Next year’s Katie’s Run will be the last

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March 19, 2021

There’ll be no Katie’s Run for 2021 and the Woudstra and Pogue families have announced that the 2022 run – the 10th – will be the final.

In a news release, the families said that after much consideration, it was with great sadness that they decided the 10th run will be the last.

“Due to COVID-19 and Katie’s ongoing health struggles, the event will be postponed this year with the hope that it can be held in Haliburton one final time in 2022,” they said. “As difficult as this may be, we know this is the right decision for our families.”

They thanked the community, saying the run had become a platform to raise awareness for epilepsy and to provide much-needed funds for epilepsy research.

“It is our utmost desire that others will pick up where we leave off to keep the momentum going,” they added.

To date, more than $373,000 has been raised through Katie’s Run. However, it is their goal to reach $500,000 before they close the book on the event.

Even with no Katie’s Run event this year, they said they will still be making efforts to raise money for the cause. They’re asking the public to create their own fundraising campaigns for the run and research.

“Whether you do this in March, for epilepsy awareness month, or anytime throughout the year, we will be there to help in any way we can.”

They are encouraging people to share their individual fundraising ideas and their next newsletter will highlight some suggested ideas. Email info@ katiesrun.ca

Fitness business pivots with pandemic

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Lisa Gervais

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March 19, 2021

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COVID-19 may have forced Meghan Cox to pivot Just Movement Fitness but after opening a new home-based studio March 1, she couldn’t be happier.

The pandemic forced her to close her commercial studio in Minden at the end of November. She was shuttered from March to September 2020 and only made about 50 per cent of the revenue moving online. Even when allowed to reopen in September, she said restrictions on the number of clients meant she couldn’t afford the overhead anymore.

She said the decision was heartbreaking as she had been teaching in the space since 2003.

After that, she said she had many discussions and crying sessions with her dad, Wayne Cox, about building a space at her home.

“Because I’m stubborn and hard headed and wasn’t willing to just give up on my passion of helping others in wellness. It really hurt to be faced with closing my business and dream that I have worked so hard for. I just wasn’t ready or willing to do it.”

In the meantime, she was offering classes from her living-room, but said it was an ordeal with studio lights, cameras, screens and computers, and it meant never getting away from work, which was hard on her mental health.

She, partner Cebastian Joseph, who had some experience in construction, and her dad, a contractor, began work on an addition Aug. 22, 2020. They mostly did the build themselves, with only help from neighbours, her brother and a few friends on truss day.

“We worked every single day from Aug. 22 to Jan. 23 to build the addition. and converted an existing small granny apartment into a large beautiful private workout studio,” Cox said.

Cox is running in-studio programs with a maximum of six participants and some of the classes are also offered online. She said they have COVID protocols above and beyond what is recommended by public health to keep clients safe.

With the March 1 opening, she said she, clients, and onliners, are all glad to be back in-studio.

“Now that people are in the studio with me, my online clients have said they love the camaraderie of the group even more than when it was just an online group meeting and I have to agree. I really missed the connection, laughter, jokes and fun of the people and group,” she said.

With almost 100 acres of land, she’s also been offering snowshoeing classes and has more plans for summer outdoor bootcamps and nature meditation and yoga.

With the pandemic lingering, she said, “Fitness has always very much been a part of mental health for many of us … but I think we feel it more now. We see how it makes a difference because we are all faced with stress right now.”

Cox is also offering Mindset Coaching for clients “as it’s been an extremely difficult year for all of us and sometimes we just need help to keep moving forward.

“My coaching program has been amazing and I’m so happy to have this alternative service for wellness that isn’t about fitness necessarily. My passion and purpose are helping others in wellness and this piece allows me to help others with the mental piece of wellness.”

For more see: justmovementfitness.com; email: justmovementfitness@gmail.com or call 705-455-7270.

