The County of Haliburton has a new integrity commissioner to enforce codes of conduct and help council and local board members navigate ethics.

The county approved a draft agreement to make Harold Elston its commissioner Feb. 27. Elston will also be shared with the county’s lower-tier municipalities.

Elston said he has been practising municipal law for 31 years, including as an integrity commissioner in other municipalities, and looks forward to the work.

“I have seen many issues from all different sorts of angles and perspectives, so I think it helps me understand where people are coming from,” he said.

The province made the integrity commissioner role mandatory as of March 1. The role was expanded to include public education and investigations into the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act. He is also to investigate alleged breaches of the new codes of conduct passed by area municipal councils. Any person, including council members and the public, can bring a code of conduct complaint forward.

Elston said people considering this should review the code of conduct and ensure their issues fall within it and the commissioner’s jurisdiction. An optional informal resolution should also be explored, Elston said.

“Sometimes, the informal route is best … just to approach them directly and sometimes, people don’t even realize they’ve offended somebody or they’ve caused some concern,” Elston said. “Before launching a formal complaint, make sure that it’s something you can’t just resolve yourself.”

But if someone chooses to proceed with a formal complaint, Elston said to write it and be as detailed as possible. “They need to outline the dates, the times, the place,” Elston said.

“Be prepared for me to vet the complaint, show it to the responding member of council and then be prepared to spend some time talking with me and sort of working through it. They should understand that it is a process and it is my job to make sure it’s fair.”

However, Elston said in his experience, serious complaints requiring full investigations are rare. Elston said his duty to provide advice upon request to councillors about ethics and conflicts of interest will help prevent those complaints.

“We can talk about it and I can provide them a written opinion,” he said. “The result will be there are fewer complaints because councillors have a chance to talk it out with somebody beforehand.”

The county has allotted $25,000 for Elston’s services within its 2019 budget.

“I was very honoured to be appointed as the integrity commissioner. I’m just looking forward to working with the people of Haliburton,” Elston said.

Haliburton centenarian Doris Roberts has no secrets for her longevity.

“I have a good sense of humour and I think that’s probably the biggest thing that has kept me going,” Roberts said. “I’ve just always eaten healthy. Just plain good luck, I think.”

The eldest resident of Haliburton’s Parklane Apartments, Roberts celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by dozens of friends and family Feb. 23.

Roberts, who’s always been a homemaker, said she appreciated her birthday visitors.

“I’m quite honoured to think that everybody’s making such an effort to come and see me.”

Family across generations gathered to celebrate the occasion. Roberts’ daughter, Patricia Allen, as well as many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren attended.

Granddaughter Katharine Leaman said Roberts is someone who doesn’t pull any punches but always speaks to family with humour and lots of love.

“She’s as real as they get. She’s her own woman,” Leaman said. “She’s always reminded me of the fairy godmother in Cinderella … she’s had quite a life, she’s quite a character and she’s a big part of the family.”

Allen said her mother has always been generous. She noted her mother’s wish to have donations for the food bank in lieu of cards or gifts for her birthday. Allen added her mother has been her biggest supporter.

“I personally cannot imagine what it would be like to lose her,” Allen said. “She’s just always been there.”

Debra Wenge, an extended family member, called Roberts an inspiration.

“That life is pretty special and when you can go on like this at 100 years, pretty much have your mind with you, just a real inspiration,” Wenge said.

Roberts said she is working through her third bout with cancer. She added there has been “nothing spectacular” about her life, but it’s been a good one.

“You can either be glum or you can be happy,” Roberts said. “I choose to be happy. I’m very grateful to everybody that’s making such an effort to make my day so special.”

The County of Haliburton council finalized its 2019 draft budget Feb. 25 with an expected 5.72 per cent residential tax rate increase for the year.

Council unanimously approved the draft budget at a special meeting according to Dysart et al Mayor Andrea Roberts.

County warden Liz Danielsen said the increase is a result of cost of living increases, losses in funding and a gradual increase to reserve levels established by upper levels of government.

“I’m very pleased with the results of our discussions today,” she said in an email. “Council looked very carefully at some of the outstanding items and while they were very difficult decisions, we were unanimous in the direction we ultimately decided to take.”

