Music conveys message of hope and possibility

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September 19, 2019

LG-fold society concert 3.jpg web — Danny Michel will kick off the Haliburton County Folk Societ season.

He recorded an album on a Soviet-era icebreaker, and played at David Suzuki and Jane Goodall’s birthday parties. Now, Danny Michel is coming to Haliburton to perform at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion.

His concert will kick off the Haliburton County Folk Society 2019-2020 season Friday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m.

Society spokeswoman Sue Shikaze said Michel is an amazing performer, and it will be a great show.

“Danny Michel is a multitalented singer, songwriter, producer and filmmaker. He is an artist who defies genres and whose music has influences of rock, pop, folk, world and even classical,” she said.

Shikaze added that in his 20-plus years as a musician, Michel has released 12 albums, including “Klebnikov,” possibly the most northern album ever recorded, aboard a Soviet-era icebreaker. He toured with Stuart McLean and the Vinyl Café, with McLean describing him as, “just fabulous … kind of like Paul Simon in the rhymin’ Simon days.”

Michel has also collaborated with Commander Chris Hadfield.

“Danny’s adventurous spirit has taken him to 25 countries and unique corners of the world. He’s always armed with a story and a song … from the Arctic, to the jungles of Belize, his scholarship program, the environment and more. All this conveyed with great writing, guitar playing and arrangements that convey a message along with a sense of hope and possibility. His music appeals to people of any age,” Shikaze said.

Local singer/songwriter Cassidy Taylor will do an opening set. Tickets are available online at haliburtonfolk.com or in Minden at On the Spot Variety and Haliburton at Halco/The Source. Adults $25, students and HCFS members $20. $30 at the door.

Youth: the Earth belongs to you

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Lisa Gervais

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September 19, 2019

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JQClimateChangeProtest2web.jpg.25ef1faf — Joseph Quigley

People around the world are preparing to mobilize for climate strikes Sept. 20 and 27.

Youth in Haliburton are planning to join the fray and leave their classrooms for the protest. It is not the first time, nor is it likely the last. It is to them I address this piece and say: join the movement, shout all you can and fight for your future – even though you probably won’t see immediate change.

Young people hardly need moralizing from adults like me, even if supportive. Count this as an effort to amplify the message in whatever little way I can.

Climate change is as real a threat as ever. The science on this is settled. There is no debate on this to be had. The younger you are, the longer you stand to suffer because of this. Drastic, radical change is needed. It is incredible to see youth rise for this cause and it is a sight that is terrifying to old power.

Sadly, the world is not ready to fully embrace this movement. At a national level, people running for our federal office have derided this movement and Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old activist who kicked it off. There are people running in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock who deny climate change or would like to ignore it, idiocy which cannot be tolerated.

Across the world and in Haliburton, there are those who upturn their noses at the protest. They charge parents they have never met with manipulating their children, as if young people have no minds of their own (or as if educating your children about climate change is something abhorrent).

To the youth, I suggest this: ignore them. Ignore those who refuse to heed your voice. Ignore them as you change the world.

But that change can be hard to see. At the end of the day, when you walk away from the protest, the world will likely still be spinning toward climate catastrophe. Gas-powered cars will still line the streets. Business will probably proceed as usual. It may seem like your voice has died in the same air you are defending.

In a world like that, it is all too easy to remain inert. You did not ask for this fight and it is not fair for progressively minded adults to expect it of you. Navigating this world is hard enough as it is. If you choose to stay home, or in class, no one has any right to blame you. It is not your sins which are destroying this Earth.

But I hope you keep fighting.

It will take a mile to gain an inch. The hands of old men grasp too tightly onto the world they have built to suit them. Real change often comes too slowly and is fueled by far too much blood, sweat and tears.

But that world belongs to you. It is your right to reach out and take it from those who wish to destroy it.

I can only ask: fight on. Fight for tomorrow. Fight because change does come, even if beyond a horizon we can see. Fight like lives depend upon it because they do.

Stay determined.

