Hitting the ice for winter racing in Minden

January 23, 2025

Conditions are “excellent” as the 36th ice racing season gets underway at the Minden fairgrounds Jan. 25, spokesman Jim Carrell says.

“We’ve had cold weather and we’ve had snow.”

The races are organized by the Canadian Automobile Sports Clubs. They work with Minden Kinsmen volunteers, who each year transform the fairgrounds into a winding, frozen-over circuit that draws people from across North America. It’s one of the few dry land locations in the country, and home to ice racing in Ontario.

Weather permitting, the races will run for six weeks, concluding the March 1 weekend.

Last weekend (Jan. 18) saw pre-tech for the cars, Carrell said.

“To get their cars certified to go on the track. They just go over them to see that they comply with the rules, especially the safety rules, such as the seatbelts and the lights and all that sort of thing.”

With a return of a normal winter, Carrell said excitement has been building and they have been getting good entries. They won’t know final numbers until Saturday as some racers register last-minute.

As for anything new and different, Carrell said there are two new classes.

One is a street class. “You can drive your car to the track, cover up the headlights and the taillights with some clear vinyl and put your racing tires on, and go on the track and then drive it home after the event. It’s made for people who don’t have a dedicated race car but can use their street car.”

The other change is reducing the cost for the second driver class. “We’ve always had a second driver class, so two people can share one car. The difference is we’ve reduced the cost on the second driver. If you have the car entered under the first driver, the cost of the second race schedule is cheaper.”

Both are aimed at trying to attract more drivers. Carrell said entries had been down the last five years or so.

“It can’t continue to slide,” Carrell added. “We’re hoping it’s just a byproduct left over from COVID.”

Asked about the fickle weather contributing, he added, “that is also it. When they look out the window and see green grass in January, they think it’s not going to happen: ‘I’m not going to bother to get my car ready.’ It is cause for concern, but we’ll know in the next couple of weeks.”

He said they have had as many as 70-80 drivers a day in the past, but “we’re dropping down to 50, and, unfortunately, with the added cost, because nothing has gotten cheaper, the clubs need about 60 entries just to break even, so that’s where we’re at.”

Back to the track and Kin volunteers have been working hard to get it ready for racers and fans. Carrell estimates he’s already put in 50-60 hours. He is also looking forward to getting behind the wheel himself, as “I really do enjoy it.

“We’re just happy with the way things are. We’re in good shape and we’re just hoping to get some extra entries to help boost things up for the organizing clubs.”

People can register online for all CASC-OR championship events at casc.motorsportreg. com.

U15 LL shine with win and thrilling tie

Lisa Gervais

January 23, 2025

The U15 Pepper Mill Steak and Pasta House team had an impressive weekend, securing a decisive win over the Kawartha Coyotes White and battling to a thrilling tie against the top-ranked Millbrook Stars Green.

They opened their weekend with a dominant performance against the Kawartha Coyotes White, winning 6-2.

After trailing 1-0 at the end of the first period, the Storm found their rhythm in the second.

Moss Davis started the scoring, quickly followed by a pair of goals from Cambell ‘Soupy’ McCracken. Jacob ‘Sutty’ Sutton added two more, while the Coyotes managed just one in response, leaving the Storm with a 5-2 lead heading into the third.

Jaxen Casey capped off the game with a goal in the final period, cementing the victory for the Storm.

Sunday’s game against the Millbrook Stars Green, the league’s top team, was a showcase of determination and grit. The first two periods were tightly contested, with both teams unable to break through the opposing goaltenders.

The action erupted in the third period. The Stars struck twice early to take a 2-0 lead, but ‘Soupy’ cut the deficit in half with a crucial goal. Captain Gideon ‘Big Man’ Borgdorff tied the game moments later with an impressive hard shot that left the goalie no time to react.

The Stars regained the lead, but ‘Soupy’ delivered late in the period to ensure the game ended in a 3-3 tie. The Storm’s resilience and teamwork stood out against tough competition.

Husky returnee blanks Muskies

Mike Baker

January 23, 2025

A 23-save shutout from Tyler Hodges propelled the Haliburton County Huskies to a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Lindsay Muskies on Jan. 17, in the latest installment of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s ‘Battle of Hwy. 35’.

