Shoreline bylaw put back on County table

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September 17, 2020

JQ - Shoreline bylaw revival - 2 — The County of Haliburton is once again bringing forward legislation to restrict more development on shorelines. File photo.

The County of Haliburton is restarting its efforts to create a new shoreline protection bylaw. County committee of the whole reviewed the draft bylaw and discussed a public consultation process Sept. 9.

More than 60 people watched the livestream of the meeting, as the controversial document re-emerged after the County shelved it for months due to the pandemic.

It seeks to limit development within 30 metres of shorelines to protect natural vegetation and, by extension, protect lake health. Council members also discussed the need to address many properties doing major construction along the shoreline this summer, severely damaging them but not technically breaking rules.

But groups pushed back on the bylaw in February. Both the Haliburton County Home Builders Association and a group of six landscaping businesses have said though they support the bylaw’s principles, the draft is too far-reaching.

“It’s probably the most controversial thing that the County has put forward,” deputy warden Andrea Roberts said.

The committee of the whole reviewed the bylaw section-by-section, asking for adjustments. They also agreed to communicate more about the plan, including online town halls for different sections.

But there was some disagreement between councillors over whether the push against parts of the bylaw was going too far. It started over the section disallowing the destruction of any natural vegetation unless specifically exempted in the bylaw.

Coun. Carol Moffatt questioned the broadness of that and said it is extremely problematic.

“How far is too far?” Moffatt said. “The definition of vegetation is making me really nervous. Where are we crossing over from responsible maintenance to treating people like children?”

Director of planning Charlsey White said there are many exemptions and they will still allow people to maintain their yards.

“This is really the crux of the bylaw and if we’re not considering keeping this language in, the rest of the bylaw falls apart,” she said, adding they may need to adjust the language to indicate they will not nitpick at landowners.

Coun. Patrick Kennedy agreed with Moffatt’s critique and questioned whether the protection zone should be reduced to 15 or 20 metres.

“I’m really frustrated with this bylaw the more research I do,” Kennedy said. “We’re trying to paint such a broad paintbrush approach that we may not be achieving the goals we really want to.”

Coun. Brent Devolin pushed back and said though the bylaw will need work, he is “all in” on it.

“I don’t kid myself that this is going to be easy,” Devolin said. “But water quality and natural habitat is the underpinning of the economy of Haliburton County, full stop. I see no other route.”

Warden Liz Danielsen said it is going to be a difficult process going through and communicating the bylaw, but it is necessary.

Moffatt replied that she felt it is important to ask questions and fully understand the implications of the bylaw before sending it out for public consultation.

“There is not a person whose face is on this screen who doesn’t want something to move forward,” she said during the online meeting. “We’re supposed to ask questions and understand what we’re all in for.”

An updated draft of the bylaw is expected at the next council meeting Sept. 23. The current draft is available via haliburton. civicweb.net and the County has left the meeting up on its Youtube channel.

Part 9: Awards

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September 16, 2020

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by Mabel Brannigan

Across the Atlantic on the war front, bravery and superior soldiering was taken for granted among Canadians. Because exceptional skill and coolness was not always reported to higher authority, many persons who deserved special awards did not receive them.

However, I mention the few of whom I know from Haliburton County and I would like to hear from soldiers’ families from whom I am unaware.

Sgt. Clifford Skelding of the Lincoln and Welland Patrol was detailed to send a fighting patrol across Brugges to gain enemy disposition. He secured the enemy’s patrol with accuracy, leading his men with heroic action, and without the loss of life that would have been expected. Sgt. Skelding received the Military Medal. He and his wife raised their family at Carnarvon.

Company Sgt. Major Cecil Yearwood of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, along with his captain, rushed a strong point north of the Moro River in Italy, disregarding hearty enemy fire. They surprised the enemy with their Thompson submachine guns and stormed the post. Fourteen of the enemy were casualties and 18 were taken prisoners. By the dauntless and ferocious attack, the enemy was completely bewildered, and the position fell to Canadian troops. Enemy morale was lowered, and confusion was caused in enemy ranks. Sgt. Major Yearwood received the Military Medal. Cecil and his wife Louella raised their family in Minden where he retired from Ontario Hydro.

