New Year’s wishes

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January 9, 2020

As editor of The Highlander, I have an opportunity to review the past year by compiling our year in review section that appears in today’s paper.

It’s a chance to reflect on some of our greatest accomplishments as well as some of our biggest challenges moving into a new year.

Here’s an alphabetical listing of what I’d like to see in 2020.

A – amalgamation: I look forward to a consultant’s report on a services delivery review for the County of Haliburton and its four lower-tier municipalities. I hope this shapes an open-minded examination of governance, not a retreat into protective shells.

B – broadband: We keep hearing how high-speed broadband is coming to Haliburton County. We’ve seen millions of dollars committed. Yet many of us outside of the villages have not seen improvement. We look forward to that.

C – cannabis: We wonder if Capturing Eden will finally garner a license to distribute cannabis in Haliburton. We’ll also be curious to see how the edibles roll-out goes as the province’s cannabis store remains in the red.

D – doctors: We eagerly await final contracts to be signed to bring two new doctors to the Highlands.

E- education: We look forward to labour peace in the educational sector, a deal that is fair to both the government and teachers as Wednesday strikes continue.

F – fiscal responsibility: We implore local government to ask what their ratepayers can afford as they resume 2020 budget talks.

G – government: We ask for good governance, federally, provincially and locally.

H – housing: We welcome the new seniors housing complex in Haliburton village but really want inroads into affordable housing, including continued work on the housing and homelessness strategy.

I – investment: We continue to rely heavily on residential taxes to fund our County. We look forward to attracting more industry.

J – jobs: I hope we can overcome our labour shortages.

K – knowledge: We encourage all residents of Haliburton County to be informed and engaged in their communities.

L – living wage: We’ve all seen the studies. People in Haliburton County are not making a living wage. We look forward to initiatives, particularly from the provincial government, to help the average working person in the Highlands make ends meet.

M – Minden arena: We wish for a Minden arena project that comes in on time, and on budget.

N – Niceness: We have noted the divisiveness and nastiness on our, and others Facebook pages. Let’s try to be more tolerant in 2020.

O – outdoors: We hope people continue to live, work and remember to play in our beautiful backyard.

P – philanthropy: We look forward to the generosity of Highlanders, to again fund so many things our community relies on.

Q – question: Don’t take everything at face value. Question things.

R – real estate: We trust the local real estate industry can rebound from RECO’s suspension of RE/MAX North County Realty. We hope it’s a good year for the industry.

S – sports: We eagerly anticipate the opening of the Sports Hall of Fame later this year.

T – tourism: We look forward to another year of healthy tourism in the Highlands but also that our economy continues to diversify.

U – U-links: We look forward to continued partnerships with U-Links.

V – valour: From volunteer firefighters to random acts of kindness, Highlanders always rise to the challenge. We look forward to sharing stories of valour again this year.

W – water: We all know the value of our lakes. We look forward to moves to enhance lake and shoreline health.

X – x-ray: We thank the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation and the Haliburton and Minden hospital auxiliaries for continuing to help purchase much-needed equipment.

Y – youth: We look forward to the overdue official opening of the Youth Hub.

Z – zen: Life is pretty busy and complicated these days. Let’s trim the screen time and breathe.

RE/MAX relaunching with new broker

By

Lisa Gervais

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January 9, 2020

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RE/MAX is opening a new brokerage in Haliburton County following the suspension of RE/MAX North Country Realty Inc. Dec. 31.

The company announced Jan. 3 that plans were underway to open a new brokerage in the Haliburton and Muskoka region, where North Country previously operated. The move comes after the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) suspended North Country’s registration after discovering a shortfall in the brokerage’s real estate trust account, where consumer deposits are held.

To date, 65 former North Country agents have agreed to transfer their licences to the next brokerage, under the Toronto-based RE/MAX Professionals umbrella. Etobicoke broker Leah Ambler is set to take on ownership.

“We are confident they will continue to offer the high standard of service that is expected,” RE/MAX Integra Ontario and Atlantic Canada said in a statement. “We are proud to be part of the Muskoka and Haliburton communities and are looking forward to this next chapter.”

