Spending time in nature

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April 9, 2020

By Lisa Tolentino

Have you started to put on weight because you’re snacking too much, or simply stress eating over COVID-19? It’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s totally understandable, even to be expected. Thankfully, you can do something about it before things get out of control.

For many, our emotions and collective anxiety have begun to tamper down as we begin to get used to the physical distancing and stay-at-home guidelines recently put in place. As we start to develop more routines and regular activities, we can turn our attention to our ongoing and overall wellbeing – creating a balance between our physical, mental and emotional health.

For instance, we have been hearing a lot lately about focusing on what we can control as opposed to what we cannot. Therefore, we might want to avoid impulsive behaviours such as emotional or stress eating by developing a plan for dealing with feelings of being overwhelmed or distressed.

Such a plan can look different for each of us depending on how we cope with various conditions. Some of us might draw on positive coping behaviours that have worked for us in the past (such as having a large glass of water or going for a walk whenever we have an unhealthy craving). We may just have to adapt to our present situation (such as working from home and/or spending every day of the week with our kids). Others will have to develop new strategies. These may be things that we’ve never tried before, or that we’ve attempted in the past but didn’t work. We have an opportunity now to consider trying these things for the first or another time. They might work under these altered circumstances.

Whatever your situation, keep an open mind about developing your plan and strategies, and use whatever works for you. Remember to be realistic and kind to yourself – only pushing as much as your mind, body and spirit can take right now.

Get some Vitamin N

There is lots of research that has shown the role that the natural world plays on the physical, mental and emotional health of human beings.

Richard Louv is the author of several books that tout the benefits of Vitamin “N” (N = nature). Drawing on his own research, as well as that of scientists and great thinkers throughout history, he illustrates that individuals and groups that spend more time in nature receive incredible physical, psychological and spiritual benefits. They are happier, less anxious, have stronger immune systems, better ability to cope with difficult circumstances, increased social skills, and are more physically fit.

Getting outside reduces obesity and depression, boosts creativity and allows us to have fun. It’s hard to be sad, mad or stressed when we’re outside in nature, as it calms our nerves, opens our hearts and allows us to get exercise at the same time.

Plus, studies show that viruses are more difficult to transmit outdoors than outdoors.

I think Vitamin “N” is the perfect prescription for us to deal with the world right now. In the Haliburton Highlands, we are infinitely blessed to be surrounded by nature. So, rather than screen time and snacking, get outside more (either by yourself or with the others in your household) – it will do all of us a world of good while still physically distancing.

Realtors turning to technology to continue working

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Lisa Gervais

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April 9, 2020

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By Lisa Harrison

Property prices in Haliburton County have risen substantially over the past three years.

From December 2016 to December 2019, the average sale price of a lake cottage rose by almost 30 per cent to $486,250. The average “off-waterfront” residential price soared by 47 per cent to $280,000.

Local real estate agents attributed the growth to the ripple effect from Toronto and the GTA that we experience eight to 12 months later.

Then came COVID-19. So, what now?

“Interestingly enough, the spring market has been active with buyers calling and wanting to see property,” said Rick Forget, broker with Re/Max Professionals Inc., in a Mar. 25 email interview. “It is hard to say if or when this will change, but so far interest appears stronger than expected despite COVID-19.”

As the severity of the virus became known, agents implemented best practice precautions to protect everyone’s health when clients wanted personal tours, but otherwise turned to technology.

For example, sales representative Hilary Morrin said her firm eXp Realty Brokerage is a virtual company. Agents have been able to work remotely since inception 10 years ago.

“We are able to take advantage of video conferencing, e-signatures and viewing videos of listings during this unprecedented time,” said Morrin via email Mar. 28.

