Accident survivor reunites with Haliburton paramedics

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August 25, 2022

James Cook remembers the accident.

The Bobcaygeon construction worker was working in a Haliburton home when a propane heater exploded right in front of him.

After a lengthy hospital stay and life-altering skin grafts, Cook is on the road to recovery, and said he has a new appreciation for ambulance services.

“I’m still healing from it,” Cook said of the incident. After he saw blue flames erupt from the heater he took a breath and ran outside to bury his burnt face in the snow. He called 911 using voice commands and Haliburton paramedics Jeff Schultz and Jim Miska were dispatched to the scene.

He was flown to Sunnybrook hospital where he began his recovery. Cook said skin grafts taken from his legs means he overheats easily. He no longer has sweat glands on his face. His injuries mean he can’t do many of his former hobbies, as well as work.

“I try and stay very positive,” he said. Cook said meeting the crew who responded to his call was “very emotional. It brought a lot of things into perspective. It really brought in the severity of my situation,” he said.

He added that “it brought into focus how important it is to have them around, and how well trained they are. the way they dealt with me, it was all very efficient.”

The Haliburton County Paramedic services said it was grateful Cook chose to visit and share his story of recovery. “Paramedics respond to many calls throughout their careers and quite often some follow them into retirement wondering what happened after they left our care,” said the service in a letter sent to media.

“We understand why the information isn’t available but appreciate former patients that take the time out of their busy lives to come and say thanks and share their story…it is truly priceless and how we continue to do the work that we do.”

Cultural resource manager aims ‘to build bridges‘ in Minden

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Sam Gillett

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August 25, 2022

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Minden’s new manager of cultural resources said she’s been learning from the community as she takes the reins of the Minden Hills Cultural Centre.

“There’s a wealth of knowledge from staff, artists, and residents and people who have been coming here for years,” said Shannon Kelly. “I’m not afraid to ask questions. Some of them may be silly but that’s the way I learn.”

While Kelly may be new to the Agnes Jamieson Gallery, Minden Hills Museum and Nature’s Place, she has more than two decades of cultural resource experience.

After graduating with an anthropology degree, she was involved in creating largescale natural history exhibits for museums, making dinosaur skeletons and dioramas. While there, she began working on a certificate in museum studies.

Kelly eventually landed at the Scugog Shores Museum, where she worked for 20 years. Leaving the role to come to Minden Hills was bittersweet. “It was really hard, I made a lot of friends,” she said.

But she said the role in Minden allows her to focus on her passions for celebrating and preserving cultural history. “I love the sense of community. A smaller museum brings people together and it can be a focal point for the community by celebrating that collective heritage we all have,” she said. “I find museums build bridges, rather than fostering division… I like the idea of people coming together.” She said she acknowledges there have been concerns voiced about staff turnover. “I know people may be a little hesitant, there’s been a lot of changes,” she said.

As of March, curator Laurie Carmount was not employed by the municipality. The township has declined to provide details on Carmount’s departure.

Kelly said she’s committed to continuing unique programming at the gallery and fostering relationships with the local arts community and stakeholders. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to meet the artists who are coming up and building relationships with them.” She said she loves the “wow factor” that the gallery has, referring to celebrated shows such as John Notten’s Unpacking the Weekend exhibit which was displayed this summer.

She said the gallery will maintain its “recommender” status, giving it unique access to provincial funding.

The township is in the process of hiring a full-time programmer who will help run programs out of Nature’s Place, the gallery and the museum.

“The intent is to keep dynamic programs going in all three areas,” she said, adding that while each part of the centre is unique, she hopes to unify them. “I think overall we can merge those mandates into one while keeping the unique feeling of each spot.”

A key goal, she said, is continuing to make it a destination for kids and school groups, as well as adding new programming to draw the wider community in.

“I look forward to attracting new visitors here but maintaining the local ties and relationships that have been supporting the museum over several years.”

The work remains

By

Sam Gillett

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August 25, 2022

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On Aug. 22 politicians and other community members watched as the multi-coloured Pride flag was hoisted high above Minden.

On Aug. 25, the dance floor at the Pinestone Resort will be bustling during “Viva Burlesque,” which is sold out. Pride in the Haliburton Highlands is in full swing. Its theme this year, “Loud and Proud,” is a call to celebrate.

But according to Minden Pride board members it’s a call to live out your identity in the face of dangerous rhetoric that seems to be getting louder in Canada this year.

In the words of Allan Guinan, chairperson, events around the world underscore the need for Pride celebrations.

Minden Pride itself was formed in 2016 after a storefront in Haliburton was targeted with homophobic graffiti.

