SIRCH coat drive warms the Highlands

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October 19, 2021

SG-share the warmth-1- — Vounteers at last year's Share the Warmth event

As the weather gets colder, SIRCH Community Services is on a mission to provide warm clothes to Highlanders in need and they want your help.

The organization is kicking off its sixth annual Share the Warmth fundraiser.

Each year, Highlands community members in need are given donated coats, boots, hats, gloves, and more.

Oct. 18, drop-off locations around the County will begin accepting donations, and SIRCH will be at Lakeside Baptist Church in Haliburton and St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Minden to distribute winter gear Nov. 6.

Last year, Share the Warmth brought in 1,450 pieces of used Winter clothing, which is all checked and sorted.

The HKPR District Health Unit estimates that approximately 25 per cent of Highlands children live in poverty, which can mean good quality winter gear is out of reach. “It is more important than ever to help those who are vulnerable stay warm,” writes SIRCH in a press release.

SIRCH Executive Director Gena Robertson said in a press release that the initiative is a way for Highlanders to help their neighbours.

“We have seen so much generosity in the past when it comes to Share the Warmth and we are hopeful this year will be no different,” she said.

Included in the statement is the story of Haliburton resident Thomas Smith, who received a coat from Share the Warmth just after moving to the County.

At that point in time I didn’t have a job. I had just moved up here and only had a fall jacket and I didn’t have any money to spend on a new coat,” he told SIRCH. “It got me through and I still have it.”

All donated gear must be in good working order without stains, rips or tears.

For more information about Share the Warmth call 705-457-1742 or email info@sirch.on.ca.

(Sam Gillett)

Witches gather for high-flying Abbey Gardens fire show by NorthFIRE Circus

By

Sam Gillett

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October 19, 2021

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Fire dancers and aerial acrobats are coming to Abbey Gardens Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 for “Theatre on FIRE: The Witches.”

It’s a collaboration between NorthFIRE Circus, a troupe that’s performed multiple times at the Gardens, and The Bass Witch Coven.

“We are drawing the parallels with the story of the witches with our own feminism,” said NorthFIRE and Bass Witch member Jessica Clayton. “It’s about witches being healers, powerful women in society who were oppressed.”

The show revolves around three central character in neopagan tradition: the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone.

“We kind of take that story and use it to perform our fire dance and be powerful women on stage, hopefully inspiring people to come to our performance, both men and women alike,” Clayton said.

“The Witches” is produced, performed, and choreographed by women.

“It’s going to be a very different show,” said Clayton, mentioning how the choreography, production and style have changed from their show last year.

And it falls right near Halloween when all things witches and magic are top of mind for many.

“It falls on a time of year we really love to perform this kind of a show, bringing that really powerful feminine energy but also it’s in the spirit of Halloween.”

NorthFIRE dancers celebrate the season with flaming batons and ropes as well as using aerial silks to perform twirling acrobatics, all to the electronica of Toronto-based producer Jonah K.

Alongside the performers will be a custom-made projection display by artist Jax A Muse.

All attendants will be seated in physically-distanced circles in the Gardens’ Little Pit gravel pit.

Proof of vaccination is mandatory, and those over 12 must show their vaccination along with a government-issued ID.

NorthFIRE Circus is a performance troupe that has toured extensively around Ontario, bringing shows such as “From Chaos to Calm” and last year’s performance of “The Witches” to the Highlands.

“We’ve really realized how important performing and bringing artistic experiences to rural Ontario is for us,” said Hoops.

Tickets for “Theatre on Fire: The Witches’ are available at northfirecircus.com/the-witches

Waste reduction week

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Lisa Gervais

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October 19, 2021

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In recognition of Waste Reduction Week in Canada, the Township of Algonquin Highlands, Municipality of Dysart et al, Municipality of Highlands East, Township of Minden Hills, County of Haliburton, Haliburton County Public Library, and Community of Making are partnering to share ways everyone can minimize their waste.

Each of the partners will use their social media channels to highlight the daily themes, supported by complementary book recommendations that help deepen the understanding and impact of actions.