Candidate profile: People’s Party of Canada – Gene Balfour

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Lisa Gervais

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September 18, 2019

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Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock People’s Party of Canada (PPC) candidate Gene Balfour is no stranger to elections.

The longtime Libertarian has previously run for office six times – five in provincial elections for the Ontario Libertarian Party and once with the Libertarian Party of Canada in the 2015 federal election.

Balfour said he jumped ship to the PPC because of how well aligned it was with his own ideas about economic priority and smaller government.

“Over the years, I’ve watched the growth of government in general. As a person with as strong an economics background as I do, I see that in some ways as a threat,” Balfour said.

Balfour retired three years ago from a career as an IT recruiter. He has also spent time as the chairman of the Ontario Libertarian Party and is a partial owner of the Hardwood Ski and Bike in Barrie.

A father of two medical professionals, Balfour now lives with his wife and mother-in-law at their Fenelon Falls residence. He said he is an avid athlete, frequenting trails on Nordic cross skates.

“We love being in the country, surrounded by forests,” Balfour said. “We get up in the morning and pinch ourselves, not believing what great fortune we have living here.”

As a candidate, Balfour said he brings a strong passion and understanding of technology, economics and the job sector from his experience as a recruiter.

“I look at myself as the job candidate for this riding. I know that this is a riding that is not the top economically rated,” Balfour said. “Jobs is the world I know. I will come to this election race with a perspective on jobs and what kind of environment will create healthy and prominent jobs”

One concern that Balfour said he has heard on the trail is splitting right-wing voters. He said he would rest easy if Conservative incumbent candidate Jamie Schmale is re-elected
but added he feels Maxime Bernier is the best person to be prime minister.

“If people want to vote for Jamie because they like him and he’s well known here, that would be great,” Balfour said. “I have a strong background in jobs and economics and technology … if enough people see that message, then my chances are quite good.”

The PPC has garnered notoriety for climate change skepticism. Balfour said he shares that skepticism but that the party does care about protecting the environment. He added his opposition to the taxation and regulatory approaches used by governments to address climate change.

“What we should be doing is looking at getting private-sector corporations with their scientists and their engineers and get them to address real climate issues,” he said.

Those who seek a better economy should vote for Balfour, he said.

“If they are really concerned about improving the economic conditions and the environmental and regulatory issues that affect our local economy, that affect jobs, that affect attracting businesses and capital into this area,” Balfour said. “They should vote for me.”

Changing the guard at Haliburton curling

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Lisa Gervais

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September 17, 2019

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JQ - Curling Club - 2-web — The Haliburton Curling Club is prepared for a new season. Left to right: Curler Rachael O’Neill, director Jackie Bradbury, president Mary Hillaby, curler Sue Pettitt, director Glenn Scott, director Sue Mason, director Wanda Stephen. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

As Haliburton Curling Club president Mary Hillaby prepares to pass the torch, she said she is happy with the state of her organization.

Hillaby and her fellow board members started registrations at the club Sept. 4-5, with new and existing curlers signing up for the season.

After four years of heading the club and making many changes, Hillaby is planning to take a step back into a past president position after the October AGM. She reflected positively on her efforts to modernize the club over her term.

“I’m a very organized person. I wanted to make some improvements to safety, security, communication, which I feel is all my team has done,” Hillaby said. “I just wanted the club to stay alive. I didn’t want to be that rural club that has to close its doors. So, in order to do that, you have to make some changes that are current.”

Hillaby presided over some significant changes, including a new, more flexible season schedule, new equipment, extending the season into April and a push toward an online presence.

“The changes we’ve made, Mary and the executive have made, have really, really improved the club,” membership director Sue Harrison said.

“This is such a well-run club,” director David Moss said. “Everybody’s keen. Everybody wants to get back at it. It’s a great place to spend your winter.”

This season will bring less change, Hillaby said. She added curlers are happy with the formatting of the season.

The board plans to have current vice-president Kent Milford become the next head of the club. Milford said he has plenty of experience on curling club boards and is ready for the position. He added he hopes to get members more involved with running the organization.

