A night out while staying in

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April 9, 2020

By Lisa Gervais

The Haliburton County Folk Society (HCFS) said it’s developing a livestreamed concert series featuring local musicians.

Two of the expected four concerts are scheduled for April 11 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and will be live-streamed from the Dominion Hotel on the society’s Facebook page.

The April 11 concert features Albert Saxby, while April 25 showcases Cassidy Taylor.

In light of the current pandemic, the society has had to postpone or cancel most of its current activities. Upcoming concerts have been postponed and open stages are on hold. Home Routes concerts have also been cancelled.

“This leaves the community without their usual entertainment options and leaves musicians without the ability to perform and earn money in the usual manner,” the society said in an April 3 press release.

They added that many artists are finding innovative ways to earn income by providing online music lessons and presenting live-streaming concerts.

“The live-streamed concert series is HCFS’ way of supporting local musicians while the current physical distancing and self-isolation protocols are in effect,” the release went on to say.

They had a successful dry run with the support of the CanoeFM Radio Hall. The performers were Nick & Benton (Nick Russell and Benton Brown). The concert helped the HCFS work out many of the issues associated with presenting a quality live-streaming concert.

“It was a big success with more than 200 devices tuned-in to watch. With multiple people at each site, that is a very large audience for our local events. This illustrates that there is in fact a demand and has inspired the HCFS to move ahead with the booking of more local artists,” the release said.

All concerts are free but the HCFS will have a donation process that will allow viewers to show their appreciation to the artist in the form of a tip, if they are able. All tips go directly to the artist.

First responders say ‘thank you’

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Lisa Gervais

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April 9, 2020

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

Emergency responders showed their appreciation for frontline workers in Minden and Haliburton working during the pandemic with drive-bys April 1 and 6.

Dubbed the “Light it Up” project, fire departments, OPP and paramedic services drove by the Minden hospital April 1 with lights flashing to send a thank you message. They did the same in Haliburton April 6, also visiting the two local grocery stores.

Dysart et al fire chief Mike Iles said it was inspired by displays of support being made elsewhere.

“It was a thank you to the community. Thank you to the service professionals, the community workers for all the support and hard work they’ve done during this very stressful time,” Iles said.

Haliburton County Paramedic Services deputy chief Jo-Ann Hendry said healthcare workers could not do their jobs without the support of hospital staff, delivery personnel and workers at pharmacies, convenience stores, grocery stores and gas stations.

“The brave individuals are our neighbours, relatives and friends. We fully support their efforts and wanted to show our appreciation,” Hendry said.

Haliburton Foodland owner Brad Park said his staff were very appreciative of the gesture.

“It’s nice to see all the frontline workers come together during these uncertain times to be honoured by our hardworking first responders. This shows the strength of our community,” Park said.

“We know we are in the early stages of this pandemic and it’s scary to think what is coming,” Haliburton Highlands Health Services director of care Michelle Douglas said. “To witness our front line staff standing outside of our hospital last evening as the OPP, Fire and EMS commended them for their bravery and commitment to our community was an emotional experience. All I can say is the feeling is mutual.”

Iles said they are not planning to duplicate the gesture as the situation is changing everyday and they do not want to encourage the public to group for drive-bys. But Iles said there was a great show of community support.

“People honking horns, people waving, it was very well done,” Iles said.

Lake associations opposes Dysart septic changes

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Lisa Gervais

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April 8, 2020

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

Lake associations are pushing back against Dysart et al’s plans to remove mandatory pump outs from the septic re-inspection program.

Council voted to support changes during its Feb. 25 meeting. Staff were directed to draft a new bylaw, though council has not discussed it due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The alterations, not yet finalized, come after staff brought forward issues with the pilot project around Kennisis Lake, which had 112 non-compliant properties.

Kennisis Lake Cottage Owners’ Association (KLCOA) president Deb Wratschko said they are concerned that removing septic tank pump outs will mean problems get missed.

“There was never any consultation with the people that were involved,” Wratschko said. “We’re just saying slow down. Don’t just scrap a program, that is a very commendable program.”

Other proposed changes include hiring a third-party contractor to run it and setting inspection dates, instead of relying on owners to book their own inspections.

The Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners’ Associations (CHA) also opposed removing mandatory pump outs. President Paul MacInnes said the association has heard from plenty of experts on the issue since 2013.

“There’s no doubt in my mind, without a pump out, you miss problems that are polluting our lakes,” MacInnes said

But chief building official Karl Korpela said a lot of the pushback is misinformed. He said of more than 800 inspections done so far, only 30 had tank issues – and he could not find any that needed a pump out for the flaw to be discovered.

