The class of 2020 celebrates despite COVID

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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June 20, 2020

JQ - School graduations - 2-web — Photo via Flickr.

Local schools are preparing to celebrate the graduation of their students in new ways this year with the pandemic preventing large gatherings.

Graduation committees have worked on alternative arrangements with school buildings closed for the remainder of the educational year due to COVID-19. Trillium Lakelands District School Board has allowed its schools to each make their own decisions on how graduation ceremonies happen, with many going online.

Haliburton Highlands Secondary School will do a video ceremony June 24, with all the normal speeches. The school will also offer students a chance to cross a stage and get photos taken the next day on a staggered, scheduled basis to allow for physical distancing.

“Our staff felt really strongly about celebrating our students and their accomplishments,” HHSS principal Chris Boulay said. “We want to make sure our graduates know how proud we are of them.”

Boulay said the school listened to feedback about the importance of getting graduation photos.

“Trying to have some type of photo moment was also significant for families to be able to have a reminder,” he said. “Even though it is a limited form, it’s still going to be very special.”

Other schools are also planning online ceremonies or events, including Archie Stouffer Elementary, J. Douglas Hodgson Elementary and Wilberforce Elementary.

Stuart Baker Elementary School is forgoing its usual clap out ceremony but is preparing slideshows for each of its Grade 3 students moving on.

Wilberforce Elementary principal Elaine Fournier said the school’s graduation committee is working on a virtual space for students to enjoy fun activities after addresses from the principal, trustee, and valedictorian.

“It’s going to be celebratory,” Fournier said. “It allows for everyone to participate.”

Although the pandemic has made for challenging circumstances, Fournier said recognizing milestones is still important.

“Everything feels like it has changed, but there are things that haven’t … Like the unwavering support and love and pride of the graduates’ families. The pride of teachers and staff members,” she said. “It’s really important to recognize and celebrate milestones. Just because we’re under unusual or extraordinary circumstances doesn’t mean we let go of, or forget that.”

Below is the full schedule of middle and high school ceremonies:

• Archie Stouffer Elementary School – June 22, 7 p.m.

• J. Douglas Hodgson Elementary School – June 23, 6:30 p.m.

• Wilberforce Elementary School – June 24, 6 p.m.

• Haliburton Highlands Secondary School – June 24, 7 p.m.

Daycares staying closed, seek provincial funding

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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June 19, 2020

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JQ - Daycare reopening - 1 — Construction has begun for an expansion at the Minden daycare, which will keep its doors closed for six months. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Daycares are remaining closed for now as they seek more funding from the province to address the increased demands of the pandemic.

The province announced daycares could start reopening June 12, with enhanced safety measures. However, many daycares are halting any reopening until the provincial government can fund the costs of enhanced measures, as well as ensuring provincial grants can be used to help cover for wages.

The Minden daycare is in that position. The building will be closed for at least six months as construction gets underway for a planned expansion, delayed by COVID-19. But Compass Early Learning and Care CEO and Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care (OCBCC) president Sheila Olan-MacLean said the wage picture needs to be sorted for the daycare to run with an alternative arrangement at local schools.

“It’s like the province does not want to own any problems that arise from opening up,” Olan-MacLean said. “It was just kind of insulting the way that the announcement was made.”

Childcare centres have been relying on the federal government’s 75 per cent wage coverage since they closed in March. OlanMacLean said they have used provincial dollars to make up the rest and continue paying staff, but were then told in May funds could not be used for that purpose. That stands to put Compass, which runs daycares throughout the region, into a $600,000 deficit, she said.

“We were told something, made business decisions based on what we were told, and then 10 weeks into the closure, what they call the ‘sustainability plan’ was really disastrous for all of childcare,” OlanMacLean said.

Meanwhile, Haliburton Wee Care supervisor Denise Wolm said the daycare is not sure when it can open.

“There are a lot of factors to take into consideration including funding and preparations which need to be done in order to ensure everyone’s safety which is first and foremost,” she said.

