New tourism manager hits the ground running

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February 24, 2022

The County is betting Tracie Bertrand’s experience working at the Ontario Gaming and Lottery Corporation will make her a winner as its new tourism manager.

Although she started in early January, Bertrand joked it had felt like a year on the job. She’s been busy meeting face-to-face with tourism stakeholders and pouring over the destination management plan that was completed before she joined the County.

In her most previous job, she was director of tourism for Peterborough Economic Development but spent nearly 20 years with OLG.

She has seen firsthand the synergy between tourism and economic development and likes the direction the County is heading with a director of economic development and tourism and a tourism manager.

“I think COVID has definitely highlighted how important the tourism sector is to economic prosperity, whereas before, not too many took it seriously, that the visitor dollar actually lends itself to economic prosperity. We really are seeing it now. There were no visitors the first year of the pandemic and stores, businesses, and other operators that depend on the visitor economy really suffered. It really did highlight how many of those places rely on visitors as well as locals,” she said.

Bertrand said COVID also brought droves of people to rural and regional Ontario, including Haliburton County, looking for wide open spaces and outdoor activities. It’s a trend she knows will continue.

As a result, she said departments such as hers, in consultation with stakeholders, have to strike a balance to ensure the influx is sustainable.

“Creating a solid plan for Haliburton County to grow responsibly, really taking into consideration what stakeholders have to say and what they want.” Toward that end, she said much of the work is done in the destination management plan.

Another plus, she added, is that stakeholders are very engaged in the Highlands, and willing to work together.

She said she is really looking through the eyes of a visitor since she is so new to the area. She’s asking herself, “What’s missing? What’s here? What can I highlight? What do I see as opportunity? What do I see as potential challenges?”

Already, she said, like much of rural and regional Ontario, impediments include workforce, transportation, housing and broadband. However, she said the County’s recently released RFP for an economic development strategy should tackle those issues.

For her part, the main document is the destination management plan and an operational plan to determine, “where we can take the strategy and put some actions behind it over the next five years?”

She said one key is to treat visitors well to ensure that they come back, but also educate them about local values, such as taking garbage out with them and parking responsibly.

She said another important aspect is dispersing visitors so that they are not all coming in the summer, but, encouraging year-round tourism opportunities and getting travellers to visit all four townships in the County. Bertrand said she will be looking to “highlight some unique gems that are maybe not as popular or well-known.”

She said that will lead to longer-term employment and less seasonal employment. Bertrand noted one in 10 jobs in Ontario was in the tourism sector prior to the pandemic.

She added one of her strengths is marketing and she already had solid contacts from her five-plus years in Peterborough working with industry partners, such as Destination Ontario, Destination Canada, the Tourism industry associations of Ontario (TIAO) and Canada (TIAC), large advocacy groups, chambers of commerce, culinary tourism and bicycling bodies, so it’s a case of so far, so good.

“People have been absolutely incredible, the staff here at the County and stakeholders in the community.”

High rent puts pressure on tenants’ finances

By

Lisa Gervais

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February 24, 2022

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With 49.5 per cent of community members paying above the government threshold for rent in Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes, the new anti-poverty roundtable co-ordinator provided an update on the organization’s work at the Feb. 9 County committee of the whole meeting.

Kelly Jones said nearly half of renters are putting more than 30 per cent of their income towards rent, which impacts their ability to pay for utilities, groceries, transportation and child care, among other things.

Jones said she was coming from lived experience. She resides in subsidized housing and pays market rent even though she works 40 hours a week.

She said if she did not, she would be going into debt every month. She told council the group has re-invigorated its goal to address the root cause of poverty in the region.

She provided statistics that state 18.4 per cent of community members between the ages of 18-64 are living in poverty. Another 12.8 per cent of seniors live in poverty. There are also 2,153 families and individuals on the housing wait list.

She said the pandemic has made the situation even more dire for many.

However, Jones said the roundtable is tackling a number of issues.

One is food security. They are advocating for the federal and provincial governments to develop policies and programs to help get at the root causes of poverty. They are also working on initiatives around food literacy and programming.

They are lobbying for safe and affordable housing, accessible quality child care and transportation. While the 10-year housing and homelessness strategy is a great start, she said, they are promoting things such as tax breaks to encourage landlords to offer affordable rentals.

