Crime Stoppers may be forced to close

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December 30, 2020

The board of directors for Kawartha Haliburton Crime Stoppers is appealing to the public for help to save the non-profit organization from closing.

“KH Crime Stoppers, along with many charities in light of COVID, has seen a drop in donations and their charitable events this past year,” said president Gary Burns.

“It would be a very sad day for Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes if the local Crime Stoppers program closed.”

The organization, which receives no federal or provincial government funding and relies solely on individual and corporate donations, held a recent meeting to discuss its future.

“We believe that a responsible board must consider all options and have plans in place,” Burns said.

“We will do everything in our power to keep this vital service available to the community, including asking the community we serve for help.”

The local program offers numerous benefits to the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County, according to Burns, including the ability for individuals to report crime anonymously. He said the option gives people who may be in vulnerable situations or fearful of their safety the avenue they need.

“They are never required to testify, and we don’t collect any identifying information,” he said.

Haliburton Highlands OPP detachment commander, Liane Spong, said many tips to Crime Stoppers have led to arrests, charges and property being recovered.

The local Crime Stoppers has helped police make more than 419 arrests, kept $34,171,283 worth of drugs off the street, resulted in $1,960,182 of returned property, and contributed information for up to 70 weapons seized, over the course of the program’s life, Burns said.

Spong said the OPP is firmly committed to the program, including supporting Crime Stoppers coordinators through their OPP Community Safety Services Bureau.

“I hope in light of Crime Stoppers distributing a media release outlining their need for assistance, the community will rally behind their program in 2021 to ensure this service continues,” she said.

“Crime Stoppers is an invaluable investigative tool for Ontario police services across the province, the country and here at the Haliburton Highlands OPP detachment as well. The transfer of intelligence is a critical piece in our mission to serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.” Burns said.

“With everything we hear in the news, read in the paper, or see online about drugs and crime in our community, we can’t afford to lose this program.

“The board of directors is committed to looking at new ways to secure donations and funds to continue to operate, but we will need help.”

Burns asks that people consider making a donation, which can be done online at khcrimestoppers.com, by cheque made payable to “Kawartha-Haliburton Crime Stoppers Inc” mailed to PO BOX 155, Lindsay, ON K9V 4R8 or for sponsorship or other inquiries email admin@ khcrimestoppers.com.

In addition Burns said, “We are also looking for additional board members who are looking to volunteer a little of their time and expertise.”

Centre Lake Crown land going up for grabs

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Lisa Gervais

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December 26, 2020

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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.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is considering disposing of Centre Lake Crown land for development, but Highlands East council has professed the need for strong public consultation.

Staff brought forward a Nov. 12 letter from the MNRF at a special meeting Dec. 15. The letter states the ministry will move forward with an amendment to the 200-foot Crown reserve along the lake’s shoreline, which will require a public process. Two developers have proposed projects within the space on either side of the lake – including a multimillion-dollar condominium initiative.

“We want to ensure full consideration of potential impacts or benefits to your municipality and would appreciate hearing your perspective on this matter,” MNRF district manager, Suzy Shalla, said.

But councillors expressed several concerns with the process to come.

Deputy mayor Cec Ryall said he does not have an issue with educating citizens about what is happening, but he does not want to get overly involved with the approval.

“Whether or not someone does, or does not, end up acquiring a piece of property, that has nothing to do with us,” Ryall said. “I don’t want to get deep into the weeds.”

Planner Chris Jones said he wants to ensure anyone with concerns can voice them at this stage in the process, rather than the muncipality’s Planning Act approvals should developments go ahead.

“If we fill up the room with people wondering why the Crown transferred the land – a year, or 18 months after that actually happened – it could appear that we’re the ones holding the bag,” Jones said.

In her message, Shalla said the ministry will consider Indigenous, municipal and stakeholder interests.

“Minimum public consultation requirements for a minor amendment include direct notification to local stakeholders,” Shalla said.

Shalla also said Highlands East recognizes the economic benefits of development there. Council passed a resolution to that effect in December 2019 at the behest of one of the projects, Granite Shores Condominium Development, to help the developer’s application for the land.

Coun. Suzanne Partridge said the municipality needs to ensure the province has a very robust consultation.

“I know there have been a lot of grumblings going around,” Partridge said. “I would really like to see the public informed that the MNRF is doing this.”

Council voted to authorize the CAO and planner to contact the ministry to discuss its letter and the consultation process.

