Highlands Opera Studio announces 2022 schedule

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December 16, 2021

Tales of heartbreak cascaded over a rapt Abbey Gardens audience in August. A brandished revolver, a descent into hell itself: it was all wrapped up into The Leporello Diaries, a fully-staged opera performed by Highlands Opera Studio for a socially distanced and masked audience.

“We were thrilled to see people coming out and being moved to tears once again,” general and co-artistic director Valerie Kuinka said.

While the studio performed a few concerts in 2021, Kuinka said they’re excited to raise the curtain on a full 2022 season, “reconnecting to the reason why live performance is special.”

That includes a pay-what-you-can concert where studio members will perform non-operatic tunes and chat about what drew them to the classical practice. Other performances such as Pop Goes the Opera will mix show tunes and opera classics. Kuinka said the genre can feel intimidating to those unfamiliar with it who may think shows call for fancy dress or prior knowledge.

“The people in opera, good heavens they’re anything but stuffy,” Kuinka said.

She described how some newcomers who were brought by friends were skeptical at first. “They found they were unbelievably moved by being in the same room as this artistic expression.”

Many requested operettas this year, said Kuinka. The shorter and lighter shows deal with the fun themes a modern audience might find familiar from romantic comedies.

“It’s more just girl like boy, they fall in love; everything works out,” Kuinka said.

Co-director and seasoned opera performer Richard Margison will also offer multiple vocal classes with 2022 studio members in late July.

Reflecting on diversity

Many within the art world point to the 2020 murder of George Floyd and ensuing discussions about racial inequity as a wake-up call. Kuinka said it sparked more conversations within the world of opera about areas the industry falls short.

“It’s a problem,” Kuinka said. As a studio she said they want to increase the diversity of performances and performers; the vast majority of opera singers worldwide are white.

Celebrating Diversity on Aug. 11, 2022 will be a showcase of diverse composers from Canada’s past and present, and Kuinka said the studio will strive to uplift sexually and ethnically diverse performers and composers as it plans future seasons.

It’s part of a renewed focus of recognizing “the unbalance in our society: including and respecting and promoting equity,” Kuinka said.

Opera, Kuinka said, is for everyone, telling stories that resonate through time.

“The word opera can scare people. Opera is theatre to music, and the stories are absolutely opera is theatre to music, and the stories are absolutely human and timeless.”

More information and tickets for 2022 shows are available at highlandoperastudio. com.

Radiothon raises $43K for food banks

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Sam Gillett

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December 16, 2021

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Phone lines at Haliburton’s 93.5 MooseFM were ringing off the hook Dec. 9 and 10 as the radio station held its 15th annual festive radiothon. The fundraiser supports the efforts of the Minden Community Food Centre, Haliburton 4Cs Food Bank and the Central Food Network during their busiest period of the year. This year’s event brought in $43,800. “The money raised is distributed proportionately to all of the food banks in Haliburton County,” said MooseFM morning show host Rick Lowes. “The generosity of Haliburton County never ceases to amaze me, just a wonderful place to live.” The radiothon ran from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. last Thursday and Friday, and featured special guests such as Minden Community Food Centre manager Joanne Barnes, 4Cs manager Judy MacDuff, MP Jamie Schmale and MPP Laurie Scott. Since launching the event in 2007, MooseFM has raised between $350,000 and $400,000 for the three food banks in Haliburton County. (Mike Baker).

MooseFM morning host Rick Lowes was in great spirits last week as the station held its annual festive radiothon in support of Haliburton County’s food banks.

Wilberforce curlers excited to get back on the rings

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Sam Gillett

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December 16, 2021

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The Wilberforce Curling Club wasn’t sure if it would be able to open at all this year. However, with 24 new members signed up and COVID-19 protocols in place, the group is back to slinging stones and enjoying a community atmosphere. Club president Gord Fitch said the season so far has been “fantastic. It’s busier than ever.”

He said many of the new members are new to the County. “They want to get out in the community, they wanted to get some activity going,” he said.

While no bonspiels, club tournaments are scheduled so far. Fitch said they’re currently curling five days a week. That’s more than ever.

