Beloved pup found in Highlands East

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August 19, 2021

Opal has been found.

That message meant a wave of relief for Claudia Woodruff, whose nine-month old Australian Shepherd had been taken, along with a pickup truck, from Port Perry on Aug. 11.

“You hear about stories like this and you don’t think this would happen to you,” Woodruff said.

But Opal is home safe after being found in Highlands East, along with the silver pickup truck, by Haliburton Highlands OPP officers on Aug. 16.

“To finally hear the words that we found your dog, she’s okay [that] was like the best news I’ve ever heard,” Woodruff said.

The news came after a long, stressful and intensive search for the family’s puppy, who Woodruff said is “the love of their lives. She’s the love of a lot of people’s lives!”

Her partner, Gavin Bergsma, was visiting a job site in Port Perry while Opal sat in the truck nearby. He had left the truck on with air conditioning going for Opal, due to the heat. He looked away for a brief moment and someone had hopped in the truck and driven off.

That sparked a nearly Ontario-wide search, with people sharing posts about Opal on Facebook and Woodruff’s family and friends searching everywhere from North Bay to Bancroft to Belleville. “We went everywhere,” Woodruff said.

The search effort also went online. Her posts were shared and copied more than 10,000 times on Facebook, in community groups, lake association pages and lost dog networks. She recounts how many people messaged offering to help by sharing posts, putting up signs or driving around to search for her.

“We’re extremely grateful to the public for doing this because that’s the reason she was found,” she said.

Someone reported seeing the truck in Haliburton County, presumably because of the widely shared photographs online.

Over a thousand people on Facebook chimed in to celebrate Opal’s safe return.

“We did have a happy ending and unfortunately not everybody gets a happy ending.”

That’s why Woodruff urges people to share missing dog posts on social media

“If you see a missing dog post on Facebook, just take the second to share it and maybe that can bring somebody’s dog home.”

A 31-year-old from Clarington has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime and was due to appear in court for a bail hearing Aug. 17.

‘Incredible’ summer for Glebe Park facilities

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Sam Gillett

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August 19, 2021

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COVID-19 hasn’t hampered a flurry of renovations and trail extensions as well as busy foot and bike traffic at Glebe Park and its facilities.

A number of projects are underway: renovated sign kiosks; an accessible path to the washroom; newly-painted signage; the installation of a bear proof garbage can, fixing up the forested viewing platform and more.

On Aug. 12, the Glebe Park and Museum Committee also approved the building of a new flowing mountain bike trail branching off the existing trail system.

‘It’s so nice to see us planning and then work getting done – that’s fantastic,” said committee member Jim Blake.

Blake, also the curator of the park’s Sculpture Forest, said he’s noticed an increase in visitors to the park. “Attendance has been incredible,” he said. “It’s almost impossible to keep the brochure boxes full.”

That’s a trend mirrored in Mike Darlington’s report from the Haliburton Mountain Bike Club, which maintains and uses the extensive trail system. According to him, membership has doubled since last season.

The Haliburton Highlands Museum also reopened its doors July 16. Director Kate Butler said visitors “breathe life back into the place.”

The committee will explore hosting an in-person meeting in the late fall, to share updates and chat about the park’s future.

Board member and Dysart et al Mayor Andrea Roberts said hearing about the park’s use and renovations is “uplifting.”

“I just love hearing the positive, fabulous things we’re doing.”

Highlands voters go to the polls

By

Lisa Gervais

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August 19, 2021

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Haliburton County voters are headed back to the federal election polls less than two years after they last cast their ballots.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dissolved Parliament Aug. 16, setting up a snap Sept. 20 election.

In what is shaping up to be a replay of 2019 in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, Conservative incumbent Jamie Schmale will again face Liberal, Judi Forbes.

The Green Party candidate is Angel Godsoe. No other party had announced a candidate as of press time.

The Highlands convincingly re-elected Schmale on Oct. 21, 2019, with 49.2 per cent of the vote. His nearest competitor was Forbes, whose party formed a minority government. Forbes had 25.9 per cent of the vote. The NDP’s Barbara Doyle received 14.7 per cent; Green Elizabeth Fraser 8.3 per cent and the People’s Party of Canada’s Gene Balfour 1.9 per cent.

