None of the eight candidates seeking a seat on Algonquin Highlands council were prepared to take a position on amalgamation at Saturday’s (Oct. 17) election forum, telling approximately 140 people gathered at the Stanhope Firefighters’ Hall there isn’t yet enough information to make an informed decision.

Mayoral hopefuls Liz Danielsen and Mike Lang, Ward 2 candidates Lisa Barry, James Cooper, Gary Trapp and Kent Wallace, and Ward 3 candidates Don Embree and Darren Wiebe avoided giving a firm answer when asked if they support the Eastern Ontario Regional Network’s (EORN) affordability and governance structure review.

The file was delivered to County council in August and addresses concerns over increased costs at the four lower-tier townships in recent years. In its report, EORN consultants presented four options that they claim offers a brighter future for locals – three of them recommending some form of amalgamation.

Danielsen and Lang both reassured the crowd amalgamation “is not set in stone”, though the incumbent mayor admitted something needs to change.

“We need to work together to ease the pressure on all taxpayers,” Danielsen said. “On County council, we need to learn to play better in the sandbox [with our municipalities].”

Lang said he hasn’t seen any credible solutions presented yet by EORN.

“We have the opportunity to work and find better solutions, that’s what this is opening the door for. There are no solutions yet.” In a previous interview with The Highlander, Lang said he didn’t support amalgamation.

Embree was the first of those running for councillor to address amalgamation. He said he wouldn’t support any major change until a full analysis of the financials had been completed.

“I want to know what the costs are going to be and what the savings are, if there are any to be had. I want to know what will happen with our services… and that Algonquin Highlands is not forgotten in this process,” Embree said.

Wiebe said he’d want to know what long-term priorities and financial commitments other townships have before agreeing to any merger. “Where would Algonquin Highlands stand in the pecking order of those priorities?” he asked.

Trapp said the next council should be prepared to ask some tough questions and make sure they have all the answers before making a final decision.

“We don’t want to be the outliers here. We want to make sure we don’t become another Kawartha Lakes in terms of how any amalgamation may be implemented,” Trapp said. “We want to make sure we get good representation.”

Cooper said he’s had conversations with existing members of council and township staff and doesn’t believe Algonquin Highlands’ financial situation is as bad as it is being made out. He also didn’t like how quickly EORN was looking to progress the file.

“The timeline is way too aggressive. I’ve been involved in corporate mergers before, and they take a long time. There’s a lot of moving parts… we need strong voices on council to make sure our needs are met,” Cooper said.

Wallace noted there is more information to come and said he wants to know exactly what services Algonquin Highlands would lose before agreeing to anything.

“We’ve only heard one part of the plans, there’s still another part coming – all the financials, what jobs will be lost, will we lose libraries? Will we lose anything?” he said. “As far as closing anything, losing any jobs locally, I would stand up against any of that.”

Barry felt the next council had more than just financials to consider.

“I think Algonquin Highlands and Highlands East especially have a lot to lose in a full amalgamation because I don’t think we’d have a weighted enough vote to make a difference,” she said.

Other issues

Lang received multiple questions from residents asking about his residential status – he said he splits time between Algonquin Highlands and Toronto. Asked how he would build relationships and provide effective leadership while spending so much time outside the community, Lang said he would make all his commitments if elected.

“I have attended everything that has been requested of me, I will always be here… I will be at everything and I will meet all requirements, I wouldn’t have run otherwise,” Lang said.

Prospective councillors were asked what their main priorities would be, outside of accountability and fiscal responsibility, if elected.

Wallace said working with the business sector to create more jobs and opportunities locally, bringing more affordable housing, and investing in infrastructure; Cooper wants to revise zoning bylaws to encourage development, make the Highlands more of a destination for the filming industry, and develop more of a four season economy; while Barry said she wanted to maximize and focus on the community’s existing assets.

Embree pitched greater protection of lakes and the environment, supporting local businesses and toeing the line come budget time; Wiebe wants to see the septic reinspection program start up again, make shoreline bylaws more robust and ensure they’re enforced, and review the short-term rental bylaw; and Trapp called for more collaboration with the other County townships, before considering amalgamation, while saying he’d also like to attract potential businesses to set up at Stanhope Municipal Airport to balance its budget.

By Adam Frisk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Highlands East rescinded its recent approval of a proposed conservation plan for the Dillman Trail during its final meeting of council for the term.

The sudden move happened during the Oct. 13 regular meeting of council, just five weeks after approving the conservation roadmap. It will now be up to the incoming council to determine how to address provincial requirements for protecting Blanding’s turtle habitat.

