New master plan for Head Lake Park

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October 22, 2020

JQ - Head Lake Park Master Plan - 1-web — A new design for Head Lake Park as part of a draft master plan unveiled Oct. 20. Photo via Basterfield and Associates.

Dysart et al unveiled a vision for Head Lake Park Oct. 20 with a proposed master plan that would add a variety of new features.

Peterborough-based architectural firm Basterfield and Associates was hired to oversee the plan’s creation and revealed its draft to a group of municipal officials and stakeholders Oct. 20. The plan envisions a massive transformation of the park and proposes additions such as a splash pad, off-leash dog park, a new northern bridge and pathway improvements.

A wide range of community representatives offered feedback, including members of the local Rotary Club, Lions Club, the snowmobile association and the Haliburton County Farmers Market. Landscape architect Brian Basterfield said he was glad to hear from a range of sources.

“You can’t get a good design solution unless you get everybody at the table,” Basterfield said. “We’re pretty darn close to something that can be truly a master plan that speaks to the future opportunities.”

The plan also proposes a new walkaway around the stage area, a large central green area, a library park plaza, an expanded playground, a reconstructed water feature replacing the fountain and new tree planting.

Basterfield said this is a long-term plan that could take 10-20 years to fully implement but would allow the municipality to take advantage of grant opportunities as they come.

“We’re all going to be much poorer at the end of this COVID response in terms of government funds,” he said. “It’s not to say things can’t continue to move forward in a very staged process.”

“It will be up for council to decide the priorities and what gets done.” Mayor Andrea Roberts said. “Unless you want your taxes to go sky high, we’ll never get this all done at once.”

Attendees made several suggestions to adjust the plan, such as a new dock on the north end of the park and adding fruit trees. Group representatives also raised questions to ensure the new features would not hamper the park’s ability to accommodate their regular activities.

Additions like the splash pad, proposed for the north end of the park near Rotary Beach, will take further technical work before coming into being.

“This needs to be viewed as a blueprint for moving forward with ideas and locations,” Basterfield said. “There would be a whole series of design exercises attached to establishing a splash pad.”

Basterfield said they will adjust the plan based on feedback before presenting it to council for final approval, likely in December.

“I really want to thank the stakeholders for your interest and dedication in helping make sure this project is right for our community now and in the future,” Deputy Mayor Patrick Kennedy said. “Lots of exciting things to come.”

Picketing for change to long-term care homes

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Lisa Gervais

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October 21, 2020

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LG-long-term care coalition 1 (1) — Terry Hartwick was one of the local Long-Term Care Coalition Haliburton-CKL members who held an information picket in Haliburton Oct. 8. Photo by Lisa Gervais.

With a sign attached to her windshield reading ‘LTC action day – our seniors matter,’ Terry Hartwick said she came to a Dysart municipal parking lot with other members of the Long-Term Care Coalition Haliburton-CKL on Oct. 8 to raise awareness.

“One of the things is people in general, and communities in general, don’t really know how long-term care is run unless they’ve had a loved one in a home. So, I think that it’s really important that we make it known,” Hartwick said.

Other placards coalition members placed on their cars included, ‘seniors, not profits,’ ‘fix LTC – seniors matter,’ and ‘put the love back in long term care’.”

They gathered in the municipal parking lot across from Baked and Battered.

Hartwick said, “we’re a grassroots coalition for Haliburton-City of Kawartha Lakes and we’re doing this in Haliburton today. We’re wanting change in long-term care and we need it now.”

She said that 80 per cent of deaths from COVID have been in long-term care homes. She acknowledged that locally, she knows of no positive cases of COVID-19 and no deaths in any Haliburton County long-term care homes. She said they are lobbying on behalf of the “wider” experience.

“So, we’re looking for some short-term and long-term goals, for instance, getting rid of four-bed wards, giving PSWs more pay and more benefits, more staffing in general so that there’s four hours per day minimum per resident of direct care and staff working in only one facility. We’re also looking at an increase in infection prevention and control,” Hartwick said.

She added the other main goal is getting long-term care included under the Canada Health Act. She said proponents are hoping to make a submission to the federal government by Feb. 1, 2021.

