When Jack Hutchison learned of the opportunity to lead Haliburton Highlands Health Services as its new CEO, he jumped at the chance to do so. Having grown up in Minden, Hutchison knew first-hand how vital triple H S is to local residents and seasonal visitors. So, this was his chance to give back to the community that helped shape him and his career.That's why his move from Moosonee back to Haliburton County to lead triple H S means so much to him. Hutchison sat down with CanoeFM recently to talk about his leadership approach and the hospital's priorities going forward.

Facing massive third-party costs in a largely tourism-based economy, Haliburton County Council is taking the proactive step to see what can be done to improve the financial sustainability of the County and its two-tier structure by hiring a consultant to look at its current governance model.At a recent special session, Gary Dyke, Haliburton County CAO, presented a report, entitled Exploring the Future of Haliburton County: An Affordability and Governance Structure Study, which focused on the fiscal strain placed on the county and the resulting impacts on the tax levy and infrastructure budgets.Dyke told councilors legislated payments to external bodies take up more than 50 per cent of the tax rate increases which divert monies from local priorities, including roads, bridges, and emergency response and permanent residents shoulder those costs.The County of Haliburton currently faces significant capital investment requirements of more than $70 million over the next 8-10 years for roads and large vehicle replacement. Meanwhile, Haliburton County's lower-tier municipalities face similar fiscal challenges. Dyke said current funding models in Haliburton's rural tourism-based economy do not meet the needs of the capital and operating realities.

Named in honor of a former Ontario Premier, The Leslie M. Frost Centre was, at one time, the first outdoor education center in Ontario. It was dedicated to environmental and resource managementeducation.Recently, it was announced that the long-defunct centre, located in Algonquin Highlands on the shores of Lake St. Nora had been sold for $3M dollars. Canoe FM spoke to a real estate agent who's assisting in the sale. Jonathan Weizel, of Royal LePage Terre Equity Realty, said the new owner plans to operate a substance abuse and mental health rehab facility there.Barrie Martin worked at the centre for more than 28 years and shared some of his thoughts on the centre and its recent purchase with CanoeFM.

The Town of Minden Hills declared a state of emergency Tuesday afternoon after heavy rain combined with melting snow to cause flooding in the municipality. Numerous roads have become impassable and a section of Bobcageon Road suffered a devastating washout, with the road collapsing under the rushing water.Bob Carter, Mayor of Minden Hills, made the declaration to ensure the town and its residents will have the support of the Province of Ontario, should the existing flooding get worse. And with more rain in the forecast, it feels like the entire town is holding its collective breath.Mayor Carter says staff, County officials, The Province, the OPP and Emergency Services are meeting regularly and continuing to track and update the public about road closures and restrictions. He recommends local residents visit the Town of Minden Hills website to check for updates.

Coming Full Circle is a new and innovative pilot project that was identified as a gap needing to be filled by Point in Time and the Haliburton County Connections Committee. The two organizations applied for a federal grant and pulled in the Canadian Mental Health Association who now oversees the program. It's a guest-led, peer approach that aims to overcome the barriers of access in communities and stigma.David Barkley knows that when you're struggling with substance abuse, the first step is often the hardest one to take. That's why, a new approach that focuses on the person, rather than the program, is gaining popularity in Haliburton.It's called Coming Full Circle, and while it's only been in the community since last fall, its impact is already being felt. What's different is the organization doesn't demand anything from participants, but rather, takes a gentle, welcoming approach, where help is offered as needed or requested. There's no set date and time for appointments, no demands made for counseling session timelines and best of all, no judgement.Barkley sat down with CanoeFM recently to talk about how the program works and how it's being received in the community.

Though you wouldn't notice it to look at him, Brandon Nimigon has the weight of more than 100 years resting on his shoulders. He's the new owner of Bernsteins – a building that has stood for more than a century and has a storied past, to say the least.Nimigon purchased the building that previously housed Bernstein's, but it's had a number of other identities; including a deli, a grocery store and a clothing store. Nimigon, a Century 21 broker, heard the building would be going on the market and jumped at the chance to put an offer in. The Century 21 office will move to the new space, and will be joined by two other offices and two apartments upstairs. Nimigon has big plans for the place and knows the importance of preserving its legacy while giving it a much-needed makeover.One of the most remarkable things is that the renovation project is employing a variety of local firms to get the work done, from design, to drawings, demo and construction. Nimigon says with his contacts, it was easy to build a dream team to re-imagine the space and put money back into the local community.

It's out with the old and in with the new – a state of the art x-ray machine at Haliburton Highlands Health Services. The new x-ray device will allow the old one, that's served the community since 2014, to be decommissioned. Its replacement, fully funded through a community campaign with the Triple H S Foundation, ensures quality care remains closer to home for residents and visitors to Haliburton County.The new unit replaces the previous unit which was reaching the end of its life cycle. It was becoming more expensive to repair as parts were becoming difficult to find. The hospital kept it functioning past its 10-year expected lifespan. The Triple H S Foundation's campaign, entitled "Here for You " raised six point three million dollars, far exceeding the campaign goal of four point three million dollars. The campaign originally aimed to fund a new CT scanner and mammography units, but thanks to the extra funds, triple H S was able to purchase and install the new x-ray suite as well. The new x-ray machine is expected to be a well used tool for doctors making diagnoses and subsequently in the treatment of patients.Gail Kennedy, Integrated Director of Diagnostics at the hospital sat down with CanoeFM recently to explain how the new x-ray machine will improve health care across the region.

The snow is melting and the temperatures are warming. For gardeners, this is the time to plan and plant seeds in anticipation of a good growing season ahead.SIRCH in Haliburton, which stands for Supportive Initiative for Residents in the County of Haliburton is inviting those with green thumbs to grow a row of vegetables to help supplement the organization's goal to feed those locally who struggle to put food on the table. By donating the vegetables to SIRCH, you help keep costs down while supporting those who are experiencing food insecurity, so it's a win-win for everyone.The Grow a Row program gives gardeners all they need to get started and great support along the way. Two local Master Gardeners will provide both growing tips and guidance to local gardeners and an upcoming welcome workshop will bring all the growers together to kick off the initiative and share best practices.

If you've been to the gas station lately to fill up, no doubt you've seen how much per litre prices are soaring. The pain at the pump we're all feeling these days has come from a perfect storm.The war in Iran, initiated by the US and Israel, and subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz which supplies about 20% of the global oil, has caused markets to react negatively, driving per barrel prices to more than $100 dollars. That translates into Canadians paying more than one dollar and fifty-two cents per litre, with recent highs reaching up to one dollar and ninety-one cents in certain areas.Dan McTeague President of Canadians for Affordable Energy, says while Canadians no longer have to pay the carbon tax, two others have taken its place, namely the Clean Fuel Standard tax and the Industrial Carbon Tax than comes into effect later this week. McTeague says these energy taxes drive the per litre prices even higher than they should be. Another factor to consider, he adds, is the strain on the supply of liquified natural gas that will also pose problems and cause inflation to rise.

Tourism is Haliburton County's second largest industry, next to construction. That's why Angelica Ingram, Tourism Manager for the County of Haliburton wants to capitalize on the growth of the region and its many tourism partners by reigniting a former group that was dedicated to enhancing and promoting all the County has to offer for visitors here.That's also why Ingram is encouraging local businesses and anyone whose livelihood relies on attracting tourists to attend the inaugural Tourism Stakeholder Session happening Thursday, April 2nd at the Pinestone Resort from 10am-12pm.The COVID-19 pandemic did a number on local tourist destinations and local businesses. The prolonged lockdowns hit hard and the impact of those lost months continues to be felt locally, Ingram says. That, paired with political uncertainty, the impact of tariffs and changing ownership, has changed the local landscape and why, she says, there's renewed interest in reimagining the tourism stakeholder group.

After a prolonged hiatus, thanks to the pandemic and other shifting priorities, The Land Between is bringing back its talking circles in Haliburton County and beyond to offer first-hand accounts and discoveries and to build a stronger understanding of the changes taking place in the forests of Haliburton County, particularly those pertaining to wildlife.It's not the first time these talking circles have been held by the organization, but the impact of the pandemic and subsequent return to normal activities has taken time. Now, as The Land Between revisits these talking circles, Berman is excited to hear from a variety of voices, both first nations, local harvesters, (formerly known as trappers), and members of the public.The focus of these talking circles will be on the impact of Eastern Wolves on other species found in the forests here and what people are seeing first-hand. The interplay of one species on others can be profound, and Berman says she wants to create a compendium of data to then share with researchers and various government agencies.

This week the Highlands Little Theatre production ofCalendar Girlsbegins its four-show run in Haliburton. It's a play based on a true story about a group of ladies, members of the Women's Institute in Yorkshire, England.The play follows the story of how an enduring friendship between two women helps heal the pain the loss of a spouse to cancer and the subsequent eyebrow-raising fundraiser the women take part in.Six local women bring that touching and often humorous story to life, but what's even more remarkable is how real-life couple, John and Rita Jackson are bringing their own love story to the stage with art truly imitating life in this production. In Part three of this series, we meet the Jacksons and Director Jack Brezina as opening night draws ever closer.

Highland's Little Theatre production ofCalendar Girlsis only days away from hitting the stage at the Northern Lights Pavillion and the cast and crew are hard at work. There's a lot to do, but hopes are high that on opening night, Tuesday, March 24rth everyone will be ready.This is part 2 of the Back on the Boards series. Last time we met the director Jack Brezina, Kate Butler and Stage Manager Amy Brohme. This time we're hearing from a few more locals who are taking to the stage, a couple who've done it regularly and a senior citizen taking up acting in her 70's.Calendar Girlsis a play based on a true story about a group of ladies, members of the Women's Institute in Yorkshire, England. The play follows the story of how an enduring friendship between two women helps heal the pain the loss of a spouse to cancer and the subsequent eyebrow-raising fundraiser the women take part in. Six local women bring that touching and often humorous story to life. But behind them are the strong and loving men who support their efforts, despite all the headaches and attention they attract.

It's a part of growing old, they say. After childbirth and menopause, women usually suffer from weaker pelvic floors that can lead to incontinence and other issues. And for most women, they simply accept this as their new normal, bringing extra clothing, and wearing pads to cope. But a new technology at the Willow Organic Beauty Wellness & Laser in Haliburton called the Emsella Chair is giving locals with incontinence a new lease on life.Developed in Europe and brought to Canada in 2017, the Emsella Chair also helps men who've gone through prostate cancer and women who face challenges during menopause.The Emsella chair technology uses electromagnetic pulses to activate the pelvic floor. Over time, it is gradually strengthened. Guests usually notice a big difference in how they live their lives on a daily basis. Gone is the need to wear pads or bring a change of clothes wherever you go.

It might not seem like having a safe place to live makes that much of a difference, but ask Angie Wilson and she'll tell you it absolutely does.For most of her life, struggle has been one of the only constants Wilson has known. Born into a family where substance abuse was rampant and untreated, she eventually found herself growing up in foster care.Over time, Wilson too, became addicted to alcohol and her life was consumed with her addiction and barely getting by. Once she had her three children, the walls began to close in and the lies she told herself and others finally caught up with her. Unemployed, with bills piling up and no way to pay them, she literally dropped to the floor in full-blown panic attack. Then, on her sister's prodding, reached out to Places 4 People. Wilson applied for housing assistance with P4P.Wilson's story exemplifies what Places for People is all about and why the upcoming fundraising event, Sleeping in Cars on Friday, March 27th is so critically important to the organization.

James Raffan celebrated two prominent anniversaries last year. One was his 70th birthday and the other marked 50 years of exploring and documenting Canada's arctic and its people. Those two milestones inspired Raffan to write his one-man showThe Accidental Canadian, which combines storytelling and original music and is part love letter, part homage to the places and people who've shaped his life.Raffan is bringing his show to the Haliburton Legion on Wednesday, March 11th. He sat down with CanoeFM recently to share some of what he's learned through trekking in the arctic but more from the indigenous people living there. He's grateful for the life he's been fortunate to live and thinks the best lessons come from being on the edge.

Roger Trull considers his volunteer role with the Haliburton Highlands Sports Hall of Fame to be one of the best in the world. After all, he gets to tell the newest group of inductees they're being honored. For the third time since its inception, the Haliburton Highlands Sports Hall of Fame will be inducting another slate of worthy individuals at an upcoming ceremony, those who've made their mark and those who've helped launch them on their way.For a county the size of Haliburton, this region has produced a surprising number of notable athletes in a variety of sports. But beyond the headlines and box scores, the region is rich with those who've been instrumental in making their dreams of sports excellence a reality.Trull came to the CanoeFM studio recently to talk about why the organization was created. Since the region is chock-full of various sporting organizations and talented athletes, picking potential inductees is relatively easy, Trull says. The hard part, he adds, is winnowing down the list to fit the four categories.

Like many other Ontario communities, the village of Kinmount has a doctor shortage. Now, the problem has been made worse as Dr. Mimi Van Der Leden recently announced she's closing up shop, leaving 500 local patients without a physician.Dr. Van Der Leden's patients were notified about the closure of her practice last week via phone messages and mailed letters, causing many to take to social media to express their frustration and anger. Dr. Van Der Leden accepted the position at the Kinmount District Health Centre in December 2024, and began seeing patients in February 2025. She has only been treating patients here for just over a year and patients were not told the reason for the closure of the practice.Canoe FM spoke with Lois O'Neil-Jackson, Chair of the Kinmount District Health Centre Foundation. She said the Foundation is saddened about Dr. Van Der Leden's departure but could not provide a reason, other than suspecting that it ‘was not a good fit' for her there.

Over the years, many have tried and failed to make Minden's downtown core a place people, and more specifically, shoppers want to be. Now, the creation of the Minden Business Working Group, formed under the umbrella of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce, to transform the downtown to reflect the unique character and pride of Minden and its residents.Matthew Renda, who owns Boshkung Social, says attempts have been made by business owners in Minden several times in the past to revitalize and re-imagine the downtown core, but all failed to make real change. Renda's role as First Vice President on the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce helped facilitate the timely formation of the working group and he's now the working group's Chair.At the first meeting, more than 42 business owners and interested parties were present. The interest, work ethic and passion of the group's members are turning naysayers into believers, and this time, the dream of creating an attractive, appealing and enticing downtown will come true, Renda says. And the cherry on top is Minden Hills council supports the initiative.

