Captain Christian Stevens aiming for championship with Huskies

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August 24, 2022

Dimensions Retreats has been given the green light to provide psychology and psychotherapy services at its location on Maple Lake, though Algonquin Highlands council has stopped short of defining it as a medical facility.

During an Aug. 11 meeting, township planner Sean O’Callaghan said the resort would operate as a “health and wellness service” after council granted a re-zoning application for the site.

Under the terms of the re-zoning, Dimensions ownership was told it could incorporate acupuncture, light therapy, sound therapy and meditation services at the location, while the proposed installation of a float tank at the main lodge has also been approved.

Dimensions will also be able to bring in psychologists and registered psychotherapists to provide diagnosis and treatment for guests in both individual and group formats. O’Callaghan noted since Dimensions won’t be designated as a medical facility, doctors will not be permitted to practice at the Maple Lake location.

This is an important distinction given Dimensions CEO Christopher Dawson’s prior insistence that he would like to incorporate psychedelic treatments at the site.

“Staff reached out to Health Canada and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario with questions raised about [Dimensions] being able to have psilocybin on the property. That [drug] can only be administered under the direct supervision of a prescribing doctor… so with this new definition, and no doctor permitted on the property, it is my understanding psilocybin will not be permitted,” O’Callaghan said.

Psilocybin, also known as magic mushrooms, is mostly illegal in Canada, though the federal health authority recently made the decision to allow it to be used as a treatment option for patients on a special case basis.

O’Callaghan clarified that, should Health Canada change its regulations and legalize psilocybin there would be nothing the municipality could do to prevent Dimensions from incorporating the substance into its programming.

Plans to install a pharmacy at the site have been redacted, with council heeding concerns of two nearby residents who, at a public meeting held in July, said they were worried that an active drug dispensary could cause an increase in crime in the area.

After those residents also raised concerns over septic at the site, O’Callaghan noted the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks was happy with the system currently in place. “They would only review the system at the point of additional fixture units, such as sinks, toilets or showers, being added to the property,” O’Callaghan said.

Dawson previously told The Highlander that ongoing renovations at the site would see buildings remodeled or reconstructed on their existing footprints, and that no additional units would be built. With this approval, Dimensions will be able to complete work to the main lodge that has been on hold for several months.

The company expects to welcome guests later this year. The company has invested approximately $20 million purchasing and renovating the 45-acre Maple Lake property, which boasts 17 lakefront cabins, a lodge and spa. “I guess, now, we officially welcome Dimensions to Algonquin Highlands,” mayor Carol Moffatt said.

Haliburton County Election underway as candidates confirmed

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August 24, 2022

Half of the mayoral races in Haliburton County have been wrapped up two months early after candidates in Dysart et al and Minden Hills were officially acclaimed Aug. 22.

Murray Fearrey has been declared mayor in-waiting in Dysart, returning to a position he previously held for four decades after running unopposed. Ward 1 Coun.

Bob Carter was the only person to file paperwork for the big seat on Minden Hills council, and as such will replace the retiring Brent Devolin as mayor in October. Nominations closed Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.

“I have mixed feelings, due to the lack of interest,” Fearrey told The Highlander when asked how he felt about being acclaimed. “I have had many acclamations over the years and have always taken the responsibilities [of mayor] to the best of my ability… I realize I have some catch-up to do, however I am committed to make Dysart more efficient.” Fearrey said his number one priority heading into next term is housing.

He hopes to attract new developers to Dysart and wants to enhance affordable housing opportunities in the community.

Carter said he felt humbled to win the mayor’s seat in Minden Hills by acclamation.

He agreed with Fearrey that additional housing is needed in Haliburton County. “We need to make significant strides developing housing and providing the infrastructure required by our growing community,” Carter said.

“My most important priority is to build attainable housing for workers and families and seniors. Although housing is a County responsibility, we can all do our part. We must do this ourselves if we want Minden to thrive.”

