Firefighters successfully put out a structure fire which fully engulfed a home on Wigamog road Jan. 8. 

In a press release, Dysart et al Fire Chief Mike Iles said firefighters responded to a call at 3:46 a.m. with 17 firefighters and seven firetrucks. Nobody involved was injured by the fire, but the house is a complete loss, with damages estimated at $250,000, Iles said. 

Iles said in an interview the residents of the home were awoken in the morning by their smoke alarm. 

“The smoke alarm did save their life,” Iles said. “They were able to evacuate the building after hearing the smoke alarm.” 

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, Iles said. 

Firefighters arrived on the scene at approximately 3:58 p.m. according to a press release. Minden Hills Fire Department also responded with two fire trucks as mutual aid assistance. Firefighters were able to confine the blaze to the attic and south end of the structure before putting it out. 

Although the structure was heavily damaged, the house is still standing and Iles said the family was able to recover some of their belongings. 

Iles said the firefighters battling the blaze performed well on scene. 

“The firefighters on scene did an exceptional job to stop the fire when it was fully engulfed in fire through the roof,” Iles said. 

The incident is a reminder of the importance of having working smoke alarms, Iles said. 

“I hope we can get the news out and hopefully have some people check their smoke alarms for batteries and expiry,” Iles said. “Hopefully, make the people aware.”

Minden Hills is spending an additional $140,000 to extend its letter of intent for a new arena development.  Minden Hills council held a special meeting Dec. 19 and voted unanimously to approve the letter issued to McDonald Brothers Construction and Parking Architects limited, which will extend the timeline for the validation phase for the project up until Jan. 31. The additional funding being allotted is in addition to $140,000 already allotted for the validation phase up until this point.  “The forecasted time to finalize draft of the contract as amended by Supplementary General Conditions exceeded expectations,” director of community services Mark Coleman said in a staff report. “Therefore the contract will be presented along with the validation for report to council for consideration at the January 24, 2019 meeting of council.”  In his report, Coleman said the 2018 budget had allotted $300,000 for the validation phase of the project, meaning the expenditure still falls within that budget. Coun. Bob Carter asked for clarification that council is only committing the additional $140,000 and nothing beyond that at this point.  “At this point today, right now, we’re not committed to anything but the $140,000?” Carter asked Minden Hills chief administrative officer Lorrie Blanchard said that was correct.  “I’ve asked the same questions,” she said.  At a Dec. 18 public meeting, the developers said the project would cost $12 million. The development entails the demolition of the arena portion of the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena, with a new arena being built at the same location, featuring an ice-rink, gymnasium and walking track.  Coun. Pam Sayne questioned the expenditure to extend the validation phase of the project after Blanchard noted the funding for it had been built up in reserves.  “This is a nice cushion, if you will, in case of issues we have to deal with flood mitigation, any kind of capital expenses that we might have,” Sayne said. “We’re shooting to put that money towards this verification stage, which we miss for other potential issues.” “We started this potential project three years ago,” Mayor Brent Devolin retorted. “We have every year had this conversation at budget time. This is not new news.”  Sayne later questioned the amount of money the township was proposing to put towards the project, which had its details disclosed at a public meeting Dec. 18.  “For the first time at the public meeting, we were hearing the numbers of what this arena could cost us…I cannot figure out how our community can pay,” Sayne said.  Devolin responded those questions will be addressed in budget talks.  “Certainly, as we move to the end of validation and the budget discussions that will start in the beginning of January. We’ll go through the mechanics of all of that,” Devolin said. “That will be fleshed out.”

Minden Hills is spending an additional $140,000 to extend its letter of intent for a new arena development.

Minden Hills council held a special meeting Dec. 19 and voted unanimously to approve the letter issued to McDonald Brothers Construction and Parking Architects limited, which will extend the timeline for the validation phase for the project up until Jan. 31. The additional funding being allotted is in addition to $140,000 already allotted for the validation phase up until this point.

“The forecasted time to finalize draft of the contract as amended by Supplementary General Conditions exceeded expectations,” director of community services Mark Coleman said in a staff report. “Therefore the contract will be presented along with the validation for report to council for consideration at the January 24, 2019 meeting of council.”

In his report, Coleman said the 2018 budget had allotted $300,000 for the validation phase of the project, meaning the expenditure still falls within that budget.

Coun. Bob Carter asked for clarification that council is only committing the additional $140,000 and nothing beyond that at this point.

“At this point today, right now, we’re not committed to anything but the $140,000?” Carter asked Minden Hills chief administrative officer Lorrie Blanchard said that was correct.

“I’ve asked the same questions,” she said.

At a Dec. 18 public meeting, the developers said the project would cost $12 million. The development entails the demolition of the arena portion of the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena, with a new arena being built at the same location, featuring an ice-rink, gymnasium and walking track.

