Durant returns to Minden with IIHF medal

September 4, 2025

Minden’s Carey Durant pauses for a moment, smiles and looks down at the bronze medallion hanging around his neck, allowing himself to feel every emotion as he reflects on nine months of work advancing the Hong Kong China national hockey program.

From September 2024 to May, Durant served as the head coach of the men’s and women’s teams in the special administrative region of China, while also guiding youth squads at U18, U14, and U11. He returned home May 31.

After taking a year-long leave of absence from his civilian role with the Haliburton Highlands OPP, Durant said he’s pleased to be back in the County. He didn’t come home empty-handed, armed with a lifetime’s worth of memories and a third-place medal from the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) Div. III World Championships, held in Mexico in April.

He also guided the men’s team to its best-ever finish at the Asia Winter Games, held in Harbin, China in January, and coached the women at the IIHF Div. II World Championships in New Zealand.

This all coming two-and-a-bit years on from a Stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis, Durant still pinches himself daily to make sure he wasn’t daydreaming and that this did all happen. ‘“One day I’m cleaning a toilet or fixing a police car at the detachment in Minden, the next I’m shaking hands with [John Lee] the chief executive of Hong Kong, meeting guys like Bob Nicholson (former CEO of Hockey Canada], and Luc Tardif, the IIHF president,” Durant told The Highlander in a recent interview.

“What an opportunity for me to go and experience something just absolutely incredible, coaching at the Asia Winter Games is just like being at the Olympics” he added. “Two years ago, I was on the brink. Next thing I’m coaching on the biggest stage in the world. Don’t ever give up on your dreams, always bet on yourself.”

What an honour

While it was a hectic start to life in Hong Kong – Durant had to formulate his own player pool, develop training programs, and establish team systems, he was proud of how much everything had progressed by the time he travelled to Harbin in early January. Right on the Russian-Chinese border, he said it’s a hockey-loving area.

He was nervous walking into the rink for the first time, saying whenever he closes his eyes he can still make out the people staring at him from the crowd, the scoreboard, and the players whipping around the ice.

“Surreal – I still get goosebumps any time I talk or think about it,” Durant said.

Hong Kong swept Group C, recording big wins over India, Macau and Turkmenistan. Despite taking a 5-2 lead over Kyrgyzstan in the qualifying round of playoffs, Hong Kong dropped a 6-5 decision in overtime – setting up what would be a humbling game against Kazakhstan.

“We lost 24-0 – they had a team full of professional players, signed to teams in the Kontinental Hockey League. We had a couple guys who played [college and junior] hockey, but they all have regular day jobs,” Durant said. “To see a team that good up close, I don’t care what the score was, every one of us learned something that day.”

The team wrapped the tournament in eighth place – it’s best-ever finish.

That gave Durant and his team the confidence to express themselves at the IIHF World Championships a couple months later. Despite dropping their first two games during round robin to Mexico and the People’s Republic of Korea, the team rallied winning three straight against the Philippines, Singapore and Mongolia to earn bronze.

There was another “cool” accolade – in dressing 52-year-old goaltender Emerson Keung, Durant played a part in setting a world record for the oldest player to appear in an IIHF men’s world championship game.

In the Div. II women’s event, Durant guided an injury-riddled Hong Kong squad to a 1-4 record, beating Turkey but losing to Belgium, Ukraine, New Zealand and Australia. It was on that trip he met Tardif, spending two hours with the hockey executive.

“What an amazing human being – he gave me the history of him, how he bounced back [from not making it to the National Hockey League] to play in Europe, his involvement with the French Ice Hockey Federation and run with IIHF. He gave me some great advice as a coach and person,” Durant said.

Keeping options open

While there was an offer to extend his stint with the Hong Kong program for five more years, Durant said he’s committed to seeing out his time with the OPP – he has six years to go before retirement.

Not interested in taking on a junior coaching role, Durant has already resumed his scouting gig with the Ontario Hockey League’s Guelph Storm. He’s been working with up-and-coming names like Lachlan Whelan and Andrew Laurin, top prospects for the 2026 OHL draft.

He’s not sure what doors will open in the future, but said he’ll keep an open mind to opportunities that come his way – just like he did with Hong Kong.

Reflecting on the impact he made over there, Durant said he hopes the changes he implemented will help the Hong Kong program progress up the ladder. The region will host the men’s and women’s Div. 3 IIHF World Championships next year.