The race is on

There are two people each vying to be mayor in Algonquin Highlands and Highlands East.

After incumbent Carol Moffatt announced plans to retire at the end of this current term, deputy mayor Liz Danielsen said it seemed like a “natural transition” for her to step up and make a run for mayor in Algonquin Highlands.

She has spent the past 12 years serving as deputy mayor. “Continuity can be extremely important in the complex oversight of a municipality… and that is something I can offer,” Danielsen said. “At the same time, I will be a new voice; one with new thoughts and ideas about how we might move forward.”

Mike Lang is running against her. A cottager since 2011, Lang said he’s running for office after growing disillusioned by what he perceives to be a growing divide between the community’s permanent and seasonal residents.

“The township’s response to COVID-19 alienated many seasonal residents. The existing council unnecessarily closed public boat ramps… to prevent seasonal residents from attending their properties. Council made two classes of residents,” Lang said.

In Highlands East, incumbent Dave Burton is seeking a fifth term on council. He will be competing for the role against Cheryl Ellis, who is making her second play for the mayor’s seat. Burton said his experience would be vital in helping to guide County council through a period of transition, while he also wants to lead Highlands East into brighter days after the pandemic. “This has been pretty much the goal of my life. My priority has always been the well-being of the community. My hope is you’ll see over the course of the next four years a renewed focus on where we live, work and play… To continue building a better community for all the people in Highlands East,” he said. Ellis said she aims to bring “fresh thoughts and new ideas” to the community.

As a fifth generation Highlands East resident, she feels she would bring a unique perspective to council. “I understand this lifestyle, I know what is lacking and I wish to make life better for everyone,” Ellis said.

The rest of the pack

Walt McKechnie has been acclaimed as Dysart et al’s next deputy mayor and will replace the outgoing Pat Kennedy.

Two councillors have also been acclaimed – Tammy Donaldson in Ward 3 and Barry Boice in Ward 5. Rob McCaig, Pamela Brohm, Pat Casey and Tom Bailey will battle it out for the Ward 1 seat, with Daniel Roberts, Jennifer Korpela and Nancy WoodRoberts running in Ward 2.

Ron Evans, Hayden Hughes, Brian Atkins and Carm Sawyer are all running in Ward 4.

Lisa Schell has joined Carter in being acclaimed in Minden Hills and will serve as the community’s deputy mayor for another term.

Bob Sisson has also been acclaimed, as Ward 3 councillor.

All other positions will be contested, with Tammy McKelvey and Trevor Chaulk competing to be councillor at large; Ivan Ingram, Shirley Johannessen, Mike Grozelle and Richard Bradley running in Ward 1; and Pam Sayne and Stephen Hertel running in Ward 2.

Two of the three councillor incumbents in Algonquin Highlands have been acclaimed, with Julia Shortreed to represent Ward 1 and Jennifer Dailloux to serve Ward 3.

Two of Lisa Barry, Amber Meirik, Sabrina Richards and Napier Simpson will be elected to serve as Ward 2 councillor and councillor at large. In Highlands East Cam McKenzie (Ward 1), Cecil Ryall (Ward 3) and Ruth Strong (Ward 4) have all been acclaimed, with Janice Dahms and Angela Lewis competing for the seat in Ward 2.

The 2022 municipal election will take place Oct. 24. Votes will be conducted in digital and telephone format in all four municipalities, with Minden Hills also offering in-person paper ballot voting.

Dysart et al council reverses decision on Minnicock Lake Road cell tower

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August 24, 2022

Dysart et al council has performed a u-turn over a proposed 90 metre cell tower to be installed on Minnicock Lake Road, voting to support the project Aug. 23 – less than a month after initially turning the application down.

In a recorded vote called by mayor Andrea Roberts, she along with deputy mayor Pat Kennedy and councillors Walt McKechnie, Nancy Wood-Roberts and Larry Clarke supported the project – the first to come to the municipality through the Eastern Ontario Regional Network’s (EORN) cell gap initiative.

