Libraries putting eggs in two baskets

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October 13, 2022

The Haliburton County Public Library’s (HCPL) status has risen “in the library world across Ontario” as a result of the Dorset depot library lockers, CAO Chris Stephenson told County council Sept. 28.

In a delegation along with library board chairperson, Sally Howson, Stephenson discussed what’s transpired since he joined the service a little over a year ago.

“It’s been an exciting time at the library and we’re absolutely thrilled by the support we’ve received in all areas of the community,” the chief librarian said.

He told councillors that managers and libraries, from Waterloo library, the County of Huron, ARUPLO (Administrators of Rural and Urban Public Libraries of Ontario) “have been checking in with us since the beginning of the launch of the Dorset depot library lockers. They’ve attracted a great deal of attention and people are tracking our success because it’s a model that may work well in small and medium communities everywhere. In fact, Oakville Public Library has launched some modern lockers to help people outside the library when it’s closed.”

He said they currently had 15 families and regular users in Dorset with room to grow for seniors and seasonal visitors.

The lockers were introduced in March in partnership with Robinsons General Store. Reserved books are dropped off there for patrons to pick up.

In addition to raising the services’ status, Stephenson said they hope to present what they’ve learned at the Ontario Library Association’s super conference in February.

Stephenson said other 2022 highlights included: adding a part-time marketing staff person; a new public services librarian, Kanopy video streaming and 4,000 magazines now available digitally,

“We’re starting to put our eggs into two baskets as we go and recognize the need for serving patrons with all different needs,” Stephenson said.

He added that partnerships were strong, creating a wide variety of programs and talks; from EarlyON to the green burial society, climate change initiatives and genealogy. The summer reading program attracted 160-plus children and the Haliburton and District Lions Club stories in the park 500 families and children.

The CAO and chief librarian added they’ve been mindful of technology and accessibility. There’s a new microphone system where people have to talk through glass at Dysart, Minden Hills and Wilberforce branches. There is an added kiosk in Wilberforce to access the portal. A new phone tree system is coming since call volumes are up and the service wants to address incoming calls better.

They have also hired two part-time couriers and put down a deposit on a new delivery van.

There has been rebranding, a new logo, website and access to BiblioCommons. Stephenson also addressed staff changes that began in 2020 and continue.

“Over 125 years of collective experience have moved on for various reasons, retirement, resignations, as people made new life plans. So, it has been a period of ups and downs but we’ve been able to provide consistent and great library service through this period.”

Howson added there had been “a lot of very positive changes in the library system.” She thanked the County for its support on behalf of the board.

“It is a vital hub for the community and there’s lots of great changes that have happened …”

Warden Liz Danielsen, who sits on the board, thanked Howson. She agreed there had been “some positive changes in the system during your term as chair. Particularly since Chris joined us, things have changed even more, all positive, we look forward to more positive changes as we go forward.”

By the numbers:

• 6,908 County residents had a library card in 2022.

• 108,443 items were circulated, including 44,002 digital.

• There were 4,124 visits to Kanopy; 123 user accounts created and 743 videos played.

• There are 51,691 items on shelves, with an added 4,820 this year. On average, they get a delivery of 89 new items every week.

• 5,208 people visited the website this year.

• 39,733 people access the internet through the library.

Septic report stirs up council feedback

By

Sam Gillett

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October 13, 2022

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Minden Hills councillors said the company charged with inspecting septic systems needs to enhance its ability to communicate with residents.

While WSP, hired in 2021 to conduct septic systems inspections through the township, has finished 724 inspections in Minden Hills to date, the company did not receive replies from 78 properties.

About 40 to 60 per cent of septic systems surveyed required remedial action.

At a Sept. 29 council meeting, Coun. Pam Sayne said that may not be due to property owner negligence.

“It’s the ability for people to contact WSP regarding septic system, a lot of the problem is telephone tag,” she said.

She said she’s gotten complaints about the difficulty in reaching WSP.

“It’s been very frustrating. If you could have someone during business hours to answer the phone, that would be greatly appreciated. That is, I think, where a lot of the delays have been happening.”

Brandon Aubin of WSP, who presented a progress report on the inspections, said, “it’s something we’re adding additional services and more staff to make sure we’re getting back to owners in a timely manner.”