These days, with post secondary tuition on the rise, it's a good idea to be certain about one's future career path. That's exactly what the Haliburton Highlands Ontario Provincial Police is attempting to do with its new initiative, the OPP Youth Academy.The program, the first of its kind to be offered in the region, gives high school students a chance to learn more about the diverse roles within the OPP and gauge whether this is a career that interests them.The OPP Youth Academy is a six-week program beginning March 26th, where students in grades 9 through 12 spend two hours each week at the Minden detachment. It's a chance for students to get a behind the scenes look at the work the OPP carry out every day.

The true story of how a small Women's Institute in Yorkshire raised both eyebrows and funds by posing nude for a calendar is the central theme of the playCalendar Girls, set to take the stage of the Northern Lights Pavilion in Haliburton in late March. Since early January, the cast and crew have been hard at work, learning their lines, blocking and even some songs for the upcoming show.Most people who sit in the audience enjoying HLT's productions never truly know what goes into bringing a show to the stage; the long hours, memorizing lines and figuring out who their characters are both as individuals and as part of the greater cast. But for everyone involved, it's a labor of love.For a number of years in my 20's and 30's, I took part in a number of shows with a theatre company just east of Alliston. After having children and going through a divorce, I was unable to spare the time to pursue my love of acting and singing on stage. So, being cast in a show 27 years later, is both exciting and terrifying. Having been welcomed by this group is giving me the confidence I need as we edge ever closer to opening night.In this, the first of a series on bringing this show to life, you'll hear from the director, the stage manager and a few actors in the production. You'll hear how the show is progressing and meet more of the people working to bring a wonderful true story, filled with laughter and tears to the stage.

Barb Murphy has a new motto for living in Haliburton during snowy winters: Keep the snow low. Recently, the Ingoldsby resident had an unpleasant surprise when he carbon monoxide alarms went off one evening and the gauges measured dangerous levels of CO2 in her home.Murphy, who considers herself a capable and independent sort, was shocked the alarms went off, but immediately took action. She opened all her windows and doors then called 911. Minden Fire Chief Don Kruger arrived first, then another two fire trucks and crews came to investigate. After testing and re-testing the levels of CO2, they discovered the culprit — a huge snow wall that prevented the fumes from escaping the outdoor vents. While the vents were clear, the snow wall trapped the gas and it reentered Murphy's home.In the clear now, Murphy is grateful to the fire crews who kept her safe and recommends everyone go the extra mile in clearing snow around vents and keep nearby snow piles from getting too high.

It's been an important part of the community for both permanent residents and seasonal visitors, and now, after a fire that completely destroyed the main store, last Thursday, the owners are vowing to rebuild.CanoeFM spoke with Kevin Dyck, one of three owners of the Kingdon Timber Mart earlier today. Dyck said despite the shock and sadness of the fire, they are already making plans to rebuild the main building lost in the blaze. Although he couldn't provide a dollar value to the destruction, Dyck said they will be setting up temporary offices on site to continue lumber yard sales and will eventually begin construction of the new store.The fire broke out late Thursday evening last week, but by the time firefighters from three different municipalities arrived, the blaze was already well developed. 35 firefighters fought the fire but could not save the main building. The lumber yard out buildings did not sustain any damage. The Ontario Fire Marshall reported the fire's cause remains accidental and undetermined.Employees affected by the fire have been relocated to the Gooderham Timber Mart or working from home.

Dementia Widow – A Memoir of Love, Death & Survivalis Minden's own Fay Martin's first work, but it's her very own story of loss, acceptance and finding a way through. It is a personal story she knew she wanted to tell while experiencing her husband's journey with dementia. In it, she explores frustrating delays in diagnosing him, and the impact on their marriage, as Martin went from an equal partner to a different person altogether – someone, Martin made the choice to care for as the dynamics changed dramatically.CanoeFM sat down with Martin recently to learn more about how Martin felt compelled to write this very raw and real book about her husband Michael Fay's dementia and how it impacted her as well.Fay passed away in 2020 and not long after, Martin began her Masters Fine Arts in Creative Non-Fiction a year later. She had journalled about her experiences with her husband's dementia journey since its onset and Martin knew she had to do something with them. After several rewrites, it becameDementia Widow. Martin, now 82, confesses that while it was a difficult experience to go through, it was important for her to share it with others.

At more than 20 years old, the playground at Stuart W. Baker Elementary School is well past its prime. Within the next couple of years, it will most likely be decommissioned due to safety concerns.That's why Lauren Adelson, and the rest of the school's parent teacher council are busy organizing an upcoming fundraiser entitled ‘Pasta for Playground' to help get them closer to their dream of a safe, new and accessible playground.Between both Stuart W. Baker and J. Douglas Hodgson Elementary, who share use of the play structures, parents have raised $30K towards the goal of $300K. The Pasta for Playground fundraiser is the first of what is hoped to be an annual event until the full amount of money needed to tear down the existing structure and replace it with a new one.The Ontario Ministry of Education does not financially assist playgrounds, so the parent councils and the community must pull together to make it happen. Adelson recently spoke to CanoeFM about why this venture is so important.

It's been a tough year for Canada. Threats of annexation and geopolitical uncertainty have been difficult for most of us to deal with. That's why the Highlands Summer Festival in Haliburton is launching its summer season with a fitting prescription — laughs and lots of them from an all-Canadian season of plays and musicals.Dougie Walker, Artistic Director and Producer of HSF took time out of his busy schedule of auditions, callbacks, working, being a dad and studying for a new career to speak with CanoeFM recently. He says we all need a laugh and this season, audiences are going to be doing just that. This season's offerings feature beloved musicals and plays from Canadian playwrights that are sure to give everyone a boost of patriotism and pride.

The Healthy Democracy Project's Voices and Votes Speaker Series is attempting to educate and inform the public about the local political process. Coming this March, there are two new presentations entitled ‘Behind the Scenes of Municipal Leadership'and ‘Understanding Campaigns, How Success Happens'. The goal is to pull back the curtain and by doing so, inspire people to engage in the level of government that impacts everyone the most.CanoeFM sat down recently with Carol Moffat, a former Algonquin Highlands councilor, mayor and County Warden and Lauren Hunter, who has managed campaigns for many years. Both emphasized the importance of understanding and getting involved with local politics, boards of directors or not-for-profit organizations because of the potential for positive outcomes for communities.They encourage people come out to the upcoming sessions to learn more about how everyone can make a difference locally.

After six years of good fiscal management and meeting educational priorities, the Trillium Lakes District School Board, (TLDSB) announced recently that the Board's new Outdoor Education & Indigenous Centre will begin construction on its own property in Minden later this Spring.The new, three thousand square foot centre is expected to cost $1.2 million dollars which will come out of the Board's capital reserves and be used by students from kindergarten to Grade 12. Set on the Board's own 90-plus acres, beside Archie Stouffer Elementary School, the centre will provide Leadership and teambuilding, environmental learning, including orienteering, mapping, flora/fauna identification, and ecology, physical education like skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking, Indigenous teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers and activities such as collecting maple sap, studying animal tracks, and exploring the Canadian shield.CanoeFM spoke with Wes Hahn, TLDSB Director recently to learn more about next steps. Hahn says now that the Ministry has approved the plan, tenders will go out and construction won't be too far behind. He hopes to get shovels in the ground as soon as the snow melts.

The 2nd Annual Haliburton February Folk Festival is a delight for the senses and a perfect way to rid yourself of the winter blahs. There's a jam-packed schedule of local artists and top-tier talents in this year's festival that's already underway. Organizers are thrilled to build on their first year's success.Lizzy Clarke is the coordinator of the February Folk Festival – a month-long celebration of all kinds of musical genres at a number of local venues.A singer in her own right, Clarke dropped by the CanoeFM studios to give a glimpse into this year's musical offerings. She's encourages everyone to get out to as many shows as possible, both the ticketed events and the pop-up shows as well.

Darren Lum has traded in his notebook and camera for a completely different career. After decades of working as a journalist in Haliburton, he's working as a carpenter with a local homebuilder, Haliburton Crew. Now Lum is in an industry that's crying out to attract more people like him – those willing to pick up a power tool and work in the trades.With a can-do attitude and a seemingly fearless approach, trying new things is definitely part of Lum's make-up. After he ended his journalism career, Lum worked for two winters learning how to lead sled dog trips with Winterdance Dogsled Tours, northeast of Haliburton. A marathon runner, Lum continued to build up his strength and endurance. For a time, he even worked as a bike courier. Now, at 49, all that conditioning is paying off in the physically demanding world of the trades.CanoeFM recently spoke to Lum and his boss Andrew Brown to learn about how jumping into the skilled trades has been a great transition and why people like him are needed in an industry that's facing critical staffing shortages.

Over the last four years, Kathy Judson , a mother of twin 12-year-old gymnastics-crazed daughters has searched for a spot that would work for a gymnastics space in Haliburton. She was exhausted from having to drive her girls hours out of town to train and compete.After the last possible site fell through, she reached out to the Haliburton County Development Corporation, or HCDC for guidance. The organization gave her some great advice and possible locations to look at, then Judson secured the site located at 367 Industrial Road in Haliburton. Then, they sweetened the pot with a $100 thousand dollar loan to get Haliburton Gymnastics off the ground.While the space in Haliburton has been secured, she's now beginning her search for community donors or sponsors. Judson hopes to open the doors to the Haliburton Gymnastics in July to recreational users then ramp up from there.

The Haliburton Sled Dog Derby returns to The Pinestone on January 24rth and 25th — one of three remaining dog sled racing events still taking place in Ontario. It's a true team sport, where both the animals and humans must work together. This weekend's event will feature mushers competing in a number of different race classes from across the province, Quebec and the US. The event even attracted an international attention when the Jamaican Dog Sled team raced a few years back.In preparation for the weekend's event, CanoeFM ventured out into the woods northeast of Haliburton to learn more about dog sledding from a local expert, Tanya McCready of Winterdance Dog Sled Tours. We sat beside a woodburning stove as just outside, a group of dogs were being hitched up for an afternoon ride. Meanwhile, her young pup Sherlock tried to distract us from our conversation.

Balancing priorities, preparing for the future while keeping the taxpayers' burden as low as possible is what Minden Hills Mayor Bob Carter is trying to do with the 2026 budget process. That's why he chose to use his newly granted Strong Mayors' powers to veto eight amendments already passed by council during the budget deliberations.When Mayor presented the proposed budget to council on Dec. 15, the tax increase for residents was 3 point nine five per cent. Councilors then passed 27 amendments to this year's budget to include charges that were unknown or unavailable at the time of the original budget. Others were to correct errors or omissions.Carter spoke with CanoeFM to explain what amendments he vetoed and the rationale behind them. The majority of these involved adding back items that appeared in the first draft of the budget but had been voted out by councilors. Under the new Strong Mayors legislation, the budget process has much stricter timelines.

Under the guise of fast-tracking housing and infrastructure construction, consistent standards and better flood and hazard management across the province, the Ontario government is proposing to amalgamate 36 existing conservation authorities into seven larger regional bodies, with oversight from a provincial agency.The plan, announced in November 2025, has already received harsh criticism from several municipalities and conservation authorities through the public consultation or period, which ended in late December. Those in opposition have voiced concerns over the loss of local environmental knowledge, reduced community engagement, potential job losses, and disruption to critical flood management.When it comes to Haliburton County, only a small fraction falls under conservation authority jurisdiction, that being a tiny portion in Highlands East, managed by Crowe Valley Conservation. And yet, the Kawartha Conservation Authority manages Source Water Protection here.CanoeFM spoke with a number of local organizations who fear how the amalgamation of conservation authorities will impact the local environment and in turn, the county's economy.

As of yesterday, Sunday, January 11th, The Beer Store in Haliburton has officially closed. In June, the local store would've celebrated its 50thyear of serving locals and tourists and yesterday the last case of beer rolled out.When the store closed at 4pm, employees, former employees, friends and customers gathered in the parking lot to mark the occasion. They stood together in the blustery weather, and while impacted employees were prohibited from speaking to the media, several loyal customers openly shared their disappointment.The closure of the Haliburton location came from an agreement with the Ontario government, The Beer Store and the union representing 65-hundred full and part-time Beer Store employees, United Food and Commercial Workers, following the expansion of alcohol sales at grocery and convenience stores across the province.

It's Friday morning at the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena in Minden and a group of men, all over 50 are out on the ice, to skate, sweat and swap stories on a sheet of ice. The main reason is obvious – everyone here has a deep love of the game of hockey and a desire to stay active.But it's about a lot more than that. The league gives retirees a chance to connect with each other and share some laughs and an occasional pint of beer. Last year, a group of players over the age of 83, retired from the group that was a staple in their lives.CanoeFM dropped into the Minden arena to learn why this league is so popular here.

According to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, more than 50 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year — the majority of which occur during fall and winter. That's why, as of January 1, 2026, changes to the Ontario Fire Code now require a working carbon monoxide alarm on every level of any residence with a gas-burning appliance, including a furnace, water heater or stove.The previous legislation required a carbon monoxide detector outside every sleeping area, but officials say the new law is aimed at providing better protection against a deadly gas that can't be seen, smelled or tasted.CanoeFM spoke with Don Kruger, Minden Hills Fire Chief, to learn why the change in legislation is necessary in providing another level of prevention.

The beauty of Haliburton County and the wonderful people who live there are the reasons a local couple has stepped up to double the impact of the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation's ‘Believe in the Magic of Giving' holiday campaign.Scott Pollard and his wife Suzanne Patmios have a four-season home on Mountain Lake that's become their favorite place to be. The beauty of the area, along with the kind-hearted residents and businesses are the reason why the couple will match all donations made during the holiday campaign, dollar for dollar, up to $100 thousand dollars to provide essential healthcare in the community.CanoeFM sat down recently with them to find out why giving back is so important.

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium found in rocks and soil. You can't see, smell, or taste radon. When it enters confined spaces like a house, it can build up to high levels and become harmful.When radon is inhaled, radioactive particles can get trapped in your lungs. This damages lung tissue and over many years, can develop into lung cancer. In Canada, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, next to smoking.That's why, for the first time, the newly merged Lakelands Public Health is offering free Radon test kits to residents in Haliburton County as part of the Evict Radon dot CA National Study, to help collect data and build awareness about radon levels in the region.