In a June 13 letter, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce said the province would provide funding to centres for cleaning, personal protective equipment and enhanced staffing levels.

“We know the integral role childcare plays in the restart of Ontario’s economy,” Lecce said. “We have taken action to support licenced childcare providers to enable them to remain sustainable.”

Lecce also listed the required safety measures, including keeping groups to 10 or less, screening all staff and children, enhanced cleaning and restricted visitors. Olan-MacLean said the province still needs to answer for wage funding.

She said daycares have continued to help people on an emergency basis and are capable of reopening with the proper support.

“We think that we can do it safely,” she said. “We also do not want to open up our doors for children if it’s not in their best interests … It’s really important that we have the staffing we need.”

Mother’s anguish leads to cemetery review

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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June 18, 2020

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JQ - Grave dispute - 2 - web — Dulce Acero kneels next to the grave of her son, Phoenix Acero. After being allegedly confronted by staff about items placed there, she posted a video to Facebook, which went viral. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Dysart et al plans to examine its cemetery rules in response to a viral video calling out caretakers for alleged mistreatment of a grieving mother.

Dulce Acero posted a video from the Evergreen Cemetery June 13, in which she tearfully describes being confronted by two caretakers about items she and others were leaving on the grave of her son Phoenix Acero, who died in 2017. Acero said there was a heated confrontation about items not being allowed on graves. She accused the caretakers of rudeness, threatening to destroy items and flipping her off.

She posted the video on Facebook where she received an outpouring of support, with more than 700 shares and 37,000 views. Acero told The Highlander it came after years of dispute with caretakers. She alleges items placed on Phoenix’s grave were getting thrown out to allow for grass cutting, versus being set aside.

“It makes me feel really good when I come here and I see people have left him things,” Acero said. “People who want to bring personal mementoes to the cemetery should absolutely be able to.”

Mayor Andrea Roberts posted a public apology to Acero June 16. She said the township will review its bylaw and look for ways items can be placed at grave sites without interfering with maintenance and safety.

“I was shocked and saddened to see the video … I can’t begin to imagine her grief,” Roberts said.

Dysart’s cemetery bylaw does not disallow most items from being left at graves. Although the bylaw states the municipality is not liable for anything that happens to items outside of “gross negligence” on its part, there is no section that explicitly states mementos cannot be placed or that they will be removed. The bylaw only disallows non-potted plants, fencing and solar lights.

In contrast, cemetery bylaws such as those in the neighbouring Minden Hills explicitly state the township can regulate items which prevent cemetery operations, and they can be removed and disposed of without notification.

Roberts acknowledged it is an issue in the Dysart bylaw. She added items getting in the way of staff is a problem.

“While it may not be in the bylaw, there is just a certain standard of care to make sure they can do their work without hitting a photograph,” she said. “We also want to work with how we can safely place items in and around a headstone.”

Other concerned citizens have spoken out about similar experiences. Bob English said it was important for his family to bring mementos, like a treasured toy firetruck, to his son’s grave at the Evergreen cemetery to help remember him. But they stopped doing that after they were included as part of a mass removal of objects by staff several years ago, though they were able to retrive most of the items

English said his heart goes out to Acero. He added the need for limitations on items is understandable, but there should be more leeway.

“Items that could be placed upon or attached to the headstone should not interfere with groundskeeping,” English said. “There has to be some give to that policy that’s going to allow people to have mementos.”

Acero said she worked to ensure items were not getting in the way and even trimmed grass herself with scissors, though that is against the bylaw. She added people should be allowed a space near graves. She also said mementos at graves are part of her family’s Mexican culture, with the Day of the Dead celebrations in November.

“This has to be fixed. This can’t be a continuous argument for people who are trying to grieve,” Acero said, adding the caretakers involved should be fired.

The township contracts cemetery maintenance to Golf Green Enterprises. Roberts said those caretakers are not being fired but were spoken to, adding all staff need to have proper customer service training.

Only the contractor could fire one of its employees, not the township. Golf Green Enterprises did not respond to a request for comment.

