“Be kind, be calm, be safe”: Board of Health responds to tragedy

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July 16, 2020

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Board of Health discussed the importance of non-confrontation and kindness after a man reacted with violent opposition to the health unit’s mask mandate.

The board discussed July 16 the health unit’s new instructions for businesses to require masks. The mandate, which began July 13, asks most businesses to have policies requiring masks in indoor premises, but not to deny service or get into confrontations with those who refuse.

But the board delved into a tragic incident July 15. Police said a 73-year-old man refused to wear a mask at a Minden Valu-mart and assaulted an employee there. The man later died in a police altercation at a Dysart residence.

“It’s really important that store owners and those businesses in those places have the poster and have the polices,” board member and Dysart Mayor Andrea Roberts said. “But, if for whatever reason, someone is refusing, to really not engage because we don’t know where that person is coming from mentally. We don’t know what the trigger is, and we can’t ask an individual what their reason is for not wearing a mask

“But it was very sad and just goes to show the stress that a lot of people are under,” Roberts added.

Central region OPP acting staff sergeant Jason Folz said the man responded to a employee positioned at the front of the store to ensure people wore masks. He said the man refused and assaulted the employee before getting into a vehicle, driving aggressively at people, and leaving the vicinity. Folz said the employee was treated for minor injuries and returned to work that day.

The health unit’s mask order offers exemptions to mask-wearing for medical and religious reasons. It also asks businesses to enforce in “good faith” and focus on education.

But the health unit also said non-compliant businesses may be liable for fines under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

Medical officer of health Dr. Lynn Noseworthy said the objective of the mandate is to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and start normalizing mask-wearing. She quoted from B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry on how people should respond.

“‘Be kind, be calm, be safe,’” Noseworthy said. “The pandemic has been a very challenging situation for everybody … Everybody is very stressed.

“Acknowledge some people can’t wear a mask for whatever reason – that’s their business and we have to respect that,” she added.

Board chair Doug Elmslie agreed with the sentiment and said it would be nice if people followed Henry’s advice.

“Let’s hope we don’t have any more incidents like the one yesterday and we move forward,” he said.

When asked to respond to concerns about employees being put into a difficult position managing people, Elmslie declined.

“We would decline to comment at this time and wait for police officials to do their job,” Emslie said. “I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to say anything right now.”

Investigation launched into fatal police shooting

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Lisa Gervais

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July 15, 2020

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Investigators are examining the case of a 73-year-old man who died after an altercation with police in Haliburton County July 15.

The Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) announced it has assigned six investigators to the case. They reported the matter began when police attended a call at the Minden Valu-mart where the man assaulted an individual. The man left in a vehicle and police later tracked him to a residence on Indian Point Road in Dysart et al.

“Outside the residence, there was an interaction with the man and two officers discharged their firearms,” the SIU said in a press release. “The man was struck. He was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.”

Central region acting staff sergeant Jason Folz said the incident at the Valu-mart began over the mask mandate, which started at indoor businesses across the County July 13 by order of the health unit. Folz said a worker was positioned at the front of the store ensuring people wear masks when entering, with spares on hand for anyone who did not have one.

“The male suspect refused to wear the mask and assaulted that employee,” Folz said, adding the employee got medical attention for minimal injuries and returned to work later that day.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit mandate requires most businesses to have policies in place requiring masks in their indoor premises. The health unit said the enforcement of its mandate on individuals is educationally focused and businesses are not to refuse people service for not wearing a mask. The mandate also offers exemptions for medical or religious reasons.

After the alleged assault, Folz said the man left the store in his vehicle, “directly driving at people in an aggressive manner.” Police at the scene attempted to stop the vehicle but discontinued in the interests of public safety, he said.

The SIU said police then located the man at his residence via a query on his licence plate. Harburn Road was later closed in the area as police investigated the scene. Folz said there were shots fired and as a result, more resources were brought to the scene, including the Canine Command Unit and the Tactics and Rescue Unit, due to immediate danger.

Deanna Steel lives in the closed-off area and was temporarily blocked from going home. She said it was a scary situation.

“It’s awful. I don’t know what I’m going to do,” she said when the road was closed that morning. “I’m sure that all it is for is to protect people.”

Folz said no police were injured.

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation to contact 1-800-787-8529. The unit is also urging anyone with video evidence related to this incident to upload that through the SIU website at siu.on.ca.

