Housing to undergo major changes

By

-

January 7, 2021

By Kirk Winter

Big changes are coming to the operation and governance of the Kawartha Lakes-Haliburton Housing Corporation (KLH).

The nine-member board, including Haliburton County CAO Mike Rutter, treasurer Elaine Taylor and vice-chair Coun. Brent Devolin, approved the HCS Housing Solutions report, six months in the making.

The consultants’ report recommends an additional senior management position to lighten the workload of CEO Hope Lee, the addition of tenant representatives to the governing council and the ability for the housing corporation to carry short-term debt that would allow it to continue to build more geared-to-income housing across its service region.

“KLH is a fully evolved mature organization with a clear strategic vision, an engaged board, a reputation as a credible and progressive partner, a knowledgeable staff and is financially viable in the long-term,” said lead HCS consultant Judy Lightbound in the report.

With that in mind, she was not looking for “wholesale changes” but rather improvements that would better prepare KLH for growth in the future.

Her first recommendation was to split the CEO position, currently held by Lee, into two jobs with the second position being a housing service manager. Lightbound said by bringing in a second individual the “workload will be better aligned moving forward.”

Lightbound also recommended that the governing board managing KLH become more diverse by including a representative of tenants in Kawartha Lakes and one from Haliburton.

Her final recommendation suggested that KLH look at a debt management strategy to understand what its debt capacity might be to fund projects in the future.

Lee said treasurers for Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County are working together to produce a report by the second quarter of 2021 that will contemplate debt limits for KLH and what that might look like.

Kawartha Lakes CAO Ron Taylor backed Lightbound’s recommendations saying, “Any debt taken on by KLH would be good debt because it will generate income that will later pay for the debt. We run a really good operation (KLH) and we need it to expand and grow.”

KLH chair Pat Dunn said there was much discussion about hiring the additional manager. “But the feeling of all nine board members was it’s time. The system currently only works because of Hope Lee and the entire board supported the hiring of the new person.

Deck pedicure leads to pandemic opportunity

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 30, 2020

0

Long-time Halls Lake cottager, Yvonne Kreuzwiesner, has made the bold decision to not only move full-time to the County but start a new business during COVID-19.

Kreuzwiesner recently launched Skin Tech Face and Body Care.

“I have been a cottager on Halls Lake since 1967. I love the Haliburton Highlands and I am so proud and happy to be living, and to have started the business, here in the Highlands,” she said.

Kreuzwiesner said she believes that the pandemic has changed people’s lives for the better.

“If anyone had told me in February, 2020 that I would be living and working in the Haliburton Highlands in May, I would say they were kidding me. However, as fate would have it, here I am living in a truly beautiful place and now running a new business.”

Kreuzwiesner had been teaching medical esthetics at a college in Mississauga until March, 2020 and then was laid off due to COVID. Feeling upset and lost and not comfortable in her condo in Toronto, she decided to come north to her cottage. Once there, she decided to paint and fix the place up to pass the time.

Then one day a neighbour asked her if she could give her a pedicure on her deck. From there, she decided to give the community Mobile Medical and Traditional Esthetic services. She said she had a steady summer and met some great people.

“I wanted to offer more than just mobile services, so through the help of Royal LePage in Haliburton, I met Amy who was setting up Blush Hair Design in the Village Barn in Haliburton. On Sept. 28, 2020 we officially opened our businesses.”

Skin Tech is located in Blush Hair Design at 195 Highland St.

“It’s so great to offer esthetics and medical esthetics with the convenience of hair design together in one location,” Kreuzwiesner said. She said she believes it’s the only esthetic, hair combination shop in the County. They offer mobile services as well.

“I truly feel blessed to be part of such a warm, friendly and kind community.”

Skin Tech can be contacted at 705-489-1598; text 416-806-9682; skintechfaceandbodycare.com; email ykreuz@hotmail.com.

Artists given chance for a six-minute escape

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 30, 2020

0

If you are an artist with a message that fits the theme of transformation, the Arts Council Haliburton Highlands (ACHH) wants to hear from you.

The ACHH is looking for proposals for an opportunity to have the artists’ six-minute video become a part of the second episode of “The 6-Minute Escape: Transformations” premiering in mid-April.

