Federal candidates debate housing

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October 11, 2019

Haliburton-Kawartha-Lakes-Brock federal candidates argued about housing and the mortgage stress test during a debate Oct. 9.

The all-candidates debate at the Pinestone Resort was the only one in Haliburton. A crowd of more than 200 people watched and applauded as all five of the riding’s candidates fielded questions, including People’s Party of Canada’s Gene Balfour, NDP’s Barbara Doyle, Liberal Judi Forbes, Green Elizabeth Fraser and Conservative incumbent Jamie Schmale.

Housing was a focal point of the debate. Candidates were asked how they would address the “negative impacts of the mortgage stress test,” which Liberals implemented in 2018 to ensure homebuyers could manage their mortgage if interest rates rose.

Forbes said it was meant to cool the housing market. But she said she would like to see the test made easier.

“We could actually afford to reduce that percentage a slight amount,” Forbes said. “It would be something I would take forward to the government.”

Fraser said the Green Party would work to eliminate the test. She added her party would also expand the range of homes available to people, such as co-ops.

“While we would work to eliminating the stress test, there are other steps we could take. To help people move into places to call their own,” Fraser said.

Schmale said his party would get rid of the test and bring back 30-year mortgages. He added governments could work together to make home building easier.

“There are things we can do, also working with municipalities and provinces, to ensure land is freed up quicker and they are able to make decisions locally to provide the supply to meet the demand,” Schmale said.

Balfour said the federal government should not get into the way of how people manage their property.

“To step in and try to manage the banks, how they deploy their property, doesn’t really support the Canadian way of living,” Balfour said.

Doyle did comment on the stress test directly but said workers need better wages to afford homes.

“We can no longer allow business as usual where workers are productive as ever but wages are stagnant,” Doyle said, adding mention of the NDP plan to build 500,000 new affordable homes in 10 years.

Affordability in focus

Candidates were also asked what other measures their parties would consider to make homes more affordable, such as with the first-time home buyer’s tax credit.

Fraser said the Green Party’s goal is not to get more people to buy houses but to ensure more people have secure housing. That includes building 25,000 new units and rehabilitating 15,000 in the next year, as well as a fund to help those who cannot afford rent.

“Haliburton has the highest living wage in the area, just over $19 and too often, people are spending a disproportionate amount of their wages on rent,” Fraser said.

Schmale said the Conservatives want to increase the first-time home buyer’s incentive and help expand housing responsibly.

“We do realize there are people moving from the city in most cases coming up here to retire, putting a lot of pressure on housing prices,” Schmale said. “This is something we need to work together on. It’s not just a federal issue.”

Balfour said national strategies often fail to address local nuances with a “one size fits all” approach. He said reducing government and the regulatory burden would improve affordability.

“Reduce the operating costs of our government, so the taxes come down, also the complexity comes down,” Balfour said.

Doyle said her party would double the first-time home-buyers tax credit. She also highlighted the need to help youth consider home ownership by cancelling student debt.

“Youth are discouraged about their prospects of ever buying their own home,” Doyle said. “Our young people will come into the job market with less debt and a better ability to look at home ownership as a real prospect, instead of just a dream.”

Forbes highlighted her party implementing the first national housing strategy, a $40-billion plan to remove 530,000 families from housing need over 10 years.

“Everyone, no matter where they live, deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” Forbes said. “A re-elected Liberal government will continue to roll out this strategy.”

A full video stream of the event is available at facebook.com/canoefm. The debate was hosted by the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce, CARP Haliburton Highlands Chapter 54 and the Lakelands Association of Realtors.

