COVID numbers rise as County vaccines begin

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March 18, 2021

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

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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.”

Dysart overhauling landfills

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Lisa Gervais

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March 13, 2021

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JQ - Haliburton landfill overhaul - 1 — Many tonnes of compostable waste end up in municipal landfills around Haliburton. File.

Dysart at al council is planning to make significant changes to waste management services, including reducing hours, a three-bag household limit and more restrictions for construction and industrial waste.

Staff proposed changes to committee of the whole March 9. It came in response to a series of reports, including a service delivery review, recommending the municipality alter how it runs its landfills.

The changes include reducing hours at the Kennisis Lake, Harcourt and West Bay landfills. The municipality will also change its weekly residential waste limit from one cubic tonne to three clear bags.

“Gone are the days we go to the dump whenever you want,” Roberts said. “People will adjust to whatever the changes are. I think we have to be fair to the whole township … Everything we are doing in this sector is costing more and more year after year.”

The changes are proposed to take effect May 1. Kennisis Lake will lose Saturday openings in the winter. Harcourt will lose its Thursday winter hours and in the summer shift to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and holiday Mondays. West Bay will now be closed on Tuesdays and have its summer hours shifted to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday and 12-6 p.m. on holiday Monday. West Guilford will open for two additional hours on Sundays in the summer. Staff justified the changes based on traffic counts and expect to save more than $17,000 annually.

Council also agreed to stop the collection of asbestos-containing materials, contaminated soil, large demolition projects. It is also upping its construction and demolition waste fees from $50 per cubic yard to $60 and from $100 per cubic yard to $120 if it contains garbage or recycling.

Landfills will also not accept five or more cubic yards of garbage from industrial, commercial, or institutional generators and will not accept compacted garbage.

Environmental manager, John Watson, said many recommendations have come forward from complementary reports well-researched by consultants.

“Dysart is not necessarily leading the pack,” Watson said. “In some instances, we would be catching up to those practices in neighbouring communities.”

However, council refused several of the changes, including upping fees from $2 to $5 for several household waste violations, such as containing 10 per cent visible recycling.

Council did not come to a decision on yard waste, currently accepted for free. Staff proposed a $5 fee for bags and $10 per cubic yard of loose material. They directed staff to bring a follow-up report with more information.

Deputy Mayor Patrick Kennedy said he was concerned about increased confrontation and slowdowns by upping fees. He added that people could dump yard waste on the roadside.

“This looks like minimum revenue, maximum aggravation for our taxpayers,” Kennedy said.

Council also considered a proposal to open the Haliburton landfill up from five to seven days per week due to high traffic counts but balked at the $52,226 annual price tag for staffing that.

“It’s a lot of money,” Roberts said. “We have a lot of opportunity for people to get to the landfill.”

The slate of changes will be forwarded to council for discussion and final approval. Council’s next meeting is March 23.

The Interview: Ashley McAllister

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 11, 2021

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Q: Tell us a bit about yourself?

A: I grew up in Haliburton, went to JDH and HHSS. My mom started a video rental store called Press Play to teach my brother and I job skills when we were in high school and I wrote a very embarrassing movie review column for the local paper called the Flick Chick.

After university, I moved back to Haliburton, bought a house on the same lake I grew up on, about four years ago. I volunteer for a few different events, including Hike Haliburton and Fashion Fallies and I’m on the committee for our local Rotaract club and the Highland Yard.

Q: What have you been doing prior to this position?

A: I was the national manager for a non-profit organization called Lawn Summer Nights for seven years. LSN was a lawn bowling tournament targeted toward young professionals. During my time there, we raised more than $4.5 million through peer-to-peer fundraising events for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Q: How do you feel about getting the AG job?

A: I’m excited. I love Haliburton, and moving home meant that I was able to reconnect with a lot of people. But since I was working remotely for an organization that wasn’t based here, it felt like I was “in” the community without actually being a part of it, especially since my job meant I travelled a lot in the summer when Haliburton really shines. Being able to bring my experience with fundraising, special events, and non-profit work to Abbey Gardens has given me the opportunity to actively engage with the community, particularly during a time where the region is seeing a lot of new growth and change.

Q: Clearly at AG, it’s not just a job – there is a philosophy there – what can you tell me about how your ideals are in synch with the vision there.