It was the 19-year-old netminder’s first shutout since returning to the Huskies in early December. Through 12 games he’s recorded eight wins, three defeats and one overtime loss, with a 2.17 goals against average and .926 save percentage.

After being ambushed by teammates at the final buzzer following a tough road match-up, Hodges felt this was a statement win for a team chasing a top two finish in the East Division. The Huskies currently sit third, eight points back from the Toronto Jr. Canadiens and 13 behind the Trenton Golden Hawks, with one game in-hand.

“That was a huge two points – it’s a tight race at the top. We know we have to be almost perfect [if we want to move up]. So, getting the win, seeing the boys really come together and fight for it – it just keeps building momentum at a big stage of the season,” Hodges said.

Buoyed by a healthy contingent of travelling supporters, the Huskies took control early – with forwards Ty Petrou, Nathan Poole, and Tai York all testing Muskies goaltender Jason Tremblay, who made 19 saves in the opening frame.

There was constant pressure from the visitors in the second, with Poole ringing the iron on a snapshot from the slot about a minute in. Kieran Litterick, playing in his second game as a Husky following a trade deadline move from the Pickering Panthers, broke the deadlock a few seconds later – lifting the puck over Tremblay after being found by Alex Bradshaw. Nolan Ling earned his first assist with the team on the play.

The Huskies had a great opportunity to extend the lead a few minutes later, Poole turning provider for Chase Del Colombo who couldn’t jam the puck home from in-close at the four-minute mark.

Special teams had a chance to show their mettle in the middle frame – while the powerplay ran cold, going scoreless on two opportunities and blanking in four-onfour action, the penalty kill impressed while shutting down three Muskies attempts on the man advantage, two of them without giving up a shot.

Hodges said the team’s unrelenting commitment to defence makes his job a lot easier.

“The guys always come in prepared, and they played a really good game in front of me, really protecting me at key moments. There weren’t too many big chances, especially on the powerplay,” he said.

The netminder stood strong in the third, picking himself up following a late hit by Nole Faulkner after leaving his crease to play the puck, maintaining his shutout.

Huskies 5-4 Wellington

The Huskies kept the in-form Wellington Dukes at arm’s length in the standings after a huge 5-4 double overtime win at S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena Jan. 18.

The home side got off to the perfect start in front of a boisterous crowd, with Deandres De Jesus scoring his teamleading 23rd goal of the season with 4:42 on the clock, assisted by York and co-captain Raine Nadeau. Chase Lefebvre, playing in his second game in Minden, doubled the Huskies advantage at 7:15 after being teed up by York and Kaiden Thatcher.

A run of four-straight goals from the Dukes, including a go-ahead tally from former Husky Carson Littlejohn, threatened to sour the afternoon, but York got the blue and white within one with his third of the season 10:14 into the final frame, with Bradshaw and Thatcher recording points on the play. With the ice tilting late on, Petrou blew the roof off with the equalizer at 18:48, assisted by Poole and Ling.

After more than nine minutes of extra hockey, Lefebvre was the hero – beating the impressive Jacob Brown with 46 seconds left on the clock to send the crowd home happy. Declan Bowmaster and Cameron Hankai assisted on the game-winner.

The Huskies are back in action Jan. 24 with a road tilt against the Aurora Tigers, before welcoming the Pickering Panthers to Minden Jan. 25. Puck drop is 4 p.m.

A piping good time in store for Robbie Burns

Lisa Gervais

January 23, 2025

Victoria Bingham isn’t Scottish, but that’s not going to stop her – or her Haliburton Scottish Country Dancers – from hitting the floor at the Haliburton Legion Saturday as part of Robbie Burns night.

Also known as Robert Burns day, it is a celebration of the life and work of Scottish poet Robert Burns. It takes place on Jan. 25, the anniversary of Burns’ birth. It traditionally features: a meal of Scottish food, whisky, and recitals of Burns’ poetry and songs; speeches, toasts, and other ways to honor Burns; traditional music, including the tune of Auld Lang Syne, wearing a kilt or family tartan, dance, and community spirit.

Bingham said the dancers officially restarted in February 2024, after last year’s Robbie Burns night.

