A pandemic year

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March 11, 2021

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.

$3.25M to keep seniors at home longer

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 11, 2021

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MPP Scott and Haliburton Paramedics (1) — MPP Laurie Scott (centre) stands with Haliburton paramedics Carla Hill (left) and deputy chief Jo-Ann Hendry. The province announced $3.25 million for the community paramedicine program March 9. Photo submitted.

The province is providing Haliburton County $3.25 million to expand its community paramedicine for long-term care program.

The funding announced March 9 will be used to expand the program, which has paramedics use their expertise to do regular, non-emergency home visits to provide care and reduce emergency hospital trips. The province said the funding initiative, which began October 20 in five other communities, will help seniors on long-term care waitlists stay home longer.

Warden Liz Danielsen spoke positively about the news at a March 10 committee of the whole meeting.

“I look forward to seeing how this will roll out,” Danielsen said. “It’s a fabulous project and I know it’s a lot of work for you [County paramedic services chief] Tim [Waite], but I think it will be worthwhile in the end.”

Waite told council the dollars will be over three years, but logistics need to be worked out and a formal report will come to the March 24 meeting.

However, he reported Jan. 24 that the funding could see upwards of four additional community paramedics hired for full-time, three-year contracts, entirely funded by the provincial government.

“This new funding will help keep our loved ones at home longer and avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital,” Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott said. “Thanks to our Haliburton County Paramedic Service, this program will help even more seniors and has the potential to delay the need for long-term care.”

The initiative comes in response to increasing demand for long-term care. The province has said it is implementing the paramedicine expansion program in phases, with Haliburton County included in the second part.

Waite said the government is focusing on municipalities that already have community paramedicine with this intake.

“Expanding the program across the province means that more of our loved ones can access services from their own homes, potentially even delaying the need for long-term care,” Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton said.

Waite said Jan. 24 it is not certain whether the province would continue the funding after three years, but added individuals hired could be laid off at the end of the contract if needed.

County committee of the whole did not make a formal resolution March 10 but agreed to let the CAO and warden sign a transfer payment agreement to get the funding rolling.

Deputy warden Patrick Kennedy congratulated Waite for the local program’s success.

“Great program. You’ve really helped it mature and become a provincial leader,” he said.

Missing hikers located in QE II park

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 11, 2021

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After rescuing two hikers from Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park in Minden Hills March 5, OPP reminded hikers this week that proper planning and emergency preparedness are crucial for safety when planning outdoor activities.

Haliburton Highlands station commander, Liane Spong, said that at about 4:19 p.m., they responded to a call from a man saying he and his wife were missing somewhere in park after they went for a hike.

“The caller continued dialing 911 with updates however the cell phone reception was very poor,” Spong said. “The officers immediately responded and began their search.”

She said an OPP helicopter located the two but could not land due to the terrain and conditions.

At that point, Spong said emergency response team members went in utilizing OPP snowmobiles. Due to a water crossing, the ERT members had to walk for approximately 1.2 km to locate the missing hikers.

The 62-year-olds were located in good health.

“Whether your activity is during the summer or winter, on land or water, anywhere in Ontario, proper planning and emergency preparedness is crucial for your safety when planning outdoor activities,” Spong said.

Bridging connections with online art

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Lisa Gervais

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March 10, 2021

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JQ - Rails end online exhibition - 1 — Curator Laurie Jones stands next to some of the pieces for the Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre’s newest exhibition. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre seeks to help bridge the gaps between people with its first-ever online exhibition launched Feb. 27.

Titled “Connection,” the show presents submissions from its members, featuring a wide array of mediums. Besides a physical gallery still viewable at the centre under additional public protocols, it is also available on the centre’s website, with a guided virtual tour.

Curator Laurie Jones said she learned about the format from the Ontario Society of Artists and it was a way to improve access.

“Not everybody’s comfortable yet with being around, especially in public spaces,” Jones said.

The exhibition is an annual salon show, drawing from local talent, Jones said. The pandemic prompted the move to an online addition – and the theme for the show itself.

“It came up out of my own cravings for connections and missing people,” Jones said. “In many ways, we’re looking for alternate ways to connect.”