“Getting more members involved in what goes on behind the scenes of a curling club,” Milford said. He added he is looking forward to the season. “The club is very well-positioned,” Milford said. “Our registration process is well underway again. I think we’re going to have another happy and successful year.”

“My team has worked really hard and we have made some good, positive changes to the club and people want to curl here,” Hillaby said. “They want to come back.”

Whispering Pines provides new homes for 12 families in need

By

Lisa Gervais

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September 16, 2019

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JQ - Affordable housing - 1-web — Officials cut the ribbon for the completion of the Whispering Pines Phase 2 housing project. Submitted photo.

Haliburton celebrated 12 families finding new homes Sept. 4 as a ribbon was cut at the Whispering Pines Phase 2 housing project.

The Kawartha Lakes-Haliburton Housing Corporation (KLH) and municipal officials marked the completion of the 12-unit expansion to the complex outside of Haliburton village. The approximately $3.44 million development was built over a year and filled with families on the corporation’s affordable housing waitlists.

KLH CEO Hope Lee said it is exciting to be able to open the new development.

“KLH has always been working toward ensuring tenants have safe and affordable places to live,” Lee said.

Residents began moving there in July. The townhouses were funded principally by provincial and federal funding, as well as KLH reserves. The County of Haliburton contributed $144,000 while Dysart et al waived building fees.

A woman, who asked her name be withheld, moved into Whispering Pines in September. The single mother said she was glad to be in a new space after moving six times in five years.

“It’s been a long time coming for me. I’ve been on this list a long time. It means the world to me.”

The initial Whispering Pines complex was built in 2013. The new townhouses are designed for families, with two and three-bedroom homes. All but one of the units are at an affordable rate, about 80 per cent of market value. That amounts to $860 for a two-bedroom and $997 for a three-bedroom per month. Some tenants also qualify for a housing allowance to help with costs.

The woman who spoke to The Highlander said it is difficult finding affordable rentals in Haliburton.

“They need to build a lot more of these because there’s a big problem here,” she said.

Lee said she recognizes the demand. KLH has reported its financially assisted housing waitlist has ballooned by 375 per cent since 2013 and sits at approximately 1,700 households.

“There will continue to be a big waiting list,” Lee said. “But I think we have to look at tenants that are there now, that have a place to call home. That is really exciting. Maybe it’s a drop in the bucket but realizing the changes they’ll make for those 12 households is really significant.”

The next KLH development in the County of Haliburton, a 21-unit expansion to Pinegrove Place in Minden, is well underway. Lee said construction tenders closed Sept. 10 and the corporation aims to have residents move in by the end of 2020 or the beginning of 2021.

The woman said the need is still high, but she is grateful to have found a place for her family.

“There’s still hundreds and hundreds of people out there that don’t have homes,” she said. “I’m really happy I do now. Thank God for that.”

Highlands East talks possible fireworks ban

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Lisa Gervais

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September 16, 2019

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JQ - Highlands East Fireworks - 1-web — Coun. Suzanne Patridge said Highlands East council should have a discussion about a fireworks bylaw. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Highlands East could become the next local municipality to restrict fireworks.

Council voted unanimously Sept. 10 to direct staff to bring forward a draft fireworks bylaw. The motion came in response to residents’ concerns about the environmental and noise effects of fireworks, as well as the passage of the Dysart et al fireworks bylaw in June.

Coun. Suzanne Partridge said residents have contacted her about the issue.

“I have brought this to council in previous years,” Partridge said. “We need to take a really hard look at this. Enforcement will be horrendous, so I don’t know where we go. But we need to talk about it, have a serious conversation.”

Members of the Koshlong Lake Association raised the issue. In a letter to council, the members noted Dysart et al’s fireworks restriction – which limits fireworks to select holiday weekends – has split the lake, which is shared between the two municipalities.

“By having both municipalities with similar bylaws in place, Koshlong Lake would be fully covered,” association members Melissa Gordon and Peter Carruthers said. “We offer our very strong support for Highlands East to put in place a stringent fireworks bylaw.”

Acting fire chief Chris Baughman identified several issues with a bylaw, depending on the approach taken by the municipality. He said there could be an economic impact on local stores selling fireworks.