The local coalition spokesperson added they are collaborating with other entities, such as the Services Employees International Union, the Ontario Health Coalition, and the Ontario Medical Association and local doctors. “So, we’re working together with lots of people to have a strong voice.”

Hartwick added the reason she is taking a lead role in the local coalition is that her parents were in long-term care in Haliburton’s Highland Wood. Both have now passed away, including her mom in 2019 around the time of the Highland Wood roof leak evacuation.

“So that was a hard move for everybody right … really hard … I’m honouring both of my parents.” She added that at 72, she herself could be looking at a move into long-term care “in a few years from now.”

For more information, contact: hckllongtermcarecoalition@gmail.com or go to their Facebook page: Haliburton-CKL Long-Term Care Coalition.

Dysart residents want action on speeding

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Lisa Gervais

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October 21, 2020

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JQ - Speed Limits - 1-web — Haliburton Lake Cottagers’ Association president Glenn Scott (left) and Fort Irwin Residents’ Association treasurer Joe DiFrancesco stand next to a new (slow down) sign put up at Haliburton Lake Road July 4. Photo submitted.

Residents and visitors’ need for speed in Dysart et al was a topic of discussions at the Oct. 13 committee of the whole meeting.

There was a request by taxpayers for warning signage on Loon Lake Road, and to lower the speed limit on Wigamog Road. Director of public works, Rob Camelon, said he didn’t know if requests were being made because the municipality has done traffic counts, “but it just feels like the floodgates are opening on people concerned with vehicles travelling perceivably fast on municipal roads.”

Camelon said he had concerns with what was being asked for in the Loon Lake Road area.

“I don’t think there’s a speeding issue there if they’re doing 50 km/h,” he said of the majority of drivers. “What I’m finding now is there is a lot of perceived speeding on some of these roads.”

Camelon said that might have to do with road alignment or brush “but I don’t think it’s something that signage is going to fix.”

He is further worried about setting a precedent creating sign pollution. The Haliburton Lake Cottagers Association and Fort Irwin Residents Association received approval in the summer to post signs in the Fort Irwin area. The association provided the signs, and council the poles and installation.

Mayor Andrea Roberts asked if that could be done in this case.

However, Coun. John Smith said there was no data to prove the Haliburton Lake signs had made a difference and council should adopt a more holistic approach, including community safety zones. Camelon stressed he’s not an advocate of signs.

“If they don’t want to pay attention to the black and white signs saying 50 km/h, they’re probably not going to pay attention to the other ones.”

He added if they approve signs for Loon Lake Road, other requests will pour in.

Coun. Larry Clarke wondered if the township could ascertain where things such as sightlines make it sensible to have signage for safety reasons, versus a community initiative.

Deputy-Mayor Pat Kennedy said it’s people’s neighbours that are speeding and perhaps it’s about education by lake associations and OPP enforcement.

“It’s your neighbour that’s speeding, not Joe Blow from Kokomo driving through to get from one area to another … Perhaps a letter from council to the OPP asking for some presence for the $2.2-million a year we’re giving them to help the speeding on some of our side roads may also be beneficial,” he said.

Coun. Walt McKechnie agreed with lake associations getting the message out that people need to slow down.

When it came to the ask to reduce the speed limit on Wigamog Road, Coun. Nancy Woods-Roberts said it is a busy road, narrow, densely-populated, pedestrians cross the road to access the lake, and there is a school bus using it.

“I think we should reduce the limit on that somewhat if we have the capability,” she said, suggesting at least to 40 km/h.

Camelon pointed out it is a shared road with the Township of Minden Hills so they would have to consult with them.

Kennedy stressed it’s about education there as well, since some people walk three abreast on both sides of the road. Staff were again concerned about setting a precedent.

“If we do Wigamog, why not Wonderland, or Peninsula?” Camelon asked.

Roberts agreed that Camelon should come back to council with a bigger picture report on the issue.

Council received both requests for information only.

McKecknie said at the end of the day, it comes down to common sense.

“You can’t fix stupid. We’re all driving too fast.”

Police investigating fatal collision in Highlands East

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Lisa Gervais

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October 17, 2020

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121968482_2197813220353522_2299913061575978336_o — Emergency responders on the scene of a fatal collision on Glamorgan Road Oct. 16. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle collision in Highlands East on Glamorgan Road Oct. 16.