“They’re years behind places like Canada and the U.S. Hockey just isn’t a focus there. Renting an hour of ice time is $1,500, it costs kids $20,000 a year to play,” he said, adding there are no professional facilities. “The rink we used [for practice] is on the 10th floor of a shopping mall, there weren’t any changing rooms. But they’re developing… they’re building their own rink for the world championships, which is a big deal.

“I think hockey is going to take off there… I’m happy and proud to have played my part. We really changed the culture of hockey in Hong Kong, we made players work for everything they got,” he added. “I think the door will always be open for me to go back if I wanted, so never say never.”

He thanked his wife, Lori, colleagues at the OPP Paul McDonald and Mike Cavanagh for encouraging him to live out a lifelong dream, and provincial police commissioner Thomas Carrique for approving it.

“I understand what it’s like now winning the lottery,” Durant beamed.

Water storybook walk to make a splash

Lisa Gervais

September 4, 2025

A nature-inspired children’s book – and partnerships – were featured at Stories in the Park Fun Fair in Haliburton last week.

Author Adele Lamothe read her book, Two Little Raindrops – and, with Children’s Water Festival partners – launched a ‘water storybook walk’ and donated a signed copy of the book to the Dysart branch of the Haliburton County Public Library.

The Haliburton-Muskoka-Kawartha Children’s Water Festival has been extending from their annual offering for schools into sharing fun water stewardship learning at community events, said coordinator Kara Mitchell.

She said, “this new water storybook walk is expected to make a splash” with younger, primary learners they are finding attend their community water hero engagements. She said Two Little Raindrops introduces the water cycle through a rhyming story. Two raindrops are lost and miss their family. They start a journey to find their way back home and have a fun adventure along the way. The book includes a simple diagram of the water cycle and water conservation tips.

“Through my books, I want to entertain children while educating and inspiring them to appreciate this beautiful earth,” Lamothe said. “I believe when children connect with books about nature, they learn to appreciate and respect our environment.”

Mitchell said the water festival will share the walk with regional primary schools and families at future events. They are encouraging families to make a pledge to give back to life-giving water, and share their stories for potential prizes in their ‘big splash contest.’ See waterheroes.ca for more.

End of a stellar season

Submitted

September 4, 2025

Even though it was the final week of the soccer season, the enthusiasm and excitement of the players was not diminished in the slightest as the teams took to the field with more refined skill, greater endurance, and stronger perseverance than had been displayed in any of the earlier weeks.

Coaches, parents, and supporters on the sidelines all took notice of the much-improved level of gameplay that unfolded on the field as well as the noticeably better attitudes, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that continued both on and off the field.

The top moments of the summer were remembered with smiles, laughter, and celebration as the season reached its close, and the medals were proudly handed out to mark another truly stellar year of soccer in the community.

Players and parents alike expressed their thanks and gratitude to the dedicated volunteer coaches, recognizing all the long hours, energy, and commitment that had been poured into the program throughout the warm summer months.

Conversations and planning have already started about next summer’s program, with even more anticipation building for what is to come. Looking forward to next year, the organization is aiming to expand enrollment with additional players and more teams, since each season the waiting list grows longer and the demand for outdoor sports and community engagement continues to rise in Haliburton.

Fast, hard-hitting hockey

Mike Baker

September 4, 2025

New bench boss Jordan Bailey says fans can expect the same brand of Huskies hockey this coming season, continuing the legacy and principles of longtime coach Ryan Ramsay.

After spending four years with the organization as an assistant coach – one in Whitby and three in the Highlands – Bailey told The Highlander he’s “excited, proud and beyond honoured” to be leading the franchise into a new era. He was with the team for its first two seasons in Haliburton County, from 2021-2023, before moving to the Toronto Jr. Canadiens as an assistant for 2023-24. He returned to Haliburton last fall.

“This is one of the things we had talked about when I was coming back to Haliburton – if Ryan were to find another opportunity, would I be ready,” Bailey said. “I didn’t think it would be this soon, but I got the call over the summer and immediately felt this rush… this is an amazing opportunity.”

This is Bailey’s first stint as a head coach and comes after Ramsay took a skills and development coaching role with the Ontario Hockey League’s Peterborough Petes. Ramsay will maintain a presence with the Huskies, staying on as the team’s general manager.

Bailey will be backed up this coming season by assistants Owen Flood and Evan Foley. He’ll take the lead with forwards and the powerplay, while delegating defensive and penalty kill duties to Flood and Foley.

