Rotary launches free bike share program

By

-

September 1, 2022

Haliburton Rotary is encouraging people to get outside and exercise following the launch of its new community bike share program.

Introduced Aug. 15, the initiative gives local residents and visitors aged 18 and older the chance to rent bicycles for free – providing an opportunity to further explore downtown Haliburton and nearby trails.

A passion project of Rotarians Irv Handler and Mike Landry, the bike share is intended to promote free outdoor activity and enhance Haliburton’s reputation as a premiere tourist destination. The pair were on hand at Head Lake Park Aug. 25 as the program was officially unveiled.

“I was about seven when my dad taught me how to ride a bike… I felt like I was a bird flying. I felt a sense of overwhelming freedom,” Handler said at the launch.

“Two weeks ago, when I took one of these bikes out for the first time, I felt that same freedom. I’m just happy now that everybody in Haliburton has the opportunity to experience that same sense of freedom.”

Six bikes will be stationed outside the Haliburton Welcome Centre from mid-April to the end of October. People will be able to take bikes out during daylight hours, currently between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. A smart phone is required to sign a waiver and input credit card details to unlock the bikes. This is simply a precautionary measure, Handler said, with cards only being charged if bikes are damaged or not returned.

Individuals will be able to check out a bike for up to three hours.

The program has been quite popular since soft launching earlier this month. Handler noted there had been 72 rentals between Aug. 15 and 25.

Haliburton Rotary has invested approximately $16,000 into the bike share. That’s covered the cost of the six, seven-speed bikes, six Bluetooth electronic locks, three double-bike docking racks and the development of a smartphone app.

Landry said to access the bikes, people will need to download the Canadian version of the app OnBike Share.

Algonquin Outfitters has partnered with Rotary on the project, providing ongoing maintenance of the bikes.

Mayor Andrea Roberts said this latest Rotary initiative was a big win for the community.

“Here we go again, another ribbon cutting for another great Rotary project… This is such a wonderful opportunity for tourists and people that come to town and don’t have their bikes. I absolutely love that it’s free,” Roberts said. “I’m a big cyclist and love to ride my bike around… This is a great addition to the park.”

Hot tub enforcement ‘ridiculous’: County council

By

Sam Gillett

-

September 1, 2022

0

Haliburton County council is voicing its displeasure with recent closures of Highlands hot tubs.

This summer, multiple accommodators had hot tubs, located in or next to private rooms, closed due to non-compliance with Ontario-wide regulations that require operators with more than six rooms to comply with the same rules governing hot tubs at public pools or hotels.

Buttermilk Falls Resort and Lakeview Motel claimed such rules unfairly target small resort operators who have neither the funds or space to satisfy the rules, which include having telephone landlines next to the hot tub, or requiring them to be shut down at specific times.

“I’m very sad for the motel and hotels that this is affecting in our County,” said Dysart et al mayor Andrea Roberts at an Aug. 24 council meeting.

She added, “I think the only move forward in this is to request a change in the regulation. A large hotel should not be treated the same as a motel unit with one (hot tub) out the door.”

Resort operators said other health units are not enforcing the regulations.

Algonquin Highlands mayor Carol Moffatt said, “inconsistent application of this is absolutely ridiculous.”

Minden Hills mayor Brent Devolin compared the issue to the enforcement of COVID-19 rules in the health unit, with certain issues enforced more strictly.

“Definitely, the director of our regions can set the priorities without explicit ‘thou shalt not’,” he said.

Council voted to send a letter to MPP Laurie Scott to ask that Ontario Regulation 565 be amended to record a distinction between commercial hot tubs and small residential hot tubs used in commercial settings. It will also be sent to members of the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge (HKPR) District board of health.

In an emailed statement, Scott’s office said “MPP Scott is aware of the issues businesses are experiencing regarding the enforcement of the regulation on public pools and is working diligently with the Ministry of Health on a solution to help support local businesses while maintaining public health standards in appropriate settings.”

The HKPR health unit previously told The Highlander complaints led to the enforcement of the Ontario rules.

The health unit said multiple infractions led to the closures, including not notifying local health units, not having emergency telephones, having no chemistry records or safety records, circulation system being off, and having no emergency stop button.

Electric vehicle may not be feasible

Haliburton County is set to modernize its fleet with an electric car, depending on price and availability.

