By Adam Frisk Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Abbey Gardens has unveiled a refreshed brand identity, pivoting toward a deep, nature-based wellness model to secure the organization’s long-term sustainability in a post-pandemic economy.

The Haliburton Highlands’ charitable organization rebrand is a shift away from high-volume visitation toward slow-paced, boutique programming.

“People are changing their habits,” executive director Angela Kruger explained to The Highlander. “And things that are more meaningful to them have changed as well.”

Kruger said that the rebrand is less about inventing something new and more about returning to the organization’s roots.

“So I think that, in fact, what the rebrand is, is perhaps truer to what Abbey Gardens was right at the onset,” she said. “We’re kind of returning back to using nature as our teacher.”

Kruger noted that the timing of the rebrand was strategic, with the changing of consumer habits post-pandemic, and the economic uncertainty, people are eager to seek more meaningful experiences.

“So our shift is to introduce experiences that kind of get people away from everyday life and just get them out enjoying nature,” she said. “And, in fact, that’s wellness, right? Wellness in nature.”

While Abbey Gardens is a registered charity and remains free for the public to enter, in order to keep operations sustainable, the organization is leaning into its food hub and tourism background to create dedicated, paid revenue streams, with a series of slow-paced, immersive experiences.

These new experiences include forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku), hands-on mushroom workshops, and music in the forest. Kruger said a highlight of these programs is the community aspect. “Experience culminates in an intimate farm-to-table community meal, thoughtfully curated by Abbey Gardens’ team and shared together on the porch.

“We’ll be just, basically, expanding the immersive experience into the porch because everybody will be communal, eating together,” Kruger said.

The meals are crafted by the in-house Abbey Gardens kitchen team, using produce grown on-site, as well as ingredients from local partners. The season’s first event, Busiate alla Trapanese: A taste of Italy in the Haliburton Highlands, took place June 13 and was a sell-out.

Beyond culinary and wellness events, Kruger and Abbey Gardens’ ecologist, Cara Steele, are working to finalize guided ecology walks and hands-on climate experiences designed to give visitors practical tools for their own properties, including demonstrations on alternate ground covers and native plant gardens built to withstand drought-like conditions.

“We have a ton of information and gardens that we can walk people through and show them what they can do on their own properties if they want to choose something to help protect the climate,” Kruger said.

A new logo for Abbey Gardens was also created as part of its rebrand, which features lines that were inspired by the winding road through the property, the surrounding forests, and water. It’s paired with the “living landscape” colour palette.

The executive director said that the rebrand sets the stage in the long term for a much broader geographical reach.

“This is setting the stage that we want to become a destination,” Kruger said. “So, that will be leaning towards tourism and getting people on-site, sharing our landscape and our abundance of nature with urban areas. I think it’s the start of a shift where we’re maybe opening ourselves up to a broader area.”

Immersive programming details and registration info can be found on the Abbey Gardens website.

For the first time in seven years, visitors to the Haliburton Highlands Museum will be able to learn all about, and see firsthand, the story of one of the community’s early settlers, the Reid family.

The historic Reid House, constructed in 1882, reopened for tours over the May long weekend. Located on the museum grounds in Glebe Park, the exhibit unpacks the history of the home dating back to its original owner, John Russell Reid II, who was a carpenter in town.

He moved to Haliburton in 1871 with his parents, John and Amy, who emigrated from London, England.

“The Reid family never would have imagined in a million years that their story would be told in a museum… but theirs and the museum’s paths are completely intertwined,” said Kate Butler, the museum’s director. “The earliest days of the museum were in this house. It’s been part of our story all the way along.”

Descendants of the Reid family lived in the house until the 1960s, when it was put up for sale by Jean Reid, widow of John Reid III. Haliburton Rotary fundraised to buy the property, located near where the tennis courts are in Head Lake Park, wanting to turn it into a museum. It opened in 1968.