“I don’t see much changing as far as systems and how things are run. Ryan is still going to be a massive part of this organization. He, Owen and I have done everything together as a coaching stuff – we have a great relationship. Every decision is broken down, discussed and decided upon pretty equally, with everyone having a voice at the table. That won’t change,” Bailey said.

He sees Ramsay as a major hockey influence and mentor, saying a Jordan Bailey coached team will carry many of the same characteristics as recent Huskies squads.

“We’re going to look to be a very fast, north, heavy team. I love the way we played last year. The fans want to see a team that competes night in and night out. Work ethic away from the puck is very important – if you’re making a turnover, you’d better get that puck back, we tell people to finish their checks. It’s about doing things the right way,” Bailey said.

With players returning for training camp Aug. 21, he’s had a couple of weeks to drill down on systems and make newcomers feel at home. The season kicks off Sept. 6 with a home tilt against the Cobourg Cougars.

There will be some familiar names in the lineup – goaltenders Stephen Toltl and Carter Nadon are back, so too defencemen Kaiden Thatcher, Curtis Allen and Oliver Tang and forwards Isaac Larmand, Daniel Vasic and Chase Del Colombo.

With most newcomers born in 2007 or 2008, so between 16 and 18 years old, Bailey said the Huskies will be one of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s youngest to start the season.

“That will give guys an opportunity to show their skills and figure out where they belong in junior hockey,” he said.

Recruitment will ramp up again mid-to-late September, when OHL teams make their final cuts. Bailey said the team will be looking for players who can add size and grit to the team.

“We were one of the bigger and heavier teams last year and that really helped us through the regular season and especially in playoffs,” he said. “We want guys with good motors and who are ready to come in every day and work.”

After finishing last year in third in the East Conference, recording 40 wins in 56 games, and making it to the conference finals in playoffs, Bailey said he’d love to go one step further and bring an inaugural championship to Haliburton County.

“It’s hard to put a finger on what exactly we need to do to win… we broke down last year a lot over the summer and, against Trenton, it was so close. We felt like a bounce here, a bounce there and it could have been a different series. At that level, it’s all about focus, staying on task and taking opportunities when they come. We have to be dialled in at all times.

“We’ve seen the level we need to be at – a lot of our guys [have come back] hungry and raring to go, ready to have a great season,” Bailey said.

Concert proceeds for youth hub expansion

Lisa Gervais

September 4, 2025

Spencer Zumpano moved to the Highlands in the fall of 2023, finding the Haliburton County Youth Wellness Hub shortly after.

Now a peer mentor who sits on youth hub committees, Zumpano said, “I come here as often as I can. I even come early sometimes because I love it here. It is honestly my safe space.

Zumpano has noticed, though, that it gets loud in the common room shared by youth. Some kids might want to play Dungeons and Dragons but not so openly in front of other youth. Others might quietly want to do homework, but the quiet might be lacking.

“I think having more space would help with learning, like doing homework for example. There isn’t a quiet space that kids can go to if they’re overwhelmed and just need some time to cool off. It’s one big area where everyone is and it can get overwhelming and loud,” he said.

Point in Time executive director Marg Cox said the number of youth coming to the hub for skills and wellbeing activities, or to access other support and services, is growing exponentially “and our space is no longer meeting the needs of youth in our community. We need to expand.”

Cox said the number of visits for services has grown from 440 in 2020-21 to 879 in 2024-25; the number of youth from 139 to 163, and number of visits for skills and wellbeing activities from 593 to 2,292.

Point in Time is presenting an evening with Kael Reid Sept. 13 in Haliburton, with proceeds going towards the expansion of the hub. Cox said it was “one step in many steps to come towards raising money for a youth hub expansion.”

Reid is an assistant professor in children, childhood, and youth studies in the department of humanities, faculty of liberal arts and professional studies at York University in Toronto.

They will be giving a songwriting and sharing workshop to youth between noon to 2 p.m., before an evening concert.

Reid, described as a “queer folksinger and recording artist,” last did programming in the Highlands in 2013.

“With the youth hub, I really think it’s important for, especially marginalized youth, having places to go that are welcoming and safe and offer the kinds of programming they might not be getting in school or at home,” they said.

