Public will be asked for input on police plan

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May 27, 2021

The County has decided on the format of a new police detachment board that will help oversee law-enforcement decisions.

A steering committee for the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan opted for a seven-member board, including up to five elected municipal representatives. The Ontario-mandated board will also feature a provincial appointee and a community representative.

Municipalities must submit detachment board proposals by June 7.

“Seven makes the most sense,” committee chair and Coun. Carol Moffatt said. “It allows the people who pay the bill to have the decision-making authority to keep costs where they need to be. It’s optimal.”

Consulting firm StrategyCorp recommended seven. The board will replace the Community Policing Advisory Committee, which previously connected municipal officials and police.

Moffatt said there is some concern about appointees and the province’s ability to find them.

“We can’t do anything about that,” Moffatt said. “We could probably expect that seat will remain vacant for quite some time.”

Meanwhile, the County is planning to get the public involved for feedback to create the plan. It will involve multiple stakeholder groups helping guide a community approach to safety, including social development, prevention, and risk intervention.

The County will create an advisory committee to help oversee the plan, before working with focus groups, namely the HSPCN (Haliburton County Service Providers Network). There will also be a public consultation, with StrategyCorp interviewing community members through video conferencing.

StrategyCorp manager Lauren Wyman said there will be discussion topics and questions pre-circulated to ensure consultation is on topic.

“If some bring something up and it’s not within the scope,” Wyman said. “Put a pin in it and let them know that’s just not something that’s going to be addressed here.”

The date of the public consultation has yet to be determined.

StrategyCorp principal John Matheson said the plan can do a lot to help improve collaboration between different organizations, but it will take some flexible thinking.

“I look at it as a really positive way to bust up silos that get in the way of serving the public,” Matheson said. “But it’s not going to be an easy task.”

Report: tax hikes needed for Dysart infrastructure

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Lisa Gervais

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May 27, 2021

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Dysart et al is bracing to spend $854,800 more annually to catch up on needed infrastructure renewal, potentially adding a 1.7 per cent increase to its tax levy annually.

Council approved a new asset management plan May 25. The plan provides insight into the state of municipal bridges, roads and other infrastructure, making recommendations on needed capital spending.

The report from Mississauga-based consultant Watson and Associates Economists Ltd. found although the average bridge condition index (BCI) is rated as “fair” with an average of 60.5, seven vehicle bridges are in poor condition, as well as two culvert and two footbridges.

The plan projects the municipality will have to significantly up capital expenditures to meet lifecycle costs of infrastructure over the next 10 years, including an annual 1.7 per cent increase to the tax levy – above and beyond any other reasons for raising taxes.

“This really is holding us to the task,” Mayor Andrea Roberts said. “To make sure we are maintaining our assets.”

The plan also anticipates an 8.1 per cent increase in wastewater billing revenues will be needed annually for the wastewater treatment plant, possibly offset by a growth in the customer base.

The firm found the municipality spent approximately $3,304,528 in capital expenses in 2021. It estimates the municipality needs to increase that to $4,159,314 annually over 10 years – a gap of $854,800. These extra dollars would ensure enough lifecycle funding, including for repairs and replacement.

“We are adding to reserves for our assets,” Roberts said. “But clearly, not enough.”

Coun. John Smith asked how the municipality compared to similar ones.

Managing partner Peter Simcisko said Dysart is ahead of the curve in asset management planning and provinciallymandated deadlines.

“Your asset management plan meets all those requirements now,” he said. “With the tax levy impacts we’re seeing for the tax-supported assets, I would say those came in somewhat lower than many other communities that have historically underinvested significantly.”

However, Simcisko added the wastewater revenues Dysart needs are on the higher end.

“It indicates that historic level of investment in wastewater infrastructure has been lower than it should have been.”

Roberts said the province mandated these plans because not enough municipalities are looking at the long-term picture.

“It’s fabulous that Dysart is ahead,” she said. “A lot of small municipalities are really still doing budgeting like oldfashioned ways, year over year.”

