Papers serve community well

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April 29, 2021

With a combined 21 awards at the Ontario Community Newspaper Association gala April 23 – safe to say that readers and advertisers in the Haliburton Highlands are well served by local print media.

The Highlander, Haliburton County Echo, and Minden Times were selected first, second or third more than any other papers in the province.

Not bad.

The Highlands is an interesting pocket when it comes to local news, and print in particular. While larger centres, such as Lindsay to the south, bid farewell to its voice of record, The Lindsay Post, in 2013, and other larger cities such as Guelph saw the venerable Mercury close its doors in 2016, four newspapers continue to provide excellent, award-winning journalism and design in the County. The other is County Life.

How is this possible?

First of all, local businesses support small-town newspapers here. They tell us advertising works. That’s because people show an interest in local news and take the time to read the printed and online editions.

It allows The Highlander to circulate nearly 9,000 papers.

It means that local journalists can cover the pandemic with a County-centric eye. Readers know exactly what the local number of cases are, how many close contacts there have been, and how many cases have been resolved. They know immediately when there is a declared outbreak. They also know exactly what they need to know to get a vaccination here. Businesses are informed instantaneously about the latest restrictions.

With Zoom and the public broadcast of many meetings, such as councils, residents have better access than ever. But we know that not many are going to watch. We do. All of them. And you only have to pick up the three papers to know exactly what you missed. We’ve done the job of separating the wheat from the chaff so you know what is important.

More importantly, council staff and politicians are aware that we are watching. We are there to ensure they are transparent and accountable to you, the taxpayer.

We also bring you stories from the education sector, updating you on what is happening in our schools. And, we share the good news, the happy stuff, the light stuff because we know sometimes readers need a break from the heavy, particularly now.

Our columns are all local, offering a breadth of opinion for you to agree with, or disagree with.

All of the papers are a mirror to our community. The Highlander in particular is not afraid to go to the difficult spots, shedding light on problems that we as a community need to address. Other times we champion our towns and residents.

We implore our advertisers and readers to continue to support us. Never take us for granted. It is when that happens that we have seen numerous small-town papers close. Sadly, many communities have lost their voice.

So, allow us all to brag a bit, like we did this past Friday, with online news of our wins.

It’s not so much that we want pats on the back. We just want you to realize that we do good and are worthy of your continued support.

Places for People gets $50K to ‘foster belonging’

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Lisa Gervais

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April 29, 2021

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Places for People (P4P), in conjunction with Staanworth and KLH Housing Corp., the other community housing providers in Minden, has received a grant of almost $50,000 from the Community Housing Transformation Centre to help their tenants get together to figure out how to make their communities a place where everybody has the feeling of belonging.

P4P spokesperson, Fay Martin, said tenant-landlord relationship are complex, “but landlords and tenants alike are generally left on their own to figure out how to get it right.”

Yet, with “run-away” real estate prices, she said it is likely that a growing portion of the population will be tenants, “so ensuring they feel like first-class citizens will protect the health and well-being of the community as a whole.”

Martin added the community housing tenant-landlord relationship has added complexities.

She said the three community housing groups operating in Minden have come together to take advantage of the grant to help them do their work better.

The project is a nine-month tenant-centric participative research project that will focus on making their communities a good place to live.

Tenant representatives from each of the seven community housing buildings in the village, along with representatives from each of the housing providers, will give leadership to the project.

Martin said research staff who have lived experience as community housing tenants will facilitate several cycles of information gathering and sharing about life in each of the communities and of being a tenant generally, and a community housing tenant in particular.

“Participative research addresses an issue in the process of studying it; it looks not only at what the problem under investigation is, but also what the solution to that problem might be and how it might be achieved,” Martin said.

“The intent of this project is to develop and test-drive an on-going mechanism for identifying and resolving issues among tenants, housing providers, service providers and the larger community, as well as building on the strengths in their communities.”

