having the local Legion adopt his name. The name change was made official in May 1988.

Hilary said the Legion was in its pomp during the late 80s and early 90s, hosting regular socials during the week and special events on weekends.

“I can remember Halloween parties, murder mysteries, Canada Day celebrations. The Legion was the central hub of the community,” she said.

Klapow is hoping to recreate that spirit this weekend. The celebration begins Friday at 2 p.m. with free pool. Legion-themed posters designed by students from Cardiff and Wilberforce elementary schools will be on display, while chicken wings, nachos and cake will be served between 4 and 8 p.m. Evening entertainment will be provided by Phil O’Reilly.

Local band Half Tuned will perform Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., with a BBQ, games and various prize draws commencing at 1 p.m. MP Jamie Schmale, MPP Laurie Scott and Highlands East mayor Dave Burton will be on hand for poster judging and cake cutting.

Complimentary pancake and sausage breakfast, prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary, will be served Sunday between 9 and 11 a.m.

More stories

Janice Sorensen has been a Legion member for 37 years. Originally signing up in Brampton, she switched allegiances to the Wilberforce branch in 1988 after relocating north. Recently voted in as the branch’s new president, Sorensen said her ties to the Legion organization run deep.

“My grandfather, Jesse Day, served in the First World War. He had a tank posting and lost both his arms. Growing up, I remember he had a hook on his arm and used to mess around with us kids. It was only once I got older that I realized the sacrifices he’d made,” Sorensen said. “My dad, James Day, served and my husband, John, also served… I’ve had a lot of fun as a member of the Legion, but it’s about respect too.”

Past president John Glassey has been a member for around 15 years. He had a couple of close friends who served and did time overseas, joining as a way of commemorating them. He said the Wilberforce branch has around 150 members, though many of them are seasonal residents.

There’s a tight-knit group who still gather for darts on Wednesdays and meat draws on the weekend, which Glassey also tries to attend.

“It’s like another family here,” Glassey said. Theresa and Parry Hiuser were regular attendees when they lived in Wilberforce several years ago. Parry is a retired master corporal, having served in the armed forces, and attended the Legion regularly after being honourably discharged following a tour of Afghanistan in the 2000s.

“We were welcomed like family right from day one. Parry was very broken mentally and physically from his tour, the people in Wilberforce truly embraced us. They look after their own,” said Theresa. “When Parry had a brain bleed and stroke, and was transferred to the Peterborough hospital, members took turns visiting him and making meals for our family. The support was overwhelming. It’s a little Legion with a huge heart.”

Sorensen said there’s been a concerted effort in recent months to attract new members, who she hopes can take the Legion forward into the next generation.

Victor Townsend is one of those new wave members. The 26-year-old jumped at the chance to join the executive last year after “practically growing up” at the local Legion.

“I can remember back to when I was so small I could crawl under the old deck and wait for people to drop loonies and toonies – I used to think I’d won the jackpot,”

“I can remember back to when I was so small I could crawl under the old deck and wait for people to drop loonies and toonies – I used to think I’d won the jackpot,” Townsend said. “I was at the Legion every weekend. It was like a second home to me. “I’m at the point now where I realize if we younger folk don’t get more involved and bolster the numbers, the Legion probably isn’t going to be around much longer. My memories here go back forever, so I want to keep the good times rolling,” he said.

Townsend recently installed a new 12-pit horseshoe set up behind the building and hopes to launch a league this summer. He’s also planning to bring back the fishing derbies he remembers participating in when he was a kid.

For him, it’s all about continuing the legacy that his parent’s generation, and those who came before, established.

“I have everything I have in life today because of the people who fought and died for me back in the wars. I appreciate that every single day,” Townsend said. “Doing my bit here and paying my respects is the least I can do to make sure people remember all the sacrifices. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them.”

Standing on stage at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion June 14, Haliburton Highlands Secondary School (HHSS) teacher Janice Scheffee was drowned out by a chorus of cheers after saying “finally, we’re back” prior to the school’s 43rd annual athletic awards ceremony.

“This is an extra special celebration for us as it’s the first time in four years we’ve been able to get together and honour our Red Hawk athletes. It’s hard to believe, but this is the first time any of our wonderful athletes have attended an end-of-year ceremony,” Scheffee said. “I want to congratulate everyone here today for showing resiliency and commitment to sport. I know it hasn’t been easy.”