Local Haliburton County fire departments are joining forces with the Ontario Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council and other fire safety education organizations to deliver its annual ‘12 Days of Holiday Fire Safety' campaign.Don Kruger, Minden Hills Fire Chief, spoke with CanoeFM recently to explain that this time of year brings with it added fire risks and with some forethought and planning, local residents can stay fire safe this holiday season.

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Thirty-eight years ago, a lone gunman entered Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal with one goal — to kill as many females as possible. He walked into an engineering class, asked the men to leave and proceeded to shoot the female students. In what he described as ‘fighting feminism', he shot all nine women in the room, killing six.The shooter then moved through corridors, the cafeteria, and another classroom, specifically targeting women to shoot for just under 20 minutes. He killed another eight women before turning the gun on himself. A total of 14 women lost their lives that day.That horrendous attack and the violence that women still face all these years later is why the Haliburton Highlands Chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women is hosting a vigil on Saturday, December 6 at 10:30 am. The event gives residents a chance to remember those women who died and to support those who have or are experiencing abuse.

Measles, a disease that can lead to serious health issues such as blindness, deafness and even death is easily prevented with childhood vaccinations. But after the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation and outright lies regarding the necessity for them caused a dramatic drop in parents vaccinating their children. As a result, a serious outbreak of measles occurred in 2024, with more than 5,000 cases reported across Canada. Transmission of the virus for 12 consecutive months caused Canada's eliminated status of measles to be striped away.Dr. Natalie Bocking is Deputy Medical Officer of Health with Lakelands Public Health. Recently, she spoke with CanoeFM about what this means and her concerns for other diseases returning. She says as a physician, she's disappointed that Canada has lost its elimination status for measles because of all the efforts made to achieve it.

The Highlands festival Singers are in their 34rth year of entertaining audiences in Haliburton. In that time, they've performed Handel's Messiah eight times and this year they're bringing it back to the delight of both the singers and to the community.CanoeFM recently attended a rehearsal and spoke to Musical Director Melissa Stephens and a number of choir members on what this classic work means to them. In some cases, people said it was their way of ringing in the holiday season, while others say the work has shaped their lives for decades.

Given the rising cost of third-party commitments to the City of Kawartha Lakes for Social Services and housing, Lakelands Public Health, as well as physician recruitment, which represent more than four per cent of the 2026 budget, Haliburton County aims to maintain existing service levels while planning for the future. Those third-party costs, total more than 6 point 6 million dollars, up more than one million dollars from last year's allocation.New items in this year's budget include the hiring of six new employees – three new Advanced Care Paramedics, a GIS technician, a Cyber Security Analyst and a Grant Writer.The Budget Liaison Committee also recommended $500 thousand dollars be cut from the Sustainable Roads Infrastructure Program for 2026. County Liaison are recommending council funds the Library Board $1 million dollars for this year and use its more than $400 thousand in reserves to operate.Haliburton County is gathering public feedback up to Dec. 2 for next budget council session.

Protecting lake health is something Jim Prince and fellow members of the Kenisis Lake Cottage Owners’ Association take very seriously. They say doing so is vital to both the environment and to the local economy. That’s why, as a lake steward, his lake association and nine others have voiced their opposition to the move by some Dysart et Al councilors to peel back long-established shoreline protection regulations under the municipality’s Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw.

David Mills and Jim Frost are devoted members of the Haliburton Lions Club. Every year, they're in charge of the club's prized possession — its Santa Claus float for the annual Christmas parade. Designed and constructed in 2004, its founders have passed on, but their vision is lovingly preserved. Each year, the float is repaired and prepared for the nigh time parade, with hand-carved reindeers and a beautiful cutter for Santa to ride in.Over the years, the float has encountered a number of interesting challenges, but the community's affection for it has kept it rolling in the parade, no matter what. Both Mills and Frost say it's the star of the annual event and a great source of pride.Mills and Frost recently visited the CanoeFM studios to discuss the vibrant history of the Santa Claus float and what it means to the community.

It's been a year of the kind of work that Leanne Young and her husband Kyle are grateful to be doing — helping to support and guide the youth of Haliburton County. Through their efforts, Youth Unlimited brings preteens together through their programming, both at The Bridge and in area schools. Now, they say, it's time to give back to the community with their Concert of Hope, presented on Saturday, November 29that Lakeside Church at 9 Park Street from 2 to 4 pm.The concert will feature live music and dance performances, a raffle and the sale of fresh apple pies, just in time for the holidays. It's a way of saying thank you to the community who has supported the organization and its goal to offer local youth fun activities and friendship in a safe welcoming space.CanoeFM recently spoke with Young and one of the performers for the concert.

The 2nd Annual Harvest Haliburton Food Forum brought together growers, municipal leaders, tourism leads, ministry representatives, university professors and local business leaders to advocate for support of small-scale farms and regenerative farming by creating policies and bylaws that protect local farmland and food production.Less than two per cent of Haliburton County is used for agriculture. It's rocky terrain and challenging soil conditions makes it a difficult place for farming. But with creativity and innovation, a group of farmers here are doing their best to support their local food system.CanoeFM attended the event and had a chance to speak with a number of participants, including Aisha Malik, the Co-Chair of Harvest Haliburton and a public health dietician at Lakelands Public Health. Her focus there is sustainable food systems, so her role with Harvest Haliburton is a perfect fit. She says the organization aims to bring everyone to the table to improve the local food system here.

After he retired from running his scrap metal business in Minden, Rick Harding needed to find something to keep him busy. With the help of his best friend Rick Franklin, the two started collecting pop cans, then beer cans and liquor bottles, then scrap metal. The two then began taking the items to the city for recycling, and giving the proceeds to the Minden Community Food Centre.Jean Munroe, Executive Director of the centre, says the generosity of people like Harding and Franklin are what help support members of the community who are struggling to make ends meet. She says demand has dramatically increased, and that's why the efforts of people like Harding and Franklin mean so much.

More than half of Ontario's ice rinks and arenas are nearing the end of their lifecycle, requiring significant and expensive repairs or replacement. According to the Ontario Recreational Facilities Association, (or ORFA), the province's estimated 27 hundred arenas are in poor or failing condition. With many of them built more than 50 years ago, many of the province's arenas are facing closure and service reductions due to high repair costs, safety concerns, and lack of consistent funding.Terry Piche, Director of Training, Research and Development with ORFA says when the provincial government downloaded the management of recreational facilities onto the backs of municipal governments in the 1990's, it put real financial pressures on communities eager to maintain use by local hockey teams, community groups and other users. He says while he's happy to hear Highlands East is getting by keeping their rec facilities open and regularly maintained, the approach won't work forever.

Aging Together as Community is a community advocacy group established originally in 2020, as the Haliburton Highlands Long Term Care Coalition during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the help of a number of community builders, it evolved into a group intent on raising awareness of seniors' unique health care needs while keeping seniors living independently in their homes for as long as possible. Bonnie Roe leads the group and says it's all about aging in a way that provides the greatest comfort and dignity.Roe says there are a number of eventsAging Together as Communityis planning that will bring seniors together and feature many activities they've been asking for. While she'll only hint at what's coming, she says much of it is thanks to the organization recently obtaining its not-for-profit status which opens the door to more funding sources.

When the Canadian Dental Care Program rolled out in May 2025, offering affordable dental services for eligible Canadians of all ages, Dr. Bill Kerr and his colleagues made the difficult decision to close the Volunteer Dental Outreach Clinic in Haliburton. The clinic officially closed in September.While he salutes the federal government for providing dental care to all Canadians, it's a bittersweet feeling knowing the clinic he started with his wife Lisa Marie in 2011 has closed its doors. While Lisa was instrumental in spearheading the clinic's creation, she sadly passed away prior to the roll-out of the federal dental care program.Dr. Kerr is glad the federal plan has been rolled out, since dental care is essential to overall health and well-being. He says the program, despite gaps in the fee structure, is a step in the right direction, giving patients the freedom to choose what treatment options make the most sense to them.

Haliburton Highlands Secondary School has been offering co-op education credit courses for 40 years and Jason Morissett says it gives students invaluable, real-world experience. Rather than spending thousands of dollars in post-secondary courses only to find out it's not a fit, the high school's co-op program is a kind of ‘try before you buy' approach to learning more about the career than interests them.Grade 11 student Sophia Burke and grade 12 student Elizabeth Mathew are thrilled to be spending their co-op term at Haliburton Highlands Health Services, (HHHS), and think a career in healthcare will definitely be in their future. While it's hard to nail down what department is their favorite, being with patients and making a difference is high on the list with both of the students.

In 2008, Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary was founded by Monika Meli-car and her husband Whitebear as a refuge for animals in need of a second chance. Every year, more than 800 animals come to the center, who are either sick or have been injured or orphaned due to some kind of human cause, such as being hit by a car or run-ins with domestic animals. No matter the reason, the volunteers give their all for the health and well-being of the animals who come into care there.Monika Meli-car sat down with CanoeFM recently to talk about Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary and why a center like this is so important. Listening to her and hearing the passion and drive to help animals in need shows how Meli-car is doing what she always dreamed of.

Marg Cox, Executive Director and the Board of Directors of Point in Time are celebrating the securement of land in Haliburton that will eventually become a new Child, Youth and Family Hub as well as the new Point in Time office.The site, at 5219 County Road 21, is beside the Home Hardware, and will be a one-stop shop for Point in Time services, programs and a child, youth and family hub. It's the realization of a dream Cox has held in her heart for a long time and exactly what the organization needs to serve the community in the years to come.While it's still early days, a land survey has already been completed on the four-acre site. A traffic study will determine road access and an architectural firm will proceed with the design. Point in time will not need all the acreage, so there are plans to sub-divide the property. The next steps will include cost estimates and funding requirements, including launching a fundraising campaign.

From Bethany houghton's earliest memories of learning to play the cello, to building violins, teaching students and performing, the constant thread has been wrapped around the joy that music brings her.So, it's no surprise that when CanoeFM recently had the opportunity to interview her, music was center stage. While there were some relatives that could play music, it took sibling rivalry to open up Houghton's world to learning and loving music. Her sister picked up the violin and Houghton set her sights on the cello. And the rest, as they say, is history.Between Houghton's education at an arts high school in Etobicoke that taught her all aspects of theory and performance, weekends playing weddings and even building string instruments both as a hobby then later as a way to make a living, Houghton says she's got many interesting tools in her toolbox.

William Spotton loves his little piece of paradise on Farguhar Lake near Wilberforce. It's a long cabin built by his grandfather in 1948. With no electricity or running water, it's not a fancy cottage, but to Spotton, it's his refuge. So, when it came time to renew his insurance for the waterside property, it was a shock to discover how much more he'd be paying, four times the original rate when he took over the property in 2000. Insurance premiums for the cottage jumped from just over $400 to $1,600, with the highest quote coming in at $3,200.But Spotton is not alone. Insurance rates have hit an all-time high following the highest payout year for claims in 2024. In 2025, the average home insurance premium in Ontario jumped by about seven point five per cent compared to 2024, a rise far above general inflation (2.3% for 2025), and above the national average of 5.3%.This surge continues a multi-year trend of escalating home insurance rates. Ontario premiums have increased 84% between 2014 and 2024, vastly outpacing the 28% growth in general consumer prices over the same decade. The culprit behind these steep hikes is largely the growing impact of climate-related disasters and higher rebuilding costs.CanoeFM spoke with Spotton and the Insurance Bureau of Canada to find out what's driving insurance costs up.

Canada's rental market is dire. In cities like Toronto, the average person's income must be at least $78 thousand dollars per year to afford to rent an apartment. And here in Haliburton, the rental market suffers from both a lack of inventory and landlords who can set whatever price they want.CanoeFM sat down with Fay Martin, Vice-president of Places for People recently to learn more about the current status of the local rental market in Haliburton County, its challenges and what renters are facing here.Martin says Haliburton has always had its own specific rental issues here. A dire lack of affordable rentals, combined with low wages, low inventory and an underground rental market have pushed the system to the brink.

Eight years ago, Jennifer Semach opened Walkabout Farm in Minden. She began offering therapeutic riding programs to provide enrichment for those who are differently abled. This farm, and the important work done in Minden, is the only stable of its kind here in Haliburton County and relies on donations from both businesses and individuals to operate. That's why the farm and its many volunteers and program participants are welcoming the public to their annual Fall Festival, to raise awareness and funds to keep the farm offering the transformative therapy it provides free of charge.CanoeFM visited the farm recently to speak with both Semach and her longest serving volunteer Macy Thompson, to learn more about the activities planned for the Fall Festival and how critical the support is to maintain program delivery there.

Take a drive in Haliburton County these days, and you're sure to see how gas prices vary from town to town and station to station. The resulting confusion surrounding the variance got one local Haliburton woman wondering why those differences exist. She started a Facebook group entitled ‘Fair Gas Prices for Haliburton' to raise awareness and lobby support in a community where the effects of a downturned, tourist-centered economy puts the strain on local residents.CanoeFM sat down with Jennifer Korpela to learn why she's formed the group and is putting pressure on gas companies, local government and the province to step in to bring in consistency and lower gas prices for local residents.CanoeFM also spoke with Gas Wizard Dan McTeague, who explained the complexity and constantly changing prices drivers are facing at the pumps. He said the margin for gas station owners is razor thin and there are many factors contributing to the cost of gassing up vehicles.

From the annual Maplefest to the Penny Raffle and awarding student bursaries, the Wilberforce ‘Fun'-raising Committee is committed to its beloved community. All their initiatives are aimed at improving the lives of the friends and neighbors who call this small village home.That's why Janice Dahms is excited to be involved in hosting yet another community effort — the Wilberforce Clothing Swap to be held at the Lloyd Watson Memorial Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 am to 2 pm. The event is free and everyone is invited to come visit, browse the clothing and take home as much as they want.It's the first time the Wilberforce ‘Fun'-raising Committee has held a clothing swap and the idea is to help individuals and families offset the cost of clothes while keeping unwanted items out of the landfill.