“I have a core group of about six to 12 people who show up on a regular basis,” Bingham said. “And we’ve been working hard to learn some skills. We’re going to show off some of what we’ve learned on Saturday night.”

They are planning to do a couple of dances and lead Céilidh dancing as well. “We’re going to invite people to come and join us on the dance floor.”

Bingham said some of her group has been dancing for a year, and some have just joined in the past month. “We’ve got a range of people who’ve got some experience, and a range of people who have very little experience. And they’re all doing great.”

Bingham said when starting out as a beginner, there are a series of formations. “They’re basically like little puzzle pieces. And when you learn the little bits of puzzle pieces, then in each dance those puzzle pieces get combined into a different sort of a puzzle. My job as a teacher is to try and teach what those puzzle pieces are so when you go and dance with other people, if they say ‘we’re going to circle four hands around and back’, you know what that means.”

She said the thing she loves about Scottish country dancing is it’s very social and community-oriented. “Once you know the bits, you can go and dance anywhere.” She added it can be as formal, or informal as people want.

“Our group is very social; it’s very informal; it’s very much about having fun and just getting out there and learning and enjoying dancing in whatever skillset you have. You could be really, really good at it, or you could be bad at it, and you’re still welcome.”

She encouraged people of all backgrounds to go as “it’s important to be aware of older bits of culture, and really enjoy them and celebrate them. I’m a huge fan of folk dancing. It’s such a regional thing in the world. But the whole point of it is always community.” She also encouraged new dancers to their next session that begins Jan. 27.

Gun charges after arrest at Haliburton property

January 22, 2025

A Dysart et al man has been charged with several firearms-related offences following a police bust at a multi-unit property in Haliburton on Tuesday (Jan. 21).

Haliburton Highlands OPP, the OPP Tactics and Rescue Unit, and OPP Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a location on George Street yesterday. In a release to media, police say multiple firearms, ammunition, other weapons and suspected drugs were seized.

Brian Reid, 41, of Dysart has been charged with: four counts of possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order; three counts of careless storage of a firearm; three counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm; three counts of knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm; six counts of failing to comply with a release order; and possession of a Schedule 1 substance.

The accused has been held for a bail hearing, taking place at the Ontario Court of Justice in Lindsay.

Fay Martin, vice president of Places for People (P4P), a County-based organization that provides affordable housing options to people in the community, confirmed the bust took place at one of their properties.

She said it seemed the accused had been living in an existing tenant’s apartment.

Martin noted the organization was aware of problematic, possibly illegal, activity at the site and notified police. She said at least one good Samaritan was involved, working with police.

“We thank the citizen(s) who made it possible for the OPP to intervene in a definitive manner,” Martin said.

Police are actively investigating – anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Information can also be submitted online at khcrimestoppers.com. Information can be submitted anonymously and there’s no requirement to testify in court. New leads may be eligible for a cash reward up to $2,000.

Scoring a dream job in Asia

Mike Baker

January 17, 2025

While Carey Durant’s regular nine-tofive sees him keeping the Haliburton Highlands OPP office in Minden in good working order, the civilian staffer has taken a year-long leave of absence to chase every hockey-loving Canadian’s dream on the other side of the world.

The Minden resident has been in Hong Kong since September, where he scored the job of his dreams – heading up the country’s national hockey program.

Durant will lead the country, ranked 49th in the world, into the Asian Winter Games in February, while also preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

So, how does a custodian from rural Ontario with coaching, scouting and consulting gigs in minor, college and major junior hockey score a job on the international circuit? Durant said it’s an opportunity he unknowingly cultivated through relationships he made in the GTA in the 80s and 90s.

Durant ‘fell in love’ with coaching

A once promising prospect, Durant grew up playing in the Scarborough Hockey Association. While he had opportunities to play junior hockey, a lack of support at home meant he often chose work over play. After enrolling at Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University, Durant earned a spot on the school’s hockey team. He played a single season in 1988/89 before dropping out.

“I was trying to play, go to school and pay for everything on my own. It was impossible, so I decided to leave school,” Durant said.

He attended a Boston Bruins free agent camp in 1990. Though he wasn’t signed, Durant did enough to earn a contract offer from the Los Angeles Kings, who wanted to send the young forward to its East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) affiliate.

