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Haliburton County has a new confirmed case of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to date, to 16.

The HKPR District Health Unit also reports that 5 current high risk contacts have been identified in the area.

Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland each have 3 unresolved cases of the virus and a total of 10 high risk contacts have been identified.

The individual in Haliburton County that has tested positive for COVID-19 has not required hospitalization and is recovering in isolation.

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Minden Hills are holding a public meeting via teleconference at 10:30 today.

The meeting is being held to consider a proposed minor variance to the zoning By-law. The application is to permit the construction of a new detached garage with a height more than the current allowed height of an accessory building.

The property is located on Jamieson Drive on Horseshoe Lake.

TAKE NOTICE THAT the Committee of Adjustment of the Township of Minden Hills will hold a Public Meeting on:
Monday, September 28, 2020 10:30 AM
Due to the physical distancing requirements imposed as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will be held as an electronic hearing by way of a teleconference call. To participate:

Join the meeting by telephone by dialing either:
1-877-394-5901 or 416-548-6023 Enter Access Code: 7783570

Interested parties are encouraged to join 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled start time.
The purpose of the Public Meeting will be to consider a proposed Minor Variance (Application No. PLMV2020007) to the Township of Minden Hills Zoning By-law pursuant to Section 45 of the Planning Act.

Location of the Subject Lands: Part of Lot 15, Concession 8, Geographic Township of Minden; municipally known as 1031 Jamieson Drive; and located on Horseshoe Lake (see Key Map).
Purpose and Effect of the Application: To permit the construction of a new 44.6 m2 (480sq.ft.) detached garage measuring 4.2m. (13'9") in height as measured to midpoint of roof located 29m. (95') from the High Water Mark (HWM). The variance sought would allow for an increase in the maximum height of an accessory building located less than 45m. (147'8") from the HWM, which would otherwise be limited to 3.5m. (11'6") in height.

Additional information regarding this application is available online at www.mindenhills.ca/newsroom. A copy of the complete application will be available for public inspection at the Township of Minden Hills Building and Planning Department by appointment only.
Input on the above noted application is welcome and encouraged. You can provide your input, either in support or opposition to the proposed minor variance, by making a written submission to the Township or by speaking at the Public Hearing. lf you do not attend the Public Hearing, it may proceed in your absence and, except as otherwise provided in the Planning Act, you will not be entitled to any further notice in the proceedings.

To provide input in writing, or to request written notice of the decision, please contact the undersigned or e- mail iclendening@mindenhills.ca.

Any person or agency who is of the opinion that holding the hearing as an electronic hearing is likely to cause them significant prejudice, may make a submission to the undersigned, and if the Committee is satisfied that holding the hearing as an electronic hearing is likely to cause the party significant prejudice then the hearing will be re-scheduled as an oral hearing.

If you are interested in participating in the hearing you are strongly encouraged to contact the undersigned prior to the meeting date with any questions you may have and/or to provide any material for the Committee’s consideration at the hearing.

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Paudash Lake residents and cottagers have had enough of the “obnoxious noise” from ongoing construction at three properties owned by the same man.

Highlands East council heard from a few property owners yesterday, begging the municipality to stop the never ending construction and landscaping of lakefront properties on Abrams Road and Tiger Lily Lane, and a pit located on a back lot on Tiger Lily Lane.

In an impassioned plea, Jeff Peters, representing a group of property owners on Joe Bay on Paudash, said the excessive and endless noise begins early in the morning and continues into the evening, 7 days a week, and has been happening for more than 7 years.

The group asked Highlands East to not renew the expired construction permit, but put conditions on any extensions; to comply with the existing noise by-laws and stop the devastation of existing properties, and impose strict fines if non-compliant:

"Recommendations for Highlands East to bring back Peace and Tranquility to our neighborhood

