County going down to one vaccination centre

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May 19, 2021

A.J. LaRue Arena will no longer be used as a mass vaccination centre after mid-June. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit have decided that Haliburton County will not receive a replacement for the A.J. LaRue Arena mass vaccination centre after May.

Dysart et al and the health unit opted back in March to limit the time the arena would be used as a centre out of consideration for summer and fall recreation, including hockey. The health unit had scheduled the clinic to last until at least the end of September, but that was changed to end June 12 in response to public outcry.

Health unit director of health protection Anne Marie Holt said people will have other avenues to get the vaccine, including the mass vaccination centre in Minden at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena.

“The number of opportunities to be vaccinated will remain the same for Haliburton but will just flow through many potential vaccine locations including the Minden clinic site, hospital, pharmacy and primary care providers,” Holt said. “Where needed, the Health Unit may also plan ‘pop-up clinics’ in Haliburton to provide second dose vaccines to people who are eligible for them.”

The next clinics at the A.J. LaRue Arena is schedule for May 27, though there are no openings for the clinics in the provincial booking system as of May 21.

The news comes as the province opened up vaccine eligibility to all people 18 and older May 18. But Bocking said there are still issues with local supply, which is not meeting the demand brought by the increased eligibility.

“There is lots of demand for COVID-19 appointments across our region and some frustration with not being able to get an appointment right now,” Bocking said. “Our supply has increased a little bit, and it is slowly increasing. At the same time, eligibility expanded quite significantly. So, we still have a mismatch.”

Bocking said about 53 per cent of the eligible population has received a first dose within the health unit region, amounting to more than 85,000 people.

When asked why the health unit is not making a replacement mass vaccination centre, Holt said “Haliburton County residents will continue to be well-served and supported.”

“There will also be other ways for people in Haliburton County to get vaccines,” Holt said. “We are confident this shift will not reduce access to COVID-19 vaccines in Haliburton County.”

People can book vaccination appointments through the system at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine. People are also allowed to book vaccines outside of their geographic area where available.

Rapid COVID testing coming for businesses

By

Lisa Gervais

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May 17, 2021

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JQ - Business budget reaction - 1 — The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce welcomed new business supports in this year’s provincial budget. File photo.

The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce is making COVID-19 rapid screening kits available to businesses throughout the County.

The chamber announced the initiative May 13, in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. The COVID-19 Rapid Screening Initiative will offer free tests for small and medium-sized businesses starting later this month. The provincial and federal governments are providing the supply.

Executive director Amanda Conn said the program can reassure people as the province reopens.

“It’s just one more tool in the toolkit to make sure we can reopen our economy as safely as possible,” Conn said. “We’re looking at any tools we can put in the hands of businesses that makes people feel safe and secure.”

The test is a self-administered nasal swab, allowing employees to confirm whether they are negative for COVID-19. Conn said the chamber will provide enough kits to last for a couple of weeks, with employees testing once or twice per week. Anyone with a positive result would be asked to go to a testing centre and self-isolate. There is no specified end date for the program, with businesses able to order more.

Conn said the tests are designed for asymptomatic individuals, with anyone displaying symptoms urged to go to a testing centre.

Haliburton has eight active COVID-19 cases as of May 17. Conn said most tests should come back negative, but they can still have a positive impact.

“It helps with that confidence that everyone is so eager to get back,” she said. “Screening does not stop any of those public health measures, but it does help bring more confidence back to the community.”

Rhubarb restaurant owner Terri Matthews – who also serves on the chamber’s board – said it should bring comfort to both customers and staff. She added it is something that could be promoted.

“It will help to give peace of mind to our customers and our staff,” Matthews said. “It’s something that I think is important, and I’m happy to let people know.”

She added she hopes people get on board with it.

“I don’t know why we all wouldn’t want to try and keep each other healthy,” Matthews said.

“We hope that through this program, we will be able to curb the spread and reopen our local economy safely,” chamber president Andrea Strano said.

