<![CDATA[What the Haliburton?]]>a066dc75-324b-5320-8945-66ce5f716a5dThu, 04 Jun 2026 13:15:18 +0000Captivate.fmThe Highlanderhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/5e7329c7-ab7e-483a-b519-fb64fdc7c886/Adobe-Express-file-1.jpgWhat the Haliburton?The HighlanderThe HighlanderHaliburton's #1 podcasthttps://thehighlander.cafalseepisodicnopodcastWalt McKechnie Remembers Murray FearreyWalt McKechnie Remembers Murray FearreyThe Mayor of Dysart, Murray Fearrey, passed away last week at 84. Bram and Mike talk with Murray's dear friend and Deputy Mayor, Walt McKechnie, about a remarkable 55-year career in local politics.

]]>The Mayor of Dysart, Murray Fearrey, passed away last week at 84. Bram and Mike talk with Murray's dear friend and Deputy Mayor, Walt McKechnie, about a remarkable 55-year career in local politics.

]]>d113cb26-8484-4993-b5a9-63166ce0d8b2Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:15:00 -040043:38falsefull124241Ottawa Update with MP Jamie SchmaleOttawa Update with MP Jamie SchmaleJamie Schmale has been our MP for 11 years, all of that time in opposition, giving him plenty of time to consider what his party (the Conservative Party of Canada) would do better. In this episode, our MP drops by the podcast for a wide-ranging chat. We discuss recent floor-crossings, how MPs vote and what that means for our democracy. And we get MP Schmale's take on why rural Canada always seems to get the short end of the stick. Join us for an up-close report from our representative in Ottawa.

]]>Jamie Schmale has been our MP for 11 years, all of that time in opposition, giving him plenty of time to consider what his party (the Conservative Party of Canada) would do better. In this episode, our MP drops by the podcast for a wide-ranging chat. We discuss recent floor-crossings, how MPs vote and what that means for our democracy. And we get MP Schmale's take on why rural Canada always seems to get the short end of the stick. Join us for an up-close report from our representative in Ottawa.

]]>903e7df6-3b39-431e-adb1-ca00e48fbfcaWed, 20 May 2026 19:00:00 -040001:02:40falsefull123231Are We Helping People with Addictions or Just Prolonging Their Misery?Are We Helping People with Addictions or Just Prolonging Their Misery?The County of Haliburton recently received a federal grant of $1.2 million to provide support to people in our community who are addicted to hard, often dangerous drugs. The money will be used to purchase a van and to hire support workers to "meet people where they are" with counseling and items like clean needles to make drug use less dangerous. But with these programs having a 1% success rate in getting people into drug rehabilitation programs, according to our guest, are we solving a problem or just feeding it? Is it kind and respectful to let addicts continue without judgment or forcing treatment, or is it cruel to let people who lack self control - that's what addiction is - harm themselves in potentially life-threatening ways? Bram and Lisa speak with guest Mike Slatter, Chief of EMS Services for Haliburton County about the new program and how we can get a grip on drug addiction in our communities.

]]>The County of Haliburton recently received a federal grant of $1.2 million to provide support to people in our community who are addicted to hard, often dangerous drugs. The money will be used to purchase a van and to hire support workers to "meet people where they are" with counseling and items like clean needles to make drug use less dangerous. But with these programs having a 1% success rate in getting people into drug rehabilitation programs, according to our guest, are we solving a problem or just feeding it? Is it kind and respectful to let addicts continue without judgment or forcing treatment, or is it cruel to let people who lack self control - that's what addiction is - harm themselves in potentially life-threatening ways? Bram and Lisa speak with guest Mike Slatter, Chief of EMS Services for Haliburton County about the new program and how we can get a grip on drug addiction in our communities.

]]>98865f3d-347b-4ec6-b1cf-246d9fb4e66bThu, 14 May 2026 09:20:00 -040054:28falsefull122221Crazy for Tacos - Poquito Loco Saying AdiosCrazy for Tacos - Poquito Loco Saying AdiosJust how difficult has it become to make a living as a food service entrepreneur in Haliburton County? Bram and Adam talk to Claudette Petrie, owner of Poquito Loco in Haliburton Village. Her Mexican restaurant serves great food, has a prime location and a loyal customer base. So why is she closing it down after Labour Day this year? Spoiler alert: it has a lot to do with the same thing all of us are experiencing whenever we shop for groceries - ever higher food prices. But Claudette's not quite hanging up her sombrero for good... what's coming next? Join us for an honest look at the highs and lows of running your dream restaurant.