He further said restricting fireworks to certain weekends, like Dysart et al, does not necessarily address the negative environmental impact of fireworks. He added it is not inclusive to people who celebrate different holidays.

But the biggest sticking point identified was enforcing the bylaw, given the challenge of locating perpetrators.

“Don’t write bylaws we can’t enforce. This is an enforcement issue. You could get 10 calls, if we have a total ban, within 10 locations,” Coun. Cam McKenzie said. “Difficult unless someone would own up to doing it.”

Chief administrative officer Shannon Hunter said members of the public would likely want to provide input and present to council on the matter.

“It may be a bylaw that garners a lot of interest,” Hunter said.

The draft bylaw is expected to come before council for discussion at a future meeting.

Seniors complex takes step in “frustrating” process

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Lisa Gervais

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September 13, 2019

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JQ - Garden Retirement - 2-web — Gardens Retirement Development Inc. consultant Greg Bishop and president Bill Mardimae present to Dysart et al council Sept. 9. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Dysart et al council gave its official blessing to a site plan agreement to push forward a new 70-unit seniors housing complex.

Council quickly voted unanimously during a special meeting Sept. 9. to pass the site plan. The approval gives the project at 1 Sunnyside St. what it needs to start lifting an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) holding provision, which is preventing construction from proceeding.

Gardens Retirement Development Inc. president Bill Mardimae thanked council for their co-operation.

“It’s been a bit of a bumpy road getting here,” Mardimae said. “This sort of opens up the log jam to get us going.”

The site plan outlines the details of the development and includes various provisions the developer must adhere to.

With the approval, the developer can now apply to a local planning appeal tribunal to issue a final order on the OMB ruling, at which point Dysart council can lift the holding provision. The property can then be rezoned, and a building permit issued.

The ruling stems from a previous development years ago, which never went forward on the property.

“It’s been frustrating,” Mayor Andrea Roberts said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen something like this, Usually, Ontario Municipal Board decisions are final, and they are clear, and this was very murky. Plus, you take on top of that time and how many years have gone by.”

Meanwhile, Gardens Retirements Inc. are preparing to do blasting work on the site to make way for future development. Roberts said council would call another special meeting if needed to lift the holding provision as soon as possible.

“This is a really good day,” Roberts said. “I want to thank staff and also Bill for your patience and continuing to want to continue with this project that we really do need here in Haliburton.”

Workshop to help seniors embrace aging

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Lisa Gervais

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September 13, 2019

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LG - bridging the gap. — EVENT --- MP Laurie Scott and MPP Jamie Schmale hosted the last seniors seminar in Haliburton.

Bridging the gap between independence and assistance is the theme of an upcoming workshop for aging adults and their advocates in our community.

Aging Well Haliburton County and CARP Chapter 54, with funding from the Haliburton County Development Corporation, are putting on the Sept. 27 event at the Haliburton Legion.

“We plan for retirement. We try not to think too much about long-term care until we have to. But what about that gap called aging that happens in between the two?” asked Sheila Robb of Aging Well Haliburton County. “Sooner or later, each of us has to accept that we are aging,” she added. “Everyone’s journey may be different with some experiencing few issues and others experiencing many.”

She said that’s why they decided to present the Bridging the Gap: Independence to Assistance workshop. The event is free and will feature presentations on: hearing loss from the Canadian Hearing Society; vision issues from the Haliburton Vision Care Centre; and when to call 911 from Haliburton County Paramedic Services.

A presentation from Aging Well will encourage participants to begin considering housing options and Community Support Services will provide information about supports available to help Haliburton County seniors age in place as long as possible, including the Community Paramedicine program.

The morning will conclude with a presentation from Claire Kadwell, a lawyer originally from the Haliburton area, who is now practicing in Kingston. She will talk about some of the legal and financial concerns that can arise with aging.

Robb said several other agencies and local businesses will have display tables, providing even more information and resources to participants.

After a light lunch provided by the Haliburton Legion Ladies Auxiliary, an hour has been set aside in the afternoon for one-on-one consultation with participating agencies and businesses.

