County Closeup

Flu Shot

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 21:04:35 +0000

Flu season has arrived, but a lot earlier than expected.In fact, the nation's Public Health Agency reported that by mid-October, cases were already showing up, with 6 point 1 per cent positivity rates across the country so far, up significantly from the zero point 8 per cent recorded at the same time last year.Interestingly, one strain seems to be the most dominant and of the cases reported so far, 98 per cent of the lab-confirmed cases have been A (H1N1).Sami Iskandar is a pharmacist at Kinmount Pharmacy. This time of year, he's busy delivering the best defence from catching influenza to his patients –the annual flu shot. Iskandar sat down with CanoeFM recently to talk about why, along with other preventative measures, getting a flu shot isn't just the right thing to do for yourself, it helps prevent the spread of the flu as well.

Eastons Independent in Minden

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 21:03:46 +0000

If you've been shopping for groceries in Minden lately, it's likely you've seen the changes taking place at the Valu-Mart there. Now, after Loblaw Companies Limited, the parent firm, chose to bring the Minden location into the well-known Independent brand in August, the store will be known as Easton's Your Independent Grocer.Lynda Easton has been in the grocery business for 32 years and sees the change as benefiting her customers. When she sat down with CanoeFM recently, she said now there will no longer be any confusion when weekly sales flyers come in the mail.

Incumbent Highlands East Mayor Dave Burton wins top spot

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 21:02:06 +0000

The 2026 municipal election is over and a number of new faces will be serving on councilsacross the four municipalities in Haliburton County. Earlier today, Canoe FM spoke to the twoincumbent mayors and the two new mayors that take the reins leading councils for the nextfour years. They shared their reactions to being elected and their vision for the upcoming term.Another incumbent mayor returning to his role is Dave Burton in HighlandsEast, who narrowly beat out his closest challenger, securing 29 per cent of the votes cast. Nowentering his 20 th year in municipal politics, Burton told Canoe FM he revels in the work he doesto improve the lives of his constituents. He says he will miss those who won't be returning forthis term but is eager to work with those who are new to council.

Incumbent Algonquin Highlands Mayor Liz Danielson ready to begin her fifth term

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 21:01:16 +0000

The 2026 municipal election is over and a number of new faces will be serving on councilsacross the four municipalities in Haliburton County. Earlier today, Canoe FM spoke to the twoincumbent mayors and the two new mayors that take the reins leading councils for the nextfour years. They shared their reactions to being elected and their vision for the upcoming term.Algonquin Highlands has a familiar face returning to the role of mayor. LizDanielson won 53 per cent of the ballots cast in a second rematch with challenger Mike Lang.Danielson begins her fifth term as mayor and is eager to get to work for her constituents.

Minden Hills newly elected mayor Tammy McKelvey ready to get to work

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 21:00:24 +0000

The 2026 municipal election is over and a number of new faces will be serving on councilsacross the four municipalities in Haliburton County. Earlier today, Canoe FM spoke to the twoincumbent mayors and the two new mayors that take the reins leading councils for the nextfour years. They shared their reactions to being elected and their vision for the upcoming term.Another new face is Tammy McKelvey as the newly elected mayor of MindenHills, who captured 40 per cent of ballots cast. Although not new to council, McKelvey saysshe's excited to lead the municipality for the next four years and face the challenges as theycome through collaboration and hard work.

Newly elected Dysart et al mayor ready to serve

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 20:59:32 +0000

The 2026 municipal election is over and a number of new faces will be serving on councilsacross the four municipalities in Haliburton County. Canoe FM spoke to the twoincumbent mayors and the two new mayors that take the reins leading councils for the nextfour years.They shared their reactions to being elected and their vision for the upcoming term.Following in the footsteps of Dysart et al Mayor Murray Fearrey, who passed away suddenlyearlier this year, Greg Bishop won the top spot with an impressive 85 per cent of the votes cast.Bishop, an engineer and land surveyor by trade who has served extensively on the OntarioMunicipal Board, told Canoe FM he is looking forward to leading the municipality through itsnext four years and facing the challenges that come with that responsibility. He said theproposed amalgamation of Haliburton County municipalities was on the minds of manyconstituents he spoke with during his campaign.

Ryan Van Lee Wins Samsung Contest

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:22:34 +0000

Ryan Van Lee recently was named as one of three fan favorites in the Samsung True North Tunes Top 3 and while that fame might seem sudden, it represents years of the Haliburton native putting in the work. He beat out 2,000 other singer songwriters in the Samsung True North Tunes Contest recently is sure to give him the much-needed boost to pursue his musical dreams going forward.Van Lee's career to date reads like a movie script. He was born in Haliburton County, raised for many years in West Guilford, or West G as he likes to call it, moved to town, went to school at Hal. High with loving parents Wilfred and Shelley and family who believed in him. In fact, had it not been for his mother catching him playing a toy guitar in his bedroom, Van Lee might not have become the country music artist he is today.Paired with the inspiration he found when his grandmother who took him to see legendary performer Johnny Burke, and you have the makings of a heartwarming story of a homegrown local boy finding success. For him, it's all about taking risks and swinging for the fences.Van Lee sat down with CanoeFM recently to talk about his career to date and the advantages that come with being from a small town.

Rotary's Reach For The Sky

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:21:43 +0000

Three years ago, the Haliburton Rotary reached out to the Ministry of Transportation, who owns the land at Skyline Park, which originally opened in 1958 as a highway rest stop. As club members pointed out, over the years, the park began to show its age. With the approval of the MTO, the club began working on improving pathways, removing trees and shrubs to improve the view, repairing the broken concrete on the existing viewing platform and building picnic shelters.For its part, MTO agreed to the replacement of port-a-potties for a year-round permanent washroom building as well as improving the fencing around the site.The Haliburton Rotarians pitched in and now they're asking the community to chip in to complete the project. Canoe FM sat down with Ursula Devolin about the project and how locals can help.

Advanced polling turnout bodes well

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:20:43 +0000

Advance polling in Haliburton County is amping up optimism for increased voter turnout overall in the 2026 Municipal Election.As of today, advance polling in Algonquin Highlands is at 17 per cent, while Minden Hills is 15 per cent, Dysart et al is at 17 per cent and Highlands East is at 12.9 per cent. Canoe FM spoke with Lindsay Jones, Executive Director of the Associations of Municipalities of Ontario earlier today.She said so far, voter turnout is trending upwards in most regions across the province, with Toronto having the largest number of early voters since its 1998 amalgamation. She is pleased that the AMO's Healthy Democracy Project, which has worked particularly hard in Haliburton County to engage residents in local government, seems to have had the desired results.Jones says she's gratified to see growing diversity in candidates. For example, the number of female candidates have increased compared to 2022 with 2,103 or 32 per cent of females running, compared to 1,913 in the last municipal election. Online voting seems to be winning the favor of voters as well, Jones says, with 66 per cent of municipal governments using internet voting, up 52 per cent from 2022.For those elected, AMO is launching Local Leadership Foundations, a new practical learning program designed to help new and returning municipal elected officials build the knowledge and skills needed to begin the 2026–2030 term effectively. The program covers topics including governance, decision-making, municipal finance, civility and integrity, community engagement and leadership.

Turtle Guardians Create Hatchery & Nursery

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:19:51 +0000

The greatest threats to the survival of turtles here in Haliburton County come from road mortality – cars running over turtles crossing our roadways and small mammals who predate turtle nests on the gravel shoulders and eat the eggs. That's why a new hatchery and nursery, funded through the Trillium grants and an upcoming fundraising campaign will give turtles in our region a better chance at survival.And it's why Leora Berman, who founded Haliburton's Turtle Guardians 19 years ago, is so grateful for the recent $196 thousand dollar Trillium grant her organization received. The funds will go towards the construction of a turtle hatchery and nursery so that turtles in our region will have a fighting chance at survival.Berman sat down with CanoeFM recently to talk about why this new initiative is vitally important.

