“If we can, we answer the call,” said the district superintendent of Energie NB, which sent crews from New Brunswick to Haliburton County this week.

“We have a list of out-of-province storms that is posted, and whoever wants to go, jumps in the truck,” he added.

Some of the hardest hit by last week’s ice storm are seeing hydro trucks from all over come to help with the restoration of power, and clean-up. People from Irondale have been watching, and cheering, workers from the Woodstock area in New Brunswick who have answered the call for help.

“Some of us have been up here for about five days, others about three,” said one worker. “We are mostly clearing trees right now, there are a lot of downed trees.” He said there are private contractors and tree trimmers out along with them to get things done.

When asked why so many would come from out of the province to help, the district superintendent said it was very rewarding. “It is the best part of the job,” he said. “Getting to work with, and meet, new people, and help those who need it.” He added there is a lot of tree damage and broken poles, “which looks very familiar.” He was involved in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona in Prince Edward Island in 2022 and was there for 23 days.

There are so many Hydro poles that need replacing, and some of the areas that the New Brunswick team are working in are so remote, that they will have to be flown in by helicopter. This is expected to take place within the next day or so.

The New Brunswick crews have been working 16 hours a day to restore power in Irondale and surrounding areas, and some locals, like George Simmons, have been showing their support by waving, flying the Canadian flag, and thanking them.

“We just want to show them how appreciative we are for all their hard work,” Simmons said.

However, some have been wondering why the municipality hasn’t done more, like opening the Irondale Community Centre so they have washrooms, and a place to warm up and eat lunch. Resident Jeff Hancock called out the local advisory committee in Minden Hills for “failing to use municipal resources like the community centre to help anyone, including the NB hydro workers.”

S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena in Minden was open around the clock from March 31 to April 8, serving as a warming centre and place where people could shower and charge their devices. There were cots for those who wanted to spend the night.

The facility remains open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. to assist those impacted by the storm.”

The sentiment of “they help us, we help them” was echoed by the superintendent, as well as members of the crew, who said they were happy to be here and would be sticking around as long as it takes to restore power to those impacted.

Algonquin Highlands environmental manager Melissa Murray estimates the township can continue burying waste at its active landfill sites for another 53 years, or until 2078.

In a recent report to council, Murray said municipal dumps at Maple Lake, Pine Springs, and Oxtongue Lake were at a combined 40 per cent capacity by the end of 2024. The township’s fourth waste location, in Dorset, is a transfer station only. Its landfill was capped in 2015.

Murray warned, though, that the estimated lifespan was determined based on historic figures, not necessarily future projections.

“As our population increases and uses of our landfill sites change, that number can change at any time,” she said, noting all sites complied with Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) standards in 2024.

Individually, the Maple Lake site has a remaining lifespan of 45 years, Oxtongue Lake 69 years, and Pine Springs 100 years.

Staff clocked 30,147 vehicles at Maple Lake last year, down marginally from 2023, taking in 44,927 bags of household garbage. With the installation of a weigh scale at the site last spring, Murray said she’s able to “quantify numbers a little better.” Before, staff tracked garbage by cubic metres but now does so through metric tons.

“We had 291 metric tonnes of waste accepted at Maple Lake, with 130 metric tonnes of that brought over from Dorset,” Murray said.

The township also collected 209 tonnes of blue box recyclables, 7.66 tonnes of electronic waste, 106 tonnes of scrap metal, 1.24 tonnes of household batteries, and 103 discarded appliances.

She said 3,027 vehicles used the Pine Springs location, disposing of 5,080 bags of garbage. From that, she estimates 48 tonnes of waste was deposited into the landfill last year, with an additional 23 tonnes transferred from Dorset. Murray said 15.89 tonnes of blue box materials were also collected.

“The bins at Pine Springs are in a bit of disrepair, so we will be looking at options to change those this year,” Murray said.

At Oxtongue Lake, 4,352 vehicles dropped off 5,555 garbage bags totalling 52 tonnes of waste, which Murray said was down from 2023. Staff also collected 29.04 tonnes of blue box recyclables, 3.92 tonnes of waste electronics, and 11.73 tonnes of scrap metal.

Murray said there will be surveys conducted at Pine Springs and Oxtongue Lake this year as the township plans for future expansion.