Haliburton village gets its sports store back

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Lisa Gervais

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December 24, 2020

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JQ - Delancey Sports - 2 — Delancey Sports director of store operations, Cindy Nesbitt, stands next to a ski display at the new shop, which opened in Haliburton Dec. 12. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

When Joshua Karam and Erika Mozes entered Joanne Sharpley’s Source for Sports in its dying days to shop for skis, the entrepreneurs saw possibility.

With Haliburton about to lose its only full-service sporting goods store, they decided they would fill that void. Just a few weeks after Sharpley’s closed for good, they opened the 900-square-foot Delancey Sports Dec. 12 at 162 Highland St.

“When we saw the opportunity for Delancey Sports, it really was a no-brainer,” Karam said. “We felt there was going to be great trends in the outdoor enthusiast space that would continue through 2021 and into the future.”

The new shop features a full range of goods, including skis, snowshoes, hockey equipment and a skate sharpener purchased from Sharpley’s.

The pair are originally from Ottawa, but previously lived split between Toronto and New York City. From there they ran Hyr, a ride-share company for shift workers. But they moved to Haliburton full-time in the summer, deciding to settle instead of renting properties as they had for years.

Source for Sports was on the market for two years as its owner sought to retire, but ultimately went unsold. Karam said the store was already winding down by the time they came across it.

“We only came to discover Sharpley’s 10 days before they closed,” he said. “It certainly wasn’t a realistic, I think, opportunity [to purchase it].”

Still, the pair said they appreciated the legacy of the 29-year-old establishment and took some parts of it – including their director of store operations, Cindy Nesbitt, who worked at Sharpley’s beforehand.

“We’re very fortunate for what Sharpley’s has done to pave a good path, if you will, and create a great opportunity for a successor,” Karam said.

“It is surreal,” Nesbitt said about her job move. “It’s great to know that I’m in a spot where the community needs us … It’s been busy but it’s been an amazing journey so far.”

Despite the challenges the Haliburton’s previous sports source had finding a buyer, Karam said they do not see any risk in their venture, adding it takes a special type of person to enter the brick-and-mortar retail sector.

“You have to have tenacity, you have to be really all-in on that so it doesn’t surprise me the store could be up for sale for some time and not be purchased,” he said. “What we really wanted to do was bring a new approach to the sporting goods space.”

“Haliburton County itself is a sport-oriented town,” Nesbitt said, describing a sports shop as a necessity for the community. “I’m so happy with that enthusiasm we’ve had thus far in our first week and look forward to seeing more new and familiar faces.”

We’ll all be home for Christmas…and then some

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Lisa Gervais

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December 23, 2020

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LG-indoor Christmas horizontal 2 — The Thomas family plays a board game inside their home in Carnarvon. Like many families, they are planning to stay at home from Boxing Day for the forseeable future. Photo by Lisa Gervais.

Local businesses are bracing for challenging times ahead as the province announced Dec. 21 it is plunging Haliburton County and the rest of Ontario into another lockdown.

Premier Doug Ford said the restrictions would begin Dec. 26. The move means the end of indoor organized gatherings beyond households, no dine-in at restaurants and most retail limited to curbside pickup or delivery. The municipality is grouped into southern Ontario, where the lockdown will last for at least 28 days. Businesses began posting notices about announcements to come as they sorted through the new restrictions.

Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce president, Andrea Strano, said the new rules are going to hurt.

“We must rally around our local businesses and support them,” she said. “Because I believe a second lockdown is even more devastating than the first.”

Provincial COVID-19 cases continue to surge, with more than 2,200 announced Dec. 22 and still trending upward. Cases in the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit are also increasing, but that is predominantly in Northumberland. The County has zero confirmed active cases as of Dec. 22, and none since Dec. 9.

“We’ve seen very, very low numbers here in Haliburton County so I understand why people are going to be angry and disappointed by this news,” Strano said. “Additional support measures from the federal and provincial government will be needed.”

The province did announce a new grant Dec. 21 providing between $10,000- $20,000 for eligible small businesses. Ford further said the move was a necessary step and directly addressed regions such as HKPR under lower-level restrictions.

“The risk of interprovincial travel and further spread is a big concern,” he said. “We see people are moving from region to region and bringing COVID with them. The health officials are telling us province-wide action is needed to break these trends.”

Warden Liz Danielsen also said there is considerable travel in and out of the County. She added it may seem like a harsh measure, but COVID numbers are increasing and the health sector is taxed.