Danielsen also noted a number of projects as raising the budget, including $226,000 for flood plain mapping, $121,000 in increased winter maintenance costs and $54,000 towards low-income housing development in Minden Hills.

Roberts spoke to the county budget at her council’s meeting Feb. 26. She said rural municipalities are challenged to hold tax rates given a small commercial tax base compared to urban centres.

“They’re able to hold the line on the residential individual property and make it on the commercial real estate,” Roberts said. “That’s a challenge we have here.”

Danielsen said there was also some discussion about the county’s governance structure and next steps will be considered in the coming months.

“At this point there are no small number of areas within which we already partner in purchasing and providing service to the county and there are many more opportunities for us to share, hopefully creating a ‘made in Haliburton’ solution to governance and streamlining service,” she said.

Some $75,000 has also been allotted for the creation of a contract position for physician recruitment, Danielsen said. However, economic development will not be immediately included in the role as council initially directed. A staff report said time is needed to make an operating framework for an economic development position.

“In the interim, council has agreed the physician recruitment position be created on a part-time basis to ensure that work begins as soon as possible,” Danielsen said.

The budget also includes an additional $40,000 to begin a climate mitigation and adaptation plan, according to a staff report. Another $50,000 has been allotted to implement, review and enforce new shoreline preservation in the county.

Firefighters controlled a blaze which destroyed a Minden Hills home on Gelert Road Feb. 20.

At approximately 2 p.m., the Minden Hills Fire Department responded, according to fire chief Mike Bekking. Upon arrival, crews found a single-story residential structure fully ablaze, he said.

“Crews were able to contain the fire to the structure, saving the nearby garage from damage,” Bekking said.

There were no injuries, with nobody at home when the fire started. The home was considered a complete loss.

He added the cause of the fire is undetermined.

“There’s just too much loss there for us to determine the cause of the fire,” he said.

OPP, EMS, Dysart firefighters and county roads workers also assisted at the scene. He said the response was very effective, with firefighters overcoming difficulties getting a close water source, eventually relying on a nearby pond.

“They worked from 2 p.m. and didn’t leave there until approximately 8 p.m.,” Bekking said. “They worked hard for a long time.”

Bekking emphasized the importance of preventative fire safety measures “Smoke alarm, CO (carbon monoxide) detectors, they’re your first line of defense in a fire like that,” he said. “Fire prevention is always the key for our area.”

Businesses, municipal leaders and other community groups gathered to learn at a Community Economic Development 101 workshop Feb. 19.

The workshop was presented by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). The presentation detailed ways to champion economic development, retain businesses and different programs offered by OMAFRA to help development.

Agricultural and rural economic development advisor Catherine Oosterbaan said this was the first official workshop of its kind and similar workshops will be run across the province in coming months.

She further said the workshop is a way to help bring people together to work towards a common goal.

“Oftentimes you don’t get this many people from different municipalities and organizations in one room,” she said. “Hearing the attitude here, people are looking to head into that common goal direction and how do we create communities that are enhancing well-being, enhancing community wealth? It’s great to bring that amount of stakeholders together to have that discussion.”

More than 30 people attended, including council members from Dysart et al, Minden Hills and Highlands East.

The workshop was hosted by the Haliburton Community Development Corporation (HCDC) at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 129 Haliburton. HCDC board chair Peter Fredricks said the turnout was large and everyone he spoke to enjoyed it.

“Economic development is not only just about bringing in new businesses and new money. It’s also strengthening the community and I think that’s how it really helped us to understand and focus on the various different challenges,” Fredricks said.

There was a chance for participants to provide input on economic development. Minden Hills Mayor Brent Devolin spoke to the challenge of finding skilled labour that can fill the job vacancies in the community.

“We’ve quickly moved to the point where we have a misalignment with education and training,” Devolin said. “I think today and going forward, that really is the most critical part of moving forward with economic development.”

“Absolutely,” Oosterbaan replied. “Part of that is shifting the conversation from ‘we need to create, create, create jobs,’ to ‘we need to retain jobs that are here’.”

“We saw a lot of stakeholders … that are all part of the puzzle to moving our community forward,” Devolin said in an interview. “There’s an appetite there to do something. We live in a great community but we could definitely make it better.”

Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) is conducting an internal investigation in the wake of a leaky roof which forced a mass resident relocation from Highland Wood Long-Term Care Home.