“We’re looking at moving into a new landfilling area [at Oxtongue Lake], so we’re going to do some work to see what our development plan will be. There is capacity, the land just hasn’t been developed yet,” Murray said, noting the need for tree clearing in 2026.

Murray said there were no concerns with ground and surface water quality assessments conducted at Maple Lake, Pine Springs or Oxtongue Lake, and recommended the township cease testing at the Dorset Transfer Station.

“It’s been a number of years since the site was capped. It’s in a state where there aren’t evolving changes to the site… we’re not seeing any active leachate, there’s no new waste being added. We’re not seeing any exceedances with our monitoring program over the last seven years, so there’s nothing to be concerned about,” Murray said.

Two of the Highlands’ most seasoned realtors say the residential real estate market is looking good into spring, while the cottage market remains somewhat of an unknown. And, it appears to be heading towards a buyers’ market.

Andrew Hodgson, of Century 21 Granite Realty Group, said Haliburton County was set up for a “really good” real estate year, with a favourable fall market, interest rates dropping, lots of buyers, and sellers understanding where the market was and pricing accordingly.

“Right now, our residential housing market is going well. It is becoming a buyers’ market. No question, buyers are getting a little bit better deals. Sellers are softening on their prices.”

Linda Baumgartner, of Baumgartner Realty Group, says “if a property is priced right, they’re selling. Our residential market is a good market. There is a demand there.”

She said if the people who told her last fall that they would list in the spring do, “then we will swing into a buyers’ market. But we don’t have any proof of that right now. We are starting to see some multiple offers on good and attractive properties that are priced right. They’re selling. Are we a balanced market? I wouldn’t say.”

Hodgson said, “the cottage market, or the waterfront market, is not really going yet. I don’t know if it’s because there is still lots of snow and ice. People are hesitant to pay $1 million-plus for a place if they can’t see the shoreline.”

Baumgartner said she had a number of waterfront properties coming up, and is just waiting for the weather conditions to improve. She said buyers need to be able to access properties to get a lay of the land. She said Baumgartner Realty Group is going to see more inventory. And, again, if there is an influx of listings, anticipates swinging into a buyers’ market.

Volatile market

Hodgson is worried that economic uncertainty will have an impact. With the U.S. and Canadian governments in a trade war, he indicated people might be reluctant to make big investments.

“Uncertainty is never good for real estate. We’ve got uncertain times right now.”

Baumgartner follows Benjamin Tal, the deputy chief economist of CIBC World Markets Inc. She said he’s identified, “we’re in a volatile market. He’s telling us to handhold our clients for the next few months.”

However, she expects more interest rate cuts, down 50 base points, and back to a 2.25 per cent interest rate by the end of the year. “Is that helping us predict or gauge what’s going to happen in the spring market? I don’t know.”

Hodgson said he’s hopeful the sluggish waterfront start is weather-related, also noting interest rates are dropping.

“There are lots of buyers, and demographics, such as retirees, are still great for Haliburton County.” People still want to move, and work from, cottage country, he said, noting internet is better than it has ever been to allow that.

“We’re still in great shape although I am a little leery about where the cottage market is. We’ll wait to see when the snow and ice leave.”

Hodgson said some people are listing their properties as a result of the new short-term rental bylaws across the County. He said some are reluctant to have to buy their shore road allowances or spend a lot of money on things such as new septic systems.

Baumgartner said we might see more cottages on the market as a result of STR bylaws, as people don’t want to go through the licensing process, or make costly repairs needed to qualify.

Overall, Hodgson said “Haliburton County will never die down too much. Even after 2009, and COVID, where we went to great heights, we only dropped 15 per cent. The demographics are so good in Haliburton County. We’ve got so much good going on. I think we’re going to have a decent year.”

Baumgartner added, “you have to adapt whatever market we’re entering into or experiencing. You just have to know how to work it. Communicate with your clients and keep plugging away and try to be positive.”

Long-promised changes to blue box recycling in Dysart et al will land in the new year.

Council approved a plan at its March 25 meeting that will see the Haliburton landfill become the only waste disposal site in the township to accept what the Ontario government deems non-eligible blue box materials, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Environmental manager John Watson, who left his position with Dysart at the end of March, said the change is necessary as the province prepares to complete a twoand-a-half-year plan to revamp its recycling rules.