Pitch a revised festival

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 11, 2019

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Marijuana has been legalized in Canada. That door is never likely to close. And it shouldn’t. No longer charging people with possession of small amounts of pot has made a difference in the lives of the OPP and the courts. It’s allowing resources to be placed elsewhere and eased some of the burden on the judicial process. The legalization hasn’t caused any big ripples in Haliburton County. Recreational pot users have been here forever and they will continue to be here forever. For our municipalities, there have been some growing pains. However, Dysart et al was correct in opting in to allow marijuana retail in the township. Though still hoping to win a lottery to sell marijuana one day, Capturing Eden has quietly settled on Haliburton’s main street, offering marijuana-related education, which has in turn helped to destigmatize pot in the wake of some people yelling ‘reefer madness.’ Marijuana festivals are also starting to crop up across the country. There was one held in Baysville, in the District of Muskoka, this past summer. By all accounts, it was well received. It was a oneday indoor event, with 20 vendors and eight speakers. Proponents of a marijuana festival have now come before Dysart’s events committee. They want to hold a three-day festival next September, estimating they can secure 100 vendors and draw 6,500 people. While we appreciate their intent – to destigmatize cannabis and do some healthy teaching around its use – we share the committee’s concern with a few things. Calling the event Potapalooza does sit uncomfortably with some people. As one committee member commented, anything with a ‘palooza’ in it makes people think of partying. The organizers said it was a working title only and they could change it. Good idea. The other knock on the event was that they were trying to do too much for a firsttime event. They were told they were being overzealous in thinking the festival could run for three days, host 100 vendors and bring 6,500 through the door. The committee voted the festival down, however, they did not close the door to organizers coming back with a revised pitch. We would encourage them to do so. Anything that will in fact destigmatize and teach about how and when to use cannabis is a good thing. They said they want to cover all genres of cannabis production and what is available to the consumer. They say they will bring food vendors, live bands, something called the cannabis cup, live cooking shows, celebrity speakers, educational speakers and more. They also promise to donate proceeds to a children-related charity in Haliburton County. Democracy isn’t always pretty. Debate about the festival lasted for some time and much was hashed out. The proponents weren’t overly thrilled with the outcome. However, we would encourage them to take on the constructive criticism and perhaps pitch a one-day, indoor, festival with fewer vendors and speakers and lowered expectations for patrons. It’s something they might be able to convince the committee and council to back. If they can demonstrate the festival will work and fit in with Dysart et al’s values, they can then pitch a longer and larger festival for 2021.

Art Ouellette continues to lob tennis balls at 90

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Lisa Gervais

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October 10, 2019

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For more than 40 years, Art Ouellette was a fixture at the Haliburton tennis courts.

He voluntarily helped Dysart et al public works staff maintain the courts, putting up nets, screens and fixing surface cracks. He also started a seniors’ tennis club that now has more than 30 members playing socially Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Art, now 90, even played up until the age of 88.

Life has changed for Art the past couple of years with Alzheimer’s and spinal degeneration seeing him relocate to Frost Manor in Lindsay for the type of specialized care he now requires.

However, his love of the game continues with Art recently designing a tennis-ball game for residents of the long-term care facility, particularly targeting those in wheelchairs. A family member of another resident, Gerry Todd, made the game and now Art’s the toast of the manor.

“We figured out that anybody could play the game sitting down,” Art said.

His wife, Barb Lyons recently told The Highlander the Art Tennis Lob is a largescale board game. The playing surface is made from a door that Gerry cut in half. One half is the base with round holes of different sizes cut into its surface. The other half is a retractable surface that players can adjust to the angle they wish.

Players drop tennis balls down the incline towards the holes. They are awarded points based on the size of the hole where their ball lands, with smaller holes accounting for the highest number of points.

Balls can be knocked into the holes by other balls to accumulate points or knocked out to lose points. Barb said, “He has challenges but obviously it hasn’t stopped him from creating this tennis lob game. It was his plan to create something that was going to be safe and still challenging for the residents.”

Barb took down the 300-odd tennis balls that residents are using when they play on a regular basis.

“They absolutely love it,” she said. “They have at least 25 residents that play it. They just laugh.

“It’s fun to watch Art’s reaction and see the residents’ reaction. They are going up and cheering him and saying, ‘I’m so proud of you. Thanks Art. Thanks for such a fun game that is new and exciting’. They call him a hero.”

Barb said she and Art have been blessed with a son, daughter-in-law and grandson and they have all contributed to Art doing so well despite his health challenges. “He’s loved and adored and admired,” she said.

She added that moving to Frost Manor has been good for the man who has exercised all of his life up until the past couple of years. She said in the past six weeks, he had participated in 147 activities despite being in a wheelchair.

“He’s happy and that’s all that matters. I’m so proud of him.”

Candidate profiles: Conservative Jamie Schmale

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 10, 2019

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Being elected a first-time member of parliament in 2015 did not result in a steep learning curve since Jamie Schmale had been former MP Barry Devolin’s executive assistant for years. However, sitting on the Opposition benches did allow the former reporter to learn the ropes, he told The Highlander.