Those interested can log on at haliburtonchamber.com/rapidscreening to pre-order a two-week supply.

Consultant hired for shoreline bylaw

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Lisa Gervais

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May 17, 2021

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JQ - Shoreline explainer - 1 — The County of Haliburton is working to change a controversial shoreline bylaw. Photo via County of Haliburton.

The County of Haliburton has found a consultant that will take over the development of its controversial shoreline bylaw.

Council agreed May 12 to award Bracebridge-based Hutchinson Environmental Sciences Ltd. the contract after a request-for-proposals process. It will cost the County $41,605 plus taxes, the middle price of three bids received.

The company will be tasked with a scientific literature review, a scan of other municipalities with shoreline protection legislation, and a public consultation. It will also produce a new draft bylaw for council to consider. Coun. Andrea Roberts thanked staff for bringing the proposal forward.

“We should be proud. We’ve listened and we wanted to have an independent third-party consultant guide us through this process,” Roberts said. “A year ago, at this time, we were really stuck with what to do next and I have a lot of faith in this process.”

The County’s draft bylaw has attracted pushback for more than a year. It would restrict development within 30 metres of shorelines, with some criticizing it as too far-reaching. But environmental groups and lake associations have pushed for new rules as important to protect lake health. The County opted to table the bylaw in January to hire a consultant.

In terms of public consultation, the RFP said the proponent would provide a report about feedback. The public process would include themes of policy objectives, scientific research, permit management and compliance. CAO Mike Rutter said council could still discuss and direct what the consultation will be like.

“We believe, again, from the team perspective, there is all kinds of capacity to deliver a good product in a timely way,” Rutter said.

He added although the work plan originally featured a June completion date, he was unsure if that could still be met. But he was confident staff could come “close.”

The scientific literature review will include specific attention paid to setbacks from the high-water mark and minimum recommended areas of naturalization.

The other proposed bids were $27,900 and $45,337. An evaluation team examined factors beyond price such as experience, methodology and schedule.

“I was really and truly impressed with the team of staff that were working on it,” Warden Liz Danielsen, part of the evaluation group, said. “It was a good process.”

Council approves new and revised fees for public

By

Lisa Gervais

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May 17, 2021

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Minden Hills council approved a series of new and revised fees, and some housekeeping changes, at its May 13 meeting.

Deputy clerk Vicki Bull said it was a start with more to come in future.

She said the alterations affected the fire, community services, and environmental departments.

“Community services will be one of those departments coming forward with proposed changes … as the newly-developed [recreation] complex will require user fees for the fitness centre-gymnasium and various rentals,” she said.

No members of the general public spoke out about the changes during a public meeting.

Fire chief Nelson Johnson said he wanted his department to be able to charge Ministry of Transportation fees for anytime a fire truck has to go out and deal with unsafe buildings or conditions such as clandestine labs. He was referring to things such as illegal drug operations.

He said while rare, “I also don’t think that it would be appropriate for using tax dollars to sit on scene for something that people should not be doing. This fee is just asking that we able to charge for that … recuperate our costs for sitting on scene for these types of incidents.

Director of public works, Travis Wilson, had a number of cost recovery items for the landfill that were already discussed at budget.

“Any increase in costs or new costs is just to ensure either full or partial cost recovery,” he said.

The fee for furniture is going to $20 per unit, from $10; approved contaminated soil to $30 from $20; there’s a new leaf waste tipping fee of $2 per bag, a flat rate of $15 per cubic yard for loose leaf and yard waste under one cubic yard and $30 over one cubic yard. For corrugated cardboard, between one and three cubic yards will now cost $7.75 per cubic yard and any volume greater than three cubic yards will not be accepted. The public will also now be charged if they lose their landfill access pass and for cottage kits and composters.

Deputy mayor Lisa Schell asked for clarification on the numbers of household clear plastic bags to be allowed. Wilson said it remained up to three bags a week, with a $2 charge for any bags above the limit.

Coun. Pam Sayne also asked about shrink wrap for boats, and Wilson said the landfills are no longer accepting that item.

