County to explore options for future affordability and governance of Haliburton County
Minden, ON, April 8, 2026 – At its April 8, 2026 meeting, County Council unanimously directed staff to move forward with a community-wide study aimed at gathering information about how Haliburton County can operate more effectively, improve efficiency, and provide better value for taxpayers.
“As municipal governments, it’s our job to deliver services in a way that is practical and affordable for our taxpayers,” said Dave Burton, Warden of the County of Haliburton. “I am pleased that the County is moving forward with a study to get good information about how we can improve efficiency across Haliburton County. This is Haliburton County’s study with the goal of improving how we operate while keeping what makes Haliburton County a fantastic place to live, visit, work, and do business.”
The study is targeted to run from April 30 to July 31, 2026 and will be led by the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN). EORN is an independent group of respected advisors who understand rural Eastern Ontario, Haliburton County, and the County’s unique challenges. The study team will develop a community engagement plan that includes opportunities for everyone in Haliburton County to share ideas.
The purpose of the study is to come up with options that would help ensure the long-term financial health of County communities. The County of Haliburton and its local municipalities are facing rising costs, including many external costs that are out of County control. They are also facing significant financial pressure to fund needed capital investments over the next decade. The County and local councillors want to ensure they can create the right conditions for growth and stability so that people and businesses can thrive in our community over the long term.
While part of the goal of the study is to identify and evaluate options for different governance structures, all options are on the table. Once complete, a final study report will be made public later this summer. It will be forwarded to the 2026-2030 Councils for consideration and potential implementation.
Details about how to participate in the engagement process will be shared as soon as they are available. The project will provide opportunities for people to provide input in several ways, including online and at in-person sessions. We look forward to hearing from the community about what matters to them.
Once complete, a final study report will be made public later this summer. It will be forwarded to the 2026-2030 Councils for consideration and potential implementation.
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Media Contact:
Gary Dyke
gdyke@haliburtoncounty.ca
General
Town Hall Discussion on the Recent OSAP Cuts Organized By the Central Student Association at the University of Guelph
This will mostly be of interest to Ontario stations, but all are welcome to use and share the recording.
On March 10th, we recorded (and edited for air) a 1h40m town hall discussion on the recent OSAP cuts organized by the CSA at the University of Guelph.
All stations are welcome to broadcast and share this downloadable and streamable audio link, either in full or in part:
Here is an interview that you can listen to that was done at CFRU-FM, which is Guelph's non-profit, campus & community radio and media centre.
County of Haliburton Significant Weather:
Be Prepared: Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for some parts of Haliburton County regarding significant freezing rain this week (beginning Tuesday night or Wednesday morning and lasting through Wednesday or Wednesday night).
Freezing Rain
There is potential for freezing rain, possibly up to 24 hours for some areas, leading to icy surfaces, ice accretion or build-up of 5 to 20 mm on some surfaces. A series of low pressure systems will lead to significant freezing rain across parts of central, eastern and southern Ontario.Ice build up is likely to cause tree branches to break. Widespread utility outages are possible. Freezing rain may fall heavily at times. In this case, the precipitation may not freeze immediately, which may lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas.Freezing rain warnings are likely to be issued as the event draws nearer.
Build a 72-hour emergency kit to stay prepared for any emergency. Learn more about what to include in your kit here: https://www.haliburtoncounty.ca/.../emergency-preparation...
Non-essential travel should be avoided. If road conditions become hazardous, please only travel for essential reasons to allow emergency responders and road crews to move safely.For more information visit: https://weather.gc.ca/en/location/index.html?coords=45.049,-78.507
County of Haliburton Service Delivery Review – Communications Survey
For Immediate Release
Haliburton County
Monday, March 9, 2026
Noon (12:00 p.m.)
Joint Media Release #01-26
County of Haliburton Service Delivery Review – Communications Survey
As part of the ongoing second phase of its Service Delivery Review, the County of Haliburton and its four member municipalities have issued a public survey regarding municipal communications, asking residents how the local governments can work together to keep the community well-informed.