There’s even a Friday morning ladies coffee club. The curlers are also back to hosting events such as an upcoming potluck. “We aim to have a good community and fun. It’s competitive, but not too much,” Fitch said. He said the club is passionate about “giving back to the community” of Highlands East. That’s why they donated $1,000 to the Wilberforce Elementary School’s snack program. “We have been doing that for about six years now, we missed it during COVID because we’re not open,” Fitch said. “This is coming back to it, giving back to the community again.” Interested curlers can join the club for its season starting Jan. 18 by contacting wilberforcecurling@gmail.com.

Spreading the spirit of the holidays at Highland Wood

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Mike Baker

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December 16, 2021

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Everyone needs a little Christmas cheer in their lives this time of year, and Boshkung Brewing Co. is partnering with Highland Wood LongTerm Care Home to ensure some of our most vulnerable residents have something to smile about on the big day.

Deb Banks conceptualized the ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ initiative several years ago while she was working in another community. Having recently relocated to the Highlands, she was on the lookout for something similar she could support here.

Banks contacted Highland Wood and got talking to Brenda Wingerden, a nurse who has worked at the home for several years. She quickly learned that no such program exists in Haliburton County. “It’s Christmas, the whole idea behind this is to spread the spirit and help people feel special at this time of the year,” Banks said. “With COVID, things have been really difficult for people living in long-term care homes. They haven’t been able to see their relatives or friends, and maybe haven’t had much of anything around this time of year, so we wanted to step in and kind of help brighten the holidays for them.”

Stockings have already been put together for the 28 seniors who reside at Highland Wood. They are filled with personal care items, toiletries and small treats designed to “bring a smile to their faces,” Banks said.

Wingerden confirmed this was the first time an initiative like this had been brought to Highland Wood.

“Our staff were really excited when they heard about this … The last year and a half has been very stressful for residents. They haven’t had a whole lot to be happy about,” Wingerden said. “I think this program is great. It’s helping the generation that has done so much for us. It’s not much, but it’s something that will make a big difference in their lives.”

Banks said she is still taking monetary donations to cover the cost of some of the stockings, noting residents can sponsor a stocking for $10. Boshkung Brewing Co. is also running a festive food drive, with all proceeds going to area food banks. Boxes for non-perishable items have been set up at their locations in Carnarvon and Minden.

All stockings will be delivered to Highland Wood by Christmas Eve.

“We have had generous donations already from people supporting this program. I’m just excited that we were able to pull this off. Our seniors paved the way for us, so I feel it’s important that we let them know we appreciate all they have done for us, and that we care,” Banks said.

Jan bringing smiles back to seniors’ faces

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Sam Gillett

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December 16, 2021

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COVID-19 outbreaks in the province’s long-term care homes laid bare gaps in funding and support for personal support workers. However, Jan Saugh, an activation manager, said the role of socially stimulating residents, commonly called activation, is still overlooked despite the province making moves to shore up the sector.

That’s why Saugh is starting Activity On Wheels With Jan, a company that will provide customized activity plans and social interaction for seniors.

“The purpose of my job is to put a smile on people’s faces,” the Carnarvon resident said.

For people living with dementia, or those living in isolation, Saugh said “engaging a person one-on-one” can have long-term benefits on a person’s quality of life.

Throughout her decade-long career as an activation manager in Huntsville and an activation worker at Haliburton Highlands Health Services, she’s seen how engaging with residents can lift spirits and revitalize their enthusiasm for life.

“My job is to go over there, make them smile, take their hand – reach them at their level,” she said. That means conversation, playing cards, helping with outings or even researching a person’s interests. Saugh could become an expert on golf if that would spark conversation and connection with a patient, for example.

She said music often unlocks memories. “You put on an old sing-along with music from their era: you see their faces light up,” she said.

Saugh said she once sang the hymn Jesus Loves Me to a patient with dementia who was non-verbal. “She looked up, and she started singing. That was the greatest feeling.”