The current vehicle in use, shared with the library, is at the end of its life.

“It is actually challenging to get parts for that type of vehicle… we’re hoping to get it through the end of the year,” said director of public works Robert Sutton.

Warden Liz Danielsen asked if the County is ready for an electric vehicle due to difficulties charging or maintaining a charge.

Sutton said, “all options are available,” noting supply issues with electric cars.

“Right now, we’re carrying the cost for a standard electric vehicle in the budget.”

Coun. Cec Ryall asked about ways to ensure electric vehicles could remain on the road even during power loss. Sutton said he’s not aware of generator backups for chargers.

“If you went full electric, you’d want to have some sort of backup system.”

Devolin said acquiring electric vehicles could remain a challenge far into the future with long lead times on securing them.

“Those are things staff and council are going to have to talk about as part of your next budget cycle,” he said.

Kash Lake retreat centre denied rezoning

By

Sam Gillett

-

September 1, 2022

0

After more than 14 months of consideration and multiple deferrals, Minden Hills has denied a rezoning application from a retreat centre on Lake Kashagawigamog.

Haliburton Post House requested an official plan amendment to allow non-residential use on the lakefront in 2021.

While the township’s contracted planners recommended council approve the rezoning, councillors unanimously denied the request, expressing concern about the retreat centre operating before rezoning was permitted and its impact on the lake community.

The entire property is rented on a short-term basis by corporate groups, private family gatherings or others, and they provide gourmet dining and meals-to-go services.

“There is no honesty there, right from the beginning,” said Coun. Ron Nesbitt.

Deputy mayor Lisa Schell said, “on paper, we have what the planner is telling us… morally, we have what has been done.”

Activities conducted at the property appear to be permitted under current zoning rules.

Post House said they’ve followed the rules set out in the township’s official plan – the same rules that currently allow property owners to operate short-term rental businesses from their properties.

“We are pleased that the municipal township’s land use planner recommended approval of our application, recognizing and acknowledging the supporting materials we filed justifying the merits of our application both at the June 9, 2022 meeting and again on August 25, 2022. Facts were mischaracterized during the meeting and had we been given the opportunity to respond, we would have been able to correct those misrepresentations,” said co-owners Joel Baker and Heather Milstein in an emailed statement after the meeting. They plan to appeal the decision at the Ontario Land Tribunal. “In the meantime, we continue to operate lawfully and respectfully under the township’s zoning bylaw and short-term rental framework…our goal remains to be positive and collaborative members of the community,” they said.

Some residents expressed concerns over the property’s commercial uses impacting lake life. A nearby resident said she was concerned about the property capacity and the hosting of events that she said included motorized watercraft.

An environmental review from Brent Parsons of Hutchinson Environmental showed the development will not negatively impact the lake’s phosphorus levels.

In addition to his previous reports, Parsons added stipulations to collect groundwater samples and monitoring of a new and improved septic system, as well as keeping an eye on the property’s vegetative buffer.

“We believe the Post House fits well into the fabric of the community,” said Baker during the council meeting. He said the Post House is “on the same side” as the community in their wish to preserve the nature of the lake.

Multiple councillors said they were uncomfortable about setting a precedent for the property’s zoning if it is sold.

“This is setting a precedent,” Coun Pam Sayne said. “This means every short-term rental we have on the lake could do the same thing. We’ve got to look at this from a broader perspective, this isn’t about one business.”

Mayor Brent Devolin said, “It’s about trust. If your actions betray the trust between us or staff or the public, it comes with consequences.”

Dysart rubber stamps new strategic plan

By

Mike Baker

-

September 1, 2022

0

Outgoing Dysart et al mayor Andrea Roberts said she’s proud of the “game-changing” parting gift council is leaving behind for the community’s next set of elected officials.

Council officially adopted a new strategic plan in July, developing an overarching vision and mission to help guide future municipal decision-making. The plan is years in the making and its formation was one of Roberts’ primary goals heading into this current term.

“We’ve had a lot of different documents, things like a cultural resource plan, economic development strategies and asset management plans, but we didn’t really have one document that captures the essence of what Dysart is, where we see ourselves now and where we want to go,” Roberts said.

Dysart CAO Tamara Wilbee said the strategic plan would be different in the sense that it doesn’t outline specific projects for completion. Instead, it will serve as a “living document” that will operate alongside more detailed operational plans to support the township’s objectives.