ACHH chair, Kate Butler, said they’re pleased to build on the success of the first episode by opening the request for submissions to all artistic genres. She said anyone with a message to convey on the theme of transformations is welcome to apply.

The first episode premiered Oct. 3. It featured well-known Canadian authors, alongside local authors, recounting stories related to the theme of ‘Beyond the Borders of Home.’ The stories were tales of travel near and far. The episode is available to watch at youtu.be/xridaoddVdY.

Butler added The Arts Council hopes that the second episode will feature artists from a broad spectrum of genres including, but not limited to, visual art, dance, music, theatre, and literary. The committee is recruiting a couple of well-known Canadian artists, who have a connection to the Haliburton Highlands, to show their work alongside the local artists and artisans.

To learn more about the submission process and requirements visit haliburton. librariesshare.com/6minuteescape/ . Deadline for submissions is Feb. 1, 2021 with successful candidates being notified by Feb. 15 and the final video due on March 15, 2021.

“The second episode of “The 6-Minute Escape: Transformations” promises to be a multi-media extravaganza that comes right to your living room.” Butler said.

Members of the public wishing to be notified of information about this project are invited to sign up for the newsletter at haliburtonarts.on.ca/ . The 6-Minute Escape is a fundraiser for the ACHH. To donate, go to gofundme. com/f/6-minute-escape. Butler said donations help the ACHH continue their good work in promoting and nurturing the arts and artists of Haliburton County.

The Interview: MP Jamie Schmale

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 30, 2020

0

By Lisa Gervais

Q: How has COVID drastically changed your work life this year?

A: COVID-19 certainly impacted the way I would have normally interacted with the riding. In the early days, as you might recall, everything was shut down. We were still answering phone calls but there were no meetings or events. Then, little by little, we all started to adapt. Zoom became a thing and meetings started picking up, virtual events were being held, selfdistancing was the norm and by September it was busy as usual. With local federal government resources being partially shut down in the first half of the pandemic, my office in Lindsay was very busy helping constituents with issues, particularly around CEWS and CERB.

Q: What do you think COVID has revealed about your riding … share one positive thing and one negative thing.

A: Without a doubt, the resilience, indominable community spirit and resolve of the people of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock was certainly the bright spot of the year. Front-line workers in the service industry, medical professionals, teachers, parents, charities, not for profits, service groups, everyone really stepped up and helped those suffering during the pandemic. In terms of the negative piece, of course we know that the pandemic has shifted many of us more quickly to adapting to online schooling and meetings, which has only served to exasperate an already present issue of the need for reliable, affordable, highspeed internet in many parts of the riding. Internationally, this pandemic has shown us how countries around the world are treating their elderly in long-term care. Countries such as Spain, Italy, and even right across our own country. We all need to do better.

Q: What have you been able to accomplish, in your portfolio, and on behalf of constituents. What have you been unable to do?

A: At the beginning of the pandemic, I was still the Shadow Minister for CrownIndigenous Relations. In that role I was particularly concerned with the impact of COVID on remote Indigenous communities and spent some time with my Parliamentary colleagues on both sides of the House working on solutions. As the pandemic progressed, I really pushed hard for a plan for the recovery of those Indigenous communities and businesses hit hard by COVID-19. Economic Reconciliation was and is still a high priority for me. In September, I was appointed to the role as Shadow Minister for Families, Children and Social Development. Recently, I have been working hard to find a solution for childcare and to help charities whose fundraising efforts have been severely tested by the pandemic. Right here in the riding, from the very start, my staff and I have made ourselves available via all sorts of different mediums to ensure all of the constituents and business owners who needed help navigating the rapidly evolving situation could have access to the resources they needed. In terms of what I have not been able to do, that is hold vital services, like our seniors seminars that helped get valuable information to our seniors across the riding. My Capital Experience Program is also something that due to the pandemic I wasn’t able to host this year. I also missed out on many of the community events, as we all did. I hope as we move forward, and move past the pandemic, that I will be able to bring back these very informative events, and be back out into the community.

Q: What are you most proud of in the past year. What do you wish you could take back/do differently?

