The community of Eagle Lake and residents of Haliburton County gathered for the unveiling of a new historical display at Eagle Lake beach July 27.

The Eagle Lake Women’s Society (EOWS), a group that’s been around since 1937, created the panels. They contain information about how Eagle Lake became the rhubarb capital of Ontario, the founding of the society and its charitable efforts, and the history of the hamlet and the International Cooperage Company, which played a leading role in the “new” settlement of Eagle Lake.

Society president Nancy McLuskey said, “what we have here is people putting aside their differences and coming together. We’d like to see the village continue that way.

“There are two panels that touch on the society itself, which has been fundraising in this village since 1937. Our major fundraiser is quilts. We also make pies, and do other things, to raise funds,” McLuskey said.

The panels tell the story of the rhubarb festival, and how Eagle Lake became the rhubarb capital of Ontario. Early British settlers introduced rhubarb to the hamlet as it could survive the harsh winters and thrive in the acidic soil of Eagle Lake.

The ELWS was always looking for engaging ways to raise community funds, and so one of the members, Ruth Still, proposed the idea of making Eagle Lake the Rhubarb Capital of Ontario. A Rhubarb committee was formed, and the founding members, Doris Pierson, Joyce Tait, Lillian Henry, Ellenor Bagg, Still, Yvonne Gazelle and Carol Ann Stamp, held their first meeting on May 21, 1992.

In 1993, the council of Dysart et al officially declared Eagle Lake “Rhubarb Capital of Ontario”.

Pierson said, “All of the good deeds the Eagle Lake Women’s Society have done in the community, it means a lot to me that it’s recognized. They work hard.”

Pierson added, “it’s all their history, all our accomplishments. They can pat themselves on the back for all their hard work.”

Fran Vickerman, a member of the ELWS, said, “seeing all the members that are here, I think they’re quite proud of the panels that have been set up for today.”

Marion Grant, another member of the ELWS, added, “seeing all the people that were here, I’m hoping everyone will appreciate the work that’s gone into it, and that they’ll stand for many years.”

The beach was chosen for the panels because of the efforts the ELWS put into building the beach for the rhubarb festival.

The ELWS is grateful for the funding support from Dysart et al, the Haliburton County Development Corporation, and Eagle Lake Community Church. It supports many local charities and national organizations, such as the Eagle Lake Church and Community Centre, school scholarships, Youth Unlimited, Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre, and CADS (Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers) among many others.

The motto of the society is, “one can do a lot of good in this world, if one does not care who gets the credit for it.”

The Kennisis Lake Cottage Owners’ Association (KLCOA) hosted a children’s water festival July 13, attended by lake residents and community members.

It was run in partnership with the Haliburton-Muskoka-Kawartha Children’s Water Festival, which has, for more than 15 years, been an outdoor fall event that informs and inspires regional elementary school students to become water stewards in their homes, classrooms and communities.

Dysart et al lake associations were invited to have families from their communities join KLCOA members to explore lake health.

Children attending the event had some fun visiting a variety of hands-on activity stations where they learned about all things water, while making ecological connections to the natural world around them. For this festival, some of the stations included ‘bugs in mud’, ‘stream savers’ and ‘stow-away guardians.’ While completing the activities, children learned about how invertebrate (benthic) critters in lakes signal lake health, how natural shorelines keep lakes and rivers clean, and why it is important to clean, drain and dry boats to avoid transporting invasive species to lakes.

Kara Mitchell, coordinator of the festival, said, “it was rejuvenating to share these learning activities with lake association families, thanks to dedicated KLCOA volunteers. There were plenty of connections grown between folk who care about the health of local lakes and shoreline ecosystems and ways we can give back to the waters that sustain us. We look forward to more of such partnerships in the future.”

Representatives from the U-Links Centre for Community Based Research and the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Association (FOCA) supported two of the activity stations with equipment and expertise about water quality monitoring with hands-on activities for the kids and information for the parents and caregivers.

Haliburton-Muskoka-Kawartha Children’s Water Festival programs have been offered to the local school boards and now with community organizations, thanks to the generosity of volunteers, partner programs and sponsors. Contact Mitchell at info@waterheroes.ca for more information or to get involved.