The Highlander will provide more on this story as it develops on thehighlander.ca

Harp on the Water: Chapter 8 – Night and Day

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Lisa Gervais

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July 14, 2020

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The sun had settled behind the tree line and the inky lake shimmered under a pink-orange sunset. Two officers escorted Heather Mackenzie-Wilson up from the dock to the driveway behind her cottage, where a Spruce County cruiser was parked. Bob accompanied her, holding her hand like he would never let it go. His wife’s glassy-eyed serenity had turned to shuddering tears as the realization of what had happened—and what was about to happen—set in. Ariel and Mimi Froome agreed to stay with the two boys for the night and Marie Maladee offered to come by in the morning with fresh muffins and to take over babysitting duties. Even Sally and Nibbles had offered to help. Harp could see a sense of community forming, naturally, among the inhabitants of the lake.

After giving their statements to Constable Terry Becker, they had all hugged each other, exchanged a few hushed words then departed into the night. Well, not all.

Grace Calvert rowed away from the scene of the reenactment without a word and Detective Harry Harp noted that a minute later, Gill followed her. His boat disappeared around the Calvert point and Harp wondered what the old man would do, now that the woman who had shaped—no controlled—his life was dead. Would Gill be able to move on from that summer day in 1961?

After the remaining boats had left, Becker walked over to Harp.

“Frank Gill and Grace Calvert both took off before I could get their statements,” he complained. “Should we go after them?”

Harp shook his head. “Tomorrow. Enough upheaval for one night.”

They nodded at each other then walked down to the Mackenzie-Wilson dock. It was then that they realized the lake lay between them and their car. Across the glowing expanse of water was the boat launch where they had parked in the morning. Harp looked at his watch. After being on the lake for twelve, hot hours, he and Becker were about to leave the small community with a grim tally; one murder, one life destroyed and multiple lives changed forever. There’s a price for everything, he thought, even the truth.

Harp said, “Let’s take Bob’s boat.” The Mackenzie-Wilson speedboat was parked next to the Froome’s outboard, which they would need in the morning to get home after a night of babysitting.

Becker said, “Or we could take the shore path? I’m up for a walk.”

Harp looked appalled—and dead tired.

“Just joking,” Becker said, grinning.

A moment later, the two men motored through the cool night air. Harp pulled on his suit jacket.

“Getting some use out of that business suit, after all,” the constable said, his mouth slanting into a smile.

“Yeah, probably not the best choice of attire. Didn’t realize we’d be in a boat all day,” Harp said then thought, I am never wearing this suit again.

“What you need is a Spruce County dinner jacket.” As they neared the boat launch Becker explained the features of the comfortable, red and black checked garment. Harp smiled, not sure if the constable was joking or serious. But he was sure that he liked him. After twelve hours, the young man had proven himself a reliable, smart detective.

Becker cut the engine and let the boat glide up to the launch where it gently thudded against the dock.

Harp turned back and looked out over the silent lake. A wavering yellow light caught his eye. It glowed through the pines on the Calvert point. Staring at it for a moment, he thought about Ida Calvert and the violent murder that ended her life—a life sequestered, cut off from the world and from the man who loved her.

Five months later, on a snowy December evening Detective Harry Harp stood in the Spruce County grocery store’s ‘Fresh Vegetables’ section. He was pondering the difference between broccolini and broccoli—smaller, sure, but what else? Scratching the side of his face, he wondered which to put into the green plastic shopping basket he was carrying—or none at all.

“Hello.”

Harp turned and saw Grace Calvert standing a few feet away from him, also carrying a shopping basket.

“Grace? I mean—Ms. Calvert?” Harp said quickly. “Doing well, I hope?”

She smiled and cast her eyes down for a moment. “Yes, she said. Much better.” Then she looked up again. “Thankfully, there was no trial.”

Harp had also greeted the news of Heather Mackenzie-Wilson’s guilty plea with relief. “Are you still living on the point?” He asked then inwardly admonished himself for inserting the word ‘still’—a judgment.

“No,” she said and smiled again like she noticed. “I sold to Marc Maladee.”

“He will have his retirement community, then?”

Grace nodded. Her hair was parted and pulled back behind her ears and she was wearing jeans and a fleece jacket.

No more pine needles, Harp thought.

“No more business suit,” she said as if reading his mind.

After almost half a year in Spruce County, Harp had adopted a more comfortable look and was bundled in jeans and a down-filled jacket. No Spruce County dinner jacket yet but he expected that would come in time.

