Library begins curbside pickup

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June 15, 2020

JQ - Library reopening - 1-web — File photo.

The County library board voted June 10 to begin curbside pickup at its Dysart et al branch starting June 25.

The plan would allow people to borrow books by placing them on hold and then arriving at a designated time to pick them up from outside the library. If successful in Dysart, other branches would also begin to offer the service, starting with Minden.

Board members were cautious and decided to delay implementation at their May 27 meeting. But with the province lifting more restrictions June 12, board members said they felt comfortable enough to proceed.

“Things opening up, not everyone is accessing online. There’s still a lot of people who like and need to hold a book,” vice chair Andrea Roberts said. “People may have to wait a little bit longer, but I really think we should.”

Board member Cec Ryall said he was still concerned but added it made sense to try it.

“I’m not sure if this is going to have the amount of value everyone seems to think it is. Having said that, I think it’s definitely worth doing a prototype,” Ryall said.

Holds will be able to be made via the library website, phone or email. Books will be picked up from an outside table under the overhang of the Dysart branch. Staff will sanitize the table and door handles, while also quarantining books for 72 hours after use.

Sullivan also said staff members can decide whether they are comfortable being part of the program. Books will initially be given out in 20-minute blocks to give staff time to process and sanitize, but Sullivan said that will quickly be shifted to 15-minutes if things go well.

Board members also decided staff could bring back access to library computers by appointment if curbside pickup goes well. The province allowed for that with the start of Stage 2 of its reopening plan June 12.

“We’re all facing challenges, even in our municipalities, with people working from home with less than efficient or sufficient internet speeds,” board member Carol Moffatt said. “I’m keen to get – with appropriate safety protocols in place – people back to computers and their window to the world.”

Dysart task force charts course for recovery

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 15, 2020

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JQ - Businesses re-open - 2-web — Downtown Haliburton. File photo.

Dysart et al officially launched its COVID-19 Community Recovery Task Force June 11.

The task force aims to support community and municipal relief efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The task force includes both council and public members, which is making recommendations to Dysart council about recovery.

Chair and deputy mayor Patrick Kennedy said the group has a diverse background in municipal operations, and arts, cultural and business sectors.

“The task force will function not only as a focal point for community-driven ideas, input and solutions, but will also be a resource for the community to help navigate the myriad of programs and assistance available,” Kennedy said.

The municipality said the task force will identify the needs of community groups and organizations to determine how the municipality can best assist them. The task force will also help businesses work through their economic challenges, address the municipal financial impact and modify municipal programming based on lessons learned amidst the pandemic.

From the municipality, the task force includes Kennedy, Mayor Andrea Roberts, Coun. Larry Clarke, CAO Tamara Wilbee and incumbent clerk Mallory Bishop. Public members include David O’Brien, Jim Blake and Andrew Hodgson.

Hodgson, Century 21 owner and Rotary Club of Haliburton member, said he is excited by the opportunity and it is good the municipality is doing this. He added the task force should be there to help community members.

“I’m hoping we’ll come up with some innovative ideas,” Hodgson said. “People can come to us for resources, other government programs, other things that may be going on.”

Roberts said the municipality needed to think ahead even as it works on the pandemic from a public health and operations perspective.

“It was imperative that we create the task force now, in order to gather and provide information to our business and not-for-profit community, to help navigate our pandemic recovery,” Roberts said.

Recovery efforts are getting concentrated at the lower-tier municipal level after County council opted not to go for a more County-wide approach. County council briefly discussed the idea again at a special meeting June 10 but opted out.

“Stay the course, we made our decision,” Minden Hills Mayor Brent Devolin said. “We missed the opportunity a couple of months ago.”

Roberts said they could still work collectively if County-specific issues come up through the recovery process.

“There’s still opportunity, but I’m happy with the way things are going,” she said.

Hodgson said the task force will still need to rely on provincial decision-making.

“We’re not expecting to have miracles. There’s no big, huge glob of money that we have,” he said. “But I’m excited to be part of a big group that’s thinking positive.”

Harp on the Water – chapter 4

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 15, 2020

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The sun burned down on the little tin rowboat in the middle of the lake.

Detective Harry Harp dipped his hand in the water and wiped sweat from his face – then removed his tie, folded it and shoved it in his pocket.