With her independent practice, Saugh will visit clients around the County at their residence after developing a care plan. That includes an interview with caregivers to find out a person’s interests, abilities, and possible conversation topics.

Saugh uses that information to determine how she can fill gaps in care.

“We need the basics of healthy living,” she said. Even if a person receives home care, Saugh said “there’s still that one missing piece. We all need social interaction. we all need to be socially stimulated.”

Saugh can be reached at 705-644-9074 or jancares@hotmail.com.

Continuity for everybody’s benefit, four-term warden says

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Lisa Gervais

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December 16, 2021

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Sworn in for her fourth consecutive term as County Warden, Liz Danielsen said continuity is key as the public continues to navigate a global pandemic and weighty issues such as the shoreline preservation bylaw and service delivery review.

In a Dec. 9 interview prior to a virtual ceremony Dec. 14, Danielsen said she was proud to be the first warden to serve an entire municipal term.

In the past, County council rotated the warden’s position among lower-tier municipalities, changing the head of council every year.

Danielsen said she wasn’t the only warden who felt, “one year doesn’t cut it, you’re just getting your feet wet, you’re finding out what the process is and getting comfy with it, a little more continuity is important.”

She noted the warden also becomes part of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, which deals with “really weighty issues so much broader than the County. A longer term is appropriate.”

She said another reason for continuity is a byproduct of COVID-19.

“We have gone through a really tough time, learned to do things differently, the population is generally unhappy, tired of this pandemic. More issues are being raised than we might ordinarily see. We’re all very busy, very distracted … for everybody’s general benefit continuity is the word of the day.”

Danielsen said she is proud of the work done during her tenure, such as the service delivery review and shoreline preservation bylaw.

“That’s been a really important project,” she said of the SDR. “There were expectations of amalgamation by some people who may not truly understand the full ramifications of that. We couldn’t even go down that road without really looking very carefully at the services we’re delivering. Is there a better way? I don’t know if it will be more expensive, but a more efficient way of delivering services, more consistent across the County, opportunities to examine the willingness of the four municipalities and the County to work together.”

As for the shoreline preservation bylaw, she said it’s unfortunate it’s become as contentious and divisive as it has, but she’s proud County council is “trying our very hardest to look at what needs to be done to protect our environment here and that can only be a good thing.”

She said that in many ways, the County and its four lower tier townships have learned to work, and communicate, better.

“I’m really happy to be able to continue to do the work. I like it.”

HE tightens road allowance policy

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Sam Gillett

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December 16, 2021

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Hand-drawn development plans won’t cut it in Highlands East after council voted in new rules governing shoreline road allowance purchases Dec. 14.

Junior planner Kim Roberts presented revised rules to council, including requirements for all land surveys to include reference to structures on a property.

Previously, applicants could sketch buildings themselves when applying to purchase municipal land abutting bodies of water. Often that results in measuring mistakes which then require minor variance applications, for example when measuring a setback to a property’s high-water mark.

“This is just providing some clarification as to what we want as far as seeing buildings,” Roberts said.

The new format outlines specifics such as what a shoreline road allowance is, who can and cannot purchase a road allowance, as well as procedures for a revision.

“It’s kind of like putting together a puzzle,” she said.

Revisions include a summary of key terms and rationale, such as why the township sells shoreline road allowances and the necessary features of any application.

The municipality will also charge a nonrefundable $200 fee for merging lots and a $350 non-refundable administration fee.

The changes come as Highlands East adjusts to raised shoreline road allowance purchase fees, which previously were lower than any surrounding municipality.

Highlands East experienced unprecedented building activity in 2021, with build values sitting at $39.7 million, a more than 300 per cent rise over 2020 figures.

Holiday traditions with COVID caution

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Sam Gillett

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December 16, 2021

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Gail and Peter Stelter celebrated Christmas with their extended family just a few months ago. The socially-distanced, outdoor summer celebration was out-of-season, with COVID-19 delaying the festivities multiple times.

“Such is life in COVID times,” said Gail. This year, the Stelters are excited to welcome their family from the GTA back to the Highlands for Christmas in season.

“It’s really special for us, and it’s a lot of fun,” Gail said.

