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

By

-

December 23, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dysart budget starts at zero per cent increase

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 22, 2020

0

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

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

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

Sculpture forest seeks support

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

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

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

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

Rails End Gallery asks for help

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

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

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

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

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

Septic program under new management

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

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

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

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

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

Haliburton entering COVID lockdown

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 21, 2020

0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More to come.

Tourism plan charts expanded vision

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 18, 2020

0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dysart debates look of new retail complex

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 18, 2020

0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 17, 2020

0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COVID dances Nutcracker off stage

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 17, 2020

0

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

By Carolyn Allder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dysart visitor centre $100,000 over budget

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 17, 2020

0

JQ - Visitor's centre budget - 1 — The new visitor centre the municipality is building outside Head Lake Park is going significantly over budget. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Head Lake Park is projected to go $100,000 over budget due in part to rising construction material costs.

Staff reported Dec. 11 that construction costs have gone up to about $550,000. Coun. John Smith said the deficit figure includes $60,000 for materials due to pandemic-related price increases and $26,000 for an HVAC system not originally accounted for.

Deputy mayor Patrick Kennedy, who heads the committee overseeing the project, reported Nov. 24 that overruns could be $60,000. He added he would like to apply COVID recovery funding to the budget given the pandemic’s impact on costs, which staff said they would investigate.

“The numbers showing in the budget today are quite shocking to me, honestly,” Kennedy said. “The ball lands squarely at my feet.”

The Rotary Club of Haliburton originally proposed the centre and is providing $75,000, while the federal government is granting $375,000. CAO Tamara Wilbee said the $100,000 figure is not necessarily final and there are still invoices coming in. She said the pandemic spike on material costs could not be anticipated. She later added the building is also 20 per cent larger than originally planned.

Treasurer Barbara Swannell said they could explore additional grant funding to cover the expense and the taxpayer impact should not exceed $60,000.

Smith criticized the build and asked how the process could be changed to avoid something such as this in the future. He further asked about councillors getting further input on projects such as this.

“It’s more than 20 per cent over budget. That ought to be a concern because taxpayers are picking up the tab,” Smith said. “What lessons do we learn from this experience? Because it’s hard to say it’s been well-executed.”

Mayor Andrea Roberts defended the building and said the rising cost of materials is impacting all types of construction.

“It’s something we can be proud of,” Roberts said of the welcome centre. “If overall it costs the municipality, the taxpayers, the (2021 tax) levy, $60,000 or even a little bit more, that’s very good value for what we’re getting, and I think we have to be a little more positive.”

Less spin, more delivery

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 17, 2020

0

In my many years of journalism in Ontario, I have never seen a provincial government that manages the message as well as the Ford Conservative government.

They have taken their spin-doctoring to an even greater level during COVID-19.

Every day throughout this pandemic, Premier Doug Ford has taken to a podium with one or more of his Cabinet ministers.

Many of these video ops involve some form of funding announcement.

Daily.

Some are a tad misleading. Take for example the Dec. 8 announcement by Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Lisa MacLeod.

She started her Zoom announcement by saying the government was handing out $3.2-million.

In actual fact, they were giving $350,000 of new money. The rest had already been spent.

MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha LakesBrock, Laurie Scott often attends the pressers involving her constituency.

However, you’ll note she hasn’t held a press conference to discuss her government’s role in what environmentalists and critics say breaks a promise to protect the Greenbelt from development, or any of the other Bills that have been passed by her government under somewhat questionable circumstances.

But when it comes to announcing money, Scott and the provincial Conservatives are unparalled.

Further, it should be noted that they rarely announce where the money is coming from. One can presume that the lion’s share is taxpayers’ dollars, though. So, in essence, the government is announcing that it is giving you back your money for some project or program, all the while patting itself on the back.

What is often lacking in these announcements as well is the ‘when.’

You need look no further than Haliburton Highlands Health Services to see examples of moneys promised, but not yet delivered.

The HHHS board met Dec. 11 and member, David O’Brien, quite rightly criticized the province while discussing the organization’s $455,000 operating deficit.

O’Brien said the financials as of Sept. 30 are due to COVID-19 expenses.

He said about $424,000 in the deficit is related to lost revenue with service closures that the province has deemed not eligible for provincial funding. Another $31,000 is from increased overtime due to staff recruiting and retention problems.

He said the province did provide some reimbursement for expenses up until July but he’s disappointed the province has not provided more – in the six months since.

O’Brien said the board, staff and HHHS executive has done everything it’s been asked by the province.

However, funding isn’t keeping up with that provincial ask.

When announcing their budget Nov. 5 – another big media splash – the Conservatives pledged an extra $572 million for hospitals to support pandemicassociated costs.

And yet, surprise, surprise, HHHS has not received any formal communication about how many dollars will flow its way, or more importantly, when those actual dollars will hit their accounts.

While we understand the bureaucracy in translating press announcements to the real thing in Ontario communities, maybe less time could be spent on the bling and more on the details of ensuring much-needed dollars get to where they have to go in a timely fashion.

Arena and community centre drive 2021 budget

By

Lisa Gervais

-

December 17, 2020

0

LG-Minden Hills budget — Minden Hills council held first round budget talks Dec. 10

Minden Hills council pre-approved spending another $200,000-plus at the S.G. Nesbitt Arena and Community Centre during its first round of budget talks Dec. 10.

The money includes up to $60,000 for office furniture, preparation of a request for proposals for the design, purchase and installation of fitness equipment; other costs to get the centre up and running of $93,600 and COVID-19-related sanitization and cleaning expenses of $47,900.

Where the money will come from, whether a loan, reserves or taxation is yet to be determined. In addition, there is outstanding money from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the fundraising committee has resumed meeting and may contribute to the bottom line.

New director of community services, Craig Belfry, said the first draft of the 2021 budget for the Community Services Department includes a $693,232, or 58 per cent, increase over the 2020 budget of $1,194,910. The proposed net budget for 2021 is $1,888,142.

“The majority of this increase is associated with operationalizing the new recreation complex, including equipment, supplies and staffing,” he said.

CAO Trisha McKibbin said the cost of staffing the new centre represents 52 per cent of the departmental increase as of the first round of budget talks.

“The S.G. Nesbitt Arena Project was the largest project undertaken in 2020 and remains a prominent component of the 2021 budget,” she said.

Mayor Brent Devolin said there will be phasing in.

“Given COVID and a number of other constraints, we’re not going to incur a full year’s cost in some of these things,” he said.

Coun. Bob Carter pointed out the budget anticipated a full year’s expenses commencing Jan. 1, 2021 but deferred revenues so was misleading.

“If we compare back to 2019, we’re talking about an increase in the budget here of over 90 per cent so it’s a tough pill to swallow and I think we have to examine this in great detail … we have to recognize what it is that we can afford or what it is we can do to increase revenue or do some things to offset these large costs,” he said.

Overall, McKibbin said the first draft of the budget came in at a 17.5 per cent increase from 2020.

The most significant increase to the 2021 budget is wages and benefits, showing a combined cost increase of $879,407.

The CAO said, “staff recognize that this is not an acceptable increase and look forward to budget discussions in order to work with council on reaching a final budget target.”