In addition, the HCPL and Community of Making is hosting a number of free waste reduction activities on its Facebook page and YouTube channel:

Circular Economy: Monday, Oct. 18 – watch a maker video and get excited about a circular weaving grab n’ go Kit available Oct. 26
Textiles: Tuesday, Oct. 19 – pick up an up-cycled autumn decor grab n’ go kit from Dysart and Minden libraries.
E-waste: Wednesday, Oct. 20 – watch a tech time tutorial about downloading and using the Haliburton County Waste Wizard mobile app.
Plastics: Thursday, Oct. 21 – watch a maker video showcasing 3Doodler maker kits available for loan from HCPL.
Food Waste: Friday, Oct. 22 – watch two maker videos demonstrating two seasonal recipes: harvest muffins, and apple crisps.
Sharing Economy: Saturday, Oct. 23 – watch a highlight reel of HCPL’s grab n’ go kits and learn how the community has shared resources to make these kits.

Two vaccine pop-up clinics coming to Algonquin Highlands

By

Sam Gillett

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October 16, 2021

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Close-up medical syringe with a vaccine.

Two drive-through style vaccination clinics are coming to Oxtongue Lake and Stanhope fire halls.

On Oct. 19 there will be clinic at the Stanhope fire hall, followed by a Oct. 21 clinic at the Oxtongue Lake fire hall.

Anyone born before 2009 can be vaccinated at both locations from 3-6 p.m. with no reservation required.

Both mRNA (Pfizer and Moderna) vaccines will be available.

There are no active cases of COVID-19 in Haliburton, and 17 active cases in the HKPR region.

Medical officer of health Dr. Natalie Bocking reported Oct. 13 that most cases are occurring in a younger demographic, between 20-39.

Since July 1, 63 per cent of cases were unvaccinated, 20 per cent were partially vaccinated and 17 per cent were fully vaccinated.

Correction: The Highlander incorrectly stated both clinics were on Oct. 19. The Oxtongue Lake clinic is on Oct. 21. The Highlander regrets the error.

Gooderham man charged with weapons offences

By

Sam Gillett

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October 15, 2021

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Haliburton Highlands OPP officers have charged a Gooderham resident with weapons offences after responding to an incident in Highlands East.

According to a distributed press release, on October 14, 2021, at approximately 9:07 p.m., officers responded to an altercation between two males involving a firearm on County Road 503 in Highlands East.

As a result of the investigation a 43-year-old man from Gooderham was charged with pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order, mischief under $5,000 and three counts of failure to comply with release order.

The accused is being held in custody pending a bail hearing.

County Road 503 was temporarily closed between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. for a police investigation. The OPP Emergency Response Team, Tactics and Rescue Unit and Canine Unit attended the scene. There is no threat to public safety.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Haliburton Highlands OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or https://ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Haliburton Huskies pick up impressive road win

By

Mike Baker

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October 15, 2021

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Haliburton County Huskies vs North York Rangers — NORTH YORK, ON - OCTOBER 10: Goaltender Tyler Hodges #30 of the Haliburton County Huskies watches the play during the second period at the Herbert Carnegie Centennial Arena on October 10, 2021 in Ontario, Canada (Photo by Ray MacAloney / OJHL Images)

Haliburton County Huskies head coach and general manager Ryan Ramsay said there were “hugely encouraging signs” this past weekend as his new outfit hit the road to take on two of the top teams in the OJHL, picking up a win and taking a loss to improve their seasonal record to 2-2.

While the Huskies fell to a 5-1 defeat to divisional rival Wellington Dukes on Friday night, they rebounded in the best possible way on Sunday – dominating the previously undefeated North York Rangers and cruising to a 3-1 victory.

Reflecting on the games, Ramsay said he couldn’t be more proud of his team and the way they battled on the ice against topclass opposition. Both the Dukes (4th) and the Rangers (20th) were included in the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s top 20 pre-season rankings, and have been touted as potential frontrunners for the Centennial Cup national Jr. A championship.