“I knew the generals on how a Bill gets through Parliament, the committee structure, that kind of thing. But, actually being in it was totally different because at that point when the microphone goes live or you stand up in the House to speak, or you even go to an event in the riding, people are listening to what you have to say, for the most part. Words matter. You always had to be ready to answer questions and be ready for everything.”

Schmale said despite being a broadcaster in the past, it was still intimidating getting up in front of 337 other politicians in the House to ask a question during question period. Another challenge was continually being up on current affairs, he said. He said he was able to write his own questions and speeches and develop his style.

He described that style as “not overly attacking, critical at times when needed, but never overly nasty.”

While in Ottawa, he started off on the procedure and house affairs committee, which deals with the workings of Parliament. One of his big accomplishments was helping convincing the Liberals that MPs should continue to work five days a week, versus a proposed four.

He went on to be named critic for Northern Ontario and deputy critic for natural resources, then critic for natural resources.

Schmale said it gave him an opportunity to “really dive in and understand the economics of the north, and provinces that rely on mining.” He said that included big mining, start-ups and retailers who rely on the industry. He was also amazed at the use of environmentally-friendly technology in mines, such as electric vehicles.

It is a portfolio he would like to continue, not just for Northern Ontario communities but First Nations relying on royalties, too. He is also keeping his hand in broadcasting, joking he has a face for radio.

The husband and father of an eight-year-old son is asked about the portfolio in the context of climate change. Schmale said Canada still has to mine since products we use every day rely on natural resources.

“We have to do our part to battle the effects of climate change, or come up with better ways of doing things, so that how we operate is as green and clean as possible,” he said.

He talks about “displacing some of the bad actors, and having them up their game.” He also talks a global game, encouraging countries such as China and Africa to improve labour and environmental standards.

Asked what he doesn’t like about his party’s platform, Schmale said he’s no fan of the current way the federal government handles taxation.

“I think the tax system overall is very complicated for individuals, and some professionals who have said that the tax system is extremely complicated and finding ways to navigate the system is getting harder. People are getting frustrated.

“In a perfect world, if I was king, I would love to move to a federal flat tax system, a very simple tax return, probably done on one page or two. All these boutique tax credits, loopholes, just gets rid of all of that.”

As he door knocks the riding, he said people are telling him they’re worried about affordability, access to high speed internet, health care, infrastructure and jobs.

And despite HaliburtonKawartha Lakes-Brock being a Conservative stronghold for years, Schmale said he isn’t resting on his laurels.

“I’d like to think that in the past four years I have proved that I’m not taking anything for granted. Anything can happen in politics. Your run scared or you run stupid. “

Committee says ‘no’ to marijuana festival

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Lisa Gervais

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October 10, 2019

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Proponents of a marijuana festival for Dysart et al will have to make significant changes if the event is to get off the ground for 2020.

Dysart’s events and recreation programming committee voted 4-1 against Potapalooza at their meeting Oct. 8.

Diana Gomes and Maureen Rogers appeared before the committee this past Tuesday with more details of the fair they first brought to the committee in June.

They said the festival is geared towards the de-stigmatization and healthy teaching of how and when to use cannabis.

“Due to the legalization of cannabis, we are aware that a lot of people are still not correctly informed of all the advantages of cannabis. We intend to cover all genres of cannabis production and what is available to the consumer,” they told the committee.

Their proposal is for Sept. 11-13 in Head Lake Park. They estimated they would have 100 vendors and attract 6,500 people. They said proceeds would go to area youth but had no specifics.

Committee member Laurie Jones was the only one to vote in favour of a motion supporting a cannabis education expo, Sept. 11-13, 2020 with organizers working with staff on a park use agreement. Voting against were: Coun. Walt McKechnie, committee member Nicki BrazierHagarty, Mayor Andrea Roberts and Coun. Larry Clarke.

Jones said the proponents could help their cause by changing the name from Potapalooza to something such as the cannabis education festival. She also suggested they scale it back for a first-time event. Jones quoted the information from Gomes and Rogers about de-stigmatizing and healthy teaching. She acknowledged there is a large seniors’ population in Dysart et al that might be opposed to such a fair, but also a lot of people using cannabis and CBD oil. She said the popularity of Capturing Eden demonstrated a need. She added it would give accommodators another weekend to make money.

Roberts said she’s fine with Capturing Eden but she’d had ratepayers approach her to say they don’t want a marijuana festival and the committee had to decide if it was something they were prepared to support. “What we put our name to is endorsing it.”