With it costing approximately $200 an inspection, the township is billed by WSP before then being repaid by the property owner.

WSP stated that issues with reporting software meant invoices haven’t been sent out, resulting in Minden Hills not being reimbursed for more than $200,000 in fees.

“That’s not something we should be doing,” Coun. Bob Carter said.

He also asked how WSP would ensure they can reach more landowners next year.

“What are you doing to make sure you get more than 70 per cent?” Carter asked. “I don’t want to be at the end of next year having 500 or 600 not being done.”

Aubin said the company will devote more personnel to inspections next year.

Coun. Neville and Sayne asked about timelines for bringing septic systems into compliance. Sayne said property owners may want to remedy their septic issues, but be unable to find a company that can conduct the work soon enough.

“There’s got to be some coordination of our letters and people’s ability to meet the demands of those letters,” she said.

“Otherwise, they’re between a rock and a hard place.”

WSP will seek to complete 1,475 inspections in 2023.

Highlands East moves on Dillman trail fixes

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Sam Gillett

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October 13, 2022

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A petition signed by 454 people calls on Highlands East to ensure a trail remains multi-use and remove a beaver dam that blocks access to it.

“Many of those I represent here have literally been travelling the road since they’ve been born, and their ancestors before them,” said John Davidson, a representative of the Cheddar Road Organization for Trail Sustainability.

He presented a delegation on the petition to the Highlands East trails and outdoor tourism committee Sept. 21 and Highlands East Council Oct. 11, accompanied by 22 people.

The trail, which links Legacy Road and South Wilberforce Road, is blocked by flooding of the area due to a beaver dam built over the trail bed. Highlands East is currently seeking advice from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks before deciding whether the trail remains multi-use.

It used to be a road linking the area to Peterborough, named the Burleigh Road. He added that the renamed Dillman Trail remains an important thoroughfare for snowmobiles, ATVs, horses and walkers. He said it reduces highway travel by six kilometres for trail users accessing trails south of Hwy. 118.

“Our highway traffic is ever increasing, making these trails more & more important for the safety of trail users and drivers alike,” Davidson told the committee.

The petitioners call on the township to remove one of two beaver dams, located on the trail.

“…The only reasonable step is to remove the secondary dam from the road allowance, during the fall while water levels downstream are at their lowest and not allow it to be rebuilt,” Davidson said. “The primary dam will maintain adequate water for the beavers and other wildlife.”

The Highlands East trail committee paused work on expanding the trail due to environmental concerns over the area’s wetland, which is adjacent to Crown land, in 2019.

Blanding’s turtles not at risk: MECP

In Spring 2022, The Highlander acquired photos that appeared to show a person dismantling the dam, which may be the habitat of Blanding’s turtles, an at-risk species. Therefore, damage or alteration of the habitat falls under the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP).

“The ministry consulted with the Ministry of the Natural Resources and Forestry to gather details of the complaint and surrounding lands,” said an MECP spokesperson.

“The MECP is not aware of any impacts to the Blanding’s turtles habitat. At this point we have completed our review of the incident. However, the ministry will remain vigilant and if we receive additional information, we may take further action.”

Davidson claimed high water levels are adversely impacting the Blanding’s turtles.

“The turtles in this grassy wetland have flourished for over a century of trail use. During those years, water levels were held below the top of the roadbed. In the last 40 years however, beavers have been allowed to rebuild the dam on this roadbed each time it washed out,” he said. “This has caused repeated flooding of the island and shoreline nesting areas.”

Davidson’s petition claims that “of those we polled there was overwhelming support for this and other multi-use trails.”

The Highlands East trails and outdoor committee did not respond to Davidson’s comments, however Highlands East council voiced their support for the idea.

Highlands East Mayor Dave Burton said he believed the dam removal could be doable. “I would certainly support you doing it with your group and there would be a few hoops we’d have to go through. Insurance would be one, liability would be one,” he said.

CAO Shannon Hunter said any work on the dam would have to comply with “environmental practices.”

Coun. Cec Ryall said he’d like to put together a letter of understanding to set up “rules of engagement” for how to conduct the work on the trail and area.