Another key platform is education and employment, with systemic changes.

“Getting a job isn’t the answer,” Jones said. “It’s supporting all resources in order for someone to succeed at getting a job or higher education. Things like a living wage, and promoting the benefits to assist a living wage mentality.” She talked about pushing programs such as Circles, Make Your Way and Getting Ahead, with a focus on going back to school and getting jobs.

Another plank is children and youth. She said they are working to recruit early child educators and support $10-day government approved childcare for families, which Jones said “would alleviate a big portion of costs for hard-working families and single parents.”

Jones added she would be happy to sit at the municipal council table for any talks.

“Having lived experience at the decision-making table ensures collaboration for a community,” she said.

Dysart et al mayor Andrea Roberts commented that the roundtable was probably using outdated figures since the 2021 Census results are only now starting to come in and there’s been a global pandemic.

“I have grave concerns that those numbers are not accurate for what the current situation is,” she said. “We all buy groceries. We all eat. It’s just shocking how quickly and how fast the price of food is going up. The housing stock is also diminishing quicker than ever because the price of real estate is off the charts. The work you’re doing is so important and much appreciated.”

Jones said the roundtable will be tracking 2021 Census data as it is released.

Women’s shelter at capacity in ‘record year’

By

Mike Baker

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February 24, 2022

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The YWCA Peterborough Haliburton is further away than it has ever been from achieving its goal of putting itself out of business.

Demand for services at the local women’s shelter reached new, record-breaking highs in 2021 as dozens of women from across the Highlands sought support to escape abusive, often dangerous situations. Darlene Smith-Harrison, the organization’s director of client services, said the increase falls in line with a concerning trend since the onset of the pandemic showing a drastic rise in domestic violence.

During the last calendar year, the YWCA provided counseling and transition support services to 167 women across the region. They housed a further eight women and eight children in its two temporary living accommodations offered through the Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace (HERS) initiative, which ran at 99.7 per cent occupancy in 2021.

“That is, by far, the highest number we’ve ever seen,” Smith-Harrison said. “From the women we’re serving, we’re hearing the violence they’re experiencing is worse, and that they’re feeling more isolated. In speaking with other professionals in our community, they’re describing situations they’ve seen and dealt with before progressing from a push or a shove, to, now, broken bones.”

The YWCA received $151,221 in additional funding through the provincial government Feb. 10. The bulk of that money, just under $143,000, will support staffing at HERS, while the remaining $8,000 will be used for training.

MPP Laurie Scott has been an advocate of the local women’s shelter for several years, and said the money would help the agency reach women with transportation barriers in rural and remote parts of the community.

Since assuming her role as executive director with YWCA Peterborough Haliburton in early 2020, Kim Dolan has had to learn the ropes in the midst of a global pandemic. That has presented its own challenges, but trying to find the money to support a substantial increase in demand for services has been equally laborious.

At present, the organization is on the hook for fundraising around 30 per cent of its annual budget. That’s why funding announcements such as the one earlier this month are so important, Dolan noted.

“This money provides critical infrastructure for us that ensures our violence intervention programs are available in Haliburton County, and specifically supports HERS … The HERS program is operating at full capacity,” Dolan said.

“Our staff is working around the clock with women to develop safe planning strategies. We connect with police, lawyers, the family court system and other community services to help with next steps. Outside of our regular supports, we need to come up with ideas to support women in finding safe, affordable housing, jobs that provide a living wage.

“Gender-based violence continues to happen in our community. It’s increased through these times of uncertainty. We still have a lot more work to do, and this funding ensures that we will continue to do the work in partnership with the government and local services,” Dolan said.

OPP investigates Minden vehicle thefts

By

Sam Gillett

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February 23, 2022

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LG-OPP put dent in drug trade 3 — Constable Christopher Darling of the Haliburton Highlands Detachment keeps an eye out from his police cruiser. Photo by Lisa Gervais.

Police are searching for clues after three vehicles were stolen from Minden’s downtown core early Feb. 21.

The Haliburton Highlands OPP has not named any suspects. In a press release, police said it was unclear if the thefts were related.

“Residents are reminded to always lock their vehicles and take keys with them,” the press release added.

The OPP requests the public report all suspicious activity or information that could aid the investigation.