The outgoing council voted to rescind resolution 2026335 that was approved on Sept. 8. That resolution had endorsed a species conservation strategy that was prepared by environmental consultants Cambium Inc. to close a longstanding conflict with provincial regulators over Blanding’s turtle habitat.

The proposal was intended to address the requirements that have kept the trail closed since 2023. The plan’s initial cost was pegged at about $80,000 to $120,000.

Coun. Angela Lewis called for council to reconsider its earlier decision, arguing that further community consultation could lead to a less expensive approach. She also cited Sections 27 and 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act in raising concerns about physical alterations to the historic trail.

“I believe that through more consultation we can have a more appropriate… cheaper method under that plan,” Lewis told council. “

Outgoing mayor Dave Burton thanked environmental advocates for bringing their concerns forward and “for taking part in this and bringing a few issues to our attention.”

Municipal clerk Robyn Rogers explained to council the procedure for reconsidering the earlier decision under Section 23.14 of the township’s procedural bylaw. The rules required the motion to be introduced by a councillor who had voted in favour of the original resolution. But, because Burton had not voted on the September resolution, he could not introduce the new motion.

“I understand through our bylaw that I can’t speak to this in any which way at this time,” Burton said before giving way to Lewis.

Cambium’s proposed plan included culverts to provide wildlife passages and fencing to keep turtles off the trail. The group presented the plan to council in September as a way to address the provincial requirements and move the municipality closer to reopening the trail.

Coun. Cam McKenzie seconded Lewis’ motion to reconsider. Council then voted to rescind the earlier resolution, leaving the next council to determine how to proceed with the trail and the province’s conservation requirements.

“I believe the new council coming in will certainly make the right decisions and certainly work with the group,” Burton said before the final vote.

Long-term school board trustee, Minden Hills and County councillor, Cheryl Murdoch, died Oct. 10.

The municipality announced the news last week, saying, “we are grateful for her service and commitment to the Township of Minden Hills, the County of Haliburton, and years of service as a school board trustee. Our thoughts are with family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with her.”

Flags at municipal facilities were lowered to half-mast in honour of Murdoch, who served on council from 2004-18, “and dedicated her time and energy to the betterment of our community, including creation of the Riverwalk and cultural centre and library expansion. Cheryl’s volunteer contribution assisted many service clubs and organizations over the years,” the township added. She was 81.

Deputy mayor Lisa Schell said, “Cheryl was a great leader and wonderful friend. We had many laughs and crazy times during our 12 years together on council. Cheryl prepared me to take over her position as deputy mayor by sharing her wisdom. Those were some really big shoes to fill and even after she retired, I went to her many times for advice. During a rather contentious election season, Cheryl told me, ‘no matter what happens, the sun will still come up tomorrow’. I will never forget that.”

County warden Dave Burton said the news was met “with great sadness … on behalf of County council and staff, I offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends, and all who knew her.”

Murdoch served as a County councillor from early 2000 to her retirement from public office in 2018. Burton said that during her time at the County table, she was active on numerous boards and committees including chair of the Haliburton County Public Library board. Prior to joining Minden Hills council, she was a teacher and served as a trustee on the school board for 19 years.

“Cheryl was also an active member of her community, supporting the Minden Curling Club and Royal Canadian Legion Branch 636, as well as numerous other local initiatives. She was very proud of her family, and very proud to call Minden her home,” Burton said. The County also lowered its flags to half-mast last week. In an interview with The Highlander in November 2018 Murdoch reflected on her 37 years in public life.

Joining her first council, Murdoch was the only woman serving with six men. She recalled going to her first meeting and saying, “gentlemen, I bring something to this table that none of you can bring … a whole lot less testosterone … and they all laughed like hell.” She said she didn’t have a problem. “You have to gain anybody’s respect. Once you did that, they had your back.”

She said she brought her school board philosophy to the council table. “If it’s not good for the people, why are we talking about it? Whatever you’re doing in political life, you’re there for the people. If you’re not there for the people, you shouldn’t be in it.”

Asked about the highlights of her time on Minden Hills council, she said the commercial development along Hwy. 35; the new library, Nature’s Place, the art gallery, the EMS building, the Riverwalk and the fire hall.

With her last meeting on Nov. 22, 2018, Murdoch said her parting words of wisdom for council were, “the art of being a very good listener is a truly underrated talent, however, sometimes in order to achieve this talent, you have to quit talking.”