CAO Trisha McKibbin went over revised septic re-inspection fees, which she said had actually dropped from originally proposed.

Based on an information packet from WSP Canada, which is handling the file for Minden Hills, McKibbin said residents would pay $220 and if using a third-party inspector, $150. The program is expected to be launched in June. The revised price factors the HST being removed.

McKibbin also presented some procedural changes. For example, rather than having a committee of the whole meeting every month as well as a regular council meeting, there will be two regular council meetings aimed at making council more efficient. It also addressed virtual meetings in future.

“Currently correspondence, reports and agreements are viewed twice by council, once at the COTW meeting and then again at council,” she noted.

The full changes can be seen on the council agenda for May 13.

A decade of care at Volunteer Dental Outreach

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Lisa Gervais

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May 17, 2021

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By Lisa Gervais

With more than 1,000 patients getting more than $3 million in free dentistry, the Volunteer Dental Outreach (VDO) for Haliburton County marks 10 years in service May 19.

It was on that date in 2011 that VDO opened its doors to fill a need in the Highlands, said Lisa Kerr.

She said that from those humble beginnings, it has come a long way thanks to the enduring support of the community, a team of devoted volunteers and dental professionals, and many generous financial contributions.

Operating out of 739 Mountain St. in Haliburton, the VDO provides free, urgent dental care for low-income residents in the area. Kerr said that for many, the transformations have been life-changing, giving them the confidence to pursue employment opportunities and live without crippling pain.

She and Bill Kerr founded the VDO.

“We are so very proud of what everyone has accomplished through VDO,” they said. “It never occurred to us that it would be as successful as it is. What started as an idea to see a few patients in our off-time quickly turned into operating a stand-alone dental office that runs several days per week.”

The Kerrs said none of it would be possible without dedicated dental professionals who volunteer their time, the board of directors and the people who show up annually to sponsor or play in the annual golf tournament fundraiser. They also highlighted a mentorship program with fourth year dental students from the University of Toronto, which has been beneficial for both soon-to-be graduates and the clinic’s patients.

“The greatest achievements of VDO would be consistently having caring and compassionate volunteers who not only agree to come look after patients but love coming to help people in need,” Lisa Kerr said.

She added the pandemic has thrown a curveball at the VDO. To adhere to updated protocols from the province, the clinic had to be retrofitted and safety devices purchased. This was all made possible with funding from the Haliburton County Development Corporation. Another big change was a partnership with the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit to launch the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program for Haliburton County. It has enabled the team to double the number of patients they treat.

VDO board chair Janis Parker, who has also been involved from day one, said she’s very happy to be part of the cause.

“I consider the VDO the most impactful charity that I have been lucky enough to be part of,” Parker said. “I am so proud of what we have created for our community.”

She praised the Kerrs for recognizing, and facilitating, the opportunity in the community.

“Although it takes a community, it also takes visionaries,” she said.

VDO by the numbers since 2011:

$3,105,169 in free dentistry
8,526 appointments
1,067 patients
32 dentists
22 dental hygienists
two dental hygiene students
16 dental assistants
One denturist and one denturist student
Six dental office administrators
97 U of T fourth year students
Five pre-dent science students
13 board members
12 days dedicated to the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program.

Farmers markets back despite lockdowns

By

Lisa Gervais

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May 13, 2021

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Haliburton County residents can mark one activity on their social calendars during lockdown with the farmers markets resuming May 18.

The markets are back every Tuesday from noon to 4 p.m., behind Rails End Gallery in Haliburton; every Saturday at the Minden Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting May 22 and every Friday from noon to 4 p.m. down North Shore Road in Algonquin Highlands beginning June 18.

New market manager Rob McConnell said because the markets feature agricultural products they are considered an essential service so are allowed to be open.

The usual COVID protocols will be in place, including mask wearing, physical distancing and limitations on how many people can be in the market at any one time.

McConnell said the Haliburton location has shifted to the right in the park and will provide more space for the 21 vendors there.

