It’s about respecting community

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July 24, 2020

It’s been a challenging time for Haliburton County.

Last week’s incident involving a 73-yearold man assaulting an employee at Easton’s Valu-mart in Minden over a mask got things started. The man then drove recklessly to his home on Indian Point Road in Dysart et al. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said police shot the man. He died soon after in hospital.

As usual, the trolls took to local social media to speculate, denigrate, pontificate and make a bad situation much, much worse. It wasn’t until press time last Wednesday that the real story came out in The Highlander. By then, the social media damage had already been done.

Without people knowing the facts, there were wild rumours. One portrayed trigger-happy cops taking down a poor senior citizen all because he was exercising his constitutional right not to wear a mask. On the flipside, people had this man dressed in camouflage, brandishing two firearms, and coming out with all guns blazing.

We’ll learn the truth when the SIU report comes out. Of course, that takes patience. And, why would we let facts get in the way of a good social media frenzy so some people in our county can make themselves feel important by writing themselves into a story.

They should be ashamed.

So should the people who have apparently been harassing staff at local businesses. Baked and Battered took to social media as well this week in the hopes of getting their patrons to behave a little better.

They said they have had people criticize their decision to not fully open their restaurant during Stage 3 of provincial reopenings. Folks, restaurants are not public spaces. They are privately-owned. You have no right to demand a restaurant open just because the province says that they can. You have no idea of the nervousness of owners and staff when it comes to their personal health and safety, not to mention your own. Nor do you have any idea of the required health and safety precautions these restaurants must employ, nor the cost. If they don’t want to fully reopen, that’s their choice. Respect it.

Baked and Battered also said people have been annoyed when the restaurant has not contravened public health requirements to move tables for them. Simply put, the health unit could come in and close them down. So, get over yourself.

And, when it comes to masks, they’ve been told you must wear them. It is not the restaurants’ choice. If you don’t like it, stay home.

I had an elderly gentleman and his wife phone me last week. They wanted to know all about the mask mandate. They were skeptical of the impact wearing masks would have on curtailing the spread of the disease. I relayed the latest science but they scoffed, saying masks wouldn’t make a difference. I told them anyone can find the science to back any opinion. I said we’d have to agree to disagree and I ended the call.

Dr. Diane Duff has an interesting column in today’s Highlander outlining which demographics are most likely to refuse to wear masks. It seems middle-aged men and young people tend to buck the trend more than others but there’s many skeptics in the county.

I’m personally not crazy about having to wear a mask. It’s hot. It makes my glasses fog up. It’s pretty hard to conduct interviews. Do I wear one when I go out? You bet I do. I don’t want to get COVID-19 or unsuspectingly spread the virus to someone else.

At the end of the day, It’s not about constitutional rights, people. It’s about respecting yourself and your community. If you can’t do that, well, fine, just stay home. You can spend your time working on that Facebook vitriol.

Businesses open doors after months of closure

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 24, 2020

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People returned to playgrounds and indoor businesses July 17 as the provincial government began stage three of its reopening plan.

The phase allowed for most indoor businesses and public spaces to open their doors with safety measures in place, including previously shuttered bars, restaurants and gyms. Haliburton County townships were also allowed to open playgrounds for the public.

The Kosy Korner in Haliburton reopened right away, after being closed since March. After renovating the restaurant during the hiatus, owner Ann Gordon said she felt ready.

“It’s been hard times in COVID. We need to make money or else,” Gordon said. “There was no need to wait. We had the glass barrier put up, we have the sanitizer, all the regulations are in place.”

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit laid out those regulations, extending its mask mandate to include all newly opening indoor spaces.

The health unit advises continued physical distancing but also said people can take off masks when they are no longer “roaming,” such as taking a seat at a restaurant or using equipment at an indoor gym.

“There is logic behind it,” communications officer Bill Eekhof said. “As people walk around in indoor facilities, they are likely to walk into your space, increasing the potential of transmission … Once people are seated at the appropriate distance from others that are not within their household or social circle, the risk is significantly minimized.”

Parents and children also came to playgrounds over the weekend after townships reopened them. Ron Boucher visited the playground at Head Lake Park with his grandchildren July 18.

“They’ve been asking me all the time, ‘let’s go to the playground’,” Boucher said. “Just have to follow the rules and the guidelines and hope for the best.”