This past year has been a tough one when it comes to the health and stability of trees in Haliburton County. Heavy snowpacks, a devastating ice storm, windstorms, and prolonged heat and drought have put many different species under extreme stress. But, according to a local expert, trees are designed to withstand and survive multiple hardships, but don't live forever.CanoeFM went into the Haliburton Forest recently with Thomas McCay, a forester, who explained how trees have various coping strategies to handle the wild weather we've experienced this past growing season, but it's the spread on invasive species that pose the greatest threats to trees. Both Beech Bark Disease and Wooly Hemlock Adelgid are devastating forests and as yet there is no known treatment to deal with the impact they're having on our tree canopy here.

Every year in mid-September, the tiny village of Gooderham in Haliburton County comes alive with motorcycles, racers and enthusiasts who participate in the Corduroy Enduro — an intense test of motorcycling skills through challenging terrain.This is the 71st year for the Cord, as it's affectionately called, with more than 700 riders expected to compete over the weekend of September 18 – 21.CanoeFM sat down with the lead organizer for the event and two riders that can't wait for the event to begin so they can challenge themselves on the course. It's a three-day event that attracts riders of all ages and genders and the sound of roaring motorcycles will fill the air as racers traverse creek beds, huge boulders, roots and flat ground in a quest to win the national championship title.The Corduroy Enduro, is named after the way a course was made safe to travel, by placing logs beside each other, creating a corduroy design it resembles.

In Ontario's last municipal election, 32 councils were acclaimed. That means no one chose to run for office to serve their communities. The recently-formed Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project aims to change that, by giving local residents a chance to acquire the skills and tools needed to become involved in the political arena.Established and run by five politically-active individuals, some who've held office, others who've run campaigns or actively engage in local issues, the initiative is aimed at helping people learn and build skills, make connections and take part in shaping their communities' future.CanoeFM recently sat down with two members of the Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project at Castle Antiques in Haliburton. Barrie Martin, a retired wildlife biologist and Jessica Slade, a federal government not-for-profit policy manager, welcome anyone who's interested in running for a local seat, helping with campaigns or is just curious and wants to learn more about local politics to attend one of the sessions.

For the second year in a row, the Haliburton Legion, Branch 129 will be hosting its Empty Bowls fundraiser, that serves up both soup and support for SIRCH Community Services and other local food banks.CanoeFM spoke with both Michelle Anton, the Legion Secretary and Mike Waller, President of the Haliburton Legion Branch #129 about the event, who are thrilled to host the Empty Bowls fundraiser. Anton, a potter herself, borrowed the idea from another community and then organized the first Empty Bowls event here last fall. She's thrilled to invite the community to take part in the event that brings handmade bowls made by local potters, delicious soup donated by local restaurants and the community together for a great cause.The Empty Bowls fundraiser takes place on Sept. 20 with two sittings offered.

For the second year in a row, Haliburton's Youth Unlimited has partnered with the owners of Home Hardware to provide free backpacks and school supplies for another school year.CanoeFM spoke with Leanne Young of Youth Unlimited. She says it's just one way to take the financial burden off parents who might be struggling to make ends meet, and it also aligns with the organization's mission to nurture the potential of all kids in our region.Last year, Home Hardware supplied 200 backpacks and this year another 100 to ensure all kids have what they need for school. There are still a selection of backpacks and supplies available, so parents are urged to visit Youth Unlimited soon before they're gone.

Based on responses to the Canadian Income Survey, an estimated 18 per cent of households in Haliburton County are experiencing food insecurity. In fact, one in four cannot afford to buy the food they need to maintain good health. Food insecurity, a direct sign of poverty, has doubled in recent years, with more people turning to food banks to fill the gaps.Since late 2024, five Ontario communities – Toronto, Mississauga, Kingston, Smiths Falls and Cochrane have declared food emergencies. While symbolic, the declarations are aimed at raising awareness and advocacy at the provincial and federal government levels to address food insecurity.CanoeFM recently spoke to a number of local officials and organizations to learn more about food insecurity and food emergencies. In Part One of our series, we learned about what factors contribute to declaring a food emergency and the impact of food insecurity on adults and children. In Part Two, we'll learn what's being done locally to address the issue and what the future may hold in Haliburton County.

For many young people, it's the obstacle that's the hardest to overcome — to get a job, you need experience, but how do you get it? The Ontario Summer Company program gives youth a chance to confidently start and run their own business.Beau Harnois, started up Clean Force Power Washing in Haliburton this summer, thanks to the grant which allowed him to purchase his equipment and learn all about the life of an entrepreneur. Hands-on experience was paired with instruction and coaching on invoicing, cash flow and marketing.CanoeFM visited Harnois on a job and learned more about his experiences this summer.

Rising rent, soaring grocery prices and other essentials are putting a strain on Ontarians and forcing them to make some difficult decisions. The reality? More households are experiencing food insecurity — the inability to afford nutritious food for optimum health.In Haliburton County, 18 per cent of households are living with food insecurity, with demand for assistance at food banks and social service agencies trying to fill the gaps.Six Ontario communities have already declared food emergencies — Toronto, Mississauga, Cochrane, Kingston, Brockville and Smiths Falls, and the growing issue locally might mean Haliburton County joins the ranks of those struggling communities.CanoeFM recently spoke to a number of local officials and organizations to learn more about food insecurity and food emergencies. In Part One of our series, we'll learn about what factors contribute to declaring a food emergency and the impact of food insecurity on adults and children. In Part Two, we'll learn what's being done locally to address the issue.

Brooksong Retreat and Cancer Support Center in Haliburton is a nationally recognized safe place where people will be listened to and supported in the midst of a cancer experience. An upcoming fundrasiser is aimed at encouraging local residents to sweat to raise funds to ensure more people living with cancer can take advantage of the transformative care that Brooksong offers. The Sweat for Support event takes place on Saturday, August 23rdat SWEAT Social in Haliburton.Brooksong is hosting a summer fundraiser entitled the Haliburton Highlands Challenge which allows everyone to contribute to Brooksong in both active and creative ways. The SWEAT Social event will feature pairs workouts that will get the blood pumping.The goal is to raise $100K to enable more people with cancer to take part in a variety of in-person retreats and online programsintended to provide rest and renewal, companionship, soothe, strengthen and restore the body, mind, and soul in the midst of a cancer experience.CanoeFM visited SWEAT Social to speak to the organizers for the event and learn why it means so much to them and the broader community.

It's a practice that might not be policy, but for the more than 700,000 rural mailbox customers served by Canada Post raising the red flag to signify a delivery has been made has ended. Canada Post made the announcement in early August and its mail carriers, members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, (CUPE), are disturbed by the removal of the time-honored practice since it weakens the crown corporation's reputation and customer service.CanoeFM spoke with both rural mailbox customers and the regional CUPE director to dig into the issue and learn how it impacts customers. While Canada Post refused an interview, they did provide a statement explaining the decision.

Just a short drive from Minden is a river that offers the kind of paddling challenges for kayak and canoeing enthusiasts of all skill levels. The Minden Whitewater Preserve is a natural river that's been modified to provide some of the best whitewater to be found in Ontario. Nestled in the forest on the Gull River, the Preserve has everything; 800 meters of twists and turns, eddies and holes, as well as campsites nearby, all managed by Whitewater Ontario.CanoeFM took a trip to the Minden Whitewater Preserve recently which hosted the International Canoe Federation's kayak cross and slalom competition. The event attracted paddlers from across Canada, Europe and even New Zealand. Officials and participants alike say the Preserve is one of the favorite paddling sites on the tour.

A drastic lack of rain and tinder-dry conditions have resulted in a county-wide fire ban across all four municipalities in Haliburton County. Local fire officials made the decision as a preventative measure, to decrease the risk of wildfires.So what is a fire ban and why is it necessary? CanoeFM spoke with Michael French, Fire Chief for Algonquin Hills and the county fire coordinator just hours after the ban was initiated. He said all four fire chiefs from the county's municipalities made the joint decision to protect the region from man-made wildfires.As soon as outdoor conditions permit, the restrictions ll be lifted. In the case of the Haliburton County-wide fire ban, it will last seven days and then officials, dependent on conditions having changed, then decide whether to extend or end it. French says the daytime burning ban has helped prevent fires in Haliburton County. He added he and the other municipal fire officials will reassess conditions and make the decision to remove or continue the county-wide ban in seven days.

Baz Conlin has spent much of his life rehabilitating landscapes. As a biologist trained in restoration, he's passionate about the power of native plants. That's why he's taken all he knows and turned it into Haliburton Micromeadows — a native plant nursery in Lochlin.Conlin encourages gardeners to use plants and shrubs native to the region and he sells 140 varieties of them at his nursery. He says incorporating native plants is not only smart, it helps preserve what is found here, rather than being squeezed out by often invasive cultivated plant species.CanoeFM visited Haliburton Micromeadows recently to discover what's on offer there and to learn more about the benefits of native plants.

In real estate, it's usually about location, location, location. But in Haliburton County, as with other cottage country areas, now it's all about patience and a dose of reality.Cottage country has long been a sought-after location for real estate buyers, and surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the boom has gone bust. As interest rates soar and mortgages came up for renewal, many property owners are facing the financial reality that their days of cottage ownership are over.CanoeFM spoke with a local home seller, a seasoned real estate broker and the regional real estate board president to discuss the current buyers' market and how economic uncertainty, interest rates, mortgage renewals, and price corrections are impacting both buyers and sellers alike.

Ever since the explosion of the internet, people have been turning to ‘Dr. Google' to research medical maladies. Now, because of the convergence of both a shortage of physicians and the growth of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, more people are relying on medical expertise found on their laptop.According to the Ontario Medical Association, the advent of AI and a lack of access to primary care are feeding a rising trend in people trying to diagnose and treat themselves online, often leading to misdiagnoses and potentially dangerous complications.CanoeFM recently spoke with Dr. Norm Bottom from the Haliburton Medical Center and Dr. Michael Seabrooke, a resident, about the growing trend of artificial intelligence and its impact on healthcare.

More than 13 years ago, the municipality of Dysart et Al asked local residents for their opinion on what was needed in terms of art and culture. That one survey led to the creation of the Cultural Resources Committee, whose job was to foster creativity in the community with a variety of projects. Now, the municipality is attempting to refresh the cultural landscape through its online Cultural Plan Update Survey.

CanoeFM spoke with both the chair of the committee and the consultant hired to create and implement the latest survey, which takes the community's temperature on what is needed to bolster greater diversity of offerings in the local arts and culture scene.

The survey, now open on the municipality's website will close on Aug. 10, and local residents are encouraged to share their opinions that will chart the community's future.

Homeschooling, a tradition that's existed for hundreds of years, has been enjoying a renaissance of sorts since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021-2022, the number of Ontario children being homeschool jumped from 40,000 to more than 85,000 and here in Haliburton County, the trend continues.

Micheon Hutchings is a member of the Haliburton Homeschoolers, a Facebook group that supports parents who've chosen to educate their children themselves. CanoeFM spoke with Hutchings recently. She says the freedom to explore a wide range of topics on their own schedule, without the pressure to follow a curriculum means children excel on their own timeline.

Hutchings adds the stigma of homeschooled children is gradually being debunked as more parents see the benefits of choosing this unconventional method of educating children.

Threatened annexation and tariffs by US President Donald Trump have cooled the historically friendly relationship between Canada and the United States. That now includes travel by Canadians who are choosing not to go south of the border this summer.

Border crossings have dropped 33 point one per cent in June. Canadian air travel also fell by 22 point one per cent in the same month. Last year, Canadians spent $20 point 5 billion dollars south of the border and the U.S.

CanoeFm recently spoke with Angelica Ingram, Manager of Tourism with the County of Haliburton. She says she's hearing from lots of people that have crossed the United States off their lists as a future travel destination due to the insulting rhetoric by President Trump. She adds the boycott presents an opportunity for Canadians to take more staycations, exploring their own country, and Haliburton in particular.

They're fast and fun, but in the hands of untrained drivers, ATVs – All Terrain Vehicles, can be deadly. According to the Ontario Provincial Police, in the last 10 years, there have been 58 off-road vehicle fatalities in the region, with 59 per cent of those occurring with drivers not wearing helmets. In fact, the Haliburton Highlands OPP say the region leads the province with the most ATV fatalities.

Haliburton ATV Club President Mike Bukowski says his club is doing all it can to educate ATV riders the importance of obeying speed limits, wearing a helmet and not driving while impaired. The local club partners with the Kawartha ATV Club promoting safety courses for riders of all ages. And while ATV sales have been steadily growing since the COVID-19 pandemic, training courses remain voluntary.

Constable Matt Elliott of the OPP's SAVE Team – Snowmobile, ATV and Vessel Enforcement, spoke with CanoeFM recently and says many accidents and deaths can be prevented if the laws and safety measures are followed.

Thanks to Hydro One's Ice Storm 2025 Recovery Grant, 50 indigenous communities and municipalities, including the County of Haliburton and the Township of Minden Hills, will receive up to ten thousand dollars to support local recovery efforts and bolster emergency preparedness.

Minden Hills declared a state of emergency that lasted long after the initial storm and subsequent power outage. That declaration made the municipality eligible for provincial aid. With the additional grant monies from Hydro One, Mayor Bob Carter says the emergency infrastructure in the municipality can now be enhanced. He says the money is appreciated given that it lifts the financial burden off the backs of local taxpayers.

CanoeFM spoke with Mayor Bob Carter recently about how the Hydro One grant has already had an impact on the township.

HHHS CEO Veronica Nelson recently announced her plans to leave the hospital to take on the CEO role at Ross Memorial in Lindsay. Nelson came into the organization in the midst of turmoil, following the closure of the Minden Emergency Room. After two years, she's proud of the work that's been done to build back the trust of both staff and the community and forging a path forward together.

In her two years here, Nelson successfully stewarded the construction of the new CT and mammography units at the Haliburton hospital and work is already underway for the new X-ray department.

CanoeFM sat down with Nelson recently to reflect on her tenure at HHHS and the fondness she's developed for the community.

The Kawartha Haliburton Children's Aid Society is hoping to find more foster families willing to open their homes to care for children and have launched a campaign to help encourage them to do so through information sessions throughout the region.

