Minden Hills mayor Bob Carter said downtown Minden is not out of the woods yet when it comes to the potential for flooding.

“We’re going to be on flood watch right through to next weekend. It’s not over at that point, but that’s our critical time,” he said April 14.

He said while warming temperatures are maximizing snow melt in the County, “north of here, we still have significant snowpack. Even if it isn’t a lot of snow, it’s very dense. It’s got a lot of water in it.”

He said Parks Canada is shifting water through the system.

Carter said, “we thought it was going to be this past Monday and Tuesday’s (April 14-15) weather event. It’s actually going to be the weather at the end of this week.” Environment Canada is calling for rain April 18 and 19.

That said, the mayor added if the weather forecast holds true with minimal precipitation, “we’ll be able to get through this.”

He said the key thing is the amount of precipitation and where it falls.

“If it happens in Minden and Gull Lake, we’ve got no problems. If it happens on Kennisis, then we’ve got problems.”

He added the Burnt River is in decent shape, with water levels going down, and low precipitation numbers.

“It’s the Gull River, so it’s downtown Minden, unfortunately.”

Ice storm update

Carter said in the aftermath of the ice storm, there is “virtually full restoration of power” except for people who have cottages on islands. With the ice, he said Hydro One can’t get to those properties. “There are a lot of places where poles are still down that they can’t access even with their equipment.”

He added the township did wellness checks last week, “but almost in all cases they are cottages or people who have left.” For example, he encountered an older woman who told him she had temporarily left her house and moved in with her daughter.

On April 14, the township essentially wound up its warming centre, but were still offering people showers if needed.

They have been offering free brush dumping at Scotch Line landfill, and Chelsea Cosh, manager of waste facilities said they have had 1,590 cubic yards of brush come since April 1.

Carter added the township and County of Haliburton are still doing road cleanup.

“You can see the shoulders are still blocked, and then we have to figure out how and what we’re going to be able to do to help people with this brush and that’s going to take a lot of planning because you need equipment and manpower and chippers are dangerous, so it’s not like anybody can be doing this and that’s going to be the big next stage.”

Highlands East prefers “the carrot to the stick” when it comes to its shor=tterm rental bylaw, but junior planner Kim Roberts put operators on notice at a meeting April 8 that they will crack down on people who operate without licences.

She told council they had received 41 applications as of their meeting date last Tuesday. Some 22 have been approved, 10 rejected, and nine are pending. Roberts said the knock backs are due to either insufficient septic capacity, or building code infractions that are being followed up with by their building department.

In updating council on the bylaw, the junior planner said applications, and inquiries, have continued throughout February and March, and staff are working on finalizing the conditions of approval with a number of earlier applicants. She said the short-term rental licensing clerk has been providing outreach through social media and mass e-mail.

They have also noticed an increase in shoreline purchase applications, while encroachment agreements had also been flowing into the planning department as a result of the new bylaw.

Roberts noted first warning letters will be issued in two batches to property owners identified as being short-term rental operators, but who have not yet applied for licences; the first in the second week of April and the second in the first week of May. Actual enforcement of the new bylaw will begin June 1.

Coun. Angela Lewis asked what the township would say to short-term rental owners operating without a licence.

“We’re really encouraging folks to get their applications in,” Roberts said. “We are starting to more vigorously review where we’re seeing listings (and) revenue coming into short-term rentals. And the host compliance program actually scrapes a lot websites to post some of that information for us.

“So, we’re starting to see where folks are still actively renting, and we haven’t received something from them. Those folks are going to be the first ones to receive their warning letters. It’s always better to voluntarily comply and get your stuff in.”

Roberts added if anyone had concerns, they should contact planning staff. She said they’re trying to take an educational approach, “however, when June 1 comes along, unfortunately, if we have folks who are persistently not getting the information in to us, we will be having to issue orders and those orders may, and probably will, have administrative penalties attached to those.”

For example, she said every time someone is caught renting out without a licence, they can incur a $250 fine. She said the licence is $500 “so it’s much more affordable to start working through the process with us now.

“We’re doing our best to help people sort out situations where maybe they have concerns about shore road allowances or septic or things like that …it’s better to get started now versus us having to potentially shut you down which we’d really rather not do. We’d rather work with the public and operators. We’d rather use the carrot than the stick at this point so we really encourage folks to contact us if they have questions or concerns.”

The planner that the legal challenge to Tiny Township’s short-term rental licencing bylaw was heard in Superior Court and a decision was issued on March 24, upholding the legality of the bylaw in its totality.

Silver Beach resident Rick Perkins said he was jumping for joy when demolition of the neighbouring Wigamog Inn property began in April 2023. Now, with work at the site paused for the past two years, he notes many residents of the mostly-retired community have had enough.