“Elimination of the mandatory pump out is not going to have any negative consequence,” Korpela said.

Korpela is proposing a sludge test be used to determine if a tank needs a pump out, which is done in other jurisdictions such as Algonquin Highlands. The Ontario Building Code does not define the ideal inspection. It advises tanks be cleaned whenever sludge occupies one-third of working capacity.

HomePro Inspections owner Mike Rahme, one of the approved inspectors for the pilot, said mandatory pump outs are critical. He presented to Dysart’s environment committee March 12 and said a sludge test would miss key issues such as root mass.

“When the whole objective of the program is to ensure lake quality, why are you willing to settle for a substandard process?” Rahme told the committee. He also said he found 47 cases in the pilot area where pump outs identified issues that would be missed otherwise, including roots, corrosion and tank cracks.

Korpela said he reviewed Rahme’s information and felt Rahme was too dependent on pump outs, and likely could have found any critical issues without them.

Compliance at issue

Although 88 per cent of properties inspected so far complied, that still left 112 properties non-compliant. Korpela said staff do not have the resources to issue compliance orders or fines through court.

Korpela has also proposed including those 112 into the revised program, meaning they would not be required to get pump outs.

That is a significant concern for the KLCOA, Wratschko said.

“The 112 people just simply get away,” she said. “Not getting penalized in any way for not following the bylaw.”

Korpela said it will make it easier to get compliance and is a part of standards changing over time.

“It’s one of those stumbling blocks when you’re trying to implement a program,” he said.

The issue is on hold due to the COVID19 pandemic. Korpela said inspections will likely be delayed until later this summer.

Coun. John Smith, the lone councillor to oppose the changes, said he is concerned the municipality could be sending the wrong message about environmental commitment and bylaw violations.

“I believe that council will continue to evaluate the matter carefully,” Smith said, adding he is concerned about making the changes this year given the emergency. “The best outcome might be to continue with the current bylaw for 2020.”

Old Mill Marina getting new owners

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Lisa Gervais

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April 7, 2020

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

The new receiver of Dorset’s Old Mill Marina is reassuring concerned customers that it is planning to continue business operations and launch all stored boats.

The firm MNP Ltd. made the announcement March 11 after the Ontario Superior Court of Justice appointed it as receiver March 9. The previous owner of the facility Rob Walisser announced Feb. 26 he was stepping away from the business which he said was due to difficulties negotiating with the estate of business partner Dave Harvey, who passed away last October.

In a letter, MNP said it is working towards a sale process for the Old Mill.

“We are developing a plan to provide for the timely launching of all customer boats in storage as well as the installation and slip rentals for, in particular, water-access cottages,” the company said in a letter. It declined an interview with The Highlander.

In an update March 25 MNP said the spring boat-launch and slip rental program is almost complete and will be released in the coming days. However, due to COVID-19, the marina decided it’s operations were non-essential and will remain closed for now.

Walisser’s announcement received an outpouring of support. He said in a Facebook post Harvey bankrolled the operation for years and became more involved as time went on. But when Harvey passed without leaving clear legal instructions for business ventures, Walisser said the estate was not interested in investing in the marina. He said legal hurdles forced him to turn the business over to the estate to sell.

Kawagama Lake Cottagers’ Association president Kathleen Hedley said it was sad to see the marina change hands under these circumstances.

“We understand that business difficulties happen,” she said. “We’re hopeful that the new owners, whoever they end up being, will continue to see the value in the services provided in the lake.”

She said she welcomed MNP’s plans and said communication will be important from here on.

“I really hope that communication out to cottagers becomes their number one priority,” she said.

Peter Willmott owns one of the hundreds of boats stored at the facility over winter. He said MNP needs to act quickly and should contact customers more directly, especially those who need boats for water-access only cottages.

“That’s what the real concern is, a lack of communication to the actual clients,” he said.

He added Walisser’s departure is unfortunate.

“When you’re losing a reliable operator that’s been there for years, it’s always concerning.”

With the marina gone, Walisser also said he is departing the area.

“It is sad to be leaving Dorset. So many great memories in this town,” he said. “I wish each of you well and thank you for your friendship, support, and business.”

Curlers’ winning season swept away by COVID-19

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Lisa Gervais

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April 6, 2020

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JQ - High School curling championship - 1-web — The Haliburton Highlands Secondary School boys curling team poses together after winning the Schoolboys Trophy. Photo submitted

Red Hawk curlers Jacob Dobson, Liam Little, Corin Gervais and rookie Owen Nichols expected to be competing for another provincial title March 25-28.