The museum ran for a dozen years in its old location overlooking Head Lake. Then known as the Haliburton Highlands Pioneer Museum, each room was a tribute to a prominent family from the town’s early beginnings, Butler said.

When a new museum was announced for Glebe Park, opening July 1, 1980, the decision was made to bring Reid House along for the ride. The century home was transported by truck to its current location beside the main exhibit at 66 Museum Rd.

“Any time the house has a quirk or something unexplained, I have to think to myself that it was literally picked up, put on the back of a truck and driven over here,” Butler said. “The fact the house has survived all these years is amazing.”

Butler said the museum has remained in touch with members of the Reid family and is always looking for family heirlooms. One made its way back to the County eight or nine years ago – a rocking chair Jean Reid sold during one of her many garage sales that had found its way to Alberta.

Asked about her favourite piece in the exhibit, Butler said she likes the corner cabinet in the kitchen because of the memories it draws out of visitors.

“I hear so many stories from people who remember similar units their parents or grandparents had. That’s a huge part of what museums do – telling stories from the past that spark connection and conversation,” she said.

Reid House was last open for a full season in 2019. It was closed through much of the pandemic and, once restrictions lifted, staff found the building needed multiple fixes, including a new roof. That work was completed last fall, with the space reopening May 18.

Butler said there are some new items on display, including recycled pieces that have been in storage for several years. “The house looks fuller than it did before. Our goal is to make it look as lived in as possible,” Butler said, with two staging areas downstairs and more upstairs. “This summer, we’re just delighted to have Reid House open again. We know people have been curious to get back in there. Our focus for the summer is just to welcome everyone back.”

A popular site for paranormal investigators, Butler said there are plans for another supernatural event later this year.

“They have had some unexplained things happen inside the house. Apparently, the building has a lot of spirits in it,” Butler said. “We are still trying to figure out if the spirits here are connected to the house.” Reid House is open for tours through summer by donation Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Haliburton Highlands is expected to have a strong summer tourism season, according to County of Haliburton tourism manager, Angelica Ingram.

Speaking during a June 10 council meeting, she said recent data and industry outlooks are pointing toward another strong summer for Canadian tourism, with growing demand for domestic travel expected to benefit rural and nature-based destinations across the country, including the Haliburton Highlands.

Ingram said Destination Canada’s latest outlook projects continued growth in tourism spending and visitation, driven in large part by Canadians choosing to travel within Canada and exploring destinations closer to home. Tourism spending nationally is forecast to grow by six per cent in 2026, building on a record-breaking 2025 summer season.

Ingram added the outlook is particularly positive for regions such as the Highlands, that offer outdoor recreation, lakes, trails, authentic small-town experiences, and year-round tourism opportunities.

“Industry reports indicate that Canadians are increasingly prioritizing road trips, nature-based travel, and shorter domestic getaways focused on relaxation and reconnecting with family and friends. This trend aligns closely with the tourism experiences available throughout Haliburton County and positions the region well to benefit from increased domestic visitation this summer.”

Ingram told councillors additional data also suggests more people are choosing Canadian destinations over trips to the U.S. “This shift is creating stronger demand for Ontario tourism destinations and helping support local businesses, accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and tourism operators.

“Rural and leisure-focused destinations across Canada have seen some of the strongest tourism gains over the past year, with many regions reporting increased occupancy levels and visitor spending.”

Ingram said for the Haliburton Highlands, the national tourism trends present an important opportunity to continue building momentum for the local visitor economy.

International travellers triple

“Increased domestic travel demand is expected to support local tourism operators, generate economic activity across communities, and strengthen shoulder season and summer visitation. The County’s continued investment in tourism marketing, destination development, and stakeholder collaboration positions the Haliburton Highlands to capitalize on these positive national trends and further reinforce the region as a premier Ontario getaway destination.”

Taking advantage of World Cup

Ingram added one example of how the Haliburton Highlands is aiming to cash in on a strong summer for Canadian tourism is by capitalizing on events such as the FIFA World Cup, in Toronto this June and July. Early data from Destination Ontario points to nine of 10 visitors indicating they plan to explore destinations throughout Ontario, particularly those within a three-hour radius of the city.