Coun. Pam Sayne questioned the expenditure to extend the validation phase of the project after Blanchard noted the funding for it had been built up in reserves.

“This is a nice cushion, if you will, in case of issues we have to deal with flood mitigation, any kind of capital expenses that we might have,” Sayne said. “We’re shooting to put that money towards this verification stage, which we miss for other potential issues.”

“We started this potential project three years ago,” Mayor Brent Devolin retorted. “We have every year had this conversation at budget time. This is not new news.”

Sayne later questioned the amount of money the township was proposing to put towards the project, which had its details disclosed at a public meeting Dec. 18.

“For the first time at the public meeting, we were hearing the numbers of what this arena could cost us…I cannot figure out how our community can pay,” Sayne said.

Devolin responded those questions will be addressed in budget talks.

“Certainly, as we move to the end of validation and the budget discussions that will start in the beginning of January. We’ll go through the mechanics of all of that,” Devolin said. “That will be fleshed out.”

Firefighters successfully put out a structure fire which fully engulfed a home on Wigamog road Jan. 8.

In a press release, Dysart et al Fire Chief Mike Iles said firefighters responded to a call at 3:46 a.m. with 17 firefighters and seven firetrucks. Nobody involved was injured by the fire, but the house is a complete loss, with damages estimated at $250,000, Iles said.

Iles said in an interview the residents of the home were awoken in the morning by their smoke alarm.

“The smoke alarm did save their life,” Iles said. “They were able to evacuate the building after hearing the smoke alarm.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, Iles said.

Firefighters arrived on the scene at approximately 3:58 p.m. according to a press release. Minden Hills Fire Department also responded with two fire trucks as mutual aid assistance. Firefighters were able to confine the blaze to the attic and south end of the structure before putting it out.

Although the structure was heavily damaged, the house is still standing and Iles said the family was able to recover some of their belongings.

Iles said the firefighters battling the blaze performed well on scene.

“The firefighters on scene did an exceptional job to stop the fire when it was fully engulfed in fire through the roof,” Iles said.

The incident is a reminder of the importance of having working smoke alarms, Iles said.

“I hope we can get the news out and hopefully have some people check their smoke alarms for batteries and expiry,” Iles said. “Hopefully, make the people aware.”

SIRCH has announced that Cook it Up and Ready for Retail are coming back to the Highlands in 2019.  In a media release, they said registrations are now open.  They are free programs. One is in food services training and one is in retail training. They are 16 weeks long and will begin on Jan. 28 and run until May 13.  Participants attend two to three days each week, so could combine the program with part-time work. They will learn the skills employers look for most, will receive certifications as well as get hands-on experience for nine weeks. In fact, some employers are sending part-time staff to gain valuable skills, at no cost to them.  “Employers love graduates of these programs,” said Judith Bamford, coordinator of the 2019 programs. “Graduates have been immersed in customer excellence and communication training, and have practical experience. Over 90 per cent of graduates from both programs were employed following the training last year. That’s such a win-win.”  Each program can take up to 12 students. Applicants 29 or under may be eligible for additional funding, but there are no age restrictions and everyone enjoys a free lunch. The programs offer a supportive approach and positive learning atmosphere.   “If you haven’t worked for a while, or lack confidence, this is a great place to start back into the labour market. Transportation may be available to those who need it,” SIRCH said.  Cook It Up trainees will do their practicum at Molly’s Bistro Bakery in Minden, where every Tuesday starting in March they will cook a three-course meal for the public. Ready for Retail trainees will be placed in businesses that match their interests. Both programs offer networking opportunities with businesses and employers in the community.  “People should call and get their names in now.  This is one-of-a-kind training that only happens in Haliburton County.  There’s no cost to those who are accepted into the program; there is a high likelihood of being employed at the end; trainees receive various certifications as well as practical experience and confidence,” said Bamford.   Classroom training takes place in Haliburton, with on-the-job training happening in various locations.  SIRCH provides Cook it Up and Ready for Retail in partnership with City of Kawartha Lakes Social Services, John Howard Society, Fleming College, Victoria County Career Services, Molly’s Bistro Bakery and Thrift Warehouse.  Those interested in the programs are encouraged to contact Judith at 705-4571742 or at judith_bamford@sirch.on.ca.

SIRCH has announced that Cook it Up and Ready for Retail are coming back to the Highlands in 2019.

In a media release, they said registrations are now open.

They are free programs. One is in food services training and one is in retail training. They are 16 weeks long and will begin on Jan. 28 and run until May 13.

Participants attend two to three days each week, so could combine the program with part-time work. They will learn the skills employers look for most, will receive certifications as well as get hands-on experience for nine weeks. In fact, some employers are sending part-time staff to gain valuable skills, at no cost to them.