From a staff perspective, she said the plan would help to prioritize areas of focus and develop more detailed action plans to move strategies forward over time.

It could also help the municipality secure more federal and provincial grants in the future.

Outlined in the new plan, Dysart’s vision is to be a culturally rich, welcoming and diverse community that prioritizes the natural environment while promoting the local economy through sustainable growth. Its mission is to serve and engage with residents, businesses and visitors by delivering excellent services and advancing innovative solutions that promote the community’s priorities now and into the future.

Also included in the plan are five strategic pillars that Roberts says are key to fostering the growth of Dysart.

The first pillar focuses on sustainable growth and the environment, with four goals outlined: establishing a growth vision and plan for Dysart; protecting and respecting the natural environment; mitigating climate change impacts; and ensuring the township’s future housing mix supports local housing demand.

Under the infrastructure planning and investment pillar, council outlined the need to implement and fund an asset management plan; invest in infrastructural renewal and expansion; and ensure its service standard policy aligns with emerging community needs.

The third pillar focuses on economic development and prosperity, with goals to promote and renew the downtown core in Haliburton and expand access to broadband services.

A fourth pillar targets good governance and operational excellence, with a commitment to enhance customer service across municipal facilities.

The fifth pillar aims to establish Dysart as a vibrant community with great services.

The strategic plan was developed in partnership with Toronto-based consultancy firm StrategyCorp.

While Roberts and several other councillors that helped develop the plan won’t be around next term to see the fruits of their labour, she said it was worth the time to ensure the township’s next council is in a good position to succeed.

“The biggest difference with having a strategic plan is that the township can now be proactive and move towards its goals, not just simply being reactive and waiting for things to happen,” Roberts said. “It’s about finding ways to maintain our small-town feel while addressing important issues like housing and technology… This is going to be an invaluable tool for staff and future councils for years to come.

The Gull gets glamorous: photos from Minden Pride’s River Parade

By

Sam Gillett

-

September 1, 2022

0

People waved pride flags and cheered from the shore as dozens of colourful floats weaved their way down the Gull River for Minden Pride’s famous river parade Aug. 28.

From a two-metre tall unicorn to a floating beaver, participants got loud and proud on the river while tunes boomed across the water from Boshkung Social. Minden Pride hosted a street party along with the river parade on Water Street, with vendors, food, kids’ games and face-painting.

Have your say on draft federal boundaries

By

Lisa Gervais

-

September 1, 2022

0

While most people are focused on the fall municipal election, the Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission for Ontario released a proposed electoral map Aug. 19 that County residents should take note of. While the maps won’t be finalized until September 2023, public consultation is beginning this month.

The changes are fairly significant for the Central East, of which we are a part. They reflect population changes in the 2021 Census.

The Canadian constitution requires federal electoral districts be reviewed after every 10-year Census to better reflect population changes. Ontario’s population has increased from about 12.9 million in 2011 to 14.2 million as of 2021.

The commission said its new maps also take into account communities of interest or identity, and historic and geographic factors.

In Central Eastern Ontario, home to the existing ridings of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, Peterborough-Kawartha, Northumberland-Peterborough South, Hastings-Lennox and Addington and Bay of Quinte, the population grew nine per cent (about 535,000 to 583,000). The biggest changes are for HastingsLennox and Addington, but also affect the others.

All the rest would be renamed, with the exception of Haliburton-Kawartha LakesBrock. The Municipality of Trent Lakes in Peterborough County, excluding the Curve Lake First Nation, would be moved into Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. Further, the proposed new HKLB – with a population of 120,241 – would include Dysart et al, Algonquin Highlands, and Minden Hills but only the western portion of Highlands East.

It would also house the City of Kawartha Lakes, Brock and parts of Cavan Monaghan Township. The other portion of Highlands East would go into the proposed Hastings-Lennox and Addington-Tyendinaga riding, which, among others, would include Bancroft. For Haliburton County, this is where it gets tricky.

What would be the impact of splitting Highlands East over two federal ridings? How does this take into account communities of interest or identity, and historic and geographic factors? Highlands East wants none of that.

Neither does MP Jamie Schmale. Nor do we. It would undermine the integrity of Haliburton County having three and a half townships.

The next federal election won’t be held until, or before, Oct. 20, 2025.

