Medical community issues warning over triple-demic

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December 22, 2022

While the threat of COVID-19 isn’t looming quite as large this festive season, Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) president and CEO Carolyn Plummer said the community needs to be wary of the “winter triple-demic” that’s sweeping across much of Ontario.

Health experts are warning that increased cases of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) over the busy holiday period could overwhelm some Ontario hospitals.

“This has been affecting our community and hospital services in our region and beyond, particularly with pediatric cases and admissions for older adults,” Plummer said.

“This is leading many hospitals to be in what we call a surge position, which means we have more admitted inpatients than we do beds.”

Plummer said HHHS has been in that predicament “a few times” in recent weeks.

“That means, unfortunately, we’ve had patients waiting in the emergency department on a stretcher, or admitted to a bed that may be in a bit of an unconventional space,” she said. “We’ve been working with staff to make sure people who are admitted to those spaces get the best quality of care that we can provide in these unusual circumstances.”

“We’re expecting it’s going to peak in January,” Plummer said, but then hopefully settle down a little bit after that.”

HHHS has advised that if you think you need to visit the emergency department (ED) over the holidays, first stop, check, go.

If an ED is temporarily closed, emergency medical services will take you to the nearest ED. If the situation is not life-threatening, you should ‘stop’ and see if self-care (for a twisted ankle, minor scrapes, or seasonal allergies), a call to a doctor (for chronic symptoms, back pain, or stomach aches), or a call to the assessment centre (if you suspect you have COVID or a respiratory illness) can address your needs. Next, ‘check’ to make sure the ED you plan to visit is open, by calling HHHS at 705-457-1392 and using extension 2555, visiting the website at hhhs. ca, or visiting HHHS’ Facebook or Twitter. If your need is urgent, you can then ‘go’ to the nearest ED.

If you are in need of serious medical attention (for chest pain, severe blood loss, head injury, shortness of breath, or if you think you are having a stroke), you should call 911.

As of Dec. 18, only essential caregivers were able to visit in the in-patient department and the lower level of Hyland Crest, as both facilities were in COVID-19 outbreaks.

Algonquin Highlands slams new provincial bill

By

Mike Baker

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December 22, 2022

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Algonquin Highlands mayor Liz Danielsen expressed frustration over the Ontario government pushing through its More Homes Built Faster Act (Bill 23), saying the new legislation could be catastrophic for the Highlands’ environment and ecosystems.

Introduced in October, Bill 23 proposes significant changes to Ontario’s planning act, land tribunal act, development charges act, conservation authorities act and the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, making it easier for developers to push through new builds province-wide.

Premier Doug Ford has called the bill a necessity as the provincial government works to follow through on its promise to oversee the construction of 1.5 million new homes in Ontario by 2031.

Some of the key features of Bill 23 include reducing developer charges, allowing more liveable units on one residential lot, and introducing programs promoting modular homes and rent-to-own properties.

The new legislation would allow up to three residential units, including basement apartments and garden houses, on one lot without needing any municipal bylaw amendments. These new units would also be exempt from development charges.

The province is also proposing to freeze, reduce and exempt fees for new builds. New affordable and non-profit housing builds would also be exempt from various charges.

“It’s unfortunate the bill has been passed because there are lots of concerns that have been raised. A lot of townships and activist groups are calling for changes… but our government does not seem to be too inclined to pay a lot of attention to what other people think,” Danielsen said.

In a report to council, township planner Sean O’Callaghan outlined some of the potential implications of Bill 23. He said the proposed changes would have a “direct negative impact” on the natural environment in Algonquin Highlands.

“The changes will weaken the protection of wetlands and natural heritage features at a time when we should be doing the opposite,” O’Callaghan wrote. “The importance of Ontario’s natural heritage cannot be understated. These environmental features play a significant role in mitigating storm water runoff, flood water retention and act as an important carbon sink.

“The government’s proposal to allow a developer to ‘pay to slay’ natural heritage features through the proposed offsetting policy to promote a net positive impact will undoubtedly result in an overall negative impact. These features are irreplaceable and cannot be simply moved or reconstructed in a more convenient location to accommodate development,” he added.

Danielsen suggested drafting a letter outlining council’s discontent and forwarding it to Ford and local MPP Laurie Scott.

“It’s still important for our voices to be heard loud and clear on issues that are as important as this,” she said.

Celebrate safely

Dr. Natalie Bocking, medical officer of health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, is encouraging residents to celebrate the holiday season safely and offered preventative measures as respiratory viruses continue to surge across the province.