In times of economic uncertainty, it’s natural for people to postpone large purchases, noted Anthony vanLieshout, Broker of Record with Royal LePage Trillium Team. “As long as the number of cases [of COVID-19] is increasing, I don’t see that there’s going to be much activity in the marketplace,” he said in a Mar. 24 phone interview. “Once those numbers have peaked and they start to decline, I think we’ll see a great deal of optimism and enthusiasm … we’re going to see a lot of pent-up demand … [and] we’re going to be swamped.”

“Stay the course with [a] level of flexibility, we will need to adapt to the changing situation,” Morrin advised buyers and sellers. “Remain educated and speak to your real estate professional for market updates and analytical strategies.”

Forget said there’s reason to be optimistic. “The natural beauty of our towns and lakes draws potential buyers from all over Ontario, and the recreational and residential real estate market in Haliburton County offers everyone an affordable choice, when compared to a lot of other regions in Ontario,” he said. “At this point I expect this will continue for quite some time.”

(Real estate statistics supplied by the Trillium Team. For details, visit trilliumteam.ca/market-stats)

Tekrider makes shift to medical clothing

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Lisa Gervais

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April 9, 2020

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With a military background, Tekrider TekVest owner Steve Brand said he’s been absolutely fine with the logistics of converting from making high-end recreation and sports clothing to medical protective gear.

The Haliburton County company began making products earlier this week, including gowns, masks, booties and bouffants.

Brand said the turn-around time has been quick but the business has been in the cut and sew business for 24 years, making top of the line safety apparel, so it was “very easy for us to switch over to medical gear.”

Brand said he started making inquiries before the government started listing essential services. When Premier Doug Ford made the announcement, he said some red tape ensued. He said he spoke with Warden Liz Danielsen, who wrote a letter to the province asking Tekrider be declared an essential service.

Danielsen said sourcing materials such as protective masks was something that the County’s EMS department has been working on during this unprecedented emergency. She said that through the process, Tekrider was contacted about the manufacture and supply of masks for local paramedics. She said this extended to their ability to produce gowns and booties for hospital staff.

“Unfortunately, Tekrider was not identified as an essential business based on the criteria set down by the province as this is not their normal product. In order to facilitate Tekrider remaining open, retooling their equipment, sourcing material required and to allow their workers to be on site, they needed a letter of support from the County which we were glad to be able to offer,” the Warden said.

Danielsen said any local firm that can help in the production of badly-needed protective equipment is to be applauded for their efforts, and which could play a part in saving lives, in the County.

While employees remained at home for a short time, the company purchased several new machines. Ten staff are back now and started sewing April 6. Brand said they have established social distancing among other safety features in the newly-reconfigured plant. For example, staff wear protective clothing. Their temperatures are monitored. There are procedures in place so their homes are also safe. He said workers who volunteered to come back have been given a 15 per cent wage hike because there is some risk involved.

“Morale is really good. Everybody is quite happy to be at work,” he said.

Brand said they will get a better idea of production costs once they complete sampling this week. It’s been a win-win, with Tekrider able to keep people working, and contributing to coronavirus pandemic efforts.

Tekrider has been in touch with Haliburton Highlands Health Services as its first goal is to look after the needs of Haliburton County. They may also assist efforts in the City of Kawartha Lakes. While not finalized, Brand has also reached out to quilter’s groups in the County about offering them work to sew mask from home. People are encouraged to follow Tekrider on Facebook for more details.

“We can cut 2,500 masks a day using a high-tech computer but we can’t sew that many a day,” Brand said.

Brand is retired military so says something such as this comes naturally to him and is “low stress.” It’s another way of giving back and “my folks are gung-ho to do it. “

Highlands Summer Festival cancels season

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Lisa Gervais

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April 9, 2020

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By Lisa Gervais

As a result of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Highlands Summer Festival announced April 6 it’s reluctantly cancelled its 2020 season.

“The decision was taken after much deliberation and consideration of the options available to us,” president of the board of directors, Brian Kipping said. “But in the end, the welfare of patrons, cast, crew and volunteers was uppermost in our minds in taking this course of action.”