Tammy Donaldson and John Smith were opposed. That came after Christian Lee and Eric Belchamber, representing Rogers, made a plea for council to reconsider its previous decision from July 26, when a 3-3 tie vote saw the project defeated.

Kennedy was absent from that initial vote.

“This tower is to be one piece of a 600-piece puzzle. The towers [proposed through EORN’s cell gap initiative] have to be specifically interconnected,” Lee said. “What we’re proposing here is consistent with other existing tower sites in the Dysart area, as well as being consistent with other EORN sites that have been approved and are underway in other municipalities.”

Clarke was concerned the proposed tower didn’t comply with Dysart’s policy 38 – legislation introduced in 2014 regulating the use and installation of cell towers in the community. Belchamber said the policy was unusually restrictive, and gave the impression that Dysart wasn’t supportive of cell towers.

Last month council heard from Michael Butz, a resident of nearby Glamorgan Road, who said he and a group of neighbours were opposed to the Minnicock Lake Road tower site. He presented a petition to council that had over 100 signatures, calling for Rogers to find a new location.

Lee said that Rogers was “pretty limited” with where a tower could be placed. He identified seven potential spots in the vicinity of Glamorgan Road and Minnicock Lake Road, but most other properties were ruled out due to land conditions, or a lack of response or interest from landowners.

Council heard from Lisa Severson, director of communications with EORN, Tuesday.

She said EORN wants to achieve 99 per cent connectivity across the region by 2025, proposing to upgrade 21 existing cell towers in Haliburton County and build between 30 and 40 new ones. Addressing the call from some councillors and residents to install natural-looking monopine structures through the cell gap initiative, Severson indicated that wouldn’t be viable. “We know it doubles the cost, almost, of a tower.

The reach is also not as far, so we would need to have more towers in place,” Severson said.

Clarke said he supported the need for new technology, proposing that council update policy 38. Roberts later tabled a motion directing staff to bring the policy back to a future meeting for review.

“The County has already committed $441,000 to this project. Dysart’s portion is over $165,000. We made a commitment in our strategic plan… to expand access to broadband. This fits into that,” said Wood-Roberts.

Kennedy then made a motion to bring council’s original decision back – permitted through Robert’s Rules of Order procedural guide – for a re-vote, which passed.

Dysart will provide a letter of concurrence, stating the proposed project meets municipal and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) requirements. The project will now be reviewed by ISED before Rogers can proceed.

Haliburton County approves shoreline preservation bylaw

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August 24, 2022

Haliburton County council has approved a shoreline preservation bylaw. The decision comes after more than two years of debate, study, consultations and community backlash.

The final shoreline preservation bylaw, voted into law at County Council’s Aug. 24 meeting, enforces permitting processes and restricts certain activities within 20 metres of a shoreline. “There has been a lot of work, a lot of pressure, a lot of angst put on all of us,” Warden Liz Danielsen said, after the bylaw passed.

The bylaw will be enforced starting April 1, 2023. Councillors Carol Moffatt, Dave Burton, Cecil Ryall, Lisa Schell, Brent Devolin and Warden Liz Danielsen voted to approve the bylaw. Coun. Andrea Roberts and Pat Kennedy voted against the bylaw.

Roberts said she has heard an “overwhelming” amount of concern. “I am in favour of pressing the pause button,” she said, adding she supports the bylaw but was worried that since so many council members will not be returning to office following October’s municipal election that the bylaw could be overturned.

Four council members won’t be running for re-election.

Danielsen said “I believe it’s our responsibility to make a decision one way or another.” She said if council did not pass the bylaw, it would be inefficient for staff to work on the file if they do not know if it will be passed.

Moffatt agreed. Any decision a council makes can be reversed by incoming council members, she said. “I’ve worked so hard on this over the past number of years I’d like to see this completed.” She compared the issue to the short-term rental conversation, saying both issues require council to make a decision.