Roberts said the company has worked with the township for more than 25 years and the incident is not worth ending that contract.

“We have a good rapport with the company. This is a very, very unfortunate thing that happened and we want to make sure on a go-forward basis that this doesn’t happen again,” Roberts said.

Acero said she appreciated an apology she received from Golf Green but felt it should be direct from the employees. She said she is unhappy about a conversation she had with Roberts and is not content with the public apology.

“This is where our loved ones are,” she said. “This is where our people are and you need to respect us.”

Library begins curbside pickup

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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June 15, 2020

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JQ - Library reopening - 1-web — File photo.

The County library board voted June 10 to begin curbside pickup at its Dysart et al branch starting June 25.

The plan would allow people to borrow books by placing them on hold and then arriving at a designated time to pick them up from outside the library. If successful in Dysart, other branches would also begin to offer the service, starting with Minden.

Board members were cautious and decided to delay implementation at their May 27 meeting. But with the province lifting more restrictions June 12, board members said they felt comfortable enough to proceed.

“Things opening up, not everyone is accessing online. There’s still a lot of people who like and need to hold a book,” vice chair Andrea Roberts said. “People may have to wait a little bit longer, but I really think we should.”

Board member Cec Ryall said he was still concerned but added it made sense to try it.

“I’m not sure if this is going to have the amount of value everyone seems to think it is. Having said that, I think it’s definitely worth doing a prototype,” Ryall said.

Holds will be able to be made via the library website, phone or email. Books will be picked up from an outside table under the overhang of the Dysart branch. Staff will sanitize the table and door handles, while also quarantining books for 72 hours after use.

Sullivan also said staff members can decide whether they are comfortable being part of the program. Books will initially be given out in 20-minute blocks to give staff time to process and sanitize, but Sullivan said that will quickly be shifted to 15-minutes if things go well.

Board members also decided staff could bring back access to library computers by appointment if curbside pickup goes well. The province allowed for that with the start of Stage 2 of its reopening plan June 12.

“We’re all facing challenges, even in our municipalities, with people working from home with less than efficient or sufficient internet speeds,” board member Carol Moffatt said. “I’m keen to get – with appropriate safety protocols in place – people back to computers and their window to the world.”

Dysart task force charts course for recovery

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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June 15, 2020

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JQ - Businesses re-open - 2-web — Downtown Haliburton. File photo.

Dysart et al officially launched its COVID-19 Community Recovery Task Force June 11.

The task force aims to support community and municipal relief efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The task force includes both council and public members, which is making recommendations to Dysart council about recovery.

Chair and deputy mayor Patrick Kennedy said the group has a diverse background in municipal operations, and arts, cultural and business sectors.

“The task force will function not only as a focal point for community-driven ideas, input and solutions, but will also be a resource for the community to help navigate the myriad of programs and assistance available,” Kennedy said.

The municipality said the task force will identify the needs of community groups and organizations to determine how the municipality can best assist them. The task force will also help businesses work through their economic challenges, address the municipal financial impact and modify municipal programming based on lessons learned amidst the pandemic.

From the municipality, the task force includes Kennedy, Mayor Andrea Roberts, Coun. Larry Clarke, CAO Tamara Wilbee and incumbent clerk Mallory Bishop. Public members include David O’Brien, Jim Blake and Andrew Hodgson.

Hodgson, Century 21 owner and Rotary Club of Haliburton member, said he is excited by the opportunity and it is good the municipality is doing this. He added the task force should be there to help community members.

“I’m hoping we’ll come up with some innovative ideas,” Hodgson said. “People can come to us for resources, other government programs, other things that may be going on.”

Roberts said the municipality needed to think ahead even as it works on the pandemic from a public health and operations perspective.

“It was imperative that we create the task force now, in order to gather and provide information to our business and not-for-profit community, to help navigate our pandemic recovery,” Roberts said.

Recovery efforts are getting concentrated at the lower-tier municipal level after County council opted not to go for a more County-wide approach. County council briefly discussed the idea again at a special meeting June 10 but opted out.