In July 2023, the Ontario government shifted responsibility for the collection and disposal of blue box materials to producers. Dysart transitioned to this new model Jan. 1, 2024, costs incurred by collecting and hauling recyclables from residential properties, schools, and non-profit retirement and long-term care homes was taken off the township’s plate.

“The regulation aims to expand the residential blue box program to more communities, standardize acceptable blue box materials across the province, and make producers of paper products, packaging and packaging-like products 100 per cent financially and operationally responsible for the residential blue box program,” Watson said.

A multi-year agreement was struck with Circular Materials to handle the disposal of eligible recyclables dropped off at Dysart’s four landfills, which saved the township over $200,000 in 2024.

Watson said this latest deal covers non-eligible recyclables generated from commercial properties, municipal buildings, places of worship, non-profits, daycares, campgrounds and trailer parks, commercial farms and industrial businesses.

“It’s the same materials, just coming from different places. The regulations treat a pop can from a home differently than a pop can from a business,” Watson said at a June 2024 meeting.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, recycling generated by these businesses cannot be placed in the same bins as eligible sources and cannot be picked up in the same load as eligible sources.

Watson said following a two-year grace period, Circular Materials will stop collecting non-eligible recyclables on Dec. 31, 2025. If the township opted against sourcing a new company to collect these materials, people will be forced to dispose of them elsewhere, Watson said.

A five-year deal has been struck with Waste Connections Canada to haul away non-eligible recyclables. Two new drop-off locations will be available at the Haliburton landfill next year. Watson said the township will pay $720 per haul and $71.70 per metric tonne for containers and paper disposed of. He estimated the annual cost at between $20,000 and $42,000.

Minden Hills has also approved a similar contract, with non-eligible recyclables to be collected at the Scotch Line landfill. Highlands East has opted against accepting recyclables from non-eligible sources, while Algonquin Highlands is investigating its options.

When the new rules kick in, Watson said people will be asked if their recyclables are coming from a residential or commercial operation, with people directed to different drop-off locations for each.

“I recognize it seems silly, but this is the way we have to respond to a piece of legislation that provincial government has passed.

“The Haliburton landfill already has two active bays for 40-yard roll-off bins to accept materials from non-eligible sources… Dysart’s other waste disposal sites (Harcourt, Kennisis Lake, West Bay and West Guilford) do not have bays to accommodate extra bins. The capital costs to develop each site for two additional bins… makes including them not financially feasible,” Watson said.

Hydro One estimated more than 7,500 customers in Haliburton County were without power as of noon, April 2, as recovery from the weekend’s ice storm continues.

Work was underway at over 60 locations across the Highlands as of press time, with crews doing what they can to restore downed and damaged power lines, said Hydro One representative Tiziana Baccega Rose.

So far, approximately 820,000 customers across Ontario have had power restored, with 203,000 homes still in the dark. The company did not say when it would have power restored for most County residents, though its online outage map states most should be back online by April 3 at 11 p.m.

“After most storms, we typically see damage concentrated in specific areas. This storm has been widespread, with damage accumulating over several days. On some lines, crews have identified multiple types of damage that need to be addressed before power can be restored.

“Crews are focused on restoring the main lines that run from the local stations to the community. Then they will be able to focus on cleaning damage from lines that serve smaller groups of customers to get the power back on… we expect restoration in the hardest hit areas to continue throughout the week,” Rose told The Highlander.

She said Hydro One workers have been called in from other parts of the province to support areas most impacted, with local utility companies and contractors also assisting.

Thousands still without power

Rose said reconnection for residences in remote areas and for water-access only properties will take longer. She also warned that another storm system, beginning April 2, may result in further outages.

Municipal response

After Minden Hills declared a state of emergency March 31, mayor Bob Carter said the community is “suffering through unprecedented series of challenges.” Many people are also without cell and internet service, Carter said.

“Our staff and emergency control group have been working through the weekend… now supplemented by staff from the County of Haliburton, our neighbouring municipalities, Renfrew County, York Region, and the province,” Carter said.