Instead, the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School team is stuck at home with the season cut short by the Ontario Federation of School Athletics Association (OFSAA) cancelling its curling championships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was a successful season for the group, who earned a provincial title at the Ontario School Curling Provincial Championships and followed that up with wins at the Kawartha and COSSA levels. But skip Dobson said the team was excited to participate at the OFSAA championships and hoped to improve on a fifth-place finish last season.

“We’re definitely disappointed that we didn’t get to go,” Dobson said. “We were all really excited that we got the chance to go back and change what we weren’t able to do the previous year.”

Little is in Grade 12 and OFSAA was going to be his last high school tournament. He said the cancellation was hard.

“Just getting it swept out from under was definitely a shocker,” Little said. Coach Darrell Dobson, Jacob’s father, said it was unfortunate considering how short high school careers are.

“We all try to balance this important thing going on in the world that’s more important than a sporting event,” he said. “At the same time, the boys have worked hard for years. The window of opportunity for them isn’t very large.”

Still, Dobson said he was proud of the team’s performance this year, adding they had strong co-operation.

“One of the reasons they’ve been so successful is because all four of the boys have such a really positive attitude,” he said. “They have a high skill level but they’re also very positive, optimistic.”

He added praise for the Haliburton Curling Club’s youth program for the team’s ongoing success. With only one graduating player, the coach said he feels good about next season.

“You can’t replace a Liam Little, he’s a pretty awesome curler,” Dobson said. “But there’s depth in the Haliburton youth curling program and we’re optimistic we can find someone to come and join the team.”

Little said curling is a big part of his life and he hopes to continue in college. Although he said the end of the season was disappointing, he added it was important to put it into perspective what the team achieved this year.

“You can’t help but be proud of yourself because we accomplished so much this season, no matter how short it was.”

County mask-makers swinging into action

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 6, 2020

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Health Unit not sold on homemade cloth

By Lisa Gervais

Haliburton seamstress April Martin is busily sewing face masks as her contribution to the local fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Martin, who runs a home-based business called Sew What!, said she is providing them for free to anyone who wants them. She said she is also willing to share her pattern with other home-based sewers in the Highlands.

The seamstress said she has seen the demand for homemade masks for private citizens on the national news. She said that is because people don’t want to buy up N95 particulate that frontline health care workers need.

She added it’s also about pulling together for the safety of our senior citizen population.

“I’m making them for anybody who needs them. They are in a Styrofoam cooler, bagged individually and marked men or women, on my front porch.”

She asks that people call ahead or text 705-457-8764 as she is social distancing.

Martin said she has “scads of odds and ends” to make the masks. She follows a pattern using two pieces of cloth, nine by 13 inches. She also uses elastic but is running low and would welcome donations on her front porch. She said people can also use shoelaces to tie them on.

It takes her about 15 minutes to make a mask. She said they feature outer fabric, a baton for filtering and a lining, as well as a nose piece that can scrunch.

Martin said when she was ill a few years ago, the community supported her. She added it has supported her grandson, who has autism.

“I try to give back to the community.”

Luba Cargill is another Haliburton County sewer who is keen to see patterns.

“There’s a lot of discussion about making masks,” she said. “If someone could share the patterns, and what’s proper and what’s not proper, we could have an industry here in Haliburton.”

Shawn Wilson is more of a designer than a sewer and has come up with his own prototype he is planning to share. It’s based on the hands-free harmonica concept musicians use when they also play the guitar. The base of his mask sits on people’s shoulders – connected to the actual mask on their faces.

“It needs to be refined a lot better,” he said.

Local MPP Jamie Schmale said people have been asking him and his office about face masks and helping the national cause.

He directs them to: https://buyandsell.gc.ca/calling-all-suppliers-help-canada-combat-covid-19.

Health unit advice on handmade masks

Meanwhile, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit says on its website that, “When it comes to homemade cloth masks, Health Canada is cautioning people on their use. These types of masks are not medical devices, are not regulated and come with a number of limitations. There is no evidence these masks block particles, and may in fact encourage you to touch your face more as you try to adjust the mask.”

Martin replied, “I think it depends on how the masks are made … I say it doesn’t cost anything to take an extra step, but doing nothing could cost you everything. The intention is to have extra protection if you must go out, not a device to give you access to run amok. You should still be social distancing.”