]]>Just how difficult has it become to make a living as a food service entrepreneur in Haliburton County? Bram and Adam talk to Claudette Petrie, owner of Poquito Loco in Haliburton Village. Her Mexican restaurant serves great food, has a prime location and a loyal customer base. So why is she closing it down after Labour Day this year? Spoiler alert: it has a lot to do with the same thing all of us are experiencing whenever we shop for groceries - ever higher food prices. But Claudette's not quite hanging up her sombrero for good... what's coming next? Join us for an honest look at the highs and lows of running your dream restaurant.

]]>227a9a86-359d-4de3-a76b-3f8a7eaec037Wed, 06 May 2026 19:00:00 -040036:22falsefull121211Minden Flood Update with Mayor Bob CarterMinden Flood Update with Mayor Bob CarterThe Village of Minden was flooded again this year, despite commendable efforts by Parks Canada staff to maintain smooth water flows through the Trent-Severn system. With waters subsiding somewhat this past week, what happens next is largely dependent on how much rain falls over the next few days. Mayor Carter is back on the podcast to give us an update, explaining why flooding is so difficult to avoid and answering questions about why bridges and roads were closed. Can seasonal flooding in Minden ever be stopped for good? Join Lisa and Bram for this timely discussion.

]]>The Village of Minden was flooded again this year, despite commendable efforts by Parks Canada staff to maintain smooth water flows through the Trent-Severn system. With waters subsiding somewhat this past week, what happens next is largely dependent on how much rain falls over the next few days. Mayor Carter is back on the podcast to give us an update, explaining why flooding is so difficult to avoid and answering questions about why bridges and roads were closed. Can seasonal flooding in Minden ever be stopped for good? Join Lisa and Bram for this timely discussion.

]]>403d275f-2c0b-4c0a-8b52-d69753bbb08bThu, 30 Apr 2026 11:10:00 -040051:24falsefull120201Drive-By Chewing: Parking Lot Food ReviewsDrive-By Chewing: Parking Lot Food ReviewsJoin Bram and Adam as we examine the intersection of fast food and content creation. In this episode we meet local food reviewer Guy Alaimo. Guy does food reviews from parking lots in Haliburton County and the surrounding area, drawing thousands of social media viewers to his punchy takes on take-out. You'll never look at a meatball sandwich the same way again.

]]>Join Bram and Adam as we examine the intersection of fast food and content creation. In this episode we meet local food reviewer Guy Alaimo. Guy does food reviews from parking lots in Haliburton County and the surrounding area, drawing thousands of social media viewers to his punchy takes on take-out. You'll never look at a meatball sandwich the same way again.

]]>4985f3f4-a821-4b36-9b82-5585f251be96Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -040046:31falsefull119191What Keeps Police Up at Night?What Keeps Police Up at Night?Lisa and Bram speak with retired Municipal Chief and current chair of the Haliburton County OPP Detachment Board, Andrew Fletcher. The Board was set up to coordinate local community needs with OPP operations and has local representatives from our councils and the general public. What are the OPP's priorities in this area? Why are certain types of crime so difficult to stop? Our guest brings a lifetime of experience to this perennial discussion.

]]>Lisa and Bram speak with retired Municipal Chief and current chair of the Haliburton County OPP Detachment Board, Andrew Fletcher. The Board was set up to coordinate local community needs with OPP operations and has local representatives from our councils and the general public. What are the OPP's priorities in this area? Why are certain types of crime so difficult to stop? Our guest brings a lifetime of experience to this perennial discussion.

]]>71a3693e-215c-464b-b1d8-a31912da9cd9Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -040001:02:29falsefull118181Meet our New Reporter - Introducing Adam FriskMeet our New Reporter - Introducing Adam FriskBram and Lisa talk to The Highlander's new reporter, Adam Frisk. Get his newcomer's take on Haliburton County and hear all about the news and information app for Haliburton County launching in the next few weeks.