“Employers love graduates of these programs,” said Judith Bamford, coordinator of the 2019 programs. “Graduates have been immersed in customer excellence and communication training, and have practical experience. Over 90 per cent of graduates from both programs were employed following the training last year. That’s such a win-win.”

Each program can take up to 12 students. Applicants 29 or under may be eligible for additional funding, but there are no age restrictions and everyone enjoys a free lunch. The programs offer a supportive approach and positive learning atmosphere.

“If you haven’t worked for a while, or lack confidence, this is a great place to start back into the labour market. Transportation may be available to those who need it,” SIRCH said.

Cook It Up trainees will do their practicum at Molly’s Bistro Bakery in Minden, where every Tuesday starting in March they will cook a three-course meal for the public. Ready for Retail trainees will be placed in businesses that match their interests. Both programs offer networking opportunities with businesses and employers in the community.

“People should call and get their names in now. This is one-of-a-kind training that only happens in Haliburton County. There’s no cost to those who are accepted into the program; there is a high likelihood of being employed at the end; trainees receive various certifications as well as practical experience and confidence,” said Bamford.

Classroom training takes place in Haliburton, with on-the-job training happening in various locations.

SIRCH provides Cook it Up and Ready for Retail in partnership with City of Kawartha Lakes Social Services, John Howard Society, Fleming College, Victoria County Career Services, Molly’s Bistro Bakery and Thrift Warehouse.

Those interested in the programs are encouraged to contact Judith at 705-4571742 or at judith_bamford@sirch.on.ca.

Townships across the county are grappling with higher recycling costs due to a crash in the global recycling commodities market.  The crash is being driven by China, one of the world’s largest recycling importers, decreasing its intake and putting stricter rules for contamination rates, according to a letter sent to area municipalities by Waste Connections of Canada.  Waste Connections of Canada now has recycling contracts in Algonquin Highlands, Highlands East and Dysart et al. District manager Iain Wates said their company is better positioned than many to handle the changing commodity market, but the higher recycling costs are here to stay.  “Everybody’s dealt with low pricing and all those kinds of things, but never has there ever been anything quite like this before,” Wates said. “It’s turned the recycling commodity world upside down and that’s not about to change.”  Highlands East estimates it will have spent $19,365 by the end of the year for increased processing fees compared to 2017, according to environmental supervisor Stewart Hurd. Projections were not yet available for 2019. Minden Hill’s plastic recycling processing rates fell in 2018, according to environmental and property operations manager Ivan Ingram. However, a staff report from Ingram indicates those costs are expected to rise for 2019, requiring a $27,000 budget increase for recyclable transportation and processing.  Algonquin Highlands operations manager Adam Thorn said he is not expecting any major changes to material processing costs in the very near future, though it has a contracted increase based on the consumer price index, which was 2.2 per cent in 2018.  Dysart et al is projecting to have spent over $31,000 more in recycling costs in 2018 compared to 2017, according to director of public works Rob Camelon. After switching its contractor to Waste Connections of Canada at its Nov.27 council meeting, the municipality anticipates its 2019 recycling costs will fall over $8,000 below 2017 levels.  Dennis Casey, who served as the chair of the Dysart et al Environmental and Conservation Committee in the last term, said the recycling cost increase was sudden and required the municipality to use $20,000 being saved for new scales at the Haliburton landfill.  “Over a period of the next few years, the recycling issue, at a municipal level, the cost is going to become quite significant,” he said.  Casey said it was unfortunate, as the scales would allow the municipality to better manage what is being brought into the landfill and create more revenue. He further said he expects recycling standards will become stricter in the future.  “Contaminated bins would be harder to work with and they’ll be fussier in terms of what’s in the bins,” he said. 
Algonquin Highlands and Highlands East councils both discussed a mistaken letter sent to the two municipalities from Waste Connections of Canada about increased recycling costs. 
The letter also said there is a need for less recycling contamination and raised the possibility of customers suspending recycling programs due to costs. 
Wates said the letter was never intended for the two municipalities, whose recycling contamination levels are low. The letter was intended for the commercial customers of municipalities in other districts, he added. 
He further said the company has tried to manage processing cost increases by providing additional revenue sharing for municipalities, but there is no way around recycling costing more. 
“We’re going to continue to serve our partners to the best of our ability and do the best we can to minimize costs for them,” Wates said.

For Highlands East Coun. Joan Barton, choosing not to run for a third term was a matter of managing a busy life.

“I have other things in life to attend to at this point in time. Everyone has times in their life when they get busier in their personal life than they want to be,” Barton said.

The two-term councillor will be the only incumbent not to return to council, with her current colleagues all re-elected or acclaimed to their seats. She participated in her last Highlands East council meeting Nov. 7.

