Summer camp season returns to the Highlands

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July 7, 2022

Haliburton County welcomed children back to summer camps this week after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus.

“Summer has begun and, although we are not as full as we would ideally like, many programs are full or close to full,” said Bruce Dunning, executive advisor at Medeba.

Medeba is located on Kennisis Lake Road in West Guilford and has been operating for 70 years. Dunning has been with the camp for more than 42 of those years. He is transitioning to half-time work this summer from full-time

He added that, as with most places, getting staff was more difficult this year so they are pleased that they have a “great” complement of workers heading into the season.

“I think there is a pent-up demand for kids to get to summer camp as they need the social interaction more than ever and camp is an amazing place for that and more,” Dunning said.

At Camp Wanakita, on Koshlong Lake, which dates back to 1953, senior regional manager camping and outdoor education, Andy Gruppe, said in their spring newsletter that they couldn’t wait to hear the sounds of talking and laughter over the lake again this summer.

“After cancelling our traditional YMCA Wanakita programs in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID pandemic, we are thankful to be able to bring children and families back to enjoy the activities and fun experiences they know and love,” he wrote.

He said gearing up for their summer camp season, “has not been without tremendous obstacles and we have made some challenging decisions around how we operate this summer.”

They cancelled their day camp programs in favour of positioning staff in overnight camp and family camp positions. “It was a difficult decision, but necessary,” Gruppe said.

In May, they also announced changes to session durations.

“Both of these were critical decisions based on the ongoing staff shortage that camps are experiencing industry-wide. Making these changes will allow us to ensure the health and safety of the campers in our care and program quality. They have always been our top priority and we will not compromise on these priorities.”

He added campers will also see some improvements around camp this summer. While they have been limited in their program offerings over the past two years, Gruppe said the camp team has still been working tremendously hard.

“We are looking forward to sharing the memory and spirit of former camper Grace Lloyd, with the unveiling of Gracie’s Grove, and introducing the first group of campers to this beautiful area in her memory,” The former camper passed away Feb. 3, 2020 after a short illness. She was 14.

“This is going to be a summer to remember,” Gruppe said.

There are just shy of 20 summer camps in the Highlands.

Minden Hills’ outsourced planners impact budget

By

Sam Gillett

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July 7, 2022

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Minden Hills is set to continue its contract with a Peterborough-based planning company but pay far more for its services.

With the town’s director of planning position still vacant, Minden Hills renewed its contract with D.M Wills and Associates Ltd., which has provided planning services since April 2021.

The contract has been extended for 12 months.

The new agreement, approved by council June 30, includes a total hourly service rate that is 66 per cent higher than an initial contract.

A fee schedule shows five positions in 2021 totaling $490 per hour.

For the next year, D.M. Wills has upped hourly rates and added new positions totalling an hourly cost of $735.

D.M. Wills invoiced the municipality $138,576.27 in its first six months operating as Minden Hills’ planners after Ian Clendening departed in Spring 2021.

Clendening was not named to the sunshine list, meaning he earned less than $100,000 per year.

“We are required to have planning services in place. We are actively recruiting for in-house staff,” CAO Trisha McKibbin said.

Planners are responsible for processing shore road allowance applications, minor variance applications, policy development, site plan agreements and planning consultations.

Coun. Bob Carter asked if the agreement could be cancelled if Minden Hills acquired a planner.

McKibbin said the contract could be terminated with 15 days’ notice.

Neither McKibbin or Mayor Brent Devolin could be reached to provide further comment before deadline.

Devolin criticized provincial legislation requiring the township to delegate construction projects’ site plan approvals to the CAO and mayor.

Site plans are required for all developments, drawings that show the physical location of the development, any driveways, parking areas, landscaping features, fences as well as connected municipal services.

Mayor criticizes rules

Ontario’s Bill 109 “More Homes for Everyone Act,” introduced this spring, changes provincial planning requirements in an attempt to speed up development, including site plan application approvals.