Kipping added while it is difficult to predict what the situation will be on the proposed opening day, June 29, the preparation work for the season would be starting now, with rehearsals, set construction, costume creation and meetings.

The recent banning of gatherings of more than five people and the uncertainty over the availability of venues, meant the theatre company cannot begin the processes needed to ensure a successful season.

Artistic producer Scot Denton said, “we were deeply committed to the 2020 season – the festival’s creative team has been working since last August to put it together. Performance rights have been purchased, we have beautiful set designs, and three wonderful casts were ready to begin work.”

The line-up of shows for the 21st season included the musical, The Sound of Music, the Oscar Wilde classic The Importance of Being Earnest, the touching Every Brilliant Thing, comedian Lucien with tales of a working man, and the musical revue, Across the Pond, starring Leisa Way and the Lonely Hearts Club Band. The season was scheduled to open June 29 at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion at the high school in Haliburton. It would have run until August 6.

At the moment, the festival is expecting to move the presentations planned for this summer ahead to the 2021 season, however that could change depending on the availability of performance rights. And, while the season may look the same, the actual dates of the performances will have to be adjusted.

Ticket and pass holders are being offered three options:

* Donate the cost of the ticket purchase to the festival. Patrons would receive a receipt that can be used for income tax purposes.

* Roll ticket purchases forward to the 2021 season. The festival says it will endeavour to ensure the 2021 tickets are as close to the dates/days selected for this season. The box office staff will be in contact with patrons to discuss options.

* Receive a complete refund for the ticket purchase.

“As a charitable theatre company, the Highlands Summer Festival relies on the support of our patrons, both in donations and ticket sales to carry the season financially,” Kipping said.

“We have already incurred expenses related to the 2020 season, will have more as we wind down for this year and when preparations begin for the 2021 season.

“Again, I would like to reiterate the thanks of everyone at Highlands Summer Festival for the community’s support,” Kipping said, emphasizing he was speaking for the board and everyone involved in the creation of the six-week summer theatre season.

“We share everyone’s disappointment that the 2020 season will not happen as planned, but we look forward to seeing you at the theatre in 2021.”

A night out while staying in

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Lisa Gervais

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April 9, 2020

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By Lisa Gervais

The Haliburton County Folk Society (HCFS) said it’s developing a livestreamed concert series featuring local musicians.

Two of the expected four concerts are scheduled for April 11 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and will be live-streamed from the Dominion Hotel on the society’s Facebook page.

The April 11 concert features Albert Saxby, while April 25 showcases Cassidy Taylor.

In light of the current pandemic, the society has had to postpone or cancel most of its current activities. Upcoming concerts have been postponed and open stages are on hold. Home Routes concerts have also been cancelled.

“This leaves the community without their usual entertainment options and leaves musicians without the ability to perform and earn money in the usual manner,” the society said in an April 3 press release.

They added that many artists are finding innovative ways to earn income by providing online music lessons and presenting live-streaming concerts.

“The live-streamed concert series is HCFS’ way of supporting local musicians while the current physical distancing and self-isolation protocols are in effect,” the release went on to say.

They had a successful dry run with the support of the CanoeFM Radio Hall. The performers were Nick & Benton (Nick Russell and Benton Brown). The concert helped the HCFS work out many of the issues associated with presenting a quality live-streaming concert.

“It was a big success with more than 200 devices tuned-in to watch. With multiple people at each site, that is a very large audience for our local events. This illustrates that there is in fact a demand and has inspired the HCFS to move ahead with the booking of more local artists,” the release said.

All concerts are free but the HCFS will have a donation process that will allow viewers to show their appreciation to the artist in the form of a tip, if they are able. All tips go directly to the artist.

First responders say ‘thank you’

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Lisa Gervais

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April 9, 2020

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Emergency responders showed their appreciation for frontline workers in Minden and Haliburton working during the pandemic with drive-bys April 1 and 6.

