High school teachers vote for strike threat

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November 20, 2019

JQ - High school strike action - 1-web — Ontario high school teachers voted more than 95 per cent in favour of giving their union a strike mandate. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) announced its members have given it a strong strike mandate as education labour unrest continues in the province.

The OSSTF said Nov. 18 that members voted more than 95 per cent in favour of the mandate. The union has not yet announced any job action but the vote enables a strike to occur, which would require five-days notice.

OSSTF District 15 Trillium Lakelands president Colin Matthew said central negotiations have been slow. The biggest issues remaining are keeping compensation in line with inflation, the proposed mandatory e-learning and the province’s class-size increases, which Matthew said are already being felt at a local level.

“We see some programs getting cancelled,” Matthew said. “In Haliburton Highlands Secondary School, we have music classes running with four different grades in the same class. This really diminishes student experience as well as putting an incredible amount of strain on teachers.”

The province plans to reduce funding for class sizes over the next four years, going from 22.5 to 25 students per average class in high schools. Although the province said it would keep funding largely intact this year, Trillium Lakelands District School Board already responded by not rehiring for 24 retiring teachers and more than 50 support staff layoffs.

That’s led to about 100 fewer programs across the board. If the province’s plans go ahead, Matthew estimated another 40 teaching positions and 200 course selections to be cut.

“Way bigger classes, way fewer options,” he said.

In a press release before the announcement, education minister Stephen Lecce called for third-party mediation in ongoing negotiations.

“While our government has been a reasonable force and student-focused at the bargaining table, the labour unions continue to take escalating steps toward strike action,” Lecce said.

OSSTF central president Harvey Bischof said the union is open to a mediator but also does not want the process dragged out or behind closed doors.

“We want to keep students in classrooms that are functional, classrooms that are safe, classrooms that are not bursting at the seams,” Bischof said.

The OSSTF is not the only teacher union in a dispute with the provincial government. The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is also negotiating and announced it would begin a work-to-rule campaign Nov. 26.

The OSSTF is negotiating with the province and school boards over the next four days. Bischof said the two sides are still “very far apart,” but would not say when action could come.

Matthew said he hopes a good deal can be reached but his members are willing to be part of further action.

“I hope the minister sees where this is going and changes course.”

Organizational review upsets Highland Grove residents

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Lisa Gervais

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November 18, 2019

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JQ - Highland Grove fire concern - 1-web — Highlands East Station 2 fire chief Doug Bowen spoke out against an organizational review recommendation to cut fire halls.

The Highland Grove fire chief spoke out on behalf of his community against a consultant report recommending fire hall closures.

Station 2 fire chief Doug Bowen spoke on the matter during a Nov. 11 Highlands East fire committee meeting. Savino Human Resources Partners said in an organizational review presented Oct. 8 that the municipality should cut one or two fire halls.

As the committee continues to explore options for the future of local fire services, that recommendation led to more community concern, Bowen said.

“It did get people riled,” he said, pointing out the approximately 12 people in the audience at the committee meeting.

He added he tried to arrange a public meeting to answer questions on the matter, but it was shut down. Acting fire chief Chris Baughman responded that the issue was a public meeting cannot be held at a fire hall.

Committee chair and Coun. Cam Mackenzie said the recommendation was only one paragraph in the 10 pages of the consultant report released to the press. He added he would look into having those pages posted to the public.

“I was kind of surprised to see that was even in there. That wasn’t even the intention of that report,” MacKenzie said.

Bowen said fire halls should be improved, not cut. He added people are waiting on answers as to what direction the municipality is going.

“They want to know because they’re concerned and left in the dark,” Bowen said.

MacKenzie said there is more to the process to come, including facilities condition assessments by WalterFedy presented to council the next day. The assessment of the Highland Grove fire hall found that it is in poor condition.

“We’re not near the end of this yet,” MacKenzie said.

Resident Janet Harnden attended the meeting and said she thinks very little of the suggestion to cut fire halls.

“We don’t have a centre like Wilberforce, Gooderham or Cardiff townsite so we kind of get overlooked,” Harnden said. “I think we deserve a little for our money.”

Red Hawks take flight with new wings

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Lisa Gervais

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November 18, 2019

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JQ - Red Hawks Opener - 1 — The Haliburton Highlands Secondary School Red Hawks gather for a team photo at a practice Nov. 11. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

The Haliburton Highlands Secondary School Red Hawks boys hockey team is ready to fly again despite depleted numbers nearly grounding them.