The Service Delivery Review assesses the provision of services by the County and its four lower-tier municipalities – the Township of Algonquin Highlands, the Township of Minden Hills, the Municipality of Dysart et al and the Municipality of Highlands East – with the goal of seeking efficiencies and opportunities for heightened collaboration.
The brief survey can be accessed on the County of Haliburton’s public engagement platform at wadein.haliburtoncounty.ca.
Ministry of Natural Resources – Watershed Conditions Statement
Bulletin
Ministry of Natural Resources
Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety
Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District
Friday, March 06, 2026
1:00pm
The Ministry of Natural Resources– Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District is advising
area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety bulletin is in effect in
the District until Friday, March 13, 2026
This message will affect residents within the MNR Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District
for portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and County of Haliburton
within the Black, Boyne, Burnt, Gull, Pickerel, Seguin, Severn, Magnetawan and Muskoka
River Watersheds.
Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed
conditions. Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions may develop throughout the
area and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly
check for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams.
Water levels in most lakes are at or below target for this time of year but are expected to
increase with forecasted precipitation and runoff from melting snow.
MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is
safe ice.
Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain
close supervision of children and pets.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to
rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated
messages.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees as
runoff from rainfall and melting snow enter watercourses.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Environment Canada has issued a Rainfall Warning for much of the area.
Significant rainfall is possible from March 6-7. The existing snowpack is expected to absorb some of this rainfall, but significant runoff is possible with snowpack melt and rainfall combined.
What: Total rainfall amounts of 35 mm to 50 mm and potential for thunderstorms, with daytime high temperatures up to 13⁰ C are possible.
When: Friday evening, March 6 through Saturday March 7, 2026.
Additional information: Daytime high temperature forecasted over 10⁰ C on March 7 and March 9, potentially causing temporary accelerated melt of the snowpack. Temperatures dip below freezing for an extended period by March 12.
Description of Current Conditions
Water levels in most lakes are at or below target for this time of year. Rainfall is anticipated to cause lake levels to rise, and river flows to increase. The current snow water equivalent ranges from above the historical average for the western portions of the district (Magnetawan and Seguin River watersheds) to near normal for the eastern portions of the district (Muskoka, Black, Burnt, Gull River watersheds) for this time of year.
DEFINITIONS
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
•
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions.
•
SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.
•
SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
•
FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
•
FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
LEARN MORE
•
Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre
•
Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
•
A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada is recommended.
Water Management Team, Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District Office, 705-645-8747 or watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca
ontario.ca/mnr
Disponible en français
HHHH Announces Announces Departure of Interim President & CEO
Press Release - HHHS Announces Departure of Interim President and CEO
Dear Community,
Jennifer Burns West will be stepping down as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) when our new CEO, Jack Hutchison, starts on March 30, 2026. Additionally, it is with mixed emotions that I share that Jennifer Burns West will be leaving HHHS on April 10, 2026 to pursue the role of Chief Nursing Executive (CNE) at Ross Memorial Hospital.
During her time as Interim President and CEO, Jennifer supported several key initiatives, including the launch of an updated website, the addition of a new X-ray system in the Diagnostic Imaging wing, creation of staff recognition awards, and ensuring a smooth leadership transition ahead of the new CEO’s start on March 30.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank Jennifer for her strong and steady leadership during this important time,” said HHHS Board of Directors. “Her dedication to our team and community has been deeply valued.”
“It has been a true privilege to lead HHHS,” said Jennifer. “I am incredibly proud of this organization and grateful to our staff, physicians, volunteers, and community. I look forward to watching HHHS continue to thrive under Jack’s steady leadership.”
HHHS extends sincere thanks to Jennifer for her service and wishes her every success in her new role.
Victoria Miscio will continue in her role as Interim Chief Nursing Executive (CNE) until a permanent CNE is appointed.