She said Highlands East council worked well together over her eight years there and she was glad to be a part of projects such as building a new library for Wilberforce and the curling club rebuild.

“I was a part of many things that the collective council did that I was really happy about,” Barton said.

In the wake of her departure, Barton’s Ward 4 saw four people run to fill her seat, with Ruth Strong emerging victorious in the Oct. 22 election.

“I’m glad there was a good, democratic fight,” Barton said. “I have every reason to think that Ruth will do a good job.”

Barton said Highlands East council will continue to try to tackle issues important to the community after her departure, such as the short-term rental accommodations issue.

There is a lot someone learns as a councillor, Barton said.

“You learn a tremendous amount when you’re on council, because you’re always having to learn about the next thing that has suddenly come up.

For Highlands East Coun. Joan Barton, choosing not to run for a third term was a matter of managing a busy life. 

“I have other things in life to attend to at this point in time. Everyone has times in their life when they get busier in their personal life than they want to be,” Barton said. 

The two-term councillor will be the only incumbent not to return to council, with her current colleagues all re-elected or acclaimed to their seats. She participated in her last Highlands East council meeting Nov. 7. 

She said Highlands East council worked well together over her eight years there and she was glad to be a part of projects such as building a new library for Wilberforce and the curling club rebuild. 

“I was a part of many things that the collective council did that I was really happy about,” Barton said. 

In the wake of her departure, Barton’s Ward 4 saw four people run to fill her seat, with Ruth Strong emerging victorious in the Oct. 22 election. 

“I’m glad there was a good, democratic fight,” Barton said. “I have every reason to think that Ruth will do a good job.” 

Barton said Highlands East council will continue to try to tackle issues important to the community after her departure, such as the short-term rental accommodations issue. 

There is a lot someone learns as a councillor, Barton said. 

“You learn a tremendous amount when you’re on council, because you’re always having to learn about the next thing that has suddenly come up.

Townships across the county are grappling with higher recycling costs due to a crash in the global recycling commodities market.

The crash is being driven by China, one of the world’s largest recycling importers, decreasing its intake and putting stricter rules for contamination rates, according to a letter sent to area municipalities by Waste Connections of Canada.

Waste Connections of Canada now has recycling contracts in Algonquin Highlands, Highlands East and Dysart et al. District manager Iain Wates said their company is better positioned than many to handle the changing commodity market, but the higher recycling costs are here to stay.

“Everybody’s dealt with low pricing and all those kinds of things, but never has there ever been anything quite like this before,” Wates said. “It’s turned the recycling commodity world upside down and that’s not about to change.”

Highlands East estimates it will have spent $19,365 by the end of the year for increased processing fees compared to 2017, according to environmental supervisor Stewart Hurd. Projections were not yet available for 2019.

Minden Hill’s plastic recycling processing rates fell in 2018, according to environmental and property operations manager Ivan Ingram. However, a staff report from Ingram indicates those costs are expected to rise for 2019, requiring a $27,000 budget increase for recyclable transportation and processing.

Algonquin Highlands operations manager Adam Thorn said he is not expecting any major changes to material processing costs in the very near future, though it has a contracted increase based on the consumer price index, which was 2.2 per cent in 2018.

Dysart et al is projecting to have spent over $31,000 more in recycling costs in 2018 compared to 2017, according to director of public works Rob Camelon. After switching its contractor to Waste Connections of Canada at its Nov.27 council meeting, the municipality anticipates its 2019 recycling costs will fall over $8,000 below 2017 levels.

Dennis Casey, who served as the chair of the Dysart et al Environmental and Conservation Committee in the last term, said the recycling cost increase was sudden and required the municipality to use $20,000 being saved for new scales at the Haliburton landfill.

“Over a period of the next few years, the recycling issue, at a municipal level, the cost is going to become quite significant,” he said.

Casey said it was unfortunate, as the scales would allow the municipality to better manage what is being brought into the landfill and create more revenue. He further said he expects recycling standards will become stricter in the future.

“Contaminated bins would be harder to work with and they’ll be fussier in terms of what’s in the bins,” he said.

Algonquin Highlands and Highlands East councils both discussed a mistaken letter sent to the two municipalities from Waste Connections of Canada about increased recycling costs.

The letter also said there is a need for less recycling contamination and raised the possibility of customers suspending recycling programs due to costs.

Wates said the letter was never intended for the two municipalities, whose recycling contamination levels are low. The letter was intended for the commercial customers of municipalities in other districts, he added.

He further said the company has tried to manage processing cost increases by providing additional revenue sharing for municipalities, but there is no way around recycling costing more.

“We’re going to continue to serve our partners to the best of our ability and do the best we can to minimize costs for them,” Wates said.