“Stay the course, we made our decision,” Minden Hills Mayor Brent Devolin said. “We missed the opportunity a couple of months ago.”

Roberts said they could still work collectively if County-specific issues come up through the recovery process.

“There’s still opportunity, but I’m happy with the way things are going,” she said.

Hodgson said the task force will still need to rely on provincial decision-making.

“We’re not expecting to have miracles. There’s no big, huge glob of money that we have,” he said. “But I’m excited to be part of a big group that’s thinking positive.”

Harp on the Water – chapter 4

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 15, 2020

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The sun burned down on the little tin rowboat in the middle of the lake.

Detective Harry Harp dipped his hand in the water and wiped sweat from his face – then removed his tie, folded it and shoved it in his pocket.

Meanwhile, Constable Terry Becker stopped rowing and pulled a stash of energy bars from one of the many compartments in his cargo pants and handed one to Harp. He consumed it in two bites. Becker put the empty wrappers in his pocket.

“Do you believe that stuff about a curse?”

“Not – really. But it’s given Sally Cutts something to blame for her problems. The more things go wrong, the more real the curse must seem.”

Becker took hold of the oars and started rowing again.

“What about the light?”

Harp’s eyes sharpened. “That’s very promising.”

He pulled out his phone, called Spruce County Police Department and, after requesting two officers to inspect the shore path, pocketed the device.

“I have a feeling that path is used a lot more than anyone’s saying.”

Ten minutes later, the two men arrived at the last cottage on the east side of the lake. The Maladee cottage was large and open-concept with a peaked roof and a wall of windows that gave a partial view of the water. The interior was roomy except that every inch of it was occupied. Ornaments, paintings, photos, plaques with amusing sayings printed on them, piles of books, magazines, dirty dishes, wine bottles, including the half empty one in Marc Maladee’s hand.

“Can I interest either of you gentlemen in a glass of fairly decent red?” He was in his mid 50s with wavy brown hair, a beard and a cheerful pair of boozy blue eyes. Harp suspected the other half of the bottle was already inside him. Both men declined and took a seat where they could find space among the debris.

Marie Maladee, ten years younger than her husband and wearing yoga pants and a black top, hovered near the window like she wanted to jump out of it.

“Nice view,” Harp opened with.

Marc plopped down across from the two men, crushing a pile of newspapers.

“You want to know the best view. The Calvert point. Incredible.” He drained his glass. “So? What can we do for you? Must be important. You’re wearing a suit.”

Harp smiled unhappily. He paused then said, “Funny you should mention the Calvert property. We’re here about Ida Calvert.”

“Oh?” “She was murdered last night.” The muscles around Marc Maladee’s mouth twitched but no words came out.

“That’s terrible,” his wife gasped.

“Did you know her?” The woman’s hands flapped around like they were on fire.

“Not really, no. We’re here. They’re there.”

“But you’ve appreciated the view,” Harp pointed out. Marc was up and re-pouring.

“I was on the point once. Just the once.” He smiled and revealed a row of wine-coloured teeth.

Becker said, “What was the reason for your visit?”

“A business matter. Nothing particularly important.” Becker’s glare assured him that it was.

“Tell them, Marc,” Marie said, her hands flapping some more. Marc sat down and smiled resignedly at his audience. “Well, if you must know, I’m quite involved with the community here and I devised a rather ingenious plan to develop a seniors enclave on the lake – a half dozen homes ringing the unused end of the shore, and all interconnected. There would be a main lodge on the point with dining room, library, activities room – and it was to be called Cliffside.” He tossed back a mouthful of wine. “The county was in and we were all set and we even offered Ida guaranteed accommodation in Cliffside – but would she sell? Not on your life.” Marc stood up and took a few unsteady steps towards the counter. Watching him from the other side of the room was his wife and she didn’t look happy. “It couldn’t have been more perfect – for the county, and frankly, for us. And you know what else?” He yanked the cork from a new bottle. “The daughter – Grace Calvert – she was on our side. I honestly don’t know how she stands living with Ida. And they choose to live that miserable Stone Age life.” He sat down again, obviously feeling better with a full glass in hand. “Long story short, Ida wouldn’t budge.” Marc drank deeply and licked the rim of his glass. “That was our last big chance, wasn’t it, darling? But we’ll have another. You’ll see.” He turned to the men. “Marie here’s worried about money but what woman isn’t.”