While the good news is fewer children and youth are going into the care of the KHCAS, the bad news is that either through retirement, changing family dynamics or simply the cost of living ever increasing, the number of foster parents and families is dwindling. Currently, there are 30 foster families with the KHCAS, but more are desperately needed to keep children from having to leave the communities they live in.

CanoeFM spoke with both Barb Reay, Resource Worker with KHCAS and Vicky McPhail, a foster mom, to learn more about why opening your home to children in need can be a rewarding experience.

On the third Wednesday of the month, a group of men and women meet in the private dining area of a local restaurant in Haliburton to share their writing samples, receive feedback and be pushed out of their comfort zone. The newly-formed Haliburton Writers Write group aims to support local writers in the region and to have some fun along the way.

The group was the brainchild of the Haliburton Arts Council and Doug Tindal who saw a need for a support group of sorts for local writers. So far, the group is attracting a wide array of people who write for all sorts of reasons. Some have the goal of being published one day, while others write for themselves or to capture family stories while they're able to do so. No matter the reason, the Haliburton Writers Write group gathers each month to share ideas, pointers and hone their craft.

CanoeFM attended the second meeting of the group recently and was allowed the privilege of listening to the works of several writers there.

There's a new shuttle bus driving around Haliburton County each week and it's driving positive change for Community Support Service clients struggling to remain independent in their homes. The Haliburton Highlands Health Services shuttle bus, (aka Triple H S), is making a real difference in the lives of those 55 and over and those with mobility issues by picking them up at their homes and driving them to get groceries, go to the bank, pick up medication or even visit with friends in town.

The shuttle bus works on a fee-for-service platform, with riders paying $15 dollars per round trip. The service came as a result of Triple H S adding to its fleet of vans last year. There are now four vans of various load restrictions providing the shuttle service.

Canoe FM spoke with Amanda Rowden, who heads up the shuttle bus pilot program, to hear how the initiative is making a difference in the lives of seniors in our region.

Owning a pet is now more expensive than ever. According to Rover, a Canadian online pet care service,in a blog post about rising costs, dog owners are facing 18 per cent higher costs this year compared to 2024 and cat owners paying 41 per cent more than last year.

As a result, there's greater demand to animal welfare agencies like the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) for more affordable veterinary care, spaying and neutering and pet food. A shortage of veterinarians and vet techs, rising pet insurance rates and the growing trend of corporations buying up smaller, independent vet clinics has created a perfect storm for pet owners.

The rising costs of pet ownership is causing a trickle-down effect of more surrendered animals to shelters or simply abandoned pets. CanoeFM spoke with pet owners, a rescue center and a spokesperson from the Ontario SPCA to learn how the rising cost of owning a pet is impacting everyone who cares about and for animals.

As they've done for more than 58 years, members of the Gooderham Century Gun Club gather in a nearby field throughout the spring, summer and fall to improve their clay trap shooting skills. It's an interesting group of people, some women, some men, some hunters and others just interested in honing their skills with a shot gun.

The trap shooting course has five stations for five shooters and after one shot each, members switch spots. A course firearm officer oversees each session, releasing the small, orange trap disc once the shooter calls ‘pull'. All members must have a gun license and it's about pointing the gun, rather than aiming it. Given how small those discs are, however, gives one a greater appreciation of those who consistently hit the target as it rises and falls.

Shooters try to get a score of 25 and while CanoeFM was on site, many shooters were pretty close to perfection.

For Steve Lucacic, nature has so much to offer to feed the body and stir the soul. That's why he's become a passionate forager who loves to pass on his expertise to others. The former touring musician decided to change his eating habits when he got sick. Since then, he's recovered, become a hunter and fishing guide, and 70 per cent of his diet comes from living off the land.

Lucacic teaches foraging, mushroom and plant identification workshops throughout the late spring and summer and has noticed a dramatic rise in those interested in learning all that nature has on its menu.

CanoeFM went on a walk in Haliburton's Glebe Park recently with Lucacic. Within minutes, he was pointing out several species of edible plants that can be used for salads, teas, and a variety of other purposes.

Ontario is home to eight species of turtles – all of which are at risk. This time of the year is the most dangerous time for turtle species across the province as more motorists take to area roads. Every year, and estimated 2000 different species of turtles are killed by vehicles.

That's why the work of the Turtle Guardians, based out of Haliburton, is so critically important. Because turtles can take more than two decades to become sexually mature, the turtle population continues to dwindle, since many roads cross the wetlands that are home to turtles. So, the Turtle Guardians are doing all they can to work with municipalities, road departments and the broader public to prevent needless turtle injuries and deaths. They carry out road monitoring, act as first responders to injured and deceased turtles on roadways, conduct research and run Ontario's third largest egg incubation program, releasing 9,000 hatchlings into the wild each year. But even with their efforts, turtle populations have yet to bounce back.

CanoeFM spent some time with the Turtle Guardians at their new location in Haliburton to meet some of the captive turtles used at public education events and to learn more about the importance turtles play in our natural ecosystems.

They're soft and cozy and the last thing you put on before drifting off to sleep. But for many people, a pair of PJs is almost a luxury and that's what the Great South Lake Pajama Project aims to fix.

Started in 2023 by Joy Webster, whose family has a four-season cottage on South Lake near Minden, the Great South Lake Pajama Project is already a great success. So far, the initiative has collected and distributed more than 500 pajamas to social organizations in Haliburton County that are then giving to those who need them. But there's no slowing this project down, they're aiming to keep collecting pjs as long as they're able to.

CanoeFM spoke with Webster to learn more about the project and the difference it makes.

Haliburton County is the kind of place that kind of sneaks up and wins you over with its natural wonders, vast recreational opportunities and welcoming people. That's what happened to Laurie Sweig when she moved here six years ago. She fell in love with the peace she found here. Now, the songwriter is giving back to her adopted home by way of music, penning not one, but four songs about Haliburton County, entitled theHaliburton Highlands Harmony Project.

Sweig worked in marketing prior to moving here, then soon began volunteering at the CanoeFM recording studio. Having gained confidence using audio software, she decided to create four songs that would capture the essence of the area in all four seasons. Now, one of her collaborators jokingly calls her the ‘Vivaldi of Haliburton'.

Full disclosure: This CanoeFM reporter tried her hand at back-up vocals for this project, then interviewed Sweig and others about the project.

The Retail Council of Canada has reported a 300 per cent increase in shoplifting since the pandemic, and points to economic pressures, the growth of online resale markets for stolen goods and a rise in organized crime activities. The most popular items stolen include meat, cheese, baby formula, clothing and alcohol.

Brad Park owns and operates the Foodland in Haliburton. He says theft is a near daily occurrence and knows the cost of living, addiction and other societal pressures are many of the reasons for the rise in shoplifting.

CanoeFM spoke with both Park and PC Joel Imbeau from the Haliburton Highlands OPP to discuss what they're seeing in the region and what the penalties are.

"Till death do us part". That's how the marriage vows describe the matrimonial bonds, but when those bonds get broken, divorce is often the next logical step. As Canada's divorce rate is now at a 50-year low, the one demographic where divorce is on the rise, is with those over 50.

Known as ‘grey divorces', these splits come after one partner has chosen to end a long-term relationship in the hopes of living a happier life with the years they have left.

CanoeFM spoke with a family lawyer with practices in both Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes. She says she has noticed grey divorces trending in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic and advises her clients to take a more collaborative approach when breaking the bonds of marriage. Avoiding the expense and hassle of a protracted court battle is in everyone's best interests, she says.

It'll be months before the cleanup is finished in Haliburton County following the destructive ice storm in March that caused trees to snap, power lines to crash and residents to go without power for more than a week. But officials are already tracking the lessons learned because of it.

From building in redundancies and bolstering landline and cell tower infrastructure to creating a far more collaborative approach for whatever emergency comes next, officials are looking at how to improve their preparedness and responses.

CanoeFM spoke with Haliburton County's CAO Gary Dyke, the Director of Haliburton County's Paramedic Service, Mike Slatter and a spokesperson from Hydro One to discuss what worked and what gaps need to be addressed.

It's been three years since Dysart et Al's Resources Committee asked the County of Haliburton to explore the creation and installation of wayfinding signs and identity. Now all four municipalities in the county have been presented the Wayfinding Strategy and have given their feedback.

The program, led by pl.ural, a professional landscape architecture, planning and design firm focuses on identifying and creating uniform signage that helps people locate the cultural, historical, civic and recreational destinations within Haliburton County and its four municipalities and is expected to cost $500K, paid for in part by the recently imposed Municipal Accommodation Tax on short term rental hosts in the county.

CanoeFM spoke with Scott Ovell, Director of Economic Development for The County of Haliburton to find out the current status of the Wayfinding Strategy and its next steps.

For 30 years, Haliburton County residents have been acting as volunteer scientists, taking water samples as part of the Lake Partner Program. Every spring and fall, they collect samples from 600 lakes and more than 900 sites that are then mailed to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks' lab in Dorset where they are analyzed for a number of water quality factors.

But now, that program's future is in question, since the MECP funding agreement that expired in March hasn't been renewed. Local resident Ron Parkinson and his organization Highlands East Lake Properties has launched an email writing campaign to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the MECP and local members of parliament and provincial parliament to reinstate the program for the next five-year period.

The valuable data collected from county lakes is used by a variety of users, including municipalities, planners, scientists and researchers.

Vision 2025 — The Future of Pride held recently at Haliburton's Pinestone Inn was an opportunity for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, allies and local government officials to gather to celebrate the last nine years of progress made by Minden Pride and to chart a course for the future.

The event featured hands-on group think sessions on a number of topics including supporting 2S LGBTQIA+ business owners, promoting and hosting events throughout the year, rather than just in June's Pride month and finding more opportunities for public education and engagement.

CanoeFM attended the event and spoke with a number of attendees who were pleased to have their voices heard on the future of Pride in the Highlands.

For the women who make up Minden's Knitting for Warmth group, everything starts with an 8 X 8 inch square. For 23 years, this group of friends have gathered each week to sew those squares into gorgeous blankets that are then donated to organizations where the need for them is great.

Mary Trepanier is Project Manager of Knitting for Warmth and says she never expected her simple idea of gathering to knit each week would turn into the popular mission it is today. Fueled by pots of tea and goodies, the women share stories and laughs while they produce blankets of all different sizes, to be used by those in wheelchairs, new mothers and the unhoused.

CanoeFM visited the group recently to learn more about Knitting for Warmth and the priceless service the group provides.

The Friends of Ecological and Environmental Learning, (FEEL) is offering a weekend filled with workshops, displays and practical, hands-on learning through the first annual Sustainable Shores & Garden Event.

Held at Abbey Gardens May 17 and 18, the focus of the event is on experiential education, specially selected native plants, and other practices meant to support biodiversity and conservation. The event combines hands-on activities, resource sharing, and workshops, with collaboration from local environmental groups.

The event expands on the native plant sale FEEL hosts each spring and builds on the success of their annual Haliburton-Muskoka-Kawartha Children's Water Festival.

Every bill comes due, and now the price of the recent devastating ice storm that caused downed power lines and snapped trees like twigs across Ontario and Quebec is becoming clear. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the estimated cost of property damage the March ice storm caused is $342M.

In Haliburton County, Minden, Kinmount and Gooderham were particularly hard hit and insurance claims are mounting as adjusters scramble to keep up.

Glenn Hall and Serena Wooder are experiencing a rise in claims for homes and vehicles damaged by falling trees or branches. They say in their time, there’s never been an ice storm like the one that struck in March and they advise all owners to get the process started if you haven’t already.

CanoeFM spoke with Hall and Wooder to hear more about the insurance claims in our region.

The type of outdoor lighting we choose as homeowners has a direct impact on the behavior of insects, bats and other species. That was the finding of a recent U-Links community research project conducted late last summer.

Ella Honey and Angus McBride, both Masters Candidates in Trent University’s Environment and Life Sciences department conducted studies in the wee hours of the night to discover the affect of different light temperatures and their positioning on the food web around Paudash Lake in Haliburton County.

The researchers presented their findings to a virtual audience for U-Links Celebration of Research which included environmental groups, interested local residents and members of the media. They later presented their findings to Environment Haliburton.

CanoeFM spoke with Honey and McBride to learn more about how our use of outdoor lighting can be changed to have fewer negative impacts on a variety of insects and other species.

Found at the bottom of the world’s oceans and even on the top of Mount Everest, microplastics are everywhere. A recent research project conducted and presented as part of the recent ULINKs Celebration of Research has found microplastics in Haliburton Lakes.

Trent University’s Environment and Life Sciences Masters Candidate Jacob Wyonch presented his findings to a virtual audience recently, which included environmental groups, interested local residents and members of the media. Local residents requested a study be conducted by the ULINKS Centre for Community-Based Research.

Water sampling began with a previous researcher studying samples from Stocking, Kennisis, Potash, Spruce and Wenona lakes. Wyonch continued the study this past summer, aided by members of several area Lake Associations, who helped collect surface water samples two times per year, in the spring and the fall.

CanoeFM recently spoke with Wyonch to discuss his findings and their significance.

For decades, Canadians have been good neighbors to the US, but now, thanks to the heavy-handed rhetoric of President Donald Trump, that relationship has soured.

Since the announcement of tariffs impacting Canadian businesses and the 51rst State threats, the ‘buy Canadian’ and ‘elbows up’ movements have prompted many to reconsider where and how they spend their time and disposable income. Thousands of Canadians are now selling their US winter escape properties and refusing to travel there.

The impact is being felt in places like Florida and Arizona, as Canadian snowbirds have chosen not to support the economy of the country now threatening our own. Record numbers of US real estate listings by Canadian owners and the steady decline of Canadian travelers to the US are proof that there is a limit to our collective tolerance for the bluster and bullying of our southern neighbor.

CanoeFM recently spoke to a Haliburton couple who’ve had enough of the poor exchange rate, frequent hurricanes and the antagonizing threats by President Trump. They’re selling their beloved winter escape in Florida and refusing to travel there for the foreseeable future.

Get on your bikes and ride! The Haliburton Community Cycling Hub is now open and ready to help get more people on bicycles enjoying the beauty of the many trails here. Thanks to a $30 thousand dollar seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, support from Dysart et Al, and the Rotary Club of Haliburton, the cycling hub – the brainchild of the Friends of the Rail Trail (or FoRT) will provide free public programming to help more people of all ages enjoy cycling with greater confidence and safety.

