Free ebook helps young children cope with COVID-19

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April 2, 2020

By Lisa Gervais

Haliburton writer Marie Gage, and her illustrator Audrey Ramsay, have just released a free ebook that is aimed at helping young children cope with the Covid-19 situation.

Gage said the world is a strange place to navigate these days and she thought it must be very difficult for young children to comprehend.

She said she wanted to do something to make it easier, something that would empower children to be a part of the solution while at the same time help them to understand that this is temporary.

“The underlying message is that a new, brighter day, with more of our usual freedoms, will come again if we all stick together,” Gage said.

To this end, Gage and Ramsay have created the free ebook for adults to download and read to their child.

She said children are encouraged to draw a picture of the new superhero, the Germ Defier, or to make a costume for themselves and take a photo. These can be uploaded to the Author Marie Gage Facebook page in the comments of the posting. Each participating child will then receive a free copy of one of Gage’s other books: “Blake’s Monkey Adventure” in ebook format as a thank you.

The free ebook can be accessed either through the Author Marie Gage Facebook page or the Author Marie Gage website: mariegage.ca/the-germ-defiers-a-new-superhero-team

“We are hoping that everyone will share the link with their friends and family,” Gage said.

Environmentalists defend, explain shoreline bylaw

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Lisa Gervais

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April 1, 2020

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Environment Haliburton! and the Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners’ Associations (CHA) presented side-byside to explain a new draft shoreline preservation bylaw and argue for its necessity.

The controversial County bylaw was the subject of an enviro-café event March 10. More than 30 people attended the session, which featured presentations on the importance of lake health and the details of what is in the bylaw. The law would add restrictions on development and activities near shorelines.

CHA chair Paul MacInnes said the organization has pushed for the legislation for three years after studying the harm natural shoreline destruction poses to lake health. He said he is sympathetic to the opposition from the building sector, who are concerned about the how the bylaw could impact their business. But he added protecting lakes is vital.

“It’s natural to stand up, fight for your family’s livelihood,” MacInnes said. “If we don’t protect our lakes, we don’t have any business.”

The draft bylaw states a person shall not remove or destroy any natural vegetation within a 30-metre zone from the high-water mark of a shoreline, except where a permit is granted or under a list of exemptions.

MacInnes said protecting shorelines will help prevent contaminants from entering and damaging lakes. County and CHA seek to reduce the risk of blue-green algae blooms, which can drastically reduce nearby lakeside property values.

The CHA had evaluators study shorelines in Haliburton and found only 46-47 per are still natural. MacInnes said the figure should be 75 per cent to be safe.

“We can’t afford to lose any more of it,” he said.

EH! Director Terry Moore discussed the history of local legislation about shorelines. He noted the new bylaw is informed by County plans, though they are not legally binding as bylaws are. He also discussed the County’s Shoreline Tree Preservation Bylaw passed July 2018, which restricts cutting trees in the 30-metre buffer.

“A lot of the language we seem to be concerned about is already in existing official plans,” Moore said.

Moore noted the bylaw would be grandfathered in, meaning existing properties that have damaged natural shorelines would not be forced to reverse the changes.

Several people at the event asked about additional measures the County should take to address the issue. But MacInnes said it would drag out the process to add much to the bylaw.

“We don’t have another two or three years to take to add all sorts of things that we’d love to see,” he said.

MacInnes said the CHA is trying to get landowners onboard with the renaturalization of shorelines. Once the bylaw is secure, he said that effort will continue, though not necessarily with further legislative support.

“That should be our big priority. I’m reluctant to go to government until we’ve done everything we can to address the problem,” he said.

Moore said it is important for people to participate in the consultation process.

“We need to take that process seriously and make sure you have your views heard and you ask all the tough questions.”

County’s COVID-19 assessment centre up and running

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Lisa Gervais

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March 31, 2020

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By Lisa Gervais

Six people – including two Haliburton Highlands Health Services employees – were screened at the County’s new COVID-19 assessment centre March 31 as it officially opened for business.