]]>Bram and Lisa talk to The Highlander's new reporter, Adam Frisk. Get his newcomer's take on Haliburton County and hear all about the news and information app for Haliburton County launching in the next few weeks.

]]>a985c533-4e65-4959-a035-f51c5c4b96a7Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -040051:03falsefull117171Minding the Gap: Youth and Family ServicesMinding the Gap: Youth and Family ServicesWe speak with Marg Cox, executive director of Point in Time and the Haliburton Youth Hub. Point in Time helps youth and families facing difficulties and provides a safe place for counseling and support. Recently they announced the acquisition of land for a new Family and Youth Hub on County Road 21, near our local high school. Is that the next logical step for Point in Time or will it take focus and money away from their programs? Join editor Lisa Gervais and deputy editor Mike Baker as they talk to Marg about this new project and Point in Time's role in the community.

]]>We speak with Marg Cox, executive director of Point in Time and the Haliburton Youth Hub. Point in Time helps youth and families facing difficulties and provides a safe place for counseling and support. Recently they announced the acquisition of land for a new Family and Youth Hub on County Road 21, near our local high school. Is that the next logical step for Point in Time or will it take focus and money away from their programs? Join editor Lisa Gervais and deputy editor Mike Baker as they talk to Marg about this new project and Point in Time's role in the community.

]]>1120a228-0858-4f04-9e4f-8ba45b11ca1bThu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -040055:40falsefull116161Throwing the School Bus under the School BusThrowing the School Bus under the School BusBram and Lisa discuss how key organizations we all rely upon are refusing to engage with our community, leaving us in the dark. Why are they behaving this way, and what can we do about it? If you have information you think The Highlander should know about one of the organizations mentioned, email editor@thehighlander.ca.

]]>Bram and Lisa discuss how key organizations we all rely upon are refusing to engage with our community, leaving us in the dark. Why are they behaving this way, and what can we do about it? If you have information you think The Highlander should know about one of the organizations mentioned, email editor@thehighlander.ca.

]]>d77503fe-b8a4-4ba1-a6ab-c6792350ac07Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -040055:37falsefull115151Game On for the Haliburton County HuskiesGame On for the Haliburton County HuskiesOur deputy editor, Mike Baker, talks with outgoing owner Paul Wilson and new boss Ryan Ramsay about the Minden-based Haliburton Huskies. Get the inside track on this year's play and the plan for 2026.

]]>Our deputy editor, Mike Baker, talks with outgoing owner Paul Wilson and new boss Ryan Ramsay about the Minden-based Haliburton Huskies. Get the inside track on this year's play and the plan for 2026.

]]>302af307-b43b-4dda-b07a-b59fe955555bWed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -040059:56falsefull114141Fearrey Unplugged: What Comes Next?Fearrey Unplugged: What Comes Next?In what we hope will be the first of several discussions during his final year as Mayor, Murray Fearrey reflects on his 55 years in politics, most of them leading the largest municipality in the county. What is he proud of? Are there any regrets? And what does he see for the future of Haliburton County? All that and more in this podcast.

]]>In what we hope will be the first of several discussions during his final year as Mayor, Murray Fearrey reflects on his 55 years in politics, most of them leading the largest municipality in the county. What is he proud of? Are there any regrets? And what does he see for the future of Haliburton County? All that and more in this podcast.

]]>fed3d642-5159-47dc-8fe9-35d2b941544fWed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -040045:13falsefull113131Thrown Under the School Bus: Minden Mayor UnpluggedThrown Under the School Bus: Minden Mayor UnpluggedMinden Mayor Bob Carter gives straight answers to tough questions in an interview demonstrating what transparency and accountability sound like. It's hard enough keeping a small, rural town going with the Province continually offloading costs. Add a school board, Province and health system that refuse to communicate and cooperate, and the job looks close to impossible.

]]>Minden Mayor Bob Carter gives straight answers to tough questions in an interview demonstrating what transparency and accountability sound like. It's hard enough keeping a small, rural town going with the Province continually offloading costs. Add a school board, Province and health system that refuse to communicate and cooperate, and the job looks close to impossible.