Many boys from Haliburton County fought bloody battles in Italy against the best Nazi troops and were wounded or killed. One who fought there with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment was Corp. Aubrey Maxwell. His platoon was north of the Moro River. The company sergeant was wounded and Cpl. Maxwell was ordered to continue the attack. He laid a smokescreen which aided the company in its attack.

Ensuring that the men were in good position, he went forward in full view of the enemy, under heavy fire, and rendered first aid to the wounded men. He brought back the commander to the platoon. He rushed and got the sergeant before he was taken prisoner of war. By his calm determination and total contempt for the enemy, Cpl. Maxwell was awarded the Military Medal. He, his wife, and most of his large family lived and died in Minden.

Many veterans in Haliburton served with the Hasty P’s, a loyal, proud group. Once a Hasty P, always a Hasty P. When he died, he was transferred to the White Batallion, the last posting for a Hasty P.

Harold Rowden stormed Juno Beach as a dispatch rider. He is featured in Reader’s Digest, written by his daughter. If you search Reader’s Digest/Harold Rowden, World War II veteran, there is an excellent account. For his bravery, he received France’s highest honour, the rank of Knight of the French National Order. He and his wife Nellie Miscio raised a large family in Blairhampton, Haliburton County.

There are 135 veterans buried in Minden.

More veterans from Haliburton County:

Lieut. Ross Davidson, killed in action. His brother, Col. Bernard Davidson, wounded in Normandy. Mervyn Harrison, killed in the Netherlands. Arthur Carnohan, killed in action and buried in Groesbeck Cemetery, Holland. Russell Dean, wounded in Italy with Hasty P’s. Sgt. Frank Hargreaves, wounded in Italy. John Calhoun, Jack Dart, Glen Dart, Harold Douglas, Ralph Daniels, Wilfred Carey, Sgt. Joe Day, Wm. Carducci, Harvey Iles in North Africa. Lloyd Whittaker. Robert Carnohan, a brother of Arthur in the navy. W.A. Crofts. Burt Fielding died during the Second World War, D.J. Carnoyer. More veterans: Lance Easton, Ray Jones, Clifford Lytle, Frank Barnum, Oliver Barnum, Ray Scott, Bob Barry, Reg Cook, Bill Woodcock, Charlie Woodcock, Wallace Woodcock, Arthur Cooper, Russell Packard, Bob Packard, both fought in Italy, Maurice Cooper, Ray Cooper, Wes Cooper, Verne Cowen killed in action in Holland, Lyle Boice, killed in action in Holland. Walter Winn, killed in action. James Wright, killed in action, Vance English, Russell Woodcock. Gord Martin and his two brothers. Gord was past president of the Minden Legion. Harvey Cowen, Richie Harrison, Ken Lewis.

We cannot afford complacency

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Lisa Gervais

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September 16, 2020

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It is relatively easy in a place such as Haliburton to feel safe from the pandemic ravaging the world We have wide open spaces and a small population.

We have had only 15 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Sept. 8, and even though that figure would exclude any cottagers with primary residences elsewhere, it is apparent cottagers have not spread the virus much, if at all. We have not had to write many COVID-case updates in the past few months because the cases are so few and far between.

But with provincial cases spiking and kids returning to school this week, we cannot afford to be complacent.

The virus is very real – contrary to whatever distorted information is appearing on your Facebook feed. Although we have been well in control of it for months thanks to public health and community efforts, cases in the province are on an upward trend. There are many more months – perhaps years – to go in this battle and we can ill afford to forget.

That is especially important with kids going to school this week for in-person learning. Although our schools have put a lot of effort into making things as safe as possible, there is no getting around the possibility the virus can spread around our classrooms. Even with mandatory masks and enhanced cleaning, the province’s failure to ensure smaller class sizes adds a fair amount of risk to back-to-school.

Although we cannot all control what is happening in schools, as communities, we need to do our best not to spread the virus to help ensure it does not get into our classrooms. That is not foolproof, but for whatever it is worth, it is what we should do for the sake of our children and brave educators.