The tent is in the parking lot of the Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team building.

Dr. Norm Bottum of the health team said the idea is to keep people who might have COVID-19 away from the Haliburton and Minden emergency departments as they do not want cross-contamination.

“Remote assessment sites are very critical,” he said. “Definitely an important part of our plan. Looks like we’re ready and working and it’s all good.”

People must have a pre-booked appointment to use the centre. They enter through the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School driveway, are checked to make sure they have an appointment, and then make their way to the large white screening tent that has been set up.

They are asked about their medical history, have their temperature taken and oxygen levels assessed. They are swabbed if that is deemed necessary and asked to self-isolate at home for 72 hours until their results are known.

Bottum said in serious cases of COVID-19, patients tend to see doctors first. In the case of screening, he said they will likely pick up cases of people who are exhibiting mild symptoms. However, that can make them more dangerous because they are not all that sick, but are still harbouring germs they can spread around. He said it’s these people the centre wants to send into isolation.

He added he hopes most people who come through the assessment centre will have mild symptoms and be told to stay at home. But, “we have to be prepared. We are very prepared at this point to deal with any issues.”

To access the centre:

1. If you are unwell, complete the COVID-19 self-assessment at Ontario.ca/coronavirus

2. If indicated by the self-assessment results, contact the Haliburton County COVID-19 Community Assessment Centre at 705-457-1212 (press 6) during regular business hours.

3. The centre is staffed by health care providers who will complete a phone assessment and advise as to appropriate next steps, which may include self-monitoring, self-isolation, or further assessment and possible testing in the drive-through facility. Testing is by appointment only. Testing will be administered according to Ministry of Health guidelines based on the results of assessment. Not everyone will be tested.

Skiers escape COVID lockdown with outdoor fun

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Lisa Gervais

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March 31, 2020

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Cross-country skiers escaped to the Moosewood Nordic Ski Centre for one last day on the slopes March 19.

Despite the constraints of social distancing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Haliburton Highlands Nordic Trails Association ran a scavenger hunt. Visitors made their way through a variety of unmanned holiday-themed stations, completing activities and trivia along the way.

The event had some adjustments, with no gathering, refreshments or crafts to assemble. The association asked people to keep a classic ski length away from anyone they do not live with. But it was one of the few events to go ahead in the Highlands amidst the pandemic. Volunteer Lillian Ramsdale said it was a chance for people to get out of the house.

“It’s a lot of fun and it allows people to go outside and see each other, even if it’s at a distance,” Ramsdale said. “You can still see people, even if it’s from a sneeze distance away.”

The pandemic has caused most events in the Highlands and beyond to be cancelled, with social distancing guidelines requiring people to avoid gatherings, limit contact and keep approximately two metres away from others. Travel is also limited.

But social distancing does not require the elimination of all outdoor exercise. Kevin Walsh visited from Toronto with his son, after the pandemic dashed their travel plans to New York.

“We looked for something that was like a break that we could go nearby and still be pretty isolated,” Walsh said. “It’s so hard, if we just had to be inside permanently – which we may be coming up to eventually … It’s going to be really tough, so even just spending two hours outside is just glorious.”

Haliburton’s Jennifer Payton said skiing was a good opportunity to get away from coronavirus-related stress.

“I don’t think about it when I’m outside,” she said. “In this moment, everything is fine. I’m safe and happy, my family is safe and happy and let’s focus on that.” Payton recommended the experience to others. “Get outside everybody. Just go outside.”

County approves TripAdvisor marketing

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Lisa Gervais

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March 30, 2020

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The County of Haliburton Tourism Committee opted to forge ahead with a $13,500 marketing campaign through TripAdvisor despite the protests of some accommodators.

The committee voted 7-2 March 11 to proceed with the program and re-assess after one year, with only Warden Liz Danielsen and public member Rob Berthlot opposed. The program will give the County control over a Haliburton Highlands destination page on TripAdvisor for $2,500, with the remainder of the funding going to advertisements on the site.

