County Closeup

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...

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 ...

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. I...

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 mar...

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 ...

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 pu...

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...

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...

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 fo...

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...

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 i...

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 r...

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, S...

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...

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 g...

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, Augu...

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 custo...

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 manage...

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 ...