Moxie Moose to help raise funds for Walkabout

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 19, 2021

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Jennifer Semach wrote three children’s stories 14 years ago.

She said she authored them for her kids because she had a learning disability as a child and wanted to show them that despite the struggles she had, she kept trying her best to overcome those hurdles.

Fast forward to 2021 and Semach has published one of those stories, Moxie Moose Finds a Tail, with proceeds from sales going to her beloved Walkabout Farm Therapeutic Riding Association in Minden.

Semach said she works with children at the farm who also struggle with literacy, anxiety and dyslexia in their Reading Buddies Program.

“It brought back all those feelings of inadequacy, frustration and worthlessness seeing kids today struggling the same way I did,” she said.

That got her thinking that maybe she could dust off Moxie Moose Finds A Tail and try to get it published so she could show program participants that, “I know exactly how you feel. I’ve been where you are but I did overcome hardships and did eventually learn how to read and look at this, here is a book I wrote for you and all the children of Walkabout Farm.”

She said while they were at it, she thought why not raise some money to further develop their accessibility to program participants.

“We are just one of many not-for-profit organizations who are trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic disruption.

We need funding and we’ve really had to think outside the box in these unprecedented times,” Semach said.

She said the book is illustrated by another local, Biljana Banchotova.

Semanch said that “luckily” Kristin Groulx of Tenth Muse Books decided to take her book on, which will assist with distribution and marketing to reach a far greater audience than if she had selfpublished.

“We now have access to people outside our community and country who can contribute to our mission by buying a funny children’s book,” she said.

The book will be released March 20.

It can be ordered through Amazon when it’s released.

Vaccines: why, how, when and where

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 19, 2021

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By Dr. Nell Thomas

Dr. Brent MacMillan, on March 11, issued this plea to anyone uncertain about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine:

“Get the vaccine if you do not want to be hospitalized or die. The vaccine is almost 100 per cent preventative.

Get the vaccine if you want to avoid spreading the virus to your elderly relatives, children, friends and colleagues.

Get the vaccine if you want to avoid passing the virus to susceptible patients and community members.

Get the vaccine if you want this pandemic to end. If enough people refuse vaccination, the virus will continue to circulate and potentially mutate, creating variants that may be resistant to the available vaccines. This could result in a brand-new pandemic wave with death and social chaos all over again. This vaccine strategy is not only about you; it is about your family, community, as well your country and other countries around the world.

Get the vaccine to show respect to the millions who are damaged or deceased because they couldn’t get the vaccine.

Get the vaccine to allow return to normal living – visit family, hug your grandmother, go to restaurants, safely return kids to school, travel locally and abroad.

Get the vaccine to allow the economy to get back on its feet, so that businesses can reopen and financial handouts from taxpayers can stop.

Get the vaccine after a careful and balanced review of available information and science. Ask your questions to settle your concerns. For those who fear potential side effects, keep in mind that our immune systems are challenged each and every day by antigens in the food we eat, the medications we take, the bad habits we partake in and the air that we breathe.

The COVID vaccine is another challenge and boost to our immune system. The vaccine technology is well studied and the evidence is freely available to all. I get that there is a fear of needles. If I offered a pill providing the identical COVID-19 vaccine ingredients, how many vaccine resistors would happily and wholeheartedly accept this alternative? I get that there is a fear of government and “big pharma.” Ask your trusted family doctor or pharmacist for their medical opinions. Ask me.

I care about the health and prosperity of my family, friends, community and country. What is it that you care about?”

What you need to know

HOW: For anyone 80+ or turning 80 in 2021. To book your vaccine, use the following COVID vaccination provincial telephone number or online portal (link): 1-888-999-6488 (Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.). covid19.ontariohealth.ca

If you have a non-photo red and white health card, you must use the phone to book your appointment

You will receive a booking confirmation code that you must bring with you the day of your appointment.