“This bill crosses the line for me. It… is disrespectful of processes in municipal governments,” Devolin said.

He objected to how the rules mean building permits can be issued without council viewing or discussing the site plan application.

Site plan approval is a prerequisite for acquiring a building permit.

Carter said, “in doing this, they no longer have to come through council. Things can get past and shovels can be in the ground before the public are aware. One could wake up in the morning with an excavator on the lot next door. That’s probably an underfinanced consequence of doing this. I’m hesitant to make that change.”

McKibbin said the municipality was bound to the new rules.

“The challenge is the provincial policy has stipulated they’re not to come forward to council anymore,” she said.

The Ontario government claims the new legislation is aimed at clearing “red tape” hindering development in Ontario municipalities.

Delegating site plan approval to staff rather than council will “get the politics out of planning while continuing to ensure the objectives of site plan control are fully met,” states the province in a Bill 109 policy brief.

MP: Stimulate economy to fight inflation

By

Mike Baker

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July 7, 2022

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Jamie Schmale stands up to speak during Question Period / se leve en Chambre durant la Période des questions Ottawa, ONTARIO, on May 3, 2022 © HOC-CDC Credit: Bernard Thibodeau, House of Commons Photo Services

MP Jamie Schmale said he’s starting to feel the pinch as inflation reached a new 40-year high in May, causing concern in households across the Highlands.

The basic MP salary is $182,600.

Statistics Canada reported June 22 that Canada’s inflation rate hit 7.7 per cent as of May 31, with increased prices at the pumps a major contributor. Gas prices rose by 12 per cent in May, and are up by 48 per cent compared to this time in 2021. The recent decision by Ontario Premier Doug Ford to lower the gas tax by 5.7 cents per litre and the fuel tax by 5.3 cents per litre, which came into effect July 1, will provide some relief, but only runs until the end of this year.

The federal agency said bloated food prices were also a significant factor to the rise, with grocery bills up by almost 10 per cent over the past year.

While not surprised by the numbers, Schmale said the failure of the federal government and the Bank of Canada to slow inflation in recent months is concerning.

“Many people haven’t seen this kind of price increase this quickly in their lifetimes. I’m worried about the people that are struggling to get by. It’s getting harder and harder to make life work,” Schmale said. “Any wage gains made over the past few years have been completely wiped out.”

He’s calling on the federal government to take a more serious approach to fixing the problem.

“One of the biggest drivers of this inflation is Ottawa printing money. Still, to this day, they continue to run the country on the credit card,” Schmale said. “When they found themselves in a hole during the pandemic… the printing presses started up, which inflated the currency. They threw a bunch of money into the atmosphere, which caused the crazy price inflation we’re seeing today.”

According to Statistics Canada, the national money supply has increased by more than 22 per cent since January 2020.

Getting a handle on inflation

Paul Beaudry, deputy governor of the Bank of Canada, said this record inflation is being driven by both domestic and international forces. He said the Canadian economy has recovered much quicker than the central bank anticipated, with GDP growth pushing 3.1 per cent through the first quarter of 2022. Job growth is also strong, with the national unemployment rate sitting at just above five per cent – a record low.

In many areas, demand is outstripping supply, which is causing prices to rise. Other factors, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and an increase in lockdowns in China have exacerbated the issue, Beaudry said.

He noted inflation wasn’t a Canada-specific problem, with many other countries around the world also suffering. Inflation hit a new 40-year high in the UK in May, coming in at 9.1 per cent, with the likes of India (7.04 per cent), Germany (7.9 per cent), Spain (8.7 per cent) and the U.S. (8.6 per cent) also reporting bloated numbers.

Beaudry said the central bank plans to combat the issue by raising interest rates. The aim is to stop inflation before it becomes entrenched.

