A guest at the time, Miner’s Bay Lodge general manager Darren Powers remembers what it was like when a tornado ripped through the resort in 2013 – pure devastation, he told The Highlander this week.

Powers didn’t think he’d see anything like it again, but the destruction caused by the recent ice storm gave him an eerie feeling of déjà vu.

“We were hit hard… at last count, there are about 150 trees down, four of our main buildings have holes in the roof, we’ve got trailers that have significant damage, trees ripping right through them, some cottages almost flattened,” Powers said. “We’re probably looking at close to $100,000 in damages.”

He was on-site March 29 when the bad weather hit. Initially, the freezing rain created a beautiful picturesque scene as Powers peered out the window of the main lodge.

Then, all hell started to break loose.

“I saw everything, heard everything. Trees were snapping by the minute. The smaller ones came down pretty much right away, and I could see the bigger ones swaying with the wind as the ice built up. Then there were the loud cracks as branches buckled under the weight,” Powers said.

Twelve days later and the resort still doesn’t have power – the GM said it’ll likely be another two weeks until it’s restored. Poles were ripped right out of the ground, necessitating a full rebuild of Miners’ Bay’s electrical circuit.

Resort plans regular season opening

Powers was there all last weekend coordinating clean-up. He’ll be back again April 11th, leading crews of paid workers and volunteers. He said the outpouring of support has been incredible, with about 20 people – some long-time guests, others nearby cottagers who think of themselves as part of the Miners’ Bay community – stepping up to help.

“It’s almost like going back to the 1970s, you know, when disaster strikes the whole community rallies to get you back on your feet,” Powers said. “Miners’ Bay is an important spot for many. It’s been a landmark here since 1938.”

There has been some flooding – to the beach area, and in the basement of the resort’s store, but Powers said that happens every year. He estimates about 10 per cent of the clean-up has been completed. A crane is coming in this weekend so crews can get a bird’s eye view of the property. He said most of the cottages and cabins will need windows and roofs replacing, and to be repainted.

While bad, the damages aren’t expected to impact the resort’s upcoming season. Powers said the trailer park is scheduled to open for the May long weekend, with the main property welcoming guests in June.

“Those dates will not be affected at all; the place will look tip-top by then. It’ll be like this never happened,” Powers said.

Hydro One update

Hydro One spokesperson Tiziana Baccega Rosa said as of April 9th, approximately 17,000 Ontario customers remained without power, including 1,661 in the County.

There are 94 active outages in Haliburton County, Rosa confirmed. So far, crews have fixed 358 outages in the area, restoring power to approximately 54,011 residences. She said about three per cent of Hydro One’s Highlands power grid remains offline.

Most of those are seasonal properties she notes, approximately 1,200 – meaning there are still about 400 full-time residences down. There’s no working timetable for restoration.

Rosa said crews made significant progress on repairs last weekend.

“More than 50 new poles were installed in Minden… [on Monday] crews focused on the most difficult to access properties. Heavy rains and localized flooding have washed out roads, creating further access issues for crews, but we’re working as safely and quickly to restore power,” Rosa said.

Hydro One announced a new ice storm recovery grant April 7, enabling municipalities to receive up to $10,000 to pay for things like food, supplies, clean-up and shelter for displaced residents.

“The damage is the worst we’ve seen in decades, and some of the hardest hit communities will never look the same,” said Meghan Collie, Hydro One media relations advisor. “The grant will help impacted communities access essential needs as they begin to rebuild.”

Minden Hills mayor Bob Carter is hopeful the provincial government will give financial aid to the township in the wake of its declaration of a state of emergency March 31 due to the ice storm.

With internet and phones down, municipal officials had to drive to Dwight to officially fax their declaration to the Ontario government.

Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott toured the warming centre at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena April 3. Meanwhile, minister of emergency preparedness and response, Jill Dunlop, and Scott visited the warming centre April 6.

It is equipped with cots from the Red Cross, a mobile triage van courtesy of the County of Renfrew, and the centre is manned by municipal staff, with hot food, beverages, and showers, along with places to charge devices.

Carter was on hand for the tours, along with County of Haliburton CAO Gary Dyke, EMS chief Michael Slatter, OPP interim detachment commander Mike Cavanagh, and municipal staff and politicians.

Carter told The Highlander declaring a state of emergency was step one of a long process.