Barry Devolin says the passing of his older brother, Brent, on July 22, will leave a hole for the immediate and extended family.

Barry reminisced about Brent, who was a son, husband, father, grandfather, and his only sibling, this week.

He recalled how Brent was technically-minded from a young age. He relied on him when purchasing vehicles or parts.

“We will miss that,” Barry said. “I’m 61-years-old. I have never bought a car or a set of snow tires without talking to him first. I’m finally going to have to look after myself. There’s a big hole in our extended family he filled – we’re going to have to figure it out ourselves now.”

Barry said the cause of death was progressive terminal brain disease and Brent died at Toronto Western Hospital after a five-week illness. He was 63. Barry commented on Brent’s history of working both white-and-blue collar jobs.

Brent’s wife of 38 years, Laurie Devolin, said her husband was “a highly intelligent, capable person. He’d only do things for so many years because he’d get bored and he was looking to see what he could do next.”

He worked in forestry, construction, ran a cement plant, did retail, sold vehicles with Ridgewood Ford, and helped Home Hardware develop point of sale in the early 80s.

Laurie added he was always curious and wanted to know how things worked. She recalled that as a boy, he once took apart, fixed, and rebuilt the family lawn mower. As an adult, if he didn’t know how something worked, he would research to find out.

Barry shared an anecdote of how a salesperson at Ridgewood commented, “I’ve been in this business for a long time, 30 years or more, and I’ve never before seen a mechanic come out of the shop and walk up into the salesroom and ask one of the salespeople (Brent) a question, saying, ‘I don’t understand how the carburator in this old truck works.’ And he would walk back to the shop to explain how something needed to be fixed.”

A politician

Barry said Brent was very proud when elected Minden mayor for the first time in 2014. Laurie’s dad, Lyle McKnight, had been reeve of Anson, Hindon and Minden and Brent was very fond of his father-in-law.

He added Brent, “very much wrapped his arms around Minden… that was really important to him, and was his home team for sure.”

During his tenure, the township built a fire hall and new arena and community centre, and attracted the Haliburton County Huskies hockey team. He worked to ease flooding and for greater connectivity with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network. Laurie said he got into politics because, “he saw a need.” For example, he was passionate about getting housing for Minden and low-income housing was built adjacent to the arena. After two terms, and a stint as County warden, Brent decided not to run in 2022, hanging up his handyman shingle instead.

Barry said, “since leaving public life, he enjoyed that side of things and seemed happy. He had three kids, two grandchildren he adored, he and Laurie were touring on motorbikes, and had bought a travel trailer.” He added Brent’s passing was “frustrating and tragic” because “he was in a groove.

“Brent and I were close. I only had one sibling. He was two years older than I am… kind of the classic older brother, younger brother relationship in terms of he went ahead of me and I got to follow.”

Laurie added she didn’t know until recently how many friends Brent had, nor the impact he had on their lives. She said he had a big heart when it came to people. He would call people if they were going through a rough patch, asking how he could help. Sometimes he would just do things for people, without being asked. She added he was a Christian with love of Christ and church, doing many things for Minden Bible Church.

Municipal accolades

Minden Hills deputy mayor Lisa Schell said she had the “privilege” of serving two terms of council with Brent and, while coworkers, also became great friends.

“Brent was an excellent mayor who was respected and well-liked by staff. Brent was a devoted family man who lived life to the fullest and never missed an opportunity to go skiing or snowboarding, camping, or on his motorcycle,” Schell said.

“Everyone who knew him knew that Laurie was the centre of his world, as well as his children and grandchildren. As a friend, he was always there whenever I needed him for advice for something council-related, or prayer for something personal. Brent was a good human being and will be missed by the community. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.”

Former County warden and Algonquin Highlands mayor Carol Moffatt said she, too, was a municipal colleague, but also a friend of Brent’s. “Brent was smart and engaged and dedicated as a municipal colleague.” She added they had different styles, and did not agree all the time, but because of mutual respect, they always found common ground, “and that’s really important when you’re trying to build communities.” She added they had a lot in common, in terms of close-knit families, and had many in-depth conversations. “We got along tremendously as people. In casual conversation, we laughed a lot. He was a fun, and funny guy, and he and I got along as people… I’ll miss him.”