A: This question ties very easily into the same answer from the last question, of course the work I do on behalf of residents in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock would be what I continue to be most proud of. I am so proud of raising the profile of the elected Chiefs of the Wet’suwet’en ensuring that they had a voice at the table with the government. I would add that I am also proud of the new outreach methods and expanding the way we engage people differently. Such as with my podcast, The Blueprint, which highlights the work of my colleagues in Ottawa and across Canada. Lastly, my Conservative colleagues and I also worked with the chambers of commerce and businesses across our riding to hear their needs and feedback on the government’s pandemic response. This allowed us to fight for and secure changes to the wage subsidy program (including an increase from 10 to 75 per cent) to help more Canadians keep their jobs during this pandemic.

Q: What do you think 2021 has in store for HKLB?

A: I have faith that the people of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock can weather any storm. I expect that we will get through 2021 and put the pandemic behind us. It is my earnest hope that the lessons we have learned from 2020 will be put to good use in Canada and will make us a stronger, more unified, and resilient country.

The Interview with MPP Laurie Scott will be in our Jan. 7 edition

Plan to replace Beaver Theatre with homes

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 30, 2020

0

A Markham-based developer is proposing to demolish the former Beaver Theatre in downtown Minden and construct an apartment building.

Shamsher Khemani, CAO of Fortune Realty Developers Limited, made a delegation to Minden Hills’ Dec. 17 council meeting. He was joined by Rahim Lakhani, who purchased the building. Lahkani said he is still involved but had moved to Portugal for personal reasons, so Khemani is now the lead. Joe Ferrara of Napa Valley Contracting also joined the meeting.

They came to request that council waive the need for an environmental study at 12 Water St., and in so doing, provided details about their plans.

“We are proposing a beautiful apartment building on the same lands,” Lakhani said. Their project is a three-storey building with 12, one and two-bedroom apartments and a commercial component.

Lakhani said when he purchased the building with the intent of refurbishing it as a theatre, there were soil and engineering reports but no evidence of environmental concerns. He added the building had never been used as a commercial laundromat or gas station, which may have caused contamination.

They want the condition waived, “to take that eyesore off and put a beautiful building that overlooks the Gull River,” Lakhani said.

Khemani said it would provide much-needed housing, including for seniors. He added that due to Lakhani’s overseas move and COVID the project has been slowed but they are now ready to proceed. However, Ferrara said they’re “at a crossroads and a standstill” if an environmental study is needed. He said it could add one to one-and-a-half years to the project timeline.

Mayor Brent Devolin said the development of an old property into something that serves the community is “exciting and we’re definitely in support of that.” However, he said he would like to see a full staff report, with all of the documents, to the Jan. 28, 2021 meeting.

Coun. Bob Carter, who is the chair of the housing task force, said he would certainly welcome any housing projects in the community. However, he needs more information.

Coun. Jean Neville said she would like to see architectural renderings of the façade to see if it is esthetically pleasing from the road. She commented she thought the apartments were a bit small and wanted more information about access and parking.

Coun. Jennifer Hughey said she welcomed more housing in Minden but needs more information as well.

“This is the first time that I’m hearing about it and if that’s the case then I would assume it’s the first time that most of us are hearing about it and therefore do need more information before making a decision,” she said.

Ferrara said they are 95 per cent ready to go and can supply all information to staff. Council received the delegation as information only.

Minden Hills to allow more off-road vehicles

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 30, 2020

0

Extreme terrain vehicles and dirt bikes will be allowed on Minden Hills roads effective Jan. 1, 2021 – although the township will be looking at a possible bylaw update in the new year that may affect that going forward.

At its Dec. 17 council meeting, CAO Trisha McKibbin brought a report forward due to provincial changes that will allow additional off-road vehicles on municipal roads. On July 10, 2020, the Ministry of Transportation provided notice to Ontario municipalities that the province is expanding vehicles to include dirt bikes and extreme terrain vehicles, which are semiamphibious vehicles with six or more wheels.

Off-road vehicles are regulated under the Off-Road Vehicle Act and the Highway Traffic Act. However, McKibbin said these pieces of legislation enable the council of a municipality to pass bylaws regarding off-road vehicles on township roads.

As a result, she said “off-road vehicles will automatically be allowed on municipal roads unless the municipality creates a bylaw to prohibit or restrict their use.”