Next steps

The County is set to hire an applications examiner and two compliance monitoring officials this fall, has committed to several education initiatives rolling out in the winter, and will review the bylaw on an “ongoing basis”, beginning with a staff analysis in the fall of 2023. The bylaw also came back before council with several points clarified.

A severability clause means if the bylaw is challenged in court, only the specific part of the bylaw in question could be erased. It wouldn’t mean the bylaw itself is void.

A number of exemptions have been included, such as construction activities conducted with a building permit, enlargement, use, maintenance of a septic system, minor landscaping, installation of a walkway, flowerbeds or retaining walls less than one metre in height, removal of trees measuring less than five centimetres diameter at breast height and even removal of up to 25 per cent of nature vegetation (including trees) on residential properties, 30 per cent on commercial properties and 50 per cent for marinas.

During director of planning Steve Stone’s presentation on the report, Moffatt asked if staff can process applications quickly, to not disrupt construction workflows.

“We’ve talked all along about the length of the season, we know contractors need to retain the ability to pivot quickly… sometimes if the weather is bad they can go on to the next job or move things around. With a maximum 30-day permit process, that could be a challenge to some folks,” she said.

Stone said usually, in most files, “we endeavour to have a response to people within 24 and 48 hours in regards to inquiries.” He said under the bylaw, he would hope to have permits processed within two weeks.

The analysis would happen in the first week, with follow-ups and permits issued during the second week.

Stone said education initiatives may include a new website specifically intended to provide information on shoreline preservation and naturalized shorelines.

It would also contain information equipping property owners with examples about where and when the bylaw could apply, Stone said. Roberts said some councillors in her municipality thought they would have a chance to weigh in on the “clean” draft before it is passed into law. Danielsen said since the bylaw has been in progress for years, “it is a responsibility of members of councils at lower tiers to keep track of what we’re doing.”

She said she was hesitant to go back to having the document discussed by lower-tier municipalities once more.

County CAO Mike Rutter said it’s unclear if each lower-tier municipality would have to delegate authority for enforcement of the bylaw to the County, however if a local council does not delegate authority to the County, the bylaw could still be enforced.

He said according to the solicitor’s review, passing the bylaw does not jeopardize the process of townships delegating authority. Devolin acknowledged the outstanding questions about the bylaw but added it can be a “living document” that can be changed and adapted.

Applications won’t be required for site alterations approved under a regular building permit. Stone said his intention is to educate property owners about what they can do without a permit. “Getting the project underway without need for a permit, that’s always going to be the first goal of staff,” Stone said.

Listen:What are we doing? About poverty

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August 22, 2022

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2WMJHHI7eKyUoOa87ahCeH?si=8UyGIF3FROa1P3de8uV2nA

Behind the million dollar lake homes hides a shameful secret. Haliburton County and Manitoulin Island have been competing for the title of “poorest county in the province of Ontario” for years. Maybe it’s time we change that? So What Are We Doing about Poverty?

Join us this week as we look into how the county became a silent home for the provinces’ most under-served, and hear from experts who’ve known how to address this issue long before the pandemic created an even larger rift between wealthy cottagers and minimum-wage locals.

You’ll hear from Jaime Schmale, Gena Robertson, Tina Jackson, and Fey Martin, alongside the research and hard work conducted by Mike Baker.

Join our next episode by sending a voice note! Visit: https://anchor.fm/whatarewedoinghighlands/message or email us at

whatarewedoinghighlands@gmail.com.

Created by Justin van Lieshout in partnership with The Highlander, featuring Mike Baker, Lisa Gervais, and Sam Gillett. Music by Mackenzie

Robinson AKA. Kashaga’. Find his music here: https://linktr.ee/Kashaga

Minden Pride makes loud and proud return

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August 22, 2022

Minden Pride Week is set for take-off. On Aug. 22, a full week of activities focused on supporting Haliburton’s 2SLGBTQ+ community begins. There will be a flag-raising at Minden town hall, story time with a drag queen at Haliburton and Minden libraries, a queer comedy night at the Haliburton Legion, a toolbelts and tiaras tea dance and the famous Pride river parade Aug. 28 on the Gull River.