Warden Liz Danielsen said, “it is with a great sadness that I learned about Brent’s passing. His commitment to his family, his community, and to governance on a variety of levels was unparalleled and he will be missed by so many. This has been a terrible time for Brent’s family and friends and my heart reaches out to them as they mourn their loss and ours.”

Minden Hills mayor Bob Carter, who served one term on council with Brent, and five with him on the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Housing Corporation, said, “Brent loved Minden Hills and Haliburton County. He was always engaged and always open to new ideas to improve the organizations and help people. I would reach out to Brent from time to time because I appreciated his perspective on issues. I, like many, will miss him.”

Editor’s note: this story has been altered to reflect necessary corrections in number of staff the County of Haliburton hired to manage its shoreline preservation bylaw, and also includes updated statistics.

Warden Liz Danielsen has given the County’s shoreline preservation bylaw a passing grade more than one year from its implementation, while Dysart et al mayor Murray Fearrey believes his township’s new site alteration bylaw is also making a difference.

The new shoreline preservation bylaw was endorsed by Algonquin Highlands, Minden Hills, and Highlands East, coming into effect April 1, 2023.

The main purpose, Danielsen said, was to strengthen existing controls for waterfront development. The bylaw regulates the removal of trees and alteration of land grades within 20 metres of the County’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

The County hired one new staff member to run the program. A new permitting system has also been established, forcing applicants to ensure shoreline development plans comply with the bylaw before work can proceed.

Elizabeth Purcell, the County’s new director of planning, said staff have followed up on 82 complaints from the public to date, issuing stop work orders at 11 sites and “some form of remedial action” at 22 properties. Of those complaints, 39 came from one individual – with 27 “not found valid based on the parameters of the bylaw.”

Danielsen said, “rollout seems to have gone well, particularly with an emphasis on education and efforts to bring folks into compliance rather than immediately taking enforcement action… the number of files and ongoing action tied to them seems reasonable.”

She noted many complaints were related to work completed prior to the bylaw coming into effect. “In these cases, we are unable to take any enforcement action.”

Purcell estimated the first-year costs at approximately $118,000, including $5,000 for legal fees. She said they are split between the three townships.

While the County has collected around $4,000 in permit revenues, Purcell said the program is about more than money.

“This bylaw program stems from council’s decision to ensure the long-term health of our lakes, which remains the priority over cost,” she said.

Dysart different

Dysart et al was the sole County township not to endorse the bylaw. Instead, its council rolled out its own legislation focusing on site alteration. Approved and adopted last August, Dysart’s bylaw has a similar mandate – enhancing the protection and encouraging the preservation of natural shorelines.

Karl Korpela, Dysart’s chief building official, said it regulates all site alteration within 30 metres of a lake or in environmentally-protected areas. The program is managed in-house by existing staff.

The bylaw is solely complaint-based, with no pre-screening of development plans. Korpela said the municipality has followed up on four cases of potential illegal site alteration. Two investigations were completed without any fine being levied, while the other two are still in process.

Korpela said the bylaw has been wellreceived, particularly by the building industry.

“The main focus is on education – discussing silt control and erosion protection requirements with building and septic contractors on-site during regular building inspections,” Korpela said.

The building officer is excited about a new shoreline lake health assessment staff are completing while conducting septic inspections. It provides owners with a score based on existing native vegetation along the shore.

Bri Quinn, who manages the assessments, said 61 were completed in May on properties overlooking Benoir, Elephant, Farquhar, Fishtail, and Grace lakes. Of those, 25 scored between 90 and 100 per cent; 12 between 80 and 89 per cent; 10 between 70 and 79 per cent; and nine between 60 and 69 per cent. Five properties scored between zero and 49 per cent.

“The results have been pretty exceptional – there haven’t been too many low scores. Homeowners, for the most part, are asking a lot of questions… it’s provided some fun competition for people,” Quinn said.

