Site plan for treatment centre approved

Representatives from Dysart’s communities in action committee told council Nov. 23 the municipality needs to do a better job of establishing, and maintaining, a pedestrian system for residents walking in the downtown.

Sue Shikaze and Kate Hall presented on the state of sidewalks along Maple Avenue, saying they are not up to par with provincial safety standards. They took particular exception to conditions on the north side, just after the bend in front of the new Gardens of Haliburton retirement facility.

Only one side of Maple Avenue has a functional sidewalk that far out – leaving elderly residents walking along the side of the road, or crossing unsafely. When the Gardens was first proposed, Shikaze said the committee submitted several recommendations for improvements in the area.

“Now, two years later, with the Gardens fully operational, there has still been no improvements to the walking infrastructure,” Shikaze said. “This all leads to the question, what is someone who is a walker to do? There is no option for someone who wants to walk from the Gardens safely into town.”

She suggested council consider installing a sidewalk on the north side of Maple Avenue, in front of the Gardens, to connect to an existing sidewalk by Victoria Street, where a crosswalk would be installed. Shikaze also recommended designating Maple Avenue a community safety zone, which would lower the speed limit and result in higher fines for speeders, as well as implementing several other “traffic calming” measures, such as signs and pavement markings.

The committee walked Maple Avenue in September with Mayor Andrea Roberts, councillors John Smith and Larry Clarke and CAO Tamara Wilbee. Shikaze said participants admitted the walk “wasn’t overly pleasant” due to the high rate, and speed, of traffic.

It’s worse for the seniors who reside at the Gardens. Shikaze told a story of a 97-yearold man who goes for a walk early every morning as a way of getting some exercise and there is concern about him navigating snowbanks in winter.

She also referenced concerns with the safety of the York Street pedestrian crosswalk, disrepair of the fencing along the Drag River trail, and the condition of the existing pavement along some parts of Maple Avenue, crumbling in some areas and requiring extensive weeding in others.

She said the community has an excellent track record rectifying issues, such as the transformation along Highland and York streets. Now, there’s an “urgent need” to do the same to Maple Avenue.

“Our residents have a right to walk safely from their homes to services and amenities,” Shikaze said.

Roberts admitted the municipality had work to do. Council will discuss upgrading Maple Avenue during its 2022 budget deliberations set to begin Dec. 10.

Wallings Road development

A delegation representing a group of Halbiem Crescent residents expressed their opposition to a proposed 48-unit affordable housing development slated for nearby Wallings Road.

Tim Negus, president of the Haliburton By the Lake (HBTL) property owners’ association, and Derrell Stamp said they’re worried about the impact the potential Places for People project could have on their neighbourhood.

The group’s chief concern surrounds the possibility of a go-between road being built from Wallings Road to Halbiem Crescent, as touted by some council members and representatives from Places for People. That idea stems from concerns the project could be shelved unless alternate routes out of Wallings Road are identified. The County of Haliburton is worried the intersection at Wallings Road and County Road 21 won’t be able to handle the additional traffic flow.

Negus said Roberts told him in 2020 that Halbiem Crescent was not being considered as a potential thoroughfare for Wallings Road, so was surprised to learn the option is on the table.

He noted 94 per cent of residents along Halbiem “strongly opposed” any road way coming into the subdivision from Wallings Road. They’re worried about more traffic without proper infrastructure. Another concern is spillover parking with 63 spaces for 48 units.

Ward 4 Coun. John Smith chalked up many of the group’s concerns to NIMBYism, saying he hears the same thing every time a development is proposed. “There’s no greater, more urgent need in our community than additional housing. It seems every week I pick up a paper there’s a group saying ‘well, you can’t build housing in my neighbourhood.’ We’ve got to build it somewhere,” Smith said.

No decision has been made over the Wallings Road proposal, and the County, Dysart and Places for People are still talking. “We do intend to keep this project going forward, to keep you informed, and keep having these conversations,” Roberts said.

HHHS may be weeks from ER cutbacks

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November 25, 2021

County Warden Liz Danielsen said she’s “extremely disappointed” the County’s emergency departments could see reduced services in a matter or weeks following a Nov. 22 community update from the Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS).

HHHS CAO Carolyn Plummer and the board of directors wrote that if they can’t find adequate staffing, “We will have to close one of the emergency departments during a set number of hours and days. This situation may persist for some time and we may not be able to forecast when we can resume full operation at both emergency departments.”

Danielsen said if it happens, it “will have a ripple affect across the County, not only for patients in need, but on other services as well, like the County’s paramedic service.”