Since then, the group has been a fixture at events around the County, and its pride week festivities have drawn large crowds. The importance of its commitment to diversity and inclusion remains just as crucial today as it was in 2016.

Acts of hatred towards LGBTQ+ people seem to have increased in Canada. The Canadian Anti-hate network reported a rise in anti-transgender rhetoric online this summer, spilling over from chat rooms into mainstream social media and public life.

Those running for school board positions in Ottawa, for instance, run against a candidate who is campaigning on a platform expressly opposed to education about transgender rights.

A person who identifies as non-binary was nearly hit with a glass bottle in Ottawa this summer. Pride flags were stolen in Norwich, Ontario, by a man who compared the movement for gay rights to Nazism.

In Haliburton, the library and Minden Pride itself, along with The Highlander, received calls from people opposed to the family-friendly Drag Queen Storytime event. Opposition to these storytimes has spread, primarily online, with unsubstantiated and transphobic claims about children’s safety.

In multiple communities across Canada, libraries have been sent threats. In June, an Ontario teen was arrested for threatening to carry out a mass shooting at a Pride event in Florida. 2021 was the deadliest year in recent history for people who are transgender or gendernonconforming. Three hundred and seventyfive people were murdered worldwide. For many, to be “Loud and Proud” in the Highlands in 2022 still might not be easy. For some it still might not be safe. Minden Pride has been instrumental in bringing visibility and voice to many issues surrounding inclusion and diversity in Haliburton County, and providing a safe space for many. For allies, politicians, members of the media and friends talking with friends, we must recognize the work and listening necessary to make this County truly safe and inclusive for all.

Sharing precious memories ‘an honour’ for SIRCH volunteers

By

Sam Gillett

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August 25, 2022

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This spring five women carefully re-constructed memories retold by seniors across the Highlands. From March to June they have used scissors, tape, colourful paper and dozens of photographs, not to mention hours of conversation, to craft personalized books about seniors they’ve been getting to know.

The volunteers were part of SIRCH’s restarted Memories to Life program, which is set to run again this fall.

The program is intended to provide people with visual and written cues that may spark memories about their lives, said Jan Saugh, SIRCH’s coordinator for senior wellness.

The volunteers gifted the books of memories to the seniors and their families this summer. But for those involved, Memories for Life is much more than a simple scrapbooking exercise.

“It’s an honour to know someone’s life story, for them to start opening up about things that they themselves have gone through,” said volunteer Vanessa Ianucci. Sitting beside four other volunteers scrapbooking in SIRCH’s meeting room, Ianucci said she’s realized the stories of older Highlanders may not always have been cherished in a way they deserve. Margaret Ross, sitting across from her, agreed. “They think ‘everybody did it, it doesn’t matter’,” Ross said as she arranged photos on a pink scrapbook page. “It matters. They changed laws, they changed lives, they stopped wars.

They don’t see it that way until they stop and think about it.” Ross has been assisting Jane Braithwaite, who lived across Canada before calling parts of Haliburton County home. She’s now living in Peterborough. “Going back over my life I sort of looked at a lot of things I had forgotten I did,” said Braithwaite. “I usually deflect, I usually talk about other people.” Braithwaite said she’s been a “rolling stone.”

She was born in a family with a strong tradition of social justice advocacy. Her father was responsible for banning the book Little Black Sambo from Toronto schools, and her mother came to Canada from the U.S. through the Underground Railroad.

Braithwaite herself has a long career in education and educating students and her community about social justice issues.

“When I really had to stop and think about my story, it was an eye opener. I have done a lot of things I probably don’t think about. People do value some of the material I share,” she said.

She later added that working with Saugh was an easy process after initially being unsure about how the Memories for Life project would unravel.

As for Ross, her volunteer scrapbooker? They’ll likely keep in touch, she said. “We’re on the same wavelength.” The volunteers have developed a bond too. They share laughs, help each other out with photocopying and design and chat constantly while working hard on their scrapbooks.

“What I like is it’s a chance to be nosey,” said Dianne Williams, prompting chuckles around the meeting room. “You get to ask a bunch of questions.”

During meetings with her storyteller, she’d go into the closet and pull down boxes of pictures. They’d leaf through them together, the elderly woman pointing out important people, places and times in her life. “She loved looking at them, and telling the stories.

Seniors don’t often get to do that, especially if they live alone,” Williams said. Other volunteers describe the way their storytellers reveal their history in “layers,” like an onion. One gentleman said his life wasn’t too spectacular, but after some questions, Wendy Ladurantaye unpeeled a different side of the story.