Dubbed the “Light it Up” project, fire departments, OPP and paramedic services drove by the Minden hospital April 1 with lights flashing to send a thank you message. They did the same in Haliburton April 6, also visiting the two local grocery stores.

Dysart et al fire chief Mike Iles said it was inspired by displays of support being made elsewhere.

“It was a thank you to the community. Thank you to the service professionals, the community workers for all the support and hard work they’ve done during this very stressful time,” Iles said.

Haliburton County Paramedic Services deputy chief Jo-Ann Hendry said healthcare workers could not do their jobs without the support of hospital staff, delivery personnel and workers at pharmacies, convenience stores, grocery stores and gas stations.

“The brave individuals are our neighbours, relatives and friends. We fully support their efforts and wanted to show our appreciation,” Hendry said.

Haliburton Foodland owner Brad Park said his staff were very appreciative of the gesture.

“It’s nice to see all the frontline workers come together during these uncertain times to be honoured by our hardworking first responders. This shows the strength of our community,” Park said.

“We know we are in the early stages of this pandemic and it’s scary to think what is coming,” Haliburton Highlands Health Services director of care Michelle Douglas said. “To witness our front line staff standing outside of our hospital last evening as the OPP, Fire and EMS commended them for their bravery and commitment to our community was an emotional experience. All I can say is the feeling is mutual.”

Iles said they are not planning to duplicate the gesture as the situation is changing everyday and they do not want to encourage the public to group for drive-bys. But Iles said there was a great show of community support.

“People honking horns, people waving, it was very well done,” Iles said.

Lake associations opposes Dysart septic changes

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Lisa Gervais

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April 8, 2020

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Lake associations are pushing back against Dysart et al’s plans to remove mandatory pump outs from the septic re-inspection program.

Council voted to support changes during its Feb. 25 meeting. Staff were directed to draft a new bylaw, though council has not discussed it due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The alterations, not yet finalized, come after staff brought forward issues with the pilot project around Kennisis Lake, which had 112 non-compliant properties.

Kennisis Lake Cottage Owners’ Association (KLCOA) president Deb Wratschko said they are concerned that removing septic tank pump outs will mean problems get missed.

“There was never any consultation with the people that were involved,” Wratschko said. “We’re just saying slow down. Don’t just scrap a program, that is a very commendable program.”

Other proposed changes include hiring a third-party contractor to run it and setting inspection dates, instead of relying on owners to book their own inspections.

The Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners’ Associations (CHA) also opposed removing mandatory pump outs. President Paul MacInnes said the association has heard from plenty of experts on the issue since 2013.

“There’s no doubt in my mind, without a pump out, you miss problems that are polluting our lakes,” MacInnes said

But chief building official Karl Korpela said a lot of the pushback is misinformed. He said of more than 800 inspections done so far, only 30 had tank issues – and he could not find any that needed a pump out for the flaw to be discovered.

“Elimination of the mandatory pump out is not going to have any negative consequence,” Korpela said.

Korpela is proposing a sludge test be used to determine if a tank needs a pump out, which is done in other jurisdictions such as Algonquin Highlands. The Ontario Building Code does not define the ideal inspection. It advises tanks be cleaned whenever sludge occupies one-third of working capacity.

HomePro Inspections owner Mike Rahme, one of the approved inspectors for the pilot, said mandatory pump outs are critical. He presented to Dysart’s environment committee March 12 and said a sludge test would miss key issues such as root mass.

“When the whole objective of the program is to ensure lake quality, why are you willing to settle for a substandard process?” Rahme told the committee. He also said he found 47 cases in the pilot area where pump outs identified issues that would be missed otherwise, including roots, corrosion and tank cracks.

Korpela said he reviewed Rahme’s information and felt Rahme was too dependent on pump outs, and likely could have found any critical issues without them.