At that time, minor leaguers weren’t paid a lot of money. He was working construction and earning well. Wanting to settle down and start a family, Durant declined, closing the book on his hockey career at 22 – or so he thought.

He picked up coaching a few months later – starting with the Toronto Red Wings in the Metro Toronto Hockey League (now the Greater Toronto Hockey League). He “fell in love” with being a bench boss, working with several different teams before landing with the Bramalea Blues for the 1998/99 season. Led by future NHLers Mike Cammalleri and Steven Eminger, the Blues won a provincial Jr. A championship.

Durant was an assistant, working alongside Lindsay Hofford – who coached the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League and Lethbridge Hurricanes in the Western Hockey League, scouted for the Toronto Maple Leafs and was assistant general manager of the Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Hockey Club) – and Sudarshan Maharaj, a longtime goaltending coach with the Anaheim Ducks.

He also refers to Red Berenson, a player with the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings – and Blues coach, who won the Jack Adams Award for best coach in the National Hockey League in 1981 – as his “hockey godfather”. The two worked closely for 17 years on player analysis at the University of Michigan.

Durant stays in touch with them, and another contact from his earlier years, Davis Yoo, the parent of a player he coached. Yoo is a South Korean national with contacts on the continent. When the Hong Kong position opened, Yoo encouraged Durant to apply. He set up a meeting between Durant and Sherman Chan, the chairman of the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association last summer and the two hit it off.

Living his best life

After fighting – and beating – Stage 4 prostate cancer following a November 2022 diagnosis, Durant said he’s reinvigorated, wanting to live his best life.

“Everything is a journey – this is just my next chapter. Hong Kong is not known for hockey, but it’s growing. They want to bring a professional league here,” Durant said. “My goal is to bring Hong Kong to the next level in all areas. I’m here for a year now… but I might get the opportunity to coach in the Olympics in the future.”

On top of coaching the mens’ program, Durant also serves as head of development for the womens’ and U18, U15, U14, and U11 teams. After spending the past 20 years involved in scouting and player development in the OHL, helping to unearth and mould the likes of Corey Perry, Ryan Callahan, Andrew Cogliano, and Zach Hyman, Durant hopes to help up-and-coming Asian players make their way in the game.

He estimates there’s about 1,000 people playing the sport across all age levels. When he arrived there was no player database, and very few scouting reports. With a shallow local talent pool, Durant said he’s been tracking U.S. and Canadian-born players eligible to represent Hong Kong.

It’s been hard adjusting to life away from wife, Lori, who has remained in Minden. But Durant knows this position has a shelf life, so is giving it his all while he has the chance.

“I’ve got to be the luckiest guy on the planet – this is about growing something, making a difference. Going to the Asian Winter Games, it’s all about the experience, helping players see how important this is. We’re going to play some top teams in that tournament. I’m trying to get a bunch of guys to believe in themselves and show they do belong at this level,” Durant said.

Whether he’s home in six months, or in a year, Durant said he’s already racked up a lifetime of new experiences in Hong Kong. While settled in Minden, he admits to being intrigued about the doors his latest dalliance with the sport he loves may open.

“My goal was to become a professional hockey coach – I can say I’ve done that now. When I come back there might be another journey ahead of me. It could be in Ontario; it could be in our hometown – I have no idea. That’s the beauty of it. There is no plan. I’m just taking life one day at a time.”

Time to pass the Highland Yard baton

Lisa Gervais

January 16, 2025

Haliburton County’s iconic Highland Yard fundraising race is looking for a new home.

Places for People (P4P) announced last week it is relinquishing the charitable event.

With the help of past board member, and avid runner, Jack Russel, P4P took over the Highland Yard in 2012, going on to raise more than $200,000 for the housing charity.

However, COVID delivered a punch, forcing organizers to go to virtual events for three years. Rotaract had a crack at organizing the 2023 race, but found it to be a lot of work for little return.

P4P spokesperson, Susan Tromanhauser, said, “unfortunately, as happens, people get older and the usual support of the race for P4P has changed.”

She added, “the current board does not really see the link between running and housing and to be honest, we don’t have the capacity to do what we do and organize a running event.”