“Inflation becomes entrenched when it feeds on itself. Prices rise because other prices are rising and because the cost of labour is going up. In a situation like that, inflation becomes self-fulfilling because households and businesses expect that it will stay high or keep rising, and they act accordingly,” he said in a recent presentation delivered to the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce.

The Bank cut its lending rate to 0.25 per cent in early 2020 to support the economy throughout the pandemic, but in recent months has implemented several increases in an attempt to discourage borrowing and stave off inflation. Another hike is expected later this month, which would bring the bank’s key lending rate to 2.25 per cent – the highest benchmark in almost 15 years.

Beuadry said the end goal is to bring the rate of inflation down to around two per cent.

Schmale remains skeptical

Schmale said it’s hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel, with many experts predicting things will get worse before they get better. The MP said many families are suffering. He addressed Parliament June 24, sharing stories from constituents struggling to get by, with one resident reporting he’s having to work upwards of 60 hours a week just to keep a roof over his family’s head.

Schmale likened the Bank’s current directive to a conductor trying to regain control of a train destined for derailment. One group, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, believes it’s too late. They feel the Bank of Canada’s strategy will likely trigger another recession.

Schmale believes that can be avoided if the country’s natural resource sector can get back up and running. He’s also calling on the Liberals to cut back on what he considers frivolous spending, criticizing the announcement of a new five-year $5.3 billion investment to improve dental care services across the country.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said the new dental program could benefit around 6.5 million Canadians.

“The government needs to get some fiscal sanity back into its conversations… Even before the pandemic, every single year from 2015 to 2020 [we incurred] tens of billions of dollars in new debt. Vanity projects and programs pushed through. Then, when the pandemic hit, we didn’t have the money, so we borrowed and we printed,” Schmale said. “All that did was put us into an even bigger hole.

“Unless Ottawa starts to make some decisions that actually help those on the ground, life is not going to get any easier,” Schmale said.

J. Douglas Hodgson graduates celebrate growth

By

Sam Gillett

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July 7, 2022

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J. Douglas Hodgson Gr. 8 valedictorian Sadie EvansFockler said the school has been “such a place of growth” for her and her fellow graduates as they prepare for the short walk to Hal high in September.

She delivered an address to the standing-room-only crowd celebrating the school’s Gr. 8 graduates June 28.

“Here’s where we grew from little kids to young adults. Watching all of us grow and change has been such an amazing experience,” Evans-Fockler said.

“All the memories made, the friends that we’ve had, the good times we’ve had, all went by in a blink of an eye.”

As she and her classmates crossed the stage, Gr. 8 teachers read what each student hoped to achieve in 10 years.

Goals included home ownership, working their dream jobs, writing books, furthering their education and playing professional sports.

Principal David Waito urged the class not to settle for a “new normal” after COVID-19. “The new normal has a lulling sound to it. I hope we can do better than settle for the way things were.”

He urged the class to boldly pursue knowledge, social justice and change in their futures. Trustee Gary Brohman’s remarks were read in his absence. He told the graduates to “do what is right, each and every day,” and to remember their parents can give good advice. “Wisdom is a gift your parents have a ton of, believe it or not,” Brohman said.

Archie Stouffer Wildcats roar one last time in Minden

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Lisa Gervais

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July 7, 2022

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Thirty-nine Archie Stouffer Elementary School (ASES) students crossed the stage to get their Gr. 8 diplomas June 24 – releasing their final Wildcats’ roar as they go onto high school in the fall.

Valedictorian Grace Allder led that final roar as she made her address to a packed gymnasium of families and friends.

She recalled that for some students, elementary school had been a 10-year journey at ASES, learning academic and life lessons. She said they could not have done that without their parents and teachers.

Referencing COVID-19, which impacted parts of three of those years, she added, “I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t always easy. It wasn’t always fun. But we got through it, didn’t we?”

Haliburton trustee Gary Brohman said the perseverance and hard work, especially during the pandemic, has prepared the students for the move on to Haliburton Highlands Secondary School. “If you beat COVID you can beat anything.”