“With the upcoming holiday season, many families and friends will gather to celebrate, enjoy festivities, and continue traditions that may have been missed during the COVID19 pandemic. However, the fall respiratory season has brought a significant increase in emergency department visits from residents with flu-like symptoms, and with young children especially at risk of developing more severe illness, residents are strongly encouraged to remain extra vigilant when making holiday plans this year,” Dr. Bocking said.

Her tips included: staying up to date with vaccinations, including a COVID-19 booster and flu shot; staying home if you feel sick, even if symptoms are considered mild; wearing a mask in crowded indoor places, such as shopping centres, private holiday parties and gatherings; always practising good hand hygiene and regularly disinfect surfaces; finding other meaningful ways to connect, such as virtual chats, phone calls or outdoor visits for people who may feel uncomfortable gathering indoors.

There are many ways to get a COVID-19 booster and/or flu shot before the holiday season. For more information on eligibility and booking an appointment, visit hkpr.on.ca.

Some ‘exciting’ changes for The Highlander in 2023

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Lisa Gervais

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December 22, 2022

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As 2022 draws to a close, The Highlander would like to announce some exciting changes.

After three years in the director’s chair, Simon Payn is stepping down as publisher. Payn, who co-owns the County’s only independent newspaper along with Bram Lebo, isn’t going anywhere, however.

“I’m itching to get involved in some new projects, one of which will be writing for this newspaper,” Payn said.

At The Highlander, the publisher does not influence the editorial department. In other words, he or she does not tell it what it should or should not write. Editorial control rests with the news team.

Payn was proud he was able to help navigate through COVID, and launch the new SmartAds and Marketplace products.

“It’s time for someone else to take the reins as we enter a new year. I’m delighted Heather Kennedy will be in charge – her personality, commitment to our community and her love of The Highlander will ensure this newspaper thrives.”

When Lebo and Payn established The Highlander 11 years ago, Kennedy, not long out of college, became the production person on day one when home was the HCDC Business Incubator. She remained with the paper until the end of 2017.

“While on maternity leave with a wonderful person in my place, I made a career change to another local company to be more in line with my changing life of becoming a mom. I worked there for the next four years,” she said.

Returning to The Highlander this month has been an exciting career move, she added. “Also, an amazing opportunity to get involved in the community again, which I have so missed. I’m excited for the future of The Highlander, its products and our team… 2023 is going to be such an exciting year.”

Meanwhile, the paper bids farewell to journalist Sam Gillett.

“I’m leaving to pursue other job opportunities in journalism or in other fields: I graduated during the pandemic, so I want to experience working in other parts of journalism, Ontario or Canada in a post-pandemic world,” he said.

Gillett said he also knows first hand what many Highlanders are experiencing.

“I found rent and the cost of living in Haliburton pretty high: moving back home for a bit allows me to reset, save some money and do a couple of trips, as well as focus on art.”

But Gillett gained an appreciation of his new town during his time and said, “I get the feeling I’ll be back in Haliburton one day: and I feel very sad to leave The Highlander and the great people who make up the team.”

The editorial team will now comprise editor Lisa Gervais, assistant editor Mike Baker, and Payn, who will work on special projects.

The Highlander is an award-winning publication. It scooped four awards at the recent Canadian Community Newspaper Awards. Those wins included: best community newspaper website (2021) and best local editorial (2021), as well as a second place for best special section (2020) and third for best local editorial (2020).

At the Ontario Community Newspaper Association awards (OCNAs), there isn’t room to list all of the accolades the paper has received. However, it has been judged best paper of its circulation size for five of the past six years. In the other year, it was third.

“So, while the faces may change, the quality of The Highlander will just continue,” Kennedy said.

Three of four townships may go alone on shoreline bylaw

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Lisa Gervais

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December 22, 2022

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The County’s shoreline preservation bylaw will go to a special meeting in January after Dysart et al councillors Murray Fearrey and Walt McKechnie voiced reluctance to endorse it at a Dec. 14 meeting.

Half of council already gave the thumbs up to the bylaw in August, prior to the municipal elections. Dysart et al’s former councillors, Andrea Roberts and Pat Kennedy, voted against, and subsequently their council withheld delegated authority for the County to administer the bylaw.

Director of planning, Steve Stone, said last week, the bylaw can still proceed if only three of the four municipalities buy in. Algonquin Highlands, Highlands East and Minden Hills delegated authority earlier this year and their County representatives indicated during the meeting that is not likely to change.