Dysart residents to use phone and internet voting in 2022

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Lisa Gervais

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April 29, 2021

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Dysart et al is changing the way people can vote in the 2022 municipal election.

At its April 27 meeting, council opted for internet and telephone voting.

That is a change from the 2018 election, when the township went with vote-by-mail.

Clerk Mallory Bishop said in talks with clerks of the other townships, they are striving for a consistent voting method across the board.

“Should all four municipalities select the same voting method for the 2022 municipal election, there is a chance to work collaboratively to deliver a consistent election (training, education, advertisement, processes and procedures) for all residents of Haliburton County,” she said in a written report.

She added it made sense for collaborative procurement purposes as outlined in the service delivery review.

Bishop said voting by internet or telephone allows an elector to vote from anywhere with a telephone or internet connection.

Voters receive a voter’s information package with a unique personal numeric passcode. When logging on to the website, they enter their PIN and answer a security question. They can then vote, review and confirm.

With telephone voting, people call a toll-free number, enter their PIN, and follow a touch-tone menu to cast their ballot.

Bishop outlined the benefits including: accessibility for persons with disabilities, seniors and seasonal residents; a lengthier voting window; better privacy; could increase voter turnout; reduces election costs including for fewer staff; less of a chance for errors or spoiled ballots; immediate results and engaging younger voters.

She added, “in light of the COVID19 pandemic or any future seasonal or public health risks, this method ensures there would be no gathering of electors to vote or staff to count ballots.” She said it would also eliminate the need to handle thousands of mail-in ballots.

Bishop further said that during the voting period, staff will arrange for equipment to be made available at an accessible location for anyone who does not have the technology or connectivity.

Mayor Andrea Roberts said she was excited as council had discussed e-voting in the past but had not chosen that method. She added she is pleased all four townships are looking at a similar method far out from the 2022 poll.

Coun. John Smith said while he thought it was a “sensible” thing to do, there is a risk of technical issues. He asked if other municipalities using e-voting had noticed improved voter turnout. He was further worried about frail elderly people using internet and telephone options.

“It does have the potential (to increase voter turnout) just because of the convenience factor,” Bishop said. She added they will be able to assist voters who request help.

Coun. Larry Clarke thought it was a “good move.” He noted some wards have large seasonal resident populations that will benefit. He added it is a modern method. “How many bills do you get in the mail?” He said it would also cut down on managing paperwork.

Noting Coun. Smith’s concerns, Clarke said there would be a transition period but “they also have a year and a half.”

Dysart puts away money every year for the next election and will have $68,000 in place for the 2022 vote. The township has until May of 2022 to pass a bylaw.

Centre Lake Crown land sale criticized

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 29, 2021

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JQ - Centre Lake update - 1 — A map of the Centre Lake Crown reserve under consideration for disposal, at the behest of private developments. Photo via Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Citizens came forward to express their concerns with a proposed disposition of Crown land on the shoreline of Centre Lake at a Highlands East council public meeting April 27.

More than 60 people viewed the live-streamed meeting, of which seven delegations presented. The municipality hosted the meeting to gather feedback as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) considers selling a 200- foot Crown reserve. The move comes at the request of two developers at the east and west sides of the lake. One of the planned developments is a 60-suite resort and wellness spa called Granite Shores on the east side, which also garnered attention.

Many of the delegates expressed concerns about the possible impact of large-scale projects.

“Crown land is the people’s land,” Dale Watson, who leases an island on Centre Lake, said. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Centre Lake is a beautiful, untouched lake that offers itself to the local public.”

The meeting was distinct from the MNRF’s public consultation, which it will do later regarding a Crown land use policy amendment.

Municipal planner Chris Jones noted no decisions would be made on applications to purchase Crown land until a policy amendment is completed to make it possible. He also said the area would exclude a 66-ft municipal shore road allowance.

Several organizations came forward to discuss the situation, including the Paudash Lake Conservation Association and the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust. Hiawatha First Nations representative Tom Cowie said the lake is within the territory of the Williams Treaties.