Meanwhile, Constable Terry Becker stopped rowing and pulled a stash of energy bars from one of the many compartments in his cargo pants and handed one to Harp. He consumed it in two bites. Becker put the empty wrappers in his pocket.

“Do you believe that stuff about a curse?”

“Not – really. But it’s given Sally Cutts something to blame for her problems. The more things go wrong, the more real the curse must seem.”

Becker took hold of the oars and started rowing again.

“What about the light?”

Harp’s eyes sharpened. “That’s very promising.”

He pulled out his phone, called Spruce County Police Department and, after requesting two officers to inspect the shore path, pocketed the device.

“I have a feeling that path is used a lot more than anyone’s saying.”

Ten minutes later, the two men arrived at the last cottage on the east side of the lake. The Maladee cottage was large and open-concept with a peaked roof and a wall of windows that gave a partial view of the water. The interior was roomy except that every inch of it was occupied. Ornaments, paintings, photos, plaques with amusing sayings printed on them, piles of books, magazines, dirty dishes, wine bottles, including the half empty one in Marc Maladee’s hand.

“Can I interest either of you gentlemen in a glass of fairly decent red?” He was in his mid 50s with wavy brown hair, a beard and a cheerful pair of boozy blue eyes. Harp suspected the other half of the bottle was already inside him. Both men declined and took a seat where they could find space among the debris.

Marie Maladee, ten years younger than her husband and wearing yoga pants and a black top, hovered near the window like she wanted to jump out of it.

“Nice view,” Harp opened with.

Marc plopped down across from the two men, crushing a pile of newspapers.

“You want to know the best view. The Calvert point. Incredible.” He drained his glass. “So? What can we do for you? Must be important. You’re wearing a suit.”

Harp smiled unhappily. He paused then said, “Funny you should mention the Calvert property. We’re here about Ida Calvert.”

“Oh?” “She was murdered last night.” The muscles around Marc Maladee’s mouth twitched but no words came out.

“That’s terrible,” his wife gasped.

“Did you know her?” The woman’s hands flapped around like they were on fire.

“Not really, no. We’re here. They’re there.”

“But you’ve appreciated the view,” Harp pointed out. Marc was up and re-pouring.

“I was on the point once. Just the once.” He smiled and revealed a row of wine-coloured teeth.

Becker said, “What was the reason for your visit?”

“A business matter. Nothing particularly important.” Becker’s glare assured him that it was.

“Tell them, Marc,” Marie said, her hands flapping some more. Marc sat down and smiled resignedly at his audience. “Well, if you must know, I’m quite involved with the community here and I devised a rather ingenious plan to develop a seniors enclave on the lake – a half dozen homes ringing the unused end of the shore, and all interconnected. There would be a main lodge on the point with dining room, library, activities room – and it was to be called Cliffside.” He tossed back a mouthful of wine. “The county was in and we were all set and we even offered Ida guaranteed accommodation in Cliffside – but would she sell? Not on your life.” Marc stood up and took a few unsteady steps towards the counter. Watching him from the other side of the room was his wife and she didn’t look happy. “It couldn’t have been more perfect – for the county, and frankly, for us. And you know what else?” He yanked the cork from a new bottle. “The daughter – Grace Calvert – she was on our side. I honestly don’t know how she stands living with Ida. And they choose to live that miserable Stone Age life.” He sat down again, obviously feeling better with a full glass in hand. “Long story short, Ida wouldn’t budge.” Marc drank deeply and licked the rim of his glass. “That was our last big chance, wasn’t it, darling? But we’ll have another. You’ll see.” He turned to the men. “Marie here’s worried about money but what woman isn’t.”

His wife spun around. “MARC—please,” she cried, her face flushing.

She turned to Harp. “Well? What else?”

“Tell me about last night between 10:00 and midnight?”

She glanced at her husband but he was frowning into his empty glass. She shrugged. “We weren’t here. We arrived this morning so there’s nothing to tell.”

“So where were you last night-?” Becker cut in.

“In the city! Watching TV, O.K?”

“Not O.K. The truth please,” Harp said.

“That is the truth,” Marie Maladee’s eyes narrowed. “And I’m sure you two have other things to do.” She walked towards the door but her husband’s words stopped her.