“So, that’s really good news.”

The others are in the same locations as last year. Another addition is the return of Into the Blue Bakery and its wood-fired pizzas, he said. They will be on site in mid June.

McConnell said the markets wouldn’t be possible without vendors at all three sites.

“We would like to thank all the vendors for participating. We want to wish them a very enjoyable market season. People can expect to see all the traditional vendors that appeal to them, ones that are regular vendors are going to be returning, and we’ll have a few new ones.”

YWCA launches challenge

By

Lisa Gervais

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May 13, 2021

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Online yoga events are just one activity that local women can engage in as part of the YWCA’s 2021 virtual challenge this month.

The challenge is an online fundraising initiative in support of YWCA resources for women experiencing gender-based violence.

Participants choose an activity to accomplish during the month of May, register online, and challenge others to match their efforts.

“Activities are flexible, with options ranging from athletic challenges, to cooking or yoga skill-share challenges (or the option of creating something entirely new), offering participants of all ages and abilities the opportunity to participate safely in their own way, on their own schedule,” the agency said.

The YWCA said women’s organizations across Canada have seen a 30-40 per cent increase in the need for safety and support this past year, so local fundraising initiatives are more vital than ever.

“Women’s lives continue to be threatened by abusive men who are taking advantage of COVID-19 safety protocols to isolate, manipulate and cause harm,” said Kim Dolan, executive director of YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.

“Our entire community needs to be actively involved in looking out for loved ones who may be at risk of violence and supporting the local services that help to equip women to safely create change in their lives.”

Participants who raise $250 or more will be entered into a draw to win prizes. Winners will be announced June 14.

To learn more about the challenge or corporate partnership opportunities visit ywcapeterborough.org, call 705-743- 3526 x113 or email Ria Nicholson at rnicholson@ywcapeterborough.org.

Over $50,000 raised for community health

By

Lisa Gervais

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May 13, 2021

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The second annual Jump in the Lake Challenge May 1 was an “overwhelming” success and raised more than $50,000 for the proposed wellness centre in Coboconk, organizers said.

Jennifer Wilson, general manager of the Coboconk, Norland and Area Chamber of Commerce said it was an “incredible weekend.”

Wilson said that almost 600 people made a donation.

“What an amazing outpouring of support for this much-needed wellness centre for the under-served areas of Kawartha Lakes,” she added.

The community has committed to raising $1 million for the centre.

The Jump in the Lake Challenge was founded by realtors Dean Michel and Jenny Bacon, who said the community is now well on its way to officially launching the fundraising campaign this summer. Unlike organized polar bear dips that happen in one central location, this event promoted social distancing and took place off each participant’s dock, or waterfront location of their choice.

Over 35 participants jumped into eight different lakes, including Shadow Lake, several locations on Balsam Lake, Canal Lake, Head Lake, Four Mile Lake, Horseshoe Lake and Lake Kashagawigamog in Haliburton.

The new wellness centre will provide a hub for community health in the northern portion of Kawartha Lakes and will include doctors, after-hours care, physiotherapy, dental, a community meeting space and other complementary services that will benefit both full-time and seasonal residents.

Meanwhile, Brandon Nimigon of Century 21 Granite Realty Group Inc. jumped in Lake Kashagawigamog to raise $1,545 for SIRCH.

Time to escape once again as 6-Minute announces lineup

By

Lisa Gervais

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May 13, 2021

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The line-up for the next 6-Minute Escape video series has been announced.

The Arts Council Haliburton Highlands and Haliburton Reads and Writes Committee are behind the initiative, scheduled for May 14 at 7 p.m. on YouTube.

The night will feature texture artist Kathleen Dewar with Honouring Earth’s Beauty; Danielle Martin, owner of Shape Shifter, with Intertwining the Realms of Art and Spirit; artist Marcia Mandel with Turtle Magic; digital artist and photographer June Krisko with Experience the Haliburton Seasons; author Marie Gage with Trail of Tears; artist Rosana Dewey with Reflections; and special guest Canadian/Nashville singer songwriter Linda McRae with Singing River.