WHEN: In Ontario, this phone number and online link are available Monday, March 15. In Haliburton, the booking schedule opens March 18, and we plan to start immunizing our 80 plus population Monday, March 22. This depends on vaccine inventory.

WHERE: Haliburton Family Medical Centre at 7217 Gelert Rd., 2nd Floor. Clinics will run Monday through Friday from 1-6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please do not show up without an appointment.

Please wear a short-sleeved shirt.

More details at hhfht.com

TIPS: Get a good night sleep, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid alcohol to keep your immune system strong so you get the most benefit from your vaccination. Immunity develops over time. You won’t develop significant protection against COVID-19 for at least two weeks.

IN THE WORKS: Paramedics may provide in-home immunizations for housebound. Transportation may be arranged with volunteer vaccinated drivers.

Pot process not without flaws

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 19, 2021

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Visiting Minden Hills on March 16, residents would be hard-pressed to know that two storefronts in the township could soon host cannabis retail stores.

You can tell that something is going on at the front of 101 Bobcaygeon Rd., the former Minden Book and Stationary store. There is butcher paper on the window. Step closer and there are two small signs, one in French and one in English, announcing that NORTHERN HIGH has applied to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for a shop.

The sign goes on to tell people a cannabis retail store authorization application may be issued to the applicant unless the Registrar finds it is not in the public interest pursuant to the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018. Matters deemed of public interest, the sign says, are protecting public health and safety; protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis; and preventing illicit activities in relation to cannabis.

There are details about written submissions, which closed on March 17.

At the other storefront, in the mini-plaza at the Highway 35 and County Road 21 turnoff, Capturing Eden plans to move in but there is nothing evident there at the moment. They’re further along in the process, having had their public notice period close Jan. 26.

While the plans for these stores have not been completely secretive – since notices have been posted, and in the case of Capturing Eden, the owner says they consulted with the township and County – it hasn’t been exactly widely canvassed either.

Many have learned through the gossip mill that is social media.

Minden Hills Mayor Brent Devolin expressed some frustration that the township initially found out about the two applications because someone stopped and read the notice on the windows. He would have preferred the township be notified directly. That way, he said they could have posted it to their website to allow a more fulsome community discussion that would have allowed more public comment.

He’s not wrong. However, when the County and its four lower-tier municipalities ‘opted in’ to marijuana stores within their boundaries back in the fall and winter of 2018, they seem to have capitulated their rights to the province.

While The Highlander was able to have a good conversation with Capturing Eden about its plans, since there is a Haliburton outlet under local ownership – we have not yet been successful in talking to the person or persons behind NORTHERN HIGH.

There is nothing on the signage to indicate who these people are, or how to contact them. The AGCO would not provide information on them, citing confidentiality. An Internet search did not turn up much. It would be nice if the township could hear from proponents of this particular shop.

Some in the community have also said the townships didn’t get what was on offer, namely LCBOlike treatment of cannabis in the province.

Some would argue it’s all a moot point now, anyway. After all, cannabis became legal across Canada in October, 2018. People can order cannabis products via the mail. Townships have opted in. And, there is already a cannabis products store in Haliburton that seems to fit into the community.

From a provincial standpoint, the only real rules are that outlets must be a minimum 150 metres from schools, which both of these are.

The township will get some funding to offset any costs associated with the stores, but it won’t be much.

So, if you are inclined to take issue with two pot shops coming to Minden, don’t call the township or your councillor to complain. When it comes to the AGCO, you can try Doug Ford government representative, Laurie Scott. As for the feds, it was a Liberal government decision, but you can reach out to Progressive Conservative MP Jamie Schmale.

Roads ‘taking the hit’ in budget: Minden resident

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 19, 2021

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One Minden Hills taxpayer did not hold back during a public meeting on the 2021 budget – ripping into council for axing the reconstruction of Bobcaygeon Road from the final draft.

Diane Peacock also questioned decisions around staffing for the Community Services Department (CSD), particularly for the new S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena and Community Centre.