“You have to declare an emergency before you can be eligible for money, and there’s still lots of rules beyond that, and only certain things are eligible,” Carter said.

“They have to be consumables. If you buy a new antenna, you can’t charge that.”

He noted the declaration has brought back up to the township, including, most recently, NB Power from New Brunswick, and crews from Saskatchewan and northern Ontario. The County of Renfrew remains at the warming centre for EMS support. And the Red Cross still has 50 cots set up.

“You can only get that when you are in that emergency situation.”

The mayor said it also allows involvement in a system whereby the people in the community can work through insurance claims. “It’s a whole special process so people can file insurance claims online. So, making the declaration is really important.”

Carter said the loss of communication prompted the initial decision to declare a state of emergency.

On the day, Carter said he got a phone message from Premier Doug Ford acknowledging the township was in trouble and telling him to call if there was anything he could do.

Carter phoned the next day, but Ford was unavailable, prompting him to leave a text message. Because his phone was impacted, he couldn’t text. He was able to call the premier’s office. He said a staffer called Ford out of a meeting. Ford called him back immediately.

“I wasn’t quite expecting that,” the mayor said. “I told him the problem and he said he’d call the president of Bell right away.” Carter said Ford went back into his meeting but directed people, including Scott, and “Bell started dealing with us.”

He said Bell called Dyke at the County to assure him they were working 16 hours a day on Minden Hills’ connection problems.

What it means?

Emergency declarations can be made when the head of council, in consultation with the community’s senior staff (known as the community control group), determines that such action would be in the best interest of the municipality based on a perceived or apparent threat.

A state of emergency declaration would be considered if there was a situation or impending situation that: threatened public safety, public health, the environment, critical infrastructure, property, and/or economic stability, and exceeded the capacity of the community’s emergency response.

By declaring a state of emergency, the municipality is able to streamline its purchase and tender policies; extend Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage to volunteers, and make claims for financial assistance for disaster recovery.

Declaring a state of emergency does not guarantee the municipality will receive financial assistance from the provincial or federal government for disaster relief. Municipalities must apply for financial assistance to the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance Program.

Residents who have experienced a loss in the aftermath of a natural disaster that causes costly, widespread damage to eligible private property may apply to the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program.

“If we can, we answer the call,” said the district superintendent of Energie NB, which sent crews from New Brunswick to Haliburton County this week.

“We have a list of out-of-province storms that is posted, and whoever wants to go, jumps in the truck,” he added.

Some of the hardest hit by last week’s ice storm are seeing hydro trucks from all over come to help with the restoration of power, and clean-up. People from Irondale have been watching, and cheering, workers from the Woodstock area in New Brunswick who have answered the call for help.

“Some of us have been up here for about five days, others about three,” said one worker. “We are mostly clearing trees right now, there are a lot of downed trees.” He said there are private contractors and tree trimmers out along with them to get things done.

When asked why so many would come from out of the province to help, the district superintendent said it was very rewarding. “It is the best part of the job,” he said. “Getting to work with, and meet, new people, and help those who need it.” He added there is a lot of tree damage and broken poles, “which looks very familiar.” He was involved in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona in Prince Edward Island in 2022 and was there for 23 days.

There are so many Hydro poles that need replacing, and some of the areas that the New Brunswick team are working in are so remote, that they will have to be flown in by helicopter. This is expected to take place within the next day or so.

The New Brunswick crews have been working 16 hours a day to restore power in Irondale and surrounding areas, and some locals, like George Simmons, have been showing their support by waving, flying the Canadian flag, and thanking them.

“We just want to show them how appreciative we are for all their hard work,” Simmons said.

However, some have been wondering why the municipality hasn’t done more, like opening the Irondale Community Centre so they have washrooms, and a place to warm up and eat lunch. Resident Jeff Hancock called out the local advisory committee in Minden Hills for “failing to use municipal resources like the community centre to help anyone, including the NB hydro workers.”

S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena in Minden was open around the clock from March 31 to April 8, serving as a warming centre and place where people could shower and charge their devices. There were cots for those who wanted to spend the night.

The facility remains open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. to assist those impacted by the storm.”

The sentiment of “they help us, we help them” was echoed by the superintendent, as well as members of the crew, who said they were happy to be here and would be sticking around as long as it takes to restore power to those impacted.

Algonquin Highlands environmental manager Melissa Murray estimates the township can continue burying waste at its active landfill sites for another 53 years, or until 2078.