Haliburton should be commended for how well we have handled things so far. We are blessed by our circumstances, but by-and-large, most people are following the rules well. Masks have quickly become normal. Businesses and organizations have taken those needed extra safety steps. Our health unit has worked tirelessly to guide us through this. We have become seen as a sanctuary; though it is hard to verify, we are hearing rumblings about cottagers deciding to make Haliburton a permanent home due to the pandemic.

But all it takes is a few slip-ups to cause an outbreak. Authorities have warned us for months about a second wave and we must brace ourselves for that possibility. With summer soon over, it may be tempting to gather with others indoors to escape the harsh chill of fall and winter, but we must continue following social distancing protocols. For the safety of ourselves and the people around us.

Perhaps this is all just beating a dead horse – we have all been bombarded by this messaging for months now. But as this pandemic keeps stretching on, I fear it has become increasingly difficult for people to resist breaking recommendations out of a desire to interact more closely with friends and family we have missed. Especially in a place such as Haliburton, where it feels as though we are relatively safe from the virus.

But if we want to keep feeling safe, we all must do our part. We are in a marathon and we have a long way to go.

Give businesses a fighting chance

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Lisa Gervais

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September 16, 2020

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Driving to an Ontario staycation this weekend, I listened as CBC radio reported how a recent survey has one in five Ontario tourism-related businesses saying they will close as a result of COVID-19.

One in five. Twenty per cent. And that was the businesses that honestly admitted they would likely have to fall on their swords before all of this is finished. Not to be a cynic, but surely some of those other four out of five, or 80 per cent, aren’t going to make it either, despite their rose-coloured glasses.

The survey was tourist-related. We are not sure how operators of other businesses feel in Ontario, or closer to home in Haliburton County.

And for that very reason, we encourage business owners to attend the last of the workshops being presented by TechnicalitiesPlus – for their ShopCloseBuy e-commerce platform they hope to launch in late September.

It is basically a central, online, source for local shopping. So, rather than sending our money outside of our towns, let’s find a means to have people shop local and keep the money here.

The local web developer has created the platform in the hopes of providing a made-in-Haliburton County alternative to national and international online shopping conglomerates such as Amazon. Businesses and organizations will be able to sell goods and hold online auctions. For now, it will allow them to handle pre-orders and curbside pickup. Mail order is still in the works. It was explained that it’s Kijiji-like, quite simple to get products up and visible. The County is helping with social media promotion.

They’ve already held two sessions, on Sept. 3 and 9. The next is Sept. 15.

For those who may be concerned this is a private business looking to profit at the hands of small businesses, you should know that TechnicalitiesPlus has talked to the County of Haliburton, the Haliburton County Development Corporation, the Haliburton BIA and the Arts Council Haliburton Highlands about their idea.

Yes, there is a cost. You will have to shell out $235 to get set up and then $40 a month. There is also a 2.9 per cent transaction fee. But SIRCH and HCDC are offering a subsidy to cover costs for 20 businesses.

In Haliburton, TechnicalitiesPlus hopes to cover its costs. If it takes off like they think it could, they will put on their marketing hat and hit up other communities at profit.

How many of us, over the course of this pandemic, have turned to Amazon or another online shopping platform simply because we did not have to leave the comfort of our home, and it was a simple click to get an item to our doorstep?

We encourage local businesses to make the investment in ShopCloseBuy so we can at least have an alternative in the hopes of keeping our paycheques or CERB payments here at home. One or two purchases could pay off that $235 very quickly and one purchase could cover the additional monthly cost. Spend the money, overcome your fear of technology, and give your business a fighting chance.

Minden’s new CAO settling in

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Lisa Gervais

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September 16, 2020

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LG-Trisha McKibbin Photo — Minden’s new CAO settling in

Starting a new job as CAO of a municipality can be challenging at the best of times. But doing so in the midst of a worldwide pandemic has brought its fair share of twists and turns for new Minden Hills head of staff Trisha McKibbin.

McKibbin started July 6. She’s continuing a more than 17-year municipal career, most recently as director of corporate services with the Town of St. Mary’s.