She said, “The Froomes still have their place, last I heard. But of course, Bob sold.”

For a moment, Harp was transported back to that hot day in July and to all the troubled people on that lake whose lives were knotted together tighter than a noose.

Harry Harp and Grace Calvert stepped to the side of the aisle to let a woman pass. She was pushing a shopping cart full of groceries, a baby and a small child, who clung to the front of the cart, catching a free ride. Harp was reminded of Heather Mackenzie-Wilson and felt a sudden sadness.

Grace exchanged a smile with the woman then she and Harp stepped back into the aisle.

“So—how’s Frank Gill getting on?” Harp asked.

Grace’s forehead creased and she said, “He passed away a couple of months after my mother’s death.” She shook her head and sighed. “I think he died of a broken heart.”

The secret that Gill was Grace’s father went to the grave, Harp thought, wishing he could strike it from his own memory, too.

“After my mother, he’s the person I’ve known the longest,” she said, then added brightly. “But I’m meeting new people. I’m working at the bookstore.” Her eyes lingered on Harp then she looked away.

He asked where she was living now that the cottage was sold and she told him she had an apartment in town, above the gift shop. Harp said that he rented a little house—also in town.

She smiled at the news. “Well, I’m sure I’ll see you around,” she said then waved and walked away.

The detective watched her move past other shoppers until she disappeared around a corner. Returning his gaze to the modest array of vegetables, he pulled his mind back to food shopping. Broccoli versus broccolini? He swiftly grabbed a bunch of both and walked on, firmly convinced that relocating to Spruce County had been the right move, after all.

Masked men and women enter County stores

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Lisa Gervais

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July 13, 2020

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Local businesses implemented the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit’s mask mandate July 13 to address the pandemic.

Most commercial businesses must now have policies in place requiring customers to wear masks or face coverings inside their establishments. The enforcement is expected to be done by businesses’ “good faith” with an educational focus, with no one to be denied service for not wearing a mask.

Cindy’s clothing store owner Cindy Willing welcomed the mandate and said early on, customers were respectful of the new rules.

“It’s a great idea. It protects everybody and I think it’s the only way we’re going to continue to combat COVID-19,” the Haliburton businesswoman said.

The mandate offers exemptions for young children under five, religious reasons or medical reasons such as respiratory disease.

Health Unit director of health protection Anne Marie Holt said mask use has risen with the mandate, but they want to ensure people who do not wear them are treated well, too. The mandate does not ask businesses to be confrontational about not wearing masks but to gently remind and educate instead.

“We want to be kind because there are lots of reasons why people aren’t able to tolerate masks,” she said. “Their instructions really are to do the best we can.”

Needful Things sales clerk Denise Woods said although she would have liked the mandate sooner, she is glad it is here.

“Hopefully, it will keep everybody safe and corona(virus) down,” she said. “I figure all doctors and nurses have to wear them, and really why shouldn’t we?”

The health unit said the mandate comes now due to continued reopenings, as the risk of infection spreading remains. The mandate allows for fines to be levied against businesses that do not comply.

The health unit is publishing information about masks and the science behind their use. Holt said she would tell mask skeptics they are about protecting others.

“In a pandemic situation, we’re all in this together,” she said. “We each need to be supporting each other in our community.”

But she said she believes the public will be on board with masks and not exploit exemptions.

“We are confident that the majority of our community members are going to wear masks because we are a socially responsible community and we care about each other,” Holt said. “People for the most part want to do the right thing.”

Mask tips

The health unit has offered many tips about mask use through its website, including:

Wash hands immediately before putting on and immediately after taking it off.
Avoid moving, adjusting, or touching your mask while using it.
Wash the mask after each use.
Masks should fit snugly, but comfortably against your face.
Do not share cloth masks with others.

For more information and instructions visit hkpr.on.ca or call the health unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5020.

Drive-in movies coming to County

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 13, 2020

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Abbey Gardens will be converting its gravel pit into a drive-in theatre starting July 22 until the end of the summer.

Lesley English, who is on the Little Pit Drive-In committee, issued a press release July 10 to announce the initiative.

She said it will be Canada’s first off-grid drive-in with Brian Nash of Haliburton Solar and Wind just one of the many partners in the project.

English said other partners include the Haliburton County Development Corporation, Those Other Movies; everyone at Abbey Gardens; and the Little Pit Crew.

“Earlier this year, a small group of volunteers came together to reimagine theatre-going as a community building experience during a global pandemic,” English said.