The concert is Sept. 13, 7-9 p.m. at the Music Room at Castle, at 223 Highland St. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. They can be purchased at point in Time, The Music Room at Castle, Foodland Haliburton, Glecoff’s Haliburton, Agnew’s General Store in Wilberforce and Molly’s Bistro Bakery in Minden.

Warning about low lake levels

Lisa Gervais

August 28, 2025

Waterfront property owners are being advised that traditionally low water levels have arrived early this year – and they should be ready in case they have to take action, such as moving docks and water lines and taking boats out of the water early.

“There’s going to be people whose boats are stuck in the mud this coming weekend,” said Carol Moffatt, who is a member of the Coalition for Equitable Water Flow (CEWF) executive committee.

Moffatt added that depending on people’s lakes, “the (low) water levels are two to four weeks ahead of normal.”

CEWF is recommending people be attentive to the Trent Severn Waterway drawdown and fully understand it is 14 to 28 days ahead of usual.

Asked if any lakes in particular were experiencing extreme low water levels, Moffatt said, “each lake is affected differently, but the percentage of fill across the board is generally the mid-to- high 50 per cents. If this was October, it wouldn’t really matter, but it’s August.”

She said what CEWF is also trying to do is get people “to be a little more self-starting” by looking at CEWF’s website and the Trent Severn’s live water map and graphs.

“All of the lakes where there are dams; they all have a graph. You can look at the graph and go ‘yikes, my water seems to be very close to the all-time low.’ So, if CEWF says ‘hey, heads up,’ that people immediately go and look at their graph and go ‘okay, I need to take care of whatever I need to take care of’.”

Moffatt said the last time the region experienced extreme low water levels was 2012. She said it was a drought summer, “not dissimilar to this one” and people experienced problems.

She said someone on the Boshkung Lake page had posted they took their boat out three weeks ago because it is a deep hull boat and they cannot get under the bridge to get to the boat launch if the water is too low.

“People also need to be aware of how these levels affect their local boat ramp should they have one. Some boat ramps are a bit more of a deep-water boat ramp. Some, like Little Boshkung, go into shallow water and a sand bar.

“Know your lake, know your levels, know your boat ramp, know your own personal foot valve and boating situation and plan accordingly.”

Moffatt: TSW has done a really good job

Moffatt added some people think the Trent Severn draws water “so people on the canal can ride around on their boats.” She said it may be true, but is not accurate. She said the TSW has to maintain minimum flows to service municipal water systems, such as in Peterborough. So, it is the same flow for drinking water and navigation; with the priority being the water system.

She added, “the daily working considerations for the system have been supported by TSW. They’re not just saying ‘we need some water, we’re going to take it from lake A to Z…they have done a really good job, as best they can, in maintaining the minimum flows across the watershed.”

She added they have done so in extreme weather. “It’s not just that the rain is not filling the watershed, it’s also that the heat and the wind is evaporating what water we have …and then you add the water they have to take and you end up in the situation we’re in.”

Moffatt reiterated, “if we don’t get a lot of rain and you don’t make a plan, then don’t be surprised if, in two weeks, your boat’s in the mud.”

Go to CEWF.ca for more information.

New Minden housing a go

Lisa Gervais

August 28, 2025

Work has begun on an affordable housing project next to the Minden Legion.

Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Housing Corporation (KLHHC) director of human services, Cheryl Faber, said on Aug. 26 that KLHHC has contracted Derigay Developments Limited and clearing of the site for the build has commenced.

She said they hope the project is complete for the fall of 2026, with occupancy in the fourth quarter of next year.

The complex will comprise 35 housing units.

“As the director, human services and (interim) chief executive officer for KLH Housing Corporation, I am happy to see that this project is underway and for it to come to fruition in 2026. It is a great achievement for the community,” Faber said.

It was announced in early 2025 that KLHHC was getting $2.4 million in provincial funding to put towards the housing development on Hwy. 35, just south of the legion.

Minden Hills mayor Bob Carter said this week he was unable to comment. However, last January he said the funding was “very, very welcome. That $2.4 million has me very excited that we will actually be breaking ground on this project this year.”

It was back in September, 2020 that a public-private partnership was announced between long-time cottager, Bill Switzer, who donated the land, and the corporation. The 35 units are planned for the west side of Hwy. 35 at County Road 21, between Rotary Park and the Minden Legion, overlooking the Gull River. At the time, then corporation CEO Hope Lee, now retired, said the townhouses – valued at $6.8 million in 2020 – would provide units towards affordable housing targets.

