Storm to begin registration for hockey season

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July 30, 2021

Registrations open Aug. 1 for this year’s Highland Storm Minor Hockey Association season.

The Storm said it is accepting players for the 2021-22 playing period until Aug. 15.

“We encourage you to register right away to avoid the late fee of $100 that will be added on if you have not registered by Sept. 1,” the association said.

The Storm said they have had some increases to their programming fees which have bumped up registration fees. These include ice rental up three per cent, referee fees going up 10 to 20 per cent, electronic game sheets and a longer season.

Regular season hockey will be playing until March 1 next year and the local league will finish around March 1. Also during March, rep teams will participate in games with MPS and the Georgian Bay Loop to determine who will move forward to the OMHA playoff weekends. OMHA playoff weekends will take place the first two weekends in April and will be tournament-style.

Meanwhile, development skates begin the week of Sept. 7.

The Storm said all teams will get one practice during the week and one practice or game on the weekends.

See the Storm’s website [highlandstorm. org] for more information, or for any registration questions with a new system, reach out to Highland Storm registrar Jessica Lloyd at Jessica.lloyd@tldsb.on.ca

Abbey Retreat centre seeks active fundraisers

By

Sam Gillett

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July 30, 2021

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After Norma Stannard was diagnosed with cancer, she was invited to the Abbey Retreat Centre (ARC) in 2018 for a weekend of guided workshops and conversations.

For Stannard, it was a chance to “be open” about cancer.

“It was people who had some idea of what I was going through,” she said.

Nestled near a pond and rustling trees at Abbey Gardens, the centre runs free retreats for those living with cancer and the people who support them.

This year, funds raised through the annual Haliburton Highlands Challenge will help ARC get back to in-person programs in the fall, as well as continuing to hone their virtual retreats.

“It’s the backbone, truthfully. The fundraising is the biggest portion of our budget,” said executive director Barb Smith-Morrison.

Until Aug, 31 people can run, bike or do any activity to solicit community pledges. Last year, the event raised $70,000.

That had a huge impact on ARC’s operations: “it’s what allowed us last year to shift everything to online,” Smith-Morrison said.

While Stannard and Smith-Morrison agree in-person retreats allow for more freeflowing communication and sharing, the centre quickly defined its online presence as lockdowns shuttered the County last year.

Participants accessed the centre’s specialized yoga classes, healing circles, art-making and group support sessions through their Zoom screens.

“All these things in part were to help ease the isolation too,” Smith-Morrison said. “Participants are still willing to go deep.”

Going “deep” is what in-person retreats are all about too; helping people process the complicated emotions that accompany a cancer diagnosis and navigating their new realities.

ARC hopes to run two in-person retreats this fall, and a minimum of six in 2022.

Either online or in-person, ARC’s focus is evidence-based practices that promote healing and communication.

“It’s more of the spirit, it’s more of the physical support. It’s not ‘these are the drugs you have to take’,” said Thea Patterson, a member of ARC’s board.

Patterson, whose partner lives with cancer, mentioned how important it can be for the “support people” to feel heard: ARC has sessions for them too.

“The journey of living with someone who has cancer is up and down constantly,” Patterson said. “They have outbreaks and crises and you are on high alert, you lose weight and you lose sleep.”

Smith-Morrison said she is sometimes asked if it’s hard working with people who are “at their worst.”

“I get to see people at their best. I get to see people head-on choosing to come to a place where they not only are seeking rest and seeking to be cared for but they’re seeking to face their fears.”

For Stannard, and many others who’ve attended retreats, ARC’s model of support feels different than the hospitals where they might receive treatment.

“The thing about ARC is that you can tell that the people care. That’s huge,” Stannard said.

Greg Roe and friend, Bob Stiles, put their canoe into the water July 24 for the first leg of their plan to paddle the five lake chain that includes Head, Grass, Soyers, Kash and Canning. Greg said their team is called StRoe Coureurs des Lacs.

“We are fundraising to support the Abbey Retreat Centre for people dealing with cancer,” he said.