She said they asked questions such as: how can we bring people together in a way that is safe and still builds community?; what kind of event can we create that will raise awareness of Abbey Gardens and appeal to a broad cross section of people?; and, what would underscore Abbey Gardens mission to educate the community about living more sustainably in a way that is fun and impactful?”

She said the answer was a drive-In, but “not just any drive-in but one which is powered by solar and wind energy.”

Nash said, “they’re going to be powering the drive-in from our off-grid office.” To do that, he said they’d be plugging in a long extension cord, using about 720 watts over a six-hour period. The local company is donating its solar and wind supply.

Planning committee member Barb Bolin said, “We have lost so many of the cultural outings that we in Haliburton are used to having in our backyard but are not able to access this summer. Abbey Gardens and its partners see the Little-Pit drive-In as a safe way of inviting the community to a fun outing and the opportunity to get to know us better.”

On Wednesday evenings at sunset for the duration of the summer, the Little Pit Drive-In @ Abbey Gardens will be screening double features of both old and new movies.

“From horror flicks, a drive-in staple, to frothy, feel good British comedies and everything in between, The Little Pit will have something for everyone,” English said. She added that special live intermission attractions are also in the works.

The committee, which also comprises Barr Gilmore, Heather Reid and Tammy Rea, will also serve as a ‘proof of concept’ and model for other theatre-type events that will demonstrate how presenters can present and communities can still support the arts, and live entertainment in a safe, enjoyable environment,” English said.

To ensure the safety and well being of guests, she added that current COVID-19 restrictions will be in place for the duration of summer 2020.

She expects a strong demand for tickets since there will be only 30 spots.

People can book tickets through the website (abbeygardens.ca/littlepitdrivein) in advance.

The cost is $50 per car, including complimentary popcorn. People can pre-order food and beverages. There will be car service for everything but beer. It can be purchased from Haliburton Highlands Brewing before the movies or during intermission. Doors will open at approximately 8.30 p.m. for a 9:15 p.m. show.

Abbey Gardens is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides economic and recreational opportunities while furthering our mission to educate our community about living more sustainably and restoring our social and natural environment.

Police kill cottage-raiding bear

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 13, 2020

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Police shot and killed a bear in the Kennisis Lake area July 6 which they said was due to it posing “an immediate and significant risk to public safety.”

Central region acting staff Sgt. Jason Folz said police located the bear retrieving food from inside a cottage and eating it on the deck. Folz said the bear had entered numerous cottages in the area over the past three weeks before getting caught in the Pine Point Road community.

“The bear was entering several dwellings in search of food and had lost its fear of humans,” Folz said. “For that reason, the bear was dispatched in the interest of public safety.”

Maxim Budnick is a cottager in the Kennisis Lake area who said he encountered a bear at his cottage July 5. Although it is uncertain whether the bear was the same one shot the next day, he said the bear was attempting to approach cottages.

“I was on the deck and we were about 25-feet away … Just started yelling at him, ‘hey, get out of there,’” Budnick said. “He wasn’t scared at all.”

He said the bear went to the other side of his cottage and stared into the basement window, ripping a hole in the screen with its claw. He said he scared the bear off and has not seen it since.

“What that bear needed was a good spray,” Budnick said. “I just knew the bear needed to be scared or else it was going to be a problem.”

These were not the only reports of problem bears in Haliburton in recent weeks. People reported a bear breaking into cars in the Drag Lake area in June. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) was called to set a trap. But the Drag and Spruce Lake Property Owners’ Association reported the trap was taken down June 29 after the bear was not caught, with it likely having wandered away.

Folz said it would not have been appropriate to wait for the ministry in this case.

“The bear posed an immediate and significant risk to public safety,” Folz said. “MNRF would deal with nuisance bears and we deal with immediate threats where people are in jeopardy.”

The MNRF warns bears are attracted to the smell of food. They advise people should store garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids in bearproof locations, keep pet foods indoors, remove bird feeders in spring and keep BBQ grills and drip pans clean.

Budnick said it is unfortunate for a bear to be killed in such a way. He added although police thought it was necessary, people need to be mindful to not let bears access their food.

“Most likely the bear has had easy access to food somewhere,” Budnick said. “It’s just unfortunate some people don’t understand the implications of feeding wild animals.”

Art becomes ‘yoga for the mind’ in pandemic

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Lisa Gervais

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July 11, 2020

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When COVID-19 hit, Janice Bishop said she needed an outlet.