The team faces a large amount of turnover after making it to the regional finals last season, with less than 10 returning and approximately 20 per cent fewer players on the roster, according to coach Jason Morissette. But with a new group of youth, the Hawks will kick off their Nov. 19 home-opener with a fundraiser for the Heat Bank Haliburton County.

“We were lucky we got a team this year,” Grade 12 player Lucas Haedicke said. “We were worried about not getting one.”

Morissette attributed the decreased numbers to multiple factors, from a decline in hockey participation to kids that do play getting stretched thin.

“There’s less players that are playing in the game itself in the area. I think there are other things teenagers want to do,” Morrissette said. “There are various reasons for it but I do think the biggest one is probably just a lot of players are playing other hockey. Might be playing junior, might be playing some AAA and they’re very busy.

“But we do have enough and I’m happy we have the players we have so we can still be running a team.”

Icing a younger team means a big learning curve, Morissette said. After a winning season in 2018/19, he expects the group will be an underdog most games.

“They know that they talked about that. But we’re going to work on some systems that maybe help,” he said.

He added there is more to the game than winning.

“They have to sort of be relaxed and be allowed to have fun,” he said. “It can’t just be the pressure to win, win, win. But I’m hopeful they’re going to learn and get better each game.”

The team is planning plenty of off-ice activities at its home opener. Students can buy-out of school to attend the game, with funds raised going to the heat bank. It is a continuation of a partnership that started last year, when the Hawks raised $251 for the organization and volunteered for it.

“It brings the team together and no matter whether you win or lose that game, really it’s a winning day,” Morissette said.

The game is 1:15 p.m. at A.J. LaRue Arena.

“I want everyone to work hard and try their best. That’s really all I can ask,” Haedicke said.

Highlands East buildings in ‘fair’ shape

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Lisa Gervais

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November 17, 2019

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JQ - Building assessment Highlands East - 2 - web — Ken Nelson of WalterFedy said the Cardiff Pool facility is in need of replacement. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Highlands East is maintaining its buildings well but is being dragged down by problem structures like the Cardiff pool, according to an assessment presented Nov. 12.

WalterFedy, a Kitchener-based architectural and engineering firm, reported to council about its findings from municipal building condition assessments. They covered all 34 municipally-owned buildings, delving into their state of repair and usage.

The firm found most buildings are in good condition. However, a couple of notable exceptions dragged the municipality down to an overall “fair” rating under a Facility Condition Index (FCI), a financial metric which assesses the cost of continuing to repair a building instead of replacing it.

Ken Nelson complimented the municipality’s maintenance practices.

“There’s a really good pattern of regular maintenance being done and planned replacements being done,” Nelson said. “Shows there’s interest and concern to keep things functioning. A lot of clients I work for, I don’t see that.”

But he singled out some buildings as problems. First was the Cardiff pool, which Nelson said needs replacement as the change rooms and pool basin are deteriorating.

“The change room no longer meets code mandated requirements,” Nelson said. “Pool basin aged past a normal lifecycle.”

He estimated replacing the facility would cost approximately $2.5 million. Recognizing that as a high cost to bear, he added the municipality could instead fix the change rooms for approximately $690,000 and conduct ongoing maintenance of the basin.

“That will give you five, 10 years maybe but eventually, consideration has to be given to replacing that,” he said.

Nelson also called out the Glamorgan equipment shelter and said it’s “falling apart.” He recommended there be an assessment of its functional need. If it is needed, he suggested it could be combined with other municipal buildings nearby.

He also identified the Highland Grove fire station as being in poor condition, though added a municipal workshop attached to it is still good. He said the station was too small for the three vehicles parked inside it.

“In terms of general next steps, keep up good maintenance,” Nelson said. “The proactive practices that I saw during my visit were very good.”

Council voted to receive the delegation as information

Understanding ‘birdness’ at gallery

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Lisa Gervais

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November 16, 2019

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JQ - Artists talk - 2-web — Wood carver Greg Gillespie shows his first ever bird carving and explains how the head was not large enough. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Local artists Greg Gillespie and June Krisko shared the journeys that gave their art flight for a presentation about the Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre exhibition “Bird” Nov. 9.

The two artists talked about how they came to create the art featured in the show. Gillespie is a woodcarver who creates interpretive pieces with birds, while Krisko is a digital artist who creates abstract images often based on nature.

Curator Laurie Jones said although the two artists are different, she brought their work together because of a similarity in how they captured birds.