“Haliburton County has the advantage of offering the quintessential cottage country experience, which is appealing to travellers coming from international destinations. The tourism team is taking advantage of these opportunities by positioning the Haliburton Highlands as a great destination for a day trip or a multi-day adventure and has begun marketing initiatives to reflect this.” She said one example can be found on their website, where a new ‘day trips’ page has been added.

General manager of Haliburton Forest, Tegan Legge, said it was still a bit early to tell with things such as the canopy tour, and wolf centre as school is not yet out. “But we are shaping up so far for a very busy summer of people camping (mainly domestic markets) and in our accommodations.

“Our international bookings have tripled over last year’s revenue with guests coming primarily from Germany, The Netherlands, UK, Switzerland, and Belgium. They are typically booking accommodations, canopy tours and wolf centre visits.”

She added that this spring, they did a full refresh of the wolf centre with new carpet, added an accessible, genderneutral washroom, and re-organized and revitalized displays in time for summer.

“We anticipate another great summer.”

Heritage passport

Ingram also talked up a new Haliburton Highlands heritage passport, which should be available at all local museums by the end of this week. She said it was a spinoff from a project they did with the Minden Hills Cultural Centre last year. This year’s is for all six museums in the County.

She said people collect stamps when they visit, and if they collect six, can get a free Kawartha Dairy ice cream. If they gather eight, they are eligible to win a prize.

“This is just to promote the heritage in our area; to promote visitation; we believe there will be some economic spinoffs; it’s free, there’s no cost for families to participate, and, if successful, we would like to continue this project moving forward.”

Dysart et al has mapped out the process to make council whole again following the death of mayor Murray Fearrey.

Elected officials will gather for a special meeting July 7, where a new head of council will be appointed. Deputy mayor Walt McKechnie has thrown his hat into the ring, though Ward 1 coun. Pat Casey, who had declared for the role earlier this month, has changed his tune, instead vying to replace McKechnie as Dysart’s number two.

On July 28, council will choose between Casey, Ward 2 coun. Nancy Wood-Roberts and Ward 4 coun. Carm Sawyer to serve as deputy mayor until October, when this current term ends.

CAO Tamara Wilbee said any current council member who wishes to be nominated to fill the mayor’s seat is required to notify the clerk in writing by noon June 30. Council opted against opening nominations to the general public.

“On July 7, council will review any submitted correspondence regarding candidates and candidates will then be given five minutes to address council,” Wilbee said. “Council members may ask candidates one question, but candidates will not be permitted to ask each other questions. Votes are taken in public with a show of hands, in accordance with the Municipal Act.”

If nobody opposes McKechnie, he will be acclaimed to the position.

At Tuesday’s (June 16) meeting, council officially declared Fearrey’s old seat vacant, the first key step in finding a replacement. With County council meeting June 17, council voted among themselves to designate Casey as Dysart’s alternate at the upper tier, granting him voting powers.

Speaking to The Highlander, McKechnie said it would be an honour to follow in the footsteps of his friend, Fearrey.

“If that’s what council wants me to do, I’ll do it. I’m pretty sure my heart is there, in the right place. I’d have awful big shoes to fill,” said McKechnie, who chaired this week’s meeting.

It’s looking like being a three-way race to replace McKechnie as deputy mayor. Casey, coming to the end of his first term on council, has already declared for mayor in October’s election, and said he wanted to step up over the next few months. “Everyone knows the passion I have for the township and the County,” Casey said.

Wood-Roberts has spent 13 years on municipal council and said she’d be “more than willing and honoured” to serve as deputy for the final few months of the term. She confirmed on Tuesday she won’t be seeking re-election.

“It’s the end of my municipal career. I don’t think I have any sort of conflict.” she said.