However, Coun. Bob Carter, who largely drove the decision not to borrow the more than $2 million to fix up a section of Bobcaygeon Road, defended council’s record on roadworks since 2017. No staff or councillors spoke to the CSD decisions.

Council removed the Bobcaygeon Road project during its final budget deliberations. The project would not have impacted the 2021 budget, with repayments of a planned loan beginning in 2022. Council subsequently landed on a tax levy increase for the year of 3.75 per cent.

Peacock said, “Once again our roads department is taking the hit and having a major construction cut.”

She said she drove the road twice last summer and was “appalled” at its condition, adding “no wonder the people who have to travel it every day complain.”

She further commented that, “The longer you delay a project, the more it is going to cost you in the long run. Yes, I realize that borrowing the money to fix this road will affect the budgets in years to come but when the township has the opportunity to debenture this project with low interest rates being offered now by Infrastructure Ontario it seems to be very unwise that they do not do it.”

When the new arena is finally open to the public, Peacock said people from Bracebridge and Gravenhurst will drive the Bobcaygeon Road from Highway 118 and, “what a disgrace to this township when they reach this part of the road. Not a very welcoming site entering our town.”

Peacock said she had supported the township and its decision-making for years, “but this past year I have questioned some of the decisions that have been made both internally and publicly and because of that I am starting to lose confidence in this township and the council.”

Carter said between 2017 and 2019, the township spent $3.6 million a year on roads and $4.3 million in 2020. He added they will be spending almost $6.3 million on roads in the 2021 budget, “so, we’re not cutting roads. We’re investing more.”

He added as the infrastructure gap continues across the province, the township needs a full roads report and assessment so staff, council and the public can decide how much to invest in roads going forward.

“We’re not decreasing our investment in roads, we’re not ignoring roads, we’re spending more on roads but there’s a limit to how much can be spent,” he said.

Coun. Pam Sayne said while the reconstruction is not happening, engineering studies are going ahead “so, it’s not like we’re not doing it. We all see those as important and we’re looking forward to the assessment for all of our roads so we can make a very good decision on future management of this whole package.”

Director of finance Lorrie Blanchard also announced the budget’s impact on water and sewer, with staff proposing a 3.7 per cent increase in water rates and a three per cent increase in sewer rates for 2021.

COVID numbers rise as County vaccines begin

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 18, 2021

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LG-health updates for p. 2_Easy-Resize.com — File photo.

A spike in COVID-19 cases – including the high school and two long-term care homes – has come as health partners in Haliburton County prepare to begin vaccinating the general public starting March 22.

Haliburton is at nine active cases as of March 18. The booking system for vaccinations for people aged 80-plus also went online, with the first clinic at the Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team.

Haliburton Highlands Secondary School (HHSS) has closed four classes after two students tested positive for COVID-19. HHSS announced that some students would have to quarantine at home, and get tested, in a notice to parents March 14.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) has been contacting all close contacts to provide directions. These are the first cases associated with any schools in the County since the pandemic began.

Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) communications officer, Sinead Fegan, said the incidences have prompted additional cleaning and sanitization.

“The safety of our students and staff is most important and we continue to follow all public health protocols,” Fegan said.
Students not identified as close contacts are continuing to go to class as usual. They do not need to stay home and isolate or go for testing unless they start showing symptoms or do not pass the self-screening tool. Fegan said three classes are identified as close contacts by the health unit and must quarantine until March 22, though that is subject to change based on symptoms or test results. All three classes are moving to remote learning.

A fourth class is not considered a close contact but is being closed and moved to remote learning out of caution. Those students do not need to quarantine or get tested.

Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) announced outbreaks at its two long-term care homes this past week. But a Highland Wood outbreak was called off March 17. This was due to two staff members who initially tested positive subsequently testing negative. All residents also tested negative.

The health unit had opted to declare an outbreak early out of caution, before the second set of tests, due to rising cases in the area.