In recent years, P4P has focused on its Sleeping in Cars fundraiser, with the next one slated for March 21 at Head Lake Park’s welcome centre.

“So, the bottom line is, Places for People is looking for a new home for the Highland Yard. We don’t want to just end it as it is a Haliburton County tradition for 50-plus years and we are sure there must be some organization that could benefit from taking it on,” Tromanhauser said.

She added they have a lot of swag and other items they would be willing to pass on to a new organizer.

Russel is synonymous with the Highland Yard.

He recalls how it started with two Camp Onondaga staff challenging themselves to run from the camp to the Rockcliffe in 1971; a distance of 7.4 km. It became a community event in 1976. There have been numerous sponsors over the years until it landed with P4P.

Jack Russel: ‘I hope we can find a new home for it’

Lamenting no race in 2024, and P4P stepping away for 2025, Russel told The Highlander this week, “it is sad to see that a race of this nature is not being offered. There are a lot of people who always look forward to it and some of them would plan their holidays around it if they were at the cottage or on the lake when the race was offered.”

He’s been wracking his brain about who could take it over. “Who would be a good candidate? A sporting club… a sports store? I’m just not sure.”

He said it takes a lot of volunteers on race day. “And I think it takes a good cause. Places for People was a good cause and people got behind that and supported that and could raise money for that easily.

“Someone might be interested in taking it on, or someone might be interested in all the stuff P4P has acquired from running the race over the years.

“It’s always sad to see things not continued that are good traditions and good events and are healthy events for people. For the community to wrap itself around this as an engaging activity, it was wonderful for families to do this, and families enjoyed running the Highland Yard.

“I hope we can find a new home for it. I hope Places for People can find a new home for it… a good group that’s willing to take this on and use all the equipment that was purchased over the years. There must be 100 traffic cones.”

If anyone is interested, contact Tromanhauser at susan.tromanhauser@gmail.com.

It was always tradition for a bagpiper to send off the Highland Yard runners.

Dysart approves 4.64 per cent tax increase

Sam Gillett

January 16, 2025

After Dysart et al council rubber stamped its 2025 budget Jan. 10, implementing a 4.64 per cent levy increase for ratepayers, mayor Murray Fearrey said he felt the township’s elected officials had done a good job of tightening the belt for the year ahead.

Operational costs are slated to rise about 9.5 per cent this year, up to $18.8 million from $17.2 million in 2024, while capital expenditures increased about 11.3 per cent – $8.1 million this year compared to almost $7.3 million last year.

The end result is an increase of approximately $15.61 per $100,000 of assessment for residential ratepayers, $23.14 for commercial, and $26.81 for industrial.

“I’d say this budget is needs’ only – with the way costs have increased, we’re starting behind the eight ball before we’ve even started to talk priorities,” Fearrey told The Highlander following the meeting. “Considering where we started, I’m happy. Nobody wants to see an increase in these times, but it’s just unavoidable with the cost of everything. With having to replace equipment, taking on new contracts – some of those expenses are 50 per cent more than they were even two years ago. It’s hard to deal with.”

According to the Bank of Canada, inflation has gone up 16.91 per cent since 2020. Fearrey said that’s largely a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While things have cooled over the past 12 months, the mayor said the township is seeing little reprieve.

One answer, he suggested, would be for the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to update its home valuations for the first time in almost a decade. People’s tax bills are calculated using assessed property values and multiplying it by the combined municipal and education tax rates.

The last update was in 2016, when the typical home in Haliburton was assessed at $193,000. According to the Lakeland Association of Realtors, average property values had climbed to $589,438 by December 2024 – a 205 per cent increase.

Fearrey said when homes are reassessed, he anticipates the municipality’s mill rate will drop, so while the township will see some additional money, the main benefit, he believes, will be seeing ratepayers living in new builds taxed more fairly.

“Anybody who has built in the last three years, their assessments are much higher than those who had assessments done eight, nine years ago,” said Fearrey, who himself lives in a recently-constructed home on Gelert Road. “There’s a huge disparity between what some of our residents are paying. It’s really quite unfair.”

There was 2.1 per cent of assessment growth last year – meaning new properties entering the tax stream, bringing in an additional $251,000.

Where the money goes

Approximately 46 per cent of the budget, or $12.3 million, is earmarked for transportation costs.