CanoeFM attended the recent official ribbon cutting ceremony that featured dignitaries and cycling enthusiasts alike. Pamela Marsales, Project Coordinator, is thrilled to see how an idea that brings Haliburton’s historic CN Rail caboose out of retirement for the greater good of cycling enthusiasts.

A travelling exhibit from Kenora’s Lake of the Woods museum, entitled “We Were Taught Differently” now on display at the Minden Hills Cultural Center, hopes to enlighten local residents about what indigenous children and youth endured at these schools – the last of which closed in 1997.

Comprised of a series of panels, photographs and first-person accounts, We were Taught Differently is difficult content to absorb. Touching, poignant and shocking in its portrayal of the lives of indigenous children forced to endure corporal punishment, physical and sexual abuse and discrimination, the exhibit holds nothing back. On display are the real-life testimonials of the pain and suffering and the collective shame of the country.

Shannon Kelly, Manager of Cultural Services, spoke with CanoeFM recently about the significance of the exhibit and why learning about the indigenous experience in residential schools is so important.

When it comes to the vices of Canadians, alcohol is still the preferred choice. But a recent report from Statistics Canada shows Canadians are drinking less alcohol and buying more cannabis. In fact, cannabis sales increased by 15.8 per cent, with Canadians spending $5.2 billion dollars in 2023 & 24. Cannabis retailers have their own theories for the trend, saying that with more access, information and a variety of types — not to mention its affordability, are reasons for the rise in use and popularity.

CanoeFM recently spoke with a cannabis retailer in Minden, as well as a few local residents to find out why the trend is moving away from alcohol. Surprisingly, the people CanoeFM spoke to didn’t reflect the StatsCan findings, with only one person saying he preferred cannabis over alcohol.

The savagery of war and the courage of Canadian service men and women — including that which his own son Chuck endured on his tour in Afghanistan, were all the motivation Wayne Krangle needed to start producing maple syrup for charity, aptly named Syrup for Soldiers. The liquid gold comes from more than 200 sugar maples that Wayne has on his property in Algonquin Highlands.

Now in its 16th season, Wayne is in charge of production, while Wayne, a former corporal and former Toronto Police Services officer, handles sales and marketing of Syrup for Soldiers. Proceeds from the sales of his maple syrup go to support the Wounded Warriors fund.

CanoeFM recently visited the father and son duo on a cold April day when the sap wasn’t running, to learn more about the operation and why Syrup for Soldiers has been such a sweet success.

The ice storm that knocked out power and decimated thousands of trees in Haliburton County is over, but the damage left behind will take weeks, if not months, to repair. That’s why the Haliburton ATV Association and its many riders turned out recently to help clear the Rail Trail ahead of the upcoming ATV season which begins May 1.

With more than 1,000 kilometers of trails in the region, it’s going to take many hands–and chainsaws–to make the trails both safe and rideable again. CanoeFM went out on the trails to survey the damage and speak to riders about how critical the cleanup work is.

One in eight Canadian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. While urban centers offer far more variety and accessibility to mastectomy products and clothing, women in rural communities must drive hours to find what they need. That’s why the announcement that a new initiative by Body Med North Boutique to help support women with bras, prosthetics or breast forms, compression garments and helpful advice, is welcome news for women in the region living with breast cancer.

CanoeFM recently sat down with a breast cancer survivor and Barb Daize, founder of Body Med Boutique in Burlington. Now, with the help of Minden resident and fitting specialist Christine Hewitt, the Body Med North Clinic will save women the hassle of driving long distances for the garments they need to improve how they feel both physically and emotionally.

Fittings will take place at the Reform & Restore Wellness Hub in Haliburton each month until October, starting April 24th and 25th from 10 am to 4 pm.

Bring your broken toasters, your snowblowers, your shirts in need of mending! At Haliburton’s monthly Repair Cafe, you’re sure to find the fix you’re looking for!

That’s the message SIRCH Program Coordinator Dianne Woodcock hopes to spread far and wide. The Haliburton Repair Cafe is open for the season and the many volunteer fixers are ready to take on whatever challenges local residents have to offer.

From jewelry and clothing repairs, to electronic devices or even ceramics, the Repair Cafe aims to extend the life of broken items and keep them out of the landfill as part of SIRCH’s founding principles of promoting sustainability.

CanoeFM recently visited the first session of the Repair Cafe’s 2025 season and spoke with both the fixers and the residents hoping for a positive outcome. Woodcock explains how adopting this initiative, that began in Europe in 2009, has made a real impact in Haliburton.

The joy and challenges of brewing beer is what the brand new Brewhouse boardgame is all about, and two local breweries — Haliburton Highlands Brewery and Boshkung Brewery — are featured in the game.

Invented by a former brewer, the aim of the game is to successfully brew a batch of beer of your choice from scratch and have it served in a taproom, while trying to handle some of the real-life pitfalls that can happen along the way.

CanoeFM recently spoke with the game’s creator and with Michael Schiedel-Webb, owner of Haliburton Highlands Brewery, about how the game came to be and how it will help promote 15 Ontario craft breweries.

Every Friday, Minden’s Dominion Hotel serves up one of its most popular dishes to customers — fish and chips. Now the historic hotel’s fan favorite will be included in a cookbook with hundreds of others from notable hospitality hotspots around the world.

Entitled “Inspired Stays, Local Flavors”, the cookbook is the brainchild of Enviivo, a cloud-based accommodation booking and management platform. The Dominion Hotel, in operation since before confederation, uses the platform.

CanoeFm recently spoke with Shawn Chamberlain owner of The Dominion Hotel. He and his wife were surprised to be honored with the award and included in a cookbook that features other world-class establishments.

They’re the heartbeat of any hospital, and their work is both essential and appreciated. Haliburton Highlands Health Services, (HHHS), knows volunteers play a vital role and is inviting members of the community — no matter your age or how much time you have to offer — to join the team of volunteers at the healthcare facility.

HHHS recently revamped their volunteer program, streamlining it and creating opportunities for people of all walks of life to give back to their local hospital. Whether you want to help patients directly or have more of a background role, HHHS and officials are urging anyone — those who are retired, students, and those who are new to Haliburton to jump on board.

CanoeFM spoke with Amanda Rowden, Community Support Manager, HHHS, to learn about the application process and the variety of opportunities available at the hospital.

Haliburton County is a place filled with beauty and wonder and Hike Haliburton — a free festival held here — gives locals and visitors alike the chance to explore all that’s on offer in our region. That’s why, for the second year in a row, Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) awarded Hike Haliburton one of the top 100 festivals in the province.

Handed out at the SYNERGY 2025 awards gala in Kitchener in February, Hike Haliburton was included in a list of outstanding events that excel within the industry.

CanoeFM spoke to Angelica Ingram, Manager of Tourism for the County of Haliburton recently to learn more about the popular hiking festival. She says what makes Hike Haliburton unique is how it combines both existing trails with those on private property that owners want to share with visitors. It gives hikers a chance to see places in Haliburton County that they might not otherwise get to experience.

Tom Oliver is a gifted musician and someone who cares about his community. That’s why he’s decided to create a network of musical instruments with those who want to learn how to play them.

Here’s how it works. Oliver put a call out to local residents to donate any musical instruments they have at home that they’re not using. Then, interested would-be players come pick up the instrument of their choice and Oliver connects them with instructors.

Oliver, who travelled all over the world playing music and collected some interesting instruments along the way, was overwhelmed by the community response. He has received guitars, violins, trumpets, flutes, drums and even a steel pedal guitar. But besides connecting wannabe musicians with instruments, Oliver has high hopes of creating a YouTube channel that will feature jam sessions, instructor-led classes and helpful tips for recording music.

CanoeFM recently visited the Haliburton Music Exchange studio and learned more about how this unique network of musicians and instruments came to be.

The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust is clearing up the rumors and inaccurate information contained in a recent post on social media about the proposed Milburn-Kendrick Conservation Reserve in Haliburton County. The post, shared by more than 1,000 Facebook users, spread false information, saying hunting and other leisure activities would not be permitted on the Reserve once it was established.

Not so, says Sheila Ziman, volunteer founding member and director of the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust. She says the designation they are seeking does not prohibit hunting and allows ATV use on already existing trails. The proposed Milburn-Kendrick Conservation Reserve represents only 8 per cent of the larger 100-thousand-hectare Highlands Corridor and is home to significant flora and fauna. Establishing the Reserve will take years to finalize, she said, and the public will be invited to share their thoughts throughout it.

A County of Haliburton public meeting is planned for March 26 to discuss the Milburn-Kendrick site.

The threat of 25% tariffs that’s causing chaos in the stock market is creating an atmosphere of worry amongst local businesses in Haliburton County. The on-again, off-again tariffs by US President Donald Trump and the uncertainty that follows is posing both confusion and difficulties to firms in the county.

CanoeFM recently spoke to three businesses in the county to gauge their feelings about how the tariffs will impact their bottom line.

Despite the looming tariffs, each said they’re doing their best to ride out the trade war, but are looking to ways to cope by sourcing alternate suppliers other than the US or regretfully raising product costs. Those who spoke to CanoeFM say all that’s being done is an attempt to survive.

Few of us ever imagine having to sleep in our cars in the harsh winter months, but that’s exactly what Places for People‘s Sleeping in Cars fundraiser is all about.

Tonight’s fundraiser is the sixth installment of the event, which features about 30 ‘sleepers’ who brave the elements overnight in their vehicles to raise money for more affordable housing initiatives in Haliburton County.

CanoeFM recently spoke with Nataly Mylan, Places for People Chair of Marketing and Fundraising, in her car as she prepares for the upcoming fundraiser. Apart from raising money, the event drives home what it’s really like for unhoused people in the County, through dealing with obvious inconveniences like finding washrooms, learning how to sleep in uncomfortable positions and coping with the cold.

Those who take part are forever changed — and that’s exactly the point, Mylan says.

Don’t be surprised if the number of measles cases spikes after March Break and starts showing up in Haliburton County. That’s what Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health for the Haliburton-Kawartha-Pine Ridge Health Unit warns.

In the last two weeks, 78 cases of measles were identified in Ontario, bringing the total of recorded infections to 140 – considered now to be the largest measles outbreak in the province in the last 30 years. The disease was considered eradicated here in 1998. The average number of measles cases is usually 22 cases per year.

The disease is highly infectious. At the height of the COVID pandemic, one infected person could transmit the virus to two or three other people. With measles, one infected person spreads the disease to between 15 and 18 others. Moreover, measles can cause severe respiratory problems, pneumonia, blindness, deafness and in the most serious of cases, it can be deadly.

At Walkabout Farm, it’s less about what you can’t do and everything about what you can try to do. Run by its passionate founder, Jennifer Semach, Walkabout Farm offers therapeutic riding and so much more. Wrapping a client’s entire family and support system in kindness and daily miracles, the farm is a much-loved staple in the community.

CanoeFM visited the farm recently and had the privilege of meeting some of the farm’s many four-legged therapists — horses who have been given a second act in teaching those with physical and developmental challenges there are no limits to what they can achieve. But it’s not just about the horses, Jennifer’s many volunteers help keep things humming along at the farm each day too. As the weather continues to warm, the farm is getting ready for another season of therapeutic riding.

Haliburton County Development Corporation’s, (HCDC), Local Initiatives Program, (LIP) gives local not-for-profits a financial leg up. It is a vital source of funding support for a diverse range of not-for-profits in the region. HCDC is celebrating its 40th year of sparking economic growth in the region and has been assisting local organizations since 2015.

HCDC Executive Director, Patti Talman spoke with CanoeFM recently about the LIP program and how it strengthens the community by supporting projects which enhance the vibrancy of Haliburton County. Past projects include The Sculpture Forest, Razzamataz Kids Shows, the Dental Outreach Clinic, the Haliburton Highlands Arts Center Foundation and the Haliburton Sports Hall of Fame.

Boshkung Brewery in Minden has joined 49 other breweries across Canada in supporting the efforts of Veterinarians Without Borders, (VWB), through the Animals & Ales Pet Photo Contest.

Deb and Matt Banks, new owners of Boshkung, think that the Animals and Ales Contest is an extension of the pet-friendly vibe they promote at the brewery. So, they’re excited to take part in the Veterinarians Without Borders fundraiser this year. It’s the perfect fit.

Veterinarians Without Borders works to help animals around the world, offering medical attention, spay and neuter clinics and helping them find their forever homes.

In Canada, VWB works with the animals in remote, fly-in communities.

If you can’t wait for the weather to change and you’ve got a big project planned for your home or cottage, your first stop should be your local municipality’s building department. Applying for a building permit isn’t just good sense, it’s the law and Dysart et al Building Official Karl Korpela says not doing so can cost you.

Applying for a building permit is an essential first step as Korpela told CanoeFM. He said with the new septic maintenance legislation and short term rental bylaws, his department is finding more illegal builds in the municipality.

He says his department takes a ‘carrot and stick’ approach, giving property owners a correct issues first, rather than jumping to next steps. Subsequent orders, though, come at a cost and applications for building permits will run double the normal fee.

Korpela also recommends working with local contractors and designers to make the process run smoothly.

The roar of snowmobiles have been heard all season long in Haliburton County and that’s been great for everyone involved, from sledders themselves, to those who manage the local trails and even local businesses. Snowmobiling in Ontario is a $6B business, with hotels, restaurants, snowmobile outlets and service providers all cashing in big time this year.

CanoeFM spoke with the Neil Vanderstoop, President of the Haliburton County Snowmobile Association about how Mother Nature’s bounty of snow has meant a flurry of positives for those who love the past time as well as those who support it through the hospitality industry. And it seems everyone has benefitted by the old fashioned winter with lots of the white stuff.

Right now in Haliburton County, 260 children are on a waitlist for childcare. Their parents struggle to find suitable childcare and often face a hodge-podge of caregivers that include grandparents, friends and neighbors while they wait for a licensed spot to open up at one of two centers here.