Collection depot set up for homemade face masks

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Lisa Gervais

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April 6, 2020

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By Lisa Gervais

SIRCH, in collaboration with Haliburton Highlands Health Services, will be serving as a collection depot for homemade fabric face masks.

HHHS said it currently has sufficient quantities of medical masks but recognizes that fabric masks could be a response option when other supplies have been exhausted.

They said fabric masks can also be used in the community, for non-medical individuals who want to be safe when needing to be out and about.

People shouldn’t consider wearing a homemade face mask as a substitute for regularly washing their hands and other preventative measures, such as physical distancing and not touching their face. But masks may help reduce droplet transmissions in closer quarters with people.

“HHHS has first dibs, of course, on any masks received by SIRCH,” said Gena Robertson, executive director of SIRCH. “But we hope we receive many thousands so they are available to give to cashiers, delivery people, tenants in social housing, people in food services, anyone caring for someone with Covid-19.”

Community members sew masks to specifications. Go to the sirch website for instructions.
They drop clean masks in the bin outside SIRCH Central (2 Victoria St. in Haliburton) (or SIRCH will find someone to pick them up)
Masks will be re-cleaned and sanitized by HHHS, then returned to SIRCH
SIRCH volunteers will bag the masks individually, using protective gear to avoid contamination
Bags will have a label with instructions for wearing and washing
Masks will be distributed to businesses, organizations and residents who request them.

Masks need to meet the following specifications:

Double fabric, pleated mask design, ideally with dark polyester (or 100 per cent cotton) outside, and 100 per cent lighter-coloured cotton inside. It is requested that cotton fabric is pre-washed (to allow for any shrinkage).
Elastic ear loops or cloth ties
Go to the sirch website for instructions.

It’s important they be moisture-resistant, washable and washed regularly. That’s why most do-it-your-selfers are using cotton T-shirts or cotton sheets.

Drop your clean masks in the bin outside SIRCH Central, 2 Victoria St., Haliburton any week day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and on weekends between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Students start learning at home

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Lisa Gervais

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April 6, 2020

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JQEducationCuts1web.jpg.90005489 — Students are learning from home starting this week due to COVID-19.

Students across the highlands have started learning from home with the province extending school closures to at least May 4.

Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) has joined boards across the province in launching Learning at Home, Ontario’s program to keep kids learning while schools are shut during the pandemic. Students will receive instruction through a mix of online, email, printed materials, telephone and more.

Director of education Larry Hope said he is impressed with how well staff have handled readying for the program over the past two weeks, while classes were cancelled.

“Everything we do is making sure we support our students to the very best we possibly can,” Hope said.

The program will assign students less than they might under normal circumstances. Grades K-6 are assigned five hours of work per week, Grades 7-8 get 10 hours of work per week and secondary school students get three hours per credit course per week.

Hope said the workload is in consideration of the circumstances.

“It’s trying to balance the self-directed nature that a lot of the work our students will be asked for, along with competing demands in people’s homes,” Hope said.

Archie Stouffer Elementary School in Minden is restarting with an added spirit week, encouraging students to partake in several Easter-based activities, such as egg painting. Principal Jane Austin said the school has suggested activities for its students throughout the three-week break as well.

“It’s just really to engage the kids in some fun and keep them connected,” Austin said. “We just really wanted to continue that feeling of the kids belonging to a larger family. To give them that sense of ease and comfort.”

She said the school is working through the hurdles of the transition as a team and taking steps to get whatever technology students need into their homes.

“The staff have been absolutely fantastic,” Austin said. “The sharing of innovative ideas and just the connections they’ve been making with families have been pretty incredible.”

Grade 11 student Jacob Dobson said although he will miss the school environment and knows some will have difficulties switching to online, he thinks he can adapt.

“It’s important that people are able to complete their years and their courses and to get those credits, versus just leaving them where they are,” Dobson said.

The Ministry of Education is closing school buildings until at least May 4. Hope said they can only plan for that date but have an understanding they may have to be prepared to go beyond it.

He added schools are working with families to figure out what service delivery will work for them, knowing online may not work universally. Special needs students are also being looked after, he said.

“We’re mindful of students with special needs, we’re mindful of students at varying levels of reading skills,” Hope said. “We got a good cohort of teachers and staff available to support those kids.”

Owner overjoyed by return of lost wallet

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Lisa Gervais

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April 5, 2020

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JQ - Lost Wallet - 2-web — The Vandenhoek family (Andrew, Hayley and Lloyd), worked to return a wallet to a cottager who lived two hours away. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

When Bryan Todd lost a wallet with $400 on a snowmobiling trip in Haliburton with his co-workers, he figured it gone for good.