1) The Construction Agreement “2018-63” for the 1131 Abrams Road site expired on July 4, 2020, and as such the municipality can set the conditions of any extension to that agreement. We recommend that the extension agreement include the set conditions detailed below which outline a reasonable plan forward considering the impact on the neighbors and the environment. We also recommend an immediate and enforced stop work order until the Owner agrees to all the terms of the extension agreement.
2) We believe that with all the years of noise and vibration generated from his sites that the Owner is clearly not in compliance with your zoning Bylaw No. 2005-29. Based on this non-compliance, we recommend an immediate and enforced stop work order until the Owner agrees to all the terms of the extension agreement.
From the zoning map, we believe the properties in question are zoned “Limited Service Residential”. Please refer to page 17 Clause 3.23. OBNOXIOUS AND HAZARDOUS USES
“Unless otherwise specifically permitted in this By-law, no land shall be used and no building or structure shall be erected, altered or used for any purpose which is obnoxious or for any purpose that creates or is likely to become a nuisance or hazardous or both.
A). By creation of noise or vibration, or,
B). By reason of emission of gas, fumes, smoke, dust or objectionable odour except in the case of agricultural uses operating in compliance with Farming and Food Production Act, or
Please refer to Clause 3.43 (g). PROHIBITED USES. (Page 25)
(G). “Obnoxious uses”
DEFINITION—
Please refer to Clause 5.124. OBNOXIOUS USE. (PAGE 122)
“Means a use which, from its nature or operation, creates a nuisance or is liable to become a nuisance or offensive by the creation of noise, vibration or by reason of gas fumes dust or objectionable odour, or by reason of the matter, waste or other material generated by the use, and without limiting the foregoing, shall include any uses which may be declared to be noxious or offensive trade or business under Public Health and Promotion Act, as amended“
3) The Municipality updates or creates a bylaw that prohibits the use of personal large landscaping equipment and requires a permit for extensive landscaping work which includes an approved duration.

Here are the recommendations for the support that we need from Highlands East to realistically solve this problem:
As part of the renewal of the Owner’s building permit extension, there is an opportunity for the municipality to set the required expectations and behaviours of the Owner that will meet the long overdue well-being of his neighbours. Our thoughts are as follows:
1) The construction of the new cottage at 1131 Abrams Road, Roll Number: 46-01-101-000-68300-0000 has extended on for so long that the Owner is now in breach of the original Construction and Demolition Contract and the By-Law supporting it (“Construction Agreement 2018-63” was entered into on July 4, 2018 for a period of two years). In addition, the work and incredible amount of landscaping noise on this site have been ongoing for an extensive and unreasonable number of years before this building permit was granted.
2) We absolutely do not support the Owner’s request of a project extension for 2 more years of construction and noise on this site.
3) The Owner should pay the maximum penalty of $50,000 for non-compliance with the existing construction agreement before any extension is granted.
4) The building permit needs to clearly outline the expectations of all the work that requires completing, including the landscaping, driveways, walkways, the completion of the new cottage, the removal of the old cottage, etc. Inclusion of these details are imperative to prevent the applicant from making heavy construction noise that he can claim falls outside of “cottage” construction . This should include a submission and approval of a landscaping site plans as per the recommendations in the ‘Shoreline Preservation Bylaw’ being reviewed by Haliburton County.
5) The Owner agrees to an immediate stop work order and to an enforcement injunction for any work outside of the terms of extension.
6) Under no circumstances do we support construction during the summer of 2021.
7) Extension of the construction agreement for this and future properties must address the on-going harm to the neighbours caused by the obnoxious noise from the cottage construction and landscaping, including the noise from the continued operation of heavy construction equipment. The only purpose of this equipment is for the significant alteration to the landscape. The long-term use of this equipment is not appropriate for the reasonable noise expectations of a tranquil cottage lake setting and has been making life a misery for other residents. The Owner, including all family members agree:
a) to no longer use heavy equipment on any of their properties after the May 31st, 2021 extension deadline
b) that all landscaping work at any of their properties will only proceed after the submission and approval of landscaping site plan(s) as per the recommendation in the ‘Shoreline Preservation Bylaw’ currently under review by Haliburton County.
8) Severe penalties (e.g. $100,000+) for non-compliance with any of the terms of the extension agreement. There must be significant (escalating) fines for subsequent non-compliance.
9) If all the above terms are agreed upon, then we recommend granting an extension of the building permit from Fall 2020 to May 31st, 2021. If construction is not complete by May 31st, 2021, then the Owner will pay the designated penalty as stipulated in (8), stop all work, and apply for another extension.
Regarding the use of heavy equipment, we further recommend that Highlands East endorse that:
1) Only professional landscapers can use heavy equipment and all landscaping projects require a permit as per the recommendation in the ‘Shoreline Preservation Bylaw’ being reviewed by Haliburton County.
In Conclusion
Bylaws are put in place for the overall well being of the community. No individual should expect, or be allowed to, have his/her interests unreasonably infringe on the best interests of his/her neighbours and community. That is the primary purpose of the bylaws and the expectations of a cohesive community.
It is the responsibility of our elected and government officials to create, update, and enforce bylaws that support the well-being of the community. This is not currently the case for these properties, and so we call upon all our councillors and regulators to stand up for their constituents and prevent further abuses by taking immediate and effective action. They should not hesitate to take legal advice and legal or bylaw action if necessary.
The comprehensive Paudash Lake Management plan states: “Our vision for the future of Paudash Lake is... A place where water quality, wildlife habitat, natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and peace and tranquility are maintained and improved for present and future generations to enjoy.” This is a wonderful vision for Paudash Lake that was agreed to by all stakeholders. The issues being raised today should be concerning to everyone given that they threaten every aspect of this vision.
None of us come up to the cottage to engage in conflict with a neighbour who has no regard for the common well- being of other residents around him, the bylaws, regulations and/or agreements with the Municipality.
To reiterate an early point, the neighbours in this area of Joe Bay have tolerated this for years. They are not being unreasonable; they have been and are still being more than reasonable. The ability to tolerate the situation expired a long time ago.
Enough is enough and action needs to be taken to restore the peaceful enjoyment of this wonderful place, and to bring harmony to our neighborhood on beautiful Paudash Lake.
Quoting from the Owner’s own letter of praise for Mayor Burton:
“Great leadership is not easy today and it takes someone with a strong vision and character to do what’s good for the overall community”.
This is what we hope and expect from all of you."