Minden-based Lisa Mercer is one of the former North Country agents staying on. She said coming under new leadership from RE/MAX Professionals is exciting.

“They’re a very strong leadership for us,” Mercer said. “Even though a few people, being our old owners, have done some things to disappoint me and other agents, we still strongly believe in the RE/MAX brand.”

She added it is the North Country brokerage and its ownership, not local agents, who are under RECO scrutiny.

No allegations have been proven. Huntsville-based RE/ MAX North Country owners John Jarvis and Ray Jarvis did not respond to a request for comment before press time. RECO declined to offer any further details about the account shortfall that prompted the investigation.

In a Jan. 2 statement, RE/MAX Integra, Ontario-Atlantic Canada said it moved to terminate the North Country brokerage Dec. 23 and launch an investigation with RECO. The company said it is working to rectify issues.

“We pride ourselves on operating with integrity and take all financial matters that affect consumers or our agents very seriously,” said regional director Christopher Alexander.

Blake O’Byrne, a Minden-based agent, is also staying with RE/MAX. He said he expects the new operation will be improved, including better community involvement.

“It’s a real good thing. Everyone’s really looking forward to it. The consumers have nothing to worry about,” O’Byrne said.

RE/MAX agent Andrea Strano said customer deposits and agent commissions are covered by insurance and all pending deals are expected to close as planned.

“These people strongly believe in a good corporate presence,” Mercer said. “Our community is all about looking after each other and they have assured us they are community-minded people.”

Anyone with questions about a pending real estate deal with North Country can contact RECO toll-free at 1-800245-6910 ext. 4873 or shaun.c@reco.on.ca. Customers with insurance or deposit-related inquiries can contact the same number, extension 4875 or insurance@reco.on.ca.

CanoeFM launching podcasts

By

Lisa Gervais

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January 8, 2020

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CanoeFM has entered the world of podcasting.

The community radio station has received a $33,428 grant from the Community Radio Fund of Canada to start “Spread the Word.” The initiative will create original community podcasts under the CanoeFM umbrella.

The station has hired Robert Muir to a one-year contract as podcast producer. He said although radio is still a strong way to get information out, there are people instead relying on the internet.

“For a lot of other people, the internet now has become the new way to hear things and learn things,” Muir said. “Providing our community an option that helps us keep up with the trends in the world and keep being able to provide content to people in all the meaningful ways.”

Muir said plenty of people have come forward with ideas but the station has not yet decided what the podcasts will be. He added they are considering podcasts based on radio shows like Planet Haliburton and Medical Matters. More original content is also a possibility, such as shows based on local business, parenting and storytelling.

“We’re trying to take advantage of the talents in the area,” Muir said. “Subcultures, groups that already exist.”

Local musical talent will also be featured for theme songs, Muir said due to the licencing differences between podcasts and radio, licenced music is not likely to be featured. That also means music-based shows, or talk shows featuring licenced music, cannot necessarily be put on podcasts.

“The issue of cost and the issue of copyright make it difficult to just take the old pre-recorded radio shows and just upload them as podcasts,” Muir said. “Right now, we’re looking at recording original content.”

The station aims to produce four of five podcasts, approximately a half-hour or an hour in length, Muir said. But he added he also wants to provide and help people produce podcasts beyond that, both now and after his contract ends.

“No matter what happens, I want to provide a way for people to have a podcast,” Muir said. “Even though budget is a concern and Canoe can only produce so many, I also want to have resources available so if you have an idea for a podcast, you can do something.”

Station manager Roxanne Casey said CanoeFM has explored podcasting for years. She said volunteers should be able to continue podcasting after Muir’s contract expires, but there is uncertainty about it in the long-term.

“There’s lots of possibilities with podcasting and bottom line is, we’re not really sure,” Casey said. “We’re just trying to dip our toe into the water. See how well we do.”

Those interested in podcasting or creating original music for CanoeFM podcasts can contact Muir at podcast@canoefm.com.

AH making headway on septic system inspections

By

Lisa Gervais

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January 6, 2020

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The Algonquin Highlands Septic Re-inspection Program found 31 per cent of properties inspected this year needed remedial action.