Beaver Creek Wildlands

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:12:18 +0000

Just 10 minutes north of Minden off Plantation road, is an extraordinary place. With bald eagles flying overhead, the shrieking of Sandhill cranes in the nearby meadow and the sound of the wind rustling the leaves in the trees, it's a place that invites visitors to slow down, explore and appreciate nature.Formerly the Campbell property, now renamed the Beaver Creek Wildlands, it's a 200-acre paradise that features 15 distinct habitats, including meadows, swamps and forests. It's the seventh property to become a nature reserve through the joint efforts and funding of the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust and Parks Canada.CanoeFM had the opportunity to visit Bever Creek Wildlands recently which now boasts an impressive boardwalk path and a floating bridge over the water an army of volunteers helped construct. HHLT's new Executive Director Dave Newnham and Partners in Conservation Program lead Rick Whitteker were on site to talk about the new property and why protecting it is so vital. We carried out our discussion on the 350-meter floating bridge that's nearing completion.Trail work at Beaver Creek Wildlands will continue until the weather makes it impossible to continue, but both Newnham and Whittaker say the public will be invited to a grand opening sometime in the new year. Visitors will be able to walk the trails soon after.

Young Families Need More Support

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:11:24 +0000

Kaitlyn Wight's first daughter Arya was just four days old when the family moved to Minden. Alone in a new community, Wight struggled to find programs for her baby but eventually discovered the Early ON program at Archie Stouffer Public School and some others offered at the Haliburton County Public Library.Now Arya is 2 and a half and has a 10-month-old sister Amelia to keep her company. But for Wight, the lack of childcare here has caused her to choose to remain a stay-at-home parent until both her daughters are in school. She says it's just something the family has decided because waitlists for childcare in Haliburton County remain long with little hope for change anytime soon.This is Part Three of the multi-episode series on the voices of Haliburton County as we inch ever closer to the upcoming municipal election. The series, entitled,WHAT MATTERS HERE: Listening to the voices of Haliburton County,will cover the issues that matter to various demographic groups in our region.In this, Part Three, we'll hear from a number of young mothers to find out what they'd like their elected representatives to do to support young families here.

Seniors Sound Off on Election

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:10:35 +0000

Seniors make up the majority of the population of Haliburton County. In fact, the median age is 60 years old and what's important to them may differ from other demographics. As the municipal election edges ever closer, CanoeFM reached out to a few seniors from across the county to find out what their needs are both in their communities and their representatives in municipal government.Here is Part 3 of our election series entitled What Matters Here — Listening to the voices of Haliburton County.

Reducing Food Waste at Minden Landfill

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:09:43 +0000

Minden Hills' Scotch Line landfill won't last forever, and a new food waste organics program is aimed at diverting waste from the landfill and stretch its life-expectancy further.The process is simple. Large earth bins, as they're known, will be placed in the ground at Scotch Line. Residents who've separated and collected their food waste then place their food waste in the bins on site and six times each year, the bins are emptied. The food waste is then processed for use in Miller Waste's Green Energy program.The Scotch Line landfill in Minden Hills is anticipated to reach full capacity by 2035. That's why the municipality has been constructing a new, modernized transfer station area at the Scotch Line site as well as enhancing waste diversion programs like the Blue Box program and the food waste organics program.Chelsea Cosh, Minden Hills' Manager of Waste facilities sat down with CanoeFM recently to discuss the new initiative.

Big Hawk Lake Log Chute

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:43:05 +0000

It's been said that necessity is the mother of invention, and the Big Hawk Lake Log Chute is an example of that. Built in 1861, it was one of dozens located here in Haliburton County during the region's early logging days. Hundreds of log chutes existed across Ontario and Quebec at one time, now the Big Hawk Lake Log Chute is the only one of its kind in the province.And while it's a popular attraction for tourists and locals, years of exposure to ice storms and flooding have caused damage to the log chute. And this week, portions of it will be under repair to keep it intact.Chris Card, Parks, Recreation and Trails Manager for Algonquin Highlands spoke to Canoe FM to explain why the rehab work is necessary for the chute's survival.

Election Streeters

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:42:22 +0000

With the municipal election just a few weeks away, CanoeFM wanted to hear from random people regarding their interest and participation in the democratic process granted us every four years.CanoeFM spent some time in West Guilford recently to gauge people's intentions as we edge ever closer to election day, Monday, October 26th. Here's what they had to say.

Lisa Kerr Memorial Fund

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:09:06 +0000

Back in 2012, SIRCH helped the Kerrs get the Volunteer Dental Outreach Clinic up and running, supporting them as a registered charity. Eventually, the clinic formed its own non-profit entity, with a Board of Directors and operated without SIRCH's assistance.For 14 years, VDO served the people of Haliburton County, providing much-needed dental care. In early 2024, the federal government launched the Canadian Dental Care Program, promising dental care coverage, however, funding gaps persist. The Lisa Kerr Memorial Fund, created after the sale of the clinic's equipment, totals $210 thousand dollars and will go to help those who can't cover outstanding fees for certain procedures the CDCP won't fund.Dr. Bill Kerr, a dentist who credits his wife Lisa for VDO's creation and operation, sold all the dental and office equipment from the clinic and the proceeds from that sale now form the memorial fund named in Lisa's memory. The fund is aimed at distributing monies for clients who don't have the resources to afford gaps in coverage from the federal Canadian Dental Care Program. SIRCH will manage the fund and collect donations to keep it going.Dr. Kerr told CanoeFM that he's thrilled that his wife's dream of a volunteer outreach dental clinic not only came true but continues to live on even after the creation off the federal government's Canadian Dental Care Program.

New Irondale Church President

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:08:15 +0000

Earlier this year, Carol Simmons, former president of Bark Lake Cultural Developments, announced her retirement from the organization. Without someone assuming the role and others joining, the iconic Irondale Church faced closure and an eventual sale. So, a concert was held in late August to attract new members, and it worked. Now, the church, built in 1887, has new Board leadership and a promising future.Marilyn Pel steps into the role after only being an Irondale resident for two years. While admitting it's a daunting task, Pel says she's thrilled the church will remain a part of the community and she's touched by the willingness of others to help bring new life into the historic church.Though it's early days, Pel says the first job is for the church to build a following. So, now non-denominational services are taking place every Sunday. Families are returning to the church but beyond that, the sky's the limit for breathing new life into the old church.

Haliburton Library Halloween Costume Swap

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:07:26 +0000

Halloween is coming and all the little ghosts and goblins are already getting excited. But for parents, that one night of fun can really hurt the wallet by shelling out lots of money for candy and costumes. That's why the Haliburton County Library is making Halloween more affordable with its upcoming 2ndannual Halloween Costume Swap.CanoeFM sat down with Jennifer Korpela, Programs and Outreach Coordinator with the Haliburton County Library recently to talk about the free event and how it's aimed at removing financial barriers to the fun of Halloween.

Used Tires Piling Up

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:06:32 +0000

Used tires are piling up at auto garages and tire shops across Ontario since changes were made to the province's collection and recycling program.The devastating Hagrsville fire in 1990, caused by arson, prompted the creation of Ontario's regulated tire recycling and diversion programs. In 2008, the Ontario Tire Stewardship program, or OTS, created a centralized used tire program, funded by eco-fees paid by tire producers. More than 70 million used tires were collected under the OTS program from its inception till its closure.In January of 2019, the OTS program ended, shifting to an individual producer responsibility/extended producer responsibility framework. Tire producers became directly accountable for collection and recycling quotas, working through Producer Responsibility Organizations or PROs, managed by the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority or RPRA.In late 2024, the provincial government amended theResource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, lowering the required recycling target for tire manufacturers from 85% to 65% annually. PROs hit their lowered quotas sooner, and ever since, tire retailers and auto shops have experienced lengthy delays in pickups or only partial collection of their tires.Auto shops in Haliburton are facing delays for pick-up of tires of nearly a year and the problem doesn't seem like it's going to improve any time soon.

Haliburton Clothing Swap

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:05:44 +0000

Time to clean out your closets and dressers! The Great Haliburton Clothing Swap takes place Saturday, October 3rdat Fleming College. Now in its third year, the event allows residents to clean out their closets of items they're no longer wearing and freshen up their wardrobes and at the same time follows the environmental mantra of Reduce, Re-use, Recycle.Every landfill in Ontario has a strict operational lifespan determined by its capacity, measured in cubic meters. Most municipal sites are built to operate 30 to 50 years, and diversion helps keep unwanted items out of landfills and costs down.CanoeFM sat down with Ashley Dembinski, Environmental Manager with Dysart et Al to discuss how this annual event is a win-win for everyone.