He slurred, “Cliffside would have made me a very rich man. Would have solved a lot of problems, eh?” He looked around for his wife but she was standing directly behind the sofa where he was sitting. Her sinewy hands tightened into fists then the fists turned to claws that she dug into his shoulders. “Ouch – darling that hurts.” He wriggled out of her grasp. Why is she so tense? Harp wondered. He changed the subject.

“So – how long have you been enjoying cottage life?”

“Very funny,” she sneered.

“But all the signs?” Becker gestured around the room at the plaques declaring, “It’s better at the lake,” “Boat parking only,” “I heart family,” and twenty other similar sayings.

“I get a real kick out of those,” Marc burbled, grinning. Marie folded her arms across her chest and Harp could see tears welling in her eyes.

“Truthfully, it hasn’t been – quite what I imagined.”

Marc tilted his face up to her and whispered, “Everything’s going to be okay, you’ll see.”

Back in the rowboat Harp said, “Did you notice the brand new pack of sparklers on the deck? The receipt was stapled to the bag – bought yesterday. In the village. They were here last night.” Becker whistled.

“Listen to this.” The constable opened his notebook and started reading. “Plastic flowers, stuffed terrier in wicker basket, three broken clocks, carved birds in flight, framed family photos, two old phones, pile of cookbooks, how-to-juggle book, vases with dried flowers, paintings of flowers, pair of ski gloves, pocket dictionary, metal silhouette of a wolf set in a piece of stone, a bear driving a car, a half-full plastic bottle of eye solution, gold mirror, three empty tea candle holders, dirty sock, book about crosswords, map of Corsica, Christmas ornament, tiny closed box.” He shut the notebook. “That was one small shelf. Those people are hoarders.” Harp shrugged off his suit jacket. “And liars.”

New business hopes to colour the Highlands

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 15, 2020

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Haliburton County entrepreneur Danielle Martin wants to splash a little colour across the Highlands.

The owner of new business, Shape Shifter, Martin designs and illustrates products, including murals.

She’s originally from Newmarket, but her family has cottaged in the area for eight years. She graduated from the Haliburton School of Art and Design last May, completing the Visual and Creative Arts Diploma, Integrated Design Diploma, Photo Arts Certificate and Digital Image Design Certificate.

During the summers of her first two years at HSAD, she worked with her mom’s home staging and interior design company in Newmarket. In her third year, she worked as a freelance photographer for The Highlander, and last summer was the student for Rails End Gallery.

She believes all of that experience has led her to where she is today.

“The past couple of months, I have been really thinking about how to pursue my passions while giving value to the world in my own unique way,” Martin said in an interview.

She said her style is “very outer worldly with a fresh and funky twist.”

She said she’s been illustrating designs for four years and has always had visions of seeing them on a grander scale, which led her to thinking about doing murals.

“I truly believe that murals, in both indoor and outdoor spaces, are extremely effective in how one perceives the world. They have the ability to enhance any space by bringing natural curiosity, wonder, joy, and sparking the inner child within all of us,” she said.

She is targeting businesses for her murals, “because if you have an intriguing piece that is a ‘showstopper,’ the more likely people will want to come check it out, and spread the word. It can be a great way to advertise by showcasing your upgraded and exciting space, which in the long-term, will greatly impact your customers’ overall experience and enhance the energy in the atmosphere,” she said.

Martin said she would love to do storefronts and office spaces, outdoor, indoor or on windows. She said for businesses, it’s an ideal time, since many are closed due to the pandemic.

“They can start advertising their new artwork in the meantime, giving their customers something to look forward to when they open.”

She added that for her personally, COVID-19 has given her the time to create the online building blocks for her site.

“Currently, I am in the process of creating a colouring book, which will feature my own illustrations. I am selling apparel and products with my designs on them, as well as doing commissioned work for clients,” she said.

As for murals, she said she has an archive of illustrations and designs, or can collaborate with clients.

For mural inquires, or other commissioned work, contact Martin at: daniellenicolem@outlook.com

Terry Goodwin remembered as an ‘exceptional person’

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Lisa Gervais

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June 15, 2020

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Terry Goodwin touched many lives in Haliburton County, whether through his work in the justice system and social services or his involvement in church, committees and societies.

Terry passed away suddenly on May 28, at the age of 59.

His daughter, Jen, said she and her brother were incredibly lucky to have Terry as their dad.

“He was a ‘doer’ and involved in so much of our lives: coaching tee-ball, soccer, and hockey; volunteering on the parent council at school; staying up late to help with over-the-top homework projects, and so much more,” she told The Highlander.