Artist Rosanna Dewey’s exhibition piece depicts one of those ways. It is an oil painting entitled “Zoom Room” depicting a call on the online meeting platform. She said the show’s theme was poignant.

“It’s so hard to be connected,” Dewey said. “It really made me think about what was going on and what my connections were.”

She said she had some skepticism about the online concept but found it turned out appealing.

“You want to be able to get up close to the artwork and you get more of a sense of the piece,” Dewey said. “But I found that people were still interested. People still needed to go and experience art, even if it was through a Zoom format.”

Arts and Crafts Festival on pause

But the community will miss one big way to connect with art in the summer. The Haliburton Art and Craft Festival – the gallery’s flagship event and fundraiser – is cancelled for the second straight year due to the pandemic, Jones said. She said it would be too logistically challenging to ensure safety amidst the pandemic.

“We don’t want to introduce any risk to our volunteers or staff or vendors or patrons,” Jones said. “Maintaining sanitary conditions would be impossible.”

Jones said the centre needs to decide early to inform artists and give them time to plan. She said there might be alternate programming, but that is being worked out.

For now, the Rails End is still putting on exhibitions and bringing arts to the community.

“We’re not trying to sell anything. We’re trying to provide an experience,” Jones said. “Hopefully, they feel the connection with the creative arts.”

“Connection” runs until April 17 and is available at the centre itself or railsendgallery.com.

County supports long-term care changes

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Lisa Gervais

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March 7, 2021

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JQ - County Long-term care - 1 — County council wrote a letter of support for a local coalition trying to improve long-term care. Above, Terry Hartwick at a long-term care rally. File photo.

County council agreed to support a movement for improvements at long-term care (LTC) homes, though disagreed with local advocates’ desire to end for-profit homes.

Council voted to write a letter of support for the Haliburton-CKL (City of Kawartha Lakes) Long-Term Care Coalition. The advocacy group is joining with others across the province to push for improvements, including amending the Canada Health Act to include LTC, guaranteeing four hours of direct care per day for residents, stronger enforcement and a culture change. Councillors spoke in favour of those ideas.

But the coalition’s desire to end private LTC did not garner support and was specifically excluded in the resolution.

“The first four points that you have, I think, are a bold initiative and a great start,” Coun. Brent Devolin said. “The supply going forward, will public initiatives alone be enough to look after all of us?”

Coalition co-chair, Bonnie Roe, cited the Ontario Health Coalition, a province-wide organization also calling for the end to for-profit long-term care. Its May 2020 analysis found COVID-19 deaths in homes with outbreaks were higher in private (nine per cent) versus non-profit (5.25 per cent) or publicly-owned (3.62 per cent).

The Canadian military also released a report about terrible conditions at homes it intervened in last May, which prompted the province to start an independent commission. Four of those homes were privately-owned.

“There are some for-profits that are excellent, but generally speaking, they do not follow the standards,” Roe said.

“People are asking, ‘why are there private profits attached to us as a society caring for our elders’?” co-chair, Mike Perry, said. “Why was that ever seen as a profit-making venture?”

Warden Liz Danielsen said the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus has identified LTC as a priority. But she added the caucus is not yet in favour of ending private facilities.

Coun. Carol Moffatt said she can attest to the challenges of eldercare and there is a drastic need for better support for health workers.

“More people to do the job,” Moffatt said. “We also maybe need to be careful of what you wish for in terms of potential downloading. How do we all as a province push for the changes that are required, without it going off the cliff and then landing in the laps of municipalities for increased costs?”

Perry thanked council for the support.

“There’s so much common room and so much common ground for this moving forward,” he said. “That’s where we find hope in all this tragedy recently.”

HE to do public consultation on Centre Lake

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 6, 2021

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JQ - Centre lake consultation - 1 — Highlands East will head a public consultation for the province’s disposal of Crown land on Centre lake. Photo via Granite Shores.

Highlands East plans to work alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) in its consultation to dispose of the provincial Crown Reserve on Centre Lake.