In the fourth and final segment of our series on the childcare shortage, we speak with officials from the County of Haliburton and the City of Kawartha Lakes who say they are in lock-step, trying to expand childcare facilities here, but say the challenges are many. Firstly, a childcare center needs space and lots of it, it needs to recruit and retain staff with liveable incomes and in Haliburton County, it needs creative collaboration with businesses and other organizations to make childcare happen. For now, though, the wait list continues to grow with families waiting as long as four years for a spot.

Six years ago, a Minden cottager asked what he could do to help improve affordable housing in town. Now, this cottager’s donation of land is about to become the site of a new affordable housing building in Minden. But not so fast. There’s still the task of bidding for tenders, creating cost estimates and far more financial assistance and that means shovels won’t be breaking ground anytime soon.

Minden Mayor Bob Carter spoke with CanoeFM recently about the funding announcement that gets the ball rolling on improving the inventory of available housing. He says he’s cautiously optimistic that after all these years, the dream may finally become a reality.

Statistics from the Ministry of Health predict that over the next 20 years, Haliburton County’s population is expected to increase by 22%, while the 80+ population will grow by 59% in the next 10 years. That’s part of the reason Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS), is inviting the public to be part of its Master Planning The Future of Care forums.

HHHS CEO and President Veronica Nelson says the community’s voice is vital to helping to steer healthcare in both the short and long term. With the first session already in the books, there are two more opportunities for the public to let their opinions be known. The next sessions are on March 5th and 26th from 6 to 8 pm at the Minden site, or virtually.

The forums are vitally important to sketch out ways to improving access to primary care, emergency service and long-term care.

Consumers across Canada have enthusiastically leaned into the Buy Canadian trend since US President Donald Trump threatened 25 per cent import tariffs on Canadian products. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sees the implementation of tariffs as counter to our historical relationship as friends and allies and has promised to do likewise for US imports into the country. Consumers, meanwhile, have launched their own revolt by purchasing products made in Canada. But as Amanda Conn, Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce Executive Director told CanoeFM, it’s not quite as simple as reading labels. Her organization is working with provincial and national partners to make it easier for consumers to find and buy Canadian products. She also encourages buying local whenever possible.

The end of February is closing time for 23 locations of The Beer Store in Ontario but Haliburton County’s two locations will remain open for now.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s move to sell beer, wine and coolers at more than 4,000 convenience stores across the province is now impacting The Beer Store across the province. So far, increased competition has led to store closures in Toronto, Barry’s Bay, Marmora, Geraldton, Cochrane, Stratford and Burlington.

UFCW Canada Local 12R24, which represents The Beer Store workers, told CanoeFM The Beer Store is expected to keep at least 300 retail outlets open until the end of 2025. After that, it’s likely bricks and mortar locations will cease to be, resulting in the loss of good paying jobs. for 6,500 employees.

Customers CanoeFM spoke to aren’t happy with the potential loss of Beer Store locations that offer both convenience and a wide variety of brands to choose from.

In many ways, the desperate childcare shortage in Haliburton County is exposing cracks in the system that need solving.

In part 3 of its series on the childcare shortage in the region, CanoeFM spoke with the Co-CEO of Compass Early Learning and Care which operates one center in Minden. Ashley Collins has been with Compass for 10 years and has witnessed waitlists grow not just here but province-wide. The Compass facility in Minden is not operating at full capacity, due to another challenge – finding qualified early childhood educators to fill in the care gap.

The shortage of childcare is seen through the struggle to attract candidates with livable compensation and benefits and being able to retain them. For students interested in pursuing ECE, the closest post-secondary school that offers it is in Peterborough and there’s no transportation system in place. Childcare operators like Compass need a lot of space, around 6000 square feet, and that’s often hard to find.

Recent statements by both Canada’s Conservative Party Leader Pierre Pollievre and US President Donald Trump have reignited fears about the safety of those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The two politicians said there are only two genders — male and female.

Allan Guinan, President of Minden Pride, brushes off those comments as politicians with few substantial proposals seeking “air space.” He says that whole the rhetoric is emboldening some homophobes in the US and Canada, his organization continues to see growing support in Haliburton County.

CanoeFM spoke with Guinan recently to hear how he feels about the comments made by both Trump and Pollievre and how those sentiments impact his community. In the interview, Guinan says he chooses to be grateful for the progress made, for building bridges and the growing compassion and understanding within Haliburton County.

Haliburton Highlands OPP say no matter how technologically savvy you think you are, criminals always seem to be one step ahead. That’s why protecting yourself online and over the phone is even more critical as a new series of online and telephone scams are being carried out in Haliburton County and across Canada.

Here’s how it works — fraudsters contact unsuspecting individuals, using OPP and RCMP non-emergency phone numbers to legitimize their criminal activities. Victims are misled into believing they must help catch a dishonest bank employee or resolve suspicious transactions by providing personal information or transferring funds.

While Artificial Intelligence or AI is making it harder to decipher scam attempts, it’s your own common sense and gut instincts that are your strongest weapons against fraudsters.

If you’re a woman living in a rural part of northern Ontario, you are 75 per cent more likely to experience domestic abuse. That’s what a delegation from the YWCA told members of Haliburton County Council recently.

Intimate Partner Violence, which includes physical, mental, sexual, and financial abuse is impacting an estimated 2,500 women in the county, according to Statistics Canada. That’s why the delegation asked Haliburton Council to join a growing number of municipalities across Ontario in declaring it an epidemic.

The request for the declaration came out of three femicides — gender-based murders against women, which occurred on the same day, nine years ago. On Sept. 22, 2015, three Renfrew women were murdered by a man with whom each had a past relationship.

Haliburton County joined 95 other Ontario municipalities in declaring Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic.

With only two licensed childcare centers in Haliburton County, finding reliable childcare here is a bit like winning the lottery. It’s great when you hear there’s a spot for your child, but the waiting, wishing and hoping is exhausting for parents.

On the other side of the equation are those that care for children in childcare centers like Compass in Minden. In Part 2 of our series on the shortage of childcare in Haliburton County, we hear from an Early Childcare Educator and from the administrator who manages the waitlist there. Both say the shortage of childcare is a complex issue, involving both the need for more centers, but also the need to respect, compensate and retain quality childcare staff.

Ultimately, both say quality childcare should be a right, not a privilege because zero to six years old is a critical time for proper child development.

Haliburton County has only two licensed childcare centers in the County – one in Minden, and the other in Haliburton, so for parents in need of finding reliable childcare face an incredibly difficult ordeal. Parents of young children here must endure years-long wait lists or turn to grandparents, neighbors and friends to fill in as caretakers for their children.

With 260 children on waitlists that stretch on for an average four years, the prospect of finding quality childcare in Haliburton County is bleak, forcing many young families to move out of the region, in search of employment, more affordable housing and better access to childcare.

In part one of the a four part series about the childcare shortage, CanoeFM spoke with two mothers who know exactly how hard it is to secure childcare for their kids. Each say it’s a situation that needs to be solved or local communities will continue to lose young families.

An intimate table for two looking out on a pack of grey wolves. It’s not for the faint of heart, Dinner with Wolves at the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve’s Wolf Sanctuary is definitely a night to remember.

Catered by a local restaurant, the Dinner with Wolves experience features a three-course meal and all the photos of wolves you can take. Guests have the whole center to themselves to view the wolves playing, eating their own dinner. The can also tour the museum there, undisturbed by crowds. It’s a program that came out of an unusual request, but now the Dinner with Wolves program is by far the center’s biggest and best-selling attractions.

CanoeFM visited the center recently and despite the wolves staying out of view, as they were working off the previous night’s dinner, the dinner location was certainly one of a kind.

Attracting tourism, while decreasing our carbon footprint were the rationale Environment Haliburton’s Susan Hay used to convince Dysart et al council members to apply for the Charged for Change $125 grant at its Jan. 28th session.

Susan, president of local environmental organization Environment Haliburton became aware of the grant in late 2024 and jumped at the chance to increase the number of electric vehicle charging stations in Haliburton from one to possibly five in the community. She believes more stations will enhance the local economy as they provide the much-needed charging infrastructure to the increasing number of drivers choosing electric vehicles.

Peter Ewald from Lakeland EV Charging spoke to council as well, and gave his assurance the grant program will cost the municipality nothing. His firm will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the EV charging stations in Haliburton and will work with staff and council to determine the best locations for them. He added local businesses such as grocery stores and restaurants will benefit as the drivers will visit the downtown core while their cars are being charged.

As of Jan, 1, 2025, the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health officially merged into one agency, the Haliburton, Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Health Unit, or HKNP.

The merger, was prompted by the Ontario government’s More Convenient Care Act, with the goal to build a greater capacity of people, processes, tools, technology and funding to better serve communities while maintaining the existing level of service in fiscally scare environments.

Point in Time in Haliburton offers a wide variety of support programs for children, youth and parents. Marg Cox, Executive Director says her organization relies of the support of the health unit and remains optimistic that it will be business as usual

Point in Time has received assurances from Dr. Natalie Bocking, the former Medical Officer of Health, that the organization will continue to be supported.

He’s something of an institution in Haliburton. Miles Maughan has been with the Dysart Fire Department for 47 years and on Dec. 31, 2024, he retired from a career that has meant the world to him.

CanoeFM invited Miles into its studio to share his fondest memories, greatest challenges and thoughts on his decades of service to the community.

Miles spoke about how the department has changed, and grown into a team that could rival any in urban centers. He talked about how women are just as qualified and hard-working as their male counterparts and how when firefighters sign up for duty, their spouses indirectly do as well. He thanked his patient wife for tolerating his hasty exits from dinners, grocery stores and golf courses to go fight fires, and expressed pride for honoring a former fire chief killed in the line of duty.

Through laughter and tears, Miles reflected on his storied career and his hopes for the future.

For the past few years, Youth Unlimited, a faith-based organization in Haliburton has been operating in local churches, without a place to call their own. Recently, the group celebrated the grand opening of The Bridge, a center for youth that aims to build confidence and foster respect while having fun with friends.

Thanks to the dedication of co-directors Kyle and Leanne Young, The Bridge is now a reality. A bright space with a large kitchen, a video games room, hang-out space and art areas, the center offers a variety of programs for both elementary and high school students.

CanoeFM attended the grand opening and met some of the youth and family members who attended.

It’s been decades since doctors made house calls in Ontario, but thanks to a pilot program, patients in Haliburton County are getting cared for in their own homes. It’s part of the province-wide Community Paramedicine program that offers both medical care and social interaction, aiming to take some of the strain off the healthcare system and cut down on 911 calls.

CanoeFM spent time with three Haliburton paramedics who see the value of the home visits and the rapport they build with their patients.

There’s a group of retired women in Haliburton who don’t believe in sitting on their laurels, rather, these three women are doing their best to improve Canadian society by starting with the basics – Basic Income, that is.

Judy Paul, Carolynn Coburn and Marybeth Wilson began the Basic Income Group because of experiences each had in their former occupations. They saw first-hand how poverty holds people back and puts an enormous strain on social services. Now they see Basic Income as a bridge to improve people’s standard of living, their dignity and their personal fulfillment, knowing that when those are taken care of, other challenges become less onerous.

CanoeFM sat down with the women – one joined on a Zoom call – to discuss their reasons for spending their golden years working on real change for all Canadians.

Highlands East Mayor Dave Burton was recently elected to the position of Warden of Haliburton County. He sat down at CanoeFM studios to share his hopes for the term ahead, the challenges and the reasons he's been committed to public service.

Canada’s 629,000 veterans have higher rates of depression, anxiety and substance use disorder than civilians. One in seven veterans is living with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a psychological response to the experience of intense traumatic or life-threatening events. PTSD can affect people of any age, culture or gender. That’s why the work carried out at Dimensions in Haliburton County is so important.

Thanks to support and guidance of Veterans Affairs Canada, there is a safe place for veterans in need of help for their PTSD. Dimensions, a retreat center in Algonquin Highlands, has treated nearly 200 veterans and is planning to expand their programs to include first responders.

CanoeFM recently spoke with a veteran whose life was dramatically changed at Dimensions, as well as the clinical psychotherapist that works with veterans to improve their quality of life and deal with their PTSD symptoms.

There’s nothing like the cozy feeling you get when you heat your home with a wood stove or a pellet stove. Beyond the radiant warmth, modern-day stoves have a higher efficiency than any other heating method on the market today. That’s why they’re to go-to system for the majority of rural community residents.

Ian Myers has been a chimney sweep in Haliburton County for 17 years and says these stoves are safer than baseboards and masonry fireplaces.

By ensuring your system is properly installed and regularly cleaned, wood stoves and pellet stoves are an economical choice – especially if there are frequent power outages. The growth in their popularity is proof positive more people are buying in to the many advantages they offer. Ian recommends reading and following the best practices outlined in manuals and monitoring the system to maintain peak efficiency and safety.

For 36 years, a solid concrete cow has been keeping watch over customers at the Kawartha Dairy’s Minden store. The cheerful bovine has been a constant in the community and at Christmas, residents there can’t wait to see it decorated for the holidays.

CanoeFM visited the store recently and spoke to third generation owner, Terry Crowe who says the cow is part of his family’s dairy legacy and his mother’s love of them. There are other smaller cows on display at Kawartha Dairy locations, but the Minden one is a part of the community and a special piece of history there.

Christmas is supposed to be a time for togetherness, joy and wonderful meals shared with loved ones. But for those who live on the margins or are alone, Christmas can be a dreaded time of year. That’s why, for the first time in its 35-year-history, SIRCH — which stands for Supportive Initiatives for the Residents of the County of Haliburton — will serve up a Christmas dinner with turkey and all the fixings and dessert for anyone who comes to the bistro.

CanoeFM spoke with Laurie McCaig, Marketing Manager of SIRCH, who says the dinner is just another way to make sure everyone enjoys a nutritious meal over the holidays.

It’s a time for getting together with friends and family, but it’s also prime time for crime. Shopping in crowded stores, lengthy Christmas lists, presents to wrap, dinners to cook and planning trips to relatives mean we’re all quite distracted. Constable Joel Imbeau, Community Relations Officer for the Haliburton Highlands detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says a safe and happy holiday is possible if everyone follows a few simple tips to protect themselves.

Constable Imbeau recommends simple things like ensuring your car is locked when shopping, keeping your driveway plowed, asking your neighbor to watch over your home if you’re away visiting relatives and investing in cameras on your property.

Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere or RIDE is a sobriety testing program used by police since 1977. So far, in this year’s Festive RIDE program, police have stopped more than 1,000 vehicles. The RIDE program is designed to keep impaired drivers off the road, but many are still not getting the message

Canoe FM recently spoke with Constable Joel Imbeau who says arriving on the scene of an accident caused by a drunk driver takes its toll since accidents like these are 100 per cent preventable. Constable Imbeau adds that new legislation allows police to request a breath sample at any time now, not just during RIDE checks.

It’s that time of year again –- flu season, and as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

According to medical experts, our best bet to prevent a severe case is to roll up your sleeves and get a flu shot, but less than half of Canada’s population chooses to do so.

Dr. Norm Bottum is a family physician in Haliburton and he’s been kept busy lately giving flu shots to his patients. He recommends everyone gets a shot, especially if you have underlying health conditions or spend a lot of time with the elderly or children.

Given the wide range of nasty symptoms; fever, chills, cough, nausea, headaches and body aches, Dr. Bottum says the shot will keep you on your feet this winter. He also says COVID is making its presence known once again and suggests rolling up your other sleeve to get the COVID shot as well.

For Keli Schmidt, the month-long postal strike hasn’t been an obstacle for her business – Haliburton Clothing Co. The clothing designer makes comfortable, casual clothes and sells them mostly online. While other local businesses are feeling the strain of the strike by Canada Post union employees, Keli says it’s business as usual for now.

A strong believer in a fair wage, Keli supports the postal employees in fighting for livable wages here and across the country. She points to the corporate giants, like Amazon, who are granted generous discounts for shipping, while smaller businesses like her face inflated costs. Recently, she paid $40 to ship an order to a customer by courier, spending more than double her normal shipping costs.

CanoeFM visited Keli’s sewing studio recently where she was busy trying to finish off a few pre-Christmas orders to learn more about how the strike is affecting her business.

For 21 years, Environment Haliburton has been doing all it can to raise awareness about the threats of climate change. They’ve written op-eds, held webinars and other events and written articles and letters to local politicians about the very real impacts of a warming planet. While in the past, there were more naysayers than believers, that’s finally changing. The group is seeing more buy-in by both residents and local government who now understand that climate change isn’t on its way – it’s already here.

That’s why Environment Haliburton recently hosted a webinar entitled “Stormy Weather – Can We Adapt to a Changing Climate?”. More than 100 people registered for the event, which focused on practical steps that can be taken to lessen the impacts of more frequent and severe storm events, drought and wildfires.

CanoeFM spoke with Susan Hay about why the work of Environment Haliburton is so crucial and the importance of collective action both locally and around the world.

A giant snowstorm that brought travel in many northern Ontario communities to a stand-still late last week also cut short the Ontario Health Council’s Trojan Horse Tour. After visiting both Minden and Haliburton on November 28, the threat of blizzard conditions caused organizers to call off visits to both Bracebridge and Midland.

The 15-foot-tall Trojan horse has been touring the province to raise awareness about the threat of rising healthcare costs by funding private clinics. Representatives of the Ontario Health Council and the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions of CUPE spoke to residents of both Minden and Haliburton, imploring them to speak up, take action and let their vote say far more in the next provincial election.

Bonnie Roe, Co-Chair of Aging Together as Community in Haliburton rallied the crowds and insisted that universal healthcare is the right of all Canadians. She urged everyone in attendance to fight for the healthcare we deserve.

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they’re not disposable. That sentiment is what drives Kristyn Begbie to rescue and care for stray and abandoned dogs in Haliburton County. Snowflake Meadows, a rescue shelter located just outside of Lochlin, focuses on trying to give dogs a better life. Recently, 47 dogs came to the shelter in one month, and now Snowflake Meadows is bursting at the seams.

CanoeFM visited the rescue shelter recently and learned about the challenges and rewards of taking in unwanted animals in an environment where care comes first.

It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many families in Haliburton County, the holidays can be stressful. The Haliburton County Home Builders’ Association’s 29th Annual Christmas Challenge Toy & Food Drive ensures even more children and families in the region can share the fun of the season.

CanoeFM spoke with Aggie Toes, Executive Officer for HCHBA recently. She says this time of the year brings all their members together for a great cause. Started in the midst of a recession in the 1990’s, Aggie says members look forward to doing all they can to brighten a children’s life over the holidays.

Haliburton Highlands Secondary School handed out awards and recognition recently as part of its undergraduate awards ceremony.

The high school’s scholarship fund presents over 200 awards to the undergraduates and graduates. Eighty-five of those awards come from the Haliburton Highlands Scholarship Endowment Fund. Both individuals and organizations have contributed and the Endowment Fund continues to attract donations, often in memory of a loved one. The remaining awards are donated annually by businesses, service clubs and individuals throughout Haliburton County.

Scholarship Committee Chair Melissa Stephens says the awards take into account far more than marks alone.

CanoeFM attended the ceremony and spoke to two award recipients who were thrilled to receive recognition for their efforts.

The cold weather is on its way, and with it, a season of dread for those who struggle to afford home heating. Rising costs for food, gas and other necessities put a strain on many residents of Haliburton County.

That’s why the 11th Annual Highlands Christmas Shindig, taking place at the Haliburton Legion on Saturday, November 30th, supporting the Fuel for Warmth initiative, is such an important event. Fuel for Warmth is a not-for-profit organization providing immediate relief to families and individuals struggling to keep their homes warm due to financial hardships or unexpected crises. From emergency fuel, wood delivery or help with hydro, the group has been in operation for 14 years and is committed to providing warmth and security, free of judgement and stigma.

CanoeFM spoke with Fuel for Warmth officials recently about how the event supports the worthwhile initiative. The Highlands Christmas Shindig is a chance to have fun while assisting local residents who just need some help to stay warm this winter.

When you’re struggling with mental health issues, getting help is critical, but often it’s not an easy thing to do. Research by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CHMA) has found it is harder to access mental health support in rural communities than in cities. The Road Ahead Mobile Wellness Clinic could change that in Haliburton County. Run by the CMHA, mobile clinics connect those in rural settings with the care they might not otherwise receive.

In its four-year pilot program, The Road Ahead Mobile Wellness Clinic has already cared for more than 200 clients in Haliburton County – from direct inquiries or through other social service agency referrals. But stigma remains a huge barrier.

CanoeFM recently spoke with the CMHA team that visits communities in Haliburton County as well as a client whose life has been dramatically improved through the counseling program.

Across Ontario, an estimated 2.5 million people are without a doctor, and there is fierce competition between municipalities to attract doctors to their communities.

In Haliburton County, the quest to secure physicians to care for area residents is Wendy Welch’s job. As Physician Recruitment Coordinator for Haliburton Highlands Health Services, she says it’s a challenging task, but progress is being made.

Dr. Norm Bottum has been caring for patients in Haliburton for 37 years and is nearing retirement. He says while on the surface Haliburton might not appear to have a lot to offer, for the right physician, it can offer a wonderful lifestyle.

CanoeFM spoke with both Wendy and Dr. Norm Bottum recently on the obstacles that exist and why the reasons for optimism.

On the top of a hill in the forest surrounding Irondale in Haliburton County, a majestic white pine stands strong against the wind and the rain. At more than 100 years old and over 100 feet in height, the tree has survived several threats, including a devastating fire and the logging trade. The tree is the third tallest white pine tree in Ontario and a source of pride to many locals.

Long-time local resident George Simmons has taken many a curious soul to see the tree up close and on a rainy November day, he invited CanoeFM to see it firsthand. While its location is a well-kept secret, it really isn’t hard to find, but the impact of seeing it standing tall is truly breathtaking.

It’s been a long wait for the reopening of the Dorset Library. Though the completely renovated facility opened in August, the official ribbon cutting was on October 25.

The library is now a transformation of its former self, with an inviting feel, a wide selection of reading material and lots of places to sit down with a good book.

The building had been closed for four years — just as the recreation center had to close in 2020 due to the pandemic, the library had to shut its doors as well. Complicating the re-opening, the discovery of black mold in the library made it off-limits even longer while the space was being remediated.

Algonquin Highlands Township owns the building and paid a portion of the project. Mayor Danielson says the Dorset Library answers the needs of the community.

It’s been a few months since the Dorset Recreation Center reopened following a four-year wait and members couldn’t be happier. Originally shuttered in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the center was then forced to close indefinitely because black mold was found on the premises. After project costs of $1.5 million, the centre opened once again in August.

CanoeFM visited the facility recently and spoke with members who couldn’t say enough about improvements made through the renovation. Now, the center boasts two gyms, a squash court, weight room and locker rooms and lots of people are taking out new memberships.

A Remembrance Day display in the small village of Irondale, Ontario in Haliburton County is having a big impact. The display, featuring 56 banners with the photos, names and details of men and women who served in wartime.

This is the third year that the display, entitled “Service, Courage and Sacrifice”, has been put on by Bark Lake’s Cultural Development and its popularity and community response continues to grow.

CanoeFM was on hand to ask the organizers what the display has come to mean both to them and for the families whose loved ones are featured in the display.

Deer wandering the streets of Haliburton isn’t new. After all, the town is built in deer habitat – along the edges of a forest. While well-meaning residents and seasonal visitors have delighted in feeding them for decades, some say the practice has resulted in some serious consequences.

Whether because of several collisions on in-town roads and highways, or the devastation of residents’ prized gardens, deer became public enemy number one to many residents. In the summer of 2023 Dysart Council issued a complete ban on deer feeding within the town’s boundaries. More than a year later, it’s still a contentious issue. Praised by some, many others have condemned it, saying they simply want to help deer survive. In some parts of Haliburton, the ban has pitted neighbor against neighbor, ruined friendships and created a ‘snitch culture’.

Before you know it, winter will be here with all the challenges it brings. Snow, slush, icy conditions and of course, bone-numbing temperatures. While we have our own way of preparing – putting away our shorts and t-shirts in favor of sweaters, boots and long underwear, the Highlands East roads crews in Tory Hill are getting all their equipment in order to keep drivers in the region safe.

It's a process that starts in September and involves a thorough check of the winter fleet of snow plows, sanders and loaders. Then there’s the sand domes that need to be filled with sand from the nearby quarry. It’s a busy time, and as Brett Charboneau, Operations Supervisor with the Roads Department explains, every minute counts.

Members of the Haliburton Highlands Outdoor Association are ensuring a species of lake trout continues to thrive in the region’s many lakes. Together, at Elvin Johnson Park, the group has gathered to collect the eggs from fertile females to improve the survival of the Haliburton Gold trout– a fish found only here in the County. Dave Moss, who heads up egg collection, explains how the process works and why it’s so critical.

Local resident Jim Frost was the first Haliburton Highlands Health Services patient to use the hospital’s brand-new CT scanner. The CT scanner has been in use for three months. So far, more than 1,000 patients have used the scanner since July, severely cutting down on the need for patients, their physicians and emergency medical staff to drive out of the county for diagnostic tests at other health centers. The scanner allows local patients to receive care closer to home and keeps medical personnel on-site to care for awaiting patients.

Seniors’ healthcare in Haliburton County got a shot in the arm recently when two nurse practitioners signed on at both long term care centers here. One is working at Highland Crest – a 62-bed facility in Minden and another at Highland Wood – a 30 bed facility attached to Haliburton Highlands Health Services. Jennifer Burns West, Chief Nursing Executive and VP of Clinic and Community Programs for HHHS believes the new NPs are already having a positive impact.

The statistics are staggering. At 82 per cent, Ontario has the highest proportion of renters paying more than 30 per cent of their income on housing. In Haliburton County, affordable housing remains a crippling obstacle to residents, with no easy answers. That’s what the 3 rd Annual Places for People’s Housing Summit, taking place October 24 in Minden aims to address through collaboration and problem-solving. The summit provides opportunities for a diverse group of people, businesses and organizations to come together to network, brainstorm and hopefully move the needle on providing more affordable housing across the county. Fay Martin, Co-Chair of Places for People, admits while

there have been some successes, far more is needed to improve the inventory of affordable housing here in Haliburton County.

It’s been more than a month since alcoholic drinks have been given the green light for sale in convenience stores in Ontario, thanks to a push from Premier Doug Ford to broaden consumer choices.

The Wilberforce Service Centre is one of more than 41 hundred convenience stores in the province selling alcohol and owners Lindsay and Todd Watling are seeing the benefits first- hand.

While some local residents are concerned with the impacts of easy access to alcohol or impaired driving, others think the move is a boost for convenience in rural communities.

For Katie Woodward, cycling has become both a passion and a purpose. For the third year in a row, the Gelert resident has been cycling in the Great Cycle Challenge in support of SickKids Hospital in Toronto. While she originally chose to ride to pull herself out of a slump, Katie soon discovered that putting others ahead of herself was a positive move in the right direction – not just for herself, but for many others in Haliburton County struggling with cancer. She’s exceeded both her fundraising goals and distance goals every year and has raised nearly $25K so far.

In her circle of friends and family, there are many fighting some kind of cancer. From her husband dealing with skin cancer, to many of her girlfriends facing breast cancer, as well as a spunky seven-year-old girl in Gooderham with a rare form of leukemia, Katie has so many reasons to cycle. She sees their faces with every kilometer she peddles and is glad to be able to do something to support them on their cancer journey.

A new elevator at the Haliburton Legion, Branch 129 is expected to be a real lift to the community of Haliburton, thanks to a one-hundred-thousand-dollar Trillium grant and assistance from the federal government, local businesses, service groups and local residents. The elevator will allow physically challenged members and the public to attend events at the Legion. In years past, the steep staircase there had made getting downstairs virtually impossible.

Although the Legion is still $12K shy of its fundraising goal, the elevator, as well as the recently completed accessible washroom will be a real lift to the community.

It’s 37 tons and a beloved icon in the Town of Haliburton. After a recent facelift, the Second World War-era M4 Easy Eight Sherman tank will return to its home in front of the Haliburton Legion, Branch 129 this month where it’s sat proudly for more than 50 years. The tank, the pride of the Legion and its members, was lifted onto a flatbed early in May, and taken away for a facelift.

Just a few more finishing touches are being made to the tank then ‘The Haliburton’ will be placed on a newly donated cement slab. Past president Don Pitman