To take part in the Highland Challenge or to donate, visit abbeyretreatcentre.ca

Drag and Spruce Lake association wants Dysart’s help

By

Sam Gillett

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July 30, 2021

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The Drag and Spruce Lake Property Owners’ Association (DSLPOA) has spent more than four years combating Eurasian Water-milfoil (EWM), an invasive aquatic plant that plagues lakes across the province.

Now, with more than half of the lake’s residents reaching into their pockets to fund eradication, DSLPOA wants Dysart et al to do the same.

“We hoped they would accept some responsibility at least on Drag and Spruce Lake,” said Jim Miners, vice-president and member of the EWM working group.

Dysart et al owns three boat launches and two beaches in the area.

Often spread on boats and trailers, EWM decreases water’s oxygen supply, is easily tangled in boat props and often stagnates, becoming a smelly breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The DSLPOA, in a March 23 delegation to council, said that action by the municipality could be key in ensuring the plant does not spread further. The association requested help with grant applications to fund expensive eradication efforts.

Council members then directed staff to investigate possible solutions. So far, reported Dysart et al CAO Tamara Wilbee, council hasn’t made a decision about contributing financially to the project.

“There have been no financial discussions yet, other than offering to pay for some signage and providing mapping at no cost to support the project,” Wilbee said.

Mayor Andrea Roberts said municipal short-staffing and the lack of committee of the whole meetings in July meant it’s been difficult to keep up with the project.

“Dysart cares very much about its shorelines and is a responsible landowner. We are willing to work with the DSLPOA but unfortunately this has been delayed at our end, and we are working to rectify this,” she said.

Miners said the association recognizes how busy Dysart et al is but the window for effective eradication is now; from mid-July to the end of September.

The fight against EWM

Even without municipal funds, DSLPOA has raised more than $40,000. That will pay for scuba diving services necessary to lay the expensive coconut mats which kill the plant.

They’ve registered four blooms of watermilfoil with the MNRF so far, and have identified more to be registered in the coming years. The MNRF must sign off on the use of matting in each bloom location. Lake residents have also started handharvesting the plant.

“There are pluses and minuses to all the techniques you can use,” Miners said.

DSLPOA hosted Veronica Turnbull, a student from Trent University, to study best practices for removing the plant. She argues that a combination of hand-harvesting and bottom barriers is an efficient strategy.

The association has encouraged cottagers to join in the effort to fight the invasive species.

So far, 20 property owners have been trained to identify and help deal with outbreaks.

The annual Mike Podmore Memorial Weed Hunt invites lake-goers to snap photos of weed beds in return for being entered in a draw to win prizes donated by local businesses.

As well, musician Glen Bowker and his rock band will be travelling around the lake’s docks, singing songs in return for donations to the EWM fund on July 31.

Miners said all donations are welcome. Big gifts might be rewarded with a special mention on the lake: “I’ll even name a weed bed after them,” he said with a chuckle.

Principal will miss Archie ‘sense of belonging’

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 30, 2021

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by Kirk Winter

While former Archie Stouffer Elementary School principal Jane Austin is excited about her new posting at Ridgewood Elementary School in Coboconk, she will miss many things about ASES including its students, the sense of community found at the school and the support for the school from the residents of Minden Hills.

Austin, a veteran teacher and administrator who began teaching in 1998 and became an administrator in 2006, has been the principal at Archie Stouffer since 2016.

When asked for some of her fondest memories of ASES, Austin shared that her best recollections are from time spent with students and their families, watching them grow and becoming effective community leaders. She also enjoyed watching their reactions to special trips and extracurricular learning opportunities, and working and supporting the students on their leadership learning journey.

“ASES is a special place,” Austin shared, “because of the sense of belonging that we all have to our school community. The students, their families, the staff and our community partners all have a role to play at Archie Stouffer. The relationships that have been developed over the years contribute exponentially to the overall educational experience of the students. I have never felt that in any other school community in such a meaningful way. This is what I love about Archie, and what I will always remember about my time spent here.”