But there is some hesitancy. Some restaurants have opted to stick to takeout and not allow indoor customers yet. Gordon said customers have also not flocked to dine-in right away.

“It’s not what we were expecting. On Saturdays, we would have lineups. There are no lineups,” she said. “Hoping to get the word out there more.”

Kosy media consultant and waitress Alexis David said being able to open indoor spaces is important for them, even with patio dining and takeout available.

“Indoor space is what people love about the Kosy. They love coming in, they love having that experience,” David said. She added it is important to support local businesses during this period.

“Everybody was hit pretty hard and we want to be able to stick around,” David said. “We need our local support back. We’re open, we’re here and we’re ready to serve.”

AH poised to take action on short-term rentals

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 21, 2020

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It appears the Township of Algonquin Highlands will take some measures to regulate short-term rentals following a July 10 meeting.

After a presentation by consultant Greg Corbett of Planscape Inc., a majority of councillors indicated they did not want the status quo. The township’s Official Plan, and comprehensive zoning bylaws, now contain no specific policies related to short-term rentals (STR).

Coun. Jennifer Dailloux declared a pecuniary interest and left the meeting as she co-owns and operates tourist accommodation.

The definition of STR typically applies to renting for less than 30 days in a residential dwelling, not hotels, motels, tourist establishments, or bed and breakfasts. In Algonquin Highlands, STRs are primarily associated with cottage rentals.

Corbett said he did a review of various online rental platforms, and identified approximately 100 in the township. However, Mayor Carol Moffatt suggested it’s likely three to four times that.

Corbett said some of the impacts of STRs can be positive and negative. The cons include overloading of sewage disposal systems, but he suggested that licensing could place a limit on the number of guests permitted. Parking is another issue, but a greater parking requirement could be established. He noted the township already has a noise bylaw. Other issues include building code and safety; the effect on housing affordability; compatibility; and unfair competition with traditional accommodation providers.

On the plus side, he said they did create: increased accommodation options; additional income for property owners; and benefits to the tourism sector.

The other three municipalities in the County are currently in the midst of reviewing STRs but have not put any regulations in place.

Moffatt said, “The challenge around this issue and what makes it so problematic is there’s all kinds of people who are just very quietly, happily renting properties and people come and spend time there and they have a bonfire, make S’mores and swim in the lake. They’re just living a normal life. It’s the bad people and some of those bad actors are the landlords.” Moffatt added.

“Of the greatest concern … it’s not that people are necessarily upset that a cottage next door might be a rental property. It’s the behaviour of those renting it. It’s the conduct of people … We need to address those things for the safety and sake and atmosphere of our community.”

She said some people will be upset because they feel the net is being cast too wide, and capturing the good renters, but council has no choice. She said it’s “like nailing Jello to the wall.”

Deputy Mayor Liz Danielsen said it’s a big enough issue in the township that it warrants a public meeting. She also wanted to make sure there was a method to bring existing STRs into a “new regime.”

Council discussed establishing a dedicated email address so residents can provide feedback. The public can also email councillors directly. Moffatt said it was “early days” and no decisions were being made and there would be ample time for public input.

Moffatt, Danielsen and Coun. Julia Shortreed said they were interested in hearing more about Corbett’s proposed option of Official Plan and/or zoning bylaw amendments and licensing and they have asked him to come back with a further report. Coun. Lisa Barry concurred but did not want to entirely drop another option, which was the drafting of OP and zoning bylaw amendments, but not licensing.

Licensing would be in accordance with the Municipal Act. Under it, a township could ask for confirmation of building code and fire code compliance, and confirmation of insurance etc. Licensing further allows for the collection of fees to offset the additional administration fees and allows for the establishment of set fines for infractions.

Corbett said making changes would come at a cost to the township. He said the Town of Blue Mountains has spent about $1m on STRs since regulating in 2009. C

ouncil voted to accept his report for information.

Minister tours, but no funding announcement

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 21, 2020

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Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Lisa MacLeod, toured the Haliburton Sculpture Forest and the Minden Whitewater Preserve July 9 but an anticipated funding announcement for the tourism region was postponed to a later date.

The Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO) Region 11, of which Haliburton County is part, was passed over this time around with Region 8 getting $1.4 million, in an announcement in Bobcaygeon later in the day.