The campaign is controversial, with some accommodators pushing against it over confusion about how the destination page works and TripAdvisor’s overall model, which takes a portion of every booking through its website. The tourism stakeholder group prepared a survey that received 143 respondents, with the most popular choice at 45.4 per cent being to request other media buys instead of TripAdvisor.

But the committee dismissed the survey as it lacked any input into its creation.

“We don’t govern by survey,” chair Carol Moffatt said. “This entire issue has gone to a crazy place and there are lots of issues in the world that are worthy of outrage and this is not one of them.”

Staff and proponents of the campaign have spoken to how ubiquitous TripAdvisor has become and said it is important to have a measure of control over what people see about Haliburton there.

Committee member Tegan Legge said at the latest stakeholders meeting, there were only four of 30-40 people there who were strongly opposed.

“I don’t think it’s going to hurt anybody. It was very clear you don’t have to commit to paying anything as a business,” she said. “It was also very clear the links are going to go to (Haliburton) websites, and that’s what they encourage, not TripAdvisor listings.”

Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre manager John Teljeur remains opposed and said he is not satisfied by the campaign being on a one-year trial basis.

“They’re throwing a very big net and that net could catch our current customers in it,” he said. “A lot of damage can happen in one year.”

Teljeur said this subject has amplified long-existing fractures between accommodators and the stakeholders’ group. He said the County’s approach to the tourism sector is lacking in areas like statistics, but feels the group is also lacking in its advocacy.

“A number of us no longer go to the stakeholders’ group. We’ve tried to suggest changes and improvements. We’ve lost every time,” he said. “Our voice isn’t being heard.”

He added he is planning to start a new group of stakeholders and he has support, though said it would take time to pull together. Moffatt said nobody at the committee table is out to undermine business owners.

“We’re trying to move things forward,” she said. “But sometimes moving things forward involves a little risk.”

Haliburton County doctors ask cottagers to stay away

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Lisa Gervais

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March 30, 2020

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Only 15 beds, four transport ventilators, no ICU

By Lisa Gervais

The physicians of Haliburton County released an open letter to seasonal residents March 28 asking them to keep away from the area due to COVID-19.

The letter came after Premier Doug Ford and Warden Liz Danielsen asked city dwellers on March 26 to stay home, not go to their properties in cottage county, to avoid straining local stores and health care.

The doctors said that the County realizes the importance of seasonal residents and visitors to the economy ,and that they value their desire for time away from busier locales.

However, they said they face some “harsh” realities of limited capacity to manage a health emergency.

“A substantial influx of visitors will further challenge our ability to source adequate beds, medical supplies, equipment and personal protective equipment to manage this pandemic,” they said.

Directly speaking to cottagers, they asked them to consider their choice to reside at their seasonal residences during COVID-19.

“We would like to request that before you decide to spend this uncertain time at the cottage, you consider that in Haliburton, we have a small (15-bed) hospital manned by a small pool of local physicians and another group of physicians who travel to our area for Emergency Room shifts.

“The same group of local physicians cover their own clinics, long-term care (three homes), and hospital in-patients.”

They added that In Minden, they have an Emergency Department, but no inpatient beds.

Further, they said neither location is equipped as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and each have two ventilators that are used for transport to the closest ICU over an hour away.

They said they anticipate that their closest ICU will be strained supporting the population within its radius.

In addition, “transport of patients between our hospitals and larger centers is always challenging but moving COVID-19 patients will put many emergency health providers (paramedics and nurses) at risk.”

The physicians said they have extremely dedicated nurses, paramedics and support staff, who are all being asked to give beyond what should be asked of them.

They further pointed out the large proportion of senior citizens in their practices that are relying on them to keep them safe, as they are the most vulnerable.