Switzer first approached Carter about doing something with the land in 2018. Some of the delay stemmed from the Ministry of Transportation not signing off on the site.

Faber said that to apply for community housing, as administered by the consolidated municipal service manager for housing services in Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes, applications and more information on eligibility and the standardized process can be found at www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/living-here/community-housing. aspx

Carter: ministers listening

Lisa Gervais

August 28, 2025

Minden Hills mayor Bob Carter said attending the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa Aug. 17-20 was worthwhile.

His township had a large presence, with CAO Cynthia Fletcher and deputy mayor Lisa Schell also attending. Their colleague, coun. Pam Sayne, was also there on behalf of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association, as she sits on its board.

County of Haliburton CAO Gary Dyke was present, along with warden and Highlands East mayor Dave Burton, and County and Highlands East coun. Cec Ryall. No one was there on behalf of Algonquin Highlands and Dysart et al.

Carter said “it was busy. We had delegations from Minden, from the County, some joint ones with the County and City of Kawartha Lakes. There was lots going on.”

The Minden Hills mayor added he felt like the politicians were listening.

“Absolutely. Actually, we had a couple of delegations where the minister, especially new ministers, really weren’t aware of certain facts. And there’s some things that affect rural areas in a different way than they do the city. They were listening and in a lot of cases, they were getting back to us right away, so, hopefully we did some good.”

For example, a delegation from the County met with the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, addressing specific emergency preparedness needs for small rural communities. And, a joint delegation between the County and CKL met with the Ministry of Education, seeking support for investment in needed childcare spaces overall, as well as bringing attention to the need to create mechanisms to support additional in-home childcare opportunities to serve the rural community.

Carter said he felt more encouraged than some past conferences.

“It was very interesting actually. When premier Doug Ford spoke, he had lower energy than normal. But he did it in a different way. With this whole thing with U.S. president Donald Trump, he was almost statesmanlike.”

In his Aug. 18 speech, Ford spoke about the threat of Trump’s tariffs and the need to spend money on Ontario products.

“Ontario municipalities spend tens of billions of dollars every year on procurement,” he said. “And that money should be going back into our communities and our province.”

He further encouraged townships to have staff back in the office five days a week. “It will help bring the public service in municipalities closer to the people they serve and will revitalize our workplaces and downtowns across Ontario,” he said.

Ford announced an additional $1.6 billion to the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program – one the Ontario government had already put $2.3 billion into – to boost housing.

Carter said having such a large contingent at AMO, “does more to bring the town forward in these conferences than we can at any other time.

“I was able to speak to seven to eight ministers. Even if we didn’t have a delegation, there is a reception and you get a chance to meet them and exchange cards. I’ve heard from a couple of them already.”

He added, “I got to speak to three or four mayors; just bouncing things off them; such as ‘how are you doing that? or how are you handling that problem’? It’s really helpful. You can get very isolated and very provincial in your thinking if you do not.”

Dorset hall replacement on council radar

Mike Baker

August 28, 2025

Algonquin Highlands council has been told it should develop a long-term plan for replacing its Station 60 fire hall in Dorset – one of 29 recommendations outlined in a new fire master plan tabled in mid-August.

Terry Gervais of Peterborough-based consultancy firm Loomex Group said the document, delivered Aug. 14, provides an outline for the Algonquin Highlands Fire Department for the next five to 10 years.

It’s designed to help forecast unforeseeable costs and prevent future large costs through maintenance and pre-planning, while ensuring the department meets all firefighting guidelines and provincial legislation.

Gervais said the station in Dorset, located at 1060 Main St. across from the rec centre, is 47 years old, having been constructed in 1978. He suggested the building is nearing the end of its life.

“The main issues are limited space… it doesn’t have any shower facilities, has a limited common area and has drainage issues,” Gervais wrote in his report. “The facility is also not compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.”

No estimates were provided on costs to replace the 3,344 sq. ft. site, though Algonquin Highlands mayor Liz Danielsen confirmed it is on council’s radar.

“We acknowledge there is some work to be done, particularly at Dorset… we’re keeping an eye on available land and are starting to think about what we can do. We’re looking at other departments, possible partnerships, and how we can move forward with this,” Danielsen said, with Station 60 having a good working relationship with the Lake of Bays fire department.

The Stanhope station, constructed in 1973, and the Oxtongue Lake station, built between 1980-85 and upgraded in 2019, are both “adequate for current service levels,” Gervais added.