Stone came to council seeking direction, and after a robust debate, they decided to call a special meeting for the new year, to deal with concerns as well as discuss how the bylaw would be implemented.

Warden Liz Danielsen said, “we do need to land somewhere, relatively soon, if we’re going to plan for an April start-up date.”

Stone said they’d have to repeal the existing bylaw, craft a new one, and go back to the three participating counclls for delegated authority. They’d have to revise the funding model as well.

Coun. Bob Carter said from his perspective, “we either stand united or we fall divided. It doesn’t take a master cartographer to figure out that every major lake and water system in Dysart flows through Minden after it leaves Dysart. So, at this point in time, if Dysart, in particular, is not going to go along with the County bylaw, I’m not sure what its total value is.”

Dysart won’t buy in until assured it’s a useful tool

He added legally, and scientifically, the bylaw has been deemed well-crafted and in the common good. “We have a moral issue to be the stewards of these lakes.”

Danielsen said at least having three of four would make “positive strides in the right direction. We need to have an opportunity to see how this works. We won’t know for sure until we put it to the test.”

Coun. Jennifer Dailloux suggested constructing the bylaw for three townships and test piloting it for two years to gather as much data as possible.

Dysart objects

Fearrey said he felt Dysart was “getting a little scolding here” during discussions. He said the County had a tree cutting bylaw, that was complaints driven, but not enforced. Stone informed council they were actually investigating two tree cutting violations at the moment.

“I just hate bylaws that force neighbours to squeal on their neighbours,” Fearrey commented.

He went on to call the bylaw complicated, asking, “why do we have to have 30 pages or whatever it is?” He added in addition to needing to be simplified, there are “so many conflicting things.”

“Clearly my council is not going to delegate authority until they’re satisfied it’s a bylaw or a tool that’s going to be useful,” he said.

McKechnie said he represents “a very large group of people in Dysart” not in favour of the bylaw. He added they feel they’ve not been informed enough on the issues. “They feel there’s enough policies and rules in place.”

McKechnie added he believes it’s a small minority of people who clear cut, or have done something “crazy” to their waterfront. He said he asked a contractor the last time they dynamited and was told 10 years ago.

Coun. Lisa Schell urged McKechnie to speak to the people he said were complaining to him about the bylaw to find out why they don’t support it. She said there could be misinformation or misunderstanding. She also suggested to McKechnie that there were people in his constituency who do support the bylaw.

Carter added, “unlike others, I continue to see wanton destruction of our shoreline and can give you a countless number of examples.”

During his presentation, Stone said the bylaw had been “exhaustively” researched by two consultants, and deemed very well-crafted by a lawyer.

In reference to comments there are too many bylaws, he noted, “the benefit of this new bylaw is it now covers both preservation of trees along the shorelines as well as the terrain close to the water’s edge.” He went on to summarize the bylaw during about a 20-minute presentation.

Carter said, “we need to work towards some consensus. I want everybody in on this because I think that’s what’s needed for the whole community and for our future, too.”

Schell said she was channeling former Coun. Brent Devolin in saying if the County was amalgamated “this would not be going on right now.”

COVID outbreak declared at Haliburton hospital

By

Mike Baker

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December 18, 2022

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HHHS File Photo.jpg web — A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the Haliburton hospital.

Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) has declared a COVID-19 outbreak in the in-patient department of the Haliburton hospital.

In a release to media Sunday afternoon, HHHS spokesperson Lauren Hunter said there are five confirmed cases at the facility. All COVID-positive patients and those who may have been exposed have been isolated.

The in-patient department will be closed to any further admissions until the outbreak is over. Visitors will be restricted to essential caregivers and for those receiving end-of-life care. Essential caregivers may only visit one at a time, must wear full PPE, including gown, gloves, mask and eye coverage, and should remain in the patient’s room at all times.

Volunteers are also restricted from entering the in-patient department until further notice.

Services at the Haliburton emergency department remain unaffected by this outbreak, with Hunter saying community members requiring emergency care should not hesitate to seek assistance.

COVID-19 Outbreak at Hyland Crest

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Lisa Gervais

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December 16, 2022

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LG-Hyland Crest — A sign at Hyland Crest long-term care home in Minden declares a COVID outbreak at the facility

Today (Dec. 16), the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit declared a COVID-19 outbreak on the lower level of Hyland Crest Long-Term Care.

There are currently four confirmed resident cases associated with the outbreak on the lower level, as well as one staff case, HHHS said.