He urged them to be unafraid of high school, which he said is a great place replete with sports, music and drama. “Really, really get involved.”

He also stressed the importance of going to class. He also encouraged them to speak up positively to make a difference in the world.

He added they should use their parents’ wisdom and not shut them out during their four years at HHSS, since they are on their children’s sides with unconditional love and want the best for them. Brohman acknowledged past and current administration for their leadership through COVID, and teachers for their “unwavering commitment to excellence in education, and character education” despite all of the challenges the pandemic threw at them. “You did it, congratulations.”

He also paid tribute to sports staff. Outgoing principal, Dawn Sudsbury, urged grads to “dream big.” She said with desire, commitment and worth ethic they could achieve all of their dreams.”

Haliburton Highlands Secondary School recognizes ‘special’ graduating class

By

Mike Baker

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July 7, 2022

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There were smiles and tears at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School as 99 graduating students closed the book on high school. An in-person ceremony June 29 celebrated the achievements of the class of 2022.

Hundreds watched as their loved ones made the ceremonial walk across the stage, ushering in a new period of their lives.

Former HHSS principal and current Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) trustee Gary Brohman told graduates they embodied tenacity and commitment.

“These past four years in this high school proved what you’re capable of,” Brohman said, before encouraging graduates to chase their dreams and never be afraid to stand up for what it right.

“Use your voice. These are troubled times. We’re counting on you to make [the world] a better place.” Principal Chris Boulay was excited to host an in-person graduation for the first time in three years.

He commended the students for pivoting throughout COVID-19. Boulay expressed confidence this year’s class will go on to do “great and wonderful things.” “This evening is one for you to cherish forever… I’m very proud of you and all that you have achieved,” Boulay said. “Remember always to model our credo of respect, commitment and responsibility each and every day. We are counting on you. You represent our future. You are changemakers.” Forty-eight students received awards and scholarships, with eight garnering school letters, recognizing academic excellence.

Courtney Semach was given the Governor General’s Academic Medal, while Grace Hudson received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Community Service.

Valedictorian Ethan Volochkov recalled his first-ever class at high school and writing it off because he had gym.

“I remember thinking how grueling the next four years were sure to be, but to my absolute delight they have been some of the best of my life,” Volochkov said. “All of us have been through a lot the past few years… We made it through COVID, online school, education cuts and so much more. “We stayed strong through the trials and tribulations… When the world took things from you, instead of giving in, you adapted, you evolved and made a bad situation a little more bearable. We should all be proud of that,” Volochkov said.

“Whether you have a 10-year plan, or absolutely zero concept of what life outside high school will look like, I know we will all go on to do great things, whatever they may be. It is time to spread our wings and fly, Red Hawks.”

Haliburton Highlands Health Services faces temporary ER closures

By

Mike Baker

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July 7, 2022

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Despite previously committing to keeping the Haliburton and Minden emergency departments open throughout the summer, Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) is prepping the community on what to do in the event of a sudden, temporary closure.

The organization has launched a new ‘StopCheck-Go’ campaign urging Highlanders to gauge whether their illness or injury warrants emergency care, and check if their closest emergency room is open before driving there. The announcement comes in the midst of ongoing staff shortages, which have worsened in recent weeks.

“Although HHHS has worked extremely hard to ensure we have adequate staffing for the start of a busy summer, we continue to be in a precarious position with both nursing and physician shifts,” said HHHS spokesperson Lauren Hunter. “We are working day and night to cover every shift… However, if a shift remains unfilled and there is no back-up coverage available, HHHS would be forced to temporarily close the emergency department until the next full shift.”

HHHS president and CEO Carolyn Plummer had previously stated the community would be given at least 24 hours’ notice before any closure, but Hunter indicated that may not be possible under present circumstances.

Currently, agency staff are covering around 54 per cent of all nursing shifts at HHHS’ emergency departments.