A: Everything Abbey Gardens does is rooted in sustainability and a desire to serve the community. The local food initiatives, educational programming, and business partners on site contribute to the economic development of Haliburton County. Abbey Gardens is meeting a need to provide activities, jobs, and of course, locally grown food that stays in our community.

The work I’ve done with Rotaract on projects like the Basic Needs Bags or the work we do at Highland Yard for Places for People is also rooted in that same goal, to support every member of our community in as many ways as we can. It feels like a good fit.

Q: A lot has been done to date, what other plans are there in the works?

A: I’m very fortunate that Heather (Reid) has left such a strong foundation for me. There’s a solid team that are truly excellent at what they do, and so the things that make Abbey Gardens so special, like the garden, Food Hub, and educational programming will continue to grow, under their expertise, as the needs of the community do.

My goal is to build on that foundation and focus on new initiatives that can increase our fundraising reach and allow us to create more diverse opportunities for visitors to interact with the site. Abbey Gardens is such a fascinating destination, and there’s a lot of excitement around the things we’re doing with our existing audience. Extending that reach so that more people can come in and experience the Food Hub, tour the gardens, meet the heritage animals, walk the trails – that’s going to remain the core objective of our development plans.

Q: What do you bring to the organization?

A: I feel very lucky that I have the perspective of a local, someone who grew up here and worked in the community as a teenager, coupled with my professional experience, working for a non-profit with a national reach in partnership with a large, well-known charity. It allows me to take what I’ve learned growing an organization to a multimilliondollar donor base and apply it to an organization that serves my community.

My family is here, my friends are here, and living here myself I know what the gaps are in the County and what needs we need to meet as a community to help us all flourish. I’m grateful that I get to bring my ideas for how we can better leverage the passionate volunteer and donor base we have here in Haliburton to help us address those thing

Vote for Alex and his pickle soup

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 11, 2021

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A well-known local chef is vying for the title of the world’s Favorite Chef.

Alex McCracken, best known for his catering company, The In House Chef, is part of an online competition being hosted by celebrity chef, Eddie Matney. The competition is benefitting Feeding America, since it’s U.S.-based.

The winner will receive $50,000 and be featured in a two-page advertising spread in ‘Bon Appetit’ magazine.

Public voting will determine the winner, to be announced on April 8.

McCracken said he decided to enter the contest after it came up in one of his feeds on Facebook.

“And I thought, what the heck?”

Online voting is making the local Facebook rounds.

“I’m well-known around the County, I have many clients (past and present) and have created memorable weddings, reunions, birthdays, dinner parties, etc. for many local people,” he said.

If he wins, he would like to begin production of his signature pickle soup. In addition, he said he would make a donation to local food banks.

McCracken has participated in, donated time and gift certificates and prizes to many local fundraisers in the County through Sir Sandford Fleming College and ‘Feast of Foods’ and other fundraisers to benefit local food banks and related causes.

Turning 51 this week, he has been a chef for 30 years.

He became certified as a chef in 1994 (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology). Prior to that he worked in hospitality and has always had a keen interest in cooking. He said it was fostered by his grandmother who taught him how to bake.

Helen and Moss McCracken were wellknown to the students of Haliburton Highlands Secondary School growing up as they ran the cafeteria kitchen.

The Lochlin resident started The In House Chef in 2000. Prior to that, he worked in just about every resort and restaurant in the area, from the Wigamog, to Bonnieview, The Pinestone, Sir Sam’s, Old Country House and Twin Lakes Resort.

To vote, go to favchef.com/2021/alexmccracken

Ethical vaccinations

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 11, 2021

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by Dr. Nell Thomas

We are experiencing the largest vaccination campaign in human history.

Thanks to global collaboration of more than 1,500 agencies, we are witnessing an unprecedented choreographed-on-thefly immunization program that has, in three months, administered 349,398,520 vaccines – as of March 9 – globally. The most rapid and complex vaccine rollout in history requires creative choreographers, in this case the World Health Organization (WHO), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (founded by Bill and Melinda Gates). Together, these powerful groups are leading COVAX, a global vaccine-sharing plan to ensure all countries have access to vaccinations.