“Let’s all do everything we can to ensure its effectiveness,” Danielsen said. “We may be suffering from COVID overload, but we have to act responsibly to keep our numbers down.”

Several types of operations will be outright closed, including ski hills like Sir Sam’s Ski and Ride, swimming pools, museums, tours and personal care services. Others will be allowed to open, but with more limited capacity or stringent protocols.

“While this is devastating news for the ski industry, we must do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” Sir Sam’s management said in a Facebook post.

Haliburton Forest general manager Tegan Legge said the business will take a hit with several of their attractions closing, including their wolf centre, ice fishing and guided tours. Still, she said she has a positive outlook after a successful summer and fall.

“It’s not going to affect a lot of what the locals could do here anyway. Our recreational trails can still be open. The restaurants can still be open for pickup,” Legge said. “When it comes to the health and safety of everyone in the province – and we see the increasing cases coming along – it was long overdue to do a lockdown.”

Strano said she is proud of how local businesses have persevered so far, but they need significant help through the coming weeks.

“I’m remaining hopeful that they will continue to do so and come out on the other side with their shirts on their back still, but it’s going to take a village,” she said. “We need the support of this entire community.”

Dysart budget starts at zero per cent increase

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Lisa Gervais

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December 22, 2020

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Dysart et al began its 2021 budget deliberations starting from a zero per cent increase to its side of the property tax Dec. 11.

Councillors reviewed the first draft budget provided by staff, which maintains the taxation rate from 2020.

Mayor Andrea Roberts said the budget may not finish there, but complimented the start. “A zero per cent budget is prudent and responsible in these times and it’s a great, great starting point,” Roberts said.

Sculpture forest seeks support

The Haliburton Sculpture Forest presented to Dysart council Dec. 15 seeking an annual $12,500 contribution from the municipality.

Forest board chair Barb Bolin and curator Jim Blake highlighted how visitors doubled this past summer, from approximately 9,000 to 18,000. However, they said the increased popularity of the forest means trails wearing down, requiring more resources and operating dollars.

“We realized the sculpture forest has hit a tipping point,” Bolin said.

Mayor Andrea Roberts said council would consider the request at an upcoming budget meeting.

Rails End Gallery asks for help

The Rails End Gallery also sought support from council as it struggles with less foot traffic and events due to the pandemic.

Director Laurie Jones asked council to cover propane and hydro expenses at the facility – which would amount to approximately $6,250 annually – in addition to the $50,000 contribution the municipality already pays.

Coun. Larry Clarke, the council representative on the gallery board, said arts are important to the community and tourism.

“I don’t think what Laurie is asking for is unreasonable. It’s been a very challenging year for just about anybody that has to rely on foot traffic,” Clarke said. “We have to support our partnerships.”

Roberts also said the council would consider the request for the budget.

Septic program under new management

Council approved Toronto-based WSP to take over its septic re-inspection program.

The company was the only one to bid for the contract and currently manages the programs in Algonquin Highlands and Minden Hills. The cost will be revenue-neutral for the municipality, but the company will charge property owners $257.64 including HST over the course of the program. The program will restart next year in May, with the remaining inspection areas expected to be finished by 2025.

Coun. John Smith asked whether homeowners could have their properties examined ahead of schedule by other qualified inspectors and add a septic tank pump out, which is no longer municipally mandated.

Chief Building Officer Karl Korpela said WSP would have to agree to review reports from other inspectors. but added that should not be an issue.

Smith was the only councillor to vote against the bid and expressed concern about WSP being the only bid on the contract, and not using local providers. (Dysart et al news compiled by Joseph Quigley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter).

Haliburton entering COVID lockdown

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Lisa Gervais

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December 21, 2020

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JQ - COVID update - 2 — A microscopic image of the virus that causes COVID-19. Photo via Flikr.

Haliburton will enter a minimum 28-day lockdown starting Dec. 26 alongside southern Ontario as the province attempts to reduce COVID-19 cases.

The province announced Dec. 21 it would begin a province-wide lockdown, starting on Boxing Day. The move means the end of indoor organized gatherings beyond households, no dine-in at restaurants, most retail limited to curbside or delivery, amongst other restrictions.

Haliburton currently has no active COVID-19 cases, but provincial officials said province-wide action is necessary. More than 2,000 new cases were announced in Ontario Dec. 21.