Minden Hills Firefighters Resign

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:12:17 +0000

A group of volunteer firefighters in Minden Hills have resigned as a direct result of serious and ongoing concerns involving leadership, safety and the overall direction of the Minden Hills Fire Department.In an exclusive interview, CanoeFM has learned that the problems have existed for more than a year, but came to a head in March when a long-serving firefighter was demoted then later fired.Recently, Canoe FM obtained documents containing allegations from former firefighters about workplace conduct, including alleged insults, inappropriate behavior, racial comments, favoritism and concerns about leadership. Both told Canoe FM they believe conditions have deteriorated over the past year, during Chief Don Kruger's tenure.The three firefighters who quit the department on March 30thare Hasan Wiso, Pat Kitcheman, and Jarrod Lawrence. Cody Withey, a volunteer firefighter for eight years who had also served as interim deputy chief, was demoted in October of 2025 and terminated in March. According to documents obtained by Canoe FM, he was accused of undermining leadership. And on Wednesday, September 9th, Dylan Cosh, another captain with the department, submitted his letter of resignation as well.

Kicking the Carbon Habit in our Homes

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:11:25 +0000

Chris Weissflog has spent the last 20 years helping people reduce their carbon footprint by designing and building homes, cottages, restaurants and other businesses that are environmentally sound, affordable and sustainable. That's why Environment Haliburton is thrilled to host him at an upcoming seminar on how to reduce carbon emissions in our homes. The seminar takes place this Saturday, September 12that 10 am at the Haliburton Museum.Susan Hay, President of Environment Haliburton and Weissflog sat down with CanoeFM recently to talk about how just making a few changes in your home can help reduce carbon emissions, thereby lessening the impact of climate change.

KDHSF Upcoming Fundraiser

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:10:29 +0000

Back in 1995, when the Kinmount District Health Services Foundation was created, it didn't have professional recruiters filling its ranks. Instead, it had passionate, driven members, including Restivo-Galea's mother, who wanted to establish a medical clinic in Kinmount with a full-time doctor to serve the community. They worked hard, knocking on doors, making calls and never giving up.When the first physician they recruited settled in town and began seeing patients, the small group knew they were on to something and the annual fundraising event helps ensure people here have high quality medical care close to home.KDHSF as it's known, is hosting the 28thAnnual Journey for Health Community Fundraising Event on Saturday, September 19thfrom 9 am to noon. Start the day with a pancake breakfast, walk, run or jog the rail trail and raise money for physician recruitment.Kim Restivo-Galea, secretary for KDHSF, is excited the event is once again taking place this year and invites everyone to take part in the fun for a vitally important cause. She sat down with CanoeFM to explain why the foundation's mission is as strong as the day it began.

Artist Pantry

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:09:35 +0000

Emma Warburton is the kind of person who can take the seed of an idea and make it blossom. That's exactly what's she's done in opening The Artist Pantry in Minden. You see, Warburton is a painter and when she moved to Haliburton County, she was shocked to learn that this area, despite being such a thriving artist community, didn't have a store that sold the supplies she and other artists need for their creations. Local artisans, and Warburton herself, had to order their supplies online or travel to nearby cities to find what they need.Now, thanks to the help of her parents, Warburton has opened her own store, specializing in high-quality art supplies. Born out of a clear need, the store stocks a wide array of supplies, from specialty paper to watercolor, acrylic and oil paints, brushes, pencil crayons and everything in-between. Warburton hopes the store is the answer for local artists in search of the materials for their creations.Warburton sat down with CanoeFM and a local artist to talk about what the store has to offer and why it will fill the void for creatives here.

Advanced Care Paramedics

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:08:39 +0000

In mid-August, the County of Haliburton announced the deployment of its first frontline advanced care paramedic or ACP. The program is expected to expand over time to a total of three ACPs. Every ambulance in Haliburton County is staffed by highly trained primary care paramedics (PCPs) who provide exceptional care for the community. The addition of advanced care paramedics means on-site interventions can now be performed that could not be carried out before, such as intubation, and the administration For residents and visitors, this means an additional layer of advanced clinical care is now available within Haliburton County.Mike Slatter, Chief of the Haliburton Paramedic Servic, who has been in the Chief role for the last year and a half, is grateful for County Council's leadership and the foresight of the union in bringing advanced paramedic care to the region.Slatter and ACP Shawn Foster sat down with CanoeFM to talk about how the new advanced paramedic program will make a difference locally.

Film crew at Minden Whitewater Preserve

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 21:07:37 +0000

The secret may have gotten out, but Dave Gillespie, the Director of the Minden Whitewater Preserve, isn't saying a word. He's not going to spill any tea on juicy details about action heroes or shooting schedules.But what he will share, is what it means to attract both the attention and rental fees of a big television production company that's come to Minden to film a wildly successful franchise series, giving the Preserve the ability to reinvest in the facility, trails and the river itself.On August 17th, the Municipality of Minden Hills sent out a media release, notifying the public that JRS5 TV Productions Ltd. would be filming scenes for ‘Honcho' here from August 27thto September 2ndand that there would be road restrictions and delays as a result. They added that campgrounds and trails in the area would be closed until filming concluded.And while many locals suspect the filming is part of the popular Reacher series, which is known to shoot throughout Ontario, Gillespie cannot and will not substantiate the rumors but says it's the largest production hosted by the Preserve in its nearly 50-year history.Located on the Gull River, the Minden Whitewater Preserve is a hidden gem – a mecca of sorts for both high-caliber and recreational kayak and canoeing enthusiasts. It's home to some of the most challenging runs found in Ontario and is a preferred destination for whitewater enthusiasts of all skill levels.It's also known for its beautiful surroundings, hiking trails and serenity. So, it's no surprise that when a television production company chose to scout the area, they fell in love with it and began working on plans to use the river as the backdrop for the upcoming season of the show.Gillespie sat down with CanoeFM recently to talk about how the production company's rental of the Preserve will have long-reaching impact.

Gooderham Childcare Centre

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:20:40 +0000

Anyone with children who lives in Haliburton County knows childcare is not easy to find here. In fact, the waiting list for licensed centre-based childcare has more than 1,451 kids on it and the average time to secure a spot is three years.That's why Amber McDuff and her husband Justin Dadic decided to take matters into their own hands and do something to help those struggling to find childcare. The couple opened Gooderham Childcare Group in early July and since then, has been doing all they can to bring more area children into their care. But there's a problem.Despite meeting all the requirements for licensing, McDuff's centre has not been included in the provincial childcare subsidy program that drops the average cost from $70 per day to $22 per day. The program, entitled Canada-wide Early Learning & Child Care, (or CWELCC), is administered locally by the City of Kawartha Lakes Social Services.McDuff and Dadic are losing about $2 thousand dollars a month because the lack of subsidies means most parents in the area can't afford the $70 per day fee. The couple opened an ice cream shop behind the childcare centre in May to offset costs. While that venture has proven both popular and profitable, it can't sustain the centre. It's a Catch-22 that is both frustrating and upsetting to the couple who simply want to help out other parents like themselves.

Governance Affordability Study

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:19:46 +0000

For two months this summer, Haliburton's current two-tier government structure has been studied by the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN). Now, as residents prepare to cast their votes in the upcoming municipal elections, the public is being invited to a series of meetings that explain what's on the table and why.Concern over mounting financial pressures on the county and its lower-tier municipalities led Haliburton County council to enact the study by EORN. The report provides options for enhanced long-term sustainability and analyzes four potential governance models.And while the report is available for residents to read at any time, officials thought public information sessions to explain the different models and the advantages and disadvantages of each would help everyone understand that doing nothing is not an option. That's why a series of meetings are taking place August 25ththrough August 31rst in all four municipalities, so questions can be asked and answered in an open forum.Gary Dyke spoke with CanoeFM recently to discuss the study and its next steps. He said the financial realities of the current structure are what drove the study and the results are out for everyone to consider prior to heading to the polls.

Training For Emergencies

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:18:57 +0000

There's an old adage that claims failure to plan means planning to fail. And that's why the Minden Hills Fire Department, along with members of the Algonquin Hills Fire Department gathered recently to do a mock emergency drill at Budget Propane just south of Minden.The drill, required by propane operators across the province every fire years, put firefighters through their paces, so that if a real propane emergency occurs, they're ready.Minden Hills Fire Chief Don Kruger spoke to CanoeFM to explain why training for dangerous events is crucial for his team.