Backed by the UN and supported on the ground by Unicef (a partner in delivery of the vaccines), COVAX is part of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a ground-breaking global collaboration that is accelerating the development, production and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines. They plan to obtain and distribute two billion doses of vaccine by the end of 2021. That includes 1.3 billion to the developing regions that are eligible for support through the pooled resources available from COVAX (92 lower income economies are eligible).

Equitable access. Isn’t it a warm feeling to know that everyone will have equal access to COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of ability to pay? Not including COVID-19, vaccinating saves two to three million lives annually.

Within Canada, extensive ethical analyses have guided the phased rollout of COVID19 vaccination. Who is most vulnerable to infection? Who is most at risk of contracting the virus? And of those, who is most likely to have complications, or die? Who can society not risk losing in this pandemic? Who, most reasonably, is able to wait a little longer to be immunized? It is no surprise that our most vulnerable, our long-term care residents, were first to receive their vaccines.

All of these difficult questions would not be necessary if there was an instant and abundant supply of vaccine, and a magical wand to distribute them. But resources are limited and strategic planning is unfolding in real time by people learning critical details (how to store, ship, unpack, prepare, how many vaccines are coming, from where, and to where) every hour of each new day.

In Ontario, the three-phase rollout is on target. Data as of March 8: 21,882 daily doses administered, 912,486 total doses so far, and 273,676 people fully vaccinated. In Canada, as of March 6, 565,719 people have received their second dose, 1,821,470 have received their first dose.

And as of March 8, globally, there have been 116,521,281 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,589,548 deaths reported.

But some people remain hesitant, despite the very positive track record of immunization. Remember that COVID Corner article on Smallpox eradication? The only disease to have been successfully eradicated by vaccination. How have vaccines changed human history? The average number of smallpox deaths annually per million people between the years 1700 and 1797, when there were no vaccines, was 3,000. That annual average dropped to 417 between the years 1838 and 1853 when vaccination was optional, and dropped again to 214 between 1857 and 1866 when vaccination was compulsory. And then when vaccination was enforced, between the years 1889 and 1898, the number dropped to 10.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information reported the total number of health care workers infected with COVID19 has tripled since July, 2020. By January 15, 2021, health care workers accounted for over 65,920 (less than nine per cent) of Canada’s 695,707 confirmed cases. In Canada, as of February 27, 52.8 per cent of health care workers and 85.29 per cent of seniors living in group settings had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Now that sounds like ethical vaccination.

A pandemic year

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 11, 2021

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As Haliburton County marks the one-year anniversary of this global pandemic, it seemed fitting to reflect on the year that was and ponder what the remainder of 2021 may hold.

In many ways, COVID-19 has highlighted the very best, and very worst, of the Highlands.

The best?

Living in a rural setting has insulated the County from the worst of this pandemic. It is astounding to think that we have had only one death that can somehow be attributed to it.

The fact there have been only 51 cases to date, three hospitalizations, and no new cases for about a month is something to be celebrated.

It may be due to our geographic isolation, versus the City of Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County. It might be attributable to people following public health guidelines. It could be just luck. Whatever the reason, we remain grateful.

Parts of our economy have flourished. We have seen the real estate and building industries take off. People have fled, and continue to flee, the GTA to buy or build locally. New builds and renovations have kept the tradespeople of the County busy and it’s been reflected in the sales at some retail stores, particularly hardware. We’ve also seen garden centres flourish.

We have also seen social service agencies – and the general public – respond to those most in need. Whether SIRCH and its frozen meals or food banks, the community has endeavoured to ensure no one goes hungry. There have been clothing drives, the 4Cs Lily Ann, the Thrift Warehouse and church-based organizations to make sure no one is without clothing. The YWCA Peterborough-Haliburton makes sure women and children at risk, who reach out, have shelter. And organizations such as Places for People and the KLH Housing Corporation continue to work towards affordable housing targets. On the mental health side of the ledger, agencies have stepped up to the plate.

While the economy has sustained some major hits – thanks to two lengthy lockdowns – the business community has been resilient. We have not seen many businesses close. They have somehow held on. Supports from upper levels of government have helped, including the millions of dollars the Haliburton County Development Corporation has been able to dish out.

The worst?

Probably the discord between full-time and seasonal residents. Fear can be ugly and divisive. The vitriol appears to have died down. With spring here and cottagers to arrive again en masse from May, we would hope a peaceful co-existence can return.