“We always knew that if we needed him, he’d be there, no questions asked. The same goes for his involvement in the community. He quietly served and we’ll probably never know the number of lives he touched – from helping turn a life around as a probation officer to mowing the lawn for a widow … he had the rare ability to meet a person wherever they were at, offering acceptance and kindness.”

Friend, prayer partner, and breakfast buddy, Pastor Brian Plouffe, said what he and many others appreciated was “Terry’s life was a practical life and he had a very practical faith.” He said he was hands-on in helping others, and ensuring justice for all, and had a real heart for the people he worked with in probation. “He cared for them as people.” “He wasn’t talk. He was action.” He remembered Terry for being down to earth, with a good sense of humour.

Point in Time Centre for Children, Youth and Parents executive director Marg Cox said they will remember Terry for his dedication to his work in probation, as well as for being co-chair of The Haliburton Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee, notably leading a subcommittee dedicated to tackling the rising Opioid crisis.

“He was an incredible support and volunteer in the community, with a wonderful sense of humor and passion for helping those in need, and in retirement continued to be a dedicated fundraiser and supporter,” Cox said.

His family said Terry began his career working for grocery chains A&P and IGA, before joining Corrections in 1987, working as a probation and parole officer. He retired May 1, 2019, but according to his family, wasn’t one to sit around and thrived on keeping busy. He took online courses from the University of Guelph to become a Master Gardener and in recent years became a beekeeper, or, as he liked to say, “a bee buyer.” He was a member of the Haliburton Master Gardeners, where he thoroughly enjoyed his meetings with the “ladies,” the Minden Horticultural Society, and a volunteer at the Haliburton Foodbank.

Master gardener Carolyn Langdon said the gardeners were reeling from his death. “We are a small group and the loss of a member leaves a big hole. Terry was an exceptional person,” she said. Langdon said Terry’s family was donating many of his gardening books to the Minden and District Horticultural Society. “The books will be a great addition to the group’s lending library and many will find their way to the ever-popular ticket draw table, a monthly fundraiser for the group pre-COVID,” she said.

Terry was also fortunate to go on mission trips to Guatemala, Haiti, and Mexico, his family said. “Terry had such a compassionate heart and nothing blessed him more than to be able to help someone.”

Terry’s wife, Julie, is executive-director of the Pregnancy Care and Family Support Centre in Haliburton. She told The Highlander that on June 12, she and Terry would have been married 38 years. “Terry was my best friend and biggest cheerleader. He lived his Christian faith: Terry loved unconditionally – whether you were family, friend or probation client.” She asked people to “pay it forward and do kind, helpful things for others, particularly people you do not know.”

If desired, donations to the Pregnancy Care & Family Support Centre, Haliburton would be appreciated by the family. They can be arranged through the Haliburton Community Funeral home at 705-457-9209

Insurance costs rise $65K for Highlands East

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 15, 2020

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Highlands East’s insurance costs are spiking significantly for the second consecutive year in the wake of an unstable insurance market.

Council voted to renew its insurance with BFL Canada June 9 for $291,644 plus taxes – a 28.68 per cent increase over last year’s $226,644. This comes after the insurance rate increased by 47 per cent in the last renewal, rising from $159,184 in 2018/19.

The municipality had planned to go out to market for this year’s insurance, but deputy CAO and treasurer Brittany McCaw said that did not happen due to time constraints caused by COVID-19. The pandemic is also expected to have more of an impact on the insurance market in the future.

“BFL has worked hard on our behalf to make sure we received a fair renewal with all the different challenges we’re facing right now,” McCaw said. “But this was the result of a challenging market.”

McCaw said BFL has reported markets hardening the past two years, with insurers withdrawing from certain classes of business, increasing premiums, and restricting coverage to mitigate exposure before the pandemic even hit. The Lloyd’s of London’s insurance company is expecting an overall cost of more than $100 billion to the global property and casualty insurance industry due to COVID.

Deputy Mayor Cec Ryall said he understands why staff could not go to market this year, but added the municipality needs to explore alternatives next year.

“I understand the market is what the market is, and everything goes up based on whatever drives overall costs up,” Ryall said. “It’s extremely important we get a state of the union here about what’s happening.”