Culture Days coming to Haliburton

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:18:05 +0000

For the first time ever, Culture Days are coming to Haliburton County. And thanks to its already thriving arts and culture community, Haliburton has been recognized as one of 16 provincial hubs featured during the celebration.Ontario Culture Days is an annual, multi-week festival highlighting local arts, culture and heritage in several communities across the province. This year's Culture Days run from September 18thto October fourth. The festival encourages people to discover and explore local arts and culture experiences. Given the depth of opportunities here in Haliburton, hosting Culture Days helps showcase everything the region has to offer.Sharon Kennedy is the Vice-Chair of the Arts Council of Haliburton Highlands and part of the organizing committee bringing Culture Days to Haliburton County. She's hard at work promoting the three-week festival and wants artists of all kinds to take part by hosting experiences for the public.Kennedy sat down with CanoeFM recently at Castle Antiques to talk about the upcoming festival and how people can get involved.

Calling on Cottagers to Engage in Upcoming Election

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:17:08 +0000

If there's one thing Ron Parkinson believes, it's that democracy is a gift – one we all should honor by voting. That's why he's doing all he can as the President of the Cedar Lake Association – an organization that connects about 300 cottage owners on vital issues, to vote in the upcoming municipal election on Monday, Oct. 26th.Like hundreds of others, Parkinson is a cottager and has been coming up to Haliburton County for more than 40 years. He believes that information is power and that taking part in the electoral process is vitally important.This is Part One of what will be a multi-episode series on the voices of Haliburton County as we inch ever closer to the upcoming municipal election. The series, entitled,WHAT MATTERS HERE:Listening to the voices of Haliburton County,will cover the issues that matter to various demographic groups in our region.In this, Part One, we'll hear from Parkinson, who's mission is to motivate cottagers to become informed about the candidates and their platforms, then cast their votes. As Parkinson stipulates, this is not an attempt to choose specific candidates, but to let members know who's running for what roles and what they stand for.Many of his members, who own cottages here but live somewhere else, are unaware of their right to vote in an election for an area that's not their primary residence. That's precisely why Parkinson is launching an information campaign to understand the local municipal scene, specifically in Highlands East, where his cottage and his members own their secondary properties.But first, let's clarify the term‘cottager'. Ontario law allows anon-resident electorto vote in a municipality if they own or rent property there (or are the spouse of someone who does). So, a person who lives in Toronto but owns a cottage in Haliburton County can be on the municipal voters' list here.

Fire Department Raising Funds for Critical Equipment

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:16:17 +0000

The Dysart Fire Department plays an important role in our region. They're there for all kinds of emergencies and perform difficult work to save lives and property. But with more than 8,000 properties in the Haliburton Highlands across often challenging rural and seasonal cottage country terrain, they need the flexibility to use whatever equipment helps them get to calls the fastest.That's why Dysart et al Deputy Chief Stacey Parish, and volunteer firefighters Spencer Mitchell and Steve Potalivo came into the CanoeFM studio recently, to talk about the new vehicle they hope to purchase and why it's so important. They're hoping that as many people can come play in their inaugural golf tournament on August 30thto help raise funds for the new off-road vehicle.

GrandFriends Program Connecting Families Needing Support

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:58:06 +0000

Are you 55+ and looking to bring more meaning into your life? Haliburton's SIRCH is looking for you!April Austen is looking for a few good men and women. Moreaccurately, she's looking for 10 kind-hearted people who want to share their life experienceand caring nature with young families in Haliburton County as part of SIRCH's new GrandFriendprogram.The concept is simple; matching those aged 55 and up with young, single mothers or families tooffer a listening ear and meaningful connection through activities, encouragement andfriendship. It's the first time SIRCH has offered the program, and Austen is excited for this newopportunity.Austen says the program will support both the parents, the kids andthe GrandFriends themselves. And because Haliburton County is a supportive community, theprogram is a perfect fit here for anyone who just needs someone in their lives who cares.

Irondale Church Could be Sold

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:57:08 +0000

It has sat at the corner of Irondale Road and Salerno Lake Road since 1887 and born witness two World Wars, the Gold Rush, Canada's Confederation and everything else that brought us all here, to 2026. It's the Irondale Church, a central hub to this small community and generations of families.And now, its future is bleak. Officials there say that unless new members of the Bark Lake Cultural Developments Board come forward soon, the church will be put up for sale this fall.Financed by a Pennsylvania industrialist Charles Pusey, whose dream was to create a mining empire of profitable iron deposits in the community, the church was constructed to create a place of worship for miners and their families. Pusey's dream would never be realized however, since the local iron ore was not commercially viable, so the church is the last remaining part of his investment in the community. It became an Anglican Church and remained so for nearly a century but 18 years ago, when the congregation dwindled, the Irondale church was deconsecrated. BLCD took over the property and has managed it ever since.Douglas Rodger, a new member himself, says that without a new leadership team the church will close, and with its closure, public access to services, concerts, Spring Fling, Fall Harvest, Remembrance Day ceremonies and numerous church suppers there will end permanently.Rodger sat down with CanoeFM recently in the sanctuary of the Irondale Church to explain why saving the it, the hub of the Irondale community, is so important.As a way to generate both interest, funds and motivate people to get involved in saving the Irondale Church, Rodger is organizing a concert on Saturday, Aug. 22ndfeaturing Mystikana, a mother & daughter folk trio of singer songwriters from the highlands of Eastern Ontario. Rodger is hoping this concert will spark interest in saving the church that's been the centre of the community for 139 years.

OPSEU left out of College Merger Talks

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:56:16 +0000

The veil of secrecy surrounding the planned merger of Fleming College and St. Lawrence College has led the Ontario Public Service Employees Union of faculty and support staff at both colleges to file six grievances for failing to keep all parties informed, a local union president said recently.In April, a press release announced the merger to form a much larger post-secondary institution saying it would allow quote "greater capacity to serve our regions over the long term, while maintaining the local college experience," end quote.Increased financial and operational challenges arising from the capping of international students in 2024 led to massive program and staff cuts at a number of Ontario colleges, including Xavier Massie, Dean of Fleming College in Haliburton in February.Marcia Steeves, President of OPSEU Local 351, sat down with CanoeFM recently to discuss the frustration union members are feeling for being excluded from meetings regarding the merger by college leadership. She says the union is just as much in the dark as the communities the colleges operate in.

Wilberforce Penny Raffle

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:55:25 +0000

Every community has that one person who does all they can to make life better for others. In Wilberforce, that person is Kathy Rogers. She's the type of person who can be called on to take on any initiative that improves her town for those who live there. That's why she's hard at work, with the rest of the Wilberforce FUNraising Committee, getting everything ready for the upcoming annual Gigantic Penny Raffle & Spaghetti Dinner, taking place on Saturday, July 18th.Rogers spoke with CanoeFM recently to talk about this year's event. She says it's a great day of fun, fundraising and fellowship with both locals and cottagers.Rogers says the Penny Raffle is a much-loved event by the community. She says there's never an issue getting donations of specialty baskets and other raffle items. Some people spend all year getting items ready for the raffle and on the actual day, are thrilled to see who ends up with what.

Why Minden Floods

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:54:32 +0000

Ask anyone who lives in Minden and they'll likely say the same thing; the Gull River floods out their town nearly every Spring. It did this year, just as it did in 2013, 2017, and 2019, damaging both roads and properties. It's frustrating to many local residents, who were forced to fill and install hundreds of sandbags to keep the water from causing further losses.Some of those residents took to social media during the crisis to complain about the Trent Severn Waterway not doing enough to safeguard communities like Minden from flooding. They asked why there wasn't another dam located nearby to prevent the water from rising, but few can actually say they understand how water management works in the region.CanoeFM sat down with Karen Feeley of the TSW recently to understand how it manages water flows in our region. She said many factors come into play and their responsibility is to mitigate flooding when a perfect storm like the one that came this past April comes into play.Feeley said people need to understand that what happens upstream can have consequences to those living downstream.

Parker Pad

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:18:22 +0000

Parker Pad Printing was started by Frank Parker Sr. He focused on producing pads of paper for various firms and thus the business became known for it. When Frank Sr. passes, his son, the late Frank Parker Jr. took over the reins for four decades until his daughter Janis assumed leadership following her father's death. For eight decades, Parker Pad Printing has been led by three generations of the family. But as Parker herself easily admits, it wasn't the career she had planned for.When called upon to lead and grow the business, that's exactly what she did, adding a second location in Haliburton and increasing sales beyond anyone's expectations. Now, that commitment to business success is what's led to Parker Pad Printing to celebrate it's 80thyear in business.