When asked about community support for the school and its goals, Austin said, “One word can sum it up: Amazing. The Minden Hills community is vibrant. For a small town there are all kinds of community supports … to enrich the lives of our students and families.”

Austin talked about relationships built with Point in Time, the Minden Food Bank and Community Kitchen, the OPP, the municipality, Five Counties Children’s Centre, Kinark, Compass, Food for Kids and Artists in Schools that have enriched the lives of her students.

“I could go on and on and I will invariably miss someone,” Austin said, “because there are just that many organizations here for our kids. Not every school can boast such rich and varied connections.”

For Austin, Ridgewood will be a homecoming of sorts as the Coboconk school was one of the buildings that Austin taught in before moving into administration.

When asked about her replacement, Austin shared, “Ms. Dawn Sudsbury will be the new principal of ASES. She is coming to Archie from Langton Public School in Fenelon Falls. She is not familiar yet with the school community but I know that they will embrace her and welcome her to learn and lead at ASES.”

Support grows for arts centre feasibility study

By

Sam Gillett

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July 30, 2021

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SG- HHACF cheque -1- — Support from local businesses and organizations such as CanoeFM funded the feasibility study.

Canoe FM has donated $15,000 raised through radio bingo to the Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation’s (HHACF) feasibility study July 22.

The study will focus on possible locations and zoning of a large theatre space, as well as what funding models might be available and how it might be used by the County.

“It’s really going to open up the arts community,” said Canoe FM chair Tim Hagarty.

“I think this is the next step that will allow us to get bigger and better.” Canoe FM has also entered into a sponsorship agreement with the foundation, providing radio announcements over the next 12 months to promote fundraising efforts.

The HHACF received letters of support from all four municipalities, and have identified four potential locations so far.

“There’s a tremendous amount of excitement,” said Canoe FM and HHACF board member Drew Allen. “We’ve already got groups that are here that need a proper professional space– a space that has the right amount of stage, the right amount of lighting.”

He estimates the arts centre would sit 350- 500 people and include two auditorium spaces. Currently, the County doesn’t have a space for large performances, or an indoor venue for concerts and productions which is licensed to serve alcohol.

Aside from gathering the support of local arts groups, Allen said foundation members have also been canvassing local lake associations.

“We think there’s going to be a huge groundswell of support.”

The HHACF will submit a request for proposals this fall, with the hopes of selecting a firm to begin work on the study in 2022.

To donate or learn more, visit hhartscentrefoundation.ca/donate

Highlands Summer Festival visits Ed’s Garage

By

Sam Gillett

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July 30, 2021

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The Highlands Summer Festival took to the airwaves for its 2021 theatre season.

The not-for-profit theatre company presented act one of Ed’s Garage on July 7, broadcast across the Highlands on Cane FM. Act two of the play will be broadcast Aug. 4.

According to the festival’s artistic producer, presenting the play on the radio is more than a great way to adhere to COVID-19 protocols; it’s a nod to radio’s rich history.

“It is a throwback thing,” Scot Denton told The Highlander.

“For decades the radio was where the family gathered. You wouldn’t miss a broadcast of something that you were used to listening to,” he said.

Denton said Ed’s Garage was a perfect fit for the troupe, and for radio. Written by Dan Needles, the play is all about Ed, a small-town mechanic who often meddles in the lives of those around him, doling out wisdom and advice along the way.

“I wanted something that would be fun, would be light for people,” Denton said.

Tim Nicholson, David Zilstra, Amy Leis and Alexander Kocot all play characters wrapped up in a story of psychotherapy, robberies, farming life and romance.

Jack Brezina hosted the performers at Canoe FM’s studio as the intrigue and small-town drama was brought to life.

Denton said it’s been a difficult season for the group – 2020 was postponed and COVID-19 restrictions meant running in-person shows this year was impossible.

He said that performing and producing on stage is an invaluable part of their lives.

“It’s the way we express ourselves,” Denton said. “We miss the team work, we miss the patrons.”