“We appreciate this cautious approach to ensure the safety of our residents,” HHHS president and CEO Carolyn Plummer said.

An outbreak remains it place at the Hyland Crest home after it was declare March 12. It came after one staff member tested positive for the virus. All other staff and residents, who have already received vaccinations, tested negative for the virus.

It is the second declared outbreak at Hyland Crest. Another one occurred Jan. 31-Feb. 14 after two essential caregivers tested positive, though no staff or residents were positive in that period.

Vaccination clinics to begin March 22

The increase in cases comes as the Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team/Haliburton Family Medical Centre is planning to start immunizing the County’s 80-plus population starting March 22. They said plans rely on vaccine inventory but clinics are scheduled at 7217 Gelert Rd. from March 22-26, 1-6 p.m., March 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and March 29-30, 1-6 p.m.

If people show up without an appointment they will not be seen, a spokesperson said. The provincial booking number is 1-888-999-6488 and the online portal is covid19.ontariohealth.ca/

If you have a red and white health card you must call the booking number as you will not be able to register online. You may also call the number if you do not have a computer or the ability to book online. You will receive a booking confirmation that you must bring with you the day of your appointment. Booking is also possible at clinics outside the County and district if space is available.

They will likely not be scanning QR codes, so be sure to have your booking code ready. If people over 80 require transportation, they can contact community support services at 705- 457-2941 extension 1.

Permanent vaccine clinics announced

The health unit has confirmed Haliburton will have two permanent clinics at A.J. LaRue Arena in Haliburton and S.G. Nesbitt Arena in Minden March 18.

The clinics are expected to be ready in April. They are not yet available for booking in the provincial system but the health unit said they will be in the coming weeks.

“We understand that it has been frustrating, but we need to ensure that there is a dose of vaccine available for every appointment and I would ask people to be patient and go back into the system in the coming weeks to check for additional clinics,” acting medical officer of health Dr. Ian Gemmill said.

Dysart et al said with the announcement, the arena will be closed for bookings effective March 20 to the end of September 2020.

Two pot shops proposed for Minden

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 15, 2021

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Two cannabis stores have been proposed for Minden Hills.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) confirmed that Capturing Eden wants a location at 12818 Highway 35.

An AGCO spokesperson said March 15 that the 15-day public notice period for it concluded at midnight Jan. 26, 2021. There were no submissions received.

“However, the due process and eligibility process for this proposed location continues,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Northern High has submitted an application for 101 Bobcaygeon Rd. The public notice period concludes at midnight March 17.

Residents of a community have an opportunity to submit a comment on a proposed location when it reaches the public notice stage.

“We encourage all residents of a community, as well as municipal officials, to submit comments. Those who submit will receive an acknowledgement, and also notice of the decision,” the spokesperson said.

The legislation is specific on what the AGCO Registrar considers in written submissions as to why a proposed store is not in the public interest and includes things such as: protecting public health and safety; protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis; and preventing illicit activities in relation to cannabis.

The Highlander will have more in Thursday’s print edition.

Spa faults pandemic for closure

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 14, 2021

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JQ - Business closure - 4 — Spa owner Sharon Rowden said the pandemic – and a lack of government support – prompted her to close her business permanently March 5. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

After more than 30 years in operation, the Touch of Class Day Spa became a casualty of the pandemic as it closed its doors for the final time March 5.

Owner Sharon Rowden cited the pandemic and a lack of government support for her decision to close her Haliburton business, which she has overseen the past nine years.

Rowden, who also works as a financial administrator with Haliburton Forest, said she could no longer afford to keep the spa going.

“With this type of business, there’s not a lot of government assistance. I’m basically working on another full-time job to cover the expenses here for it to be closed. It’s not business sensible to keep going,” she said. “Even when you are open, because it is so limited, it’s really hard to make money.”