Hipcamp not so hip in Haliburton County

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Lisa Gervais

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May 27, 2021

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Algonquin Highlands’ mayor Carol Moffatt put the kibosh on residents considering listing their properties with Hipcamp during a council meeting May 20.

As seen advertised on Facebook, Hipcamp is an online company that offers outdoor stays and camping experiences via a website and mobile app. Private landowners primarily list campsites, RV space and cabins for users to discover and book based on listing type, location, landscape, activities offered, and amenities.

Moffatt said for those who don’t know about Hipcamp, it’s “where you can just rent out your land for people to camp.”

However, she added, “Just so everybody knows, you cannot rent your land out for people to camp on.”

She elaborated that under the township’s zoning bylaws, that would be deemed a camping establishment and is prohibited in the township.

“Unfortunately, some folks in Algonquin Highlands have decided that they’re going to just sign up with Hipcamp and have strangers camp on their land and that is not allowed. It is indicative of people’s desire to be out and about and break chains. I’m just using this opportunity to get out there that Hipcamp doesn’t fly, so don’t bother.”

The Highlander asked Dysart et al, Highlands East and Minden Hills about whether Hipcamp would be allowed in their jurisdictions.

Campsite reservations being flipped

Dysart et al director of planning, Jeff Iles, said, “as per the municipality’s zoning bylaw, camping is not permitted as a principal use on a residential property.”

Minden Hills’ planning supervisor Colin McKnight said he hadn’t had much time to investigate the issue, “but my initial thoughts are the same as the others. his wouldn’t be allowed without some sort of zoning exception.”

Highlands East did not respond as of press time.

The issue was raised during a discussion that also included how some people are selling off campsite reservations across the country, and internationally, during the pandemic.

Coun. Jennifer Dailloux asked parks, recreation and trails manager, Chris Card, about his thoughts on people making multiple reservations for the summer and the possible impact on the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails (HHWT).

She said she knows the township can charge administration or booking fees when people cancel but, “I just wanted to know if you’ve been thinking about those sorts of concerns, too?” Dailloux asked.

Card said he’d been hearing a number of things in the industry similar to Dailloux’s worries.

He said Algonquin Highlands’ policies preclude a person making multiple reservations under the same name for the same time frame. However, he said they could do so for different time frames. But he confirmed the township can charge a cancellation fee. He also thinks cancelled sites would be snapped up quickly.

He said he’d also read about selling off of campsite reservations but “I haven’t seen that, or been made privy to that happening here. I’m not even necessarily aware of how we’d be able to see that happening. But if I do find out about it, or see it happening, we may need to consider some sort of policy about resale or just some working around that,” Card said.

Province opens recreation for fun in the sun

By

Lisa Gervais

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May 26, 2021

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JQ - Outdoor rec open - 1 — Matthew Smith steps toward to hit a tennis ball at the Haliburton tennis courts. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

People flocked to enjoy outdoor recreation over the May long weekend as the province reopened facilities for golf, tennis and more May 22.

Outdoor recreational areas had been closed since April 17 as part of a lockdown in response to COVID-19 trends. This included golf courses, tennis courts, basketball courts, skateboarding parks and sports fields. Those facilities are now open, but physical distancing is still required, with limits of five people gathering outdoors.

James Smith visited the Haliburton tennis courts to play with his brother May 24. He said he was waiting a long time to enjoy the facility.

“It’s just nice to be outside again. It feels normal, it feels freeing,” Smith said. “They never should have closed, to be honest.”

Health officials have been clamouring for a loosening on restrictions for outdoor recreation, where COVID-19 transmission risks are lower. The Ontario Medical Association called for the move in a press release May 12.

The reopening comes as COVID-19 cases are falling in the province. Haliburton has three active cases as of May 22.

Gary Kent of Carnarvon Family Golf had awaited the start of the season, after a successful summer last year. He said there was plenty of traffic and it makes a significant difference opening for the long weekend. He said people did come from larger centres, though added it was kept safe.