She found out he travelled around the U.S., Europe, and sang in a world-travelling choir. Some participants, and Saugh herself, are now considering how they want to pass their own stories along. “I have a granddaughter now. I want her to know who I am, not just a picture in a book, not just fond memories,” Saugh said. “I want to tell my story for future generations.” For more information on Future Memories for Life sessions, email jan_saugh@sirch. on.ca

The ‘mayor of Essonville’ exhales on new album

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Sam Gillett

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August 25, 2022

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“You’d better be careful,” Albert John Saxby’s stepfather, living with dementia, told him once. “There comes an awkward fog.” Saxby wasn’t sure what he meant, but the songwriter found the phrase captivating.

This spring, when Saxby released his new album, Exhaling in an Awkward Fog seemed a good title. It comes after a few years of difficult change and loss, with Saxby contemplating life’s joys and sorrows after coming out the other side. “Now I can exhale,” he said.

The 15 songs are all Saxby’s favourites. From Dirty Little Men to America Lays Dying, Saxby’s lyrics often use metaphors to drive points home, dishing out critiques of political discourse and advice on everyday life in equal measure.

A longtime resident of Highlands East, Saxby became known as the “Mayor of Essonville,” and garnered a reputation for thoughtful lyrics in the vein of songsmiths such as John Prine.

“I spend a lot of time. I don’t just whip out songs. You’ve got to have really good words, and I’m proud of the lyrics I come up with,” he said. Other tunes strike painful chords, such as I Wish my Heartache had Wings. Saxby said it’s difficult to play that song without tearing up on stage. It was written about an ill-fated love.

“It was a struggle to get through,” he said. He had to relearn some of his own music to record the album too. While driving, he heard as old tune of his, Every Day, playing on CanoeFM. He liked its gentle reminder to seize the moment. “I realized it was my song, I had to go to the radio station and get a copy so I could learn it,” he said.

Saxby played music off the album at an intimate show inside the Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre in June.

He said he aims to connect with every audience he plays to. “I’ve played to two people in a bar. I love playing for those two people. Anyone who’s been to my shows knows I have an intimate relationship with the audience,” he said.

Saxby might still be in the “awkward fog”, but he’s finding it easier to write new songs these days. “I wasn’t inspired at all, and I didn’t write any songs during COVID-19. I’m rectifying that now.” Saxby is playing across Haliburton County this summer, recently rocking out at the Dominion Hotel and Pub Aug. 20.

Exhaling in an Awkward Fog is available on Bandcamp and on physical CDs.

Haliburton County Huskies preparing for new OJHL season

By

Mike Baker

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August 25, 2022

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Haliburton County Huskies vs Trenton Golden Hawks — TRENTON, ON - FEBRUARY 18: Jack Staniland #22 of the Haliburton County Huskies follows the play during the first period at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Gardens on February 18, 2022 in Ontario, Canada (Photo by Amy Deroche / OJHL Images)

Some new faces took centre stage at A.J. LaRue Arena Aug. 21 as the Haliburton County Huskies kicked off its pre-season with the annual ‘Blue vs White’ intrasquad exhibition.

Moved to Haliburton due to ice issues at the Huskies’ regular home in Minden, the game provided players with an opportunity to showcase their skills ahead of the new OJHL season. Twenty-six skaters, including three local affiliate players (APs), participated in the game, which will be remembered for impressive performances from some of the Dogs’ newest recruits. Forward Nathan Duplessis potted a pair of goals for the Blue team in a 4-2 win.

Flanked by linemates Declan Bowmaster and Henry Wilson, the trio were picked out for special praise by head coach and general manager Ryan Ramsay.

“Duplessis was probably the biggest standout, but that whole line looked really good. Right now, that’s looking to be our fourth line and they made a huge impression,” Ramsay said. “I’m really happy with how our depth is looking.”

Myles Perry, a recent acquisition from reigning OJHL champions the Pickering Panthers, was also on the scoresheet for the Blue squad. Defenceman Jack Staniland rounded out the team’s scoring.

Blueliner Josh Sordo, who played last season with the Brantford 99ers, was a standout for the White team, getting himself a goal, with Haliburton native Kaine Brannigan also tickling the twine. Brannigan, alongside fellow Haliburton County-born players Colin Glecoff and Evan Gilbert were invited to play in the exhibition after impressing at the Huskies AP camp, held in Minden earlier that day.

Returning players Patrick Saini, Cameron Kosurko, Isaac Sooklal and new captain Christian Stevens also got some minutes under their belt. “It was a pretty intense game, the players were playing hard, so that was great for us as a coaching staff and for the fans who came out to watch,” Ramsay said.