“That we were able to compete against these teams was huge,” Ramsay said. “Against the Dukes, I don’t think the score was an indicator of how the game went. I would say we were right there in the game throughout. We were out shooting them all game.

Their goalie played really well and I think ours had an off night. Sometimes that’s just how it goes. “Then, against North York, I think we played pretty much the exact same way. The boys played hard and fought for every inch. The difference, maybe, is that the bounces went our way in that game. But I think we deserved the win,” Ramsay added.

The Dukes got off to a hot start on Friday night – racing away to a 3-0 lead before the midway point of the second period. Forward Oliver Tarr brought the Huskies back into the game with a wellplaced finished after good work from Jack Staniland and Bryce Richardson, before the Dukes once again took control, with a fourth goal late in the second, and a fifth part way through the third.

The Huskies showed remarkable character at the Herbert Carnegie Centre in North York on Sunday. The Rangers took the lead just 32 seconds into the game. Rather than let their heads drop, the Huskies dug in – outshooting the Rangers in that opening period and silencing the raucous hometown crowd for large spells.

Then, forward Patrick Saini took centre stage. He scored the tying goal at 3:51 of the second, assisted by Will Gourgouvelis, and would go on to grab the game winner at 13:54 of the same period, assisted by Tarr and Lucas Stevenson.

Saini then set up Tarr for an empty netter with 23 seconds to play to confirm the victory. “Pat Saini plays the same way every game. He just comes in and keeps working hard, he’s like the ‘Steady Eddy’ of the team. He’s got great skill and comes in and competes every single night,” Ramsay said.

The coach also reserved special praise for Tarr, who picked up his team-leading fourth point of the season in the game against the Rangers, rookie defenseman Will Gourgouvelis and recent forward acquisition Nicholas Athanasakos. The Huskies completed a trade on Tuesday, adding 20-year-old goaltender Christian Cicigoi to the roster. Cicigoi comes to the Huskies from the OHL’s North Bay Battalion.

He played seven games for the Battalion in the 2019/20 season, before COVID-19 shut league play down, posting a 6.24 goals against average and .837 save percentage.

Ramsay said he’s expecting to welcome forwards Jacob Dupuis and Kolby Poulin back into the fold as early as this weekend, with the pair having recovered from concussions they picked up during preseason. “We’re very happy with the group we have now. I think we look good – we’ve added some bodies, and we’re starting to get some of our injured guys back on the ice. Christian Linton should be back soon – he’s a really good goalie who came to [summer] camp with a high ankle sprain,” Ramsay said. “I think we’re going to be very competitive this season.” The Huskies will take on the Cobourg Cougars at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena on Saturday. With the provincial government recently lifting capacity restrictions at hockey rinks, there will be a full complement of seats available to the public for the first time this season.

The arena can hold a crowd of approximately 500 people. Puck drop on Saturday is slated for 4:30 p.m. To enquire about tickets, visit www. huskieshockey.ca.

Time for the trades

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 15, 2021

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When I started high school, students had the option of three streams of learning: advanced, general and basic.

At that time, it was thought a university career was the best way to go. I chose the advanced stream to get there, attending Carleton University for journalism. To be perfectly honest, at that time in Ontario’s history, some of my classmates and I looked down on those opting for the general or basic streams, which would allow them to go to college or enter the workforce. Were we ever wrong as we perpetuated a stigma.

Driving by the high school Tuesday, I noticed that something was going on. Being curious, I donned my mask and maintained my six-foot distance to find out what it was. I first talked to Steve Dramnitzke of Support Ontario Youth who told me it was a skilled trades day promoting plumbing.

The students were getting some hands-on learning as well as some practical advice from a panel representing would-be employers. They also got $250 worth of tools and a free lunch. Haliburton Highlands Secondary School trades teacher Chris Simpson was pretty proud of the fact it was the first practical application of the Trillium Lakelands District School Board’s new Start Me Up Campaign.