As a result of the outbreak, nine Hyland Crest residents have been isolated. The home is also now
closed to any further admissions and general visitors. All outings will be cancelled unless it is for a
medical appointment. Volunteers are also restricted from entering the home at this time. Essential
caregivers may continue to visit, one at a time.

HHHS will continue to maintain important Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures, including
mandatory masking in all resident care areas, mandatory vaccination, regular surveillance testing before
entry into long-term care facilities, and enhanced cleaning at Hyland Crest Long-Term Care.

Services in the Minden Hospital remain unaffected by this outbreak and community members in need of
emergency care should not hesitate to seek assistance.

** File photo**

By

Sam Gillett

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December 15, 2022

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The Ontario government passed the More Homes Built Faster Act Nov. 28 – only days after Haliburton County environmentalist Leora Berman panned the then Bill 23 during Environment Haliburton’s AGM.

Berman, the founder of The Land Between and Turtle Guardians, spoke about the importance of wetlands Nov. 24 and how the bill but wetlands at risk locally and across the province. “We need to talk about Bill 23 because it puts most of Ontario at risk, and all of our good work at risk, and all of our economies at risk,” Berman told about 50 people attending the AGM on Zoom.

Referencing wetlands ecologist, Nick Stowe, Berman said Bill 23, “will result in the largest destruction of wetlands since colonization.”

She said that habitat destruction is particularly problematic in the Highlands since we are not blessed with variable soils, but rather fractured bedrock.

“Those wetlands are essential to regulate our water and our water supplies.” She added the now endorsed regulations change the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System. Berman has interpreted those changes to mean less consideration for endangered species and the delisting of some provincially-significant wetlands since they won’t qualify now.

She thinks, as a result, there will be few if any designations in future.

“The new interpretation means that you can cut off arms and legs of these wetlands, but the wetlands won’t function and thrive that way and they won’t be able to clean our water and be the kidney that they are without those arms and legs,” she told the AGM during an extended presentation. She is also concerned that the Act, “takes the onus away from the recognized experts” at the Ministry of Natural Resources, and Forestry instead puts responsibility on the backs of municipalities that may not have the expertise.

She added it, “entirely removes the Conservation Authority’s role.” She believes citizens’ rights have been removed, with lessened requirements for developers and councils to notify the public about proposals in their communities, “defiling our democracy” by removing doors to public comment and appeal.

Further she said the premier and minister can usurp local authority, creating biased and closed markets.

Berman also explained that the Bill takes away fees that would normally go to municipalities, yet increases demands for services that will mean more taxes paid by the community at large to pay for costs. Berman then showed pictures from the “hundreds of protests” across the province.

In receiving Royal Assent, the province said Nov. 28, the Act supports “the government’s efforts to tackle the housing supply crisis and get 1.5 million homes built over the next 10 years. More Homes Built Faster removes unnecessary costs and cuts through red tape and other bottlenecks that stand in the way of new homes being built.” Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, added, “More Homes Built Faster helps fulfill our government’s promise to help more Ontarians find a home that meets their needs and budget. I am proud of the action this plan takes to increase the supply of housing of all types and restore the dream of homeownership for a generation of Ontarians.”

Other AGM news

EH! president Susan Hay said going to virtual presentations had significantly increased participants.

She added EH! had been stakeholders presenting on the shoreline preservation bylaw and short-term rentals, and vice-president Terry Moore participated on the County’s community climate action advisory panel.

Two long-serving directors, Carolynn Coburn and Eric Lilius, stepped down from the board of directors after serving since 2003. “We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for their leadership and dedication,” Hay said. “Eric has, since the beginning of the pandemic, been our Zoom coordinator and webmaster among other roles. Carolynn has recently been our treasurer. I thank both Eric and Carolynn for their help and their service.”

She noted the two were named Haliburton Highlands Land Trust Enviro Heroes in 2018. Also leaving the board is secretary Katie Paroschy. Joining the board are Christine Legge, Wilma Thomson, Tammy Kuepfer and Ryan Sisson.

Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association takes stock of 2022 fishery management

By

Sam Gillett

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December 15, 2022

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It was another busy year at the Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association (HHOA), president Dan Smith told the organization’s Nov. 27 AGM. It’s been 30 years since founding, but COVID-19 restrictions hampered celebration plans for this year. Smith said the association hopes to mark the milestone in the coming year.

The pandemic also prompted a change to HHOA fundraising, with traditional events such as the wild game dinner off the table. “At the same time, businesses in town have shut down during COVID,” Smith said. “How are we going to go ask for money?”

