Our Mission
To increase awareness of, provide constructive input on, and advocate for reasonable solutions to issues of concern to waterfront property owners in Haliburton County.
OUR STORY
How We Came Together
Since 2017, owners of waterfront property in Haliburton have become increasingly concerned about the County’s proposed Shoreline Preservation By-law. Many perceived that their input wasn’t adequately heard or considered. While some lake associations supported the By-law, many waterfront property owners were concerned that this was done without objective analysis or member consultation.
In 2020 and 2021, a small group of Kennisis Lake owners began researching healthier shorelines and providing input to Haliburton County Council on the proposed Shoreline By-law issue. At the same time, a group with shared concerns and objectives was forming on Haliburton Lake. Sharing information made us realize that we could all benefit by working together, including collaborating on submissions.
WE DISCOVERED THAT WHILE EVERYONE SUPPORTS LAKE HEALTH, WE DON'T ALL AGREE ON THE BEST MEANS OF ACHIEVING IT.
In spring 2022, our group now includes owners of more than 400 waterfront properties in Haliburton County.
While we’re passionate about healthy shorelines, we’re pretty normal people. Many of us come from families who’ve owned their properties for generations. A number were long-term cottagers who retired to the compelling lifestyle of the Haliburton lakes, while some are relatively new to the area.
All of us care deeply about the quality of our water, the health of our environment, and the warmth of our friends and community. We’re not radical or extreme or aggressive. We just want the best public policy, based in sound science and sound economics, to govern and guide us in Haliburton County.
Our Numbers
Are Growing
400+
Properties on over...
25+
Haliburton lakes
Algonquin Highlands
POPULATION: PERMANENT 2,351 | EST. SEASONAL 4,000
Algonquin Highlands includes “half the village of Dorset, part of Carnarvon, and the hamlets of Boshkung, Buttermilk Falls, Halls Lake, Little Hawk Lake, Maple Lake, Ox Narrows and Oxtongue Lake, the latter having the pleasure of being nestled up beside, and sharing the history of, Algonquin Provincial Park. Major Lakes include Kawagama, Halls, Kushog, Boshkung and Maple.
To view a detailed map of each ward, click here.
10
Lakes
315
Kilometres
78.2%
Natural or Regenerative
3061
Lots
Dysart et al.
POPULATION: PERMANENT 7,182 | EST. SEASONAL 8,500
The United Townships of Dysart, Dudley, Harcourt, Guilford, Harburn, Bruton, Havelock, Eyre and Clyde, are commonly known as the Municipalityof Dysart et al, which includes Haliburton village and the smaller communities of West Guilford, Eagle Lake and Fort Irwin. Major lakes include Kennisis, Redstone, Haliburton, Drag and Elephant.
To view a detailed map of each ward, click here.
10
Lakes
359
Kilometres
75.5%
Natural or Regenerative
4671
Lots
Highlands East
POPULATION: PERMANENT 3,830 | EST. SEASONAL 5,000
Highlands East includes the communities of Cardiff, Gooderham and Wilberforce. Major lakes include Koshlong, Glamor and Paudash.
To view a detailed map of each ward, click here.
6
Lakes
101
Kilometres
74.0%
Natural or Regenerative
2526
Lots
Minden Hills
POPULATION: PERMANENT 6,971 | EST. SEASONAL 6,000
The townships of Minden Hills includes the town of Minden, its largest community and the county seat. It also encompasses the smaller communities of Blairhampton, Brady Lake, Buller, Carnarvon, Deep Bay, Dutch Line, Gelert, Howland, Ingoldsby, Irondale, Kilcoo Harbour, Lochlin, Lutterworth, Miners Bay, and Moore Falls. Major lakes include Kashagawigamog, Gull, Twelve Mile, Soyers and Canning.
To view a detailed map of each ward, click here.
9
Lakes
140
Kilometres
64.4%
Natural or Regenerative
1203
Lots
Our Volunteers
Brian Atkins
Brian and family are life-long cottagers. When he is not running National Sales Teams, he is sharply focused on ensuring Haliburton remains the go-to destination for residents and visitors.
Dave Bright
Dave's parents built the original cottage on Haliburton Lake in 1961 which is now owned by his sister, Sue. He bought the cottage next door in 1986. His wife, Julie, their three children and their 5 grandchildren all love the lake! Dave served as the announcer for the HLCA Regatta from 1971 to 2005. Dave has been involved in Industrial Boiler Sales for Thermogenics Inc since 1985.
Rod Dobson
Rod Dobson and Sandi moved to Little Kennisis Lake full time in 2017. Earlier in his career, Rod spent 25 years working in land surveying and often used the Haliburton Forest as a base for work. More recently, Rod worked in the financial services business, (from the lake) and was running for Dysart Council when he passed away suddenly in August 2022. He loved his family, nature and the Haliburton community and we honour his efforts to find a better way on the shoreline bylaw issue.
Dave Love
Dave and his wife Judy are both lifetime cottagers, as Judy’s parents were “original” 1954 Haliburton Lake cottagers and Dave’s family have owned a quaint Lake Muskoka cottage since 1946. Before retiring in 2017, Dave led Finance Operations and Project Management teams for major Canadian corporations.
John Boeckh
John, his wife Lynn and children Tory and Stephen, have been Kennisis Lake cottagers since 1998. John was a financial services strategy and communications executive for over 30 years
John DeYoung
John DeYoung has been a Haliburton cottager for 58 years, beginning when his parents first bought a cottage. He and his wife subsequently built their own place where their children grew up as four-season cottagers, and now grandchildren are the fourth generation of family cottagers. John is a Chartered Professional Accountant/CA and was a senior taxation executive for two Canadian -based multinational corporations for most of his career.
Mark Golding
Louise and Mark have been Kennisis Lake cottage owners since 1968. With three married sons and daughters-in-law, and eight grandchildren, their interest in cottage life is inter-generational and, therefore, very long term. Now retired, Mark spent 33 years of his business life in the investment management business.
Tayce Wakefield
Tayce has been a cottager on Little Kennisis Lake with her husband Roy Campbell and their family since the early ‘90’s and retired to the lake in 2010. She was a Government Relations and Public Relations executive for 25 years in Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
Thank You, Kim!
Kim Love, a Graphic Designer and Haliburton Lake cottager, recently heard about our group and generously offered her design services to help us better reach our audience. Naturally, we jumped at the chance! Thank you, Kim!
If you have any graphic design or website development needs, we highly recommend Kim – she’s a quick study with great design instincts and is a pleasure to work with!