“We collectively have a lot of work to do and look forward to when this threat is behind us and we can all rest and truly enjoy our County again. Until then, we ask that you recognize the limits of our local health care system and consider remaining at your primary residence where you will receive more advanced care if you require it. This will allow us to focus on giving patients the best possible care we can provide within our limitations.”

On March 28, Ford said he’d heard from a number of mayors throughout cottage county, worried about an influx of visitors from the city.

“If you have a cottage, please don’t come up to the cottage,” Ford said. “I have a cottage. I’d love to go up there but can’t right now.”

Ford promised that once the worst is over with COVID-19, “we’re going to welcome you with open arms.”

FOCA update:

The Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association (FOCA) put out a notice this past weekend as well. It said it had heard from members, partners, and municipal contacts and “many are concerned that any transiting increases the chance for spread of illness.”

The association went on to say, “cottage country isn’t expecting you yet. Most of us wouldn’t ordinarily open the cottage until nearer to the May long weekend. As we already know from our local grocery experiences, parts of the supply chain are under strain. Additionally, rural hospitals have limited capacity and resources, and you should consider where your health needs can best be met, in an emergency situation.”

For those who do relocate or are there already, FOCA suggested:

Connect with your lake association on social media.
Provision yourself for several weeks (with food, drinks, gas, hardware supplies, prescriptions) before leaving your off-season community, so that you will not need to make stops along the way. This is not the time for our usual credo to “buy local” in cottage country. As you would do anywhere at this time, should you urgently need anything from a retailer or pharmacy, you should call ahead to see if there are options for safe pickup or delivery.
Continue to follow all the principles of social distancing at the cottage. Although cottage country is usually the place for relaxed rules, that cannot be the case anywhere for the foreseeable future. Cottages are often the gathering places for multiple households in an extended family; for now, and possibly for some time to come, that could put everyone at risk.
Develop an exit plan with immediate family, in case you develop any indications of illness while at your waterfront property.

Social media bridging social distances

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 27, 2020

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Haliburton County Public Library program and outreach co-ordinator Nancy Therrien is still hard at work reading to groups of local kids despite libraries being closed to the public due to COVID-19.

She donned a hairband with faux-antenna, prepared a couple of books about aliens and had a crafty balloon-rocket at the ready for her children’s storytime March 20. But the kids did not surround her as usual. Instead, she spoke to them through a screen as she recorded a video to post on Facebook.

“It’s important because I think by offering interactive, online activities, it will help maintain community spirit,” Therrien said. “The library can still be a hub; it’s just going to be a virtual hub for a little while.”

Programs and individuals across the County are working to adapt their services to online amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With buildings closing and social distancing in effect, social media is becoming a bigger part of service delivery.

The library is rolling out more online programs. Besides storytime, it is also planning to stream things such as crafting and a sing-and-learn. Library manager Bessie Sullivan said the service is also expanding its eBook collection, with publishing companies offering more during the pandemic. She said there have been challenges working out the technology, but it is important to keep services going.

“We figured anything we could do to help entertain kids was a good thing, but also to keep them reading. We do have lots of online tools they’ll be able to access,” she said. “Our biggest role in all this is just going to be to provide as many resources as possible.”

She added the library is expanding its online service capability, adding things such as online library card renewals.

“Over the next little while, we’re just going to put as much in place as we can that people can access through our Facebook and website.”

The Haliburton Highlands Museum is also offering material on social media while it is closed, highlighting different parts of its collection and posting craft activities it had planned for March break.

“We’ve jumped in feet first,” director Kate Butler said. “We’re looking at exploring all the different ways we can connect with people. “It’s a very confusing time,” she added. “People are trying to make sense of what’s going on in the world. There’s lots in the news causing people stress and anxiety. We can help people step a little bit outside of that for a time.”

Individuals are also providing people some reprieve through streaming. Into the Blue Bakery owner Janine Papadopoulos has begun streaming during social distancing, reading stories and guiding people through baking bagels.