Nicole Whiting, executive director of OHTO, said they were disappointed Region 11 will have to wait “but at the same time, we’re so excited and honoured that she [MacLeod] actually made a trip to the area.”

Whiting added they knew going in that MacLeod’s schedule was going to be fluid, and the change of funding regions was “no reflection of her support of the area and her commitment to funding.”

Whiting said it was logistical and “she has agreed to come back to our region … I think it’s great. I’m very happy.”

MacLeod said “the funding announcement will happen at a later date.”

She said her ministry is travelling the province, and investing $13 million in hyper-local marketing.

“So that communities such as the Haliburton Highlands will be able to start getting their neighbours to start reconnecting in their own community.

“We recognize international travels will not return for another couple of years, and as inter-provincial borders are still restricted in some cases, we don’t expect a lot of domestic staycations, so this year we’re going to be rediscovering and reconnecting in our own communities, which is why I’m here today to demonstrate that you can safely take in a tourist attraction in phase 2 of COVID-19s economic recovery and support the local community.”

MacLeod went on to say the marketing campaign is geared at, “you do not have to leave your community to have an impeccable summer vacation. And it’s safe to do so right in this community. Why wouldn’t you want to? If I could stay for a week, why wouldn’t I?”

Director of County tourism, Amanda Virtanen, said she is hearing from operators that the industry has improved in stage 2. However, she said there remain a lot of challenges.

“We’re looking forward to the RTO 11 announcement. It’s been great having the minister here and being able to feature some of the best stuff in our region, having seen the sculpture forest and the whitewater preserve. The fact she is coming back will be great for us.”

Students take lead on climate

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 20, 2020

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Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) is committing to acting on climate change with a new student-created plan to be implemented next year.

The board’s G7 Student Senate created the TLDSB Climate Change Action Plan and presented it to the board of trustees June 9. The 68-page document details 10 different phases for climate action the board, schools and students will work together on.

Last year’s student trustee Kaylee Kelly said it is an important cause, particularly living in cottage country.

“Everything within the climate is changing,” Kelly said. “It’s important that the school board abides by these guidelines. We can make a more sustainable future and this will also improve the community.”

The senate worked throughout the school year to put the plan in place, inspired by young environmental activists such as Autumn Peltier and Greta Thunberg. The plan addresses issues such as waste management, creation of eco-spaces, Indigenous inclusion, food resilience and technology considerations.

The plan calls for the creation of a student-led eco-team at every school, keeping climate action as part of the curriculum, maintenance schedules for TLDSB devices, conducting annual waste and energy audits, creating plastic-free cafeterias, phasing out single-use plastics and encouraging transportation such as biking and carpooling.

“By seeking guidance from community elders and Indigenous peoples, TLDSB recognizes our responsibility as stewards of mother earth as our most important job,” the school board said in a press release. “Together, TLDSB will set the standard and take proactive action to promote a sustainable environmental education model.”

Kelly said the board supported the senate and worked with them to put the plan together. But the pandemic forced parts of the plan to change, Kelly said. Although the senate kept the work going through online meetings, implementation timelines had to be adjusted.

“With TLDSB abiding by the Ministry of Education rules for returning back to school, we knew we had to be more open about these timelines,” Kelly said, noting COVID19 makes actions such as phasing out plastic more difficult. She added devices and online learning were added to the plan specifically in response to the pandemic. Kelly said she is confident the board will follow through and students will be supportive.

“All of these goals we have written are definitely achievable,” she said. “We hope to set the model for other school boards.”

Left to Tell: Lest we forget

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 19, 2020

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Editor’s note: Second World War veteran Mabel Brannigan, 97, of Minden has joined with The Highlander to write a series of stories in the lead-up to the 75th anniversary of the end of the war. The 17-part series will run until Remembrance Day 2020.

By Mabel Brannigan

The year 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Few veterans who were born in Haliburton County are living. I remember many who were raised in this county, and that is who this series is about. Many from other counties retired here, and hopefully their counties will write about them. This series includes only Haliburton County.

In 2020, I will be in my 97th year, and since I am writing mainly from memory, a 97-year-old brain needs all the help it can get. So, if I forget anyone who enlisted, I hope someone will be kind enough to remind me. Let’s make this a Haliburton County celebration.

Depending on what happens with COVID-19, Legions may have activities because their first and foremost dedication is remembrance of the veterans. There will be time for solemnity and prayer, and time for laughter and reminisces.