He said new fundraising initiatives such as the Catch the Ace have been successful, with the 50/50 cash raffle seeming like a good bet for the future. “To keep the lights on and feed the fish… we had to change the way we think,” Smith said.

Another focus has been spreading awareness of the group through social media, news sources and the group’s website.

“We need more members and volunteers,” Smith said. Currently, the association sits at 100 paid members and 84 volunteers. Volunteers who work more than 50 hours per week receive a free membership. The Ontario government’s proposal to shorten the ice fishing season on certain lakes could impact fishing on lakes the HHOA has stocked.

“For us, there are only three lakes on the list which might be problematic,” said hatchery manager David Poirer. He is seeking clarity on how the rules would impact the association’s stocking license on Salmon Lake, Lake Kashagawigamog and Kushog Lake.

Poirer referred to studies that show limiting the fish anglers can keep tends to be more effective than limiting time on the ice. Smith said, “we haven’t put our heads together to give our group’s feedback, because that’s not our group’s purpose at this time.”

Haliburton County Huskies’ identity shines through rocky clashes

By

Sam Gillett

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December 15, 2022

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It only took a few minutes for the ice at the Minden arena to reach a boiling point Dec. 11, as the Haliburton County Huskies faced off with the rival Cobourg Cougars.

While the referees were kept busy with 27 penalties and plenty of fiery confrontations, the Dogs battled to a 5-1 win. “We wanted our players to respond,” said coach Ryan Ramsay.

He said it was a strong performance coming off the back of a tough 5-3 loss to the Trenton Golden Hawks Dec. 9. “I didn’t like the outing that we had on Friday night. So, it was a good response from our guys and obviously, it’s a good rivalry with Cobourg,” Ramsay said.

Six minutes into the first period, Boyd Stahlbaum and Isaac Sooklal picked up a deflected shot from behind the net, passed it to Marco Iozzo – a recent acquisition from the Milton Menace – and he slotted it past the Cougars’ goaltender.

Two minutes later, Christian Stevens intercepted a Cougars’ pass and flicked the puck up to Lucas Rea. With clear ice ahead of him, Rea turned on the jets and flicked the puck between the goalie’s pads, leaving two Cougars’ defenders helpless behind him. “Our identity is a lot of team speed and skill, with some physicality. There’s also a sense of familiarity playing with each other,” Ramsay said.

The Dogs exploited cracks in the Cougars’ defence for the rest of the game. Stahlbaum notched two more goals in the third period, alongside one from Rea, assisted by Lucas Marshall and Zack Terry.

Hockey wasn’t the only focus, however. Volunteers from the Minden Community Food Centre hosted a 50/50 raffle, toy drive and silent auction. After the game, kids had a chance to hit the ice with their Huskies heroes. Ramsay was disappointed with how his team started the game against Trenton.

“If we would have played the first or second period like the third period, we would have won,” Ramsay said of the squad’s away loss to Trenton.

After going down 3-0 in the first period, the Huskies battled back with two goals from Ty Collins and one from Stahlbaum. “You can’t just show up and play one period and expect to win… but good on [the team] to show some character and try to battle back,” Ramsay said.

The Dogs play at home against the Toronto Patriots Dec. 17, away against St. Michael’s Dec. 18 and ring in the new year back at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena with a tilt versus Aurora Dec. 31.

Projected voices in magical places for 2023

By

Sam Gillett

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December 15, 2022

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Tickets are on sale for the Highlands Opera Studio’s (HOS) 17th season, in which emerging and established talents will explore indigenous stories, operatic comedies and host multiple community-focused musical events.

“Join us to listen, learn, reawaken your senses, and celebrate together,” said general and co-artistic director, Valerie Kuinka, in a media release.

Mishabooz’s Realm, a 2017 opera written by Cree composer and creator Andrew Balfour, is set to swoop into the Northern Lights Performing Arts pavilion Aug. 17 and 18. HOS said it’s a “powerful and important” production and, unlike the vast majority of stories in opera, takes viewers outside the realm of European storytelling.

Balfour produced the opera in 2017, in collaboration with HOS and the l’Atelier lyrique de l’Opera de Montreal. “Mishabooz’s Realm takes us on a journey from an Indigenous perspective through creation, colonization, and, ultimately, hope for the future,” said HOS.

The Elixir of Love, a romantic comedy, follows the misadventures of a villager in love with a wealthy heiress.

Along with full-length productions, the studio has scheduled multiple paywhat-you-can events through July and August, as well as operatic masterclasses.

Holiday pricing is in effect until Jan. 20, with tickets and season passes available at highlandsoperastudio.com.