Thornhill-based firm WSP presented to council Dec. 12 about inspections in the Halls Lake and Kushog Lake area. The company evaluated 1,443 parcels as part of the initiative to ensure septic systems are functioning properly and not causing environmental harm.

A total of 97.9 per cent of systems requiring inspection were completed in 2019, according to WSP. Of the 1,264 systems inspected, about 396 of them, or 31 per cent, had visible Ontario Building Code violations. These ranged from solids exceeding 33 per cent of tank volume, missing lids, dense vegetation, or no haulage agreement in the case of holding tank systems.

“It’s not a popular program,” Mayor Carol Moffatt said. “But the results speak to the reason why you do it. It’s good information. The health of the lakes, as we said, is our entire lifestyle, economy.”

There were less tanks with issues this year compared to last, when 39 per cent of systems examined needed fixes.

“A part of that, we believe, is due to public education and public awareness of the program,” environmental consultant Paisley McDowell said. She later added the program helps owners learn best maintenance practices to have their tanks last for the estimated 30-year life cycle, or even longer.

Deputy Mayor Liz Danielsen asked about ensuring those people, especially from 2018, get more strongly worded messages.

Chief administrative officer Angie Bird said that would happen, followed by an order to comply if necessary.

“We have the tools in our toolbox to make sure it doesn’t carry on too long,” Moffatt said.

The inspection also took water quality samples in the area, to judge how much faulty septic systems may be impacting lake health. Of 79 samples collected this year, three exceeded the Provincial Water Quality Objective, which WSP said represents phosphorus and algae bloom risk.

“People are getting used to the program. I’ve talked to people, myself as well, who have found it very informative,” Moffatt said. “We’re doing the right things.”

The 2020 inspection zone includes Big Hawk and Little Hawk Lake, Raven Lake and Oxtongue Lake. WSP will contact property owners in those areas next spring.

Multimillion dollar condominium proposed at Centre Lake

By

Lisa Gervais

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January 3, 2020

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Highlands East council agreed to help push forward a proposed condominium development at Centre Lake on Crown lands by advocating for its economic benefits.

Council passed a resolution Dec. 10 which could enable the project, called the Granite Shores Condominium Development, to make progress. The seasonal tourist development is proposed to include more than 40 cottage lots.

The motion indicates Highlands East sees economic benefits if the 200 ft. Crown reserve around the lake’s shoreline is transferred to neighbouring landowners. Planner Chris Jones said this is one of the requirements for the development and opening up the shoreline could give the area a boost.

“That shoreline development has clearly, historically been a significant resource of our local and regional economy,” Jones said, adding the proposal falls in-line with the shoreline land use designation.

Jones reported the reserve dates back to the mining era and was done to preserve the lake from mining exploration activities IBI Group associate director John Ariens presented on behalf of the private landowner.

He said any development around the lake, whether theirs or others, is held up by the reserve.

“Centre Lake is waiting in the dugout for their chance up to bat and the Ministry of Natural Resources has been keeping the gate closed,” Ariens said.

The firm estimates between $25 million and $32 million in local expenditures if the development goes ahead, mostly derived from construction costs. Ariens added after communications with upper levels of government, there is some receptiveness to remove the designation. Requirements include municipal acknowledgement of economic benefit, an environmental assessment and partnership with the Indigenous communities, which Ariens said they are working to fulfill.

The developer presented two possibilities for Granite Shores, one which is just seasonal cottages with 46 lots and one with a commercial resort and 41 cottage lots. But Ariens assured council their resolution does not mean they have to approve the proposal.

“I appreciate the plan before you is a little bit aggressive. We have a large amount of lots,” Ariens said. “We’ll go through it and we’ll adjust as necessary.”

Coun. Suzanne Partridge said she was okay approving the resolution given the developer would have to work with the County’s Shoreline Preservation bylaw, which sets requirements to keep shorelines healthy.

“I want you to hit a home run with this,” Mayor Dave Burton told Ariens.