A very important thing is learning, as children will be invited via Legions to learn. After 2020, there will only be textbooks to learn from. As long as there is hate and greed, war will be with us. Just as D-Day was the beginning of the end, we begin our journey to the end of the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Businesses are urged to fly special flags and municipalities to acknowledge the anniversary. The Left to Tell series will remind people how fortunate we are to live in peace and freedom in the best country in the world, especially in Haliburton County, and the price Haliburton County veterans paid to ensure that we have that opportunity today.

More than one million Canadians served in uniform between 1939 and 1945, an impressive number given the fact that Canada’s population at the time was only 11 million. Whether in the army, air force, navy or merchant navy, the challenges for our men and women were immense and the danger great.

Indeed, more than 45,000 lost their lives during the Second World War and more than 55,000 were wounded. These Canadians rallied together in extraordinary ways to defend the rights of all people to live in peace and freedom. It is due to their brave and courageous service that the struggle against tyranny and oppression was won.

Lest we forget.

Go Haliburton County Go!

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 18, 2020

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I think I’m more excited about the Leafs returning to training camp than Stage 3 of the province’s reopening July 17, but that’s just me.

In the midst of COVID-19, I can’t think of any greater distraction than watching the Buds attempt to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup, or as some have dubbed it, ‘The COVID Cup,’ in 2020.

Despite the seemingly convoluted playoff format, the unlikeliness of hockey in August, and the fact it could all be nixed by a second wave of COVID-19, I have the August dates circled in my calendar and will soon place my call to Bell to ensure the sports channels are back on the TV for the August to fall hockey binge-athon I plan on having.

I think I, and we, have earned it after nearly five months of COVID.

Sure, I have heard the criticism of professional sport during the pandemic. I sincerely believe our frontline health workers, our grocery store clerks, and everyone else who has had to be ‘out there’ during COVID is deserving of the hero tag.

We know we can survive without overpriced NHL hockey players. However, many of us have found our lives to be somewhat lacking without pro sports and other similar distractions. So, let the games begin.

As for July 17’s reopenings, don’t get me wrong, I welcome them, too. It’s great news for Haliburton County. It means nearly all businesses and public spaces are now open to the general public.

A number of our accommodators have reported people coming during Stage 2 but losses of revenue due to their inability to host larger gatherings and weddings. With the province saying up to 100 can gather outside, and 50 inside, some of those events may return to local calendars.

In terms of public gatherings, we’re talking community events, concerts, live shows, festivals, conferences, sports and recreational fitness activities, fundraisers, fairs, festivals and open houses.

The reopenings don’t apply to everything. There’s to be no buffets, dancing at restaurants and bars, overnight stays at camps for kids, karaoke, or prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sport. I am saddened by the impact this has on our summer camps.

The real boon is for other businesses. It means our restaurants and bars can finally open to dining in and our gyms and fitness centres can get back to business. They are getting used to mandating all of their patrons to wear masks this week and now have to figure out what Stage 3 means for them. For some, it’s opening for the first time in months. For others, it’s again refining how they do business.

As members of the public, we can help them by simply doing what is being asked of us. We might as well get used to it as it appears Stage 3 will be our reality likely until a vaccine is rolled out either later this year, or into 2021.

Other things to keep in mind? As for your social circle, you’re advised to stick with the 10 you brought in Stage 2. Continue to physical distance, wear that mask and wash your hands.

The other good news announced July 13 is that daycare centres can reach about 90 per cent of pre-COVID capacity come July 22, and the province is planning for a conventional, daily delivery, return to school in September.

So, in conclusion, Go Leafs Go, and Go Haliburton County Go!

Duchene heads back to the rink

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 18, 2020

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Haliburton’s Matt Duchene is back on the ice, training with the Nashville Predators as they prepare to return to NHL action in the next few weeks.

Duchene has been recording the #DucheneDiaries on Twitter for @FifthThird and posted an update July 14.

In it, he said it was great to be back with his teammates, wearing the Predators logo, and being back in Nashville.

He said July 14 marked his first day back at the rink with his teammates.

“It was nice to get back into our dressing room and see everybody and get on the ice and start to put some work in together again.”

Number 95 said he had been looking forward to being back with his teammates in the locker room.