His wife spun around. “MARC—please,” she cried, her face flushing.

She turned to Harp. “Well? What else?”

“Tell me about last night between 10:00 and midnight?”

She glanced at her husband but he was frowning into his empty glass. She shrugged. “We weren’t here. We arrived this morning so there’s nothing to tell.”

“So where were you last night-?” Becker cut in.

“In the city! Watching TV, O.K?”

“Not O.K. The truth please,” Harp said.

“That is the truth,” Marie Maladee’s eyes narrowed. “And I’m sure you two have other things to do.” She walked towards the door but her husband’s words stopped her.

He slurred, “Cliffside would have made me a very rich man. Would have solved a lot of problems, eh?” He looked around for his wife but she was standing directly behind the sofa where he was sitting. Her sinewy hands tightened into fists then the fists turned to claws that she dug into his shoulders. “Ouch – darling that hurts.” He wriggled out of her grasp. Why is she so tense? Harp wondered. He changed the subject.

“So – how long have you been enjoying cottage life?”

“Very funny,” she sneered.

“But all the signs?” Becker gestured around the room at the plaques declaring, “It’s better at the lake,” “Boat parking only,” “I heart family,” and twenty other similar sayings.

“I get a real kick out of those,” Marc burbled, grinning. Marie folded her arms across her chest and Harp could see tears welling in her eyes.

“Truthfully, it hasn’t been – quite what I imagined.”

Marc tilted his face up to her and whispered, “Everything’s going to be okay, you’ll see.”

Back in the rowboat Harp said, “Did you notice the brand new pack of sparklers on the deck? The receipt was stapled to the bag – bought yesterday. In the village. They were here last night.” Becker whistled.

“Listen to this.” The constable opened his notebook and started reading. “Plastic flowers, stuffed terrier in wicker basket, three broken clocks, carved birds in flight, framed family photos, two old phones, pile of cookbooks, how-to-juggle book, vases with dried flowers, paintings of flowers, pair of ski gloves, pocket dictionary, metal silhouette of a wolf set in a piece of stone, a bear driving a car, a half-full plastic bottle of eye solution, gold mirror, three empty tea candle holders, dirty sock, book about crosswords, map of Corsica, Christmas ornament, tiny closed box.” He shut the notebook. “That was one small shelf. Those people are hoarders.” Harp shrugged off his suit jacket. “And liars.”

New business hopes to colour the Highlands

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 15, 2020

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Haliburton County entrepreneur Danielle Martin wants to splash a little colour across the Highlands.

The owner of new business, Shape Shifter, Martin designs and illustrates products, including murals.

She’s originally from Newmarket, but her family has cottaged in the area for eight years. She graduated from the Haliburton School of Art and Design last May, completing the Visual and Creative Arts Diploma, Integrated Design Diploma, Photo Arts Certificate and Digital Image Design Certificate.

During the summers of her first two years at HSAD, she worked with her mom’s home staging and interior design company in Newmarket. In her third year, she worked as a freelance photographer for The Highlander, and last summer was the student for Rails End Gallery.

She believes all of that experience has led her to where she is today.

“The past couple of months, I have been really thinking about how to pursue my passions while giving value to the world in my own unique way,” Martin said in an interview.

She said her style is “very outer worldly with a fresh and funky twist.”

She said she’s been illustrating designs for four years and has always had visions of seeing them on a grander scale, which led her to thinking about doing murals.

“I truly believe that murals, in both indoor and outdoor spaces, are extremely effective in how one perceives the world. They have the ability to enhance any space by bringing natural curiosity, wonder, joy, and sparking the inner child within all of us,” she said.