HHSS fielded 16 teams during the 2022-2023 school year, winning Kawartha championships, COSSA titles and seeing cross country runners, Nordic skiers, wrestlers, badminton players and track and field athletes blaze their way through provincial competition at OFSAA.

The cross-country team, coached by Karen Gervais, had a successful season with three athletes, Evan Backus, Violet Humphries and Erika Hoare, running and placing well at COSSA.

“We had a small but mighty team,” Gervais said.

Coach Mike Rieger said Nordic skiing returned in a big way this year, with four female athletes testing themselves against some of Ontario’s best up and coming talent at OFSAA. Olivia Humphries finished sixth in the senior girls’ division, with Violet Humphries posting a team-best eighth place finish in the junior event. Erika Hoare and Ella Gervais also placed in the top 15 skiers on the younger circuit.

The junior girls relay team, of Humphries, Hoare, Gervais, and Olivia Gruppe narrowly missed out on a podium finish at provincials, finishing fourth.

Paul Longo said the future is bright for HHSS’ basketball program, with the junior team securing a Kawartha West championship – beating out rival IE Weldon in the final.

Wrestling coach Paul Klose said “it takes a special athlete” to don the singlet, presenting individual awards to the 10-plus member strong team. Levi Samson was the top performer, placing in the top 12 at OFSAA.

It was a big year for badminton, according to coaches Jason Morissette and Mike Gaffney. At the junior level, Lily Casey and Lara Gallant won gold at the Kawartha championships, qualifying them for COSSA as the top seed. “We haven’t seen something like that in a long time,” Morissette said.

At the senior level, Avery Horner and Emmerson Wilson competed at OFSAA in ladies’ doubles after winning silver at COSSA.

It was a record-setting year for track and field, with four school records broken. Violet Humphries set a new HHSS best in the girls’ 800 metre run, shattering a record that had stood since 1996. Erika Hoare posted a new record time in the 2,000 metre steeplechase, finishing 7th at OFSAA in the process. Evan Backus broke two records – in novice boys long jump, setting a new mark of 5.77 metres, and in the 300 metre hurdles, finishing with a new personal best of 42.01 to win silver at provincials.

Coach Gervais reserved special credit for Graham Backus, who finished a triple crown champion at the Kawartha championships, winning three events. Liah Gallant won gold at Kawartha for the 100 metre sprint, with Jordana Jennings placing first in long jump. In total, 16 of 23 competing athletes qualified for OFSAA this year.

Major awards

Grade 12 student Ivan Zagorsky was named senior male athlete of the year, after excelling in basketball, soccer, and badminton, while Emmerson Wilson took female top honours having competed in rugby, soccer, badminton, and volleyball this year.

“Sir Isaac Newton said ‘if I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants’. Ivan was that giant that allowed his teammates to reach their potential,” said Rob Gervais, who coached Zagorsky in soccer. “He has shown time and time again that he’s not just a great athlete, but also a great leader and role model.”

Volleyball coach Dan Gimon said Wilson is “a tenacious competitor through and through” and was well deserving of her award.

Speaking to The Highlander following last week’s ceremony, Wilson said she was honoured to be named female athlete of the year.

“It feels amazing. It’s validation for all the hard work and extra time I put in, just doing my best,” Wilson said. “My biggest takeaway is if you want something bad enough, put in the work and keep pushing through. Persistence does pay off.”

Evan Backus and Erika Hoare each received the rising Red Hawk award, recognizing the efforts of junior athletes in Grades 9 and 10. Major awards, honouring students with continued success in sports over several years, were dished out to Riley Boersman, Abby Dykstra, Stephen Howe, Rio O’Malley, Matthew Wilson, and Noa Yates. Awards of excellence were issued to Zagorsky, Wilson, Liah Gallant, Avery Horner, and Sophie Longo.

Paul Longo and Bob Schmidt were recognized for their combined 53 years of coaching at HHSS with 2023 impact awards.

“A lot of our staff go above and beyond to support the Red Hawk athletic program… these two individuals have spent hundreds of hours in the gym with our students. They have inspired countless athletes to excel in their respective sports. Hal high is fortunate to have them not only as coaches, but as leaders, mentors, and role models for our youth,” said Scheffee.