Currently, the township regulates off-road vehicle use with bylaw 15-95, which does not include language governing the use of dirt bikes and extreme terrain vehicles.

McKibbin said the recent changes present an opportunity to fully review the bylaw and ensure it reflects current legislation and the municipality’s intentions for governing off-road vehicles.

She was proposing reporting back to council with: a comparison of the lower-tier municipality’s bylaws including regulations and language; consultation results from local ATV clubs, the township’s insurance company and solicitor; and any other relevant information.

However, Coun. Bob Carter said he saw it as two separate items. He said the first is the government correcting an evolution in the types of vehicles and the second is any local bylaw Minden Hills might have.

He went on to say, “I can drive down the side of the road with my ATV but I can’t with my Argo … I have to carry my motorcycle on my back between trails … it seems ridiculous to me. I think we should just agree to follow the provincial regulation and if we want to have a general bylaw about all these types of vehicles on our roads, we should look at that as a separate item.”

Mayor Brent Devolin said that’s what the County of Haliburton is doing.

Coun. Pam Sayne agreed there is value at looking at the bylaw. She said there is a possibility of increased liability so she would want to see a legal and insurance opinion. She added there may be a particular road, or roads, where the township doesn’t want off-road vehicles for safety reasons and would want an opinion from the public works department as well.

Council received the report for information, opted in, and called for a future report addressing a possible bylaw update.

Just stay home

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 30, 2020

0

When the province announced Dec. 21 that the entire province was going into lockdown effective Dec. 26, some Haliburton County residents responded with anger and disappointment.

They argued that with our low COVID numbers since the pandemic began, it seemed hardly fair that the County should be forced to lock down once again.

Others argued it will land yet another blow to our economy with non-essential businesses ordered to shutter their doors and the ones allowed to remain open having to do curbside pickup and delivery in the middle of winter.

Why are we being penalized for the sins of the city? some ask.

Others are saying our friends from the GTA and other hotspots have already packed up and come to their seasonal residences for the holidays. They continue to lament that this has been allowed since the initial days of the outbreak in March.

In Haliburton County, we are nothing short of lucky that our numbers so far have been relatively low, especially with the aforementioned visitors. But let me state categorically: It is not my intention to reopen that ‘us’ versus ‘them’ can of worms. I don’t fault people for wanting to come to their County escapes if they follow all of the health unit’s protocols.

I honestly have to say that I have seen many locals grow complacent due to our low numbers. I have been to a store that did not have plexiglass or plastic at the cash and was served by someone not wearing a mask. I have had workers come to my home not wearing masks or practicing six-foot distancing. I have seen people without masks in stores and others who don’t follow the signage in stores.

Part of the reason that we have been lucky is that most of us have been smart. The vast majority of the public here has been following health unit protocols. Sure, we’ve had one local business claim COVID-19 is a hoax. And there’s been an eatery that flouted the closed to indoor dining rule for an hour or so in the early days. We have had anti-maskers and will soon have anti-vaxxers. But, for the most part, we’ve been good little soldiers in the war against this pandemic.

Now we’re being asked to step up once again. The province is telling us to stay home as much as possible. Too bad they’re not starting this on Christmas Day, mind you, since I’ve also run into people who say they are not going to let a pandemic, or the province’s rules and regulations, get in the way of them gathering on the day. That is the type of selfish behaviour that has gotten us into this mess in the first place.

Elsewhere, hospitals and long-term care homes are seeing numbers of daily cases rise, putting them at risk. We have had only one hospitalization in Haliburton County and no cases at our long-term care homes. Surely, we all want to keep it that way.

Is it going to hurt? You’re damn right it will. Our retailers and restaurants, in particular, will feel the pinch. There’s a new $10,000 to $20,000 grant for some businesses but it won’t be enough.

In addition, parents will have to make arrangements for school-aged children back to learning from home, that is if they are not back to working from home. We’re in for a month of it at least.

Other jurisdictions have gone this route and its proved that four to six weeks can interrupt the transmission of COVID-19 in Ontario.

Crime Stoppers may be forced to close

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 30, 2020

0

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

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 26, 2020

0

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

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 24, 2020

0

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.”