Coun. Carm Sawyer said he thinks Casey or Wood-Roberts would be great fits but declared he’s seeking the role too. “I have no problem stepping up and doing it.”

Because of strict processes outlined in the Municipal Act, council cannot fill both the mayor and deputy positions at the same meeting. Once the mayor has been appointed, the seat of the councillor filling the role has to be declared vacant before it can be filled. It also has to be advertised to the public.

Because the deputy mayor position will be filled July 28 – 90 days from October’s election – council will not need to appoint a seventh member.

McKechnie will chair Dysart’s next regular meeting June 23, though will not be permitted to chair the July 7 meeting, per rules outlined in the Municipal Act. If appointed, McKechnie will run council meetings scheduled for July 28, Aug. 25, Sept. 22 and Oct. 13.

While Dominion Hotel owner Shawn Chamberlin expects his front-of-house to be a little quieter on Saturday afternoons this winter, he’s grateful for what the Haliburton County Huskies did for businesses in Minden these past five years.

Franchise owners Paul Wilson and Ryan Ramsay announced in May that the team would be relocating to Cobourg ahead of the 2026-27 season, calling time on Jr. A hockey in the Highlands.

The team played five seasons out of S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena in Minden. Fouro-clock on a Saturday afternoon was hour of the Husky, with hundreds attending the almost-weekly home games. Since September 2021, the Huskies brought more than 150 Jr. A games to Haliburton County.

“Paul and Ryan did their best and worked hard – they put quite the show together for us these past five years. We’ve got to be grateful for that,” Chamberlin said. “I was very disappointed, but by the same token, it was a bit of a reality check for the whole thing. If it’s not working financially, then it’s not going to last.”

Wilson cut a cheque for $30,000-50,000 each season to balance the books, with Ramsay saying the organization faced a much-larger deficit this season had they remained in the County. He cited increased league fees and transportation costs, with the latter taking a big chunk of the team’s $500,000 budget in 2025-26.

Chamberlin said his restaurant enjoyed good crowds before and after games, so there will be a hit to business. He doesn’t anticipate making any changes, though.

“There’s lots of other stuff going on in the County. There are still different programs and events, live entertainment, bringing people into the downtown during winter. We have the snowmobilers who bring a lot of business,” Chamberlin said.

For Michael Wright and Paula Sylvester, owners of Mulligan’s Pub and Patio that ran the concessions stand at the arena on gamedays, they said they’ll miss the people more than the money.

They were involved with the team since its inaugural season, after Wilson and Ramsay tried one of Wright’s burgers in the summer of 2021. That first year, Mulligan’s supplied the food for the snack bar, but every year since, Wright and Sylvester manned it. Beyond that, they hosted monthly team dinners, annual Christmas parties and endof-season celebrations.

“It was like a gut punch, for sure. Huskies hockey was a big thing for everybody here during the winter. For us, it was something really cool to do. It was so nice being out in the community, connecting with people,” Wright said. “The Huskies became an institution in Haliburton County. We’re going to miss it this season but really hope it can return in future.”

Hope for the future

Ramsay confirmed he is working with two people with ties to the Huskies operation to bring a Jr. C franchise to the County for the 2027-28 season. Minden Hills mayor Bob Carter said he would be in favour of that.

The township had a contract with the Huskies for ice time until Spring 2028. Carter acknowledged the team’s pending departure is disappointing, but he respects it “as a business decision.”

The mayor noted the township would look to plug the gap left behind by the Huskies with other programming for the community, with rentals for other hockey leagues, pickup games, public skating and figure skating all mentioned. The mayor said the arena was built with public programming in mind and not to house a junior hockey franchise.

“The Huskies weren’t even on the horizon when the decision was made to build a new arena. We have this space now that is available to the public and we’ll market the ice hours the Huskies had booked elsewhere,” Carter said, when asked about any anticipated financial shortfall.

Asked if he felt the township could have provided funding to the Huskies, whether by grant or sponsorship, to try to keep the team here, Carter felt that would have been inappropriate.