In a press release, Haliburton Highlands OPP said they responded to the scene around 7:50 p.m. alongside the Highlands East Fire Department and the Haliburton County Paramedic Services.

Paramedics transported the driver of the vehicle, 44-year-old Jeffrey Teatro of Haliburton, to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. A post-mortem examination is scheduled.

Glamorgan Road was closed for several hours while the OPP Technical Traffic Collision Investigators attended the scene, but police have since reopened the road.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

Authorities investigate fatal Highlands East fire

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Lisa Gervais

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October 17, 2020

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EkYnTwMWoAEQew5 — The Office of the Fire Marshal investigated a fatal fire in Highlands East Oct. 15 and 16.

The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is investigating a fatal home fire in Highlands East on Glamor Lake Road Oct. 15.

Haliburton Highlands OPP, the Highlands East Fire Department and Haliburton County Paramedic Services responded to the scene around 4:40 a.m. After firefighters put out the blaze, the OFM attended and fire investigations supervisor Richard Derstroff said they recovered one deceased victim from the debris later in the day.

The OFM was on scene again Oct. 16 and the cause of the blaze is still under investigation, Derstroff said.

“There was a lot of damage and a lot of information to go through,” Derstroff said. “The entire structure was into the basement, was into the foundation.”

Derstroff said three family members did make it out of the fire, but there were some injuries. He said the OFM has not had the opportunity to interview them yet.

He said OPP and the Highlands East Fire Department are co-ordinating on the case but could not provide an estimate for how long the investigation might take.

A post-mortem investigation of the victim is scheduled for Monday.

The Highlander will update this story as more information is made available.

Minden and Dysart volunteers knock down fire

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Lisa Gervais

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October 16, 2020

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No one was hurt when a cottage caught fire in Minden Hills Oct. 15.

Minden Hills fire Chief Nelson Johnson said his department responded at 4:38 p.m., arriving at a single family detached cottage on Curtiss Road in about eight minutes.

“With four firefighters arriving with the initial group, we deployed two hose lines to contain the fire,” Johnson said.

He said the resident of the cottage was on scene, discovered the fire and reported the situation, including that there was no one in the building.

He said his department quickly controlled the fire with the initial team while the second arriving team set up a portable pump from the lake to provide water to the fire engine.

Other firefighters started to arrive and there were 10 volunteers from Minden Hills. Johnson said they called for assistance from Dysart, so there were more than 20 volunteer firefighters to assist.

The fire was controlled by 6 p.m. and extinguished by 7 p.m. with the fire department off scene by 7.30 p.m.

“I would like to thank the volunteers that responded to assist with the control of the structure fire. Everyone was a great help and the teamwork displayed allowed us to have the fire under control in a short time,” Johnson said.

“We also would like to thank Dysart et al fire department with their assistance during this incident. They provided a valuable service and we greatly appreciate having the resources available when needed. “

School board says bus rides not guaranteed

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 15, 2020

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KW - School bus driver 3-web — A lack of school bus drivers is putting pressure on the TLDSB. File photo.

By Kirk Winter

The Trillium Lakelands District School Board created a social media firestorm Oct. 1 by posting a message on Facebook about bus transportation for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.

“Due to the current shortage of qualified school bus drivers, any day we could be without a driver for your child’s bus route,” the message reads. “It is important to make alternate transportation arrangements to get your child to and from school in the event of a cancellation.”

Hundreds of outraged parents responded, detailing circumstances of families with no car or no car at home during school hours; of shift workers who would not be available for unscheduled pickups; or children who might try to walk significant distances rather than wait for parents, potentially putting themselves in danger.

The posting comes after public statements by communications officer, Sinead Fegan, and superintendent of business, Tim Ellis, who had speculated about a shortage of school bus drivers and what impact it might have on the transportation system in mid-September.

As early as 2016, Unifor, which represents most of the unionized bus drivers in Ontario, went on record calling the way school boards procure transportation as “deeply flawed” and “a race to the bottom.”

Unifor argues that the request for proposals process leads to constant instability and contract flipping as school bus companies try to outbid each other. This has led to a precarious industry offering few rewards for drivers and little stability for parents, they say.