“After a number of years of having lowkey Minden Pride, we are really wanting to celebrate this year,” said Minden Pride chairperson Allan Guinan.

The week’s theme is “Loud and Proud.” The Pride Week’s goal, Guinan said, is to “increase respect for all, inclusiveness and equality.” He said it’s especially important this year, as organizations such as the Canadian AntiHate Network report a rise in opposition to 2SLGBTQ+ rights, fueled by political rhetoric.

“We are really trying to underline the need for Minden’s pride in Haliburton County,” Guinan said. Minden Pride was founded in response to an anti-2SLGBTQ+ incident in 2016.

Guinan said one of his favourite moments of the week is the flag raising at the Minden Hills township offices. “It’s a very physical demonstration of the support of all levels of governments who come out to that,” he said.

Grooving at Viva Burlesque

Hosted by drag queen Carlotta Carlisle, Viva Burlesque is taking over the Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre Aug. 26.

Organizer Collin Burke said he’s excited to see how Toronto-based performers Katrinka Kature, Perla and Vitality Black will add glamour and excitement to the evening. Minden Pride’s ball in the past has always been a night to remember, Burke said.

“It’s been just exuberance and joy, everywhere, everybody was having such a great time,” he said. Along with show-tune sing-alongs and dancing, the drag queens are set to perform a more choreographed show. “Collin wants to take a deeper approach to the whole show.

The last show was a straight-up drag extravaganza, it was amazing,” said media coordinator Victoria Ward.

“There’s a bit more of a rehearsed factor to this show.”

For Burke, Pride in the Haliburton Highlands has a special atmosphere.

Friends who had participated at Toronto Pride events came up for 2019’s festivities and “they just loved every minute of it. They said it was so relaxing, so fun, and they loved the overall gentler pace of it compared to [Pride events] in Toronto,” Burke said.

“I think the overall event is a magical time for people to get out and experience something different.”

For a full schedule of events visit mindenpride.ca.

Two mayors set to be acclaimed as Haliburton County election season begins

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August 19, 2022

Dysart et al and Minden Hills may have new mayors-to-be Aug. 22.

With no one running against them as nomination periods closed Aug. 19 at 2 p.m., current Minden Hills councillor Bob Carter and former Dysart et al mayor Murray Fearrey are set to assume leadership of their respective town halls after the Oct. 24 municipal election if their acclamations are certified Monday.

Election clerks of each municipality will announce acclamations and an official list of candidates Aug. 22.

Other council posts across the County are single-candidate affairs as well. In Minden Hills, Lisa Schell is set to return as as deputy mayor and Bob Sisson is running unopposed as councillor for ward 3.

In Highlands East, councillors Cam McKenzie, Ruth Strong and Cecil Ryall are set to retain their seats.

In Dysart et al, Coun. Walt McKechnie is set to be acclaimed as deputy mayor, with Tammy Donaldson of ward 3 and Barry Boice of ward 5 running unopposed.

In Algonquin Highlands, Julia Shortreed will run unopposed in ward 1 and Jennifer Dailloux in ward 3.

Races begin

In both Highlands East and Algonquin Highlands, new mayoral candidates are set to vie for votes.

Cheryl Ellis will run against Dave Burton in Highlands East. Liz Danielsen and Mike Lang are listed as candidates for mayor in Algonquin Highlands.