“We do have general concerns around the protection of the water, species at risk,” Cowie said. “We look forward to working with you guys in the consultation phase.”

IBI Group planner Julia Redfearn, representing Granite Shore, said they have prepared studies and assessments. She said the resort and spa could bring $450,000 annually to the municipality in property taxes alone and it is willing to work with council and the public to refine the conceptual plan. She also said it will go ahead with or without Crown land.

“The future development is feasible from an environmental, social and ecological perspective,” Redfearn said.

The decision-making on Crown land will ultimately fall to the MNRF, though the municipality can provide feedback and would have a role in subsequent planning approvals. No council members commented during the proceedings.

But Andrew Martin, who spoke against the proposal, said council’s decisions will matter.

“Centre Lake is heavily used by your community locally and it’s an asset we really love,” Martin said. “If this development goes through, I am going to consider it the decision of this council and I think this council really needs to value the assets we have.”

Highlands Opera Studio launches online concert series

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Lisa Gervais

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April 29, 2021

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Starting May 2 to July 31. Highlands Opera Studio (HOS) will be releasing 13 newly-recorded concerts over 13 weeks.

In an April 27 press release, the HOS said the virtual concerts will feature past and current professional artists, who will share music that is important to them and why.

The mini concerts of 30-40 minutes will span a range of styles and themes and will be available online until the following Saturday.

The cost to purchase a link to a single concert is $10; all 13 concerts are available for $100.

The first concert in the series will feature Catherine Daniel, mezzo soprano and Roger Admiral, piano featuring music from opera, musical theatre, and traditional spirituals.

For more information, visit highlandsoperastudio.com and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @HighlandsOpera

Outbreak over at Highlands East churches

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Lisa Gervais

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April 25, 2021

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JQ - Highlands East COVID Outbreak - 1 — The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit said April 16 that there were two COVID-19 outbreaks at Highlands East churches. Photo via DoorsOpen.

Two Highlands East churches are recovering after COVID-19 outbreaks resulted in nine confirmed cases.

In a letter dated April 16, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit shared information about the outbreak at the St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Highland Grove and the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Cardiff. HKPR corporate communications manager Chandra Tremblay said there are six cases associated with St. John and three with Our Lady of Lourdes.

The outbreaks were declared over April 19 as 14 days had passed since the last exposure. Pastor Vic Valles said the churches had been closed since April 4 due to the outbreak, but he only knew of one person who experienced any symptoms.

“I’m really concerned, but at the same time, we are trying to do the best that we can,” Valles said. “We try not to congregate, so each individual family has been very careful in isolating themselves.”

The province has allowed religious services to carry on, with the district churches previously allowing 30 per cent capacity indoors before the April 1 shutdown. The rules shifted to 15 per cent capacity with the shutdown and is now down to 10 persons indoors or outdoors as of April 17.

Tremblay said the church notified parishioners and anyone who was a high-risk contact received a letter outlining testing and quarantine requirements. The health unit said there was a confirmed case at St. John March 27 and April 4. There was also a confirmed case at Our Lady of Lourdes April 1, April 2 and April 4.

Valles said it is hard to determine exactly how the transmission occurred. For now, the buildings are remaining closed given the lockdown.

“Holding off right now until the Ministry of Health says something,” Valles said. “Ten people is a really small crowd for a community that gathers for worship, but what do you do? The government is also looking after the health of the community. Whatever instructions they give, we try to follow.

“In the meantime, we just have to kind of bite the bullet here.”

Valles said he does not have the tools to do virtual, online services that other churches are doing. But he said there are other options for locals to visit online services, such as through Peterborough churches.

School bus riders in quarantine

The health unit also notified riders of a specific Haliburton Highlands Secondary School bus about a COVID-19 case.

The health unit sent a letter April 18 for people on Bus 57. It said that there was a confirmed case on the bus and that people who were on it April 8 have been identified as close contacts.

As a result, staff and youth on the bus are required to quarantine at home until April 22. It said essential activities could resume on April 23 if there are no symptoms.