He took great pains to cancel credit cards and replace what he lost. But when a stranger arrived at his door more than two weeks later to return the wallet, cash still within, he said he could not believe it.

“I was just overwhelmed, the fact it was all there in this day and age. We do a lot of work in the City of Toronto. This doesn’t happen in the city,” Todd said. “So very impressed you guys know what’s important. People are important.”

The wallet, lost Feb. 27, was found by 10-year-old Hayley Vandenhoek, who worked with her family to return it to its rightful owner. Vandenhoek said she found it in a ditch at the end of her grandparents’ driveway, which links to a snowmobile trail.

“It’s always right to do a nice thing and return something,” she said.

The family turned to Facebook and Haliburton Highlands OPP. But with Todd’s address listed on his licence within the wallet, Andrew Vandenhoek, Hayley’s father, took it upon himself to hand-deliver the wallet.

He took it to Todd’s home in Uxbridge March 15, two hours from Haliburton, on his way back home to Shelbourne.

“I was going home anyway,” he said. “A long time since I have been there, go for a nice drive and make sure he got his stuff back, because no matter who you hand it to, you never know.”

The gesture was meaningful to Todd and he made sure the Vandenhoek family knew it.

“As screwed up as our world seems to be today, with the (corona)virus, with the haste and lack of friendliness people show to each other, you and your daughter did something that shows there are good people out there,” Todd said in a text message. “You could have easily taken the money and cards … You are an amazing dad, and you have an amazing daughter.

“Families like yours are what our world needs in these troubling times.”

“It’s almost too much, to be honest with you,” Vandenhoek said. “It’s just doing the right thing.”

Todd’s wife, Elizabeth Todd, provided Vandenhoek with $100 for gas. Vandenhoek said he intends to give to his daughter as a reward.

“Teaches a lesson,” he said. “No good deed gets unrewarded.”

Schmale assures businesses help is on the way

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Lisa Gervais

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April 4, 2020

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JQ - Schmale business hall - 1 - web — Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MP Jamie Schmale speaks with Haliburton businesses during a virtual town hall March 26.

Sandy Lane Resort owner Rob Berthelot said his business is experiencing severe difficulties due to COVID-19 and he needs government support.

Berthelot said he was glad to see the federal government shift its proposed 10 per cent wage subsidy – which he called an “insult” – to 75 per cent March 27, one of several initiatives the government is rolling out to help business owners during the crisis.

But Berthelot said navigating all the information being disseminated is also a struggle.

“There’s a bit of a lag from the promise to the actual materialization of exactly how it’s going to work,” Berthelot said. “The government is a big wheel that takes a little bit of time to turn. Considering how fast they’ve been moving lately, I applaud them.”

Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MP Jamie Schmale helped business owners navigate the changes with a series of virtual town halls, including for Haliburton March 26 and the whole constituency March 30. Co-ordinated with chambers of commerce, Schmale answered questions about support programs.

Much of the Haliburton town hall featured businesses and non-profits describing how dire the situation is. Schmale said he understands the difficulties.

“Some of you have seen revenues drop to almost zero overnight through no fault of your own,” Schmale said. “It is extremely scary. You all have family.”

The federal government is offering a wage subsidy to businesses who see a 30 per cent drop in revenue, for up to three months, retroactive to March 15. The subsidy will be deducted from payroll taxes and is up to 75 per cent on the first $58,700 of a salary, which could mean payments of up to $847 per week per worker. For each month employers apply, they will have to show a 30 per cent decline in revenue from the same month in the previous year.

The government is also establishing interest-free loans of up to $40,000 for small businesses and non-profits. Businesses can also defer income tax payments until after August 31. GST/HST remittance and custom duties payments are also deferrable until June 30.

“All of these measures put together give business owners, hopefully, a bit of flexibility,” Schmale said March 30. “We need small businesses to be in operation to get our economy up and running.”

However, Berthelot said he is not in a good position to take on more debt through a bank or other loans. Schmale acknowledged that is an issue facing many, adding people are concerned about being behind whenever business can return to normal.

“We do recognize loans are a bit challenging for some. This is just one piece of the puzzle,” Schmale said.

Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce executive director Jennifer Locke said she felt the town hall went well and they plan to have more.

“Participants felt heard and that they felt they have someone in government who is advocating for them,” Locke said.

Berthelot said it is vital the government provides the right help.

“If the government does not find the right aid package for me personally, I will be financially decimated, both personally and from a business perspective,” he said. “They need to understand the significance of this. Small business is what makes the world go round.”