All of the Stelters’ eligible family members are double vaccinated, and their gathering will be under the HKPR recommended number of 25 guests for indoor private gatherings.

“Everything we are asked to do is for our own protection and the protection of people we love,” she said.

In a Dec. 8 press release, chief medical officer of health Dr. Natalie Bocking said “the reality is that we are still in a pandemic and with the new Omicron variant, we must remain vigilant to stop the spread. Small gatherings, smart planning and safe practices are the best ways to make the season merry and bright.”

For Haliburton’s Betty Mills, gathering still feels “a little bit scary, even with all the precautions we’ve decided to take.”

Mills and her husband David Mills will welcome extended family back into their home. Just like the Stelters, COVID-19 safety will be a priority: they’ll have a soup and beef on a bun meal, “so there’s not a lot of contact, bowls being passed around or shared cutlery,” Betty said.

Instead of their usual “steal a gift game,” which requires passing presents back and forth, David said each family member will donate $15 and name a charity: the winner of a draw gets all the money to donate to the charity of their choice.

Some of the couple’s great-grandchildren who aren’t vaccinated won’t be coming: both the Mills and the children’s parents decided it was the best route to protect all involved.

“Family-wise, we’ve all been pretty diligent,” said David.

Despite extra work planning a safer Christmas this year, the Stelters and Mills said they’re both excited and grateful to be able to see family face-to-face this year.

“The spirit of Christmas is to be thankful,” Gail said.

HKPR tips for safe Christmas gatherings

The HKPR health unit outlined a few tips for safe Christmas gatherings this year:

• Reminding guests to stay home if they feel sick, even if symptoms are mild.

• Encouraging people to frequently wash their hands by providing all necessary supplies, including hand sanitizer, soap and water.

• Keeping a list of attendees in case the Health Unit needs this information for contact tracing.

• Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces frequently.

• Following all rules and requirements at an eatery if the visit with family and friends involves eating at a restaurant. This includes providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Dysart, developers to do final traffic study

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Lisa Gervais

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December 16, 2021

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County council is asking consultant, AECOM Canada Ltd., to draft a terms of reference so Dysart et al and Places for People, as well as proponents of a condo development for former MNRF land at 77 Wallings Rd., can provide a single traffic impact study to determine next steps for the quickly growing part of Haliburton.

Places for People, in partnership with the township, wants to build 48 units on the road with 63 parking spaces. A developer intends to construct 63 units and an 85 vehicle car park at 77 Walllings Rd. (former MNRF land). This is on top of the already built condos at 75 Wallings Rd., with 21 units and 30 parking spots.

The recommendation came after staff and councillors discussed traffic safety on the road, and at the intersection with County Rd. 21, during a Dec. 8 meeting. Staff would want the proponents to look at AECOM’s 2017 study of the whole corridor as well.

“I assume that would consider the questions that are being raised by Dysart … and that the actual study be done by the proponents and Dysart which should give us the information we need,” said Warden Liz Danielsen.

Dysart et al Mayor Andrea Roberts has specifically asked three questions: Can Wallings Road remain open for incoming traffic only, therefore creating a one-way street and then a further one-way street be built between Wallings Road and Halbiem Crescent; can Wallings Road safely be a no left turn (buses exempt) but still allowing residential neighbourhood traffic to turn right; and is there another option to make that intersection safe, such as full traffic lights, prompted only if a vehicle is turning left similar to County Road 1 and 21 or at the Independent Grocers?

To date, AECOM has recommended either a partial closure with Haliburton Bus Lines still able to access CR21 from Wallings Road, along with three residential properties, or full closure and re-directing all traffic to Halbiem Crescent via new connections, with a cul-de-sac being constructed on Wallings Road at the Haliburton Bus Lines property.

Staff also said that, in the interest of expediency for the Places for People project, a temporary driveway entrance could be constructed onto Halbiem Crescent so as not to preclude a new road connection. They said the affordable housing project could be phased accordingly to allow time for a safe solution at the Wallings Road intersection with County Road 21.