The event will be co-hosted by librarian Erin Kernohan-Berning and museum director Kate Butler.

Kernohan-Berning said, “This program will provide us all with a much-needed escape and allow us to witness, first-hand, the transformation these brilliant artists bring to our world.”

After the seven short videos are broadcast, viewers are invited to their online after party, where video presenters will be available virtually for questions and answers.

Butler said, “Although we cannot mingle in the same room, we will have the opportunity to chat with these brilliant artists.”

There is no cost to attend the launch. However, any donation would be greatly appreciated. It will help the Arts Council support arts, heritage and culture within our community. To donate, go to their GoFundMe link: gofundme.com/f/6- minute-escape.

To watch, go to: youtu. be/9wtkHmqMzbU.

HGTV show to ‘strike a balance’ in the Highlands

By

Lisa Gervais

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May 13, 2021

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At a time when the County is debating water health and the need to regulate shortterm rentals, HGTV’s Scott McGillivray said his show, Scott’s Vacation House Rules, is trying to strike a delicate balance.

Speaking of season two, which premieres May 16 with episodes in Minden and Gooderham, McGillivray told The Highlander, “we want to help people embrace the area that they’re in. We’re not a show that goes in and says ‘let’s tear this down and build something that’s a 100,000- square-foot mega mansion’. Our show is way more grassroots than that.”

McGillivray, who owns a vacation property in the City of Kawartha Lakes, said they ask people to do their research, understand the local market and what’s appropriate and know the bylaws. He said they do a lot of restoration, not teardowns and rebuilds, with the intent of updating properties to Building Code standards.

“Making sure people are doing the best they can with their properties, never the most extreme, or the worst,” he said.

He acknowledged that there are always challenges with people who live local and visitors, however he said the cottage owners, and local specialists, they worked with were “extremely wonderful. I couldn’t imagine anybody having an issue with what we’re doing.”

In some cases, he said some of the cottages they are preparing for rent have been owned by people forever, who need the rental income to keep it. In addition, he added there are people who don’t want an influx of newcomers and yet are selling properties for $1 million. “There are people on both sides of the coin.”

“It’s hard to decide what’s the right answer. Change is coming and you need to embrace it. Every part of Canada was a small town and it’s grown. Muskoka wasn’t Muskoka 40-50 years ago.”

“We don’t go and do anything that’s going to destroy the environment. We’re not interested in helicopter pads. We’re here to support the local community, be balanced with what we do and be respectful about it and find affordable ways for people to have a slice of that dream, too, that other people get to live all the time.”

McGillivray said the show’s been attracted to the Highlands in part because of his property in the Kawarthas.

“It’s nice to stay close to where I am doing properties. It’s a beautiful area. I think it’s underestimated. There’s a lot of potential here for growth. Some other areas are just saturated and overdone and it’s maybe not quite as difficult to get into.”

He said the show also offers an inspiring message to cottage owners, that “if you’re willing to strike a balance, and do some heavy lifting, roll up your sleeves, plan your design and be your guest and have vision, you can achieve your goals.”

While he could not give much away in advance of the screenings, the host said they have again worked with local contractors and specialists to showcase what the area has to offer.

Preparing the season during the pandemic also offered some curveballs. He said they had to film outside in winter, using tents, and “boy, was it cold.” There were starts and stops with production throughout provincial orders.

“As a team it has been hard, working harder to make everything work, and fewer people doing more work.”

However, he said there are always silver linings.

“We got to meet some extraordinary people. We’ve seen people really refocus on what is truly important and meaningful in their lives. People have been focusing on their vacation properties and getting to their goals faster.”

Season 2 of Scott’s Vacation House Rules, premieres Sunday, May 16 at 10 p.m. The series follows McGillivray and designer Debra Salmoni as they turn rundown cottages into attractive vacation rentals. Minden and Gooderham are featured in the new season.