With her business, All-Season Cottage Rentals, sidelined, she said she wanted to find something to do. Despite never having painted, she took a shot at a new online class with renowned local artist Carole Finn.

“I needed something to keep my mind active and distracted from what was happening,” Bishop said, adding her creations shocked her. “(Painting) gave me peace – like doing yoga for the mind.”

Like many, Finn had to adapt her art classes to the realities of the pandemic. She began offering a workshop online using tools such as Photoshop to help guide painters. She said the results were strong and she began exhibiting works the class produced at her home gallery July 1. Finn said she kept teaching a small number of five or six students, including one from British Columbia.

Though social interaction is limited compared to in-person classes, Finn said the format makes for a more focused experience.

“You have to be willing to take the time to work and get it done instead of talking,” Finn said.

Professional potter Barbara Joy-Peel also took the course and said she enjoyed what it taught her.

“It’s worked out well,” she said. “It gave a social outlet too because we were communicating with the rest of the class.”

Student Joanne O’Keefe has been painting for 10 years. She said the online classes were more flexible than in-person, which allowed her to attend.

“The only reason it happened was because of Zoom,” O’Keefe said. “It was a great experience and I’ve become a better artist because of it.”

The student art exhibition will continue running until July 12 at Finn’s artist’s centre at 15 Newcastle St. in Minden, with masks and sanitizing required. The online classes are available by messaging Finn at finn@ halinet.ca.

“I have to go back to work but I will definitely continue to paint as a hobby because I continue to amaze myself with what I’m doing,” Bishop said. “It was just a really positive experience.”

“I believe creativity is in everybody,” Finn said. “It’s so much fun to be able to help people discover that they really can do it.”

Gathering devices to show they care

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Lisa Gervais

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July 11, 2020

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SIRCH, Rotaract and Big Brothers and Big Sisters are partnering to put technology in the hands of people in need to help connect the community.

The three groups began “A Caring Connection” July 5, an eight-week program to collect used technology, clear them of data and update them, then provide them to people. A Rotaract member will be paired up with each person receiving a device to ensure they know how to use it.

Rotaract Haliburton Highlands president and project coordinator Rebecca Anderson said providing this technology is important given the separations caused by COVID19. She cited some of the vulnerable populations being hit hardest by the pandemic – isolated seniors, women in dangerous living situations without phone access and children in families without enough devices.

“There is a lack of connection in our community and it’s felt by the most vulnerable in our community,” Anderson said. “How are you expected to do schoolwork without a computer? How are you going to call 911 without a phone? How are you going to feel included in the community when you can’t even connect with your community?”

The groups will collect the devices, including phones, laptops and desktop computers that can still work. They aim to gather 500.

SIRCH executive director Gena Robertson said it is great to see a youth-led organization such as Rotaract partnering and taking this on.

“I haven’t witnessed a great deal of youth volunteerism, so to me this is really exciting,” Robertson said. “Stay in Haliburton County … and participate in the social services in the County.”

Anderson said it is valuable for Rotaract, which launched in February but was curtailed by the pandemic.

“It shows how serious we are when it comes to serving our community,” Anderson said. “It’s a really great opportunity for us to get out there.”

Anyone looking to donate devices can call SIRCH at 705-457-1742 to arrange drop-off or pick-up. Anyone interested in being part of this program or learning more about it can contact Rebecca_anderson@sirch.on.ca.

“I can’t wait to see the generosity of our community,” Anderson said. “I’m really excited to see this project go.”

Jays’ taste for signs leaves County feeling blue

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 10, 2020

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The County of Haliburton is once again dealing with an unexpected flock of vandals damaging municipal address signs.

Director of Public Works Craig Douglas reported about the problem of blue jays defacing 911 signs at the June 24 council meeting. The issue spiked around 2014, when the birds damaged hundreds of signs, prompting the County to install plastic coverings to prevent further damage. Douglas said the issue is being felt hard again this year, with about 400-500 signs being defaced. The expected replacement cost is $7,500.

To address it, Douglas proposed replacing the signs in bulk at the County’s expense, with plastic coverings added once again. Council approved the expenditure.

“We were hoping it was a one-time issue,” Douglas said. “It’s a health and safety issue and we want to get on it right away.”

Douglas said the plastic coverings cost about $15 per sign. Staff had tried to chase individual homeowners to help cover replacements in the past, Douglas said, but found it not worthwhile.