“A lot of the new guys we’ve brought in played really well. It was nice to see that so many players have put in the work over the summer to get stronger, faster and improve their play.” The Huskies travel to Stouffville today for an afternoon tilt with the Spirit, before welcoming the North/West conference side to Minden Aug. 28.

Puck drop at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena is slated for 2 p.m. Admission is $5.

The Dogs will close out their pre-season with a double-header against the Pickering Panthers Sept. 2 (7:30 p.m. puck drop) and Sept. 4 (2 p.m. puck drop). Admission to each game is $5. “I think the fans will really like the makeup of our team this year.

We’ve gotten a little bit faster, and a bit bigger up front. We’ve got a lot of hard-working guys, which is a great recipe for Huskies hockey,” Ramsay said. “We obviously want to do well again, and give our fans something to cheer for… I’m expecting another good season.”

Captain Christian Stevens aiming for championship with Huskies

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Mike Baker

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August 25, 2022

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Halibuton Huskies vs Trenton Golden Hawks — TRENTON, ON - MARCH 11: Christian Stevens #17 of the Haliburton County Huskies skates with the puck during the third period at the Duncan Memorial Gardens on March 11, 2022 in Ontario, Canada (Photo by Ed McPherson / OJHL Images)

Getting back on the ice this week has felt like a homecoming for Huskies forward Christian Stevens, who is looking to lead by example this year after being named as the franchise’s second ever team captain.

The 20-year-old Brooklin, ON native is hoping for a big season to close out his junior hockey career. As a key member of the team that progressed to the Division finals last year, Stevens’ goal is to go one step further this time around and compete for a championship.

He’ll look to do so with a new letter stitched to his chest, upgrading his ‘A’ to a ‘C’ after being selected by head coach and general manager Ryan Ramsay to replace the outgoing Nathan Porter.

Reflecting on that move, Stevens said that while he has some massive skates to fill, he’s looking forward to helping this young Huskies outfit grow throughout the season.

“I’ve been a leader before and have been around the game long enough to know what’s expected. I’ve always prided myself on being the hardest working guy on the ice,” Stevens said. “Hockey, at this level, is all about sacrifices and how much you want it, so I’ll be focusing on teaching some of the new kids on the team how to play the right way, and how to act off the ice too.”

There will be some familiar faces to help along the way, with defenceman Isaac Sooklal returning in a leadership capacity. Forwards Sam Solarino, Patrick Saini and Lucas Stevenson, key locker room leaders last season, will also be back.

While the team is losing the likes of Porter, top-scorer Oliver Tarr and veteran presences such as Simon Rose and Christian Cicigoi, Stevens said he’s very impressed with the team Ramsay has put together ahead of this new season.

Now a week into pre-season, Stevens has had an opportunity to get to know some of his new teammates and see what they can do on the ice.

“We have a really fast team this year. A lot of young guys with high-end skill. Camp has been really good so far, we’ve been snapping the puck around, throwing the body – we seem to have a lot of competitors, which can only be a good thing,” Stevens said. “Even the blue and white [intrasquad] game we played on Sunday, everyone played really hard and showed why they deserve to be on the team. The guys all seem like they’re ready to go.”

After finishing second in team scoring last year, putting up 48 points in 45 regular season games, Stevens wants to take an extra step this season to help make up for the loss of Tarr. The former OHL star has been working throughout the summer on his fitness, puck handling and shooting with assistant coach Jordan Bailey to make sure he hits the ground running once games begin.

He will lead the team out this evening as they kick off their exhibition schedule with a road game against the Stouffville Spirit.

The two teams will duke it out in a second game at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena on Sunday.

With last season’s OJHL champions the Pickering Panthers also on the pre-season program, with home games Sept. 2 and 4, it will be a good opportunity for the Huskies to test themselves against some of the league’s top talent.

They then get their regular season underway with a home tilt against the Cobourg Cougars Sept. 10. Stevens said he’s already counting down the days until he steps out onto the ice in Minden, in front of a raucous hometown crowd.

“It’s the best feeling in the world, coming out on the ice with the crowd cheering and shouting. That’s why we play hockey,” Stevens said. “The crowd showed last season just how big a difference they can make. They’re so loud, which really impacts our game. We just feed off of their energy. They’re like the sixth man on the ice, for sure. The crowd in Minden definitely helps us to win games.”

Dimensions retreats cleared for ‘health, wellness’ services in Algonquin Highlands

By

Mike Baker

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August 24, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Haliburton County Election underway as candidates confirmed

By

Mike Baker

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August 24, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The race is on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The rest of the pack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By

Mike Baker

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August 24, 2022

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

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

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

Kennedy was absent from that initial vote.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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