Coun. Cam McKenzie said he supported the idea but said it might be simpler for township staff to conduct the work. Council voted to move ahead with staff evaluating the dam and considering its removal.

“Now is the time when the water levels are low,” said Coun. Suzanne Partridge. “The sooner the better.”

A confident Huskies squad find their ‘swagger’

By

Sam Gillett

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October 13, 2022

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SG-Hukies Oct 13-1- — Zack Morissette gets fist pumps from the team after putting the Dogs in front. Photo by Sam Gillett

After a five-game winning streak, the Haliburton County Huskies have surged to second place in the Ontario Junior Hockey League South/East standings.

“We’re playing with real confidence and a little bit of swagger,” said coach Ryan Ramsay.

The Huskies took on the Brantford 99ers away Oct. 6, cruising to an 8-0 win. Alex Cunningham struck first, assisted by Nicholas Downing and Thierry Lizotte, credited with three assists in the game.

Sam Solarino followed it up with a shot tucked into the net five minutes into the first period. After that, the Huskies dog-piled the Brantford net with six more goals. Myles Perry and Josh Sordo each collected two.

Between the pipes, new goalie Aidan Spooner fended off 15 shots for his first shutout for the Dogs, having come from the Ontario Hockey League. “He’s a good goalie but he also moves really well and can track the puck.

You’re getting a veteran guy who’s played high-level hockey. He’s cool and calm back there,” Ramsay said. Returning home Oct. 7, the team hit the ice in front of a crowd of 495, nearly all of whom were eager to see the boys continue the hot streak.

While Trenton opened the scoring with a scrappy puck bundled past Spooner, the Huskies rallied and turned the tilt on its head. Forward Henry Wilson, of Winchester Massachusetts, netted his first OJHL goal for the Dogs at 16 minutes, before Zack Morissette, assisted by Christian Stevens and Isaac Sooklal, took the team into the lead. Forward Patrick Saini once again shone on the top line with a hat-trick and two assists: he’s notched 15 points in the last five games, 27 all season.

Ramsay said the team’s tight-knit atmosphere reminds him of last year’s squad. “The core group is really good,” he said.

“The guys that are coming in have bought into the system.” On the ice, he said confidence is making all the difference. “Like anything in life, if you have confidence, you just play that much better.”

Looking ahead

The Dogs take on Wellington Oct. 14 before hosting Caledon the following day. Puck drop is 4 p.m. at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena.

Virtual talk to dive into substance use issues

By

Sam Gillett

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October 13, 2022

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Social service providers are seeking to listen and learn in an upcoming mental health and substance use virtual event. ‘Coming Full Circle: Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges in Haliburton County’ will be held virtually Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon.

“The goals of the event are to learn about best practice approaches from police and health professionals, listen to people with lived experience about how to improve service delivery, and connect with others to support positive change in the community,” states a media release from Point in Time Centre for Children Youth and Parents.

It’s hosted by Point in Time, Community Living Trent Highlands, and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit.

Those speaking at the event include: Ashley Smoke, an Ojibwe researcher and consultant with lived experience from Alderville First Nations; acting chief Tim Farquharson from the Peterborough police service; substance use and addictions counsellor Jaymi Hayward and Dr. Pamela Lee, a public health physician from the health promotion, chronic disease and injury prevention department of Public Health Ontario.

“Our aim is to foster a shared understanding of how to approach substance use and mental health that is compassionate and aligned with best practices,” said Marg Cox, Point in Time executive director.

“Listening, and working in partnership with people with lived experience of these challenges is key to making well-informed change.”

The event is free to attend and open to service providers and members of the public who want to get involved.

The media release states it’s part of a larger effort from local service providers to, “empower and engage Haliburton County residents experiencing substance use and/ or mental health challenges to support each other and provide feedback to improve local service systems.” To register visit pointintime.ca/events.

Dysart revising policy on cell tower sites

By

Mike Baker

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October 6, 2022

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Dysart et al staff will look to the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) for guidance as the township reconsiders its telecommunication tower policy.