Physician support is also being provided through the Health Force Ontario Emergency Department Locum Program.

“Part of our challenge is that critical staffing shortages are happening across the province, which means many facilities are relying on the same agency nurses and physicians to fill shifts,” Hunter said.

HHHS needs to hire between eight and 12 full-time nurses to support its emergency departments without assistance from agency staff.

Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott said she is continuing to work closely with HHHS to find solutions to local health care staffing shortages.

“Since March 2020, our government has implemented emergency programs that have added over 8,600 health care professionals to the health care system.

We are also launching the Learn and Stay program for post-secondary students who enrol in priority programs such as nursing, adding hundreds of positions to medical schools over the next five years, and making it easier for foreign-trained medical professionals to overcome employment barriers,” Scott said.

Highlands resident Trevor Chaulk said the staffing shortages are having a major impact on patient care, with increased wait times leaving many frustrated.

Visiting the Haliburton emergency department June 30 with his 15-year-old son, who had badly cut his hand while at work, Chaulk said the pair were left to wait for five hours before being seen by a doctor. “We got there around eight o’clock in the evening, and we weren’t called into the back room until after 1 a.m. It was fairly busy, but I’ve lived in this community for 15 years and have never had to wait that long before,” Chaulk said.

“Usually, you’re in and out in two hours, maybe three hours tops.”

Chaulk’s son was eventually treated and the pair left at around 2:30 a.m. “I just feel bad for the nurses and the doctors, because they’re run off their feet,” Chaulk said. Hunter said ER wait times fluctuate significantly based on patient volumes, especially in light of recent staff shortages

Based on information from April to June, the average ER wait time at HHHS is two hours and 20 minutes.

Hunter said the length of time spent in the ER from start to finish can vary from one to seven hours depending on the severity of the issue. To avoid potentially lengthy waits, Hunter said HHHS is encouraging injured patients to stop and consider whether self-care can address their concerns.

If emergency care is needed, patients should check the status of their nearest emergency room by calling 705-457-1392 ext. 2555, or by visiting hhhs.ca. In the event of a local emergency department closure, Hunter said paramedics will transport patients to the nearest emergency care centre, which could be Lindsay, Bracebridge, Bancroft, Peterborough or Huntsville.

Chaulk feels any decision to close the emergency departments in Haliburton or Minden could bring disastrous consequences.

“All this is going to do is create confusion and chaos, and possibly increase the risk of something bad happening… When someone is in need of emergency assistance, the last thing they’re going to think to do is check to see if their local hospital is open,” Chaulk said. “A lot of people in our community live remotely and so could be driving a fair way to get to the hospital, only to find out it’s closed… In medical care, sometimes every minute counts.”

Hunter said if anyone is facing an emergency situation, they should call 911 and seek immediate assistance. (with files from Sam Gillett).

Highlands Summer Festival debuts The Sound of Music

By

Sam Gillett

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July 7, 2022

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SG-sound of music-5- — Maria (Ali Powell) sings through the storm with the von Trapp kids. From left: Liesl (River Christiano), Kurt (Duncan Evans-Fockler), Gretl (Penelope Irvine), Friedrich (Tommy Griffith), Brigitta (Brooke Gooley) and Marta (Evelyn Mardus)

The Haliburton Highlands are alive with The Sound of Music. The Highland Summer
Festival’s (HSF) production of the classic premiered July 4 at the Northern Lights Performing
Arts Pavilion.

The premiere performance in HSF’s 2022 season is delivered by a largely local
cast and crew.

Ali Powell leads the way as Maria, a nun-to-be who ends up as the musical
governess to the von Trapp brood.

Brigitta (Brooke
Gooley) and Kurt (Duncan Evans-Fockler) dance at the von Trapp house

Tim Clarke also stars as the brooding Baron von Trapp
and Rita Jackson as Mother Abbess.