Council had no questions or comments, but voted to accept the report.

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OPP POLICE RECORD CHECKS UPDATE

(ORILLIA, ON) - As the economy continues to recover from the pandemic, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is committed to improving customer service for citizens seeking police record checks.

Due to COVID-19, the OPP is currently experiencing a high volume of police record check requests. Current processing times are four to six weeks. The OPP is working on improving the technical capacities of the current system, as well as increasing the number of staff members processing the applications.

In order to limit contact and reduce the risk of COVID-19, the OPP is only accepting applications electronically and fees must be paid by credit card. Applicants may be required to attend their local OPP detachment if fingerprinting is required. Applicants will be contacted by their local detachment to arrange for payment, provide identification and to obtain their results.

The OPP recognizes long wait times impact the public within the OPP's jurisdiction and wish to highlight two additional possible options for attaining record checks:

1. Alternative Service Providers:

Did you know that a third party vendor can complete a Criminal Record Check (CRC) or a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check for anyone in Canada for a fee?

These third party vendors may be able to offer a reduced timeline. Please speak to your employer/agency to ascertain if this option would be acceptable, noting there is a cost for this service. The OPP does not charge for checks for volunteer purposes, but should your volunteer check be urgent, the third party vendor check may be a time sensitive option.

The OPP does not endorse or promote the third party check, and a private check may not meet the organization's requirements. A list of third party vendors can be obtained with a web-based search in your area by querying "criminal record checks" through a search engine.

It is important to note that if you require a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and you reside within the OPP's jurisdiction, RCMP policy dictates that the OPP must complete the check.

2. Temporary Measure for OPP Vulnerable Sector Check:

Did you know that some organizations may have the ability to request a self-declaration of criminal convictions?

Check with the employer/agency requesting the VSC to determine if this temporary measure would be acceptable, until the police record check can be completed in its entirety. This may be especially applicable in urgent circumstances. The OPP cannot provide self-declaration forms, please ask the employer/agency for assistance.

The OPP is confident that new measures taken to improve processing times will lead to shorter wait times for the public.

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Hydro One crews completing upgrades in the Minden and surrounding areas this weekend
-Planned power outage to affect 6,000 Hydro One customers on Sunday, September 27, 2020-

Hydro One is advising residents in the Minden and surrounding areas of a planned power outage on Sunday, September 27 required for crews to safely complete upgrades to local equipment and perform scheduled maintenance.

When: Sunday, September 27 between 7a.m. and 3p.m.

Where: The planned outage will affect approximately 6,000 Hydro One customers in the following areas: Galway, Minden, Somerville, Minden Hills, Snowdon, Glamorgan and Cavendish.

What: Hydro One crews will be completing required upgrades and performing scheduled maintenance to help ensure a safe and reliable supply of electricity to homes and businesses. This includes the installation of three smart switches, which is equipment that helps to reduce the frequency and duration of power outages, while limiting the amount of customers affected. Crews will also replace 43 poles that have reached their expected service life with a mix of wood and composite poles, which help to deter woodpeckers. Additional crews and equipment are being brought in to complete as much local area work as possible during this outage.

