COVID-19 reaches Haliburton

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April 13, 2020

LG - Assessment Centre - 3-web — Haliburton had its first confirmed case of COVID-19 the day before a new testing centre opened. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

COVID-19 has officially reached the County of Haliburton with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit confirming the first six cases in the area April 1 and 13.

The health unit said the first case was a man in his 90s, who was brought to Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) March 30, diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for COVID19. The County resident had no travel history and had not been in direct contact with any other confirmed cases. HKPR said the man was admitted to hospital, isolated and is recovering.

HKPR medical officer of health Dr. Lynn Noseworthy said it is another reminder to take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing and hand washing. The first Haliburton case comes more than two weeks after the first case in the district, which was March 11 in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

“I don’t know why it’s taken this long to have a first case confirmed in Haliburton,” Noseworthy told The Highlander. “People should take appropriate precautions. They should stay home unless they’re providing an essential service.”

The health unit indicated it would not send media releases about cases beyond the first but will continue to provide updated numbers on cases, deaths and outbreaks.

In a press release, Noseworthy said the health unit has worked with HHHS throughout the pandemic to prepare for a positive case. HHHS also partnered with the County and the Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team to open a COVID testing centre March 31.

“We will continue to take the steps required to protect the health and safety of our community, patients, residents, clients, staff and physicians, and encourage everyone to do their part to keep our community safe,” HHHS CEO and president Carolyn Plummer said.

Noseworthy said she had no idea how many unconfirmed cases there might be in Haliburton but added people “should assume it’s in the community” and limit trips to essential ones, such as grocery shopping.

“Very, very, very important that people stay home, stop the spread and stay safe,” she said.

There are still people not heeding that directive, Noseworthy said.

“For the most part, they are, but I do believe there are people out there who aren’t,” Noseworthy said. “We know there are people congregating out in the community … and that’s got to stop.”

Public health must be protected

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 12, 2020

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With people recognizing the everyday heroism of frontline workers during this pandemic, I would like to give a shout out to those working in public health.

Public Health officials are not always recognized as much as their counterparts in emergency rooms or family clinics. Things such as education campaigns, flu shot reminders, research and sometimes-controversial harm reduction initiatives can be easy for your average person to brush aside. But the battle against COVID-19 will be won by the incredible labour of public health workers and they deserve all the praise in the world for their efforts, which have gotten most people on board with social distancing.

Perhaps public ignorance is part of why the province targeted public health for cuts and restructuring this past year, something that garnered relatively little fanfare compared to cuts to education and autism programming.

But people should have a better understanding now of what makes public health so vital – and why we cannot afford to cut it.

The province began downloading public health unit costs to municipalities this year, earning scorn and putting municipal leaders in an awkward position. Public health units also received information last year the government would amalgamate the 35 units into 10. That has not yet come to pass but a modernization review was underway before COVID-19 hit.

It is uncertain at this point how many units the province will amalgamate, moves which would assuredly be done with cost savings in mind. I am sure some adjustments will be welcome efficiencies. But anything that can be reasonably interpreted as a cut will, and should, be extremely unpopular.

The costs of investing in public health to prevent illness will generally be cheaper than the costs of treating that illness down the line. Although there may be some duplication in public health work, amalgamating units is questionable as an answer, when there is plenty of local-specific health issues that need a local-specific response. We have seen that during the pandemic in our tri-county area, where numbers differed drastically in the City of Kawartha Lakes due to the outbreak at Pinecrest Nursing home in Bobcaygeon.

The crisis has shown what makes public health so important – to prevent the spread of illness before people reach emergency rooms and hospital beds. Whenever we are safe from COVID-19, any government will have a hard time slashing public health.

By the end of this, based on Ontario’s projections, tens of thousands of Ontarians will owe their lives to the work of public health.

But the service will remain just as important even when COVID-19 fades into memory. Harm reduction and illness prevention are vital, even if underrated. This crisis has also taught us to be more mindful of serious health threats to come. We need health units to be prepared for the next pandemic, whenever it is.

It was not right for the province to download costs to municipalities, a copout to save costs when ultimately, the taxpayers still bear the bill. The County has complained about getting more of the bill when they have little say in health unit spending and it is a fair argument. The province may feel pressed to find more savings, but municipalities are also under economic pressure and do not have the same ability to absorb costs.

When the dust settles after COVID-19, the public needs to stand up and protect public health, just as public health protected them. We cannot take it for granted.

Spending time in nature

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 9, 2020

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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

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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’

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 9, 2020

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JQ - Thank you message - 1-web — Fire trucks drive by the Haliburton hospital as part of a procession of emergency vehicles April 7.Photo by Joseph Quigley.

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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p. 10 photo - Dysart audit-web — File photo.

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

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 7, 2020

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p. 17 photo-web — rs Due to COVID-19, local marinas are unsure when they will get boats in the water this year. Photo by Lisa Gervais.

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.”