“I don’t normally have much time on my hands and I just thought, what could I offer?” she said. “It’s just a way to get engaged with the community … It’s a great way to reach out to people in a time when people are feeling penned-in.”

Businesses adapting to COVID-19 pandemic

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Lisa Gervais

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March 27, 2020

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Businesses across the County are adapting, and facing difficult decisions, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The province declared a state of emergency March 17, forcing the closure of many facilities, including dine-in restaurants. On March 24, it extended the order to non-essential businesses. The situation has resulted in many Haliburton shops closing their doors or making drastic changes to stay open.

McKeck’s Tap and Grill is one of those. Unable to continue its usual dine-in service, owner and chef Aaron Walker said he had to lay off virtually all his staff to help manage overhead costs. The restaurant expanded takeout offerings to stay afloat.

“It’s just unfortunate because I know we had at least four staff that were nearly poised to buy houses this spring,” Walker said. “It goes to show what kind of economic fallout this will have.”

But Walker said takeout is going well so far and he is thankful for the strong community support he has received.

“Without it, we’d be in big trouble,” Walker said. “Without the takeout business, we’d be rapidly sliding into debt.”

But not every dine-in restaurant has made the change. Baked and Battered has closed its doors and is not offering takeout. Co-owner Colby Marcellus said although the province is allowing takeout, the restaurant did not feel comfortable with it.

“Still have to hand off all of our products,” Marcellus said. “Folks are being asked to stay at home and it feels to us that going out for takeout and being out and about in town is probably running contrary to that.”

Marcellus said they also had to make the difficult choice of laying off staff, adding employees would likely be better off accessing employment insurance rather than face a significant reduction of hours.

“They’re very hard choices we have to make, and others are making, in our community,” he said.

Layoffs are hitting a range of businesses. Patient News has had to temporarily lay off 30 staff members due to COVID-19, as its target market of dental offices are closing.

President Karen Galley said they are still in operation with a reduced work force and
will be ready when offices re-open. She added their digital offerings would help them get through the difficult time.

“We will get this virus under control and we will be back to full time employment at the earliest possible date,” Galley said.

Other businesses are turning to online methods to stay operational.

Just Movement Fitness started offering livestreamed classes March 23.

“It’s important to me to keep offering classes because it’s an imperative time to stay healthy and strong,” owner Meghan Reid said. “It’s discouraging that we can’t get together to stay active and healthy in our community but transitioning to online live workouts will still allow us to connect with one another.”

She said the transition to online is challenging but she is thankful her customers have supported her through it.

“I am praying we can all return to ‘normal’ as soon as it’s safe to do so,” Reid said.

But there is concern the pandemic could stretch into the summer. A Tourism Industry Association of Ontario survey found industry stakeholders are reporting an 80 per cent drop in hotel reservations and operators are seeing mass cancellations.

“We may be dealing with the pandemic for a few months,” Marcellus said. “It would be a real problem for us and all of the other businesses in town who really rely on seasonal traffic.”

Sleeping out for homelessness

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Lisa Gervais

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March 26, 2020

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By Lisa Gervais

Places for People (P4P) may have cancelled Sleeping in Cars March 27, but that isn’t stopping Sylvia Claridge and Val Jarvis from over-nighting in Val’s driveway Friday night.

The two want to make good on the considerable pledges they received for the fundraiser and raise awareness of homelessness.

P4P launched Sleeping in Cars last year and was scheduled to hold its second annual event this year when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing the cancellation.

However, Claridge, who is 79, says, “we want people to know we are actually doing it, not just saying we did.”

She said her husband has joked with her, “don’t forget to park your cars six feet away from each other.”

Claridge, 79, said it’s an important cause. She said she knows people, including retirees, who are struggling to find a home in Haliburton County. She said waiting lists are long. A few years ago, she and her husband let some people live in a tent in their backyard when they could not find affordable housing.

They also fostered for 40 years, so know quite a bit about youth being displaced from homes. She said she still keeps in touch with some of them. One was palliative when they took him in, but today he is alive and well and working in Ottawa.