The first act of the play is available now at canoefm.com. To register for a free ticket for the second act, visit highlandssummerfestival.on.ca

Arts market returns to historic school

By

Sam Gillett

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July 30, 2021

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A former schoolhouse in Donald will once again host a wide array of artisans during this year’s Schoolhouse Pop-up Market.

Organized by April Gates of Blackbird Pottery, the event brings artisans of all stripes to show off their wares. This is the market’s second year.

“It was a huge success last year, so we decided to try again,” Gates said.

While easing COVID-19 restrictions meant the event could take place as usual, it will be outside and weather-dependent.

“We are now safe to resume — and I have a nice line-up of people coming,” she said.

Gates has curated a diverse group of nine artists, craftspeople and upcyclers. Elaborate textiles by Lisa Marchant, woolen home goods by Jenn Manuell and glassblowing from Artech studios will all be on display. There will even be a gourmet pasta sauce maker in attendance.

The idea for the Schoolhouse Pop-up Market was sparked by COVID-19 and the challenge lockdowns posed to artisans.

“As an artist who lives and works in the County, up to that point I had lost 90 percent of my working commitments for the year,” Gates said.

She brainstormed ways to host other artists, provide safe ways to sell work and give guests an excuse to enjoy art in the outdoors.

The market also marks Blackbird Pottery’s sixth year in the Donald Schoolhouse. Gates said a goal throughout that time has been finding ways to host events and cultivate community around art in the historic space.

“We sell work for our livelihood, but I think equally important is the connections you make: people can come and browse, be inspired and have their curiosity piqued.”

Gates said those interested in attending should check Blackbird Pottery’s website for weather updates in advance of the event.

The market runs July 30-31 and Sept. 3-4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

International chef is at home in the Highlands

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 30, 2021

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Richard Perks, the new executive chef at Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre, has come ”home” to Halliburton County by way of Britain, Europe, Hong Kong and Australia.

It was in Australia that he met his Canadian wife, Jacqueline Noble, who introduced him to cottage life in Eagle Lake. In 2018, they were married at Sir Sam’s Inn and Perks fell in love again, this time with the area.

“I’m a country lad really,” said Perks. “I came from a small town in the southwest of England, so I’ve never been a big city lad despite living in them anyway … I absolutely love the countryside up here, and just the people – [they’re] friendly and everybody seems to want you to do well.”

Perks attended culinary school in Italy and has accumulated 17 years of international experience. He learned to make gelato and Italian pastries with renowned chef Corrado Assenza, mastered the art of pasta making with the ‘Salami King of Italy’ Massimo Spigaroli, worked with Canada’s own Malcolm Campbell and trained under world renowned and Michelin-starred chefs in Europe.

Richard and Jacqueline moved to Ontario in 2019 and now have a young son, Charles. When the Pinestone role opened, Richard was happy to apply. For now he stays at the resort on weekdays and returns to the family’s Uxbridge home on weekends. Looking for a Highlands home is the next step.

Perks has focused his international training on the menus at Pinestone’s Stone 21 fine dining area and The Gallery restaurant and says food lovers can expect to see big changes.

During the pandemic lockdown, takeout is the focus and Perks says he has created some tantalizing new dishes, including beer-battered fish and chips that pay homage to his British background and a sourdough pizza.

With the pandemic in mind, Pinestone plans to make maximum use of the resort’s decks overlooking the pond in front and the 18th hole of the golf course in back this summer, according to Perks.

Using local food and reconnecting with the community are also top items on the agenda.

“I’m very, very keen on local produce,” said Perks. “I would love to speak to farmers, whether it be [for] meat [or] produce … and just use their stuff through the restaurant” or pass along food waste as animal feed.

“This is where we want to get back in touch to let people know that the standard of food is probably very different from the last time they were here,” said Perks. “We just want to be a part of the community … just building up a really good [rapport] with the community.

“And then hopefully one day down the line people can come back and they can eat and enjoy here.”

To help reconnect, Perks is active on social media, including holding contests. Those who want to know what’s new can learn the latest at facebook.com/ stone21pinestone and on Instagram @ chefperks and @stone21restaurant.