Schmale is seeking to be a third-term member of parliament.

Addressing election timing, he said, “I don’t think too many people in Canada really wanted an election now.”

He cited reasons such as the pandemic, forest fires burning in certain parts of Canada and the situation in Afghanistan.

He added while the Conservatives were unsure of an election date leading up to this past Sunday, they had heard rumblings quite often from inside the Liberal party so are ready.

Responding to criticism over election timing, Forbes said if Trudeau had known Afghanistan was going to enter into crisis the day he made his announcement, he might have handled it differently.

However, she said “it is a good time to call an election”.

“During the last 17 months, we’ve had a once in a generation crisis. The last time Canada had a real crisis like this was probably during the Second World War.”

She said in 2019, the country was talking about issues that were key for the time but there are new issues now that need to be discussed.

How to vote

• At an advance polling station: Advance polls will be Sept. 10-13. You’ll find the address and times on your voter information card, online or from Elections Canada.

• At your riding’s Elections Canada office: You can vote even earlier at an Elections Canada office (every riding has one), until Sept. 14. You will need to complete a special ballot application, which you can get online or at your local Elections Canada office.

• On election day: You can register to vote ahead of time or at your polling station when you go to vote. Bring proof of identity and address.

• By mail: You will have to complete a special ballot application. This also applies to students who might be living on campus and away from home. Once your application is accepted, you will be mailed a special ballot voting kit. Follow the instructions and return your ballot using the pre-addressed return envelope provided. Make sure your vote makes it to Elections Canada by election day at 6 p.m. ET, or it won’t be counted. If you’re worried about the deadline, those voting from within their riding have the option to drop their completed special ballot off at their assigned polling station, or at any other polling location in their riding, on election day.

County CAO says ‘watershed moment’ for tourism

By

Sam Gillett

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August 19, 2021

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Is there a “tipping point” where tourism demand outstrips capacity?

Councillors discussed that question and how new tourism positions could help the County balance growth and livability during a meeting Aug. 11.

The conversion began after councillors unanimously supported a motion to apply for funding to hire a content creator as part of the Highlands destination management plan. That position would help spearhead County tourism efforts through managing social media accounts, highlighting landmarks, working on the County’s website and more.

CAO Mike Rutter explained the role comes during a “watershed moment” for tourism in the Highlands.

However, some councillors said alongside tourism growth comes a responsibility to investigate a community’s needs as many tourism-related issues have become increasingly pressing. That includes shortterm rentals, Crown land use and traffic concerns.

“We need to keep an eye on that bigger long-term picture,” said Algonquin Highlands Mayor Carol Moffatt. “We need to have a consolidated long-term view of where we’re going here, what this community can handle.”

Dysart et al Mayor Andrea Roberts agreed.

“I drove through town yesterday and I couldn’t find a parking lot to go to the farmers market,” she said. “Where’s that tipping point where we reach capacity, where it isn’t fun anymore?”

She said staff are picking up double the amount of garbage in Head Lake Park compared to a few years ago.

“It all trickles down to the services that we provide as well,” she said.

Moffatt said she appreciates the central role tourism has in Haliburton, but questioned if the community is “infrastructurally” prepared to handle even more visitors as a result of expanded outreach.

Tourism growth is mirrored by construction values across the County which exceed $20 million in 2021 so far. That means proposed jobs such as an economic development coordinator should maintain a holistic view of growth in the County, said Minden Hills Mayor Brent Devolin.

Devolin: it’s about ‘designing a path’

“Economic development is not just about getting more, it’s about designing a path, and all of the elements that dovetail with it,” he said.

The County’s destination management plan, built in partnership with MMGY NextFactor tourism consulting firm, charts the course for tourism development over a five-year period.

Along with ideas for improving local tourism, the strategy proposes new County tourism positions such as the economic development office and content creator.

“How can we remind ourselves that the destination management plan isn’t a tourism plan?” asked Moffatt. “It’s a community development plan.”