Council passed a resolution March 2 to take part in the ministry’s process. It comes as the province considers two applications for development at Centre Lake that seek to use its 200-foot Crown reserve, including a 60-suite resort called Granite Shores. Planner Chris Jones said the MNRF will want municipal input – and whether council supports the Crown land disposition.

“If council is ultimately going to be tasked with rendering some decision of support or non-support,” Jones said. “Take the bull by the horns and as far as a consultation process, create an opportunity for people and stakeholders to provide comments directly to the municipality.”

The motion indicates consultation will include notice by direct mail to landowners within two kilometres of Centre Lake, Cardiff shoreline associations and Indigenous groups. The municipality will also notify local trail and recreational organizations such as the Paudash Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club by direct mail or email.

In addition, the municipality is proposing a virtual open house as a special meeting to provide an opportunity for public comment. There will be further notification in local print media and on the municipal website.

“Pick a date and schedule a special meeting of council for the sole purpose of allowing for public input,” Jones said. “That becomes the salient aspect of this disposition that council can use to inform themselves.”

Granite Shores launched its own website in February detailing its project and soliciting feedback, but it is separate from any government consultation to come.

“We aim to provide all the information on this exciting development in Haliburton Highlands in an open and transparent fashion,” the development said on its website.

No timeline has yet been set for the meeting or the MNRF’s consultation process. Regional planner Pauline Capelle said it is difficult to predict but could be posted for input in the coming months.

County stands still on emissions reduction

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Lisa Gervais

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March 6, 2021

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JQ - Climate plan County - 1 — County council opted against changing its corporate emissions targets from a 15 per cent reduction by 2030. Above, Judy Phipps at climate change protest Sept. 25. File photo.

County council decided not to up its 15 per cent corporate emissions reduction target despite staff presenting options for higher goals.

It targets a 15 per cent reduction in emissions from 2018 levels by 2030. But McKay presented other options such as increasing that figure to 30 per cent to align with federal and provincial targets, or 45 per cent to follow the best science and help further limit global warming. McKay provided examples of similar municipalities aiming for different goals, from Sault Ste. Marie at 10 per cent to the District of Muskoka targeting a 50 per cent reduction by 2030.

“We are seeing unprecedented levels of action by all levels of government, shifting from incremental action toward transformative action,” McKay said. “Experts are warning us this is the critical decade to maintain a livable climate … A 45 per cent reduction is one that is based in science.

“Cutting our emissions essentially in half would require bold leadership but we would not be alone in this endeavour.”

Councillors expressed concerns about upping the target. Deputy warden Patrick Kennedy said the County faces pressure with more people moving to the area permanently.

“Fifteen (per cent) is still an admirable goal to achieve with what’s coming,” Kennedy said.

Coun. Carol Moffatt said the municipalities passed budgets and she would want more information on financial implications before approving a higher target.

“I would like a multi-year rough projection of what it’s going to do to our budget so we can plan and prepare for it adequately, as opposed to taking a leap of faith for the good of the world,” Moffatt said. “We need to do both.”

Environment Haliburton! vice-president Terry Moore said he was upset by how the conversation played out.

“The financial budget, they’re not going to matter much when we don’t have a climate that’s conducive to civilization,” Moore said.

He said there is not enough of a community movement on the issue versus a place like Muskoka. He lamented the County’s approach to finish a corporate plan before beginning consultations for a separate community plan.

“There is nowhere near enough pressure. Council’s not going to lead on this,” Moore said.

Warden Liz Danielsen said council will look for more information from McKay as she continues her work.

“We’re all recognizing it is a moving landscape,” Danielsen said. “Just because we’re not making a change today, does not mean we won’t do that down the road, and even not too long from now.”

COVID restrictions eased in Haliburton

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 5, 2021

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COVID noo — The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is shifting to Yellow under the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework. Photo via Ontario.ca.

The province is easing restrictions in the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit as it is set to become a “Yellow” region under the province’s COVID-19 framework as of March 8.

The colour is the second-lowest in the five-colour framework, one level below the “Orange” level the district is currently under. Changes include lifting the 50-person capacity limit for restaurants and personal care services requiring face-covering removal resuming.