She is targeting businesses for her murals, “because if you have an intriguing piece that is a ‘showstopper,’ the more likely people will want to come check it out, and spread the word. It can be a great way to advertise by showcasing your upgraded and exciting space, which in the long-term, will greatly impact your customers’ overall experience and enhance the energy in the atmosphere,” she said.

Martin said she would love to do storefronts and office spaces, outdoor, indoor or on windows. She said for businesses, it’s an ideal time, since many are closed due to the pandemic.

“They can start advertising their new artwork in the meantime, giving their customers something to look forward to when they open.”

She added that for her personally, COVID-19 has given her the time to create the online building blocks for her site.

“Currently, I am in the process of creating a colouring book, which will feature my own illustrations. I am selling apparel and products with my designs on them, as well as doing commissioned work for clients,” she said.

As for murals, she said she has an archive of illustrations and designs, or can collaborate with clients.

For mural inquires, or other commissioned work, contact Martin at: daniellenicolem@outlook.com

Terry Goodwin remembered as an ‘exceptional person’

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 15, 2020

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Terry Goodwin touched many lives in Haliburton County, whether through his work in the justice system and social services or his involvement in church, committees and societies.

Terry passed away suddenly on May 28, at the age of 59.

His daughter, Jen, said she and her brother were incredibly lucky to have Terry as their dad.

“He was a ‘doer’ and involved in so much of our lives: coaching tee-ball, soccer, and hockey; volunteering on the parent council at school; staying up late to help with over-the-top homework projects, and so much more,” she told The Highlander.

“We always knew that if we needed him, he’d be there, no questions asked. The same goes for his involvement in the community. He quietly served and we’ll probably never know the number of lives he touched – from helping turn a life around as a probation officer to mowing the lawn for a widow … he had the rare ability to meet a person wherever they were at, offering acceptance and kindness.”

Friend, prayer partner, and breakfast buddy, Pastor Brian Plouffe, said what he and many others appreciated was “Terry’s life was a practical life and he had a very practical faith.” He said he was hands-on in helping others, and ensuring justice for all, and had a real heart for the people he worked with in probation. “He cared for them as people.” “He wasn’t talk. He was action.” He remembered Terry for being down to earth, with a good sense of humour.

Point in Time Centre for Children, Youth and Parents executive director Marg Cox said they will remember Terry for his dedication to his work in probation, as well as for being co-chair of The Haliburton Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee, notably leading a subcommittee dedicated to tackling the rising Opioid crisis.

“He was an incredible support and volunteer in the community, with a wonderful sense of humor and passion for helping those in need, and in retirement continued to be a dedicated fundraiser and supporter,” Cox said.

His family said Terry began his career working for grocery chains A&P and IGA, before joining Corrections in 1987, working as a probation and parole officer. He retired May 1, 2019, but according to his family, wasn’t one to sit around and thrived on keeping busy. He took online courses from the University of Guelph to become a Master Gardener and in recent years became a beekeeper, or, as he liked to say, “a bee buyer.” He was a member of the Haliburton Master Gardeners, where he thoroughly enjoyed his meetings with the “ladies,” the Minden Horticultural Society, and a volunteer at the Haliburton Foodbank.

Master gardener Carolyn Langdon said the gardeners were reeling from his death. “We are a small group and the loss of a member leaves a big hole. Terry was an exceptional person,” she said. Langdon said Terry’s family was donating many of his gardening books to the Minden and District Horticultural Society. “The books will be a great addition to the group’s lending library and many will find their way to the ever-popular ticket draw table, a monthly fundraiser for the group pre-COVID,” she said.

Terry was also fortunate to go on mission trips to Guatemala, Haiti, and Mexico, his family said. “Terry had such a compassionate heart and nothing blessed him more than to be able to help someone.”