“Getting to meet and speak with residents, business owners and organizations is much more challenging during a pandemic,” McKibbin told The Highlander. She said she’s been reaching out by telephone and email to introduce herself and trying to set up Zoom meetings so she can put faces to names, of people from neighbouring municipalities and local service clubs. She said she’s made some initial contact but is looking forward to working and speaking with community members in person.

“While I do joke with people not to take it personally when I don’t recognize them on the street or in a store, it is true that it is much easier to remember someone’s face when you meet them in person than it is through a computer screen. I recognize that it will take longer to meet people and build relationships but that will come with time,” she said.

McKibbin has been renting for a couple of months but has purchased a house in Ingoldsby and took possession at the end of August.

She said the township isn’t completely new to her, as for a 10-year span, she spent some time each summer at a cottage on Twelve Mile Lake. However, she terms it a “general familiarity” with the area, so is enjoying getting to know Minden Hills these past number of weeks.

She’s been exploring on foot and enjoying her evening walks and runs on the trails and into different neighbourhoods. She ties to explore something different each weekend, including take-out from a local restaurant, visiting one of the parks or taking a scenic drive in an area of the township that she hasn’t been to.

“I have managed to get myself a little disoriented, okay lost, on a few back roads that I have explored, but I am looking forward to becoming more familiar with shortcuts and alternate routes with time,” she said.

McKibbin added she’s enjoying the scenic and outdoor opportunities in the community.

“It appears to be a very active community, with people walking or cycling, or visiting a park and in particular, I have enjoyed watching individuals and families float down the Gull River on some pretty spectacular inflatables. That will be on my to-do list next summer. I am also looking forward to breaking in my cross- country skis this winter on some of the local trails.

“The thing that really stands out to me is how warm and friendly everyone is. When I’m out and about or shopping in a store and you pass someone, they always greet you with a smile and quick comment about the weather or the day. That has made me feel very welcomed as I settle in as a newcomer.”

Former CAO Lorrie Blanchard is still with the township, but is now its director of finance.

McKibbin said staff and council had been warm and welcoming. And while like most municipalities, there are differences in how services are delivered and processes undertaken, she’s getting up to speed on the business of Minden Hills and looking forward to delving into things further.

“I recognize that it is going to take a bit of time to get a fulsome understanding of the municipality, so what my focus has been these first months is getting to know as many people as I can, ask questions so I can have a better understanding as to how and why things are done a particular way, and most importantly listen to the comments, thoughts and information that residents, council and staff are sharing with me.”

Artist and historian lead iron mine tour

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Lisa Gervais

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September 15, 2020

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Artist Gary Blundell with one of the works in his current exhibition. Submitted photo.

There’s an opportunity to visit the sites that inspired Gary Blundell’s current exhibition at the Agnes Jamieson Gallery in Minden. Navigations of Iron is showing until Sept. 26 but Blundell and Kinmount-based historian Guy Scott are offering a workshop Sept. 12.

It is a day-long outing with driving and a two-hour hike – an introduction to the mostly-abandoned iron ore sites that inspired Blundell’s work.

“We will meet at 10 a.m. at the parking lot at Furnace Falls on Highway 503 between Kinmount and Gooderham,” Blundell said. “From there, we will hike to the old smelting furnace and some of the old Victoria Mine sites nearby. After lunch, we will continue by car to Pusey’s church in Irondale and then onto the site of an old railway bridge and the last remaining building connected with Pusey’s IB&O Railroad at Howland Junction near Kinmount.”

Time permitting, he said they may visit the gallery in Minden to view and discuss the paintings that he created based on the sites. Only 10 people, wearing masks, can enter the gallery at one time.

Since the outing is in part a hike through the woods, Blundell encouraged please to dress appropriately, and bring their own lunch and some water.

Scott said Blundell’s work is important. “It’s a big page in our history and a lot of it is forgotten.”

He said while many people have visited the church in Irondale and Howland Junction, the Furnace Falls section is a fairly new tour.

“We’ve been still investigating and doing a little bit of digging and poking and prodding trying to find out more … there’s only about 10 people in the world who know where some of this stuff was,” Scott said.