“We were chasing money, going on a long time and making these single trips out to who knows where to replace one sign,” Douglas said.

Douglas said the issue has persisted over the years, with up to 35 signs annually replaced, but this year has been the worst one since 2014.

Ornithologist offers answers

Emeritus professor of Wildlife Biology at McGill University David Bird said this is not a situation he has heard of before, but he is “almost 100 per cent certain” the birds are attacking the signs for calcium carbonate, used in paint and coatings. He said it is a nutrient blue jays use to produce eggs. He said there are accounts of them pecking at the paint on the sides of houses or railings for the same reason.

“The birds are deriving a nutritional benefit from eating the calcium carbonate in the paint,” Bird said, adding they may ingest it immediately or stow it away.

He said other possible explanations for birds pecking at artificial surfaces – such as defending territory or even reminding humans of empty feeders – do not make sense in this scenario.

Bird said the behaviour may have spread within the County because of how Jays observe each other.

“Birds are very visual creatures and they watch each other all the time,” he said. “These kinds of behaviours get copied by other birds. Because they say ‘hey, that guy must be getting something good off that sign,’ and next thing you know, it’s part of the population.”

Douglas said in smaller numbers, they have found other road signs damaged as well. He said they have found reports of similar issues in the Parry Sound area and Cook County in Minnesota, but not amongst Haliburton’s neighbours.

Bird said the spike this year may have something to do with changes in natural conditions, causing jays to have a harder time finding egg-making nutrients in the environment. Those conditions may be local-specific, which may be also be why other places do not experience the problem, Bird said. The remote landscape of Haliburton may also mean the jays do not spread the behaviour farther out to neighbouring areas, he said.

Time to fix long-term care

By

Lisa Gervais

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July 10, 2020

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In March, a Ministry of Long-Term Care inspection report was released concerning the Highland Wood roof failure, and the subsequent evacuation of residents in 2019.

At the time, The Highlander wrote a story that was quickly overshadowed by the onset of COVID-19. Not only was the Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) preoccupied with the pandemic, but so was The Highlander and its readers. It wasn’t time to expand on the story and publish a more in-depth piece.

However, with the report, and other investigations, including interviewing two roofers who alleged a history of known problems with the roof, the paper continued to work on the story knowing that one day the timing would be better.

With HHHS having a solid handle on COVID and Highland Wood families wanting a comprehensive story told, we decided this was a better time.

After all, there is much to be learned from – and improved upon – from the Highland Wood roof failure, just as there is much to be learned about, and fixed, with the plight of long-term care homes during COVID-19.

We have learned that the roof saga was littered with errors. The report cited a lack of emergency planning, communication, staff support, maintenance and funding. Some families, staff and management of HHHS have now all attested to how ruinous it was and how many problems the system has.

With the onset of COVID-19, LTC homes across the province have gone through unexpected, bizarre emergencies. HHHS has passed the COVID test in its two LTC homes with flying colours. It has done a much better job of crisis management. We think part of the reason is they have learned from the roof shortcomings.

Other homes have faltered during COVID, unequipped to handle such an emergency, and thereby exposing more horrific underlying problems with LTC.

We can no longer accept the status quo. HHHS and the province must draw from Highland Wood and all other examples to fix what is broken.

We picked up the roof story again in late May, taking the necessary time to put everything together.

Much of the information in today’s Highlander, such as the inspection report and the accounts of the roofers, is new.

We wanted to ensure all the information we had was presented in one central story that can easily be referred to as the province prepares an independent commission to review LTC. We need to highlight stories like these – not to criticize HHHS during a pandemic – but to help ensure nothing gets missed when the province hopefully overhauls LTC.

To some readers, Highland Wood’s roof situation may pale in comparison to what the military found in other Ontario LTC homes. But we can’t ignore it. It’s part of a bigger picture. The commission must consider and learn from it.

Nor can we let the province off the hook. It is ridiculous that HHHS could only get grant funding to repair its Haliburton hospital roof in 2017, but not the attached LTC home, when they were the same building. Not only would this likely have prevented the tragedy two years later, but it seems inefficient not to get it all done at once. The province was non-committal when we asked about it, but we hope to see it addressed after the commission gets underway.

As our population ages, we need a robust LTC home system to handle it. It will be difficult and costly, but necessary. Sometimes, it takes a crisis to make us realize change is needed. We must ensure our leaders see this so the system can be fixed.