River Christiano navigates young adulthood as the fiercely independent Liesl deals with an ill-fated romance with Rolf (Mac Rider). Duncan Evans-Fockler and Tommy Griffith play the gruff but sensitive boys Kurt and Friedrich, while Brooke Gooley plays wise-beyond-her-years Brigitta.

Evelyn Mardus and PenelopeIrvine also star as Marta and Gretl.

Directed by Scot Denton, The Sound of Music plays until July 14. Tickets are available online at highlandsummerfestival.ca, over the phone at 705-
457-9933 or in-person before the show.

Don’t settle for the new normal

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 7, 2022

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I often glance at Highlanders from a year ago when I start to think about what we might write for each weekly edition. Looking at the archive from July 8, 2021, I saw we covered a slew of virtual graduations in the County.
Because we were in the throes of COVID19, Sam and I watched Zoom presentations prepared by some of the schools. And in that paper, we could only run file photos and submitted head shots.
It was a bit anti-climatic for the grads, their families and friends, and for us. This year was quite a different and much more pleasant experience. Our high school, three elementary schools, and adult ed grads got to receive their diplomas in person for the first time since 2019. They had their names read, were able to walk on stage, be handed that coveted piece of paper, and pose for photos amid the cheers of onlookers.
It felt completely and utterly normal and so long-awaited. History will reflect on what this crop of learners had to endure during a global pandemic. We can glean some information from the past, when schools were interrupted
by world wars, for example. The Science Table COVID-19 Advisory for Ontario talks about the significant education disruptions in Ontario, such as school closures, multiple models of educational provision and gaps in support for some students.
There have been physical, mental health and safety harms for students and children. Some modelling has even suggested long-term impacts on students’ lifetime earnings and the national economy. One local example is the impact on reading rates at Archie Stouffer ES.
Outgoing principal Dawn Sudsbury told the TLDSB school board last year that only 15 per cent of Gr. 2-8 learners were reading at grade level. However, as the Science Table points out, existing information and analysis can inform strategies to minimize farther pandemic disruptions to children’s education and development.
Incoming principal Mike Gervais said they have been tackling the issue and now more than 50 per cent of learners have already closed the gap in a three-year program.
On the plus-side, I would argue that these students may be more adaptable to change and resilient than graduating classes of the past.
They have had to adapt in ways that may position them well for the future. In his address to students, JDH principal Dave Waito encouraged grads not to settle for a new normal. He said the new normal has a lulling sound to it.
Rather, he encouraged them to do better than settle for the way things were. He urged the class to boldly pursue knowledge, social justice and change in their futures. It’s a message for all of us, really, as we emerge from this two-year-long ordeal. It isn’t enough to return to our new normal.
We, too, should want more. And that means things such as valuing our human connections, doing our bit to help an ailing planet, and above all not taking anything for granted anymore

Book lovers unite at upcoming showcase: Bookapalooza seeks exhibitors

By

Sam Gillett

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July 5, 2022

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Organizers of the first “Bookapalooza” in Minden Hills are putting out the call for exhibitors and sponsors to take part in the celebration of the written word.

The event, scheduled for Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature Lions club book readings, a chance to network with authors and publishers and a chat with famed Canadian author Terry Fallis.

Kathy Purc, who is a member of the Haliburton Reads and Writes committee, said she’s excited to bring the writing community together again. “We lost out of the opportunity to do personal readings and that sort of thing,” said Purc, who is an author.

It’s organized in partnership between Haliburton Reads & Writes (part of The Arts Council Haliburton Highlands), the Haliburton and District Lions Club, Haliburton County Public Library and Hike Haliburton. She said becoming an exhibitor is a chance to get face-to-face with readers and writers.

While book sellers will be there too, Purc knows of book designers and authors who will rent a table too. There is an option to rent full tables and half tables.

The organizers are also looking for businesses or individuals to sponsor parts of the event, such as the “Big Book Club” when Fallis will chat with attendees.