McCaw said staff will be preparing necessary RFP documents at the end of 2020 to go to market for 2021. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has advocated for changes to joint and several liability due to rising premiums, with the province launching consultations on the issue in 2019. Ryall said the municipality could be facing higher costs due to BFL’s losses.

“They may or may not be managing their company as well as others might be,” Ryall said. “It’s extremely important we investigate this extremely thoroughly before the next budget.”

Lions donation helps secure park riverbank

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 14, 2020

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JQ - Lions club donation - 1-web — Haliburton Lions Club members dedicate six trees they funded at Head Lake Park June 4. Left to right: Betty Mills, David Mills, Marilyn Frost and Jim Frost. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

The Haliburton & District Lions Club is celebrating the Canadian centennial of the organization by funding six trees to help with erosion at Head Lake Park.

The six, mature willow trees cost $2,500 and were requested by Dysart et al park staff. The club met June 4 to dedicate the trees, with a plaque marking the club’s commitment to be installed later.

The club said the gesture contributes to their commitment to the environment.

“We were looking for something to donate that would be rather permanent,” treasurer Betty Mills said. “We also have a passion for the environment and trying to do things that maintain the environment.”

The Lions began in Canada in Windsor in 1920. Mills said the club has continued for so long because of people’s natural desire to help others.

“We tell little children in daycare centres, in kindergarten, ‘who wants to be a helper’ and they all come running,” Mills said. “We all like to help other people in some form.”

Dysart council approved the gift at its May 5 meeting. Recreation program coordinator Andrea Mueller said the trees are part of the park rehabilitation and will help secure the riverbank.

“We’ll send a letter to the Lions club and thank them,” Mayor Andrea Roberts said. “It’s really good news.”

Mills said fundraising is difficult for the club with the pandemic. They had to cancel their annual craft brewing festival and other fundraising efforts will be hampered.

“The fundraising is a huge challenge,” Mills said. “I think we’re going to end up with less to give … We can hope for a break.”

But despite the challenges, the club will still do what it can. The club also helped refurbish Abbey Garden’s Enchanted Forest children’s play area June 3.

“Even in these challenging times, we continue to meet online and carry on with our service work,” the club said in a press release.

Excitement builds for business reopenings

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 12, 2020

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Barber Cody Nasby says he’s excited to get back to work June 12.

He is just one local business owner who’s ecstatic they’ve been included in Stage 2 of reopenings across the province.

Other allowances announced by the Ontario Government this week, and effective Friday, include: gatherings of 10 people, up from five; places of worship; outdoor dine-in services at restaurants and bars; hair and beauty salons and tattoo studios; tour and guide services, including brewery tours; beaches; camping and outdoor recreation.

The province also announced that staff can re-enter child care facilities and begin preparation for reopening and some post-secondary education will reopen July 2.

Nasby was in his Traditional Barber Shop May 10 getting ready. He has masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. He said he’s been closed about three-and-a-half months so, “I am extremely happy we are back in the shop chopping mops.”

He added that due to COVID-19, he can only take clients by appointment and can only do hair-cutting, not facial hair. He told The Highlander bookings are coming in fast and furious and “it’s going to be madness.”

The government put into action its plan of a regional approach to Stage 2, including Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit communities, saying it’s based on lower rates of transmission, increased capacity in hospitals and progress made in testing.

“We are able to make this announcement today (May 8) because of the extraordinary effort of our frontline workers and every other person in the province who helped to stop the spread of this deadly virus,” Premier Ford said. “Entering Stage 2 means parts of the province will see more people back on the job and an opportunity to get back together with friends and family. Although this is extremely encouraging, I urge everyone to exercise caution and continue to follow public health advice as we are not out of the woods yet.”

Ford said the province will soon release more details on: summer camps, post-secondary education, training centres and public transit.

Rhubarb Restaurant and Boshkung Social co-owner Terri Mathews-Carl is relieved at the news. “We’re definitely excited to welcome back our staff, locals and cottagers,” she said, adding their phone had been ringing off the hook. They have set up their inside patio at the Carnarvon restaurant to seat 24 people, in two sittings. They plan to open Friday and Saturday for dine-in and takeout and delivery. They will see how it goes before committing to opening other days. The Social, meanwhile, will no longer have long, communal picnic tables, but individual tables to ensure people are six feet apart. The food truck is also reopening.