]]>36fe3375-f83c-4149-b527-f458e25b2a09Wed, 18 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -040049:54falsefull112121Haliburton Real Estate Market Predictions for 2026Haliburton Real Estate Market Predictions for 2026Royal LePage Lakes of Haliburton is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the real estate business this year. Owner and broker, Anthony vanLieshout, joins us to discuss one of Haliburton County's favourite topics: real estate. In this episode we cover historical price and activity patterns, changing cottager dynamics, short term rentals, the insane COVID period and subsequent cooling-off. Anthony gives his predictions for 2026 and explains why he has a pretty good idea which year prices will start rising again and why he's confident they will. Spoiler alert: it's not 2026. When exactly? We wanted to know too. Listen and find out!

]]>Royal LePage Lakes of Haliburton is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the real estate business this year. Owner and broker, Anthony vanLieshout, joins us to discuss one of Haliburton County's favourite topics: real estate. In this episode we cover historical price and activity patterns, changing cottager dynamics, short term rentals, the insane COVID period and subsequent cooling-off. Anthony gives his predictions for 2026 and explains why he has a pretty good idea which year prices will start rising again and why he's confident they will. Spoiler alert: it's not 2026. When exactly? We wanted to know too. Listen and find out!

]]>9278b052-f6bd-4887-81fa-5728ead09682Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:25:00 -040038:12falsefull111111Making the Most of Our DowntownsMaking the Most of Our DowntownsDepending on how you define it, the county has at least two downtowns: one in Haliburton Village, and one in Minden. And depending on what time of year you visit, they can be nearby and friendly stops to get what you need, or crammed with cottagers and out-of-towners taking up all the parking. A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is often set up to maximize the functionality and attractiveness of a downtown, bringing local business owners together with a member of council, aiming to align municipal policies with good economic development practices. Haliburton Village has one. Minden doesn't. In this episode, Brandon Nimigon, president of the Haliburton BIA, tells us what they're working on and what he'd like to see happen next. Will he succeed bringing something similar to Minden? And why does Minden clear its piles of snow on the curbs when Dysart doesn't? Are people in Dysart more spry? Brandon shares his thoughts on that and much more. Bonus: our first lighting round!

]]>Depending on how you define it, the county has at least two downtowns: one in Haliburton Village, and one in Minden. And depending on what time of year you visit, they can be nearby and friendly stops to get what you need, or crammed with cottagers and out-of-towners taking up all the parking. A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is often set up to maximize the functionality and attractiveness of a downtown, bringing local business owners together with a member of council, aiming to align municipal policies with good economic development practices. Haliburton Village has one. Minden doesn't. In this episode, Brandon Nimigon, president of the Haliburton BIA, tells us what they're working on and what he'd like to see happen next. Will he succeed bringing something similar to Minden? And why does Minden clear its piles of snow on the curbs when Dysart doesn't? Are people in Dysart more spry? Brandon shares his thoughts on that and much more. Bonus: our first lighting round!

]]>dd3ca897-86b2-43af-bbca-73f0707a89d4Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:46:00 -040041:14falsefull110101A Dollar ShortA Dollar ShortOntario has many programs for children and parents who need help. So why is it that someone in Haliburton with a full time job still struggles financially to support herself and two kids? And how can we call ourselves a society that supports families when we consistently make decisions to not adequately fund services like affordable daycare? Our guest shares some of her challenges as we brainstorm a few ideas to make life better for local parents, including the example of a school district in New York where they have programming from 7am to 7pm to support working parents. Is that something we could try here?

]]>Ontario has many programs for children and parents who need help. So why is it that someone in Haliburton with a full time job still struggles financially to support herself and two kids? And how can we call ourselves a society that supports families when we consistently make decisions to not adequately fund services like affordable daycare? Our guest shares some of her challenges as we brainstorm a few ideas to make life better for local parents, including the example of a school district in New York where they have programming from 7am to 7pm to support working parents. Is that something we could try here?