Compliance at issue

Although 88 per cent of properties inspected so far complied, that still left 112 properties non-compliant. Korpela said staff do not have the resources to issue compliance orders or fines through court.

Korpela has also proposed including those 112 into the revised program, meaning they would not be required to get pump outs.

That is a significant concern for the KLCOA, Wratschko said.

“The 112 people just simply get away,” she said. “Not getting penalized in any way for not following the bylaw.”

Korpela said it will make it easier to get compliance and is a part of standards changing over time.

“It’s one of those stumbling blocks when you’re trying to implement a program,” he said.

The issue is on hold due to the COVID19 pandemic. Korpela said inspections will likely be delayed until later this summer.

Coun. John Smith, the lone councillor to oppose the changes, said he is concerned the municipality could be sending the wrong message about environmental commitment and bylaw violations.

“I believe that council will continue to evaluate the matter carefully,” Smith said, adding he is concerned about making the changes this year given the emergency. “The best outcome might be to continue with the current bylaw for 2020.”

Old Mill Marina getting new owners

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Lisa Gervais

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April 7, 2020

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The new receiver of Dorset’s Old Mill Marina is reassuring concerned customers that it is planning to continue business operations and launch all stored boats.

The firm MNP Ltd. made the announcement March 11 after the Ontario Superior Court of Justice appointed it as receiver March 9. The previous owner of the facility Rob Walisser announced Feb. 26 he was stepping away from the business which he said was due to difficulties negotiating with the estate of business partner Dave Harvey, who passed away last October.

In a letter, MNP said it is working towards a sale process for the Old Mill.

“We are developing a plan to provide for the timely launching of all customer boats in storage as well as the installation and slip rentals for, in particular, water-access cottages,” the company said in a letter. It declined an interview with The Highlander.

In an update March 25 MNP said the spring boat-launch and slip rental program is almost complete and will be released in the coming days. However, due to COVID-19, the marina decided it’s operations were non-essential and will remain closed for now.

Walisser’s announcement received an outpouring of support. He said in a Facebook post Harvey bankrolled the operation for years and became more involved as time went on. But when Harvey passed without leaving clear legal instructions for business ventures, Walisser said the estate was not interested in investing in the marina. He said legal hurdles forced him to turn the business over to the estate to sell.

Kawagama Lake Cottagers’ Association president Kathleen Hedley said it was sad to see the marina change hands under these circumstances.

“We understand that business difficulties happen,” she said. “We’re hopeful that the new owners, whoever they end up being, will continue to see the value in the services provided in the lake.”

She said she welcomed MNP’s plans and said communication will be important from here on.

“I really hope that communication out to cottagers becomes their number one priority,” she said.

Peter Willmott owns one of the hundreds of boats stored at the facility over winter. He said MNP needs to act quickly and should contact customers more directly, especially those who need boats for water-access only cottages.

“That’s what the real concern is, a lack of communication to the actual clients,” he said.

He added Walisser’s departure is unfortunate.

“When you’re losing a reliable operator that’s been there for years, it’s always concerning.”

With the marina gone, Walisser also said he is departing the area.

“It is sad to be leaving Dorset. So many great memories in this town,” he said. “I wish each of you well and thank you for your friendship, support, and business.”

Curlers’ winning season swept away by COVID-19

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Lisa Gervais

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April 6, 2020

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Red Hawk curlers Jacob Dobson, Liam Little, Corin Gervais and rookie Owen Nichols expected to be competing for another provincial title March 25-28.

Instead, the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School team is stuck at home with the season cut short by the Ontario Federation of School Athletics Association (OFSAA) cancelling its curling championships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was a successful season for the group, who earned a provincial title at the Ontario School Curling Provincial Championships and followed that up with wins at the Kawartha and COSSA levels. But skip Dobson said the team was excited to participate at the OFSAA championships and hoped to improve on a fifth-place finish last season.