As for Nasby, who said he’s social by nature, he missed his clients – though he has run into regulars on the street who look like completely different people to him. He anticipates correcting a lot of bad haircuts rendered by girlfriends and wives, and boyfriends and husbands. Nasby said he was worried that barber shops wouldn’t be part of Stage 2 and that would have been trouble.

“If it went too much longer, I was going to start getting worried about my shop, and if I would be able to reopen.”

Folk society concert music to ears of food banks

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 12, 2020

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JQ - Folk show - 4 - web — Thom Lambert plays during a folk society concert June 6. Photo by Joseph Quigley

The Haliburton County Folk Society helped raise more than $2,000 for County food banks with an online concert fundraiser June 6.

Locals Gord Kidd, Shawn Chamberlin and Thom Lambert performed from the Dominion Hotel, live-streamed via Facebook as part of a concert series. Artists’ fees and donations for the show all went to the County’s three food banks.

Society member Don Gage said it was successful other than a couple of technical hiccups.

“A number of our local musicians, of course, don’t make a living from music, they do it as a hobby,” Gage said. “Instead of helping the musicians, help the community instead. That’s what we decided to do.”

Central Food Network chair Carol Greenwood said the support is much appreciated. She said food banks are bracing themselves for a difficult winter when they expect a spike in demand for their services as food prices increase due to pandemic-caused production issues. Haliburtonians will also be struggling with depleted savings and a decline in summer employment, she said.

“We’re expecting all of Haliburton to be in extreme crisis through the winter, so food banks now are already forward planning in terms of what we’re going to do,” Greenwood said. “So, we’re not taken by the same surprise as we did when COVID
hit us.”

Kidd said he was honoured to be invited to perform and was happy with how it went despite the unusual circumstances.

“Just felt like I was doing a normal show with a good friend,” Kidd said. “I felt very comfortable.”

Gage said the society is one of the few organizations across the country who has still been organizing live concerts, with most other live-streamed shows being purely artist-driven. They have another concert planned for June 20 and though they would normally not do much during the busy summer, they are considering more with local concert series getting cancelled.

“We’ve been very happy with it,” Gage said. “The support has been great from the community, the donations, the tips that come through for the artists have been very good … Gives people a bit of a night out, see some of these folks without leaving their home.”

Governments speed internet connectivity plans

By

Lisa Gervais

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June 11, 2020

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JQ - EORN plans - 2 — Governments are looking to speed up projects to improve internet connectivity. File photo.

COVID-19 is causing governments to accelerate plans to improve online connectivity, according to the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN).

With the provincial and federal governments both more invested in internet improvements due to the pandemic, EORN is working on speeding up its own future projects, board member and Minden Hills Mayor Brent Devolin said. The potential cost of EORN’s new projects could total over $1.2 billion, with plans to significantly improve internet speeds throughout the region.

In May, the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus (EOWC) approved EORN to continue conversations with upper levels of government on those projects, Devolin said. EORN will look to do them concurrently with the already-underway $213 million cell gap project.

“We all need connectivity of reasonable quality and we need it as fast as we can,” Devolin said. “Federal and provincial governments have asked anybody that’s in this business how can we leverage and do these things in a more accelerated manner.”

The province announced the rollout of a $150 million fund June 3 to help unserved and underserved areas. The funding was not brand new – it was initially announced for this year with the unveiling of the $315 million Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action plan in July 2019.

But the announcement came with the province renewing calls for more help from federal partners. MPP Laurie Scott said with broadband being federally regulated, the feds need to come through.

“We need them to step up to the plate to help us deliver these dollars in order to get us all wired into the 21st century,” Scott said.

The federal government has yet to announce details on any plans to accelerate broadband funding. With 84 per cent of households at 50/10 Mbps speeds, the federal government has previously committed to bringing that to 90 per cent of households by the end of 2021 and 100 per cent by 2030.

Devolin said the governments will continue to have talks. What plans move ahead – and how much money will be involved – will depend on the results of those conversations. He added he thinks they will conclude before the end of the year, which should lead to more announcements.

“It might be both scale and speed are absolutely going to be accelerated,” Devolin said.

As projects get underway, Devolin said he will lobby for Haliburton County to be at the front of the line, given it is one of the most underserved areas in the Eastern region.

“For many of our residents within Haliburton County that have really either limited or basic dial-up, it feels like we’re in the Stone Age and it cannot happen fast enough,” he said.