Below are some tips to help you and your family during an outage:

Make sure your appliances are in the off position, such as the stove.
Make sure your devices, such as a smart phone, and extended battery packs are fully charged.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Use a cooler with ice for items you’ll need during the planned outage.
Consider filling jugs of water to use for drinking and cooking if you have a generator.
If you plan to use a generator, remember to use it in a dry area outdoors away from any open windows, doors and vents. Visit the Electrical Safety Authority at esasafe.com for more tips.
If you have a bathtub, consider filling it with water before the planned outage begins. You can use the water and a bucket to fill your toilet tank to be able to flush.

In order to ensure crews can continue working for all Ontarians, we ask that customers respect physical distancing.

Affected customers are notified via auto dialer and can visit Hydro One’s outage map or call 1-888-664-9376 for additional information.

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(HALIBURTON, ON) - Members of the Haliburton Highlands OPP have obtained further information surrounding the canoeing incident on Moore Lake in Minden that occurred on September 12, 2020 at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Four individuals; a man, a woman, and two young children were paddling on Moore Lake when their canoe capsized. Boaters in the area arrived on the scene to support the family in distress.

The boaters were able to safely rescue the woman and the two children. The man involved had already slipped under the water.

The OPP commends the members of the public for helping out in rescuing several swimmers in distress. Regardless of the exact sequence of events, unfortunately, a life was lost.

OPP encourages all Ontarians to take personal responsibility for ensuring water safety for themselves and their children. It is important for everyone to be aware of proper boating and swimming practices.

The OPP would like to remind Ontarians that there is no one single cause that leads to drownings but there are common contributors.

Here are a few safety reminders to consider as we conclude boating season:

Wearing a lifejacket or a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on a vessel or in the water can dramatically increase your chances of surviving a boating incident.
Alcohol and water do not mix. Don't drink and swim and do not operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Learn how to swim - Contact your local recreation centre for further information about lessons in your area.

For those who witnessed the incident but didn't speak to the police, we encourage them to reach out to Haliburton Highlands OPP and speak with the investigators.

The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.

The Haliburton Highlands OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please call the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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2020 is shaping up to be a bad year for animal bites in the region.

From January to August, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health unit has investigated 433 animal bite incidents in the region.

Over the past several years, the vast majority of reported bite investigations have involved pets or domestic animals.

The Health Unit says “never leave young children alone with an animal, because in a matter of seconds the animal can be riled or incited to act out and attack.

To address the rise in local animal bites, the Health Unit is launching a campaign that aims to remind parents and pet owners to be responsible and ensure animals are leashed and under control in public and pay close attention when children are nearby.

To learn more go to hkpr.on.ca.

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OPP recovered the body of a canoeist on Moore Lake Saturday evening, after receiving a call to assist a capsized canoe.

On Saturday afternoon a family of four were paddling on Moore Lake when their canoe capsized.

Boaters in the area arrived on the scene to support the family in distress. The woman and two children were pulled safely from the water however, the man slipped under water after passing one of the young children to a rescuer.

The body of the 39-year-old North York man was recovered shortly after 6pm.

Investigators say the lack of safety equipment was a significant contributing factor in the tragedy.

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The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) 2020-2021 has started its call for proposals for community-based projects. The application period will continue until October 20, 2020

If organizations would like to apply for funding or learn more about this funding opportunity, visit  website Canada.ca, and go to ESDC programs and policy development.

This year, organizations can apply for funding to support seniors dealing with the pandemic by submitting project proposals that offer specific COVID-19 relief and recovery activities for seniors. More traditional NHSP projects planned for delivery in 2021–2022 can also be submitted.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program supports projects that address one or more of the five program objectives:
• promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations;
• engaging seniors in the community through the mentoring of others;
• expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse;
• supporting the social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
• providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.

Organizations are invited to apply for funding that supports the program’s national priorities:

1. Supporting healthy ageing including addressing social isolation, mental health and dementia, and supporting accessible intergenerational housing

2. Preventing elder abuse and fraud including measures to reduce crime and harm against seniors and supporting financial empowerment of seniors

3. Combatting ageism, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion including promoting labour market participation of seniors, particularly members of underrepresented or underserved groups, including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized and newcomer groups, and members of LGBTQ2 communities, and promoting intergenerational mentoring and engagement

4. Improving seniors’ access to government services and benefits including helping seniors navigate access to government benefits, and providing support to file their taxes

5. Adapting community-based organizations to a more virtual environment including by developing and delivering virtual programming, and recruiting and training volunteers to support the social inclusion of seniors

Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. Funds are set aside for small grants of up to $5,000 for organizations that have not received funding from the program in the past five years.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the office of MP Jamie Schmale, (705) 324-2400 or (866) 688-9881.

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