HKPR acting medical officer of health Dr. Ian Gemmill said it is a nice reward for declining COVID-rates in the region. The district’s 7-day case average has dipped from 19.1 per 100,000 residents Feb. 19 to 9.5 per 100,000 residents March 5.

“We’ve had a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases over the last two-week period, so that’s great news to be rewarded,” Gemmill said. “That said, I want to urge people not to let their guard down and continue taking COVID-19 precautions because the situation could quickly change.”

As of March 4, Haliburton has had no new cases since Feb. 9.

Gemmill said caution is still necessary. COVID variants that spread more easily are becoming increasingly prevalent, and make up one-quarter of all new cases detected in the region over the last two weeks.

“We may be open for business, but we can’t assume it’s business as usual,” Gemmill said. “Until more people are vaccinated and we can get COVID-19 under full control, we must continue doing all we can to stop the spread.”

Gemmill advises to stay home as often as possible, wear masks and limit social gatherings and travel.

FAQ about COVID-19 vaccinations

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 5, 2021

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by Dr. Nell Thomas

Q: Why should I get a vaccine?

A: Vaccine is the way to end the COVID19 pandemic. The vaccine protects yourself, your family and the community. Once the majority of the population is vaccinated, COVID-19 can no longer spread. There is an 80 per cent reduction in infections in long-term care homes that have been vaccinated. The sooner the majority of Canadians are vaccinated, the sooner our lives can return to normal.

Q: I’m not high risk. COVID-19 is not that bad. I don’t need a vaccine, right?

A: Globally, more than two million people have died of COVID-19 in less than a year. COVID-19 does not care how old you are or who you are. Anyone can get sick from the virus. Even if healthy people do not die from COVID-19 infection, they may have long-term complications that cause shortness of breath, low energy, headaches, muscle and joint pain, cognitive impairment, cough, loss of taste or smell. Even if you are not high risk, there are many in our community who are. When the majority of citizens are vaccinated, that protects all. Each year I get a flu vaccine. Even though my risk of death from flu is low, my vaccine helps stop the spread of influenza to others more vulnerable.

Q: Why can’t I wait and see what happens to others?

A: The sooner a majority of Canadians is vaccinated, the sooner our lives can return to normal. We need a majority to be vaccinated and that means we are all responsible for helping to achieve this goal.

Q: What if I’m breastfeeding? What if I’m pregnant?

A: Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers may be able to get the COVID-19 vaccines. There were no pregnant or breastfeeding individuals included in the Phase III vaccine trials for Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines. Therefore, there are no safety data available for this group of individuals. For more information, please read the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy. It is suggested to speak to your primary health care provider to review your own medical status, risks and consequences of potential COVID-19 infection, and potential risk versus benefit of the vaccines. (All pregnant women need flu vaccines as influenza is particularly dangerous in pregnancy.)

Q: How will I know when it is my turn to get the vaccine?

A: In Ontario, adults over 80 years will start to receive vaccines March 15. Systems to identify and track candidates are being created, including online and telephone booking systems. According to the current provincial schedule, people 75 and older should start to receive their vaccines April 15, those 70 years and older start May 1, and people aged 65 years and older will be vaccinated starting June 1. This will be affected by vaccine availability.

Q: Where will I get my vaccine?

A: Local public health units are managing the vaccine rollout and in most communities vaccines are given in vaccination clinics run in hospitals, health units, medical clinics, doctors offices, pharmacies, and via mobile sites delivering to individuals. Mass vaccination sites (public buildings such as arenas) will be used in some communities. You will be notified as soon as we have our site(s) ready.

Q: How will I get my vaccine if I cannot leave the house?

A: Plans are being developed to bring the vaccine to individuals 80 years and older who are housebound.

Q: Once I am vaccinated, can I get together with friends and family who have also been vaccinated?

A: People are asked to continue to follow the public health measures (six feet apart, avoid indoor groups, double mask, hand hygiene). Avoid socializing with people from other households for now. Watch for updates from public health as infection rates and vaccination rates are tracked and will dictate safe activities for all of us.