Blundell said there is no fee but donations are welcome.

Like Scott, he said the history is fascinating.

“In the 19th Century, the value or iron to human history cannot be underestimated. It was used to build almost everything in the manufacturing, agriculture, resource- based and transportation industries. The railways were as new then as cell phones and personal computers are today and just as important to culture.”

Locally, he said that between 1870 and 1900, there was great hope that the iron ore found between Kinmount and Tory Hill would bring prosperity to Haliburton County. Many came seeking the location of valuable iron deposits, digging test holes in the ground and setting up mine sites. The most notable was Charles Pusey, who as a young man had worked for the new railways in both England and the United States. He came in hopes of becoming a true mining and railway baron.

Sadly, despite setting up a home, building a church in Irondale and the IB&O Railway linking Howland Junction to Bancroft, the iron deposits were poor at best and the entire venture went from hopeful to abandoned, Blundell said.

“The area today is littered with the remains of these activities. Mine test holes and actual mine sites are scattered throughout the woodlands. There are still the remains of railway berms, intact bridges and decaying waiting rooms.” See more at hotspurstudio.com.

Show spans 9/11 to COVID

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Lisa Gervais

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September 15, 2020

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Art spanning a 23-year career will be showcased at a Tory Hill artist’s upcoming exhibition.

Darlene Dove will display both pencil and pastel drawings on paper, as well as oil and acrylic on canvas, when she opens ‘from the profane to the sacred: a journey through time and the collective unconsciousness’ Sept. 11.

The exhibition opens at 7 p.m. and Dove is planning an artist’s talk and discussion from 7:30-9 p.m. at Earthdance Studio at 1180 South Wilberforce Rd.

The fact the event is being held on 9/11 is no coincidence.

“In 1997, I visited New York and was drawn to the Twin Towers as a feat of human achievement but noted the imbalance presented by all the concrete and steel that overshadowed and obliterated the natural environment,” she said in an interview.

“My first painting as an art student was of the towers. That was to become a place that impacted the whole world and became part of my art oeuvre.”

Dove explained her exhibit explores through large, brightly painted canvases how our inner personal lives are shaped by world events and history, and how our stories are both personal but interwoven within human society.

A former employee of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, who was made redundant during Premier Mike Harris Common Sense Revolution, Dove said she took the opportunity to go back to school in 1996.

She went to York University to study painting, drawing and art history. She also studied at Sheridan College where she completed a certificate in Art Fundamentals. “I decided to study art as I had always been fascinated by the paintings and works of art throughout the ages, always finding inspiration by visiting art galleries and museums around the world. I also choose to be an artist for the freedom of expression and the ability to deeply explore controversial and difficult topics through colour, paint and symbolism that words cannot always describe. The old saying ‘pictures paint a thousand words’ spoke to me.”

Born and raised in Toronto, Dove moved to the Haliburton Highlands in 2006 “to have the best of both worlds.” She said the Highlands are known as an area that supports the arts as well as for its rugged natural beauty. She and her partner, Shawn Arscott built Earthdance Studio, spending their time working on their art and enjoying the outdoor activities that the Highlands has to offer.

Dove said this exhibition is her way of expressing her search for understanding of the mysteries of life and the human psyche.

She said she planned the show in 2019 and when COVID-19 appeared, “as another event like 9/11 that shook and locked- down the world, I felt it was important to continue. The arts have been greatly impacted by the virus and ironically are needed more than ever as it is through the arts that we share our creative ideas and imagination that bring us together as a unified world while exploring our different cultures and experiences.”

She acknowledged that due to the pandemic, the exhibition will be different. They are going to film the event and upload it to YouTube for those that are unable to attend.

“Due to the virus, I am not expecting a large turnout but am able to share my art through the medium of film and the internet. It is my intention to produce a film around my art exhibit in this time of world crisis caused by infectious disease that changes us all.”

See more at earthdancestudio.ca

Fallen tree spoils family weekend

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Lisa Gervais

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September 14, 2020

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JQ - Fallen Tree - 2 — Paul and Adrienne Winslow stand in front of a tree that fell on top of their house in Minden. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Paul and Adrienne Winslow were at the back of their Anson Street home in Minden Sept. 3 when the winds began to pick up in the evening.