“We all understood birdness,” Jones said. “It’s all these aspirations that we have of flight and being not human. Going beyond this Earth and seeing what else there is.”

Gillespie said he started carving after retiring in 2004. He said he improved as he entered competitions, earning second place in the people’s choice category at the World Wildfowl Carving Competition in Maryland.

“I just had a passion to do it. I couldn’t do without it,” Gillespie said. “There was one time I used to get ticked off at judging … but I used that as a challenge. I said okay, I’d come back next time and do better.”

Krisko said she came to work with digital tools after experiencing health and allergy issues with materials like acrylic paint. She said her abstract style represents different emotions and ideas.

“I’ll see something that will catch my eye,” Krisko said. “I’ll keep it in my head but it’s more of a concept, more of a colour in a way. It’s kind of hard to describe because it’s so personal.”

Krisko further said it was her first time being featured in a gallery and it was a good way to be introduced to the community she recently moved to.

“I just find Haliburton is where I’m meant to be,” Krisko said. “Much more open-minded about different types of art and different types of personalities. You can really be yourself here.”

Carolyn Ellis attended and said it was amazing to have an exhibition such as this close to home.

“It just re-enforces the vibrant community we have,” Ellis said.

Jones said she was pleased by how the event went. She added people are often surprised to hear the art displayed in the gallery is coming from local people.

“You don’t expect that,” Jones said. “Neither one is traditional, so we have this great opportunity here.”

Community-funded equipment helps fix broken heart

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Lisa Gervais

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November 15, 2019

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JQ - ECG Story - 1-web — Geoff Pheaton reveals a pacemaker installed over his heart after getting hospitalized Oct. 25, where new community-funded equipment was used on him. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Geoff Pheaton could feel something was wrong with him as he experienced heavy dizziness when he woke up Oct. 25.

His head cleared, but after he came home in the afternoon from work, the dizziness was back. With a heart rate down to 45 beats per minute – slower than the average 60 to 100 – he rushed to the hospital where he was taken to the emergency department.

“Was it scary? It was the scariest thing in the world,” Pheaton said, with a new pacemaker installed over his heart. “I’m totally dizzy, can’t really walk.”

Through care in both Haliburton and Peterborough, he would make it through the experience. That process included getting hooked up to a new electrocardiogram machine (ECG) bought with community fundraising by the Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) Foundation, according to Pheaton and his wife, Cheryl McCombe. Doctors and nurses used the machine to help them discover he had a third-degree heart block.

“They were very calming,” McCombe said about hospital staff. “The doctor showed me the report out of this ECG machine and the fact that they can read that on this report was quite amazing to me … I think they were happy they had the new machine and they were all freshly trained on it.

“It just goes to show you that investing in your local hospital can pay dividends.”

Pheaton was then taken to a hospital in Peterborough, where staff placed him in an intensive care unit. He said they planned to install a pacemaker the following Monday,
but pushed that up to the next day when his heart stopped three times during the night.

“Now that I have it, I’m still anxious about it. I still take my pulse a lot,” Pheaton said. “It’s starting to get better.”

“It does change the way you do things,” McCombe said. “Just be a little more careful.”

But Pheaton added his heart remains strong, with no disease. The issue was a failure of the top part of the heart to communicate with the bottom.

“The cardiologist basically said ‘bad luck,’” Pheaton said. “Usually happens in old people.”

The foundation worked to fundraise for new ECG equipment over several months through events such as the Haliburton Highlands Health Radiothon, which raised more than $30,000.

Foundation director Lisa Tompkins said she is “certainly glad to hear of a positive outcome for the patient.”

HHHS CEO Carolyn Plummer said she could not comment on Pheaton’s case specifically for privacy reasons. But she said the organization is appreciative of donors and foundation fundraising for helping to purchase the new equipment.

“Our staff have found it has improved efficiency which helps support high-quality care,” Plummer said. “We appreciate the positive feedback.”

McCombe said Haliburton hospital staff did a good job and their doctor was friendly and helpful.

“Thank you for your professionalism and your communication, which was clear and unwavering,” she said.

Expect the unexpected at Fashion Fallies

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Lisa Gervais

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November 14, 2019

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The theme of this year’s Fashion Fallies is ‘our future is fearless’ and arts council vice-chair Erin Lynch teases a performance that is “something quite spectacular from out of town, but I can’t say as it’s top secret.”