Support growing for Haliburton Sports Hall of Fame

By

Lisa Gervais

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January 3, 2020

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Haliburton’s sporting history and stars will be celebrated with the creation of the proposed Haliburton Sports Hall of Fame.

A management committee under the Haliburton County Community Co-Operative presented to Dysart et al council Dec. 16 in regards to their plans to build the hall inside the A.J. LaRue Arena to recognize the sporting achievements of people in the Haliburton Highlands. Council passed a resolution in support and directed staff to work with the group.

Mayor Andrea Roberts spoke positively about the idea.

“We have a huge history of people who have gone on to do amazing things on the national, international stage,” Roberts said. “It’s a great idea to promote not only the athletes but the people that are behind them.”

The committee has developed the concept over a number of years. The hall would include categories for individuals, builders and teams.

The group asked council for general support, an initial display area in the community centre upstairs at A.J. LaRue Arena and permission to work with staff to design the display.

“We’ve raised a substantial amount of money to carry us over but we need to do more fundraising and we’d also like some support from the community,” committee chair Scotty LaRue said.

The committee has already researched the County of Haliburton’s sporting history and plans to have its first induction ceremony next October.

“I’ve been sitting in on the meetings and I’ve just been amazed at the actual history we have here,” Deputy Mayor Patrick Kennedy said.

LaRue said the hall would include people from all of the County of Haliburton. To that end, the group wants to expand its presently all-male, Dysart et al-native board of directors to include more women and people from elsewhere in the county.

“We want this to be county-wide,” LaRue said, adding advertisement has not yet yielded any takers.

LaRue also spoke to the possibility of being embedded in a new community centre in Dysart et al whenever one comes.

“We’d like to get a permanent place,” LaRue said. “That’s where we’d like to have it.”

Birders flock to Haliburton to see rare specimen

By

Lisa Gervais

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January 3, 2020

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More than 100 birders have flocked to Bark Lake over the past week to catch a glimpse of a rare visitor from British Columbia.

Enthusiasts from far and wide are travelling to the Bark Lake Leadership and Conference Centre to see the Varied Thrush, a yellow bird native to the pacific coast. But the species has rarely been known to migrate farther east.

Program manager Joe Fortin said staff discovered the bird at the centre Dec. 10 before announcing their doors would be open to the public for sightings Dec. 12. People have visited every day since, coming from as far as Montreal.

“They are having a blast,” Fortin said. “This is amazing. This is a community. These folks who are passionate about wildlife who want to share and have an opportunity to experience.”

Felix Eckley made the trip with his father from Toronto. The birder said they got up early and stopped by multiple times to get their sighting.

“Since we live in Toronto, it was really far for us to regularly go (to British Columbia),” Eckley said. “We saw how great a bird it was. Beautiful bird and actually to be able to go and see it was amazing.”

The thrush has also been subjected to a barrage of cameras as visitors have tried to capture the rare specimen. Ishrani, who requested her last name be withheld, is a photographer who came from Scarborough to see it.

“I’ve never experienced this bird, so it’s a new experience,” she said. “Life is about creating new experiences.”

Fortin said field naturalists suspect the bird is male and over a year old based on its plumage. It is not skittish and has challenged others for feeder food.

“This guy here will chase the blue jays around and sort of hunker down, run at them,” Fortin said. “It’s fun to watch.”

It is uncertain how long it will stick around Bark Lake but Fortin said he hopes it could remain there for the whole winter.

“Selfishly, I want to know he’s okay. This guy came all the way here to Haliburton, all the way here to the highlands,” Fortin said. “I want him to have a good time.”

But ultimately, Fortin said the visitor will make the best decisions for itself.

“It’s been an amazing opportunity,” Fortin said. “It’s always incredible the critters you can find up in Haliburton.”

Busy year for U-Links

By

Lisa Gervais

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December 30, 2019

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During a busy U-Links year, students examined thousands of aquatic bugs in an effort to monitor lake health for numerous local lake associations, toured farmers’ markets and provincial parks, took part in the Haliburton-Muskoka-Kawartha Children’s Water Festival and will survey local residents on topics such as plastics reduction and youth attraction and retention.