“They’re just like any other business in the area. We don’t provide them with assistance… I wouldn’t see it as the role of the township to be providing public funding to the team,” Carter said.

Coun. Tammy McKelvey has been a season ticket holder for the past three seasons and said she’ll miss her weekend ritual of heading to the rink. She believes swapping a Jr. A franchise for one in Jr. C could be a blessing in disguise for local hockey fans.

“There are a lot of local players right now travelling out of town to play Jr. C hockey. If we can bring them back home to play, keep their families here to watch, that would be a pretty good foundation for a new program,” she said.

One big complaint from Huskies fans in recent years has been the temperature inside the rink, especially last season during the Arctic blasts. The township didn’t pay to install heaters when the arena was built in 2020, but McKelvey said it is on council’s radar.

“There should be some money left over from when we debentured the arena costs. There is a long list of items the money could be used for, but we really haven’t had that brought to council yet,” McKelvey said.

Minden Hills council, last Thursday (June 11), sent staff and their consultant engineer back to the drawing board over a proposed crosswalk on Bobcaygeon Road in the downtown.

Director of public works, Mike Timmins, updated council on the project design and public feedback. He noted council approved the project in its 2026 budget; and discussed it at a March 26 meeting. Some councillors were worried about the loss of parking, and wanted to hear from businesses and residents.

The proposed location is halfway between Water Street and Newcastle Street, which Timmins said, “represents a more favourable location with better sight lines in either direction.” He said it would be combined with flashing beacons using push button indicators.

Timmins said the existing courtesy crossings, between UpRiver and CIBC, and where Water Street meets Bobcaygeon Road, have raised pedestrian safety concerns during this term of council.

Timmins said a revised design for the pedestrian crossing reduces the number of lost parking spaces to four. Accessible parking spaces have also been reduced.

As for public feedback, Timmins said “the majority of the negative comments were from residents who did not feel that the pedestrian crossover is warranted, or questioned the timing of the project. Many positive comments were received from residents who welcome additional traffic control safety features in Minden village.”

He said there was misinformation on social media: that this is an overpass with stairs. It is not. Timmins added some residents believed the project has an estimated cost of $500,000. The crosswalk is estimated at $130,000.

Council weighs in

Coun. Ivan Ingram said he doesn’t see the need for the new crosswalk. “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. There’s nothing wrong with the ones we’ve had. Nobody’s got hit by a car that I know of. It doesn’t make sense. Why don’t we improve what we have?”

CAO Cynthia Fletcher noted council had already approved the project, and staff and the consultant engineer had done a lot of work. However, Coun. Tammy McKelvey said she did not remember a lot of discussion about the $130,000 spend.

McKelvey said she remained concerned about losing parking in the downtown, and it appeared that to reduce the impact, some parking stalls are shorter. She is also worried about traffic backing up if they have crossing lights. She wondered if it would be better to make it a courtesy crossing.

Timmins said they could formalize additional parking on Water Street since people are already parking there.

Deputy mayor Lisa Schell said the loss of four parking spaces will impact businesses. She added she does not think the crosswalk will be used in the way it is intended.

Coun. Bob Sisson thought they could use existing crosswalks to accommodate the legion’s request for a commemorative crosswalk.

Mayor Bob Carter said they may not have had pedestrian deaths, but the existing crosswalks are unsafe. He likes the centre street crosswalk idea and thought it would be good for downtown businesses.

Coun. Shirley Johannessen expressed disappointment with how some councillors appeared to be walking the project back. “I’m in town almost on a daily basis and there have been very close calls. You hear the honking. You hear the swearing…I’m asking for better safety.”

Timmins said he would need to get clarification on the legality and implications of a new courtesy crosswalk; since there is no obligation to stop and it could cause confusion. He thought they would still lose four parking spots. Council also split the sidewalk tender from the crosswalk tender.

Staff will come back with more information at an as-yet unknown time.