“The risk of interprovincial travel and further spread is a big concern,” Premier Doug Ford said. “We see people are moving from region to region and bringing COVID with them. The health officials are telling us province-wide action is needed to break these trends.”

The winter break for schools will also be extended until Jan. 11. Grades K-8 will return to classrooms on that date, while Grades 9-12 will have two weeks of online learning before returning to schools Jan. 25.

A full list of the lockdown measures is available at https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open#lockdown.

More to come.

Tourism plan charts expanded vision

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Lisa Gervais

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December 18, 2020

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JQ - County tourism plan - 2 — An image from the new five-year destination management plan for Haliburton County. The plan recommends a series of improvements for local tourism. Photo via MMGY NextFactor.

After a year-and-a-half of effort, consultant MMGY NextFactor unveiled a new vision of Haliburton County tourism to council Dec. 11.

The Vancouver-based company presented a five-year destination management plan, completed after several workshops with the tourism sector since May 2019. It outlines how local tourism could be improved, pushing for strategic priorities such as strengthening community collaboration, diversifying destination development and enhancing the local brand.

Executive consultant, Kathleen Frankford, said the County should remain focused on implementing the plan in the best interests of the majority of stakeholders, not the 20 per cent or so who may disagree.

“This is based on data and science, based on stakeholder input,” Frankford said. “You’re always going to have people in the community who don’t agree with everything the organization is doing, but the most successful organizations have been those who have been focused and remained on course.”

The stated destination vision is Haliburton County as a place “where residents and visitors celebrate the essence of Canada’s outdoor and creative spirit,” meant to harken back to the area’s blend of nature and creative self-expression. The plan offers 14 action items, ranging from developing a resident sentiment survey, to developing more niche tourism products and expanding marketing efforts.

The strategy makes several points about expanding the range of tourism offerings in the County, including food, arts, culture and evening experiences. Senior vice president, Greg Oates, said outdoors remains the focal point but those other experiences can increase how much time and money tourists spend here.

“Convince people to spend more money and come out of their cabins and visit other parts of the community,” Oates said.

Coun. Patrick Kennedy of Dysart et al said it needs to be considered in the context of COVID-19, which boosted the winter population and demand for service.

“We also have to hit the pause button. I think we have to ask – how many is too many? Our lakes are overcrowded,” Kennedy said. “While we have this plan, it also highlights the problems that we currently have and will have in the future.”

Coun. Carol Moffatt of Algonquin Highlands said the County should integrate the plan into what it is already doing, including the service delivery review and addressing capacity challenges. She also said what resonated most with her was the highlighting of community alignment.

“Its success or its failure is only going to rely on the community’s ability and willingness to actually work together. There has been, historically, over a long, long time, a disappointing amount of in-fighting and criticism,” Moffatt said. “I just look forward to seeing this move forward.”

Council formally adopted the plan at its Dec. 16 meeting.

Dysart debates look of new retail complex

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Lisa Gervais

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December 18, 2020

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JQ - Dysart commercial development - 1 — Dysart staff added wooden features to a sketch by Marnac Management Corp. depicting a future retail store on Hops Drive in Haliburton. Photo submitted.

Dysart et al council approved elevation drawings for a new commercial development at Hops Drive by a 4-3 vote after a divide over the appearance of the stores.

Toronto-based Marnac Management Corp. is planning to build at the locale on County Road 21 in Haliburton, including a 10,000 square-foot retail store, a restaurant with a drive-thru and a gas bar.

Council approved the draft site-plan agreement Oct. 27 with conditions, including more work on the elevations along the exterior of the building.

Senior planner Kris Orsan said Marnac offered to add minimal features over the entrance of one building, but they suggested Marnac should develop the exteriors more – adding things like wood or brick along the entire front face of the buildings to meet the vision of the municipality. But the developer instead asked its proposal, lacking more added features, be brought to council.

“Commercial development outside the central business area should be developed in a matter that meets the intent of the municipality’s policies,” Orsan said. “These areas are the gateway to the community.”

Orsan said more articulation would “enhance the unique built form and natural character of the community.” He also noted the municipality required this of other large developments like Home Hardware and the Gardens of Haliburton.

Coun. John Smith said he agreed with the staffs’ perspective.

“We got a chance to ensure it is built right or to ensure it looks like an ugly box that could be located in any community,” Smith said. “Council needs to be consistent.”

“We’re not asking for the sky and moon. Just reconsideration for something that’s going to benefit the long-term,” Coun. Larry Clarke said.