Good Food Box

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:17:32 +0000

The Good Food Box is a community assistance program that provides a box or bag of nutritious fruits and vegetables and it's the answer for those who want to stretch their grocery budget as far as possible. For $20 each month, those who've signed up receive a Good Food Box filled with delicious, fresh produce.The program, originally run here by the Lions Club, started in 2001. The Haliburton Rotary Club now administers the program, and Irv Handler is proud of the work his club is doing to help those in need in the community.Handler invited CanoeFM to come witness the Rotary members prepare Good Food Boxes recently in Haliburton to see the impact for the community.

Dysart Fills Mayor's Seat

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:16:43 +0000

Walt McKechnie, Deputy Mayor of Dysart et al, will likely take over the role of Interim Mayor until the municipal election, Monday, October 26th, following the death of Murray Fearrey, the municipality's former mayor.Tamara Willbee, CAO of Dysart et al, spoke with CanoeFM recently. She said that as of June 30, only one person came forward to take on the position, and that was McKechnie. A vote will take place July 7thto confirm his appointment.Wilbee said then the Deputy Mayor's seat will have to be filled. An announcement in the local media outlets will keep the public informed about the process. The remaining council seat might not be filled.

Town Crier declares July 4th as CanoeFM Day

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:53:34 +0000

Bruce Kruger came to Haliburton recently, to make a special public proclamation and to celebrate a remarkable achievement. Kruger, surrounded by CanoeFM staff and volunteers, declared this Saturday, July 4rth as CanoeFM Day in Haliburton County in the lead-up to the station's upcoming fundraiser, the annual CanoeFM Radiothon, taking place July 3rd, 4rth and 5th.For 30 years, Kruger worked with the OPP in a variety of roles, including supervising the Tactical Response Unit, or TRU Team, until his retirement. But Kruger didn't just ride off into the sunset. No, this man, passionate about helping connect communities and celebrate significant initiatives, has been appearing as the town crier for Bracebridge for two decades and says it's his way of giving back.But it's not all ribbon cuttings and special events. The art of being a town crier can be a competitive activity as well. Kruger has been all over the world representing Bracebridge and his country with pride in so many competitions – too many to count, in fact both in North America and internationally. And the competition, at least during the events, is fierce. Kruger says it takes four judges to decide whose cries win from the field of competitors.

Ojibwe Spirit Horses Fundraiser at Abbey Gardens

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:52:28 +0000

Ojibwe Spirit Horses, also known as the Lac La Croix Indigenous Ponies or Indian Ponies, are the only known horse breed developed by indigenous people. Critically endangered, there are only 200 remaining in the world. They're shorter than other horse breeds, standing on average 13 hands. They have hard hooves and therefore do not require shoeing. The have fluffy ears and an extra nose flap to protect them from harsh Canadian winters.The breed met their demise when the settlers arrived in the early 1900's and culled them in order for agriculture to take hold on the land. By 1977, only four mares remained and were slated to be euthanized. A group of daring indigenous men smuggled the remaining horses out of the country to Minnesota to save the breed. Out of that the Ojibwe Horse Society was born. The organization aims to preserve, protect and raise awareness of the breed.Abbey Gardens was selected by Rare Breeds Canada as a suitable site for Chase and Sika, a Spirit horse pair who came to live there in 2012. Not long after, Maple was born and his parents taken elsewhere. A small white pony named Flapjack was brought in to keep him company. Sika's second colt, Sammy, came to live at Abbey Gardens as well. Now the three live a life of riley, with food, room to run and devoted caregivers. The horses are part of the curriculum for students of the Forest School and visitors can come by to spend time with them as well.But the truth is, feeding and caring for these unique animals doesn't come cheap. The cost of hay, medications and other essentials are rising just as they are for us humans.That's why Abbey Gardens is hosting a special fundraising concert on Saturday, July 4rth with local musician Carl Dixon playing in support of the horses. Angela Kruger, the Executive Director of Abbey Gardens Community Trust explains how the fundraiser came together and why it's a good cause.

Terry Fox Award

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:51:29 +0000

In April, Aurora Wesley finally heard the news she's been hoping for. Wesley became one of 15 Canadian students to receive the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award and a $30 thousand dollar scholarship she'll use this fall at the University of Western Ontario.Caring for others runs deep for Wesley. When she was just 11 years old, she organized a fundraising event for the Canadian Cancer Society in support of her godmother who died after battling cancer. As part of the event, aptly called "Wig Out", Wesley and a group of her friends cut off their hair that later became wigs for patients who've lost their hair due to chemotherapy treatments. And every two years since, Wesley cuts her hair for the same purpose.Gifted with a personality that seems to draw people to whatever cause she's working on, Wesley began as an active member of 4H. Since grade 9, she's been a member of Haliburton Highlands High School's Interact Club and taken on a number of campaigns that benefit both the school and broader community, including the high school's twinned school in northern India.Wesley will be studying Business Administration at Western this fall then will enter the prestigious Ivy School of Business there. Though still young, she feels the responsibility of living up to the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award. It's something she feels will help guide her future and she appreciates everyone who's had a hand in helping her become who she is.

Moorelands Camp

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:50:36 +0000

Since 1917, the not-for-profit Moorelands Camp has been offering opportunities for children from low-income neighborhoods to realize their potential to succeed. The camp, rooted in positive youth development, allows kids to develop leadership skills in a safe and fun environment.Colette Halferty is the director of Development and Communications for Mooreland Kids & Community Services, the parent organization that runs both the summer camp and year-round programs throughout Toronto. She says the camp is a magical place that's changed and improved the lives of kids living on the margins.That's why she's excited to announce the organization's recent decision to expand their reach, inviting marginalized kids from Haliburton County to come experience the camp through the Join my Journey campaign.

Green Burials

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:49:43 +0000

After the death of their son Kyle in 2019, Terry Moore and his wife Shirley launched the Haliburton Highlands Green Burial Society seven years ago with the hope of establishing a green burial site here. Sadly now both Shirley and Kyle are buried in St. Stephens Cemetery in Algonquin Highlands, the first green burial site in the region. It's a bittersweet accomplishment but one Moore takes comfort in.A green burial—or natural burial—is an eco-friendly approach to death care that allows a body to decompose naturally and return to the earth. It eliminates the use of embalming chemicals, concrete vaults, and non-biodegradable caskets, instead utilizing sustainable materials to minimize environmental impactMoore recently invited CanoeFM to visit the cemetery where his wife is the first person to be buried in the green burial site.

The Reid House

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:48:49 +0000

The moment one steps into Reid House, it hits you. It's no longer 2026, it's entirely 1882. To the left of the front door is the more formal parlor, complete with an ornate woodstove and furniture reflective of the period. A staircase to the right leads to the upstairs bedrooms and the hallway leads to the kitchen, where families would spend most of their time together.There's a quiet here, a reverence, as though you've been granted the privilege to be there, to explore and see how people lived more than one hundred and forty years ago. Kate Butler , is the Director of the Haliburton Highlands Museum. She takes pleasure in explaining the home's unique character and the family that lived there. For her, Reid House reflects the story of Haliburton and the creation of the museum.That's why Butler invited CanoeFM to tour the recently reopened Reid House, which had been closed for its roof to be repaired. As summer approaches, tourists, cottagers and locals will soon flock to the museum and now Reid House is ready for its close-up.

Best Before Dates

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:47:56 +0000

According Second Harvest, Canada's largest food rescue organization, Canadians waste approximately $58 billion dollars' worth of food each year, an estimated 13 hundred dollars per household due to confusion of best before dates and the fear of consuming inedible food. And at a time when the staggering cost of food is putting the squeeze on consumers, understanding the difference between expiry dates and best before dates is vitally important to protect your health and save money.Matt Faris is an environmental health manager with Lakelands Public Health, specializing in food safety and health hazards. He said the most important thing consumers need to know is that best before dates have nothing to do with food safety. He spoke to CanoeFM recently to say the confusion surrounding best before dates is causing consumers to throw food out that is still safe. In doing so, given the growing cost of food, they then spend more on groceries than they need to.

Beer Store Empties Returns

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:47:02 +0000

Since May 2024, the Beer Store has closed one hundred and ten retail locations across the province. The original agreement stated that grocery stores were obligated to take back empty alcohol containers. But now, after numerous grocery chains lobbied against the policy, they are no longer responsible for doing so. The result? People in rural communities have to drive out of their way to return their empties if they want the deposit payout.But, increasingly what's happening is those empties are more likely to end up in a recycling bin at the landfill instead. The closure of Beer Store locations across Ontario has severely hampered the Ontario Deposit Return Program. Ontarians lost an estimated $60 million in unredeemed deposits as rural residents face longer travel times to reclaim their $0.10 or $0.20 fees.The Beer Store in Haliburton closed earlier this year and the only remaining official Beer Store retail outlet is in Minden. Grocery stores like both Foodland and Todd's Independent do not accept empties.CanoeFM spoke to a number of local residents and cottagers who are having to find alternative solutions to deal with their empties.