The County is currently searching for a new director of tourism. They’ll be tasked with bringing on an economic development officer and content creator if the County’s new grant application is accepted.

“There’s no doubt that this discussion is leading us to the thought that we need to look at this from all aspects of our operations and municipal operations,” said Warden Liz Danielsen.

“I really am looking forward to hiring our economic development officer and our tourism position to help with a lot of this work.”

Health unit sounds the alarm over opioid overdoses in Haliburton County

By

Sam Gillett

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August 18, 2021

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The number of opioid-related overdoses in the County is increasing, reports the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Lakes district health unit.

According to a HKPR press release, community partners are reporting that many overdoses are related to a drug supply contaminated with the highly potent drug Fentanyl.

“We are issuing this alert to make community members aware that more drug overdoses are occurring in Haliburton County and remind everyone to be extra vigilant,” says Catherine MacDonald, a registered nurse and substances and harm reduction coordinator with the health unit.

She urges anyone who witnesses an overdose to call 911.

The health unit reminds anyone who uses drugs (or those who know someone who does) to follow these safety tips:

• Test a small amount of drug before you use it.

• Never use alone.

• If you are alone, call the National Overdose Response Service (NORS) virtual safe consumption at 1-888-668-NORS (6677), or use a buddy system and call a friend.

• Ensure that emergency services can be contacted in the event of an overdose.

• Avoid mixing your drugs.

• Keep a naloxone kit on hand. You can get a naloxone kit at most pharmacies and needle exchange sites.

Signs of an overdose include: very large or very small pupils, slow or no breathing, cold and clammy skin, blue or purple fingernails or lips and snoring or gurgling sounds.

To find exact locations for free naloxone kits, visit the Ontario government website.

(www.ontario.ca/naloxone).

‘Dust Society’ linked to strange chests and quirky characters spotted in Minden

By

Sam Gillett

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August 12, 2021

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Red chests the size of a large beside signs linked to the Dust Society have been reported around Haliburton’s Downtown.

One box, pictured below, was reported on Highland Street across from the Bank of Montreal.

A source, who wished to remain anonymous, sent photos of the boxes: each are located beside signs encouraging people to write down annoying parts of their to-do list.

The signs provide evidence of a link between each chests claiming they are “fraternal” twins.

However, on a sign beside each box, pictured below, a riddle has stumped our editorial team.

The syntax of the rhyme and typeface is similar to riddles posted on a booth found at Head Lake Park in early August. In both cases, the signs prompt people to report strange findings on a website: www.iseedust.com.

As well, both signs claim to be written by “The Local Representative,” a figure which can be linked back to the Dust Society.

Santa, Easter Bunny spotted in Minden

At approximately 12:30 p.m., two figures who appeared to be Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny were reported at various locations around the town of Minden. Various sources claim these individuals were previously found at Head Lake Park in Haliburton.

Though The Highlander could not confirm these sightings, submitted pictures show the two sitting beside the bridge downtown, as well as floating on stand-up paddle boards which were found to originate at Algonquin Outfitter’s Boatwerks.

While the exact timeline of events is unclear, sightings of the pair were reported at The River Cone as well.

Currently the reasoning behind these activities is unclear, however all witnessed activities seem related to sunny weather and general tourism activities which Minden is known for (one witness who requested anonymity said the figures may have ordered soft serve ice cream).

More information will be posted when available.

Celebrating diversity and inclusion with Pride

By

Sam Gillett

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August 12, 2021

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Whether at farmers markets, general stores or on the main street of Minden, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Minden Pride’s colourful “Pridemobile” as it toured the County this summer.

Now the group is finalizing preparations for its annual Pride Week, to be opened with a flag raising in downtown Minden Aug. 23.

“There’s starting to be a lot of excitement. I think there’s been a pent-up demand to get out and do things now that restrictions are lessening there’s a lot of people that are very interested,” said Minden Pride chair Allan Guinan.

This year’s theme is “proud and hopeful,” celebrating diversity and inclusion.