Fashion Fallies returns in its current form to the Great Hall at the Haliburton School of Art and Design on Friday, Nov. 15.

“Always something new and different. We have to keep it interesting,” Lynch said, including having new performances.

It’s year three of Fashion Fallies, which is a partnership with the Haliburton School of Art and Design and run by The Art’s Council. Originally, the Art Hive, an artist-run co-op that was in the County for almost nine years created Fashion Fallies. The event ran for four years starting in 2007. At that time, it was hugely popular and edgy but done on a smaller scale, Lynch said.

She said The Art’s Council was looking for a signature event.

“I talked to Sandi Luck (fibre artist) who was the creator of the original Fashion Fallies and asked if she would mind if is was revamped and if she would be involved. She said yes. I work at the college and thought it would be a good partnership.”

It is quickly becoming one of the most popular events on the Haliburton County events calendar, Lynch said.

“I think that’s it edgy and different. I think people enjoy the creativity and self expression. I think it’s the same reason the burlesque ball was hugely popular. People want different types of events. It’s not just a fashion show. It’s an event, an experience with entertainment and food. It’s also a stage for people to enact their creative adornment fantasies.”

Leading up to the show, Artists in the Schools and Community hosted a graffiti workshop for youth.

“We had a graffiti artist come from Guelph teaching youth techniques. The result are the back drops for this year’s event,” Lynch said.

She said people can expect the unexpected, not just a traditional fashion show. She encourages people to dress up. She said there’ll be food, wine and beer, and it’s an “eclectic event with a diverse group of people. Unlike many events in the County, the crowd won’t be all be grey-haired. Lots of younger people involved. We have high school students, college students, faculty and students from the college and professional artists.”

Lynch said the event usually sells out but people can call the college to inquire if there are any tickets left. She gave a shout out to the many businesses sponsoring the cash prizes for the designers and for sponsoring door prizes.

Youth do remember them

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Lisa Gervais

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November 14, 2019

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It was an encouraging sight to see the crowd that gathered, shoulder to the wind, Monday morning for the Remembrance Day ceremonies in Minden. The steady north westerly and sprinkling of snow did little to deter those who came to pay their respects to soldiers who fought and especially those who died in the two world wars, the Korean conflict, and most recently in Afghanistan. Those who served and lost their lives in Peacekeeping missions were also remembered.

Perhaps most heartening were the young faces in attendance: a choir of Archie Stouffer students, youths who placed wreaths at the County Cairn, another who read a poem and others from the Guides and Scouts and the Cadet Corps. Their contributions were appreciated by everyone who was there.

Of course the crowd was peppered with grey hair and people of an age who, though not alive during the last wars, knew fathers, uncles and aunts and perhaps brothers and sisters who went overseas or who brought home stories of their experiences in battle.

Many of the wreath presenters were related to the veteran they were honouring: sons daughters and grandchildren were there to keep their memory alive.

As I glanced about, I couldn’t help but note the number of young adults in attendance. Sincere in their manner and reverent to the occasion, they stood shoulder to shoulder with veterans and children to quietly pay their respects. Their presence was both encouraging and heartening as they honoured the men and women who fought and especially those who died … people they only knew in name or perhaps not at all. These younger generations seem well aware of the sacrifice soldiers made for the freedoms we all enjoy. It struck me that the request repeated at every Legion function is being answered: At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.

A community of giving

By

Lisa Gervais

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November 14, 2019

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While this editorial space is often used in The Highlander’s role of being a watchdog, today is a bit different. Rather than holding our municipalities’, school boards, or health systems’ feet to the fire, three stories in today’s Highlander demonstrate the generosity that is so synonymous with this County. It’s a good news story kind of edition.

We met with the Crete family on Tuesday. They’re the owners of The Pines on Boshkung Cottage Resort. Their home was rendered unlivable by a fire last Thursday afternoon. The family has since been overwhelmed by the kindness of our community. Terri Mathews-Carl of Rhubarb and Boshkung Brewing Co. immediately swung into action. A former owner of The Pines, she launched a GoFundMe campaign for the family. Leann Crete said family, friends, acquaintances and complete strangers have helped, or offered assistance, in light of their tragedy.

Speaking of Mathews-Carl, her restaurant and craft brewery also hosted its fifth annual Heat Bank Night at Rhubarb this past Sunday night. As always, they turn over all proceeds from the evening to the Central Food Network, which oversees the Heat Bank. People paid their $50. Numerous individuals, business and organizations donated auction items. All up, they made more than $19,000 this year. To date, they’ve pulled in $82,000. That translates into an awful lot of faces and bush cords of wood, propane, oil and electrical costs.