The County has jurisdiction over the highway and Dysart et al the road.

Coun. Carol Moffatt said it was about “the right decisions for the right reasons through the right process, and if that means Dysart and the proponents working together to update that [an existing traffic study] and have those questions asked then that works for me.”

Coun. Brent Devolin asked for an estimate on the cost and time of an additional study and did not get a clear answer from staff.

Coun. Pat Kennedy said, “The intersection is unsafe, whether there is any more development or not. Let’s take a look at this as if there was no development in that area, there’s no 77 Wallings Rd., no Places for People. It’s an issue with that area.

“We need to determine where the street is going to go and how it’s going to be handled and then we can fit these projects into what the outcome is. I think that’s where we need to get to, whether it’s a two-way street, one-way street, that will have impacts on what Places for People will provide and just go from there. Take some emotion out. What’s the safest path forward?”

7.56 per cent tax increase ‘far too high’

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Mike Baker

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December 16, 2021

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A first draft of Dysart’s 2022 budget calls for a 7.56 per cent increase to the residential tax levy, although some councillors suggested they won’t support such a substantial hike with many families struggling during the pandemic.

Treasurer Barbara Swannell presented the budget to council Dec. 10, noting the increase would represent an additional $22.48 per $100,000 of residential assessment, $33.33 commercial and $38.62 industrial.

The typical residential property was valued in 2016 at approximately $193,000 by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Using that total, the typical ratepayer in Dysart could see an increase of $43.39 on their tax bill.

“I consider that to be far too high,” said Ward 4 Coun. John Smith.

Swannell noted the budget accounted for 1.46 per cent of new taxation growth over the past 12 months.

Staff are requesting $18.6 million – up from $17.2 million last year. Transportation equates to 34 per cent, coming in at just under $6.3 million. Protective services make up 20 per cent, at $3.7 million, with environmental services closely behind at 19.5 per cent, or $3.6 million. The parks and recreation department is looking to spend just under $2.4 million, with general government expenditures slated to be over $1.6 million. Planning and development costs are projected to run $668,500, with health services and social and family services coming in at $164,000 and $120,000 respectively.

Around $11 million is expected to come from taxation, with an additional $4.6 million from non-tax revenues and $2.95 million from provincial and federal grants. Municipal reserves are projected to stick around $3.8 million next year.

A big chunk of the proposed budget increase relates to staffing, with five new hires proposed for 2022. The treasury department wants to bring in a part-time student to assist with paperwork ($17,000); the bylaw department is requesting a new full-time staffer to help with work flow through the summer; the planning department is looking to hire a new planning assistant; the parks and recreation department wants to bring in a new maintenance and facility coordinator; while public works is asking for a mechanic’s assistant ($86,000).

Notable capital projects outlined in the document include a roof replacement at the Dysart fire hall ($25,000); repairs to Reid House in Glebe Park ($22,900); a new brine pump for A.J. LaRue Arena ($28,500); a new pick-up truck for the parks department ($100,000); replacement of the front entrance doors at the Haliburton Family Medical Centre ($20,000); and the replacement of soffit, fascia and eavestrough at Rails End Gallery ($20,000). The parks and rec department also asked that a new $10,000 digital sign be installed behind the Welcome Centre.

Environmental manager John Watson asked council to invest $129,000 to reconfigure the West Guilford landfill for waste transfer; public works director Rob Camelon asked for a new $70,000 tractor, $55,000 automated flagger system, and a $45,000 half-ton pick-up truck.

Camelon noted a $100,000 hydraulic survey of Redstone Brook and detailed design of the Redstone Brook bridge would need to be carried out soon. He included that item but said it could be pushed off. Around $1.6 million has been set aside for road construction projects, with a list coming to council soon.

Community groups are also requesting $87,950.

“We’re not used to numbers like this for an increase. Dysart, for the last three years, has seen incredibly low [tax increases],” said Mayor Andrea Roberts. “The big question I always ask myself is are our taxes fair, and are we being responsible … During our next meeting, we’ll do some deeper digging on some of these projects and proposals.”

Dysart’s next budget meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14.