The pandemic has only worsened the working conditions for drivers as they are now expected to sanitize buses between runs. Unifor says that pay as “miserly” as $60 a day, with no pay for professional activity days or school holidays, is not nearly enough for often elderly drivers to risk exposure to the COVID-19 virus on a daily basis.

Local parents and drivers have also taken to social media to voice their concerns about buses travelling at pre-pandemic capacities.

“Our buses are loaded as they normally would be prior to COVID-19,” Fegan told The Highlander via e-mail.

Debbie Montgomery, president of Unifor Local 4268 and a bus driver for more than three decades said, “The Ontario government has also failed to make driver retention bonus cheques available to qualified school bus drivers from 2019. The payment is given to drivers with near perfect attendance as a payout of $1,000 for the period of September 2019 through December 2019 with payment due March 2020,” she said.

“The next payment period which ran from January 2020 thru to June 2020 was interrupted when schools closed in March. The program administrators have not communicated to the drivers if they will receive pay for either of these periods,” Montgomery said.

Unifor said many drivers rely on the Driver Retention Program to help make ends meet. Without those twice a year bonus payments, they say more drivers have left the industry, contributing to the shortage of school bus drivers, only made worse by the onset of a pandemic.

HCDC celebrates business success amidst pandemic

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Lisa Gervais

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October 15, 2020

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JQ-HCDC chairman PETER SMITH-web — Board chair Peter Smith pictured at the 2019 AGM. File photo.

The Haliburton County Development Corporation (HCDC) reflected on its successes and the helping hand they gave businesses amidst the pandemic at its 35th annual general meeting Oct. 7.

The organization met via Zoom and highlighted all the support provided to businesses this year, including $932,500 through its COVID loans program and $994,889 distributed through the federal Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF). It also spotlighted its more usual assistance for the year ending March 31, including $55,000 through its Local Initiatives Program and two new businesses launched via its incubator.

Chair Peter Smith expressed his gratitude to his board, staff, and organizational partners including all levels of government.

“Despite COVID perhaps being an opportunity … where we don’t feel we’re in the driver’s seat, I remember people getting together with a single focus and just working together,” Smith said. “We owe a great deal of thanks to everyone who has participated, small and large.”

The corporation has continued to support businesses throughout the pandemic, with more to come. It will distribute another $560,000 through the second round of the RRRF.

Tim Degeer of auditor Dawson Gray said the organization’s annual audit was seamless, even with COVID-19.

“Want to congratulate your organization on an outstanding year and thank you for acting swiftly when the pandemic did strike,” he said. “It’s certainly something that’s noted and appreciated in the community.”

Program and operations co-ordinator Autumn Wilson highlighted the Haliburton Guitar Studio for the organization’s success story. The business owned by Nick Russell started at HCDC’s business incubator in 2018, starting part-time and going fulltime in a year. Wilson said the studio now has 30 students and has kept going in the pandemic, offering additional online services. The Community Futures Network of Canada also selected it as Ontario’s success story for its annual report.

“Nick and his business have become a staple in our community and an incredible story of hard work, resilience, authenticity and kindness,” Wilson said.

Warden Liz Danielsen attended and offered congratulations to HCDC.

“Your assistance to local business and not-for-profit organizations is unparalleled and does so much to help the economy here in the Highlands, particularly during these challenging times,” Danielsen said. “It is my hope that the County will move ahead in the near future with an economic development portfolio.”

“I do want to thank, at this time, the staff for their continued professionalism,” Smith said. “This has made this entire experience a positive one.”

Highlands real estate booms during pandemic

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Lisa Gervais

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October 14, 2020

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By Lisa Gervais

As a second wave of COVID-19 hits urban Ontario, Haliburton County’s real estate industry continues to boom with buyers wanting space outside of cities.

It’s a trend that has seen realtors reporting record summers with indications the fall will be just as brisk.

“It was a pretty slow start to the year but as the months progressed, the real estate market in Haliburton became busier and busier,” said Linda Baumgartner, broker of record with RE/MAX Professionals North. “It has been the busiest summer I have experienced in the 32 years I’ve been in the business.”

Anthony vanLieshout, broker of record with Royal LePage Lakes of Haliburton, added that in his 35 years, “this is as good as it’s got from a seller’s perspective.”

