Algonquin Highlands Mayor Carol Moffatt

Waste is a substantial and significant issue not only in the world but also in Algonquin Highlands. Be the best 'waster' you can be!

Biodiversity! Today's great reminders for Earth Week.

Today's Earth Week ideas are all about the home.

It's Earth Week!

FROST CENTRE SALE COMPLETE: Yesterday I received a call from the President of OPSEU to learn that the union organization has been the successful purchaser of the Leslie M. Frost Centre, located in Algonquin Highlands. The site will serve as a resource and training site for its members and their families.... The revitalization of the historic property as an educational facility will provide many employment opportunities across a range of fields. President Thomas and I spoke of the many opportunities for collaboration and partnership between the facility and the community at large; and I look forward to helping broker some local connections. OPSEU's press release on the purchase, issued this morning, is below.

YOU ASKED: I receive a lot of enquiries from the public and while many aren't related to municipal operations, I'm happy to share what I know, or to refer folks on to other sources. Here are my replies to some of the questions I've received lately about: SHOPPING LOCALLY:... Yes, please continue to support local businesses: - Don't assume everything's closed - check to see if your fave place is offering curb-side or online options - Consider buying gift certificates for use later in the year - Order take-out food for curb-side pickup - Consider tackling that long-awaited paint job, home renovation or upgrade (construction/renovations and their supply chains are permitted, just be safe and savvy about it) - Regardless of what others do, follow the direction provided by businesses re: masks, carts, baskets, arrows, etc. - Leave yourself a bit more time for errands - Order ahead if that's an option - Dress for outside weather in case you have to line up to get into a store - I actually leaned this the hard way the other day - Check out a terrific home-grown online shopping platform at https://haliburtonhighlands.shopclosebuy.ca

A friendly reminder. Feel free to share.

AH FIREWORKS REMINDER: As of September 3, 2020 fireworks have been banned in Algonquin Highlands except for certain holidays - including New Year's Eve. On New Year's Eve, fireworks may ONLY be set off between 8pm and 1am.... There's no denying that enforcement is a challenge for the Township, so we would ask for your cooperation. If you ARE having fireworks on NYE, be a good person and let your neighbours know in case they have sensitive kids or creatures. To address those who can't play nicely with others, the online complaint form allows for uploading photos or video: https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/complaints.php Lots of folks don't like this bylaw, but it's on the books so crusty comments will be deleted.

WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES: Here is the link to the Hydro One Outage Map. You should bookmark it if you haven't already done so: https://d8bkcndcv6jca.cloudfront.net It's also helpful to register online with Hydro One so you can get texts when there's an outage. ... Here is the current map (as at 5:30pm Sunday November 15:

** RESOLVED** COUNTY SERVER PROBLEM: There is an issue with the County of Haliburton's email server. Staff and Councillors at the County and all municipalities are currently not able to access, receive or send email (November 11, 2020). ... IT staff are working hard to resolve the issue however it's unknown when that will be. The Algonquin Highlands Township office is closed today for Remembrance Day, but voicemail remains in working order. Our friends in the local press have been notified of the server problem and will help share the news when the server is back up. Thank you for your patience. PLEASE SHARE so folks understand why they may not be getting any response today.

It's the last day of Waste Reduction Week. Hopefully you've read, shared, considered and acted on this week's ideas and suggestions that help find the right homes for the right things. So many opportunities!