Roberts, who researched a recent Baysville event in the Township of Muskoka during the meeting, said there’s was a one-day event, with 20 vendors, eight speakers, and held indoors at an arena. She said she’d be more likely to support something on that scale, rather than the proposed Potapalooza.

During a lengthy discussion, Clarke said when area seniors hear Potapalooza, they’re thinking Woodstock. That’s not what it is.” He suggested organizers come up with a name “to properly describe what you’re trying to do.”

Gomes said Potapalooza was simply a working name and it could change.

Brazier-Hagarty thought the idea was good in principle, but organizer’s expectations over-zealous.

McKechnie said he was not open about the issue and thought council should make the final decision.

After the vote, Jones asked if the proponents could come back with a smaller scale event at a different venue. Clarke said he would encourage them to do so.

Gomes and Rogers expressed frustration throughout their delegation. They said they had researched similar festivals, gathered information and sought out interested vendors. They said they would have had even more vendors if they had a date locked down with the township. They also presented a budget to the committee, estimating a cost of $45,000. They said they planned to fence in the event and keep it far from the children’s playground and donate proceeds to charity.

Gomes, who uses cannabis to manage her fibromyalgia, said, “I’m a functioning pothead.” She added, “The last thing we want to do is screw up.”

Service, pumps and propaganda

By

Jack Brezina

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October 9, 2019

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I was standing there quietly daydreaming as I squeezed the trigger.

The familiar whoosh of the liquid and faint whiff of petroleum confirmed that I was indeed pumping gasoline into my car. My gaze wandered from the distant hills, to the hypnotic spin of the digital readouts to the dire warning from our Ontario Government that if we don’t do something about global warming, Doug Ford is going to raise the price of petroleum like an arrow going straight to the moon.

I may have got the last bit wrong, because the sticker had been brutally vandalized by someone with a sharpie, but I was sure he was taking the blame for it all … after all the provincial logo was right there.

But surely, I digress: My purpose was not to launch into a rant about a Premier whose family business made millions selling stickers, forcing gas stations to add yet more stickers to the world. I’ll leave that to the anti-sticker league. No. My mind wandered to the days when one pulled into a service station, you know a place where they could service your car as well as sell gasoline. Driving over a hose as one approached the pumps would activate a clang inside the station and several chaps would drop what they were doing and run out to greet the driver. These attendants, often in uniform with company insignia on their jackets, a cap with a shiny visor and another insignia, would rush to the driver’s window to take the gas order … regular or super. They would ask if you would like to have your oil level checked and, in some cases, the air pressure in your tires as well. And while all this was happening, someone would be cleaning the windshield and headlights. After all, this was a service station.

Emblematic of that service was an actor who endeared himself to most Canadians like a close friend. Murray Westgate was the face of Imperial ESSO on Hockey Night in Canada television broadcasts starting in 1952. Saturday night hockey became a country-wide ritual. His rich baritone voice and friendly, some might say folksy, manner, made Westgate synonymous with the ESSO brand. In the commercial’s catchphrase, he promised “Happy Motoring” to anyone who pulled into an ESSO station. Westgate died in August 2018, just four months after celebrating his 100th birthday.

You would probably be hard- pressed to find a service station that provides the kind of attention drivers got back when Murray Westgate was on television. Now you not only pump your own gas, but you have the option of being the cashier as well with the pay at the pump systems. Need your oil checked or windows washed? Today’s gas stations provide a paper towel dispenser so you can wipe the dip stick and your hands and there is usually a container of window washer fluid somewhere near the pumps and a sponge and squeegee on a stick so you can do it all yourself. There is no hose for you to run over to activate the bell because there are no attendants in spiffy uniforms just waiting to rush out to service your vehicle.

As I noted at the beginning, however, there is one diversion to capture your attention while you wait for the tank to fill. The newest addition at the pumps: you can also catch up on some political propaganda while you fill up.

Candidate profiles: Green Party – Elizabeth Fraser

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 9, 2019

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Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock Green Party candidate Elizabeth Fraser is doing a lot more while studying than your average university student.

Fraser is pursuing a degree in environmental studies at Carleton University in Ottawa and is in her third year. She became involved in student politics, kick-starting the Green Party club at her school.

She said she did not imagine running at the age of 21. But after being approached to run by the party, it made sense to her.