Paul Winslow investigated their bedroom to ensure the windows were closed. He said he noticed pieces of a tree had appeared there and then saw a branch had broken a hole in the ceiling.

The tree at the edge of their property had fallen on the front of their house – enough to cause significant damage, but not enough to completely break through the roof.

“An act of God, an act of nature, but boy, it sure can do a lot of damage,” Adrienne Winslow said. “But we’re lucky because some people lose their homes.”

The township saw heavy winds that night, felling branches and splitting trees on the street, requiring a cleanup effort the next day. But none was hit harder than the Winslow family, who had four holes punctured in their roof and a broken satellite dish. Their insurance company is still assessing the damage.

“Nobody was hurt, that was the main thing,” Adrienne Winslow said. “All the neighbours came out, just like when it floods here on Anson Street.”

The downed tree also caused some power line damage, which created sparks, the family said. Power was not down for long, but they called the fire department and Hydro One to deal with that damage and stop the fire hazard.

Despite the unfortunate start to their long weekend, the pair said the damage is repairable and it could have been worse. “I went and bought a lottery ticket,” Paul Winslow said. “Maybe my luck will change.”

“Anybody that’s had this, they know how scary it is,” Adrienne Winslow said. “We were lucky and there’s a lot of people that aren’t so lucky.”

Fatal collision in Highlands East

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Lisa Gervais

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September 14, 2020

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Haliburton Highlands OPP is investigating a fatal two-vehicle collision on Loop Road in Highlands East.

Police, the Highlands East fire department and the Haliburton County Paramedic Services responded to the scene Sept. 11. In a press release, OPP said a passenger vehicle attempted to conduct a U-Turn in front of a dump truck that was travelling south on Loop Road. The road was closed for several hours while investigators worked at the scene.

OPP said the driver of the passenger vehicle, 58-year old Danny Linkert of Highlands East, was pronounced deceased at the scene. A post-mortem examination is scheduled.

Police said they will release further information as it becomes available.

Algonquin Highlands council grounds airport sale talk

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September 14, 2020

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LH-AH discusses airport sale — New airport co-ordinator Steve Dewey at Stanhope. File.

By Lisa Harrison

A suggestion that The Township of Algonquin Highlands consider selling the Haliburton/Stanhope Municipal Airport didn’t fly during the Sept. 3 regular council meeting.

Councillors are discussing larger, strategic priorities for budget preparation, in part in relation to asset management plan development, and the airport was on that day’s agenda.

Councillor Jennifer Dailloux said she has raised the prospect of selling the airport in past discussions, and did so again, listing several concerns that included losses of $100,000 annually and what appears to be a low number of local users.

Dailloux acknowledged that there are other AH assets (such as some community centres) that run at losses, but she noted those expenses primarily benefit local taxpayers.

Mayor Carol Moffatt was among those opposed to selling the airport. She said she heard Dailloux’s concerns, but airport losses have been reduced over the years and she (Moffat) has always believed that much more can be happening at the airport than has been implemented so far.

“I think that there’s more effort that needs to go into exploring what those things are,” said Moffatt.

Deputy Mayor Liz Danielsen added AH has had “really bad luck” in recent years in staffing the airport manager position, which includes responsibility for many growth initiatives.

Councillors also discussed the business park plan for neighbouring airport lands. They generally agreed it would be wise to commission a market assessment report, as a 2013 plan of similar nature is dated and not considered to be particularly helpful. A more current and effective assessment would help determine what investments and job opportunities a business park could draw, especially considering the township’s older demographics.

Danielsen maintained there’s hope for future airport site use, beginning with the latest census findings that AH had the highest population growth in the County. “And I think because of the pandemic, we’re seeing more people, as evidenced by the number of kids that are being registered in school from families coming from the south,” said Danielsen.

“Consequently, I see that [the parents] are going to be looking for opportunities for things to do, for businesses to start … We don’t have a downtown, we don’t have a commercial core, we don’t have many opportunities for growth, and this is one.”