One only has to peek at social media to see how the stress has caused some people to lash out. As a community, we have been less tolerant. We have been more judgmental. We have been selfish.

Looking to the remainder of 2021, we are now hearing that every one of us who wants should be vaccinated by June 20. It is hard to know how our summer will look. Already some major events have been cancelled for a second year. We anticipate an abnormal summer, though not as peculiar as the summer of 2020. The fall should bring a return to normalcy.

Much has been learned. The Highlands has shown itself to be a wonderful place to ride out a pandemic (Internet and cell challenges not withstanding). We’ll never take for granted our lakes, rocks, trees and wide-open spaces again. We’ll heal and hopefully be a kinder and more gentle community as we close this remarkable chapter in all of our lives.

Dorset tower staying shut after property opens

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 11, 2021

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Algonquin Highlands Emergency Control Group (EOCG) has decided the Dorset Tower property will reopen for the season May 17, but the tower structure itself will remain off-limits.

Council discussed the decision at its March 4 meeting. The only thing the EOCG didn’t decide is how much of a fee reduction the municipality will offer visitors for the loss of the popular Dorset climb and vantage point.

Manager of parks, recreation and trails, Chris Card, said that during EOCG discussions Feb. 17, it was decided the tower structure should remain closed because of difficulties in ensuring proper disinfection, social distancing, and the staffing required. However, people could still access peek-a-boo rock, other groundbased lookouts and the gift shop, he said.

With that in mind, he said the EOCG was recommending a discounted rate of 25 per cent in fees for visiting the attraction.

“The 25 per cent reduction would reflect the loss of one of the four attractions available while ensuring revenue to offset the operating costs of the location, which will not decrease,” Card said in a written report.

He emphasized that costs at the tower will remain the same despite the discount.

“This would allow us to get some people through the gate where last year we still had costs associated with managing some of the traffic around the tower in the form of OPP traffic control etcetera without bringing in any revenues,” he said.

However, Deputy Mayor Liz Danielsen said the tower is the greatest attraction, so urged the EOCG to consider a larger reduction, perhaps 40 or 50 per cent. Coun. Lisa Barry agreed. Coun. Julia Shortreed noted it was not a lot of money either way.

Coun. Jennifer Dailloux wondered about shutting down the tower property completely during peak leaf season in 2021 to offset the need for OPP control and “pretty steep” billing.

However, Mayor Carol Moffatt said even with the property closed in 2020 “there was still a bit of a circus.” She said the $30,000 OPP bill can be anticipated again this year “because the message just doesn’t seem to get out there.”

Card said the OPP did lay trespassing charges last year as people were lining up and not showing much regard to barricades and signage.

Council decided to send the discount discussion back to the EOCG.

When a decision is made, it will be posted on the Tower website, there will be signage at the entrance, and gatehouse staff would explain the situation before taking people’s funds, Card said.

Council also voted to resume taking registrations at the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails effective March 29. Card said they would still have to charge a $10 per COVID-19 campsite cancellation, as they have associated costs.

Summer event cancellations

The Township of Algonquin Highlands EOCG is cancelling Stanhope Heritage Day, Dorset Heritage Day and Oxtongue Lake Community Centre Canada Day celebrations for 2021.

“This decision is being made in consideration of the timelines required for the organizing of these events, which includes the dedication and commitment of the many volunteers associated with running them,” a March 8 media release stated.

It added that the Dorset Arts, Crafts and Antiques Sale and Dorset Community Garage Sale will be assessed relative to the state of the pandemic.

Road surface treatment

Council awarded the tender for 2021 surface treatments. Interim operations manager, Brian Nicholson, said they did a joint tender with the County of Haliburton and received four bids.

The winning bid was Miller Paving Limited for $245,899.80 plus taxes. The township has budgeted $265,235. The roads put forward for single surface treatment with a fog seal applied are: Elliot Road, Tom Parris Road, Gervais Road, Algonquin Outfitters Road, Oxtongue Lake Road, Blue Spruce Road, Harris Road and Windy Point Road.

Nicholson said public works would prepare the roads with sweeping and spray patching and it was hoped the work could be done from the beginning of June to the start of September.

Correction: A previous version of this article said council had decided to keep the Dorset Tower structure off-limits for the season. In fact, the decision was made by the municipal emergency operations centre. The Highlander apologizes for the error.