She added she was “particularly disappointed that there was so little notice of something that will have such an impact. The County will be discussing this to consider what we can do to help reduce that impact and try to ensure that there is no permanent closure.”

According to HHHS, there were 18,633 trips to emergency, including 10,426 in Minden and 8,207 in Haliburton.

In the community update, Plummer and the board outline some of the obstacles they say the organization is facing and its possible impacts.

She told The Highlander on Nov. 23 that they are facing a shortage of registered nurses, for which the average age is 47. They are also looking for an emergency department physician and registered practical nurses.

Plummer said although they have been trying to recruit, including help from staffing agencies across the country and other healthcare organizations in the province, personnel issues are prevalent across Ontario, Canada and the world.

She said it’s a particular problem in rural communities with retirements, injuries, parental leaves, health issues and pandemic burnout and stress further exacerbating a bad situation. She added “we know it has been a challenge for staff to find suitable and affordable housing in the community.”

She stressed the current staff shortage is not related to a vaccine mandate which took effect Nov. 15 with 97.4 per cent of staff either fully vaccinated or had received one dose, continuing to work with regular testing and proof of their intention to receive the second jab. “No Registered Nurses were placed on leave or resigned due to the policy, and the majority of the small number of staff on leave are in support areas rather than direct patient care,” she said.

Next steps

As for next steps, Plummer said no decision has been made about which emergency department will need to reduce services. They’ll make that decision based on typical volumes of patient visits to each emergency department; staff schedules, gaps and staffing models; the geographic location of each emergency department in relation to communities and feedback from the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health East and Haliburton County Paramedic Service, among others.

If they proceed, Plummer said they would give the community at least 48 hours notice. She added they will continue to try to recruit staff and work with health care partners to assist patients.

She said the community can help by spreading the word that the help wanted sign is out, and people can contact hr@ hhhs.ca.

Plummer and the board are also asking the public to access care through their family doctor or nurse practitioner whenever possible.

MPP Laurie Scott was unable to do an interview but issued a statement to the paper the afternoon of Nov. 23.

In it, she said, “It’s unfortunate that Haliburton Highlands Health Services may have to make the difficult decision to adjust hours for one of their Emergency Departments. As we know, the human resource shortage in health care is not a new problem.”

She went on to cite a list of Ontario health care investments to boost the ranks of nurses, and personal support workers.

Meanwhile, Minden Hills councillor, Jennifer Hughey, expressed concern on her Facebook page. She said she recently took her nine-year-old daughter to the Minden emergency department for an allergic reaction. She added that she’s been treated there herself and was once airlifted to Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

“Time matters. It always will, and some won’t have time to get to another ER,” Hughey wrote.

Health unit to answer parents’ questions about COVID vaccines for kids

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November 22, 2021

By Lisa Gervais

With Health Canada’s approval of a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages five to 11, local health care providers say they are working together to help families understand why vaccination is safe, effective and recommended for kids.

Health Canada has given the green light for the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine to be provided to children ages five to 11 years. On Nov. 22, the Ontario government announced that parents can start booking appointments through the provincial booking system starting Nov. 23.

Locally, parents can book appointments for their children at COVID-19 vaccination clinics scheduled for Nov. 29 and onwards. Appointments are encouraged at all HKPR clinics for first, second or third doses, but walk-ins will also be accepted between 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at all clinics.

“Children can contribute to the spread of the virus at home and in other settings,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, medical officer of health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. “In order for us to most effectively build community protection against COVID-19, we need to get as many people across all age groups, including children, fully vaccinated.”

To help answer questions parents may still have about vaccinating their child, the HKPR District Health Unit is teaming up with local primary care providers to offer a virtual panel discussion entitled Fast Facts on COVID-19 Vacs for Kids.

“We know some parents are questioning the need and the safety of the vaccine and this information session is the perfect opportunity to talk about those concerns and help clear up some of the misinformation and fear that may be circulating,” said Dr. Bocking. “While children are less likely to get really sick from COVID-19, there are still many reasons why they need the protection offered by the vaccine.”

When: Thursday, Dec. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m.

What: A virtual meeting with a panel of local health care providers. The session will be live streamed on YouTube and the recording provided after the meeting.

Why: The panel will share information on COVID-19 and the vaccine for children.

Who: Panel participants will include: Dr. Sheila Mae Young – family physician in the City of Kawartha Lakes (moderator); Dr. Bocking; Dr. Emma Smith, family physician with Northumberland Family Health Team and Brooke Mountney, Public Health Nurse, HKPR District Health Unit.