To contact the OPP, call 1-888-310-1122 or (705) 286-1431. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at https://www.khcrimestoppers.com/ where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward.

Haliburton OPP urges residents to:

– Always lock your vehicles and close the windows

– Never leave keys inside of your vehicle

– Remove everything from sight, leaving nothing in your vehicle to steal

– Remove garage door openers from your car

– Never leave the car running and unattended

Deep dive into new LTC beds

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Lisa Gervais

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February 17, 2022

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The fact Haliburton County is getting about 70 additional long-term care beds is very good news.
It means the waiting list for a long-term care bed in our community will get a little bit shorter.
It also means existing Extendicare Haliburton residents, if they are still around in three years’ time, will benefit from a new state-of-the-art facility.
The head of Extendicare said it will be roomier, more comfortable and private, offer better activity areas and generally improve quality of life. They will be able to offer more restorative and palliative services.
Minister of Long-Term Care, Paul Calandra, had oodles of praise for local MPP Laurie Scott, whom he said has been lobbying on behalf of long-term care since 2018.
We don’t doubt that the former nurse has indeed been beating the drum.
And the announcement was indeed fortuitous for her as a June 2, 2022 provincial election looms.
In fact, Scott and her government have been making hay out of taxpayer money [let’s not pretend this is provincial government money] for the last couple of weeks locally.
There have been press conferences for the Haliburton Legion roof and Dysart et al rinks. There was a press release for agricultural societies. There was modernization money for the County and Minden Hills. There was cash for the Haliburton Emergency SafeSpace. And, on Feb. 15, more funding for Minden Hills’ new gym at the rec centre.
Pardon the public for being a little cynical about the timing of said announcements.
Back to the Extendicare Haliburton one.
It’s great that the province is giving money to long-term care. The fact they are handing that money to a private company is less welcome. For-profit nursing homes were criticized for their inability to protect their residents from COVID-19 and the Canadian military identified deplorable conditions.
Were the money have gone to Haliburton Highlands Health Services-operated homes at Highland Wood in Haliburton, or Hyland Crest in Minden, some in the community would have welcomed the news even more.
There was also talk about land for the new build not having been identified yet. Extendicare’s president and CAO Michael Guerriere said they have spots in mind. It will likely be in Dysart et al.
Warden Liz Danielsen said something about the County working with Extendicare on finding suitable land. We just hope that help does not extend to taxpayers funding anything for a private, for-profit- company.
In other words, one hopes the County does not offer land for free, or for $1, but at market value if County land is on the table. Nor should they be quick to dismiss any fees or permits associated with the build. The private company has already gotten provincial tax dollars. It should not get County dollars too. We encourage co-operation by the County, but not financial incentives.
The politics aside, we welcome Extendicare’s investment in our community and hope it provides many seniors with a place to go so they can comfortably live out their lives in their home County.

Students protest COVID mandates outside HHSS

By

Sam Gillett

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February 17, 2022

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SG-freedom convoy-1- — Students and adults, some who are parents of HHSS students, protested outside the school Feb. 11