“The people are coming up here to get away from the city. Get away from all the hectic COVID that’s going on there anyway,” Kent said. “They get up here, they’re outside, they’re all distanced, they’re all away from each other.”

But Kent said he could understand the province’s caution.

“I don’t want to catch the freaking COVID,” Kent said. “I was fine with it, being closed. If that’s what they have to do, then that’s okay.”

Michael Tripp visited the Haliburton skate park with his bike May 24 and said it was good to be back.

“It brings all riders and skaters together,” Tripp said. “Gives you an actual space to do your thing rather than go around town, ride off school things people may or may not want you to ride.”

Lockdown rules are still in effect otherwise, though the province has unveiled plans to start loosening restrictions in 21-day intervals if things continue to trend positively.

Smith said there are many benefits to having the extra chance for outdoor exercise.

“It’s the best kind of exercise. So many studies show being outside in nature is not just good for your physical health, but mental health,” Smith said. “I’d rather be outside than inside, for sure.”

Owners of Minden Home Hardware to take over Walkers

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Lisa Gervais

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May 25, 2021

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JQHomeHardware2web.jpg.3f029072 — Jerry Walker outside the Haliburton Home Hardware. File photo.

By Lisa Gervais

The owners of the Minden Home Hardware have confirmed that they have purchased the Haliburton Home Hardware from Jerry and Dale Walker.

Dan Moulton said he and wife, Emily, will make Haliburton their eighth store effective May 31.

“We’re so excited to be buying Haliburton Home Hardware,” Moulton told The Highlander on May 25.

He said they have known the Walkers for a long time, adding the well-known Haliburtonians had “built a great new store, but are now at the end of their careers and wanting to move on.”

The Walkers could not be immediately reached for comment.

Moulton added he and Emily feel “very fortunate” to be expanding into the Haliburton community.

He said they’ve built one store, and renovated others, so to walk into a new store is a new experience.

“The Walkers have built such a beautiful store which really has exceeded the expectations of the community.”

He acknowledged that taking over a store during a lockdown in a pandemic in June is a challenge.

Already, he said retailers are being taxed by curbside service since it’s not like they have an Amazon warehouse full of staff. Existing staff have had to take, fill and deliver orders. They’ll continue to do so until June 2 at the earliest.

“Our store in Minden, just like their store, has been so busy with curbside. It’s a pretty challenging way to do business. But we’re working hard to keep our community going, with everyone’s home and cottage building and renovation needs.

However, he added, “we are looking forward to seeing everyone again.”

They are also eagerly anticipating adding Haliburton’s team to theirs.

“We’re so excited and we’re just going to work hard at serving the community.”

The Moultons purchased the Minden Home Hardware in 2017.

Man found dead at Kawagama Lake

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Lisa Gervais

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May 21, 2021

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Police said they have recovered the body of a missing person on Kawagama Lake in Algonquin Highlands May 21.

OPP said they responded to an incident May 20 where a single vessel went into the water. It had two male occupants, but only one person made it back to shore.

Police, including resources from the Haliburton Highlands detachment, aviation services, Snowmobile ATV and Vessel Enforcement Unit, and the Underwater Search and Recover Unit investigated the scene May 20-21.

Haliburton Highlands OPP said a deceased male was recovered from the lake early in the afternoon May 21. The investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.

The Highlander will update this story as more information is provided.

Outdoor recreation open for long weekend

By

Lisa Gervais

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May 20, 2021

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Outdoor facilities such as the Dysart et al skate park were closed April 17 due to new COVID-19 restrictions. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

The Government of Ontario is opening up outdoor recreation facilities for the weekend starting May 22.

The province announced May 20 that due to COVID-19 trends, it would allow golf courses, tennis courts, basketball courts, skate parks, soccer fields, driving ranges and more to open. Outdoor gatherings are expanded to five people. All other restrictions will remain in effect.

The move comes ahead of a new three-step reopening plan the province announced, which will enable more openings every 21 days depending on trends for COVID-19 cases and vaccinations.