S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena has been open 24 hours a day during the emergency, serving as a warming centre for those without power and an information hub for people looking for updates on cleanup and restoration efforts. There are shower facilities available, as well as spots for charging devices. Pets are not permitted at the arena.

A mobile virtual triage and assessment centre has been set up at the arena. Paramedics will be available to treat health concerns 24/7, no appointment needed.

Carter said all other municipal facilities are temporarily closed. While landfill sites remain open for regular winter hours – as with all across the County – most locations are cash-only.

Dysart et al mayor Murray Fearrey said Haliburton village was largely unscathed.

“Fortunately, we got a couple inches of snow before the rain and it certainly reduced the impact. We have had several power outages, most are coming back on. We do have some trees down but issues we can deal with. Nothing compared to what I’m seeing in Minden and Algonquin Highlands,” Fearrey said.

He said the township hadn’t established any warming stations in the community, noting “[we] haven’t had any requests or need that I have been aware of, or staff.”

Dysart town hall reopened April 1. The township has also ended the significant weather event it declared alongside the County and other three lower-tier townships March 28.

Algonquin Highlands opted to extend its warning until April 4, given the threat of more freezing rain this week. The township office on North Shore Road will remain open to the public during regular operating hours, with the Dorset Recreation Centre also open.

Deputy mayor Jen Dailloux, said residents endured “treacherous conditions” over the weekend.

“There were intermittent power outages, and a couple of localized outages continue as branches get cleared off lines. But the greatest impact was the partial communications blackout, which affected the southern half of the township.” Dailloux said.

She noted the township deployed public works staff to Minden Hills to assist with storm clean-up. Highlands East municipal office in Wilberforce was closed March 28 to April 1, but reopened April 2.

Other closures

All Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) schools, including those in the County, have been shuttered since Monday.

“Some areas within TLDSB are still without power and are dealing with the aftermath of the storm, such as power and internet outages, downed trees and hazardous conditions. In addition, there are freezing rain warnings [Wednesday] morning. In the interest of student and staff safety, we have made the decision to keep schools and childcare centres within schools closed,” said communications lead Carolynne Bull. “Schools will not be moving to online learning.”

The Haliburton School of Art + Design was also closed March 31 and April 1.

Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) is under a Communications Code Grey, with all telephone, IT and internet services offline. The emergency department in Haliburton remains open, with the Urgent Care Clinic in Minden reopening Wednesday with regular hours, after closing March 31 and April 1. LifeLabs also reopened Wednesday.

HHHS’ community support services will be interrupted, including adult day program, meals on wheels and transportation. For those in-need, meals can be picked up in Haliburton between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. this week.

Highland Wood and Hyland Crest longterm care facilities remain open to visitors. Staff noted phone lines at the centres remain down as of press time.

Most businesses have reopened in Haliburton and Minden, though are cash only.

Mary Douglas, owner of Let’s Get Local in Minden, said, “it’s been a rough go for everyone, that’s for sure. Lessons learned – always have some cash on hand. We’re cash-only while systems are offline.”

Pitching in

Cheryl Smith Hamilton was trying to get down Deep Bay Road in Minden on Sunday to check in with her parents, who live on the road, but found it impassable due to downed trees. After confirming they were OK, Smith Hamilton said rather than wait for municipal staff or hydro workers to clear the route, her family got to work.

Larry and Donelda Smith, Kirk Smith, Smith Hamilton, and Mike Hamilton spent hours trimming branches buckling under the weight of ice build-up and clearing limbs that were blocking the road.

“As we were clearing, other travellers would join in to pull debris off the road. About midpoint down Deep Bay, we were met by another individual who had been clearing it from Hwy. 35-way up,” she told The Highlander.

She posted a video to her social media March 30 showing the damage, which was shared almost 900 times. An update on April 2 showed the road back to normal, with Smith Hamilton adding, “so thankful that I live in a smalltown where locals and visitors never hesitate to jump in and help out anyone in need… it truly takes a village.”

North Shore Road resident Paul MacInnes said he had power earlier this week when many of his friends and neighbours didn’t. So, he and his wife, Susan, opened up their home. They offered people a hot shower and home-cooked meal.

“You do what you can in situations like this. That’s what community is all about,” MacInnes said.