“We’re very proud of what we have achieved in terms of the six years we’ve been building and growing this event,” Guinan said. “We’re also really hopeful coming out of this global pandemic. It’s making people realize the importance of being kind to everyone.”

This year’s events include a scavenger hunt, trivia, movie nights and even a “Float Down the Gull with Pride” physicallydistanced river parade.

Guinan said a highlight of the week will be the dedication of a bench established in memory of Sinclair Russell, Minden Pride co-founder, on Aug. 27.

“We’re just really thrilled to be able to have people out to recognize Sinclair’s involvement in building Minden Pride initially and evolving it into an important event to the community.”

Alongside the dedication, people will pay tribute to Russell in a video played later that day.

In advance of Pride week, the Pridemobile has been a mobile way to store merchandise and spread awareness.

“It’s just kind of a very perspective of us staying positive out there in the community,” Guinan said. “COVID and the pandemic has squashed a lot of what we were hoping we could get done but we’ve got a lot of positive energy.”

Bob Fisher, a member of Minden Pride, plans to add an international perspective to this year’s events.

He’s a representative of Rainbow Railroad, a global not-for-profit which helps LGBTQI+ people who are persecuted around the world.

“You can’t believe the kind of discrimination and hatred that’s going on,” he said.

The organization raises money to relocate persecuted people, often teenagers; that’s a cause he connected with. “That’s where I want to spend my charity money that’s my people.”

Fisher will be sharing information about donating and getting involved with Rainbow Railroad initiatives throughout the week.

Minden Pride week runs from Aug, 23-29. For a full schedule of events visit mindenpride.ca.

The answer’s out there: teens hunt clues

By

Sam Gillett

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August 12, 2021

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Haliburton will soon see teens searching through businesses and snapping selfies during the Youth Wellness Hub’s first annual village-wide scavenger hunt.

On Saturday, Aug. 14, the hunt kicks off at noon at the Hub on Dysart Avenue, where participants pick up a scavenger hunt “passport.” At each clue hidden in shops and at landmarks around the downtown, teens will take a photo and have the chance to win prizes if they complete the hunt.

Youth Hub staff will be cruising downtown doling out drinks, snacks and encouragement.

“Different businesses got really excited and have interesting things the youth will have to find,” said event organizer Catherine Gaudette. To avoid spoiling the surprise, Gaudette didn’t give away which businesses were participating, but was encouraged by the support from local business owners who wanted to take part.

“Every single person I’ve talked to has been super excited and jumped on board without hesitation.”

Hub manager Mary Sisson said the event plays a role in connecting youth back into the community after a year of COVID-19 restrictions.

“COVID has left us all a little disconnected from our community and isolated in some ways,” Sisson said. “It’s just nice to have youth in the village connecting with business owners and people in the community that care about them as well, that want to participate and want to engage them.”

Pre-registering for the event will make sure the Hub has enough prizes, Gaudette said. She also mentioned that youth without a phone can borrow one in order to take selfies with clues, and rides into Haliburton are also available.

To learn more or register call the Hub at 705-457-2727 or text 705-306-5199.

Life with movement key for athlete Tomlinson

By

Lisa Gervais

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August 12, 2021

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For Haliburton Highlands Sports Hall of Famer Anna Tomlinson, lifelong fitness has followed a stellar university and high school athletics career.

Reached in Barrie, where she now lives, Tomlinson said she was “humbled” by being selected to enter the new hall.

She still visits the area for holidays every summer even though her work took her away.

“I love Haliburton,” she said.

Tomlinson added the County offered her a “very authentic childhood” as she grew up on the shores of Boshkong Lake, on the water and spent her summers outdoors.

“It was a beautiful way to grow up. Some of those early successes in sports and learning to persevere spilled over into my professional life.”

Tomlinson was Haliburton Highlands Secondary School’s female athlete of the year three years running. She also won multiple most valuable player awards for volleyball and track and field. She captained the junior and senior volleyball team to district championships, qualified at The Ontario Federation of Schools Athletic Associations for five consecutive years in multiple track and field events, went to the Ontario championships in badminton and was also valedictorian of her 1995 graduating class.