Approximately 20 high school students and parents protested vaccine mandates and masking rules outside Haliburton Highlands Secondary School Feb. 11.
“We’re trying to get things back open and get our school opened up,” said student Darian Maddock. Maddock said he supported vaccinations and masking but was frustrated with how COVID-19 rules have disrupted student life.
Spencer Upton, a student who waved a Canadian flag on top of the train alongside County Road 21, said, “we’re at a school, not a senior’s home or doctor’s. I feel we don’t need a mask here.”
Multiple peer-reviewed studies report masks help to reduce transmission of a number of air-borne illnesses such as COVID-19.
The protest was part of an Ontario-wide school walkout.
The gathering in Haliburton was joined by adults, some of whom were parents of HHSS students. Parent Robyn Shaw said she attended because she is alarmed by rules such as vaccination certificates that she said are prejudiced against people who aren’t vaccinated. Premier Doug Ford said on Feb. 14 that vaccine passports will be eliminated as of March 1. “That terrifies me. I just thought if Canada couldn’t fight off what was happening, we were never going to be able to,” she said.
She said she wants Canadians to be able to choose to be vaccinated or not without facing restrictions.
“I want people to be able to choose what’s right for them,” she said.
Data from the HKPR health unit shows vaccines, and especially a third booster shot, are a key reason why cases and hospitalizations from COVID-19 are declining.
“Certainly, data from published studies, data from provincial numbers and local data emphasize the role vaccination has in presenting serious illness,” chief medical officer of health Dr. Natalie Bocking said.
Since July 1, 41.9 per cent of people admitted to intensive care units with COVID-19 have been unvaccinated. Since the number of vaccinated people is nearly nine times larger than the population of unvaccinated people, there is a far larger proportion of unvaccinated individuals requiring urgent care for COVID-19 than those who are vaccinated across Canada.
The HHSS protest occurred in tandem with ongoing rallies in Ottawa and other major cities, blockades in key border crossings such as Windsor (now disbanded) and even ‘freedom convoy’ rallies in Haliburton County.
A Facebook page, Haliburton Freedom Rally, has garnered more than 1,500 follows.
It’s unclear what percentage of the group resides in Haliburton County.
Members of the group promoted two rallies in Minden as well as the Feb. 11 school event. No incidents have been reported at these events.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau enacted the Emergencies Act for the first time in Canada’s history Feb. 14. He said the decision, to be voted on by the House of Commons and Senate, aims to “supplement provincial and territorial capacity to address the blockades and occupations.”
On Feb. 13, Ontario premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency in the province, stating “it is illegal and punishable to block and impede the movement of goods, people and services along with critical infrastructure.”
Shaw said the movement is about peace and hope, along with the message of “freedom of choice.” “Who cares whoever has started this convoy,” she said. “This is people like you, and me, and our parents and our sisters and our brothers fighting for our rights.”

Casting Highlanders young and old

By

Sam Gillett

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February 17, 2022

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Three years ago, Duncan Evans-Fockler strode onto the stage as Michael Banks, a kid soon adventuring with the umbrella-wielding, enigmatic Marry Poppins. Through months of rehearsals, the Grade 5 student said his favourite part was the dances.
“First we had to get the basics of the dance, then we had to put it all together,” he said. “It was really fun.” According to Scot Denton, the Highlands Summer Festival’s (HSF) artistic producer, Evans-Fockler shone on stage alongside Tate Itani Smith who played his sister Jane. Evans-Fockler wants to audition for the role of Kurt in this year’s The Sound of Music production.
The Summer Festival is hosting auditions Feb. 26 and 27.
Denton encouraged kids to try out, no matter their experience level. “They don’t have to be opera singers, they’re kids. They’ll come and learn it, and kids learn fast,” he said.
From his experience, children of all personalities can shine on stage.
“Sometimes the shyest people get into rehearsal and on stage and it’s very liberating. It’s not just the outgoing kids who should be thinking about theatre as a hobby or vocation,” he said. How can you tell if your kid might fit the bill?
“Just see if your child wants to come,” Denton said.
For The Sound of Music, the HSF is casting Friedrich von Trapp, treble, 14, Louisa von Trapp, soprano, 13, Kurt von Trapp, treble, 10, Brigitta von Trapp, soprano, nine, Marta von Trapp, soprano, seven and Gretl von Trapp, soprano, six.
Those auditioning will sing for HSF production team members. “All they have to do is come sing happy birthday to us and we’ll know,” Denton said.
There are multiple roles for adults available too, from the grumpy baritone Captain von Trapp to the star of the show, Maria.
The Importance of Being Earnest still has one role open, as well as a third performance, Every Brilliant Thing.
Denton said the festival is excited at the possibility of a full season after nearly three full years of pandemic-related cancellations or postponements.
“We’re going to have a good time,” he said. “It’s going to be amazing to get back to what we do.”
For more information and to book an audition time, call Betty Mills: 705-457- 1354

Team finding form again after shutdown

By

Sam Gillett

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February 17, 2022

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Haliburton Huskies Hockey team Feb. 11 — The squad salutes the crowd after a 3-1 win Feb. 11 at the SG Nesbitt Arena