Carol Greenwood and David O’Brien of the network said the early winter is already putting a strain on some families. They’ve already had some emergency situations and it’s only mid-November. There’s 400 clients on the books and that number is going to rise. And, bear in mind, there are two heat banks in Haliburton County, which demonstrates the need.

Walking through a crowded Rhubarb restaurant Nov. 11, I saw a lot of the same people that I see at many County fundraising nights. They dig into their pockets, on a regular basis, to support their family, friends and neighbours. It’s humbling.

Our third story is about well-known local couple Geoff Pheaton and Cheryl McCombe. Geoff was one of the first patients to use a new electrocardiogram machine at the Haliburton hospital when he had a recent heart scare. What some don’t know is that the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care gives hospitals money for capital, but not equipment. Every year, that is where the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation and the Haliburton and Minden Hospital auxiliaries step in. The Foundation was integral in bringing the machine to the hospital. Pheaton and McCombe think between the machine, and the well-trained staff, it might have well saved Geoff’s life.

Another story didn’t make it into this edition. However, in next week’s Highlander we’ll talk about the success of the Dorset Health Hub. That’s in large part due to the community there that supplements MOHLT funding to the tune of more than $100,000 every year.

Here in Haliburton County, we tend to think we’re pretty unique. In many ways, we aren’t really. But when it comes to community helping community, without a doubt this area far surpasses what I have seen in any of the places I have called home. Whether it’s volunteering, or dipping into those purses and wallets, the community rises to the challenge time and time again. And we’re all so much better off because of it.

AH council: ‘go hard or go home’ for Dorset Tower grant

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Lisa Gervais

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November 14, 2019

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“Go hard or go home” was the sentiment of Algonquin Highlands council Nov. 7 when they authorized parks, recreation and trails manager Chris Card to go for an Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) grant of more than $3 million for the Dorset Tower.

Card brought a report to last Thursday’s council meeting outlining a consultants’ cost estimates for improvements at the scenic lookout. He said if the township were to be successful, it would be a “very exciting opportunity for me.”

Under the ICIP, municipalities only have to fund 26.67 per cent of projects. AH is applying for a grant of just over $3 million. If approved, they would have to contribute a little over $1.3 million of their own.

The big-ticket items are more than $1.3 million to install lighting; paint the tower; replace the cupola, add a washroom building, and do repairs and upgrades. Nearly $1.3 million would go into landscaping, such as a pedestrian walkway, upgrading viewing areas, outdoor eating areas and a picnic pavilion and flower beds. More than $1.1 million would go to repaving, widening and ditching the road along with culverts and a pedestrian walking lane. And more than $700,000 would finance expansion and paving of three parking areas to increase capacity to 180 spots, from 50-75. The total overall project cost is estimated at $4,423,875. Card said leveraged over seven years, it would be about $190,000 a year for the township.

“At the end of this year, it is anticipated to have approximately $170,000 in reserve funds associated with the Tower,” he said of financing. “Given recent restructuring of fees and continued increases in annual attendance and revenue it is anticipated that $50,000 per year of surplus revenue could be expected throughout the life of this project. Meaning the first year of the project could rely on reserve funding and surplus revenue, after which an increase to the tower budget tax levy would be required to support this project in its entirety. The levy amount each year would depend on actual expenses and revenues and would vary,” Card told councillors.

Card also presented a scaled back option B, for an overall project cost of about $3 million. Deputy mayor Liz Danielsen said she was “shocked” by the price of things, including $400,000 to paint the tower. She added it was a recreational project when the township has other, more practical needs. However, she said “we do have to spend money at the tower. It’s our biggest draw.”

As for options, Danielsen said if they’re applying, they should go all the way. “I’m a go big, or go home.” While the money is “scary,” she added “it’s an opportunity for us that we likely won’t have again.”

Mayor Carol Moffatt agreed that work needed to be done, “hopefully using somebody else’s money.”

Coun. Julia Shortreed said the tower is now known as one the of the best places in Ontario to see fall leaves and traffic is just going to increase. She noted the work had to be done eventually and it would be nice to do it with a big portion of grant money.

Moffatt said they had a head start with reserves, so the project was “not such a big elephant to eat as it looks on the page. We’re clearly hearing A. The council is being courageous,” Moffatt said. “It’s a big bite contained in a big opportunity.”