The workshop will run 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seniors, their advocates or family members are welcome. Admission is free but seating is limited. Register in advance by contacting Sheila Robb at 705-489-4201.

Playing TAG from Toronto to Algonquin Park

By

Lisa Gervais

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September 13, 2019

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LG-TAG — Local rail trail and cycling advocate Pamela Marsales after her first ride on a fat bike in 2013. Photo by Mike McLaughlin.

The Toronto-Algonquin Greenway, or TAG, committee is hosting a reception next Tuesday, Sept. 17 to announce details surrounding a summit they will be hosting in November.

TAG is an initiative to develop the Toronto Algonquin Greenway as an international sustainable travel route.

Promotional partner, Haliburton County director of tourism Amanda Virtanen, explained, “TAG’s founders have curated a series of parks, paths, waterways and rail trails between Toronto and Algonquin Provincial Park. It is a cycling-friendly route, which allows for more cycling tourism within the Haliburton Highlands (as part of the Greenway). Along with initiatives like Ontario by Bike and Share the Road – TAG is a cycle-friendly tourism product that will hopefully bring even more visitors to our region.”

The TAG committee is part of the Haliburton County Community Cooperative. Its mandate is to “encourage, develop and support entrepreneurial initiatives that contribute to the social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being of Haliburton County and its residents.”

In a media release, TAG co-ordinator Pamela Marsales said “Toronto-Algonquin Greenway is being planned as a long distance tourist travel attraction that will benefit 30 individual communities along its route.”

The public media reception, at Rails End Gallery on Sept. 17 from 5:30-6:30 p.m., is to announce a TAG Summit for Nov. 3-4 at Sir Sam’s Ski and Ride. Marsales said that thanks to a grant from the Haliburton County Development Corporation (HCDC), they will be able to bring in an international guest speaker.

“Everyone is welcome to learn about the ‘slow travel’ greenway, its international tourism potential, and the guest speakers who will participate in November,” Marsales said. The summit will welcome stakeholders from the GTA to Algonquin Park and showcase Haliburton Highlands as an innovator in sustainable tourism, she added.

“I’m very excited for TAG. This is a big idea that I hope will make a leap forward,” said Barb Bolin, a board member of HCDC.

Marsales is also enthusiastic about the upcoming summit.

“TAG Summit 2019 is an opportunity for the community to welcome a diverse mix of partners coming at our invitation to collaborate in an international tourism innovation. TAG’s particular approach to integrated travel and community development has attracted attention from greenway peers in Europe and the USA.”

Peacock ends her run as Terry Fox event chair

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Lisa Gervais

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September 13, 2019

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LG-Terry Fox run for paper — Committee members, politicians and others gather for the Terry Fox flag-raising.

After 13 years as chair of the organizing committee, and 20 years as a volunteer, Diane Peacock will step down from the Terry Fox run in Minden following Sunday’s event.

“It’s bittersweet but it’s time to move on,” Peacock said following the Terry Fox flag-raising at the Township of Minden Hills Sept. 9.

“Hopefully there’ll be somebody step forward and continue the great tradition of what Minden does for the Terry Fox Foundation,” Peacock added.

The event is expected to pass the $300,000 fundraising mark this year. In fact, Peacock said her family has set a personal goal of raising the $1,900 needed to surpass the milestone.

Looking back, she said her personal highlight was having Terry’s brother, Fred Fox, visit the community in 2018.

Peacock said another reason she is stepping down is changes at the foundation that she doesn’t necessarily agree with. She said she will likely take a couple of years off but the cause will remain true to her heart.

“I lost a cousin who is 11 months older than I am this year to cancer, very quickly and it’s made me realize my family’s important. But we have a team, in memory of a friend who was a national lacrosse member, we’ll keep that up but not be involved as deeply.”

The committee raised the Terry Fox flag this past Monday, Sept. 9 at the Minden Hills township office. The annual run takes place on Sunday, Sept. 15 from the Minden HIlls Community Centre. Registration gets underway about 8:45 a.m., the opening ceremonies about 9:15 a.m. and the run about 9:30 a.m.