Schools are closed this week after the spring break due to the provincial stay-at-home order.

County hesitant over basic income strategy

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Lisa Gervais

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April 25, 2021

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JQ - County basic income - 1 — County council opted against supporting a bill that would introduce a national basic income strategy. File photo.

County of Haliburton council opted against supporting a federal bill April 14 to establish a national basic income strategy over concern about a lack of information.

The Haliburton County – City of Kawartha Lakes Roundtable for Ending Poverty wrote to ask the County to support Bill C-273. The private member’s bill would develop a national strategy for a guaranteed basic income and establish pilot projects. The proposal is expected to come before the House of Commons later this month.

Council members expressed support of the broad concept, but several were concerned about the bill’s ramifications. Only councillors Andrea Roberts, Lisa Schell and deputy warden Patrick Kennedy voted in favour.

Coun. Brent Devolin said he was uncomfortable supporting something that could implement basic income without seeing more information first.

“Affordability becomes a question,” Devolin said. “There’s a whole other part of the analysis of the labour market that I would like to see before I’m prepared to have a position on this.”

Bill C-273 would see a report return in two years about implementing a strategy. The poverty roundtable – made up of local social services, health care, and governments – said the bill is important to address poverty.

“A national basic income in Canada could grow our economy more than it costs, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, and supporting Canadian businesses while ending poverty and growing the middle class,” the letter said.

Lindsay was the site of a basic income pilot from the Ontario government in 2017. The pilot was supposed to last three years but was cut short in 2018 by a new Progressive Conservative government. Coun. Carol Moffatt said it is a “chicken and egg” problem where more information is needed before she felt comfortable supporting it. She added she has concern about what municipalities might have to pay.

“There’s no question a basic income program is a great idea,” Moffatt said. “I just feel I don’t know enough about the question in the letter.”

Devolin said supporting the bill would be seen as supporting a basic income before more information such as finances are brought to light. But Kennedy noted the bill does not necessarily mean basic income would go forward. He said it seems designed to get the answers councillors sought.

Roberts said the resolution might not make much difference for the federal decision but would send a message.

“Shows our local people, our constituents here in Haliburton that we care. That we believe in this,” Roberts said.

Councillors did not pass a motion but agreed to have the poverty roundtable present on the issue at a future date

Campaign seeks to spotlight shoreline bylaw

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Lisa Gervais

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April 23, 2021

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JQ - Beshore Haliburton - 1 — The County shoreline bylaw discussion is resuming with a new campaign aimed at advocating for the policy document. Photo via Beshore Haliburton.

The public debate on the County’s shoreline bylaw is picking up again with a new campaign advocating for naturalized shorelines.

Beshore Haliburton kicked off an advertising blitz April 15 with a website and information about the issue. The aim is to educate about the importance of shorelines to protect lake health and prevent toxic algae blooms, as well as amassing names for a petition.

It comes as the County has delayed a bylaw to limit development on shorelines, sending out a request for proposals March 24 to have a third-party consultant take over the work. Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners’ Association (CHA) president Paul MacInnes – one of the people behind Beshore Haliburton – said advocates wanted to address the situation.

“When the County decided to pause work on the shoreline preservation bylaw, after almost three years of working on it, a number of us became very concerned,” MacInnes said. “We’re losing the little bit of natural shoreline that we have left very quickly.”

The draft bylaw attracted pushback from the Haliburton County Home Builders Association, local landscapers and some property owners who felt it was too far-reaching. Other organizations such as the CHA and Environment Haliburton! advocated for the tougher rules as something needed to preserve lakes and ensure that property values do not crash from algae blooms.

MacInnes said the dialogue got personal, with uninvolved members of his own family getting targeted by individuals opposing the bylaw. He said the tactics prompted the campaign to keep most of its members – which he said is more than 100 people – anonymous.

“I’m not worried about the CHA and myself being targeted,” he said. “I’m worried about the people and organizations that are part of the campaign that have not already been targeted.”