Apartment complex proposed for Haliburton

By

Sam Gillett

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July 30, 2021

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A 21-unit apartment complex with 14 affordable rentals could soon break ground in Haliburton.

Hot Pond Enterprises Corp. is proposing a three-building development on the corner of Victoria Street and Maple Avenue.

“These three buildings, once constructed over a number of years, we think [are] going to really lift up the image of the town,” said Richard Carson, corporation president, after he presented a preliminary development plan to council on July 27.

While plans are not finalized, construction on the five adjacent lots already owned by Hot Pond Enterprises Corp. could start late this year or early 2022, pending further planning and financing details.

Two buildings of six 1,500 square foot two and three-bedroom apartments are slated for construction in the fall of 2021 or early winter of 2022. A third building is expected in 2023: it will include six or nine two-bedroom apartments, each approximately 1,200 square feet.

Eight of the first 12 units built and nine units in the third building are to be classified as affordable.

“The need is incredible, to have dedicated rental units, and right here in the village,” said Mayor Andrea Roberts.

Dysart commits funding Dysart et al council approved Hot Pond’s request for $61,700 in municipal incentives, funding a portion of the costs regarding eight affordable units expected to be built in the development’s first stage.

The development plan qualifies for those incentives through the City of Kawartha Lake’s Affordable Housing Target Program (AHTP). That program allows for-profit developers such as Hot Pond Enterprises to receive municipal funding for projects which include units at or below average market rent.

Incentives approved by Dysart include waived permit fees, sewage connection costs, site consultations and more.

Coun. John Smith voted against the motion to commit funding to the project.

Since the incentives will also help to develop units which aren’t under market rent, he said the complex’s upscale amenities such as in-unit laundry, steel appliances, high ceilings and more shouldn’t be funded by taxpayers.

“Some of those other things are pretty big price tags per unit. To ask taxpayers [who] can’t afford that kind of standard of living, to subsidize that for others, I find that problematic,” Smith said.

Coun. Larry Clarke said the promise of 14 affordable units meant Dysart should financially support the project. The other units at market rent, said Clarke, will still benefit the community.

“I think for us to encourage public private initiatives such as this — I don’t think we should be cutting out the opportunity for doing an affordable housing piece.”

Under current guidelines, the City of Kawartha Lakes Housing will supply a list of tenants for the affordable housing units. That means there is no guarantee residents will be from Haliburton County.

“There’s no way around that,” Clarke said. “We’ve got a massive housing shortage and the price of housing has skyrocketed, but that’s also translated to the people who work in the service industries and enable the community to operate can no longer live here.”

Adventure Haliburton launches exploration app

By

Sam Gillett

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July 30, 2021

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After months of planning, Adventure Haliburton is introducing a new way to explore The Highlands.

The group of tourism operators and accommodation providers have signed on to Driftscape, a Canadian-made exploration app.

Starting July 29, all Adventure Haliburton members will be marked on the program which functions as a digital, interactive roadmap for adventures.

“Every business in the County benefits from increased tourism and Driftscape will help bring more people here,” said Adventure Haliburton vice-president Randy Pielsticker in a press release.

When the app launches, there will be 30 points of interest marked on the platform.

Users can upload video, photo and audio files, and follow themed tours with audio descriptions of landmarks and scenic spots.

Barbara Kraus, director of Adventure Haliburton and co-owner of Tamarack Lodge, said the app could attract more guests who are enjoying the area’s outdoors.

“What I really like is that they can see businesses side by side. If people are nearby on an adventure, they could see us on the Driftscape app as a place to stay,” she said.

Adventure Haliburton received a $5,000 contribution from the County to assist with initial costs and is set to get $2,500 annually to help with advertising, marketing and outreach for the app.

“We are very grateful for their support, which has made a big roll out possible,” Kraus said.

Adventure Haliburton says it will continue to develop the app’s map and features over the months including adding food and beverage businesses.

The app is available for IOS and Android devices and can be accessed on internet browsers.