The property, owned by Aurora Group, has been slated for demolition since mid-2022, with workers tearing down about a dozen of the property’s 36 accessory buildings between April and June of 2023.

The project has been on pause since then, with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) following up on reports of at-risk species being found at the site. Last year, the ministry confirmed the presence of endangered bats and the eastern hog-nosed snake, notifying Aurora Group of the need for further environmental studies before work can proceed.

Perkins said the Silver Beach board has been following the story closely, hoping for a resolution. With little recent movement, he said their patience is wearing thin.

“The number one responsibility this board has is the financial viability, safety and wellbeing of this community. This issue with the Wigamog is starting to impact those things,” Perkins told The Highlander.

Silver Beach has 59 properties, most of them occupied by seniors. Perkins said some who had planned to stay for a short time before moving into long-term care, or elsewhere, are now running into trouble when trying to sell.

He said prices are down about 10 per cent compared to the market, with many wouldbe buyers concerned about the state of the Wig.

“It’s a mess and everyone can see it. There’s no escaping it – many owners, the first thing they see when walking out their front door, is a big pile of debris from buildings that were torn down and left to rot,” Perkins, who lives close to the property line along William James Court, said.

Jimmy Roberts, who resides in a townhouse on Webb Circle, said he’s worried about the possible contaminants he and other residents may have been exposed to.

The roof of the one lodge completely caved in [over winter]. What sort of stuff has that thrown into the air? There has to have been asbestos in there given the age of the building… the paint is lead-based, what’s that doing? We’re worried it could be leaching into the ground, our water supply, even the lake,” Roberts said.

Perkins noted the community is on a well system that goes through a water treatment facility before entering people’s homes.

With the pause attributed to the possible presence of at-risk bats and snakes, Perkins said some residents are starting to feel like second-class citizens.

“We feel we’ve been relegated to the lesser issue, below some at-risk species… to say the crumbling buildings can’t be touched because they might be – not are, might be – home to bats and a snake that’s very populous in the U.S., it’s a bitter pill for us to swallow.”

Taking action

The Silver Beach group recently sent letters to Dysart et al council and MPP Laurie Scott calling for either party to step in and speed-up demolition.

Dysart mayor Murray Fearrey said the township has been trying to get the property cleaned up. Prior to Aurora Group starting demolition in 2023, council advised staff to put out a tender of its own having been embroiled in years-long debate over the property’s condition. Last fall, council again tried to take over tear down efforts, directing staff to apply for special approval with MECP.

Bylaw officer Hailey Cole told The Highlander April 15 an application was not submitted, despite the paper reporting in its March 13 edition, following a report from Cole to council, that one had been denied.

“Apologies for the misunderstanding… I had indicated the steps needed to complete the application could not be accomplished within the timeframe we had to work with,” Cole said.

It was estimated clean-up could cost the municipality around $800,000.

MECP spokesperson Lindsay Davidson indicated the ball remains in Aurora Group’s court.

“In accordance with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act and prior to demolition activities, the property owner is required to determine whether any species at-risk or their habitat exist at or near the proposed activity, and whether the proposed activity is likely to contravene the act.

“In addition, a waste audit and reduction work plan, and a source separation program, which identifies the various on-site waste streams and recycling, reuse, and/or disposal options are required under Ontario regulations and Environmental Protection Act,” Davidson said.

Scott said MECP staff visite the site in September 2024 “to assess conditions and identify no significant environmental concerns on or off-site.”

She noted the ministry has confirmed the township, via it’s property standards bylaw can remove standing debris from already torn down buildings.

Fearrey said council is considering next steps, with a recent development requiring legal input. He said he could not elaborate by press time. Efforts to reach Aurora Group for comment were unsuccessful.

It’s a sunny spring afternoon as Wayne Krangle feeds firewood into his maple syrup evaporator at his property on Binscarth Road in Haliburton County.

Dressed in a camo cap, green shirt, khaki pants, with white suspenders, he walks around his production factory in boots with cleats as it’s still slippery with ice.

Three feeder lines carry sap from the many collection barrels on his property, coming from some 250 maple tree taps.

In a trailer by the evaporator, one can see a stereo, toaster oven and microwave because when the sap’s running, Krangle isn’t.

It’s the 16th tap for Krangle. It’s hard to know how much time and money he has put into it. But the profit is zero, since every botte of maple syrup he produces under Syrop for Soldiers goes to charity: Wounded Warriors Canada. He’ll likely top the $100,000 mark this year in sales on behalf of the registered Canadian charity that supports and assists wounded Canadian soldiers, and, in more recent years, police, fire and EMS personnel.

Krangle was recently awarded a King Charles III Coronation Medal for his work.

“I didn’t do this for a medal,” he says, standing up after loading the wood-fired evaporator.

His son, Chuck Krangle, did a tour in Afghanistan, and went on to become a police officer. However, Krangle isn’t just doing this for his son.