“This election is really important just because of the issues we’re facing in society in general, especially with climate change,” Fraser said. “If you’re at all concerned about climate change, you really need to take action, and getting involved in politics is one of the best ways you can do that.”

Fraser hails from Bethany, a village in the City of Kawartha Lakes west of Peterborough, where she has lived for 20 years. She said she has kept herself involved in both political and environmental groups during her schooling.

“I have a really good sense of the important issues that need to be tackled.”

The three biggest issues she said she wants to address as an MP are affordable housing,
health care accessibility and improving the job market through investing in small businesses as well as the green sector.

“Jobs definitely are the number one issue for most people,” Fraser said. “Small businesses are the backbone of Canadian economies and so ensuring small businesses have the funding they need, for the investments that they need, to grow.”

Climate change is making headlines as student-led protests are taking place around the world. Fraser said she supports the initiative.

“It’s bringing a topic to light. This is something we should be concerned about. As someone that falls into that younger generation, I know for myself and for people my age, it’s a huge concern,” she said. “These kinds of protests on a huge level are so important to raising awareness to people already in Ottawa and the people who will be in Ottawa after the election.”

The riding is historically Conservative, but Fraser said she remains optimistic and wants to ensure people know what the Green Party is about.

“I really just want to make sure the Green Party is a feasible and realistic option for them,” Fraser said. “There are quite a few areas where the Green Party and the Conservative Party kind of agree, especially on issues of supporting small businesses.”

The campaign trail has been positive, Fraser said. But she added as a candidate from a smaller party, her campaign may be shorter.

“It’s a lot harder to run a very full-scale campaign,” Fraser said. “I’m making an effort to get out into the communities and talk to as many people as I possibly can and kind of understand their pain points.”

Fraser is the youngest candidate in the riding. She said she understands her age could be a challenge for some voters but said she would be driven as an MP.

“I’m very passionate about improving people’s lives,” Fraser said. “I decided to run because I really do care about improving people’s quality of life and strongly believe the Green Party’s policies can do that.

“I hope people can see I would work really hard for them if I were elected.”

Stewards stymied in fight against zombie plants

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 9, 2019

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Drag and Spruce Lake Property Owners’ Association lake steward Bert Bicknell has spent the past four years trying to combat the spread of the infamous “zombie plant” in Drag Lake.

The association has cordoned off the patch of Eurasian Milfoil. The invasive species, which earned its nickname from multiplying even when cut, is known to reduce biodiversity, reduce oxygen levels and hinder recreational activity.

Fearing its spread, the association tried to introduce new technology – coconut fibre mats – to stomp out the milfoil this summer. But Bicknell said the group has run up against provincial regulations, costing them a season of work.

Bicknell said for lake stewards, addressing invasive species like this can be difficult – if not impossible.

“We are aware that it’s important to check for them, but there’s very few things we can do to prevent them,” Bicknell said.

Eurasian Milfoil has not yet sprung up in other Haliburton lakes but has grabbed headlines for its spread in places such as Quebec. It has also spread to several lakes in the Kawarthas, whether through boats, fishing gear or water currents.

The association has connected with Trent University professor Eric Sager, who has worked with other lake associations with the fibre mats. The mats are placed over the milfoil to prevent growth. They are also biodegradable, introducing new competition for the milfoil to deal with.

But Bicknell said it was unable to get the approvals it needed from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to install the mats, due to the association not being an incorporated entity.

“We have applied but it takes several weeks to get that,” Bicknell said. “We hope that we will get approval to do it next spring.”

Although the plant has yet to spread far, Bicknell said the association remains fearful that could happen if it is not addressed quickly enough. He added there have been reports of Milfoil parts drifting into other areas of Drag Lake.

“What we’re really worried about is the possibility it could spread substantially,” Bicknell said.

However, Sager said those fears may be exaggerated. Sager said the biggest impact of Milfoil is on human activity. He noted the milfoil can create a good habitat for fish and said news coverage has exaggerated how much harm it really does to lake health.

“People get desperate with this plant and they just want to try,” Sager said. “There’s a fear with it that it’s going to destroy their lake so they want to try and stop it. Whether that fear is a realistic fear or not, that would be up for debate.”

But despite the challenges and costs involved, Bicknell said the association is intent on addressing the zombie plant sooner rather than later.

“It could propagate significantly and cause many more problems,” Bicknell said.