“The best thing about playing hockey is the camaraderie amongst each other,” the former Highland Huskies player said. He said he had an 800-square-foot training facility at his home, but at the rink they have a “great” weight room, which is built for the style of strength training their strength coach employs.

As for the team’s chances, he said, “Before COVID hit we were really climbing as a group. We were getting back to where we should be based on the talent we have. I’m excited about where our team was heading before COVID and I think we’ll hopefully pick up where we left off in terms of that mental vibe. I’m exited for all of us to get back together.”

Duchene said the mental side of things going into the playoffs is going to be the biggest challenge in his opinion. He said preparing physically for it is much easier.

“The best way to attack it is just go day-by-day. It’s just about having a good workout. Getting on the ice and feeling good. Just worry about everything as it comes. We want to stay fresh mentally. This is going to be a marathon. It’s not going to be a sprint. There’s just too many unknowns to really start preparing or overpreparing now so for me, it’s just a day-by-day thing.”

The Predators’ first round is against the Arizona Coyotes beginning Aug. 2 in Edmonton.

Highlands East calls for US border to stay closed

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 17, 2020

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Highlands East is asking the federal government to keep the Canada-U.S. border closed to most traffic to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Council passed a resolution July 14 asking the government to maintain its current stance of keeping the border heavily restricted, noting how much the virus is spreading in the U.S. The resolution will be circulated to upper levels of government and asks the feds to keep the status quo until the U.S. can control the disease as Canada has.

“The U.S. has not slowed the spread of COVID-19 and cases continue to grow at a much more significant rate than Canada,” the resolution said. “Canadians across the country, including Highlands East, have made and continue to make many sacrifices to slow the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the risk to each other.”

Governments have kept the borders closed to most traffic since March 21. The federal government has extended that until at least Aug. 21. Twenty-nine members of U.S. congress penned a letter July 3 asking for the two governments to make a framework for a phased reopening “based on objective metrics” versus extending the restrictions in 30-day intervals.

Coun. Suzanne Partridge lamented the impact of the closure on U.S. cottagers. “We really, really value our property owners in Highlands East whose permanent residence is in the United States,” Partridge said. “Really regret we are feeling we have to request this, but I feel it’s very important for our community.”

Deputy Mayor Cec Ryall said concerns remain about a free and open border right now. But he added it would be appropriate for the government to provide more information on what needs to happen for the border to reopen.

“What most of us are concerned about is the free and open exchange of people for cross-border shopping,” Ryall said. “There doesn’t seem to be, in my mind, any scrutiny that basically says when they get to this level, you’ll be able to do it. I strongly support this resolution for some kind of clarity.”

Residents raise a stink about Tory Hill park

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 17, 2020

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Deborah Wisniewski said she has had problems with foul-smelling droppings while walking her dog through Tory Hill park in recent months.

But they were not from her canine friend. She said the culprit was humans relieving themselves around the parking lot and trail after the municipality removed the portable toilet in March due to the pandemic.

“Day after day. Toilet paper, feces, garbage,” Wisniewski said, adding she was understanding at first as people adjusted. “But then after a couple of months it was going on more and I couldn’t understand why people would do that.”

She described areas as “littered,” with the stench rising alongside the heat. It was enough to garner a response from the municipality. Wisniewski said she reached out to Highlands East July 6 and they responded quickly to get the toilet back up.

Municipal CAO Shannon Hunter said the toilet was removed with the closure of parks and facilities during the pandemic. But she said with the provincial Stage 2 of reopening, which began June 12, it was time to return it.

“The park was caution taped off,” she said. “With being in phase two of the reopening, placement of the portable bathroom was recommended.”

Some municipalities across the province closed public washrooms at the start of the pandemic, including Minden Hills, but they were never explicitly required to be closed in Ontario’s emergency orders. But municipalities began reopening washrooms as time went on. Others kept public washroom facilities open through most of the pandemic, including Dysart et al and Algonquin Highlands.

Halliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit has advised washroom facilities must support proper hand hygiene with signage, have physical distancing markers and should be frequently cleaned and disinfected.

Wisniewski said she was surprised and thankful for the municipality’s quick response to her complaint.

“You don’t really need people doing that kind of thing. It’s not healthy, not safe, there are children playing in the park,” she said. “You have people walking their dogs, people walking their trail. Why would you want to walk on a trail that stinks?”