A couple of years after Chuck came home from Afghanistan, he recommended his dad read Christie Blatchford’s book, Fifteen Days. In the book, Blatchford describes 15 battles she witnessed from the the inside of a Canadian tank.

“She talked about some of the carnage that our fellow country people have suffered because of being in battle; people with legs blown off, eyes out, half a brain. I’m a grown man and I never cry, but by the time I finished reading that book, I had tears in my eyes,” Krangle shares while seated in the trailer next to the evaporator.

He retired in 2009 to a property full of maples. He pondered making maple syrup. “I thought it would be very cool that if you poked a hole in a maple tree, and sap came out, and you got to make maple syrup, how special would that be?”

‘It’s magical’

He took a one-day course in Dorset in February 2010 offered by the Ministry of Natural Resources. At the end, he and a buddy concluded, “you have to be crazy to make maple syrup. There’s no money in this.” So, he put the idea on the backburner. But a couple of days later, at 2 a.m., he awoke to the thought of what if it wasn’t about making money, but for a purpose. Two days later, and another 2 a.m. thought of doing it for people that have been in the military and suffered; the very people Blatchford wrote about.

He asked Chuck for ideas, and his son suggested Wounded Warriors Canada.

The first year, Wayne tapped 40 trees, running around on a snowmobile with a generator, long extension cord, and an electric drill. “I was so excited the next morning to go and see my buckets.” He evaporated sap on a pan on a fire on a cement block in front of his house. But the wind kept putting the fire out. That Canada Day, he sold his first batch at a neighbourhood party.

y. The next year, he got bigger and better, buying an evaporator to service 250 taps. He began seasoning firewood. It’s grown from there.

He’s proud of the medal, but says he’s not about to march down Highland Street wearing it on his chest.

“I’ve always felt that Canada is the best country on the planet, and I’ve always felt that it’s been really good to me and my family, and I’ve always wanted to give back, and this is my way,” he says.

There’s something very peaceful, sitting here in the sun amid the trees, the sweet smell of sap being turned into liquid amber.

“It’s magical … a day like today, this is as good as it gets.” Krangle says. “I’ve been here in sleet, snow, fighting to keep the sap flowing through the tube. There is something really special about taking nature’s gift and making such a delicious product.”

ronically, Krangle did not know maple syrup prior to this; growing up in a house that had Bee Hive corn syrup. And, now, he’s made $100,000 worth of the stuff for Wounded Warriors Canada.

“That’s pretty cool and everybody loves maple syrup.”

Find out more at SyrupForSoldiers.com

The Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA) held its 2024 Better Newspaper Competition awards banquet in Niagara Falls April 11, with The Highlander recognized in seven categories – including two first place finishes.

The only locally owned newspaper in Haliburton County scored top honours for Best News Story and Best Headline Writing, placed second in Feature Writing and Environment Ontario, and third for General Excellence and Best Feature/News Series.

The paper also received an honourable mention for Best Front Page.

There were significant changes to the awards structure this year, with publications split into three categories rather than four. This year, awards were separated for those with circulations 1,500 and under, between 1,501 and 8,000, and 8,001 and up. Previously, classes were set at 1,999 and under, 2,000 to 6,499, 6,500 to 12,499, and 12,500 and up.

This change saw The Highlander competing on the upper end of the scale for the first time, alongside major outlets from across the province. Publisher Heather Kennedy said it was nice to see the local newspaper stand up against other, more circulated publications.

Editor Lisa Gervais was credited for her “great work” covering the story of Haliburton Highlands OPP detonating explosives found at a cottage in Algonquin Highlands, earning first for Best News Story. The paper also won the Best Headline Writing award for ‘Getting the scoop on Kawartha Dairy.’

Assistant editor Mike Baker took second in Environment Ontario for a feature story breaking down the first year of shoreline preservation and site alteration bylaws in Haliburton County.

Gervais’ first-person account of the final bus service TOK Coachlines ran from Haliburton to Toronto scooped second in Feature Writing, with the judge saying it “made for an enjoyable read.”

She was also awarded third in Best Feature/News Series for a five-page spread featuring three news stories and an editorial on deer feeding in Dysart.

After three straight first-place finishes for general excellence from 2021 to 2023, The Highlander settled for third in this year’s awards.

“Well done Highlander team for a great newspaper” the judges wrote.

The folks who’ve brought ice fishing hut, lobby, and restaurant makeovers, to Haliburton County are back with a new contest.

Starting today (April 17) until May 19, people can nominate a bunkie on their property for a makeover by ACM Designs.

Founder and principal designer, Andria Cowan Molyneaux said, “I’ve actually wanted to do bad bunkie for a few years. I think it’s really fun and funky for what is probably the most cottage space of the cottage. It’s quintessential.”