Lorne VanSinclair Wins CRABO Award

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:12:17 +0000

Lorne VanSinclair has been fascinated by the power of radio and music since he was a little boy. And it's that fascination that's led him to carve out a career in both radio and music that's won the appreciation of both listeners and radio associations.Though not formally trained, VanSinclair found creative ways to get on air. He worked at CBC in Toronto as a technician and would suggest program ideas that would lead to him running with them. Over the years, VanSinclair worked at CHFI as a regular guest on Don Daynard's Saturday Night Oldies show. He was on CKLN, and CUIT both in Toronto, as well as CFOR in Orillia.But it was Haliburton County's own CanoeFM where VanSinclair launched his internationally syndicated show Backbeat in 2019. That show is broadcast on nearly 30 campus and community radio stations across Canada, the US and web streams in Germany.Recently, VanSinclair was awarded his second Community Radio Award in Broadcast and Online, otherwise known as a "CRABO" for his vintage music show in the Best Blues or Similar Music Show category. In 2024, he won a CRABO in the Best Music Variety category. VanSinclair credits CanoeFM for taking a chance on him and nurturing his show along the way.

Minden Foodland Celebrates 70 years

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:11:24 +0000

When Joe and Peter Dollo came home from World War II, the brothers decided to go into business. Together, with the support of their wives Florence and Christina, the Dollos opened a small grocery store on Minden's main street. It was 1946, and the small store became the family business, with everyone pitching in to make it a success.That's the origin story of Minden's Foodland, now celebrating 70 years in business and the four generations who made it a valued part of the community. Through all the years, the store and the family behind it, are looking back with pride and looking forward to a special reunion event that takes place Saturday, June 13that the Minden Hills Community Centre.John Davis was 14 when he started working at the Dollo's family grocery store in 1966. He bagged groceries and then carried them out to customers' cars or even their boats. He moved into the produce section, then the meat department and eventually he became the Meat Manager. Little did he know at the time that the experience would lead to his own career in the grocery industry. And all these years later, Davis is excited to join family, friends and Foodland co-workers together to celebrate how a dream by two brothers has grown into a Minden staple.

Memories of Murray Fearrey

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:10:32 +0000

Selfless, dedicated, fair-minded, and caring. Those are adjectives used to describe Murray Fearrey, who, after more than 50 years spent in Haliburton municipal politics, died last Thursday, May 28th. He was 84.Flags are flying at half mast at the municipal building in Haliburton and numerous locations across the county in honor of a man who dedicated his life to public service.Born and raised here, Murray spent his entire life in Haliburton. Over five decades of public service as Reeve, 12 terms as County Warden, and a long-serving Mayor of Dysart et al, both friends, family and even colleagues say he helped shape nearly every corner of the community he loved so deeply.CanoeFM spoke to two people who knew Fearrey better than most and who are feeling his loss profoundly; Tamara Willbee, CAO of Dysart et al and Deputy Mayor Walt McKechnie.

HHHS ER Wait Times

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 29 May 2026 21:18:50 +0000

Emergency room wait times in Ontario have increased by 67 per cent in the past five years, a new report has found.The study, by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, found that 90 per cent of patients waited 4.5 hours for an initial assessment at ERs across Ontario in 2024 and 2025, up from 2.7 hours five years prior.And while the report goes on to state the rise in ER wait times is directly tied to a flawed funding model by the Province, at Haliburton Highlands Health Services, treating patients in a timely and effective manner is a delicate balance made more challenging by daily and seasonal fluctuations in ER visits.Victoria Miscio, Interim Chief Nursing Executive, for HHHS recently sat down with CanoeFM to explain how patients are cared for in the ER, the systems in place that prioritize treatment and to dispel the myth that it's first come, first served.

Community Living Walking the Picket Line

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 29 May 2026 21:17:56 +0000

The picket lines are up in Haliburton County as more than 300 full and part time Community Living Trent Highlands staff have entered into a legal strike after the Ontario Public Service Employees Union and the Ontario Government failed to come to an agreement on the latest contract offer.Community Living Trent Highlands operate two homes in Haliburton and additional outreach services across the county for developmentally challenged youth and adults. Homes and outreach services are also delivered in Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes. More than one thousand clients are served by the organization.Community Living staff have been in a legal strike position since last fall. After the Friday midnight deadline came and went, the union began preparing to strike. Picket lines are now up in all three communities served by Community Living Trent Highlands and local members were seen picketing near the library in Haliburton on Monday. Teresa Jordan, Executive Director for Community Living Trent Highlands spoke with Canoe FM Monday afternoon to explain what led the organization and its 300 full and part time staff to reluctantly walk off the job.

Art Centre Foundation waiting for approval

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 29 May 2026 21:17:03 +0000

It's been a long road for the Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation, but the organization is hoping that within the next six months to a year, their plan to build a world-class performing arts space will become a reality.Recently, the group finalized the site plan as part of their application to the Municipality of Dysart. Getting to this stage has taken years of work and a steadfast commitment, but now it's a game of wait and see. The HHACF came into existence in 2018 and since then, numerous people have donated their time and energy to the goal of a new performing arts space here in Haliburton.Since then, it's been all about moving the project through the municipality of Dysart for rezoning. Recently, with the help of a consultant in Peterborough, the HHACF completed a site plan in its application for approval and have been told the review is underway. Clipperton says this can take between six to 12 months but the group is optimistic.

Canada Post Eliminating Home Delivery

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 29 May 2026 21:16:09 +0000

Canada Post recently announced its plan to convert all home delivery addresses to community mailboxes. In a statement detailing the plan, provided to CanoeFM, the Crown Corporations says taking this action will quote "ensure it can meet the evolving needs of Canadians in a financially sustainable way," end quote.Starting later this year, Canada Post will eliminate door-to-door mail delivery to 136 thousand residents across the country. Then, over the next five years, it will convert approximately four million addresses that still receive door-to-door delivery to community mailboxes.Since 2025, the federal government has financially bailed out Canada Post three times, to the tune of $2.72 Billion dollars. Canada Post's decision to end home mail delivery comes as a result of year over year financial losses, a drastic drop in mail volumes, labor disputes, rising operational costs and stiff parcel delivery competition. The Crown Corporation says eliminating door-to-door mail delivery will save nearly $400 million dollars a year.CanoeFM went to the street to find out how locals are reacting to the end of home mail delivery.

Humans Of Haliburton Book

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 15 May 2026 22:11:45 +0000

Susan Tromanhaser credits her father for passing on his curiosity for people and willingness to just ask questions. It's been the thread that's woven through her life both professionally and personally, she says.And it's that curiosity that's kept her busy for more than three years documenting the lives of locals here in Haliburton County in a weekly column for the Highlander newspaper. The column, entitled ‘Humans of Haliburton Highlands' invites readers to learn more about the people in their community, their life stories, their loves, losses and their humanity.After interviewing more than 150 people, Tromanhauser felt it might be a good idea to publish a coffee-table-style book that compiles many of the stories of the people she's met. So, she's done exactly that, with a book launch scheduled for Saturday, June 6thfrom 1 to 3 pm at the Corner Gallery in Haliburton.Tromanhauser, who spent her professional career as a principal for the Niagara School Board then at Brock University training teachers, sat down with CanoeFM recently to talk about what inspired her to publish her new book, ‘Humans of Haliburton Highlands'.

Jump in the Lake Fundraiser

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 15 May 2026 22:04:03 +0000

Nature Nuggets Book

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 11 May 2026 20:27:44 +0000

Rick Whitteker's love of the natural world has shaped his career, his activism and even his leisure time. And it's that love and fascination that's led him to write his first book, fittingly entitled, ‘Nature Nuggets' and it focuses on all the wonders to be found here in Haliburton County in all four seasons by way of hiking, kayaking and snowshoeing.The book is a collection of past columns Whittaker wrote for County Life and was designed and printed by Parker Pad & Printing in the last few weeks, Now, Whitteker is on a kind of informal book tour, speaking at several events in the county. He took time out to speak to CanoeFM to talk about what inspired his foray into becoming a published author.