Veterinarian opens new eco-friendly facility

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 9, 2019

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Minden’s pet owners hailed the opening of a new care facility for their furry friends as the Minden Animal Hospital held a grand opening celebration Sept. 29.

The new hospital was built over the last year, with staff moving in May 27. The facility features a slew of added features and brand-new equipment.

Owner Jenn Morrow said the Minden Animal Hospital will be able to offer better treatments for its patients.

“The one philosophy we had when designing this building was about caring,” Morrow said. “We want to care for our furry friends foremost. Our clients, our environment, our staff and our community.”

More than 40 people attended the opening, with staff providing tours of the building. It boasts an array of new elements to improve patient care, from an isolation room to a separate dental suite.

“We all kind of worked together to build the best layout we possibly could,” registered veterinary technician Morgan Fisher said. “We all love the building.”

Eco-friendliness was also front of mind in the design. The structure features recycled rubber flooring, solar power generation and LED lighting. Open house attendees were also treated to a demonstration of permeable paving, the first example in Haliburton County. The paving absorbs most rainfall, preventing run-off and filtering out pollutants like phosphorous before they reach lakes.

Morrow said being environmentally conscious is important to her.

“Climate change is scary. I moved up here because I loved living in the Haliburton Highlands and all it has to offer, being close to nature,” Morrow said. “I want to do my part in reducing my footprint, and not only personally but also through the business.”

It was not a problem-free build. Morrow said it went eight per cent over budget.

“Every build has its surprises and challenges, and this was no exception,” Morrow said. “But overall, I’m very pleased with the end result and it is what we wanted.”

Steve Tripp attended the open house. He said he has two golden retrievers he takes to the Minden Animal Hospital and said the added features should mean a lot to the community.

“I just wish them the best of luck,” Tripp said. “The staff is awesome and friendly and they seem very caring.”

“I’m happy with what we have achieved,” Morrow said. “Just looking forward to providing excellent services to our clients and our patients.”

Summit set to launch new tourism greenway

By

Lisa Gervais

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October 7, 2019

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The gateway to a massive path between Toronto and Algonquin Park is set to begin with a summit scheduled for Nov. 3-4 in Haliburton.

Toronto-Algonquin Greenway (TAG) organizers presented that vision to the public in a presentation at the Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre Sept. 17. The Haliburton Community Cooperative committee seeks to create a new tourism destination through a massive cycling route joining the two locales using existing infrastructure.

Co-ordinator Pamela Marsales told the audience of approximately 20 people that the summit, which will invite partners from along the proposed route to Sir Sam’s Ski and Ride, will culminate in a new agreement to formally create TAG.

“This will become our founding, declared principles,” Marsales said. “Forevermore, in 10, 20, 50 years, people can look back at that moment in time and say that’s when Toronto Algonquin Greenway Alliance first started. It’s going to be pretty exciting.”

The committee based the project on models done worldwide. Examples exist connecting places such as Prague and Vienna and Florida to the Canadian border. Marsales said the groundwork is in place to make the route happen.

“Every part of the Toronto Algonquin Greenway it already exists, owned, managed, stewarded. Has public programming in place, it’s open to the public. All we’re doing is sort of stringing them together.”

The proposed route begins in Toronto along the Pan-Am Path, flowing into Rouge National Park and the York Durham Region. The Trans Canada Trail takes the route to Lindsay, flowing north from the Victoria Rail Trail into the Haliburton County Rail Trail. The project proposes to attract tourism to places along the route, with promotional material for each locale.

“All we’re doing is curating. We’re not managing a route,” Marsales said.

Audience members questioned how much municipalities will be willing to get on board and make improvements along the route. Marsales replied if groups band together, they can advocate to convince municipal leaders.

“We can help the powers at be to do whatever they need to do,” she said.

Haliburton Real Easy Ryders Cycling Club president Robin Bell said he thinks it is a great initiative but there is much work to be done.

“At the moment, we can’t really ride a bike easily on our own Haliburton County Rail Trail. If that’s the way it stays in the future, I don’t think many tourist cyclists would be interested in coming to ride here,” Bell said.

Although the TAG committee has not started promoting it as a destination yet, Marsales said work will soon be underway. She added the group will encourage municipalities to hire summer students to be trail ambassadors.

“We’re going to be taking steps to make this come to life,” Marsales said. “It will be a happening thing by next summer for sure.”