What the Haliburton?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 [email protected].

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.

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.