Dysart is investing approximately $1.75 million rehabilitating portions of Redkenn, Watts, Illman and Irish Line roads, Mountain Street, Halbiem Crescent and sidewalks in the downtown in 2025, while it’s spending just under $3.5 million replacing the Redstone Brook Bridge, Barry’s Bridge, and the Head Lake Park footbridge. A further $1.4 million is being put into the municipal fleet for two new tandem truck and plows, a one-ton truck and plow, a backhoe loader, and FEL mounted snowblower.

Council also dedicated $100,000 to complete various surveys required for development at its 92-acre County Road 21 property and $280,000 for engineering and design work on the expansion of the sewage treatment plant.

Protective services come in at 16 per cent, with costs of $4.6 million – up around $700,000 from last year. Much of that is driven by a 20 per cent increase in policing costs, said treasurer Barb Swannell, and relates to a new ratified OPP contract signed last year. She said the township is receiving $365,000 in one-time funding from the province to mitigate the increase.

Environmental services are expected to cost $4.2 million (15 per cent), recreation and culture $2.6 million (9.7 per cent), general government $2.5 million (9.3 per cent), planning and development $794,000 (2.9 per cent), health services $191,000 (0.7 per cent), and social and family services $27,000 (0.1 per cent).

Municipal reserves and reserve funds are healthy, Fearrey said, with about $10.4 million in the bank. The township is taking on $4.37 million in new debt this year, taking its total liabilities to just over $7.3 million. Swannell said the township has a remaining debt capacity of 74.3 per cent, with a projected annual repayment of $805,237 this year. She said the municipality is permitted to service up to $3.1 million annually.

“I’m not worried about the debt – overall, I think the township is not in bad shape,” Fearrey added.

The budget will be presented for final approval Jan. 28.

County CAOs hope to ‘resurrect’ review

Lisa Gervais

January 16, 2025

County of Haliburton CAO Gary Dyke said he was working with the heads of Algonquin Highlands, Dysart et al, Highlands East and Minden Hills, to “reinvigorate” the service delivery review in 2025.

The consultant’s report was delivered to County council in November, 2020. There has been some movement – such as hiring an economic development and tourism manager, and joint purchasing – however much of what Strategy Corp. recommended has not come about.

Dyke told councillors Dec. 11 senior staff had been modifying the recommendations “because I think there were reasons why it (the process) did bog down. I think we can resurrect it.” However, he said there would be no impact on budgets until 2026 at the earliest.

He committed to, “diving back into, and having a solid relook, at how we deliver services and where we can find both efficiencies and cost savings at the same time.”

Commenting on Coun. Bob Carter discussing affordability for Highlanders, Dyke added, “that’s definitely something we’re working towards.” Carter said he thought there could be efficiencies when it comes to things such as having five roads’ departments in the Highlands.

Coun. Liz Danielsen said, “I agree there could probably be some savings there, but it needs to be worked on, and we need to agree as a council. There’re not just five roads’ departments, there’s five planning departments, there’s five building departments, there’s so many areas where we could, if we were willing to, simplify things, to streamline things into reduced costs. That’s going to take some time. I would just urge all members of council to really think about the benefits of looking again at our opportunities and service delivery elsewhere.”

‘Everybody’s backyard is going to get changed’

Coun. Cec Ryall told his colleagues, “you’ve got to buy into the fact that everybody’s backyard is going to get changed, and if you’re not prepared to let that happen, then there’s the budget. Suck it up.”

Coun. Lisa Schell said she had been sitting at the council table for several years, “and when we first started talking about service delivery review and the ‘A’ word (amalgamation), many members of council at that time weren’t interested in actually getting there. It’s changed around the table as we’ve seen some of the savings that can be made within the departments. I think it’s time that we really, really take a hard look at what that would possibly look like in another term of council. Because some term of council is either going to have to do it or say ‘no, this isn’t going to work’. And I think we’ve made strides in the last two terms of council to realize that it actually makes sense.”

Coun. Walt McKechnie said he is all for saving money “but show me a County where amalgamation has happened and you’re saving money? I want us to work together, whether it’s roads, any of our departments together, to save money.”