HHHS president and chief executive officer Carolyn Plummer said in a Feb. 20 email the investigation is currently underway. It comes after 28 residents had to relocate in early February due to water leaking into the facility from snow and ice buildup on the roof.

Plummer said the roof was examined by experts in 2017 as part of the HHHS capital program, with a recommendation to replace it in the 2018-2021 timeframe. The roof was scheduled to be replaced this spring.

“We are currently conducting an internal investigation to determine if staff had documented any earlier report of leaks or challenges with the roof,” Plummer said.

A preliminary report from the organization’s insurer’s roof inspector said the early failure of the roof was sudden.

“The early failure of the Highland Wood roof occurred suddenly without warning. He has found no ongoing signs of water infiltration or roof leaks, no signs of early failure or ongoing water seepage below the roof deck,” Plummer said.

HHHS also held an information session for family members Feb. 20. The meeting was closed to media.

Alen Bangay’s wife was transferred. He attended the meeting and though he did not feel it offered much new information, it was important to focus on getting residents back.

“What we should be doing is focus on how fast we can get the work that has to be done completed to get the residents back in their home,” Bangay said.

He said the experience has been hard on his wife. Since relocating, he said she’s spent days at another facility in Haliburton, been moved to Minden, then Lindsay, then finally back to Haliburton at her family’s request when an availability opened.

“Part of it is she can’t hold in her memory new information,” Bangay said. “I think it (moving) set her back some. Whether she will recover from this back to where she was … that’s just a crapshoot.”

According to a question and answer session, family members will also be asked if their loved one wants to return to the County of Haliburton before Highland Wood reopens. The document also said HHHS has arranged free transportation and counselling services for all families should they request it.

Plummer said staff are working to keep the roof clear of further ice buildup. No timeline has been provided as to when residents might be able to return to the facility.

“Our goal is to move forward to complete the work to reopen Highland Wood and bring the residents back home,” she said.

Highlands East is creating a new committee to liaise with its fire department following an ombudsman report on interpersonal issues in the department.

Council voted unanimously at its Feb. 12 meeting to make appointments to the fire committee. The creation of the committee was recommended in an ombudsman report from law firm Ewart O’Dyer submitted Oct. 12.

Acting fire chief Chris Baughman said in a staff report the new committee’s initial objective would be to review the fire department.

“Initially to review the effectiveness, efficiency and economics of the current Highlands East Fire Department and provide recommendations to council moving forward,” Baughman said.

In an email, Baughman said the review will help identify improvements that could be made in service delivery.

“We have five halls with duplicate equipment that respond in three response areas,” he said. “It will also aid in determining if there is any unnecessary duplication of equipment or services attending the same incidents and provide recommendations for improvements.” T

he committee will be comprised of Baughman, the municipality’s five district fire chiefs, Mayor Dave Burton and Coun. Cam McKenzie.

Deputy Mayor Cec Ryall asked about the rationale behind the possible inclusion of rank-and-file firefighters on the committee. Baughman responded the district chiefs were chosen for their experience.

“I wanted those opinions for each of those areas from someone who is been there long enough to understand what their specific needs are for that area,” Baughman said.

The committee follows a motion from council after a closed session at its Nov. 7 meeting to approve the recommendations from the Oct. 12 ombudsman report.

Besides a new committee, the report also recommended a harassment policy be developed by the department to “address interpersonal issues between employees or its representatives outside the workplace.” Baughman said the policy is still a work in progress.

The report also recommended a written warning to an unnamed officer/firefighter dated March 9, 2018 be revoked while a separate warning to an unnamed officer/firefighter dated Aug. 3, 2018 remain.

The final recommendation was for the firefighters involved to be provided a copy of the report with further warning any repeat of matters of subject in the inquiry could result in their termination.

Baughman said the department’s interpersonal issue has been resolved and firefighters are now aware of all current policies and procedures.

A large group of dogs, which appeared to be in poor condition, were taken from a county property following a viral Facebook post Feb. 22.

The incident was revealed to the public in a post by Jennifer Martin, who said she came across more than 20 dogs in a forested area near the County of Haliburton and Bancroft border. In a follow-up post, Martin said the dogs were surrendered and taken in by Siberian Husky Assistance and Rescue (SHARP), based in Peterborough.

