Mike Baker

1 week ago | thehighlander.ca | Mike Baker

Silver Beach resident Rick Perkins said he was jumping for joy when demolition of the neighbouring Wigamog Inn property began in April 2023. Now, with work at the site paused for the past two years, he notes many residents of the mostly-retired community have had enough. The property, owned by Aurora Group, has been slated for demolition since mid-2022, with workers tearing down about a dozen of the property’s 36 accessory buildings between April and June of 2023.

1 week ago | thehighlander.ca | Mike Baker

Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the death of a 60-year-old man in Minden Hills April 13, following a shootout between the man and Haliburton Highlands OPP officers. Monica Hudon, SIU spokesperson, said three investigators and three forensic specialists have been on-scene at a residence on Gelert Road April 14. She said police responded to a call at approximately 5:30 p.m. Sunday after someone reported concern for the wellbeing of a man.

1 week ago | thehighlander.ca | Mike Baker

The Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA) held its 2024 Better Newspaper Competition awards banquet in Niagara Falls April 11, with The Highlander recognized in seven categories – including two first place finishes. The only locally owned newspaper in Haliburton County scored top honours for Best News Story and Best Headline Writing, placed second in Feature Writing and Environment Ontario, and third for General Excellence and Best Feature/News Series.

1 week ago | thehighlander.ca | Mike Baker

The Easter Bunny is slated to make a special appearance in Haliburton County this weekend, pitching up at Abbey Gardens April 19. As is tradition, the Highlands destination is hosting its popular Easter at the Gardens event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, with a full lineup of family-friendly fun according to executive director, Angela Kruger. “We are excited to kick off our 2025 event season [with] this family favourite for our community,” said Kruger.

1 week ago | thehighlander.ca | Mike Baker

A portion of Gelert Road in Minden remained closed Monday morning, with the Haliburton Highlands OPP on-scene for what it’s calling “an ongoing investigation.”Officers were called to a residence on the road approximately 6:30 p.m. April 13. The route was closed between Louise Lane South to Ingoldsby Road, with police asking the public to avoid the area. Haliburton Highlands OPP Sgt. Rob Adams said there is no threat to public safety, though officers are continuing their investigation.