Huskies Coach Ryan Ramsay said recent performances show the squad’s form suffered since COVID-19 rules halted the league.
“Unfortunately, we were on a good streak there before the break,” he said. “I don’t think we’re playing great hockey, I think we’re playing pretty good hockey.” However, the Huskies returned to winning ways after a tough loss Feb. 7 with a 3-1 win over a feisty Toronto Patriots squad Feb. 11.
Less than three minutes from puck drop, Richardson slotted the Huskies’ first goal, assisted by Isaac Sooklal and Sam Solarino. New signing Simon Rose anchored the blue line, getting a few shots on net as the Dogs dominated first-period possession.
Christian Stevens followed Richardson’s effort, assisted by stars Oliver Tarr and Patrick Saini. While the Patriots turned up the heat, the Huskies didn’t back down.
“The Patriots try to play an aggressive, in-your-face game,” Ramsay said. The deadly trio of Tarr, Saini and Stevens combined again early in the third for another Stevens’ goal, flicking the puck low into the bottom corner.
The Patriots responded with a power-play goal minutes from the final buzzer, Hayes McKay slotted home a shot assisted by Eric Bonsteel and Johnathon Mead.
Game-winner Stevens said the squad played well, especially as the game became more heated as it wore on. “I tend to see it as playoff hockey,” Stevens said. “It’s good to have some of these games early in the season.”
Goalie Christian Linton said he was proud of how the team shut their opponents down. “We set the trap for them, minimized their scoring chances and cruised to victory,” Linton said. He had a stellar showing between the pipes, fending off an increasingly desperate Patriots’ squad as the chippy game came to a close. “It feels good, it’s always good to come away with the two points,” he said. “It’s awesome, we’re going to build off it, really get on a run here.”

Revenge on the road

The Huskies kept a clean sheet against fierce rivals the Toronto Jr Canadiens in a 2-0 victory Feb. 12. It was a sweet victory for a squad beaten by the Canadiens early in February. Lucas Stevenson scored early in the first period, assisted by Payton Schaly and Jack Staniland. After a stalemate second period, the Canadiens pulled their goalie in an attempt to get back into the game. Rose pounced on the empty net and slid the puck home. It cemented a strong Huskies victory with the squad outshot by the Canadiens. Goalie Christian Cicigoi continued the Huskies defensive tradition, snatching 36 saves to shut out the southern team. The Dogs fell 4-3 against Caledon Feb.16 bringing the two-game win streak to a close. Caledon scored three in quick succession in the second period. The Huskies rallied, with Rose scoring a first goal late in the second period. Payton Schaly bulged the net early in the third, followed by a remarkable Christian Stevens “Michigan” goal – flicking the puck up on the blade of his stick and curling it into the net from behind the goalie – less than a minute later. Caledon prevailed in a tense overtime with Ethan Tierman slotting the winner home. “The players responded well, to come back to make it 3-3,” Ramsay said. He added that the team might have been over-confident facing off against the lowerranked team. “It shouldn’t have gone like that,” he said. The Huskies fell 2-1 to Wellington Feb. 16, and are travelling to Trenton Feb. 18. They host Wellington at home Feb. 19 and play the Lindsay Muskies Feb. 21.

County to get new long-term care home

By

Lisa Gervais

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February 17, 2022

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Haliburton County will have a new stateof-the-art long-term care home within three years. News of funding for the $41 million, 128- bed facility was announced by the province and Extendicare during a Feb. 14 Zoom press conference.

Minister of Long-Term Care Paul Calandra, Haliburton-Kawartha LakesBrock MPP Laurie Scott, Extendicare president and CAO Michael Guerriere and County warden Liz Danielsen spoke during the call.

Danielsen said the County was “very excited to hear the announcement from the province.” She added the need for improvements in LTC have become critical over the last few years “and sadly COVID-19 has made that challenge very difficult for our health care professionals. Our thanks to the province for making long-term care a priority for Haliburton and beyond.” Extendicare currently operates a facility in Haliburton village and it’s expected its replacement will also be in Dysart et al, although there was no announcement as to location.

The private company operates 96 homesin four provinces. Guerriere said this will be the seventh new home to be built in its chain.

“The Haliburton project will enable us to replace our current facility and build a brand new 128-room long-term care home, more than doubling our current capacity in the community,” Guerriere said.

He added it will feature state-of-the-art design standards “to meet the current and future needs of seniors.”

According to the president and CAO, it will equate to more space to connect with loved ones, increased privacy and comfort; be more conducive to resident quality of life; have enhanced resident activity areas and flexible space forrestorative and palliative services. “Extendicare is committed to serving seniors in this region long into the future,” he said.