However, as mentioned, the final electoral districts will be determined in September 2023.

The commission is holding in-person and virtual public hearings this fall to gather comments and feedback on the proposed boundaries and electoral district names.

The Central Ontario hearing will take place on Monday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

There will also be an Ontario open virtual hearing on Oct. 29. If you want to speak during the Central Ontario one, you must complete a public hearing participation form by Sept. 25. A full list of the virtual and in-person public hearings, and the forms, are at redecoupageredistribution-2022.ca.

There is also information to make a written submission. We urge County residents to have a look at the current and proposed maps and plan to make a written submission or presentation if they have any issues with what is being planned. We suspect residents of Highlands East and others will be most interested in the process.

TLDSB students set for ‘normal’ return

By

Mike Baker

-

September 1, 2022

0

When students across Haliburton County return to school Sept. 6 they will do so in a “normal” fashion, with most COVID-19 safety protocols eliminated. School start-up was the main point of discussion as Trillium Lakelands District School Board trustees gathered Aug. 30, with director of education Wes Hahn saying there’s a lot of hope and optimism surrounding the 2022/23 school year.

“This is what we have been waiting for… we’ve been setting up to get back into action in schools. We are happy to have a regular start-up for staff and students,” Hahn said. Masking will no longer be required on school property, while protocols around cohorting and social distancing have also been removed.

Shared spaces such as libraries, tech labs, theatres and music rooms can be fully utilized, while extra-curriculars and programs across grades, such as the reading buddies initiative, will also return. Limitations on in-person gatherings and assemblies has also been removed. COVID screening will remain in place for now, with students asked to stay home if they’re feeling unwell.

“There will probably be some different processes around the number of days they should stay away, or on how to report [an illness], but we are still working on that. We’ll let parents know with some communication that will go out before school starts,” Hahn said.

“If we run into the same situations as last year, where particular illnesses impacted [a specific grade], we’ll look into class closures, but we don’t expect to have to go that far this year,” he added.

More stringent cleaning protocols introduced during the pandemic will continue, while schools will also use HEPA filter systems installed last year.

Most students will be physically back in the classroom this year, with only 88 elementary students board-wide registered for virtual learning. There will be no virtual learning for secondary students.

Hahn said there will be an increased focus on mental health and wellbeing. “Some students are feeling a high sense of anxiety coming into the system after the pandemic. That’s not a surprise for us, and is something we need to deal with,” Hahn said. “We want people to feel comfortable and confident in our system as we start up… So, there will be help provided for any students who are struggling.”

Outdoor education coming back Outdoor education programming will return to TLDSB this school year. There was controversy in the spring when the board announced it would be suspending operations at the Yearley Outdoor Education Centre, citing several safety concerns with the property.

Students across TLDSB have been visiting Yearley for more than 50 years. The site has been closed for two years, with outdoor education cancelled throughout the pandemic. Superintendent Paul Goldring announced this week that TLDSB had signed an agreement with Camp Muskoka to provide an overnight outdoor education experience for all Grade 6 students this year. The cost for students to attend will be $30.

Looking long-term, Goldring said staff were investigating whether Yearley could be upgraded to meet current standards. If that’s not possible, other camp sites across the district will be considered to serve as a permanent home for TLDSB outdoor education programming in the future.

Listen: What are we doing? about Health Care

By

Sam Gillett

-

August 26, 2022

0

An aging population and the COVID-19 migration has our health system under stress. And while this is predominantly a provincial issue, our Municipality can still play a large impact in the quality of care we receive.

So what are we doing about Health Care? Join us as Lisa lays out the limits of our local government and speaks with Pat and Sheryl Kennedy, along with Cindy Snider for an inside scoop on how we could improve the Highland’s Health Care.

Join our next episode by sending a voice note! Visit: https://anchor.fm/whatarewedoinghighlands/message or email us at

whatarewedoinghighlands@gmail.com. Created by Justin van Lieshout in partnership with The Highlander, featuring Mike Baker, Lisa Gervais, and Sam Gillett.

Music by Mackenzie Robinson AKA. Kashaga’. Find his music here: https://linktr.ee/Kashaga

Accident survivor reunites with Haliburton paramedics

By

Sam Gillett

-

August 25, 2022

0

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

By

Sam Gillett

-

August 25, 2022

0

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.”