But Coun. Walt McKechnie opposed them and said the municipality should approve the developer’s drawings and not risk losing the project.

“We should try to work with him more instead of always throwing up roadblocks,” McKechnie said. “The mistake was made a long, long time ago where the facades are not all this rustic look that we’re trying to create. Every building is different and we’re no different than most small towns. This is a big investment.”

In a recorded vote, councillors McKechnie, Nancy Wood-Roberts and Tammy Donaldson voted in favour of approving the developer’s elevations, while deputy mayor Patrick Kennedy and councillors Smith and Clarke voted against.

Mayor Andrea Roberts was the tiebreaking vote and went in favour of the developer’s proposal.

“I don’t think this is a battle I want to keep fighting,” she said.

‘Olly’ turns $5 find into $8,400 community bonanza

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Lisa Gervais

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December 17, 2020

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JQ - $5 donation - 1 — Oliver Williams stands at the Haliburton Foodland with a $5 bill. His $5 donation to the food bank inspired others including the grocery store to raise $8,400 for the food bank. See the story on page 20. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

When eight-year-old Oliver Williams came upon a $5 bill outside the A.J. LaRue Arena after playing hockey Dec. 5, he originally imagined spending it on a Christmas gift for his grandmother.

His mother, Chyna Schell, said after coming across OPP doing a food bank drive outside the Haliburton Foodland, Oliver was inspired and wanted to donate for that cause. Oliver did so, and Schell posted about it on Instagram.

But the family did not expect the post to go viral, inspiring people to provide their own small donations – raising more than $2,700 for the Haliburton 4Cs Food Bank in the span of one week, matched by both Foodland and CDH Carpentry Dec. 12. The final tally was $8,400.

“I feel like they feel good too, like me,” Oliver said of the donators inspired by him. “It’s been very good.”

Schell said the power of social media is incredible, adding most of the donations are small, with only a couple more than $100.

“So cool to see it spread,” she said. “Good news travels far. We all need a lot more of it lately because our lives this year haven’t been filled with joy and the amount of joy that’s come out of this week has just been so wonderful.”

Eleanor Dobbins and Chris Dobbins of CDH Carpentry said the story moved them to make the matching donation.

“We were really inspired by what Olly had started,” she said.

“It’s truly amazing,” Chris Dobbins added. “The boy’s an inspiration for the rest of the kids in Haliburton.”

Schell said the experience has taught the whole family valuable life lessons.

“Incredible to watch my kids learn that every little bit counts. But I’m benefiting just as much,” she said. “I didn’t even realize how much I would walk past a donation box and think, I only have a five, I only have a couple of bucks. I should give when I have a bit more … I’m never going to do that again. Every little bit helps.”

She said in a year where people may not have as much to give, working together can go a long way.

“There is strength in numbers,” Schell added. “When we come together and we give a little bit each, it makes a huge difference.”

COVID dances Nutcracker off stage

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Lisa Gervais

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December 17, 2020

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CA-nutcracker cancelled — Heritage Ballet’s Julie Barban works on the 2019 Nutcracker

By Carolyn Allder

For some, December is synonymous with the Nutcracker in Haliburton County. It’s been the time when dancers from Heritage Ballet, after months of practice, would finally be able to show what they have been working on. But this year there will be no local production of the Nutcracker.

Heritage Ballet owner, Julie Barban, said she made the decision to cancel what would have been the 17th annual production because of rising COVID19 numbers.

In September, Barban was starting to plan holding this year’s production outside in Head Lake Park in Haliburton. She officially made the decision to cancel last month.

Brianne Pocket says Nutcracker is part of her family’s Christmas tradition.

“I miss the whole shebang. The fact that it is something that both my kids and I are fully involved in, the time spent with some of my best friends, watching the heart that Julie (Barban) puts into it, seeing the dedication from every person involved on stage and off and the spirit that it brings to the community,” she said.

Barban said she’s comforted in knowing how special the production is to the community.

“People have told me it’s their Christmas tradition, it starts the holiday season for them.”

Barban added there are two scenes in the ballet which she loves and will miss this year, the Snowflake scene and the Pas a Deux.

“It’s quite magical when you watch it with the costumes and the lighting and music. The last scene is also my favourite. It’s bittersweet because it’s so beautiful but it’s also the end of the show.”

Barban said while she hasn’t started planning next year’s production, she’s optimistic it will be good and welcomed with open arms by the community