Another reason Cowan Molyneaux likes the pivot to a bunkie, from a larger business space, is “I love the fact we can have a big impact; to transform a building into the place that people fight over because it is smaller. But in keeping with traditional ACM style, we need to make it fun and wacky and really approachable because that’s who we are. We are professional and very technical, but we are very approachable, and we are really part of this community.”

She is also looking forward to the opportunity of getting out onto Highlands’ lakes. “Usually, cottages that are on the lake have bunkies. These are the extra sleeping quarters, and that’s fun. When we do these programs or campaigns, the great thing is the more over the top, or entertaining the entries are, the more they catch our eye and then we bring it down to the three finalists, and then it goes out to the community to choose. So, it’s not really us choosing, It’s a competition. That’s fun,”

She said with big lobby, and big restaurant, it was about helping other businesses.

“In this case, this is about increasing our exposure and doing it in a fun and playful way. We get to showcase what we’re really great at, as both big lobby and restaurant makeover have won multiple awards for design and execution, so that’s very exciting, and being able to do that now in a bunkie is an exciting opportunity.”

Cowan Molyneaux added, “it keeps us local. This is part of our marketing strategy. It’s (bunkies) certainly part of the culture here. Typically, a bunkie is at a cottage. A cottage is a second property. Those people that have cottages are a huge part of our County. If we don’t acknowledge that, then we’re being naive, and we’re also being disrespectful. It’s a way for us to engage that part of this community that cares and gives for Haliburton very much.”

They don’t have design ideas yet. That will only come when they see the winning entry. “It’s relevant to its location, its environment, to the primary building; you want it to be harmonious, and it needs to reflect the owners. It’s not about causing great shock and awe. It’s about taking a space and making it function for its intended use and making it aesthetically pleasing.

“We Canadians have had a helluva’ few months, and for a lot of people coming here, whether they’re short or long-term residents, part of this place is about being welcoming and cozy. Being able to make the bunkie cozy and a super awesome spot will provide some respite from a lot of the stress we’re feeling right now,” the designer added.

To submit photos and or videos, DM the Bad Bunkie Makeover, Facebook page or email nicole@acm-designs.com Finalists will be announced May 23. The contest is valued up to $40,000.

Haliburton County is looking forward to hosting Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA) 55+ District 11 games this summer.

They are open to men and women who are 55-plus years of age as of Dec 31, 2025.

They kick off with bid euchre, May 5 at 1 p.m. at the Minden Curling Club, at 50 Prentice St. in Minden. The local convenor is Beverly Johnson. As the district also comprises Muskoka, there will be bid euchre in Gravenhurst May 2.

Euchre then takes centre stage, May 12 at 1 p.m., at the Minden Curling Club, with Johnson convening this event as well. The Gravenhurst games are May 9.

There is a bowling event in Bracebridge on May 20.

May 21, at 1 p.m., sees five-pin bowling action at Minden Fast Lane Bowling, at 12281 Hwy. 35 in Minden. Larry Baadsvik is the convenor.

The Kinmount Legion, at 5074 Haliburton County Rd. 503 in Kinmount, provides the venue for cribbage, with play starting at noon May 29. Donna Teravainen is running the show.

The ever-popular pickleball will be held at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena, at 55 Parkside St. in Minden, on June 3, kicking off at 8:30 a.m. Jennifer Coates is overseeing the action.

Tennis is next up, this event taking place June 10 from 8 a.m. at the Stanhope Courts, at 1123 North Shore Rd. in Algonquin Highlands. Marianne Fenninger is taking care of the organizing of this event.

For 18 holes of golf, seniors can sign up for June 11 at 9:30 a.m. for a round at the picturesque Blairhampton Golf Course at 1577 Duck Lake Rd. Minden. Jere Pike is the organizer.

Shuffleboard is in Gravenhurst, June 12 at 10 a.m.

The games wind up with walking/Nordic walking on June 13 at 9 a.m. from the Haliburton docks, on Highland Street in Haliburton. Jane Symons and Sharon Ferris are looking after this competition.

The deadline to register is two weeks before the event date. You must be an active OSGA member for the 2025 season. You have to join or renew your membership to take part. The membership fee is $15. There is also a District 11 participation fee of $10 to cover operational expenses associated with the games.

Spokesperson Jennifer Coates says the games are about being active and getting involved in the community.

Coates said folks should ask themselves, “do you have the time to have fun in a competitive, non-threatening setting? Are you seeking opportunities to socialize and meet new friends? Do you feel young and energetic?”

District game winners qualify for the provincials in Sudbury, Aug. 5-7.

Coates said they are also always looking for volunteers, new sports, and venues.

The games were incorporated in 1997 and there are traditionally 18-plus summer events and 10-plus winter events.

People can register online via osga55plus. ca

Contact Jennifer Coates at 705-7493787 or jennifercoates148@gmail.com for information about the events or registration.