Following the assessment, property owners are given a digital report showing the rationale for their score, and how they can improve it. Quinn reiterated the process is strictly educational – no remedial actions have been levied.

Fearrey believes his council got it right opting for site altercation over shoreline preservation.

“There are opportunities to connect with people before they have work done. We’re addressing things before they happen. We’re talking to people about the reasons why they can’t do things – that’s a big plus for me.

“To only have four complaints in a year in a municipality our size is huge. The aim isn’t to make a ton of money through fines, it’s to protect our lakes and shorelines. I think we’re doing a pretty good job of that without having to spend the world. We’ve probably saved $100,000 doing things the way we are,” Fearrey added.

Korpela said the spend on site alteration bylaw-related expenses has been negligible – around $900 for educational materials.

Despite the difference in cost, Danielsen still feels it’s unfortunate Dysart did not subscribe to the County bylaw.

“It is always easier for residents of Haliburton County to have the same rules applied throughout the County, reducing confusion and possible frustration,” Danielsen said.

Bylaws necessary

Michael Thomas, president of the Paudash Lake Conservation Association, said legislation protecting shorelines is more important than ever. With more people frequenting the Highlands and lakes busier, there’s an increased risk to watershed health, he said.

“These programs are vital if we want to maintain our pristine lakes, which is what we’re really known for,” Thomas said.

There is evidence suggesting some local lakes are deteriorating – there were unconfirmed reports of blue green algae blooms on at least two County lakes last summer, while Thomas confirmed Paudash saw its first ever bloom in early July.

“It’s not good, but we’re using it as an educational tool to show people what can happen if you’re not responsible. These types of blooms occur, often, because of run-off from someone’s property getting into the water. That’s why the shoreline bylaw is so important,” Thomas said.

Andy Gordon, director at U-Links and a former professor of forest ecology at the University of Guelph, feels both programs have their merits but could be bolstered by introducing key performance indicators on the aquatic side.

“We know how they’re working politically, the acceptance levels, the costs… what is lacking is something that would indicate we’re seeing improvement in near-shore lake health, that’s something U-Links could assist with,” Gordon said.

He added U-Links, with the support of the County and other partners, has continued to expand its water quality testing program in the Highlands, and is currently engaging with more than 25 lake associations.

Gordon said he’s pleased with that commitment to engage the local community. Gordon feels the bylaws have the potential to make a real difference.

“The bylaws are very important to make sure we do maintain pristine water quality, because that is directly tied to the economy of Haliburton County. Pristine lakes equal tourists, which equal money, which equals jobs for more people up here.”

Liquor stores across Haliburton County reopened July 23 as a two-week standoff between the LCBO and its unionized employees concluded.

All 680 LCBO stores were closed from July 5 to 12, with 9,000 workers walking off the job to advocate for higher pay and increased job security. Select outlets reopened with limited hours last week, but all five County stores and one in Kinmount were shuttered for 18 days.

In a media release, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) confirmed a new three-year contract includes significant improvements for LCBO workers. The new deal was approved by 90 per cent of union members.

The agreement includes an eight per cent wage increase over three years, an extra 7.8 per cent jump for those on minimum wage or just above, and a wage adjustment for some trade positions in LCBO warehouses.

Colleen MacLeod, bargaining team chair, said the new contract also includes a clause guaranteeing there will be no store closures over the term of the deal, while also implementing a cap on the number of agency or private liquor stores opening.

As well, approximately 1,000 casual workers will be taken on as permanent parttime staff, with 60 new permanent full-time positions created. There’s also improved access to benefits for casual part-time employees who work over 1,000 hours.

OPSEU said the strike impacted around 40 LCBO employees in Haliburton County.

“We went on strike to protect good jobs and public revenues, and to win more permanent jobs with benefits and guaranteed hours,” MacLeod said. “Our members stood strong. They held strong lines, they talked to their communities – and they won.”

On July 19, Haliburton LCBO workers paraded along Highland Street to celebrate their big win, serenading passersby with renditions of Queen’s We Are the Champions and Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Gonna Take It.

Stores reopened with regular hours on July 23.