Genealogy Group

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 11 May 2026 20:26:52 +0000

What started as a group of locals assisting the Ontario Genealogical Society in 1990, with the creation of a province-wide index of all cemetery headstones, eventually became the origin story for the Haliburton Highlands Genealogy Group, focused on local family history and genealogy.With more than 80 members, the local group meets five times a year, but for many members, including Espina, the day-to-day is usually spent sifting through websites and registries all aimed at connecting people with their roots.The job requires genealogists to be one part detective and other part researcher, but the process is a lot easier now that technology puts everything at your fingertips. In the early days, however, the work required trips to the Ontario archives and hours spent pouring over records of all kinds.Adele Espina, Chair of the group, sat down with CanoeFM recently to talk about how finding someone's ancestors is a voyage of discovery.

County transportation

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 11 May 2026 20:26:02 +0000

If you live and work in Haliburton County, owning a car is essential. But with the cost of living these days, including gas, insurance, and maintenance, a car can be out of reach for many people in the region. And that fact is creating pinch points for local businesses trying to recruit and retain employees. The same goes for anyone who has appointments or errands to run. Simply put, there is no alternative.Despite its best efforts to secure some kind of bus system that could operate between Minden Hills and Haliburton Village, Haliburton County is once again on a road to nowhere. At a recent County Council meeting, members were told that the cost to create a bus between the two centres is just too expensive.Earlier this Spring, Scott Ovell, Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the County, told councilors once again that a fixed route bus running between the two centres of Minden and Haliburton is financially impossible for the foreseeable future. He sat down with CanoeFM to explain why.

Connection Corners

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 11 May 2026 20:25:12 +0000

Mike Knight has been into music since he was a boy growing up in the UK. A lover of all kinds of music, he is also an accomplished bass player and sound engineer for local music events in Haliburton County, under the name Makk Sound. Now, Knight has realized another dream through the creation of his own recording space called Apple Tree Studio.Named after a beautiful apple tree that grows in his yard, Mike Knight planned and designed the entire studio's set-up, from the ground up, and included state-of-the-art features that guarantee the best sound recording quality possible. It took him 20 months to build the studio that had a soft opening in December of last year. That attention to detail is something Knight is justifiably proud of since he knows the little things do actually matter in a studio.Knight sat down with CanoeFM recently in his new studio to explain how it was built and why he was so passionate about creating it literally from the ground up.

Apple Tree Studios

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 11 May 2026 20:24:17 +0000

The facts are staggering. According to the World Health Organization, one in six people experience loneliness with social disconnection linked to more than 871 thousand deaths each year. Roughly 52 per cent of Canadians report feeling lonely at least once a week.That's why, during Mental Health Week, May fourth through tenth, the Lakelands Pubic Health is aiming to combat loneliness head-on by creating ‘connection corners' in libraries across Haliburton County and Kawartha Lakes.Strong connections are vital for people of all ages. For seniors, having an active social circle can lower the risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease and depression. In youth, social isolation can trigger depression, anxiety, learning difficulties, lowered self-esteem and behavioral issues.Joanne Brewster is a Health Promoter with Lakelands Public Health. She sat down with CanoeFM to discuss how the health unit's campaign, in partnership with 18 libraries in the region, encourages residents to focus on social connections for improving mental health and overall well-being. She says doing so can reduce stress, improve your mood and foster a sense of belonging.

911 in Haliburton County

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 11 May 2026 20:23:27 +0000

It's the fastest way to get medical assistance, but in the last few years more than half of the calls to 911 both here in Haliburton and across the province are for non-emergencies. CBC Radio recently played actual calls to 911 to highlight some of the frivolous reasons people call for help, including one where a woman called 911 because she dropped her phone in a snowbank.That's why Mike Slatter, who heads up the Haliburton County Paramedic Service, is urging local residents to understand that while the paramedic service is always ready to respond, calling 911 for non-emergencies hampers its ability to answer the call for more serious and urgent cases.In Haliburton County, people are calling for what Slatter refers to as ‘non-acute' reasons and in doing so, take away the resources intended for real emergencies. Slatter sat down with CanoeFM recently to discuss the problem and offer solutions.

New CEO of HHHS

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:12:01 +0000

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.

Hal County Affordability Review

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:11:08 +0000

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.

Remembering the Frost Centre

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:10:22 +0000

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.

Minden Flood

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:09:31 +0000

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

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:08:39 +0000

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.

New Owner of Bernsteins

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:18:08 +0000

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.

New X-Ray Machine at HHHS

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:17:16 +0000

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.

SIRCH Grow A Row

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:30:14 +0000

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.

Rising Gas Prices

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:29:20 +0000

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 Stakeholders Meeting

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:28:24 +0000

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.

The Land Between Talking Circles

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:27:31 +0000

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.

Bringing Calendar Girls to the Stage Part 3

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:14:29 +0000

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.

Bringing Calendar Girls to the Stage Part 2

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:13:39 +0000

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.

Emsella Chair Treatment For Pelvic Floor Issues

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:12:48 +0000

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.

Local Woman Helped by Sleeping in Cars Fundraiser

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:12:03 +0000

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 The Accidental Canadian

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:35:53 +0000

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.

Sports Hall of Fame 2026 Inductees

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:34:58 +0000

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.

Kinmount Doctor Departure

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:34:04 +0000

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.

Minden Business Working Group

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:33:10 +0000

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.

OPP Youth Academy

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:45:09 +0000

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.

Bringing Calendar Girls to the Stage

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:44:15 +0000

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.

Clearing Vents & Snowpiles for Carbon Monoxide

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:43:22 +0000

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.

Harcourt Timber Mart

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:34:44 +0000

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 – New Book by Fay Martin

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:33:37 +0000

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.

Pasta For Playgrounds

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:32:47 +0000

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.

Highlands Summer Festival 2026

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:02:58 +0000

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.

Encouraging Civic Engagement

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:02:05 +0000

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.

New Outdoor Education & Indigenous Centre

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:01:07 +0000

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.

February Folk Fest

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:00:16 +0000

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.

Swapping Trades

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:56:09 +0000

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.

Haliburton Gymnastics

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:55:18 +0000

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.

Haliburton Dog Sled Races

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:38:04 +0000

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.

Veto on Budget Amendments

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 14:37:12 +0000

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.

Amalgamation of Conservation Authorities

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:57:43 +0000

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.

Haliburton Beer Store Closes

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:56:54 +0000

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.

Old Timer Hockey Leagues

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:48:03 +0000

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.

Carbon Monoxide

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:47:13 +0000

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.

HHHF Xmas Campaign

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:13:56 +0000

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.

Free Radon Testing Kits

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:13:07 +0000

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.

The 12 Days of Fire Safety

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 15:12:20 +0000

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.

Shingle All The Way

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:03:39 +0000

This week, [someone], [someone else] and [another person] cover [topic].....

Topics discussed:

Topic A
Topic B
Topic C

Links mentioned in this episode:

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Land Trust Partners in Conservation

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:03:10 +0000

This week, [someone], [someone else] and [another person] cover [topic].....

Topics discussed:

Topic A
Topic B
Topic C

Links mentioned in this episode:

This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

Vigil in honor of Montreal Massacre Victims

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:02:20 +0000

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 No Longer Eliminated in Canada

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:01:29 +0000

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 Highland Festival Singers perform Handel’s Messiah

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:31:47 +0000

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.

Haliburton County Budget

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:30:53 +0000

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.

Dysart Shoreline Protection

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 19:29:05 +0000

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.

Santa Float

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:07:59 +0000

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.

Youth Unlimited Christmas Concert

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:07:10 +0000

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.

Farm Forum

Elizabeth Oakley — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:39:04 +0000

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.

Collecting Cans to support Minden Food Bank

Elizabeth Oakley — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:38:14 +0000

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.

Rethinking Recreational Facilities in Ontario

Elizabeth Oakley — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:37:23 +0000

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

Elizabeth Oakley — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 14:36:31 +0000

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.

VDO Clinic Closure

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:16:54 +0000

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.

High School Co-Op

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:16:05 +0000

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.

Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:30:24 +0000

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.

Point in Tme & Youth Hub Find New Location

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:29:33 +0000

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.

Bethany Houghton-How Music Changed Her Life

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:28:41 +0000

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.

Cottage Insurance Rates on the Rise

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 16:27:45 +0000

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.

Haliburton’s Rental Market

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:07:07 +0000

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.

Walkabout Farm’s Fall Festival

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:06:17 +0000

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.

Gas Prices Decoded

Elizabeth Oakley — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 19:53:50 +0000

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.

