Missing hikers located in QE II park

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March 11, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bridging connections with online art

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Lisa Gervais

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March 10, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arts and Crafts Festival on pause

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

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

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

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

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

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

County supports long-term care changes

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Lisa Gervais

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March 7, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perry thanked council for the support.

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

HE to do public consultation on Centre Lake

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Lisa Gervais

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March 6, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

County stands still on emissions reduction

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Lisa Gervais

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March 6, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COVID restrictions eased in Haliburton

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Lisa Gervais

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March 5, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAQ about COVID-19 vaccinations

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Lisa Gervais

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March 5, 2021

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by Dr. Nell Thomas

Q: Why should I get a vaccine?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Where will I get my vaccine?

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Mike

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 5, 2021

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It’s not often we use this editorial space to pay tribute to an individual in the community. However, Mike Jaycock’s contribution to Haliburton County over the years is significant and it somehow seemed fitting.

While Mike and his wife, Jane, and dog Sophie, are not moving until March 24, word is out that the Highlands’ loss is Ingersoll’s gain.

CanoeFM spilled the beans in an email blast and The Highlander asked Jaycock to trip down memory lane with us for a story on his pending departure which is running on our people page a little further back in today’s edition.

Glancing through a lengthy email – since Jaycock is one of those few people who can do an email interview because he writes very well, honed from years of doing radio interviews – it’s hard to believe what he has packed in, in his 18 years as a permanent resident.

Difficult to fathom that when he first arrived, he and Jane didn’t know anybody. However, they soon learned that joining a club or organization – in their case the Haliburton Curling Club – was the ticket to friendship.

Meeting Dave Sovereign, one of Canoe’s founders, helped Jaycock transition into community radio. Jaycock helped Sovereign with the morning show, before taking it on himself for about 10 years. He went on to do the Friday Drive show.

Jaycock reflected on his great friendship with the late Lorraine McNeil, his radio partner who gave him the kick he needed to translate his dream for a Christmas pantomime into The Highlands Christmas Shindig. With alter ego, Dame Beatrice, and more people than we can name in this space, they have launched what continues to be one of the marquee events on the County calendar, and a huge fundraiser for Fuel for Warmth.

The good news is Dame Beatrice plans to come back in November for what’s hoped to be a live show.

Prior to that, he recalls going to Those Other Movies and seeing Prairie Home Companion and loving it. After the show he chatted with Tammy Rea and they talked about the power of that kind of production. Naturally Rea thought they should try it here. Many will remember the Highlands Radio Almanac.

For many, Jaycock has been the voice of not just community radio, but so many local events. He is synonymous with Canada Day in Minden. There was many a live broadcast at election times. We recall his voice at the Lions Club polar bear challenge; emcee of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce awards gala; countless auctions including the hospital auxiliary and Tall Pine Tales.

And there were contributions to the Sculpture Forest and Performing Arts committees; Rotary; SIRCH; Yours Outdoors, Dysart et al and the Ontario Senior Games. And, we’re pretty sure he’s missed a few.

Outside of the radio station, his contributions continue. He was instrumental in the work of the Haliburton Creative Business Incubator. Some might have forgotten that he was the first business manager there. He taught at the college, too. He recalls some great young people coming through the eco-tourism program including Haliburton Forest’s Tegan Legge.

Jaycock was named Highlander of the Year in 2009.

While we may still listen to him on air from time to time and see him in November, when he and Jane move March 24, the Highlands will bid them farewell with a heavy heart.

Thanks, Mike.

Cook it up and get ready for retail

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Lisa Gervais

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March 5, 2021

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This year’s Cook It Up and Ready for Retail training programs will be offered both onsite and online, SIRCH Community Services said in a Feb. 15 news release.

In partnership with Fleming College, both programs are starting soon.

Cook It Up trains people in food services. Ready for Retail trains people to work in retail spaces.

This year, for the first time, Cook It Up trainees get to practice their skills in the SIRCH Community Kitchen and Bistro, while Ready for Retail students will cut their teeth at the SIRCH Marketplace.

SIRCH said successful candidates can do some courses from home or, if they don’t have an available computer, at the new training centre. Some of the classes will be in small groups in the training centre as well.

“These programs will help you gain the skills and confidence you need to find success,” SIRCH executive director, Gena Robertson, said to potential participants.

“We can help you solve any practical issues that may stand in your way, like if you don’t have transportation, or need to be home when the kids get off the bus. And you’ll get a hot lunch any day you’re on site.”

She added, “Our instructors will make you feel confident in no time. Our goal is to get you employed, or self-employed, and everyone is going to bend over backwards to make that happen.”

The programs have been running for six years. Robertson said 90 per cent of graduates have been offered jobs upon graduation.

The programs are free. To apply or learn more, contact SIRCH at info@ sirch.on.ca or call 705-457-1742. Or you can visit www.sirch.on.ca

New owners have big plans for Minden links

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Lisa Gervais

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March 5, 2021

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Beaverbrook Golf Course in Minden has new owners and big plans for the nine-hole course, clubhouse and property.

Luigi Centurami and Liz Coccia have purchased the course and hired Gordon Timbers as the director of golf to lead the golf operations and maintenance team at the property.

Timbers said he’s assuming his role this spring and will begin implementing plans for improvement throughout the facility.

“COVID-19 protocols will be at the top of the list, with a goal of ensuring all guests feel comfortable with a minimal contact experience,” he said.

Plans also include a complete renovation to the clubhouse, which is currently underway and should be completed early in the 2021 golf season. An addition of new carts is in the works as well, which Timbers said will improve the quality of the experience.

“We will be adding a full-service restaurant to the facility, called Mulligans Pub & Patio, that will be operated by Michael Wright and Paula Sylvester as owners and food and beverage managers for the course,” he said.

The pair have been owners and operators of the Tower Bistro restaurant in Dorset, winning the TripAdvisor award of excellence.

Timbers said the facility is also excited to announce that they will be offering a full adult membership at the promotion price of $500. Timbers will also be assessing the daily rates for the coming 2021 season and will probably make adjustments to be on par with the other 9-hole courses in the County.

They’ll be continuing the ladies league tradition as a supporting venue for the Chippers and Putters divisions held on Tuesdays. The course will also be offering a weekly men’s night that is slated for Monday evenings; which will be using a shotgun format to promote a club atmosphere.

With Centurami and Coccia also owning Twin Lakes Resort, Timbers said currently the two entities will be separate, “but we may offer a stay and play promotion through the resort in the future.”

Timbers’ resume includes work at the Muskoka Bay Club, Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Beacon Hall Golf Course in Aurora.