Implemented in 2014, the policy outlines the conditions a developer must meet before they will be allowed to erect a new cell tower in the community. Those stipulations include ensuring any proposed tower be located a minimum of one kilometre from the nearest residence; that they be camouflaged or designed to blend in with natural surroundings, with the tree-like monopine structures preferred over traditional towers; the structures be set back a minimum of 60-metres from the nearest road and feature the minimum required lighting to meet Transport Canada safety standards.

At a meeting in July, when council originally turned down an application from Rogers to construct a new 90-metre cell tower on Minnicock Lake Road, Eric Belchamber, a spokesperson for the telecommunication giant, said the township’s policy was excessive.

“Policy 38 is one of the most onerous policies I’ve come across. It was written with what seems to be a sentiment of not wanting cell towers [in Dysart],” Belchamber said.

Council reversed its decision in August, granting approval for Rogers to move ahead with the first of many new tower sites in Dysart under EORN’s cell gap project. At that meeting, several councillors spoke of a need to revise the township’s policy.

Speaking on Sept. 27, mayor Andrea Roberts said she’d like to eliminate the stipulation that any new tower be located at least one kilometre from a residence. Deputy mayor Pat Kennedy agreed.

“Rogers said nowhere in Dysart would that one-kilometre distance work,” he said. “I would also remove the 500-metre notification buffer [requiring the developer to reach out to nearby neighbours for feedback]. I’d go with the government requirement of three times the height of the tower.”

Jeff Iles, Dysart’s director of planning and land information, said council could opt to implement policies such as those in Algonquin Highlands and Highlands East. Those policies are more generic than Dysart’s and aim to cover three basic concerns – creating a framework and language to use when reviewing and considering tower proposals; providing site preferences and proposed design guidelines; and ensuring a robust public consultation program to ensure that residents are appropriately consulted prior to any decision being made.

Coun. John Smith said the township needs to be clear with developers over what will be required before a project can be approved. He was dismayed when, during the original meeting in June and follow-up in August, Rogers failed to submit an analysis of other potential cell tower sites.

“Rogers didn’t fulfill that requirement and council let them off the hook,” Smith said.

“We did a disservice to our community doing it that way because we basically said we ignore our own rules. That’s just not acceptable.”

Iles said he would confer with EORN and neighbours with existing policies before bringing a revised policy back to council to vote on.

Spinning ambulance funding

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 6, 2022

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It is irksome when the Ontario government – or any government for that matter – seemingly takes credit for spending money it has collected from taxpayers. Case in point was Laurie Scott’s Sept. 28 press release stating Ontario was investing nearly $3 million for annual land ambulance services in Haliburton County.

Sure, Ontario may be diverting just over $2.9 million to the Highlands’ land ambulance service, but it’s hardly the source of funding.

That money has come from you and I, not Laurie Scott and the government of Ontario.

These announcements also appear to be misleading. It’s splashy to say the province is pumping nearly $764 million across the province into land ambulances. However, the Land Ambulance Service Grant or LASG came about after the province downloaded the very costly land ambulance service onto municipalities.

The LASG funding amounts to a 50-50 cost share with the County of Haliburton, for instance. So, you’ve contributed to that part of the equation, too. The press release does at least acknowledge it’s annual funding. The grant is based on the previous year’s council-approved operating budgets.

The press release says the province’s grant is to help with increased cost pressures in emergency departments.

We’re not sure how that translates here in the County. It appears a lack of health care professionals – not paramedics – is putting the squeeze on our ERs. Scott’s release goes on to say the money will support the hiring of additional paramedics, wage and cost of living adjustments, and general ambulance services operation to meet the needs of the local community.

The hyperbole also talks about the government’s commitment to building a modern, sustainable, and connected emergency health system that supports every Ontarian on their health care journey. It goes on to tout how it supports the Plan to Stay Open: Health System Stability and Recovery, to ease pressure on our health care system, hire more health care workers and provide the right care in the right place to Ontarians.

That’s some spin. Don’t get us wrong. There’s no doubt the Haliburton County Paramedic Service welcomes the funding. Money last year did help them to staff the Tory Hill ambulance station 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

Further, the Ontario government is using your tax dollars to continue to fund 100 per cent of costs for Central Ambulance Communications Centres to dispatch ambulances.