“We’re definitely disappointed that we didn’t get to go,” Dobson said. “We were all really excited that we got the chance to go back and change what we weren’t able to do the previous year.”

Little is in Grade 12 and OFSAA was going to be his last high school tournament. He said the cancellation was hard.

“Just getting it swept out from under was definitely a shocker,” Little said. Coach Darrell Dobson, Jacob’s father, said it was unfortunate considering how short high school careers are.

“We all try to balance this important thing going on in the world that’s more important than a sporting event,” he said. “At the same time, the boys have worked hard for years. The window of opportunity for them isn’t very large.”

Still, Dobson said he was proud of the team’s performance this year, adding they had strong co-operation.

“One of the reasons they’ve been so successful is because all four of the boys have such a really positive attitude,” he said. “They have a high skill level but they’re also very positive, optimistic.”

He added praise for the Haliburton Curling Club’s youth program for the team’s ongoing success. With only one graduating player, the coach said he feels good about next season.

“You can’t replace a Liam Little, he’s a pretty awesome curler,” Dobson said. “But there’s depth in the Haliburton youth curling program and we’re optimistic we can find someone to come and join the team.”

Little said curling is a big part of his life and he hopes to continue in college. Although he said the end of the season was disappointing, he added it was important to put it into perspective what the team achieved this year.

“You can’t help but be proud of yourself because we accomplished so much this season, no matter how short it was.”

County mask-makers swinging into action

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Lisa Gervais

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April 6, 2020

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Health Unit not sold on homemade cloth

By Lisa Gervais

Haliburton seamstress April Martin is busily sewing face masks as her contribution to the local fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Martin, who runs a home-based business called Sew What!, said she is providing them for free to anyone who wants them. She said she is also willing to share her pattern with other home-based sewers in the Highlands.

The seamstress said she has seen the demand for homemade masks for private citizens on the national news. She said that is because people don’t want to buy up N95 particulate that frontline health care workers need.

She added it’s also about pulling together for the safety of our senior citizen population.

“I’m making them for anybody who needs them. They are in a Styrofoam cooler, bagged individually and marked men or women, on my front porch.”

She asks that people call ahead or text 705-457-8764 as she is social distancing.

Martin said she has “scads of odds and ends” to make the masks. She follows a pattern using two pieces of cloth, nine by 13 inches. She also uses elastic but is running low and would welcome donations on her front porch. She said people can also use shoelaces to tie them on.

It takes her about 15 minutes to make a mask. She said they feature outer fabric, a baton for filtering and a lining, as well as a nose piece that can scrunch.

Martin said when she was ill a few years ago, the community supported her. She added it has supported her grandson, who has autism.

“I try to give back to the community.”

Luba Cargill is another Haliburton County sewer who is keen to see patterns.

“There’s a lot of discussion about making masks,” she said. “If someone could share the patterns, and what’s proper and what’s not proper, we could have an industry here in Haliburton.”

Shawn Wilson is more of a designer than a sewer and has come up with his own prototype he is planning to share. It’s based on the hands-free harmonica concept musicians use when they also play the guitar. The base of his mask sits on people’s shoulders – connected to the actual mask on their faces.

“It needs to be refined a lot better,” he said.

Local MPP Jamie Schmale said people have been asking him and his office about face masks and helping the national cause.

He directs them to: https://buyandsell.gc.ca/calling-all-suppliers-help-canada-combat-covid-19.

Health unit advice on handmade masks

Meanwhile, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit says on its website that, “When it comes to homemade cloth masks, Health Canada is cautioning people on their use. These types of masks are not medical devices, are not regulated and come with a number of limitations. There is no evidence these masks block particles, and may in fact encourage you to touch your face more as you try to adjust the mask.”

Martin replied, “I think it depends on how the masks are made … I say it doesn’t cost anything to take an extra step, but doing nothing could cost you everything. The intention is to have extra protection if you must go out, not a device to give you access to run amok. You should still be social distancing.”