Despite their fair current condition, he recommended council start saving now for future seven-to-eight figure replacements, while also encouraging funding be made available to replace roofs, windows and key infrastructure as needed.

Finding a way to bolster staffing levels was also advised. Currently, the department is operating at 90 per cent capacity. It’s permitted to carry up to 55 staff, though only had 50 as of Aug. 14 – 25 based out of Stanhope, 15 in Dorset and 10 in Oxtongue Lake. Fire chief Michael French said the department has a mutual aid agreement with Dwight to assist with any structure fires.

Danielsen said she has been worried about staffing levels for years. Gervais said it’s a byproduct of the Highlands’ demographics, with 40.8 per cent of the township’s population as of the 2021 Census – 2,588 full-time and 2,400 seasonal residents – over the age of 65.

“It is not uncommon for a department to lose 10-20 per cent of its volunteer workforce each year, which means a complete turnover is possible within five to 10 years,” Gervais said. “Historically, the department has faced recruitment and retention challenges… [it] should consider offering its firefighters additional benefits, such as pension plans.”

Investigating response times, Gervais said they had increased from an average of 19 minutes and 37 seconds in 2019 to 38 minutes and 25 seconds in 2023. The department responded to nine fires in 2019, four in 2020, three in 2021, 10 in 2022 and three in 2023. The average dollar loss was $1,060,800.

Gervais’ other key recommendations included increasing the wash capacity of the extractor at Stanhope used to clean equipment; developing a replacement plan for all self-contained breathing apparatus; forming peer support and critical incident stress management teams to assist with firefighters’ mental health; and improving technology so all stations have access to pre-incident planning information before arriving on-scene.

French and CAO Angie Bird said the township has already made progress on some of the recommendations and would provide quarterly updates to council, which Danielsen liked.

“I do think this is something we need to track on a regular basis to know where we’re at and where we can still improve,” the mayor said.

Minden manufacturer leaving County

Lisa Gervais

August 28, 2025

A long-time Minden-based manufacturer is leaving the County.

TekVest announced earlier this month it is leaving its premises on County Road 121 near Howland Junction for the Kitchener-Waterloo region.

Founder and former co-owner, as well as current shareholder, Steve Brand, said the move means laying off staff, which has ranged from six to 10 people depending on orders.

The property is now also up for sale.

TekVest makes protective wear (body armour) for the power sports community and have an international reputation as an industry leader. Steve Brand and co-owner Nancy Brand had manufactured in the Highlands since 2000, after starting the business in 1996. They sold to new owners three years ago.

They announced the relocation Aug. 14.

“Thank you for a great 29-year run thus far. Part of this transition means that our Minden plant will be closing and the building is now for sale,” the two said.

Brand said it’s been tough going due to a variety of reasons, including mild winters (as they make equipment for snowmobilers), difficulty finding local workers, and today’s tariffs.

“It is difficult being a manufacturer in Ontario, let alone in Haliburton County. The new owner decided to move the operation to his hometown in Kitchener. He’s going to rebuild a team down there,” Brand told The Highlander Aug. 21.

He said “few people want to work in this trade here,” adding the business’ youngest sewer is more than 50 years old. He added he had talked to Fleming College about making the plant a training site for textile cut and sew students but claims they were not interested. He added it could have been used for retraining adults in the textile industry. “You always need somebody to sew boat covers and trailer covers. That can’t be exported to China.”

He said in their time in Minden Hills, half a dozen people retired from the company. “They wanted to come to work. We had an interesting product with 90 per cent of sales to the U.S.”

However, he said with the trade war, the “market is stressed right now. All of our import costs are up as 90 per cent of our raw materials come from the States. We can’t make the numbers work.”

That said, the company will continue to manufacture from southwestern Ontario, where Brand said there is “access to more talent and staff.

“We have a world-class product that has a world-class reputation. We’ve saved lives. We’ve prevented serious injuries and, in 29 years now, not had one liability claim. Not one lawsuit.”

He is the listing agent for the property that he owns. He said it is already set up for a small manufacturing business; and a detached residence is permitted.

“Next year will be our 30th anniversary. We’re still in business. We’re just going through a hiccup with the global crisis, as are many businesses. There is a continued need for our products that have been in use for many years. Unfortunately. I’ve designed something that doesn’t wear out and we have very loyal customers.”

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