The board unveiled the plan to encourage students to consider choosing the skilled trades as a career path back on April 27. The timing couldn’t be better. In the next five years, one in five new jobs will be in the skilled trades. By 2030, the province will need more than 500,000 new tradespeople to keep up with retirements and economic expansion.

According to a Sept. 2021 RBC report, more than 700,000 skilled tradespeople are expected to retire by 2028. We’re in for shortages across the board but critical areas when it comes to an expected postpandemic infrastructure boom: industrial mechanics, welders and boilermakers. The Ontario Construction Secretariat, a lobby group for homebuilders in Ontario, said a 2019 survey of 500 member firms found 79 per cent reporting company growth slowed and 76 per cent turning down work because of a lack of skilled workers.

The school board now has technological studies classes and two-credit co-ops that place students in workplaces and the Specialist High Skills Major program and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.

In Haliburton County, this new Start Me Up campaign really resonates. That’s why Aggie Tose of the Haliburton County Home Builders Association was there. She knows it’s all about getting kids into the trades and onto their worksites. In the past, an outdated perception of the trades has hampered recruitment efforts. That is improving.

Some of the next hurdles include getting under-represented groups on board, such as women (only about five per cent of apprentices) and new Canadians (only 8.7 per cent). Another challenge, according to the RBC report, is training these new tradespeople for a much more digital future. I wish I’d had access to Tuesday’s session when I was in high school.

I would have learned that the median incomes can start at $80,000 and climb into the six figures; and that I would be valued and intellectually challenged. Don’t get me wrong. I love my job. I just wish I knew more about the options when I was in school.

Plumbing holes in skilled trades sector

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 14, 2021

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Haliburton Highlands Secondary School student Braedon Miller said he always thought he would end up in the trades so found a Supporting Ontario Youth skilled trades day at the high school Oct. 12 “interesting.”

“I think it’s pretty neat,” Miller said while taking a lunch break. “We had the chance to actually come out and do plumbing stuff.”

Support Ontario Youth’s Steve Dramnitzke said the day was about introducing students to plumbing with some hands-on activities. There was also a panel offering tips on things such as resume writing, finding out what employers are looking for, and what students need to do to get into the trades.

“Every student that comes in today gets $250 worth of free tools to be able to go out into the trades, get to do some hands-on projects, so they understand a few things,” Dramnitzke added.

Chris Simpson, who teaches woodworking and automotive at the high school, said it was the first session of the Trillium Lakelands District School Board’s new Start Me Up campaign.

“This is basically a means to help address a little bit of the skilled trades shortage,” he said.

“They started [the campaign] and this organization, Supporting Ontario Youth, put together these boot camps to help entice some of the kids to maybe explore some of the trades. So, this one here is plumbing and they come and they actually do some plumbing projects and soft skills as well, employability skills, and all that good stuff. The kids get some tools and some lunch.”

The boot camps were also headed to Bracebridge and Lindsay this week with a focus on automotive and millwrighting. Electrician sessions are also on the cards.

“We’re the first run for the board which is kind of nice,” Simpson said.

Haliburton Highlands Home Builders Association executive director Aggie Tose was one of the panelists on hand to answer students’ questions.

“Today is about getting kids involved in the trades,” she said. “Just getting them on our worksites.”

Another ‘stellar’ year for HCDC

By

Mike Baker

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October 14, 2021

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The Haliburton County Development Corporation (HCDC) continued to invest money in the Highlands throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, distributing more than $5.7 million in different loans to area businesses from April 2020 to March 2021.

During the organization’s annual general meeting, held at Haliburton Highlands Brewing Oct. 6, it was noted that HCDC enjoyed another “stellar” year, despite all the complications brought on by the pandemic.

“We were deemed essential right from the get go – we pivoted our operations, and then got to work on helping businesses from across our community,” said Patti Tallman, HCDC executive director.

The organization moved quickly to establish a COVID-19 loan program, which was structured to help businesses and nonprofits in Haliburton County that had been adversely impacted by the pandemic. The program offered loans of up to $25,000, to be paid back at zero per cent interest over a two or three year period. Sarah Joanu, HCDC loans officer, said 18 loans had been approved by March 2021, totalling $908,500.