Coun. Jennifer Dailloux agreed but added, “I’m still in favour of seeing if we could do it better here in Haliburton. I still wonder if there is a model that could work for us, could work for our four municipalities, and could save us all money. I’m in favour of the idea in principle.”

Danielsen said when they first started talking about amalgamation, she had concerns, but her thinking has shifted. While “still not there” when it comes to amalgamation, she said, “I believe now that the best direction for us to take is to look at the service delivery review that we’ve had done, see where we can have some successes, and savings, because I do believe there’s room for that without us getting all worried about amalgamation.”

Carter added, “we have a little over 20,000 residents in Haliburton County and we have 24 elected officials. And if we take this body (County council), it’s 32 elected officials. We spend an awful lot of time on administration, for an awful lot of money, and having all of these meetings and discussions between the various councils. There has to be a penny or two to be saved at that point. I’m just looking at working together.”

He said the County made a good budget decision in hiring an in-house mechanic rather than going to an outsider. He questioned the need for a council chamber for Minden Hills when the County one is just up the road. “Is there a reason why Minden and the County couldn’t share a council chamber since there’s only two meetings per month? There are an awful lot of places where we can look at things differently, reimagine things…”

Minden Hills to get new kids’ summer camp

Lisa Gervais

January 16, 2025

Minden Hills council has been asked to approve a zoning bylaw amendment to pave the way for St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club to build a children’s camp on Howland Lake.

Township planner, Amanda Dougherty, at a Dec. 12 council meeting, said the site is at 5373 County Road 121.

The application was submitted by Duncan Ross Architects and Markham Planning Associates, on behalf of the club’s Chris Foster.

Dougherty said that historically, the property was operated as a camp, primarily through the 1960s and 1970s with a dining hall and 10 cabins. She said the club acquired the property in 2018. They demolished the cabins, which were in bad shape. They did minor renovations to the dining hall and constructed and repaired two docks.

Dougherty said they now want to reinstate a children’s overnight camp in the summer for up to 150 staff and campers per day. They aim to renovate and maintain the dining hall and will lodge campers in three cabins.

They are also planning buildings for arts and drama, a ropes’ course, trails and sports playing field and canoeing, swimming and fishing.

Dougherty said they plan to phase the development, starting with one cabin.

The planner said the application was not 100 per cent complete, but the rezoning would not encroach on wetlands, the septic system will be built to accommodate maximum capacity, they will get a permit for a small drinking water system from the health unit, and entry should be fine.

“Once all comments have been satisfied, a subsequent report will be brought forward to council with a complete planning analysis,” Dougherty said.

Speaking for the executive director of the club, Chris Boswell, Melissa Markham said the land is about 232 acres and they want to rezone about 40 acres. She said it would be serviced by private water and sewer. She added they were seeking a reduced parking rate in accordance with a submitted traffic impact study. The application proposes to reduce the parking requirement from 58 to 20. They estimated six buses arriving once a week with 20 parking spaces allowing for temporary delivery, and parking and shortterm parking for parents or guardians.

Coun. Pam Sayne said she supported anything that brings youth to the area. Referencing the plans, she added, “this is going to be quite extensive. It’s really exciting to see.”

The club was founded by Toronto police inspector W.H. (Bill) Bolton in 1949. The club began with 25 boys in the basement of St. Alban’s Parish Hall.

During the late 1950s, the club’s membership expanded to 300 boys and beyond the capacity of the parish hall. On Oct. 17, 1961 the new club at 843 Palmerston Ave. was opened. That same year, St. Alban’s was accepted as a member agency of the United Way of Greater Toronto. In 1978, the club was renamed St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club.

In 1999, St. Alban’s merged with Jane and Finch Boys and Girls Club. With the successful outreach model they continued to grow to offer children and youth programs in multiple locations in the Jane and Finch, Weston-Mount Dennis, Lawrence Heights, and Bathurst and Dupont communities.

In 2013, the club opened their next generation building project – The Jane and Finch Boys and Girls Club Youth Centre.

According to their website, “a long-time dream of the club staff and leadership was realized when we purchased a campground on Howland Lake in Minden Hills in 2018. We have a long way to go to get it ready for campers, but we are so excited about the journey. We will keep you posted about our progress.”

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