Haliburton County’s ACM Designs struck gold at the recent Decorators and Designers Association of Canada’s (DDA) national design competition, scooping six first-place awards.

The event was held in Toronto Oct. 1 and is one of the premier competitions recognizing decorating and design excellence across the country. Accredited awards were dished out for whole home design, interior decoration, kitchen and bathroom design, renovation, commercial design and specialty honours for best website, most effective marketing campaign and top custom product.

Different from other celebrations, the DDAs look beyond the finished product to consider all aspects of a project, including blueprints, design sketches, and other prep work. All submissions are peer-reviewed by people who work in the industry.

Saqib Abdullah, ACM’s interior architectural specialist, won in three categories – interior decoration over $150,000 for a cottage on Drag Lake; universal kitchen for a makeover of a Spruce Lake property; and whole home for a new build on Salerno Lake.

Senior designer, Mina Zeighami, earned gold in the ‘universal bathroom’ category for an ensuite design on Redstone Lake. In custom products, Rachael Carney (intermediate designer) and Cedric Butz (carpenter) won for a beverage centre they created for a Paudash Lake project earlier this year.

Katie Woodward, another senior designer, took top billing in the ‘kitchen over $150,000’ category for a project on Canning Lake.

ACM Designs’ owner, Andria Cowan Molyneaux, said it was a big deal to see her boutique firm competing among the country’s elite when it comes to designing and decorating.

“Lake properties come with their own challenges and rewards, and it’s an honour to help families create spaces they’ll gather in for years to come,” Cowan Molyneaux said in a media release. “We’re incredibly proud to see this work recognized nationally, and even more proud of the people who made it happen.”

This is the fourth year the local firm has placed at the national contest, earning three top three finishes in 2023, five in 2024, and two in 2025.

By Adam Frisk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Running a small business or a not-for-profit in the Highlands usually means wearing about seven different hats while working on a tight budget, including marketing and promotions.

That squeeze has driven high demand for digital marketing and artificial intelligence tools, prompting the County of Haliburton and the Haliburton County Development Corporation (HCDC) to run three fully booked training workshops since May.

Timed with the start of Small Business Week, organizers with the County and HCDC hosted a third Canva and digital tools workshop on Monday (Oct. 19) at The Link, after previous workshops built extensive waiting lists.

According to HCDC and County staff, participants, who range from independent shop owners to non-profit volunteers, are turning to free platforms to help with marketing while operating on a tight budget.

“A lot of the businesses here are small… The owners or the employees are wearing seven different hats, and it’s hard for them to do it all,” County of Haliburton tourism manager, Angelica Ingram, told The Highlander.

Organizers said the demand for these workshops caught them by surprise. Elisha Barlow, HCDC’s program and operations co-ordinator, said sessions repeatedly filled to capacity with a waitlist for future offerings.

“There was a higher demand than we originally expected, which is a good thing,” she said.

As businesses increasingly use automated tools that incorporate stock images and generic graphics rather than local designers and photographers, it raises a tougher question: is marketing efficiency stripping away Haliburton’s identity?

“I think people just have to be cautious,” Ingram said of automated tools like Canva, noting that business owners should approach artificial intelligence with a balanced, informed mindset.

Organizers noted that the rush to use automated tools is not about aggressive cost-cutting measures, rather it’s about having a rural business or non-profit survive on slim budgets. Many businesses simply don’t have the resources to hire professional photographers or graphic artists.

“Everyone is strapped for budget, so it is hard,” Ingram said. Ingram said that internally, the County has policies for AI use in creative work, partly to protect design jobs, while small businesses are left to navigate an industry shift on their own.

“It’s something that’s so fluid and is changing so quickly,” Ingram said, noting that internal policy-makers have had to keep pace with the changes year-over-year.

But AI-based tools have created some problems, with AI-generated images and videos misrepresenting the Highlands. Ingram acknowledged that inaccurate AI content poses a real risk for tourism, pointing to online videos claiming to showcase the County that are clearly not the reality of the area.

“Sometimes I see videos on YouTube that are [supposedly] from Haliburton County but they are clearly not from Haliburton County,” she said. “You don’t want people to see this and say, ‘I’ll never travel there,’ when that’s not even an accurate depiction of the area.

“That’s a concern from a tourism perspective,” she said.

Organizers also suggested that businesses check local photo libraries or reach out to regional creators before defaulting to a prompt or a stock creation, if it’s within their means.

As digital marketing tools like Canva continue to transform, organizers said that a broader conversation, potentially a panel discussion, about AI and the use of it within the community might be needed down the road.