“I think its important. As a community, we are beginning to look at homelessness,” she said.

Claridge worries about homeless people during the pandemic, wondering where they go to self-isolate.

Fay Martin of P4P, said, “I do think COVID-19 underlines the importance of housing for well-being.”

Martin added the organization is now discussing its major annual fundraiser, the Highland Yard, but has put off making a decision until April 19.

Meanwhile, they hope to bring Sleeping in Cars back in 2021.

Grocery stores, food banks securing facilities

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 26, 2020

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Minden-area senior Shirley Newman said she wanted to beat crowds when she visited Dollo’s Foodland March 20 at 8 a.m.

But she said she was not the only person to have the idea – resulting in a more crowded shopping experience than she expected. Maintaining the recommended two-metres apart from people amidst the COVID-19 pandemic became difficult, she said. Some shelves were also bare.

“It just isn’t right,” Newman said, adding she thinks there should be more rules enforced on shoppers. “It’s not normal anymore. It’s a different world right now.”

But local grocery stores and food banks are taking steps to adapt to the COVID-19 situation and ensure people can still get access to food, while reducing the risk of the virus spreading.

Foodland’s parent company, Sobeys, said it is adding a seniors shopping hour from 7-8 a.m. and is rolling out handwashing stations, plexiglass shields in front of cashiers, reduced hours and floor markers to keep people at a two-metre distance in lineups.

“We are being vigilant, following the lead of Canada’s public health agencies, and continue to act quickly on measures to keep our customers and employees healthy and safe,” public affairs specialist Violet MacLeod said.

Foodland president and CEO Michael Medline said in a release his company is working to stock shelves.

“I have great confidence in the incredibly robust grocery and food supply chain in Canada,” Medline said.

Todd’s Your Independent Grocer in Haliburton has also taken measures, such as a seniors shopping hour, reduced opening hours and a limited capacity for people inside. The store has asked people to shop alone and not bring their families.

“These precautions are for everyone’s protection. Most customers are terrific and are adjusting to the changes,” owner Steve Todd said on Facebook. “We are putting up stock as fast as Loblaw warehouses and vendors can get it to us.”

Organizations are also working to get vulnerable customers out of stores altogether.

The Central Food Network has partnered with Wilberforce Foodland to start grocery delivery for Highlands East and Harcourt residents. The network is also delivering groceries to its regular clientele.

“Knowing our demographic we have an older population, we have people with compromised immune systems. So, we knew access to food was going to be critical,” operational and administrative director Tina Jackson said.

Food banks are now limiting the public from entering their buildings, though are continuing operations.

Jackson said the food network is expecting an impact on their demand, with people experiencing income disruption and dealing with empty grocery store shelves. But she added they made sure to stock up last week.

The Rotary Club of Haliburton is also delivering groceries from the Haliburton Foodland.

Haliburton 4Cs food bank manager Judy MacDuff said they are also bracing for increased demand.

“We’re getting prepared,” MacDuff said. “There’s going to be so many people that need the food bank with them being laid off.”

Both food banks said financial donations are preferable. Jackson added toilet paper donations are also needed.

“We are here for people,” Jackson said. “We are all in this together and that’s what makes our community great is that we all stand together. People should not hesitate to give us a call.”

To access food delivery from Haliburton Foodland, call Monday – Friday between 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. at 705-457-2242 or email anytime fld6447haliburton@sobeys.com and place your order. Haliburton Foodland said it would like to reserve the service for seniors and the most vulnerable at this time.

The Highlands East and Harcourt delivery is accessible by contacting 705-448-2811 or email foodland7256@hotmail.com to make and pay for an order.

Those looking to access the Central Food Network and delivery can contact 705-448-9711 or tina@centralfoodnetwork.org.

Correction: The printed version of this story in the March 26 edition had the incorrect phone number for the Central Food Network. It is correct in this online version. The Highlander apologizes for the error.