]]>7c9c8027-7ceb-43cb-89c8-e4f55266665bTue, 27 Jan 2026 10:45:00 -040044:19falsefull1991Our Local LegionsOur Local LegionsMike Waller, president of the Royal Canadian Legion, Haliburton Branch, joins Bram for a chat about the important work our Legions do supporting veterans and the wider community. With many of our veterans aging and experiencing mobility issues, Mike takes us through their efforts to have a crosswalk installed between their building and public parking across the street. Spoiler alert: if you thought the safety of our veterans would be more important than technical requirements for crosswalk locations, you would be wrong. Our veterans will continue to have to play the Mountain Street version of Frogger, with walkers and canes, until someone with authority cuts the excuses and does the right thing.

Take Action: If you'd like to sign Mike's petition to get a crosswalk installed between the Haliburton Legion and municipal parking lot, email rcl129@outlook.com with your name, town of residence, and a message to "add me to the crosswalk petition".

Learn More: Go to thehighlander.ca/veterans for archived interviews with some of our local veterans. In 2015, The Highlander interviewed several to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The videos include Mabel Brannigan, namesake of the Minden Legion branch, and Murray Whetung, who shared what it was like to be a First Nations soldier in the Canadian military. Billy Pickard describes the critical role played by wartime postal services in connecting servicemen and women with their families, while Chuck Viner shares his impressions from the Korean War and Parry Huiser explains some of the difficulties our soldiers have experienced both in and coming home from Afghanistan. These videos and more can be found at thehighlander.ca/veterans.

]]>Mike Waller, president of the Royal Canadian Legion, Haliburton Branch, joins Bram for a chat about the important work our Legions do supporting veterans and the wider community. With many of our veterans aging and experiencing mobility issues, Mike takes us through their efforts to have a crosswalk installed between their building and public parking across the street. Spoiler alert: if you thought the safety of our veterans would be more important than technical requirements for crosswalk locations, you would be wrong. Our veterans will continue to have to play the Mountain Street version of Frogger, with walkers and canes, until someone with authority cuts the excuses and does the right thing.

Take Action: If you'd like to sign Mike's petition to get a crosswalk installed between the Haliburton Legion and municipal parking lot, email rcl129@outlook.com with your name, town of residence, and a message to "add me to the crosswalk petition".

Learn More: Go to thehighlander.ca/veterans for archived interviews with some of our local veterans. In 2015, The Highlander interviewed several to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The videos include Mabel Brannigan, namesake of the Minden Legion branch, and Murray Whetung, who shared what it was like to be a First Nations soldier in the Canadian military. Billy Pickard describes the critical role played by wartime postal services in connecting servicemen and women with their families, while Chuck Viner shares his impressions from the Korean War and Parry Huiser explains some of the difficulties our soldiers have experienced both in and coming home from Afghanistan. These videos and more can be found at thehighlander.ca/veterans.

]]>cdb6ff87-8eb8-41f1-b3bd-2c5237ddc68bThu, 08 Jan 2026 09:18:00 -040032:11falsefull1881A Slippery Slope for Shorelines?A Slippery Slope for Shorelines?Bram and Deputy Editor, Mike Baker, welcome guest Greg Bishop for a discussion about Dysart's plans to permit small structures on shorelines. Is allowing gazebos at the waterfront the beginning of the end of decades of conservation efforts, or is it a reasonable accommodation for property owners? Could it even be a back door to better environmental protection? Join us as Greg explains why shoreline regulation exists and why opening things up at this point could be a problem.

]]>Bram and Deputy Editor, Mike Baker, welcome guest Greg Bishop for a discussion about Dysart's plans to permit small structures on shorelines. Is allowing gazebos at the waterfront the beginning of the end of decades of conservation efforts, or is it a reasonable accommodation for property owners? Could it even be a back door to better environmental protection? Join us as Greg explains why shoreline regulation exists and why opening things up at this point could be a problem.

]]>b1a2dffa-a1be-42d9-b35b-add2a4fd70d7Tue, 06 Jan 2026 09:23:00 -040053:12falsefull1771Did Someone Say Sausage?Did Someone Say Sausage?One episode wasn't enough to fully explore local democracy with our guest, Carol Moffatt. Carol is back this week with Lisa and Bram to talk about a perennial favourite: amalgamation. Should Haliburton County's five municipal governments in two tiers be consolidated into one government? Naturally, we have some opinions about that.