“None of this research and hands-on learning experience would be possible without local host organizations and volunteers,” said program coordinator Amanda Duncombe-Lee in an end-of-year press release.

She mentioned those who drove to Peterborough to meet students and took students around lakes in their boats as well as providing other support.

“This has been a semester of unique opportunities, with our new Benthos Biomonitoring Program and an expansion of our partnership with Fleming College launching some exciting new initiatives for the community and our organization,” Duncombe-Lee said.

The Benthos Biomonitoring Program was made possible through a Seed Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to the Trent Centre for Community Based Education in partnership with U-Links. The program leverages the resources of lake associations, Trent University’s School of the Environment and Fleming College’s Environmental Technology Program, citizen scientists and other organizations to pilot and co-ordinate a system for benthic biomonitoring in the region.

The Seed Grant along with support from Trent University, Haliburton County Development Corporation and the CICan Career-Launcher Internship program has enabled U-Links to hire a project coordinator who has the expertise to supervise biomonitoring research projects for local lake associations.

Community host organizations, volunteers, and community members are encouraged to attend the Annual Celebration of Research March 28, 2020 at the Minden Hills Community Centre.

If you have a project idea and are interested in hosting a project for the winter 2020 semester or the 2020-2021 academic year, please contact aduncombe-lee@ulinks.ca.

Dysart proposes six big ideas for future

By

Lisa Gervais

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December 30, 2019

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By Joseph Quigley

Dysart et al’s top goal is to have a shovel-ready plan for a new recreation complex by the end of the council term.

Council reviewed its “Six Big Ideas” report during its Dec. 16 meeting. The document outlines the municipality’s objectives for the next three years as identified in a May brainstorming session with staff and councillors.

First amongst the ideas is a recreation master plan, which would include a new recreation complex. Council agreed to have members start on preliminary work.

“I’d really like to see some formal action taken,” Coun. John Smith said. “If we still believe the recreation master plan amongst the councillors is number one, let’s get moving.”

The other ideas prioritized in the document, ranked in importance by the municipality, were housing, a parks management plan, enhancing lake and shoreline health, a Dysart master plan (for an overarching vision for the next five-plus years) and improving digitization.

The municipality announced a land donation Nov. 26 at County Road 21 and Soyer’s Lake Road. The 15.75-acre property can only be used for a new recreation centre under the agreement.

But Mayor Andrea Roberts expressed concern about starting work on a recreation management plan in 2020, given the work already happening on projects like the master plan for Head Lake Park. She suggested work begin 2021 instead.

“I’m concerned with piling too much,” Roberts said. “Takes a lot of time, effort, energy to go through those public consultations.”

Coun. Paul McKechnie said building a large-scale facility like a recreation centre, which could cost between $10 million to $20 million, would require funding from other levels of government. He added that could not be counted on.

“You’re better off buying lottery tickets,” he said.

But chief administrative officer Tamara Wilbee said community fundraising could start while the municipality waits for those grants. She added detailed plans are needed to even have a chance of upper government funding.

“The windows to apply now are so short, if you don’t have anything ready, right down to engineered plans, you may as well forget it,” Willbee said.

Deputy Mayor Patrick Kennedy proposed starting foundational work on the big ideas, with councillors indicating what they would like to start tackling.

Roberts said starting talks about the ideas are a positive step.

“We will get there with all of these.”

Encouraging cashless at Dorset Tower

By

Lisa Gervais

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December 30, 2019

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Algonquin Highlands wants people visiting the Dorset tower to go cashless to ease staff burden.

Council discussed the issue during its Dec. 12 meeting. They rejected a staff proposal to only take credit or debit at the tower as part of an updated fee bylaw, out of concern for legalities and international visitors. Instead, council asked staff to use signage to encourage paying by means other than cash.

Staff reported processing cash – $5 per car – can be time-consuming given the amount of traffic the tower gets each year. CAO Angie Bird said debit or credit use should help speed things up.

“Using debit or credit, many people have the tap card,” Bird said. “It certainly makes it much quicker for people to go through.”

See more on the Algonquin Highlands Council meeting in the Jan. 9 Highlander.