During the lockdown, HCDC also deferred more than $570,000 in principal and interest payments for clients. Joanu noted that $213,000 of that amount was eventually forgiven.

“HCDC was very fortunate to be in such a strong financial position to be able to do this for our clients. Most other organizations and banks deferred payments, but kept the interest still accruing,” Joanu said.

Shortly after HCDC launched its COVID loan fund, the federal government unveiled the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. Joanu said HCDC received just over $1.7 million through that program, which was split among 48 qualifying businesses and non-profits in the Highlands.

In discussing HCDC’s complete year-end financials, Joanu noted the organization presently had 162 outstanding loans in the community totalling just over $14 million, approximately $4.9 million cash in the bank and an investment portfolio of $20.6 million.

Since incorporation in 1986, Joanu revealed HCDC had approved 2,203 loans across the community totalling almost $94 million.

While the organization’s primary job is providing financial assistance to businesses, program and operations coordinator, Heather Reid, program and operations coordinator, said HCDC also offers advice and mentorship to new ventures through its business incubator.

Established in 2010 in partnership with Dysart et al, the incubator was designed to support creative businesses in the Highlands and offer them an affordable office space, with access to high-speed internet, in the downtown core.

Over the years, it has evolved to become more of a mentorship program, spearheaded by Jim Blake.

The incubator currently serves as a home for two businesses – Haliburton Guitar Studio and Highlands Technical.

According to Reid, businesses that have at one time or another been a part of the HCDC incubator program are now providing more than 20 full-time jobs in Haliburton County.

Eatery ‘fabulous fit’ for new owners

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 14, 2021

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When Baked and Battered reopens in the spring, it will have rebranding to go along with its new owners.

The mother and son team of Veronica VanLeeuwen and Taylor Pridham are taking over the popular Haliburton eatery from Craig Gordon and Colby Marcellus.

The two hail from the Collingwood area but have cottaged on Little Redstone Lake for 13 years so know the iconic business well.

“We’re very familiar with the location, quality of food, the great service and the friendly staff and the feel of this,” VanLeeuwen said.

“When we saw the listing, it brought up excitement right away. It was like what a fabulous fit. It was a place we both loved and haven’t lived full-time so that crossed all the T’s and dotted all the I’s. It was instantaneous.”

The two say they share a love of the restaurant industry and have worked together in the past. Pridham said, “we’ve always got along well.” VanLeeuwen added “We argue well. It’s a healthy conversation.”

Pridham went to Fanshawe College to study hotel and resort management and has worked in the field for 11 years. VanLeeuwen has worked at a variety of self-employed businesses, most recently a restaurant franchise she sold. During COVID, Pridham said it gave them both time to reset, reevaluate and “see this amazing opportunity and jump on it while we can.”

The two said they were grateful that Gordon and Marcellus were so generous with their time.

“I think our focus wasn’t so much about learning the industry,” said VanLeeuwen. “[It was about] how well they’ve done in the community and what everybody loves about this place because we’ve always heard such good feedback and so we just wanted to really get to know what it was that made everybody love it.”

Pridham said “it’s been great becoming part of the community and getting to know everybody the last few weeks.”

The two have been thinking about how they will make the restaurant their own while ensuring they keep the things the clientele loves.

Pridham said that means maintaining a lot of the menu items “with some more tastier dishes we’d like to bring as well.”

VanLeeuwen said they will be letting go of the bakery – “Colby is tough competition to follow” – hence the need for rebranding. They plan to offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, and are hoping to get a liquor license.

They are closed for the season and plan to do some renovations. Once they reopen in the spring, they hope to become year-round. They added a lot of staff have expressed an interest in staying on.

Meanwhile, Gordon and Marcellus called it a day Oct. 10.

“It’s very bittersweet because it’s been almost a decade,” Gordon said. “The community has been great to us. But we’re getting a little bit older and we’re going to pass it on to people who are far younger than me.”

“And energetic … I couldn’t be more excited,” Marcellus added.