The spa worked on a commission basis, Rowden said, with its staff considered self-employed. She said it did not fit more typical stores or services targeted by support programs.

“It’s highly disappointing how the government didn’t help all kinds of business,” Rowden said. “Should have done it better – because then I wouldn’t be in this position.”

According to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s annual economic report, only 21 per cent of provincial businesses expressed confidence in Ontario’s economic outlook. Within the Muskoka-Kawartha region, 64 per cent of businesses reported shrinking in 2020. Rowden said the spa was in good shape before COVID hit.

Still, she reflected positively about taking over the spa nine years ago as a former customer.

“Up until COVID, it’s been an amazing journey. We’ve met a lot of great people, made a lot of friends, helped a lot of people out who needed a pick-me-up or just some pampering,” she said.

Neither the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce or the Haliburton BIA could identify any other local businesses that had closed permanently of late due to the pandemic. Statistics Canada has reported nationally, after massive business sector losses in the first three months of the pandemic lockdown – peaking at 113,730 in April 2020 – business openings have outpaced closures in the last five months with data available (July-November 2020).

Rowden also served on the BIA board, but can no longer with her business closing. BIA administrator Angelica Ingram said Rowden was an outstanding volunteer for them.

“The BIA is always saddened to hear of a downtown business closing its doors, especially in these circumstances. COVID has brought on a new set of challenges for our downtown businesses, and unfortunately, some will not be able to survive,” Ingram said. “I was an avid supporter of Touch of Class and always enjoyed going there.

“It’s up to the community to support our local businesses as much as possible to ensure their economic recovery during these challenging times,” Ingram added.

Rowden expressed appreciation to the community and the send-off received as she bids the business farewell.

“The compliments from people, kind of what makes it a little easier,” she said. “Thank everyone for all their years of dedication and support and love.”

Hatchery reels in support from businesses

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 13, 2021

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JQHHOAHatchery2web.jpg.65792f49 — File photo.

The Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association (HHOA) faced challenging circumstances at the end of last year getting the equipment for its fish hatchery operational.

The non-profit’s first pump failed Oct. 12 and they had to use a provincial grant and a donation from the Haliburton Highlands Resource Centre to do emergency repairs. But in the process of doing that, the HHOA discovered its second well had gone nearly dry, requiring another fix.

With funds stretched by the pandemic, the HHOA could not easily afford it – president Dan Smith said they were prepared to get a bank loan. But several businesses came to the association’s aid with in-kind donations to get a well and pump installed free of charge – an approximate $21,995 value, according to Smith.

“It’s fantastic,” he said. “The way all the stakeholders involved with this, the way they chipped in and co-operated with each other and us at the hatchery.”

The donations began when Smith approached Haliburton Artesian Well Drillers about the situation. The company agreed to drill a new well to address water flow issues – free of charge. They did so Dec. 22.

“They were in need,” owner Jacob Woodward said of why he wanted to support. “The other thing is, it’s a pretty awesome service that they provide for the community.”

Other businesses followed suit. Kyle Smith Aardvark Drilling subsequently helped get suppliers to donate. Wellmaster Pipe and Supply Inc and Rideau Supply donated materials. Finally, The Pump Shop agreed to provide the excavation work and power supply to connect the new well to the hatchery.

Sunbelt Rentals donated an excavator to use for the project. The businesses finished the project Jan. 14.

“It was pretty impressive,” Woodward said, adding it was the first time he had been involved in an initiative like this. “We all worked really well together.”

Smith said it made a big difference to the HHOA’s financial picture, especially given the pandemic.

“Our fundraising operations have really been cut back,” Smith said. “We are sitting in shape today, so we can pay all our bills.”

Smith said the project was vital to ensure enough water flow in the hatchery and have enough capacity to add more tanks as its fish population grows. He said he was touched by the generosity of local businesses.

“This is something we’ve seen from this community,” Smith said. “Everybody pulls together when it’s needed.”