How: visit hkpr.on.ca for information on how to view the session and pre-submit questions.

Dr. Bocking said she understands parents may have many questions about COVID-19 vaccines. The Dec. 2 information session is designed to provide information about the vaccine, how to prepare children for vaccination, potential side effects of the vaccine, and the ways to book a vaccination appointment. With the variety of panelists, parents can have their questions answered and will receive information from public health representatives, as well as family physicians, the health unit said.

Parents/guardians with questions about COVID-19 vaccine for children are also encouraged to speak with their health care providers. The SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service also offers appointment-based phone service that provides a safe, judgement-free space to discuss COVID-19 vaccine for children and youth. To book an appointment visit COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service (sickkids.ca). As well, the Health Unit also has information, resources and videos on its website (hkpr.on.ca) for families to help decide what’s right for their child. Information on vaccination clinic locations, date and times for children is also available on the site.

Staffing challenges to impact ERs

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November 22, 2021

HHHS File Photo.jpg web — A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the Haliburton hospital.

Haliburton Highlands Health Services announced late this afternoon that due to challenges around staffing and nursing capacity, it’s very likely they’ll need to reduce service at one of the County’s ERs – including closures during certain hours and days – in the coming weeks. See the full story in Thursday’s Highlander.

Fire chief says man saved by smoke alarms

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November 22, 2021

By Lisa Gervais

A hearing-impaired Minden man was able to safely escape his burning home this past weekend thanks to smoke alarms, fire Chief Nelson Johnson said.

Johnson said his fire department got a call to a Tennyson Road property at 12:30 a.m. Nov. 21.

The call from the 911 dispatcher said all occupants were out of the structure as volunteers headed to the scene.

Johnson said when the first crew arrived just before 1 a.m. they “encountered heavy smoke and flames. The roof was compromised and flames were spreading fast throughout the small, three-bedroom cottage.”

The department had an engine,water truck, rescue, two command units and 11 firefighters. The incident commander then called for mutual aid and the Dysart Fire Department brought two water trucks, a rescue, and 12 firefighters to assist. There was a total of 23 firefighters, one engine and three water trucks on site.

Johnson said crews began knocking down the fire and keeping it contained to the structure. The Minden Hills volunteers placed a portable pump in the lake to supply the engine with water.

Johnson said the occupant reported that he was sleeping in the cottage when insistent noise from the fire alarm woke him. He was roused to find flames and heavy smoke filling the cottage. He quickly ran out and called 911. Johnson said the occupant is hearing impaired and wears hearing aids.

“The occupant did not report any injuries, and the fire was considered out at 4 a.m.,” Johnson said. “The crews then switched to overhauling the fire to ensure that there were no hidden hot spots, leaving the scene at 5 a.m.

Johnson said no firefighters were injured either.

“The loss of a home can be difficult but we were very pleased that the smoke alarm functioned as it was supposed to and there were no injuries and the occupant was able to leave the building to call 911,” he added.

It was a busy weekend for the department. It had just finished extinguishing a large unattended brush fire when the structure fire call came in. Johnson said volunteers chocked up 37 hours of calls over Nov. 21 and 22. They included the structure fire, brush fire, a vehicle fire, medical calls, hydro lines down and the Minden Hills Santa Claus Parade.

“I am very proud of the volunteers that were able to assist this weekend and the long hours that were put in by all. The community should be proud of the volunteers that provide the township with the fire and rescue protection that they deserve, the volunteers always go above expectations when they are called upon.”

SIDEBAR: Fire alarms save lives

Johnson emphasized how working smoke alarms save lives. He said if they are properly installed and maintained, they play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. He said other tips include:

· Know the sounds of fire safety, hear the beep, get on your feet and get out, stay out.

· A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.

· Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area.

· Install alarms on every level of the home.

· Smoke alarms should be interconnected, when one sounds, they all sound.

· Test your smoke alarms at least once a month, press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

· Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

Johnson said modern smoke alarms are more technologically-advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms and there are many types and devices for people with hearing difficulties, young children and for other situations.

He added when you are looking at replacing or upgrading any smoke alarm, you should consider having alarms with strobe lights. The flashing lights can assist with hearing difficulties. If the hearing difficulty is extreme there are devises that shake the bed or vibrate when the alarm goes off. There are also smoke alarms that connect wirelessly through the internet to your phone, this provides instant notification to you, even if you are not home.