Terry’s wife, Julie, is executive-director of the Pregnancy Care and Family Support Centre in Haliburton. She told The Highlander that on June 12, she and Terry would have been married 38 years. “Terry was my best friend and biggest cheerleader. He lived his Christian faith: Terry loved unconditionally – whether you were family, friend or probation client.” She asked people to “pay it forward and do kind, helpful things for others, particularly people you do not know.”

If desired, donations to the Pregnancy Care & Family Support Centre, Haliburton would be appreciated by the family. They can be arranged through the Haliburton Community Funeral home at 705-457-9209

Insurance costs rise $65K for Highlands East

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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June 15, 2020

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Highlands East’s insurance costs are spiking significantly for the second consecutive year in the wake of an unstable insurance market.

Council voted to renew its insurance with BFL Canada June 9 for $291,644 plus taxes – a 28.68 per cent increase over last year’s $226,644. This comes after the insurance rate increased by 47 per cent in the last renewal, rising from $159,184 in 2018/19.

The municipality had planned to go out to market for this year’s insurance, but deputy CAO and treasurer Brittany McCaw said that did not happen due to time constraints caused by COVID-19. The pandemic is also expected to have more of an impact on the insurance market in the future.

“BFL has worked hard on our behalf to make sure we received a fair renewal with all the different challenges we’re facing right now,” McCaw said. “But this was the result of a challenging market.”

McCaw said BFL has reported markets hardening the past two years, with insurers withdrawing from certain classes of business, increasing premiums, and restricting coverage to mitigate exposure before the pandemic even hit. The Lloyd’s of London’s insurance company is expecting an overall cost of more than $100 billion to the global property and casualty insurance industry due to COVID.

Deputy Mayor Cec Ryall said he understands why staff could not go to market this year, but added the municipality needs to explore alternatives next year.

“I understand the market is what the market is, and everything goes up based on whatever drives overall costs up,” Ryall said. “It’s extremely important we get a state of the union here about what’s happening.”

McCaw said staff will be preparing necessary RFP documents at the end of 2020 to go to market for 2021. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has advocated for changes to joint and several liability due to rising premiums, with the province launching consultations on the issue in 2019. Ryall said the municipality could be facing higher costs due to BFL’s losses.

“They may or may not be managing their company as well as others might be,” Ryall said. “It’s extremely important we investigate this extremely thoroughly before the next budget.”

Lions donation helps secure park riverbank

By

Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Repoter

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June 14, 2020

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JQ - Lions club donation - 1-web — Haliburton Lions Club members dedicate six trees they funded at Head Lake Park June 4. Left to right: Betty Mills, David Mills, Marilyn Frost and Jim Frost. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

The Haliburton & District Lions Club is celebrating the Canadian centennial of the organization by funding six trees to help with erosion at Head Lake Park.

The six, mature willow trees cost $2,500 and were requested by Dysart et al park staff. The club met June 4 to dedicate the trees, with a plaque marking the club’s commitment to be installed later.

The club said the gesture contributes to their commitment to the environment.

“We were looking for something to donate that would be rather permanent,” treasurer Betty Mills said. “We also have a passion for the environment and trying to do things that maintain the environment.”

The Lions began in Canada in Windsor in 1920. Mills said the club has continued for so long because of people’s natural desire to help others.

“We tell little children in daycare centres, in kindergarten, ‘who wants to be a helper’ and they all come running,” Mills said. “We all like to help other people in some form.”

Dysart council approved the gift at its May 5 meeting. Recreation program coordinator Andrea Mueller said the trees are part of the park rehabilitation and will help secure the riverbank.

“We’ll send a letter to the Lions club and thank them,” Mayor Andrea Roberts said. “It’s really good news.”

Mills said fundraising is difficult for the club with the pandemic. They had to cancel their annual craft brewing festival and other fundraising efforts will be hampered.

“The fundraising is a huge challenge,” Mills said. “I think we’re going to end up with less to give … We can hope for a break.”

But despite the challenges, the club will still do what it can. The club also helped refurbish Abbey Garden’s Enchanted Forest children’s play area June 3.

“Even in these challenging times, we continue to meet online and carry on with our service work,” the club said in a press release.