Here is the unofficial list of candidates for each of Haliburton’s four municipalities as of 2 p.m. Aug. 19:

Minden Hills:

Mayor: Bob Carter

Deputy mayor: Lisa Schell

Councillor at large: Tammy McKelvey, Trevor Chaulk

Ward 1: Ivan Ingram, Shirley Johannessen, Mike Grozelle

Ward 2: Pam Sayne, Stephen Hertel

Ward 3: Bob Sisson

Dysart et al:

Mayor: Murray Fearrey

Deputy mayor: Walt McKechnie

Ward 1: Rob McCaig, Pamela Brohm, Pat Casey, Tom Bailey

Ward 2: Daniel Roberts, Jennifer Korpela, Nancy Wood-Roberts

Ward 3: Tammy Donaldson

Ward 4: Ron Evans, Hayden Hughes, Brian Atkins, Carm Sawyer

Ward 5: Barry Boice

Algonquin Highlands

Mayor: Liz Danielsen, Mike Lang

Ward 1: Julia Shortreed

Ward 2: Lisa Barry, Amber Meirik, Sabrina Richards

Ward 3: Jennifer Dailloux

Highlands East

Mayor: Dave Burton, Cheryl Ellis

Ward 1: Cam McKenzie

Ward 2: Janice Dahms, Angela Lewis,

Ward 3: Cecil Ryall

Ward 4: Ruth Strong

Trustee, English language school board: Gary Brohman

Trustee: French language school board: Kristine Dandavino, Serge Paul

Haliburton ‘rising star’ to shine on stage

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August 18, 2022

Haliburton singer Ella Gooley will have the chance to perform under the bright lights in the big city this weekend as she prepares to take the stage at the CNE’s Rising Star talent competition.

Kicking off in Toronto Aug. 20, the event will see 48 kids between the ages of six and 12 battle it out for the grand prize, with musicians, dancers, actors, magicians and comedians all to be featured.

Twelve-year-old Gooley was selected as one of the finalists in June after submitting a recording of her performing Rachel Platten’s 2015 hit, Fight Song. It was a special moment for Ella, who has spent years training and honing her voice. While she’s no stranger to performing, having served as the official anthem singer for the Haliburton County Huskies last season and playing a role in the Highlands Summer Festival’s production of The Sound of Music during the summer, the CNE event will be Ella’s first on-stage singing competition.

“I’m just really excited. It’s a big honour for me to have the chance to perform in front of so many people and spread my message,” Ella said. “I’ll be performing Fight Song… it’s a song that really relates to me, but can relate to a lot of other people too. Everybody is fighting for something in their life, and that’s what the song is all about.”

Despite her tender age, Ella has extensive singing experience. She became interested in music as a three-year-old, fascinated by her nana, who would play the piano for her.

“I loved it so much that I wanted to do it with her, so I decided to play the piano too,” Ella said. “I could read music before I could read a book.”

When she was five, Ella wrote a song that finished second place in the Music for Young Children’s Cornerstone Award. When she was eight, she began training with local voice coach Melissa Stephens. She has also been working with Lauren McInnes to develop her piano abilities.

Hoping to one day forge a career in the music industry, Ella has started to dabble in song writing. She’s working on a piece titled Wildfire, which she says focuses on environmental issues.

“My message is all about doing what we can to save our planet, it’s heating up because of greenhouse gases and pollution. Climate change is something I’m really passionate about because it’s causing wildfires, food shortages, destroying habitats and I hate that,” Ella said. “I want to try to help by shining a light on these things, which I hope to do through my music.”

While not ready yet, Ella said she hopes to have a version of Wildfire finished by the end of the year.

Dad Grant, himself a musician during his earlier years, said he was very proud of Ella for all the hard work she’s put in leading up to the CNE event.

“She inspires me more than anybody I know. It’s amazing to see somebody care so much and be so passionate about music,” Grant said. “Just having the opportunity to go down to Toronto is amazing for her. It’s going to be a tremendous experience.”

So, what would it mean to Haliburton’s young shining star to win it all?

“Oh, that would be just incredible. It would be so cool to go down there and win… but I’m just excited too to see all the other kids and what they’ve been working on,” Ella said. “I’ve never done anything like this before, so I don’t know what to expect. I’m just going to try to have fun, and put in my best performance yet.”

‘Pool party’ bowling fundraiser for kids hitting Fast Lane

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August 18, 2022