“As a result of the strict public health measures we introduced to stop the spread of COVID-19 variants, we are seeing a steady improvement in our situation as ICU and hospital numbers begin to stabilize,” Premier Doug Ford said. “We can now begin the process of a slow and cautious re-opening of the province in full consultation with our public health professionals.”

Health officials have been clamouring for a loosening on restrictions for outdoor recreation, where transmission risks are lower. The Ontario Medical Association called for the move in a press release May 12. Outdoor recreation has been closed since April 17.

The government also unveiled plans to start reopening the province in 21-day intervals. If COVID-19 cases continue to trend downward and 60 per cent of Ontarian adults reach one dose of vaccination, more restrictions will lift June 12. That could include outdoor gatherings allowing 10 people, outdoor dining with four people at a table and non-essential retail opening at 15 per cent capacity.

Further restrictions could lift in each 21-day interval if trends are good enough.

“Brighter days are ahead, and we believe this roadmap represents a path out of the pandemic and will encourage Ontarians to get vaccinated and to continue following public health advice,” Minister of Health Christine Elliott said.

Step two would further expand outdoor activities, with outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people. Personal care services where face coverings can be worn would reopen and indoor religious services could resume at 15 per cent capacity. It would require 70 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 20 per cent vaccinated with two doses.

Step three would expand access to indoor settings, including indoor sports and recreational fitness, dining, museums, art galleries, libraries and casinos with capacity limits. It would require 70 to 80 per cent of adults vaccinated with one dose and 25 per cent vaccinated with two doses.

Fitness experts go online to connect

By

Lisa Gervais

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May 20, 2021

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Kathy Carey decided to shift her focus when the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined her fitness business one year ago.

She has taught classes for 36 years, most recently out of the Blue Sky Studio. But with the health restrictions limiting class sizes, she opted to halt classes and focus more on herself using a Peloton bike, an exercise company that offers online workout sessions.

Carey said she is motivated by group fitness settings – and that finding a remote option has been a boon for her in the pandemic.

“I call it my COVID saviour,” Carey said. “You don’t see people, but you feel the same sort of connection. It’s very motivating … You have to find what works for you and you need a support system.”

The pandemic and repeated shutdowns have pushed the fitness world online, with more people turning toward remote learning. Gyms have frequently been closed or limited during the province’s three shutdowns, leaving people stuck at home for fitness.

Haliburton Yoga is a provider that transitioned online – something owner Lynda Shadbolt said she intends to continue after the pandemic. She said despite the hurdles, it has been a successful venture and allowed her to attract students from a wide range of places.

“It keeps me motivated because if I didn’t have people to teach and plan for, I wouldn’t do it,” Shadbolt said. “I need the community; I need the connection.”

Carey said there are plenty of online programs out there for people to keep fit in the latest shutdown and beyond. She said fitness is important to help both mental and physical wellbeing, but it can be difficult for people to get started in the current environment.

“The biggest problem is that people that have done nothing in so far as exercise,” she said. “Fear can be paralyzing, and it can be physically so hurtful and mentally hurtful … Do things, small goals and if you don’t have a bike or a treadmill and don’t have any money to invest in fitness, go out and walk. Get out the door.”

Shadbolt said Haliburtonians benefit from all the outdoor space that exists in the area.

“We are so lucky to live where we are. We have fresh air,” Shadbolt said. “If nothing else, just get outside.”

But the yoga instructor said there are also strong health benefits to finding an online group to work with.

“That is so important to our wellbeing because I think people are feeling cut off,” Shadbolt said.

“Having a practice of learning to stay in the present moment is, I think, really essential, because our minds can take us down so many negative things right now and that’s really not helpful.”

“No one is going to do it for us, and we all have to find that motivation,” Carey said. “Whatever it is, you just try to start gradually and make it achievable.”

Virtual clinic bridges patients and doctors

By

Lisa Gervais

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May 20, 2021

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Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) opened its virtual primary care clinic May 17 to help serve people without family doctors.

The clinic provides access to a regular doctor remotely through an Ontario Telemedicine Network video session. A nurse will assist in person to monitor the patient. The clinic will open two days a week in Minden and is available to anyone who lacks a family doctor living in Haliburton County.