In a recent report to council, Murray said municipal dumps at Maple Lake, Pine Springs, and Oxtongue Lake were at a combined 40 per cent capacity by the end of 2024. The township’s fourth waste location, in Dorset, is a transfer station only. Its landfill was capped in 2015.

Murray warned, though, that the estimated lifespan was determined based on historic figures, not necessarily future projections.

“As our population increases and uses of our landfill sites change, that number can change at any time,” she said, noting all sites complied with Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) standards in 2024.

Individually, the Maple Lake site has a remaining lifespan of 45 years, Oxtongue Lake 69 years, and Pine Springs 100 years.

Staff clocked 30,147 vehicles at Maple Lake last year, down marginally from 2023, taking in 44,927 bags of household garbage. With the installation of a weigh scale at the site last spring, Murray said she’s able to “quantify numbers a little better.” Before, staff tracked garbage by cubic metres but now does so through metric tons.

“We had 291 metric tonnes of waste accepted at Maple Lake, with 130 metric tonnes of that brought over from Dorset,” Murray said.

The township also collected 209 tonnes of blue box recyclables, 7.66 tonnes of electronic waste, 106 tonnes of scrap metal, 1.24 tonnes of household batteries, and 103 discarded appliances.

She said 3,027 vehicles used the Pine Springs location, disposing of 5,080 bags of garbage. From that, she estimates 48 tonnes of waste was deposited into the landfill last year, with an additional 23 tonnes transferred from Dorset. Murray said 15.89 tonnes of blue box materials were also collected.

“The bins at Pine Springs are in a bit of disrepair, so we will be looking at options to change those this year,” Murray said.

At Oxtongue Lake, 4,352 vehicles dropped off 5,555 garbage bags totalling 52 tonnes of waste, which Murray said was down from 2023. Staff also collected 29.04 tonnes of blue box recyclables, 3.92 tonnes of waste electronics, and 11.73 tonnes of scrap metal.

Murray said there will be surveys conducted at Pine Springs and Oxtongue Lake this year as the township plans for future expansion.

“We’re looking at moving into a new landfilling area [at Oxtongue Lake], so we’re going to do some work to see what our development plan will be. There is capacity, the land just hasn’t been developed yet,” Murray said, noting the need for tree clearing in 2026.

Murray said there were no concerns with ground and surface water quality assessments conducted at Maple Lake, Pine Springs or Oxtongue Lake, and recommended the township cease testing at the Dorset Transfer Station.

“It’s been a number of years since the site was capped. It’s in a state where there aren’t evolving changes to the site… we’re not seeing any active leachate, there’s no new waste being added. We’re not seeing any exceedances with our monitoring program over the last seven years, so there’s nothing to be concerned about,” Murray said.

Two of the Highlands’ most seasoned realtors say the residential real estate market is looking good into spring, while the cottage market remains somewhat of an unknown. And, it appears to be heading towards a buyers’ market.

Andrew Hodgson, of Century 21 Granite Realty Group, said Haliburton County was set up for a “really good” real estate year, with a favourable fall market, interest rates dropping, lots of buyers, and sellers understanding where the market was and pricing accordingly.

“Right now, our residential housing market is going well. It is becoming a buyers’ market. No question, buyers are getting a little bit better deals. Sellers are softening on their prices.”

Linda Baumgartner, of Baumgartner Realty Group, says “if a property is priced right, they’re selling. Our residential market is a good market. There is a demand there.”

She said if the people who told her last fall that they would list in the spring do, “then we will swing into a buyers’ market. But we don’t have any proof of that right now. We are starting to see some multiple offers on good and attractive properties that are priced right. They’re selling. Are we a balanced market? I wouldn’t say.”

Hodgson said, “the cottage market, or the waterfront market, is not really going yet. I don’t know if it’s because there is still lots of snow and ice. People are hesitant to pay $1 million-plus for a place if they can’t see the shoreline.”

Baumgartner said she had a number of waterfront properties coming up, and is just waiting for the weather conditions to improve. She said buyers need to be able to access properties to get a lay of the land. She said Baumgartner Realty Group is going to see more inventory. And, again, if there is an influx of listings, anticipates swinging into a buyers’ market.

Volatile market

Hodgson is worried that economic uncertainty will have an impact. With the U.S. and Canadian governments in a trade war, he indicated people might be reluctant to make big investments.

“Uncertainty is never good for real estate. We’ve got uncertain times right now.”