It’s too bad a lot of our ambulance time is being taken up transferring patients to Lindsay and Peterborough for CT scan appointments, and then being diverted to outof-County calls. Maybe next year, along with the LASG money, the province can throw in a CT scanner for the Highlands. So, lest one gets caught up in the spin; it’s annual funding, it’s nothing new.

And it’s about $39,000 less than the local service budgeted for. They’ll have to look to make up that shortfall in other areas of the service.

What are we doing about transportation?

By

Mike Baker

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October 6, 2022

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What are we doing A podcast from The Highlander (4) — What are we doing? cover art

As touched on in previous columns, The Highlander is taking a deep dive into what we see as the top issues facing the community. I’ve already written about housing and poverty and this week I’ll complete what I’m calling the unholy trinity by focusing on transportation.

Those three issues are so interconnected. It’s almost like a domino effect. Say we have someone who works a job in Haliburton village.

They’re just getting by making minimum wage while renting the same one-bedroom apartment they’ve lived in for years. Suddenly, it’s 2022 and inflation kicks in, costs go up and that apartment is no longer affordable. Wanting to maintain their job and stay in the community, they find a place on a back road 20 minutes out of town.

The issue?

They don’t have a car. Why? Well, they work minimum wage… once living expenses are factored in, there’s not much left over.

So, what is our fictional friend to do? Outside of relying on family or friends for a ride, they wouldn’t have many options. So, maybe they quit their job. Maybe they leave the community. It’s a brutal cycle. This is where Haliburton County needs to step in

Public transportation has been an afterthought for far too long. Seen as more of a want than a need, I would say the opposite is now true. We need some form of public transit in the Highlands.

Now, that’s going to look a little different than it would in, say, Toronto. Or places like Peterborough or Lindsay. A traditional system where a single bus drives the same route repeatedly several times a day isn’t feasible here. So, we need to get a little creative.

When discussing this with County CAO Mike Rutter and Dysart et al mayor Andrea Roberts, they both indicated a call-for-service, ride-share program may be the way to go. We’ve seen organizations like Point in Time, Fleming CREW and SIRCH Community Services successfully launch pilot projects that incorporate aspects of those kinds of services.

The County has been setting aside $50,000 annually for its transportation fund. They now have around $250,000 – but no concrete plans to spend it. Talks have stagnated at the council level, with no real movement on a County-wide strategy since 2019. So, let’s look at what’s working elsewhere.

Perhaps we could emulate what Hastings County is doing. Anyone wanting a ride from places like Madoc or Marmora into Belleville need only sign into an app on their smart phone and book it. There’s a small cost, while monthly passes are also available.

The County could tap into provincial gas tax funding to buy a vehicle and then take on the running costs. If the municipality doesn’t want to get involved in running its own program, maybe it could empower residents to start something.

There are communities across Ontario where ride shares are operated by regular people and incentivized by the local government. If there’s someone driving from Cardiff into Minden every day, maybe they would be willing to have a few more people in their car if they knew the County would kick them a few bucks for fuel.

Providing public transit in a community roughly the size of PEI is a challenge. We accept that. But instead of shrugging our shoulders, we need to start coming up with solutions to help move people around the County. Our small businesses are crying out for workers. Maybe things would be better if would-be employees could get there

Excitement as new dance studio opens

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 6, 2022

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When Haliburton Dancy Academy closed its doors last June, Reese Wood was sad. But she was excited Oct. 1 as the new Skyline Dance Studio held its official grand opening.

Reese was one of a number of children who joined their parents in celebrating the ribboncutting this past Saturday.

“It’s really important because I love dance, and I’ve grown up doing dance,” Reese said.

A committee of eight women behind the studio: Allison Cox, Sarah Garbutt, Dawn Hurd, Courtney Bishop, Victoria Bullock, Stacey Parish, Stef Wood and Melissa Valentini were joined by Dysart et al Coun. Pat Kennedy for a ceremony at the 229 Highland St. location.

They only secured the building six weeks ago, and have put a lot of hard work into preparing three dance studios, a common room, bathrooms and change rooms. They have also secured teachers and been registering students. They have developed a website and Facebook page.

Hurd said, “there’s been ups and downs and some struggles here and there but I think we, as a committee, have great skills and everyone brings something to the table and we had no doubt that we would get here.”