However, her young life was not without challenge. Her father passed away when she was just 17. She said coach Paul Morissette became a mentor. With his guidance she decided to study kinesiology at York University.

At York, she was a heptathlete, competing in the grueling seven-event sport. She qualified for the Ontario University Athletics finals all four years. She was also a member of the 4×200 relay team, placing fourth at the Canadian Interuniversity Athletics Union championships. At the provincial and federal level, she also medaled in shot put.

She said she was blessed to be able to come home every summer, including working for the MNRF as a forest firefighter out of the Stanhope base which was an excellent job for summer training.

The Hall committee said, “Anna demonstrated a high intensity work ethic and sportsmanship. She was recognized as a leader who built inclusive team morale.”

As the mother of four athletic sons, the committee said she continues to be a role model in every facet of her life.

Asked about her athletic prowess, Tomlinson joked that she was blessed to be six-feet tall.

“They always say you can’t teach height.” It was at York that she also met her future husband, Darren Kenney, during track and field.

She said for her having a physical outlet has always been key. “It is such a healthy outlet … life with movement. I went to university and had a good experience, living healthy and life with movement. I can’t imagine life without it.”

Today, at 44, and working in sales, she spends plenty of time in her home gym. She said for her family, fitness is just part of their lifestyle. She still works out daily. She was also glued to the television in her down time watching the Tokyo Olympics.

PGA hopeful tees up for big tournament

By

Sam Gillett

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August 12, 2021

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James Allison says he plays golf to win.

After building up his game over the past several years, the 32-year-old from Haliburton will have a chance to record the ‘W’ on one of Canada’s biggest stages: the Mackenzie Tour.

“It’s a huge milestone for me. It’s a piece of a dream coming true,” Allison said. “Not a lot of golfers have been inside the ropes at a PGA-sanctioned event and I feel very fortunate to be able to do that.”

Allison, who lives near Minden, will play alongside Canada’s best golfers as they compete at the Osprey Valley Open in Caledon from Aug. 16-22.

It’s a chance to impress on a national stage and have a shot at qualifying for the Korn Ferry tour; a pathway to the PGA Tour.

“I’m working my way up, slowly but steady,” Allison said.

He’s played golf since he was a kid, and began focusing on his game after moving temporarily to Burlington. Now, while also working full-time as an electrician, he spends long hours practicing nearly every day in Lindsay with the hopes of playing golf at the highest level.

“Eventually I got to the point where I thought I could make some money doing this,” Allison said.

This summer, he’s been playing games on the Toronto Players Tour, a professional and amateur golf circuit in Ontario. Through that tournament, he got on the waiting list for the Osprey Valley Open.

“I have a lot of confidence going into this event. I wouldn’t enter an event if I didn’t think I could win it,” said Allison in an interview at the Blairhampton Golf Club.

For Allison, playing the McKenzie Tour isn’t the end goal: it’s the next step in a journey.

“A lot of players make a great living but never win. That’s not what I’m striving for: I want to win. I want to be the best, and I really see myself getting there, but I know I’m not going to win every week.”

To achieve that goal, the golfer analyzes every part of his game: alignment, ball position, hitting the proper yardages, knowing the greens and the layout of the course and even gauging the wind speed and direction.

“It’s about learning that, and how to adjust on the fly,” Allison said.

He added mental and physical preparation for high-level games such as the Osprey Valley Open mean ensuring he “peaks” at the right time. That also means playing courses which simulate competition conditions.

“I just want people to know this isn’t a fun day on the course for me. I take this seriously, it’s my second job, my business,” he said. “I strive to be the best.”

On his journey to becoming a full-time pro, Allison is learning the business side of golf too. That means managing social media accounts, building a website and searching for businesses that may want to support him through sponsorships.

“If I can find any partners along the way to help me in my journey, and be a part of my journey that’s great.”

Live scoring for the event will be available at mackenzietour.com. Allison posts about his golf journey on instagram at jamesallisongolf, and can be reached at jamesallisongolf@gmail.com.