Testing new turtle tunnel barriers

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November 19, 2021

One of the biggest risks an animal can take is Haliburton County is crossing a road.

On Nov. 15, The Land Between and Scales Nature Park worked together to make the journey for turtles just a safer one.

Using an excavator donated by Minden Rental, the two conservation groups dug out roadside fill and installed recycled metal barricades, welded from metal barrels. It’s all part of a system guiding turtles towards culverts, where they can cross under a road safely.

“It’s a turtle tunnel, basically,” said Leora Berman, The Land Between founder. “The shape can be backfilled and the road becomes permeable: any wildlife on the road can get off.”

They’re testing the system on a stretch of wetland-adjacent Glamorgan road, to see how the interlocking barriers handle winter frost.

“The issue with one large piece is it can shift, and that creates major maintenance issues,” said Berman.

There are 96 spots in the County that The Land Between and the Haliburton Land Trust have identified as needing turtle crossings.

Some, Berman said, don’t currently have culverts linking areas of wetlands, which poses an increased risk to the area’s turtle population.

“It’s really important that we have culverts so turtles can reach all parts of their territories,” Berman said.

All of Ontario’s turtle species are at risk. In the last 20 years, turtle populations have declined by more than 50 per cent; with drivers behind the vast majority of deaths.

Heat Bank nets $29k

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November 18, 2021

SG-heat bank-2- — Nick & Benton performed at the 2021 Fuel for Warmth fundraiser.

The Haliburton County Heat Bank’s annual fundraiser in partnership with Carnarvon’s Rhubarb restaurant raised $29,183. The Nov. 14 evening was the most successful to date, said Tina Jackson, heat bank coordinator.

“Haliburton County has one of the highest rates of energy poverty in all of Canada,” said Jackson. “The Heat Bank’s working really hard to help folks overcome struggles related to heating and hydro, and this is our largest fundraiser of the year.”

Jackson said Rhubarb, and owner Terri Matthews-Carl, have been instrumental in helping the event succeed.

The restaurant was closed to the public and staff volunteered their time to serve a gourmet dinner while attendees had the chance to bid on donated items from various local businesses.

Musicians Nick and Benton sang and Ted Brandon hosted the evening as MC.

The Heat Bank, founded in 2013, aims to provide emergency access to heat and firewood for vulnerable Highlanders.

Their annual fundraiser at Rhubarb has raised over $124,000 since it began.

Singer releases anthem of mortality

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November 18, 2021

If the cold months of fall ever needed a soundtrack, Fenelon Falls-based singer songwriter Shannon Roszell said her new single might fit the bill.

Day of the Dead released Oct. 29; just before Halloween.

It was a fitting ballad for spooky season, said Roszell. Inspired by indie rockers such as The National and Arcade Fire, Roszell’s voice echoes over top of menacing guitar riffs that build and drive the song along.

It’s a song about death, and legacy, she said. “I swear I’ve written more music about death than love.”

It was prompted by the passing of one of Roszell’s musical Icons, Lou Reed, reflecting on his legacy and, in turn, hers.

It’s also a symphonic exploration of mortality itself.

“It’s a perfect soundtrack to this time of the year when the veil between the living and dead is at its thinnest,” she said.

Roszell, who guest anchored and debuted the song on CanoeFM Oct. 29, has been slowly releasing singles ahead of a debut album drop, scheduled for the fall of 2022.

She’s been making music for more than a decade, but only recently partnered with award-winning producer Frank Gryner (Def Leppard, Rod Zombie) while preparing newer tunes.

For around 18 months, she recorded, wrote, and produced the album Track by Track.

Now the wait is on: Roszell is expecting a child in the spring of 2022. While all the songs are complete, she said it’s important to her they come out as a package.

“I had this body of work I wanted to honour,” she said. “They all have a sonic palette that’s pretty unified.”

Many of her songs are similarly complex as Day of the Dead.

She gave the example of Lullaby’s For the Lost and Living Dead, a song released late this year. “It is about that anxiety, mental health, and depression, waiting for mental health medication to kick in.”

The 39-year-old said she was a little self-conscious to release music at first: “It makes me think you’re 39, you’re putting out new music: you’ve ‘missed the boat’.”

But she’s excited about the future, and encouragement from friends, family and her producer have helped shift her mindset. “There is no boat, I’m trying to be patient, wait it out, see how things go.”

Roszell’s music can be found on all streaming services and her website: shannonroszell.com

BBQ artist brings the smoke to Fort Irwin

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November 18, 2021