Cox agreed, adding the community never doubted it could bring a dance studio back to the Highlands. She said there had been passionate support from so many sectors.

“We knew the community would step up in ways that we could never imagine.”

Bishop said it had been an incredible amount of work to get the building, next to Castle Antiques, ready for the grand opening and for fall students.

She noted it was an older building that had not been designed as a dance studio. They needed workers and material. They called on family and friends. As just one example, they had to figure out how to build dance floors.

“Lots of blood, sweat and tears to get it done. Honestly, the fact we have accomplished this much in six weeks, amazes me,” Bishop said.

It all started the night Cox found out her daughter’s dance studio was closing. She told her husband, “I either need to buy a bus, or open a dance studio here in Haliburton County. Either way, these kids needed to stay together.”

Cox said she instinctively knew she could lead a project to create a new dance studio and was pretty sure there would be “immense” support to keep dance local.

Skyline Dance Studio is not affiliated with any dance studios but is an independent not-for-profit organization, “with a huge vision to create an inclusive safe space for all dancers in Haliburton County.”

Cox said she worked closely with the Haliburton County Development Corporation to review the business options and ultimately decided on a not-for-profit for two reasons.

“We want everything we pour into this studio to be reinvested in the studio and we want to be sure this is a legacy that can be carried on for years to come. It will evolve and grow as the board of directors transitions throughout the years. It will truly be a community-run operation.”

Some committee members own and run businesses, some work in non-profits, some are employed by local businesses, and many have experience sitting on other not-for-profit boards in the Highlands.

“It is a great blend of experience coming together with passion and dedication to accomplish this goal. Beyond this group, we have dozens of community members, individuals, and businesses, that have offered support with time, money and materials.”

“We are doing this for our community, and the families of Haliburton County. Dance is so important for kids, not only is it good for physical, emotional, and intellectual wellbeing, but it also creates amazing friendships and instills a sense of community that will last a lifetime.”

Email info@skylinedancestudio.ca.

Eagle View event centre opens

By

Mike Baker

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October 6, 2022

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The view from atop the hill at Sir Sam’s Ski/ Ride is about to get even better after Dysart et al council rubber stamped plans for a new 60-foot outlook tower at the site.

The structure will be the latest in a long line of investments at the facility, which has become a year-round operation after the Wilkinson family took ownership last winter. More than $500,000 has been invested to transform the main chalet into a modernized event centre, fit to host weddings, business events and other celebrations.

“When we took over, Sir Sam’s was more of a 90-day business. We were very much focused on skiing and a little bit of hiking during the winter,” said Doug Wilkinson.

“We thought we could do more with it than just let it sit empty through the spring, summer and fall season. It just made sense to offer up this space and bring people here, such a beautiful part of the world, for their special days and celebrations.”

That change in view necessitated a rebranding. Now operating hand-in-hand with Sir Sam’s is the Eagle View Wedding and Event Centre.

Event planner and coordinator Kayla Gardiner is taking the lead on this latest endeavour. Welcoming select guests for a visit Sept. 23, Gardiner explained the changes that had been made to transform the chalet into a full-service facility.

“It really was just a facelift to what was already there. We’ve replaced the carpets, used a lot of paint and installed a whole new bar space. And we completely revamped the kitchen,” Gardiner said. “We can do dining for 200 people now, where we provide a plated five-course meal. We’ve also added to our menu for the winter ski season.” The space has been used for around 20 events since December, including the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School prom.

The goal, Gardiner said, is to host an event every weekend during the off-season.

“This is a hidden gem. The response since we pivoted has been really good. We’re getting more people out here and just appreciating what we have. The view from the top of the hill is the best in Ontario. We just installed a new viewing platform, which is a great addition,” she said.

The new tower will only enhance the visitor experience, Wilkinson said.

“I like to say the tower is our ‘and fries’ – it complements everything that we’re trying to do. For people who want to come here and walk to get a good view, they will get the best view from that platform. It will be an ideal spot for a bride and groom looking for the perfect setting for their special day,” Wilkinson said. “The whole idea is to bring more people to Haliburton County. Once they come here, they keep coming back.”

Construction on the tower will begin immediately, with Wilkinson hoping to have it finished before the end of the year.