Wilbeforce Funraising Clothing Swap

Elizabeth Oakley — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 19:52:59 +0000

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.

Tree Health in Haliburton

Elizabeth Oakley — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 19:52:12 +0000

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.

Corduroy Enduro

Elizabeth Oakley — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 19:51:19 +0000

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.

Haliburton Highlands Healthy Democracy Project

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:31:52 +0000

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.

Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:30:58 +0000

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.

Youth Unlimited -Backpacks

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 22:42:59 +0000

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.

Food Insecurity Part Two

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 22:42:06 +0000

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.

Local Youth Entrepreneur

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 22:41:15 +0000

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.

Food Insecurity Part One

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 22:40:18 +0000

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.

Sweat for Support of Brooksong

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:33:44 +0000

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.

Canada Post

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:32:54 +0000

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.

Minden Whitewater Preserve

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:50:19 +0000

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.

Fire Ban

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:49:25 +0000

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.

Haliburton Micromeadows

Elizabeth Oakley — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 18:48:35 +0000

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.

Real Estate in Haliburton

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 21:51:30 +0000

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.

AI Impact on Healthcare

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 21:50:42 +0000

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.

Dysart Cultural Plan

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:15:43 +0000

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.

Haliburton Homeschools

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:14:03 +0000

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.

Canadian Summer Travel Trends

Elizabeth Oakley — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:00:24 +0000

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.

ATV Safety

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:09:04 +0000

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.

Hydro One Recovery Fund

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:04:42 +0000

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.

Departing HHHS CEO

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:03:13 +0000

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.

Foster Families Needed

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:42:05 +0000

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.

Haliburton Writers Write

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:40:35 +0000

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.

HHHS Shuttle Bus

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:20:25 +0000

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.

Cost Of Pet Ownership

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:33:09 +0000

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.

Trap Shooting

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:03:02 +0000

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.

Foraging

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:59:49 +0000

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.

Turtle Gaurdians

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:56:30 +0000

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.

Pajama Project

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:53:18 +0000

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.

Hali Harmony Project

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:50:06 +0000

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.

Rise in Shoplifting

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:46:53 +0000

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.

Grey Divorce

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:43:43 +0000

"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.

Lessons From the Ice Storm

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:40:31 +0000

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.

Haliburton Wayfinding

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:37:18 +0000

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.

Lake Partner Program

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:34:04 +0000

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.

Pride in the Highlands

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:30:50 +0000

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.

Knitting For Warmth

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:27:33 +0000

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.

FEEL's Sustainable Shores Event

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:24:21 +0000

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.

Insurance Claims Spike

Elizabeth Oakley — Sat, 10 May 2025 16:52:00 +0000

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.

Artidicial Light Effects

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 09 May 2025 16:50:33 +0000

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.

Microplastics in Haliburton Lakes

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 09 May 2025 16:48:33 +0000

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.

Canada-US Travel Plans

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 09 May 2025 16:47:29 +0000

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.

Community Cycling Hub

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 09 May 2025 16:45:59 +0000

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.

Indigenous Experiences In Residential Schools

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 09 May 2025 16:44:04 +0000

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.

Cannabis Trends in Canada

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 09 May 2025 16:41:10 +0000

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.

Syrup for Soldiers

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 09 May 2025 16:39:59 +0000

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.

ATVs Clear Gelert Rail Trail Script

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 09 May 2025 16:21:26 +0000

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.

Mastectomy fittings clinic comes to Haliburton

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 09 May 2025 16:19:09 +0000

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.

SIRCH Repair Cafe

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 19:02:18 +0000

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.

Brewhouse Board Game

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 19:01:02 +0000

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.

Dominion Hotel Cook Book

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:59:09 +0000

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.

HHHS wants more Volunteers

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:57:00 +0000

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.

Hike Haliburton Wins Award Second Year in a Row

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:53:03 +0000

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.

Haliburton Music Exchange

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:51:33 +0000

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.

Haliburton Land Trust Conservation Area

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 18:44:44 +0000

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.

Impact of US Tariffs on Local Business

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 18:43:29 +0000

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.

Sleeping in Cars Fundraiser

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 18:39:46 +0000

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.

Measles Outbreak

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:33:34 +0000

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.

Walkabout Farm

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:31:44 +0000

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.

HCDC LIP Program

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:30:34 +0000

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.

Animals & Ales Fundraiser

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:29:23 +0000

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.

Building Permits

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:28:11 +0000

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.

Snowmobile Season

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:27:08 +0000

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.

Childcare Shortage Part 4

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:25:57 +0000

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.

Minden Housing Development

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:24:52 +0000

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.

HHHS Future Planning

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:19:36 +0000

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.

Buying Canadian

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:18:08 +0000

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.

Beer Store Closures

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:16:47 +0000

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.

Childcare Shortage Part 3

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:15:28 +0000

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.

Changing Landscape for 2SLGBTQIA+

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:12:59 +0000

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.

OPP Scams And Frauds

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:11:24 +0000

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.

Intimate Partner Violence

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:07:35 +0000

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.

Childcare Shortage Part 2

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:06:08 +0000

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.

Childcare Shortage Part 1

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:04:53 +0000

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.

Dinner With Wolves

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:03:05 +0000

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.

EV Charged for Change

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:01:31 +0000

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.

Health Unit Merger

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:00:27 +0000

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.

Retiring Dysart fire chief

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 20:58:31 +0000

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.

Youth Center 'the Bridge' Opening

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 20:55:49 +0000

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.

Haliburton paramedics’ house calls program — caring for the community at home

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:49:00 +0000

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.

Haliburton women push for Basic Income

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:43:00 +0000

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.

In conversation with newly-elected warden of Haliburton County Dave Burton

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:47:46 +0000

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.

Dimensions Retreats help veterans cope with PTSD to live more fulfilling lives

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:45:30 +0000

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.

Wood and pellet stoves are popular heating choices in rural homes

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:41:54 +0000

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.

Kawartha Dairy Cow in Minden an ‘udderly’ iconic bovine!

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:40:45 +0000

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.

Haliburton’s SIRCH Bistro serving free Christmas dinner on Dec. 25th

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:39:44 +0000

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.

Staying safe over the holidays

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:33:40 +0000

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.

40 years of RIDE: Drivers still not getting the message about Impaired Driving

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:32:11 +0000

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.

Local doc advises rolling up your sleeves to avoid the flu this season

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:31:02 +0000

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.

Haliburton Clothing Co. designer says ‘sew what’ to prolonged postal strike

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:29:32 +0000

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.

Weathering the Storm Together — group helps prepare Haliburton County for climate change

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:26:54 +0000

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.

Trojan Horse Tour — fighting healthcare privatization one community at a time

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:25:17 +0000

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.

Snowflake Meadows — a haven for stray and abandoned dogs in Haliburton County

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:23:18 +0000

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.

29th Annual Christmas Challenge Toy Drive

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:20:19 +0000

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.

HHSS Recognizes Undergraduate Awards Ceremony

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 15:04:04 +0000

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.

Turning up the Heat for Fuel for Warmth in Haliburton County

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:55:16 +0000

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.

The Road Ahead Mobile Wellness Clinic rolling Mental Health Supports into Haliburton County

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:53:40 +0000

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.

Physician Recruitment in Haliburton County is All About Selling the Lifestyle

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:51:07 +0000

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.

Towering Giant of the Forest — 3rd Tallest White Pine in Ontario is the Pride of Irondale

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:49:45 +0000

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.

Newly-Renovated Dorset Library Already a Best Seller

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:45:14 +0000

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.

Renovated Dorset Rec Centre Flexing its Muscles

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:43:10 +0000

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.

Irondale Village Honours the Fallen

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 19:41:09 +0000

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 Feeding Ban

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:09:38 +0000

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’.

Winter Road Preparations

Elizabeth Oakley — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:03:28 +0000

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.

Collecting Haliburton Gold Trout Eggs

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:30:00 +0000

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.

New CT Scanner at HHHS

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:30:00 +0000

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.

Nurse Practitioners

Elizabeth Oakley — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 16:30:00 +0000

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.

Places for People 3rd Annual Housing Summit

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 16:26:42 +0000

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.

Alcohol in Wilberforce Convenience Stores:

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 16:20:40 +0000

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.

Cyclist Riding for SickKids and Local Little Girl:

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 16:15:00 +0000

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.

Legion Elevator

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 16:11:56 +0000

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.

Sherman Tank

Elizabeth Oakley — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 16:10:04 +0000

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