“Some dogs were too weak/sick to stand,” Martin said in an email. “There was no food, water or bedding anywhere to be found. There was no evidence anyone had been there since the last big snowfall we had over a week ago.”

SHARP board member Sally Kirkby said the dogs were retrieved from one private property at the request of OPP. She said SHARP had been involved in assisting with the dogs a little while before the Facebook
post was made.

“The dogs are now all under SHARP’s care and are all doing well and getting vet inspections,” Kirkby said.

Kirkby would not disclose how many dogs were taken from the scene.

The original Facebook post, which has since been deleted, included video of the scene in a forested area as well as a photo of one of the dogs. The post said people were gathering food and water to help the dogs.

“I decided to post the picture because I am an animal welfare advocate,” Martin said. “The most important thing was helping those dogs as quickly as possible.”

Kirkby said the dogs were not abandoned and were not chained to trees, as the Facebook post originally asserted. She said they actually had dog houses which were not visible due to the snow.

Volunteers quickly came to the dogs’ aid, Martin said. But she said the post also attracted threats, which started when she referred to them as sled dogs.

“It has brought out the very best and the very worst kinds of people who can be described as passionate about their opinions. Unfortunately, as a result of my involvement I have been threatened with physical violence,” Martin said.

In a February 26 Facebook post, Winterdance Dogsled Tours said the dogs’ owner had requested SHARP’s help before Martin’s post went up.

Ontario SPCA associate director of communications Melissa Kosowan said the organization is following up to ensure the “husky-type” dogs located are receiving care.

“To maintain the integrity of our investigation, we do not have any additional information we can share at this time,” she said in an email.

Martin said the dogs have been confirmed to be sled dogs, but Kosowan would not disclose that to The Highlander.

Martin said the experience has left her feeling unsettled.

“The experience was unique and deeply troubling,” Martin said. “I don’t support the idea of vigilante justice but I do believe in acting quickly to save lives of animals who have no voice of their own to be heard.”

Kirkby said those looking to help the SHARP organization can donate to its general GoFundMe through its website at sharprescue.ca or directly at gofundme.com/ u9v8x82k.
Volunteers

The Haliburton Highlands CARP chapter is moving forward under new direction as its only-ever president Bob Stinson steps down from his position.

After six-and-a-half years at the helm, the 85-year old is stepping down into a community liaison role. No one person is set to take over as head of the chapter. Instead, his position will be filled by committee, with other members of the chapter’s board working together to manage his former duties.

“Things are catching up to me,” Stinson said. “I just don’t feel capable of doing the job that should be done … I’m disappointed that I didn’t create a situation where somebody was ready to step in and take my place.”

Running Haliburton’s CARP chapter has gone well over the past few years, Stinson said. He noted the success of its launch in 2012, with over 200 people attending, and how the chapter became the country’s fastest growing.

Today, it stands with approximately 700 members. Under his leadership, Stinson said the chapter ran workshops and advocated for senior’s issues in the county. Senior housing was foremost amongst them, especially given the county’s rising senior population.

“We simply need to concentrate on building more for the seniors that are here,” Stinson said. “We’re approaching 65 per cent of the population is seniors, that’s huge. Lots of them have to move away or they can’t live on their own because there’s nobody here for them. That’s sad because this is where they want to be.”

Stinson, who also serves on the Aging Well committee, said he had laments as president. He said he would have liked to have been able to better work with the whole County of Haliburton, instead of a focus around Haliburton village. He also commented on the struggles of grooming a successor, after the passing of vice president Peter Minaki in 2015.

CARP Haliburton acting president Elaine Schmid said it has been a struggle to find lasting board members for the group and Stinson will be sorely missed.

“To think that any one person can step in and take over for him is kind of unrealistic because he probably knows more about what CARP is about than anybody,” Schmid said. “That was his baby.”

Schmid said she proposed running the chapter without a regular president, instead taking turns running meetings. She added the idea has gotten support from CARP head office.

She said with non-profit advocacy groups being mostly run by older people, this kind of measure could prove more necessary, due to reluctance for individuals to take on a leadership position.

“They’re going to have to share responsibility in order to keep these groups alive,” Schmid said.

Stinson said he appreciated CARP’s board taking this measure, as he does not see any alternative.

“Got a lot of faith. If there’s any way to make it work, they’ll make it work,” he said.