Hilary Morrin, salesperson with EXP Realty Brokerage, added she’s having an “excellent 2020.” Seeing a marked increase in buyers looking for property in The Highlands, from vacant lots, to businesses, to homes, condos and cottages.

The three said they’ve had huge numbers coming to showings and multiple offers above asking price and market value.

vanLieshout said in the case of cottages, a lot of people have said they love the idea of owning one, but it’s a lot of work and commitment so some have opted not to buy in the past.

“All of a sudden, they’re saying ‘geez, it would be nice to have a place to get away from the city, a place to escape and just feel safe and secure in a smaller community. I think people are into protection mode,” he said of 2020.

Morrin added people are not spending money on travel, so she’s seen an increase in the timeline to purchase a second property and be able to spend time with family at a cottage and in the lake right now.

“More and more people want out of the city,” Baumgartner agreed. “There is a huge sense of urgency and the consumers are demanding immediate responses. They want to find a cottage and they want it yesterday.”

The challenges have been a dearth of stock, since it’s in such demand, and the rigorous cleaning having to be done at open houses, the three said.

“I generally carry a large inventory but with the high buyer demand they are selling off the shelf,” Baumgartner said.

She added the new protocols to protect themselves and clients have changed the way they deal with clients.

“We spend a good portion of our time when showing a property disinfecting and making sure we leave the houses and cottages as we found them. Before COVID, we focussed 100 per cent of our time engaging with our clients.”

All three said another trend is that buyers are looking for reliable internet so that they can work from the cottage.

vanLieshoust said he now puts internet download and upload speeds on his listings. Morrin added that both cell phone coverage and internet speed and service are a huge criteria for buyers.

vanLieshoust said the only comparable boom was in 2000-2007. He said eventually the market will stabilize.

“After every boom there is usually a bust or a correction in the market,” Baumgartner said. “The bubble has to burst at some point. We are seeing many properties selling for well over asking price and well over market value. Some of these purchasers may have to sell for unfortunate reasons in the not to distant future, such as health or finances. The question we as realtors ask is ‘are we going to be able to sell their homes and cottages for what they paid for it’?”

Morrin said the bust or correction won’t be coming any time soon.

“With the second wave of COVID, I predict we will see more of the same reaction. People not travelling and therefore investing those dollars in a second property. People are seeking space.”

Health Unit offers Thanksgiving advice

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 9, 2020

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With the Thanksgiving holiday almost here, area residents are being reminded to serve up COVID-19 safety with the usual fall festive fare.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is encouraging everyone to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during the holiday long weekend. This includes staying close to home as much as possible and ideally only marking Thanksgiving with those in your immediate household.

“Thanksgiving is traditionally the time to celebrate the fall harvest and gather with family, friends and loved ones,” says Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, Medical Officer of Health with the HKPR District Health Unit. “This year, we ask people to be mindful of COVID-19 and celebrate Thanksgiving differently to reduce the spread of the virus. We’re now in the second wave and with cases of COVID-19 rising across Ontario, it’s essential we do our part to protect the health of our community.”

Local residents are encouraged to connect with family and friends either virtually or outdoors over Thanksgiving. Connecting by phone, social media or video conferencing can still allow people to get together – albeit remotely. If an in-person visit with family or friends is planned for Thanksgiving, it’s best to hold festivities outdoors staying within gathering limits and keeping a two-metre (six-foot) physical distance from others. Face coverings should also be worn. If any participants feel sick, they should stay home and not visit anyone.

“While we realize this year’s Thanksgiving may not be what we’re used to, these precautions are necessary to help reduce everyone’s risk of COVID-19,” Dr. Noseworthy said.

If students are coming home from college or university for Thanksgiving, the Health Unit urges extra precautions. It’s important for students who are back home to practise proper hand hygiene, wear a face covering indoors and keep at least two metres distance, especially while eating or drinking. If they are feeling sick, students should not return home for Thanksgiving.

People should also consider COVID-19 prevention tips when serving and preparing food. It’s recommended that food be plated individually by someone who is symptom-free and knowledgeable in safe food handling. Do not share food and beverages buffet or family style.

“Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate what we have, so let’s celebrate smartly and safely as we do our best to flatten the COVID-19 curve,” Dr. Noseworthy said.