Haliburton Highlander

1 week ago | thehighlander.ca | Mike Baker

Dysart et al fire chief Dan Chumbley says the May 3 fire that engulfed the main lodge of the abandoned Wigamog Inn property has been reported to the Haliburton Highlands OPP and the Ontario Fire Marshall’s office. The chief said the department was notified of the fire at approximately 4:20 a.m. s o on Saturday. Thirteen firefighters from sR ’ Haliburton were involved in the response, with the assistance of four volunteers from Minden Hills.

1 week ago | thehighlander.ca | Mike Baker

Since 2020, the time some people from Haliburton County and Kawartha Lakes spend enrolled in social assistance programs, like Ontario Works, has doubled according to Janine Mitchell, the recently retired manager of human services with the City of Kawartha Lakes. She delivered a new four-year social services service plan to the County April 23, highlighting the current demand, outlining provincial targets, and identifying some concerning trends that have emerged recently.

1 week ago | thehighlander.ca | Lisa Gervais

Brock Williamson grew up in Shoal Lake, Manitoba – population 700 – so he knows a thing or two about small towns. His dad owns the IGA store there, so he has more than an inkling of what it is like to run a business in a hamlet. And, he worked in a restaurant in high school. “I’ve always had an understanding and appreciation for small towns,” the new owner of Lounge in Minden – where the 50’s Diner used to be – says.

1 week ago | thehighlander.ca | Mike Baker

Haliburton Legion president Mike Waller says he’ll be submitting a request to the Ministry of Transportation to install a crosswalk in front of the Mountain Street facility this month. At an April 22 meeting, Waller told Dysart et al council he feels people need assistance crossing the busy highway, saying he’s seen many near-misses between pedestrians and vehicles recently . He noted close to 500 people have signed a petition, wanting to see a crosswalk installed by the legion.

1 week ago | thehighlander.ca | Mike Baker

County resident Pamela Marsales has been an avid cycler for most of her life. Now, she plans to spend the next few months passing that love on to the Highlands community via programming at the new Caboose Community Bike Hub. Located in Head Lake Park, the space was unveiled April 24 by Marsales, MPP Laurie Scott, and Dysart et al coun. Pat Casey. The project was pitched by Friends of the Rail Trail (FoRT), supported by Dysart, and funded by a $30,000 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.