Baumgartner follows Benjamin Tal, the deputy chief economist of CIBC World Markets Inc. She said he’s identified, “we’re in a volatile market. He’s telling us to handhold our clients for the next few months.”

However, she expects more interest rate cuts, down 50 base points, and back to a 2.25 per cent interest rate by the end of the year. “Is that helping us predict or gauge what’s going to happen in the spring market? I don’t know.”

Hodgson said he’s hopeful the sluggish waterfront start is weather-related, also noting interest rates are dropping.

“There are lots of buyers, and demographics, such as retirees, are still great for Haliburton County.” People still want to move, and work from, cottage country, he said, noting internet is better than it has ever been to allow that.

“We’re still in great shape although I am a little leery about where the cottage market is. We’ll wait to see when the snow and ice leave.”

Hodgson said some people are listing their properties as a result of the new short-term rental bylaws across the County. He said some are reluctant to have to buy their shore road allowances or spend a lot of money on things such as new septic systems.

Baumgartner said we might see more cottages on the market as a result of STR bylaws, as people don’t want to go through the licensing process, or make costly repairs needed to qualify.

Overall, Hodgson said “Haliburton County will never die down too much. Even after 2009, and COVID, where we went to great heights, we only dropped 15 per cent. The demographics are so good in Haliburton County. We’ve got so much good going on. I think we’re going to have a decent year.”

Baumgartner added, “you have to adapt whatever market we’re entering into or experiencing. You just have to know how to work it. Communicate with your clients and keep plugging away and try to be positive.”

Long-promised changes to blue box recycling in Dysart et al will land in the new year.

Council approved a plan at its March 25 meeting that will see the Haliburton landfill become the only waste disposal site in the township to accept what the Ontario government deems non-eligible blue box materials, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Environmental manager John Watson, who left his position with Dysart at the end of March, said the change is necessary as the province prepares to complete a twoand-a-half-year plan to revamp its recycling rules.

In July 2023, the Ontario government shifted responsibility for the collection and disposal of blue box materials to producers. Dysart transitioned to this new model Jan. 1, 2024, costs incurred by collecting and hauling recyclables from residential properties, schools, and non-profit retirement and long-term care homes was taken off the township’s plate.

“The regulation aims to expand the residential blue box program to more communities, standardize acceptable blue box materials across the province, and make producers of paper products, packaging and packaging-like products 100 per cent financially and operationally responsible for the residential blue box program,” Watson said.

A multi-year agreement was struck with Circular Materials to handle the disposal of eligible recyclables dropped off at Dysart’s four landfills, which saved the township over $200,000 in 2024.

Watson said this latest deal covers non-eligible recyclables generated from commercial properties, municipal buildings, places of worship, non-profits, daycares, campgrounds and trailer parks, commercial farms and industrial businesses.

“It’s the same materials, just coming from different places. The regulations treat a pop can from a home differently than a pop can from a business,” Watson said at a June 2024 meeting.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, recycling generated by these businesses cannot be placed in the same bins as eligible sources and cannot be picked up in the same load as eligible sources.

Watson said following a two-year grace period, Circular Materials will stop collecting non-eligible recyclables on Dec. 31, 2025. If the township opted against sourcing a new company to collect these materials, people will be forced to dispose of them elsewhere, Watson said.

A five-year deal has been struck with Waste Connections Canada to haul away non-eligible recyclables. Two new drop-off locations will be available at the Haliburton landfill next year. Watson said the township will pay $720 per haul and $71.70 per metric tonne for containers and paper disposed of. He estimated the annual cost at between $20,000 and $42,000.

Minden Hills has also approved a similar contract, with non-eligible recyclables to be collected at the Scotch Line landfill. Highlands East has opted against accepting recyclables from non-eligible sources, while Algonquin Highlands is investigating its options.

When the new rules kick in, Watson said people will be asked if their recyclables are coming from a residential or commercial operation, with people directed to different drop-off locations for each.

“I recognize it seems silly, but this is the way we have to respond to a piece of legislation that provincial government has passed.

“The Haliburton landfill already has two active bays for 40-yard roll-off bins to accept materials from non-eligible sources… Dysart’s other waste disposal sites (Harcourt, Kennisis Lake, West Bay and West Guilford) do not have bays to accommodate extra bins. The capital costs to develop each site for two additional bins… makes including them not financially feasible,” Watson said.