]]>One episode wasn't enough to fully explore local democracy with our guest, Carol Moffatt. Carol is back this week with Lisa and Bram to talk about a perennial favourite: amalgamation. Should Haliburton County's five municipal governments in two tiers be consolidated into one government? Naturally, we have some opinions about that.

]]>07388883-bf0e-428c-b771-513b6fe8cbc6Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:07:00 -040046:20falsefull1661How the Sausage Gets MadeHow the Sausage Gets MadeGuest Carol Moffatt from the Healthy Democracy Project joins Bram and Lisa for a discussion about why people don't run for office and what needs to change so they do. With the experience of 12 years as mayor of Algonquin Highlands and two terms as County Warden, Carol gives us an inside look at the world of local politics.

]]>Guest Carol Moffatt from the Healthy Democracy Project joins Bram and Lisa for a discussion about why people don't run for office and what needs to change so they do. With the experience of 12 years as mayor of Algonquin Highlands and two terms as County Warden, Carol gives us an inside look at the world of local politics.

]]>abf44a89-8864-44b8-bda6-7c8337d31596Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:58:00 -040049:53falsefull1551Anti-Social MediaAnti-Social MediaWhy are local councils, non profits and businesses still posting their information on social media platforms filled with slop and misinformation? Bram and Lisa talk to communications expert Lauren Hunter about how we can post and get information without being manipulated by secret algorithms. As social media becomes increasingly unreliable and confusing, where should citizens get their information and how should organizations get it to them?

]]>Why are local councils, non profits and businesses still posting their information on social media platforms filled with slop and misinformation? Bram and Lisa talk to communications expert Lauren Hunter about how we can post and get information without being manipulated by secret algorithms. As social media becomes increasingly unreliable and confusing, where should citizens get their information and how should organizations get it to them?

]]>3946e246-426f-4847-b03c-c9c27686242eWed, 10 Dec 2025 11:54:00 -040047:17falsefull1441MuskokaficationMuskokaficationYou can't get where you're going if you don't know where 'there' is. Bram and Lisa compare modestly-developed Haliburton to hyperactive Muskoka and note that we seem to be heading in that direction but without a plan or mandate to do so. What is Haliburton County supposed to be? Why don't our councils seem to have any kind of vision for the future of our community? Letting others do what they like in our towns and on our lakes is not a strategy; it's a failure of imagination.

]]>You can't get where you're going if you don't know where 'there' is. Bram and Lisa compare modestly-developed Haliburton to hyperactive Muskoka and note that we seem to be heading in that direction but without a plan or mandate to do so. What is Haliburton County supposed to be? Why don't our councils seem to have any kind of vision for the future of our community? Letting others do what they like in our towns and on our lakes is not a strategy; it's a failure of imagination.

]]>e4de8829-1a32-4703-b2f3-52d789c8be1bWed, 10 Dec 2025 11:52:00 -040030:57falsefull1331$30 Million for Housing? You Must be Mad!$30 Million for Housing? You Must be Mad!Bram and Lisa talk about County Council's reaction to a report saying $30mm will be needed to build adequate, affordable housing in the area and debate an expert's suggestion to use public lands for housing. Are we going to keep waiting for 'someone' to build us the housing we need, or might we just have to do it ourselves?

]]>Bram and Lisa talk about County Council's reaction to a report saying $30mm will be needed to build adequate, affordable housing in the area and debate an expert's suggestion to use public lands for housing. Are we going to keep waiting for 'someone' to build us the housing we need, or might we just have to do it ourselves?

]]>75c96fd2-eab1-4929-85d7-e7811dc7de7bWed, 10 Dec 2025 11:40:00 -040047:03falsefull1221The Healthy Democracy ProjectThe Healthy Democracy ProjectBram and Highlander Editor Lisa Gervais discuss a group effort in Haliburton County to get more candidates running for local office and other news happening in the County this week.

]]>Bram and Highlander Editor Lisa Gervais discuss a group effort in Haliburton County to get more candidates running for local office and other news happening in the County this week.

]]>b0bc7bff-0edc-4a37-8058-b18415a62125Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -040043:16falsefull1111