The Beshore Haliburton website includes links to government and scientific sources around buffer zones in a bid to highlight why the proposed setback for most development in the bylaw – 30 metres from high-water marks – is the correct figure. But the campaign has raised questions about timing.

Michele Bromley of Boshkung Lake Tree Service, part of a group of six landscaping companies that opposed the bylaw as initially drafted in 2020, said Beshore Haliburton seems premature given the County’s RFP process.

“We should just be waiting for the council to do their job and get this RFP done,” Bromley said. “Why are the waters being muddied?

“We feel like we’ve been dragged back into this fight again,” she added. “It’s just totally inappropriate.”

County council has signalled it does not expect to have the bylaw in place for this year’s summer building season as they originally planned. The County said it expects to have a report on proposals back at the May 12 committee of the whole meeting and the consultant will produce a new bylaw for council consideration in the summer.

But MacInnes said he hopes the bylaw can get into place sooner to prevent further destruction. He added the campaign is trying to take a positive approach and also encourage landowners to renaturalize their lakefront.

“We’re taking, very much, the high road,” he said. “This is not about personalities or individuals, this is about protecting the health of our community, which depends on healthy lakes.”

Highlander named best paper

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 23, 2021

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The Highlander was named the best overall newspaper at the Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA) virtual awards ceremony April 23.

“The Highlander was the clear winner in this class,” the judge said of the 6,500 to 12,499 circulation category.

“Clean and concise writing, headlines and design, with appealing layout from start to finish, excellent use of colour and strong local photography throughout,” the judge added.

“The dedicated arts and sports sections, along with the other special sections like environment and health offer readers a broad slice of community life. This is a shining example of community news not only done well in terms of content, but presented in an appealing package. Loved that they take the time to do a streeter!”

The newspaper also took first in the best feature photo category for an image editor Lisa Gervais took of a blacksmithing student looking through an opening in the handle of his knife at Haliburton School of Art and Design.

The judge said, “Lisa Gervais used a tremendous amount of imagination to figure out how to shoot this photo and make it spectacular. Everything about the photo from human interest, originality, and quality of reproduction make it #1.”

Head of production, Lyelca Rodrigues, also took a first place for local retail layout. The judge said, “you took a simple idea to the next level with great design, eye-catching images, and simple, clean text. Great way to think outside the box.”

Gervais was runner-up for best investigative news story for a piece she wrote headlined ‘Clock stops ticking at the Wig’. The judge commented, “strong open – huge story. Straightforward and simple writing by Lisa Gervais going a long way. Sometimes the work put into a story is directly related to what is on the page. Congrats.”

Rodrigues garnered a second for original ad idea. The judge said, “Nice executions. Simple and easy, yet fun.”

The paper was also awarded third place for best vertical product for Home in the Highlands, best creative ad, and best use of colour.

Friends’ fundraiser to feature local author

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 22, 2021

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LG-friends event 1 — Local author, Marie Gage, is the guest for an April 28 Friends of the Haliburton County Public Library fundraiser

Local children’s author Marie Gage spent 10 years researching and writing her debut novel, A Ring of Promises.

She’ll be sharing her journey on Wednesday, April 28 during a Friends of the Haliburton County Public Library fundraiser.

The organization is presenting its first virtual Friends Café.

“Marie, a noted children’s author, will be discussing her first major novel A Ring of Promises,” the Friends said.

“This novel is an intriguing work of fiction inspired by the real-life events of the author’s paternal grandparents. It is a captivating story of love and adventure set in Canada, England and Scotland during the 1910s,” the Friends added.

The event is at 1 p.m. Register at http://bit.ly/Friends-Café-with-MarieGage.

There will be a 20 to 30-minute author presentation followed by a short question and answer session.

While a free event, donations in support of the library system will be gratefully accepted during the program.

For event questions, contact Rozanne Hynard at 705-286-1071. For registration assistance, contact Jennifer Hughey at 705-854-1205.