68 new and 60 upgraded beds

When asked by The Highlander about the actual number of new beds, once residents are moved into the facility, Guerriere said approximately 70. Asked about timelines, he said within three years. A follow-up press release said there would be 68 new and 60 upgraded beds.

Scott called it “a great announcement for Haliburton County.” She said COVID had highlighted decadeslong challenges in the long-term care sector and the provincial government is continuing to deliver on its promise to fix the system via a three-pillar approach: improving staffing and care; better accountability, enforcement and transparency; and building modern, safe and comfortable homes for seniors.

“After many years of listening to community members and working with Warden Liz Danielsen and councillors past and present … our government is investing to help those who are waiting for a bed and waiting to receive the care they need and deserve in their own community,” Scott said.

She added it will help reduce pressure on local hospitals and the community paramedicine for long-term care program by creating a safe and appropriate care setting.

As such, Haliburton Highlands Health Services president and CAO Carolyn Plummer also lauded the news. “This is exciting and welcome news; HHHS is pleased that the Government of Ontario continues to invest in the creation of new long-term care beds, especially in our region. We hope this helps with access and wait times for those waiting for a spot in a long-term care home in our community, whether it be individuals who are at home and needing to transition to long-term care, or those in hospital who are awaiting placement in a long-term care home,” she said.

Fears over staffing

Meanwhile, The Haliburton CKL LongTerm Care Coalition said it was surprised by the announcement to build a new, forprofit LTC Extendicare in Halburton.

“Our coalition commends Extendicare Haliburton staff for keeping residents safe during the pandemic and for the high quality of care they provide,” spokesperson Bonnie Roe said. However, she asked, “at a time when nurses and PSWs are leaving the profession due to burnout and poor wages and working conditions, how will the new home find staff to provide the level of care needed and ensure training begins now?”

She said the coalition believes this is a key opportunity to look at alternative living options for an aging population.

“We need to take profit out of elder care. Families, residents and advocates have begged the Ford government to re-think our LTC system and put monies into home care to enable elders to live comfortably in their homes for as long as they can. We want our community to learn from countries worldwide that have built small, community models for our elders that are person-driven and feel like home.”

Soyers Lake man seeks to honour late Lee Blair

By

Mike Baker

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February 17, 2022

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When long-time cottager Bob Novak bought an island on Soyers Lake in the mid 1990s, he knew just the man who could help turn his dreams into reality.

The name Lee Blair is practically synonymous with Soyers Lake, located a few kilometres west of Haliburton village. In the 1970s, he played a pivotal role in developing land fronting the water, gaining a reputation for “doing things the right way.”

“Lee always did things in a tender way. He was a developer, but he was extremely passionate about the environment. Every project was well thought out, and done in a way that maintained nature and all its beauty,” Novak said. “He had an extremely good reputation here in Haliburton County.”

Novak first met Blair in 1970, when the developer, who owned and operated Blair Sand and Gravel for decades until his retirement in 1993, was building a dock at a cottage on Lake Kashagawigamog. The pair hit it off and became friends.

It was only natural then, when Novak acquired his island, that he would look to Blair for advice on how to go about building his dream home. Blair served as an advisor to the construction firm tasked with completing the project.

Speaking to The Highlander, Novak said he’s found an ever-lasting way to appropriately acknowledge Blair’s contributions to Haliburton County. And he needs the community’s help to do it.

“I want to rename the island Lee Blair Island,” Novak said. “Everybody I’ve ever talked to that knew Lee, had only good things to say. When I would tell people Lee was helping me with my build, they would tell me I was in the best hands. This is my way of remembering, and commemorating a friend.”

Novak began the process to legally change the name of the island in 2017. He submitted an initial application to the provincial government, and has followed up annually to check on the process. After years of hearing “yes, we’re looking into it,” the government launched an online survey earlier this year, looking for public feedback on the name change request. The survey can be accessed at www.ontario.ca/page/geographic-names The deadline for submissions is March 31.

Given there’s so much confusion locally about what the island should be called – Novak said it’s labelled on maps as Brown Island, but more widely referred to as Blueberry Island or Camp Allsaw Island – he feels it would be a fitting way to remember a man that helped shape Soyers Lake into what it is today.

“It would mean a lot to me,” Novak said of the name change. “It would help keep his memory alive.”