HHHS vice president of community programs Stephanie MacLaren said it helps address the lack of primary care available in Haliburton.

“Primary capacity, in our community, similar to other, small, rural, communities, has been challenged,” MacLaren said. “We have more of a demand for primary care than we have supply.”

Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team executive director Kimberley Robinson said their waitlist for a doctor is approximately 1,000 people. Patients are taken based on the date of their request, with the list now at people who submitted in 2017.

The model began about five years ago, according to Virtual Family Physician Network director Sam Berman. He said it has run successfully in Midland, Campbellford, Peterborough and Smiths Falls, providing a stopgap as communities recruit doctors.

He said primary care is a fundamental human right, and telemedicine was a way to provide that more widely.

It helps “communities right across central Ontario, almost all of which have shortages of family physicians,”

Berman said. “We provide a full range of services a family doctor is supposed to provide.” Berman said ideally, a municipality recruits enough doctors, so it is not needed anymore. The County of Haliburton is trying to address that, hiring a full-time physician recruiter who helped bring two new ER doctors in 2020.

But in the meantime, doctors will see the same patients regularly. Berman added they will coordinate with local health resources. Doctors are also encouraged to visit their communities for a week or two to meet patients.

“We don’t see this with other models of virtual primary care, and that is his absolute commitment to collaborating with local family physicians,” MacLaren said. “His goal is to work himself out of a job.”

There are limitations, such as not treating infants, but Berman said the accompanying nurse is there to help with most things.

“We can probably do 85 per cent of what a family doctor could do if they were there in person,” Berman said.

The clinic will be open for two half-days per week by appointment only, Monday and Wednesday, though MacLaren said that could change based on demand. Appointments can be booked by contacting 705-457-2941 ext. 2294.

Parents to decide on bricks or clicks for fall

By

Lisa Gervais

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May 20, 2021

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by Kirk Winter

Haliburton County parents will be asked starting June 1 to select either brick and mortar learning or virtual learning for their children in the fall.

Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) director of education, Wes Hahn, told a May 11 board meeting that those decisions will go a long way to determine staffing and structures for 2021-2022.

“The ministry [of education] has clearly stated that they want kids registered in brick and mortar schools for September,” Hahn said.

However, he added, “We believe there will be the parental demand for a Learn at Home option. Funding for Learn at Home will not be what it was this year. If parents select Learn at Home, they need to understand that kids will not be able to move back and forth like they did this year. We want to get staffing settled as soon as we can,” the director said.

Trustee John Byrne asked what would be the minimum number of students required to offer the virtual elementary and secondary experience available this year.

“We know the number of students doing Learn at Home will be lower than this year. We will do the best with the money that we have,” Hahn said.

Byrne also questioned the feasibility of parents making a decision before a possible fourth wave of COVID this summer. He asked if there would be flexibility for student movement if such a thing happens.

“We will have to take a look at that with public health come summer,” Hahn said.

Haliburton area trustee Gary Brohman wanted to know how brick and mortar schools are going to operate in the fall and how they are going to be timetabled.

Hahn said, “There will be cohorting, although not as intensively as it is being done now. PPE usage and cleaning protocols will remain. We are expecting the octoblock or quadmester models [students study just one or two subjects at a time] to receive serious consideration again next fall.”

With regards to funding, the board now has its Grant for Student Needs (GSN) numbers, or how much it is getting per pupil, which will provide the bulk of the operating budget for the next school year but Hahn said he remains cautious.

“We are still working through the GSNs. It is very detailed this year because of the intertwining of COVID funding. There are a lot of complexities and decisions won’t be made till later in May and June,” he said.

Hahn also discussed vaccines and the impact they will have on educational planning over the next four months.

He said beginning May 6, all staff that come into direct contact with students were eligible to be vaccinated. By September, the board hopes all staff will be vaccinated.

“There is now the potential for students to be vaccinated. I think late August will look very different than where we are right now.”