20 minute read
BACKYARD TOURIST
Backyard Tourist }} Rambles in the Rolling Hills
The south end of Kawartha Lakes offers breathtaking views and a few surprises, too.
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NANCY PAYNE Associate Editor Ka wa r tha Lakes road trip
The Doc tor's House
Ballyduff Trials Photo: Nancy Payne Pigeon River Head wa ters Conser va tion Area
Pontypool grain elev at or Wind turbin e
Elliott F alls Ka wa r tha Lake s road trip Fleetw ood Creek Na tural Area Ball yduff Trails the st one barn Aunt Laura ’s Tea Room vic toria road Wut ai Shan Buddhis t Garden
Quaker OA ks
I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting when I headed south vic tori a f alls for the last installment in this series, but “accessible wilderness” was definitely not on the list. I admit it — when I’m that far down HighKirkfield Lift Lock way 35, it’s usually because I’m heading to the Oshawa GO station. But as is true throughout Kawartha Lakes, when you get off the Carden Al va r main roads and take time to explore, you’ll be rewarded. As always St . Mar y’s cemeter y throughout this series, I couldn’t make it to every spot I wanted to visit, so feel free to write in and let me know what I missed! St one Fence s
ka wa r tha Lake s
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toront o 401 115 115
peterb o roug h 401
1. The Doctor’s House
Tall trees obscure much of this striking home on the northern edge of Janetville — nicknamed for the physicians who lived in it for much of its history — but it’s worth stopping to admire the architecture. There are lovely views of farms and woods as you continue south. 746 Janetville Road/Kawartha Lakes #5.
2. Pigeon River Headwaters
Conservation Area
This lesser-known spot rewards you for braving the terribly rough road in — don’t try it unless your vehicle’s undercarriage has good clearance. Take Century Farm Road south from Hwy 7A and turn left just over the little bridge. It’s nearly a kilometre to the parking lot, but from there you’ll encounter few other people on the peaceful, well-marked trails. The soaring cedars and mossy logs make it feel a bit like British Columbia. Oh, and do not try to reach it by coming west on Gray Road from the highway, even if your GPS tells you it’s possible.
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3. Pontypool Grain Elevator
Local volunteers deserve huge credit for saving this 1918 wooden structure, the last of its kind in Ontario. Visitors aren’t allowed inside yet, but there are restoration plans underway. It’s still definitely worth a visit to see — and photograph — the grain elevator standing like a sentinel beside the abandoned railway tracks. From Hwy. 35, take Telecom Rd. east, then make a quick right on John St. and turn west again on Pontypool Rd. just over the tracks.
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BACKYARD TOURIST
CONT’D FROM PAGE 25
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4. Wind turbines
I’m well aware that not everyone shares my admiration for these marvels of environmental technology — if you despise them, please feel free to skip to the next item. But if, like me, you are mesmerized by the graceful sculpture-like quality of wind turbines, you’ll be fascinated by the chance to get up close to them and discover how quiet and majestic they are. From Hwy. 35, turn east on Ballyduff Road to the point where it broadens out into a circle. Park out of the way and walk north on Wild Turkey Road.
If, like me, you enjoy the peace and history of a small rural cemetery, pay a visit to St. Mary’s Cemetery on Lifford Rd., the cemetery at Ballyduff Presbyterian Church on Ballyduff Rd., and the fascinating Bethel (Old Methodist) Cemetery on the north side of Golf Course Rd. immediately west of Hwy. 35.
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5. Ballyduff Trails
Ralph McKim and Jean Garsonnin have opened their breathtaking property on the height of the Oak Ridges Moraine to anyone wishing to hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski. After walking barely half of the network of trails, I can assure you they’re magical. From the stone foundation of an old homestead and a patch of tall-grass prairie to a stand of distinctive black locust trees through poplar, pine and deciduous bushes to the gently trickling stream dubbed La Source, the beautifully maintained trails wind through a gorgeous range of ecosystems that will nurture your soul. In cooperation with Kawartha Land Trust, the couple have worked to reintroduce displaced native species pushed out by settlement — McKim continues to pull out invasive sumac and dog-strangling vine and seed the land with species that belong here. Visit kawarthalandtrust.org to download maps; call or email ahead so they know you will be on the property. You can drive in their laneway at 851 Ballyduff Rd.; park in on your left near the woodpiles in the open grassy area. It should go without saying, but respect the fact that you’re on private property — stay on the trails and don’t litter.
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6. Fleetwood Creek
Natural Area
That same open area at the height of Ballyduff Rd. is also where you should leave your vehicle for this stop. I can’t overstate this: Don’t take your vehicle farther down Ballyduff Rd. It looks okay at the top but soon becomes a deeply rutted, rocky track that only an off-road vehicle should attempt. As long as you’ve factored in that additional 10-minute hike down the road just to get to the Fleetwood Creek trailhead, you’re assured of a lovely outing. With rain threatening, I only walked the Valley Trail as far as the lookout; my first thought when I arrived was “I have to come back here in the fall!” As I hiked back up to my car, a soft whuffing sound stopped me in my tracks. Wait — was that a bear? I searched my brain for the right thing to do in this encounter
8 — make myself big and yell while backing away, right? Then I relaxed and laughed out loud. What I’d thought was a black bear was just the gentle sound of the nearby wind turbine.
7. Aunt Laura’s Tea Room
Don’t worry when you turn in the laneway and drive up to what appears to be someone’s house. It is Kathleen Morton’s home, and as the fifth generation in her family to live there, she wants to welcome you in the spirit of Aunt Laura. (She also runs a cow-calf operation and is deeply involved with local history.) Until Thanksgiving, food is available Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 to 2:00 for takeout or to enjoy at an outdoor table. Watch for flags and a sign on the south side of the road at 1402 Hwy. 7A. South Pond Farms on Gray Rd. southwest of Bethany has been quiet this summer, but owner Danielle French hopes to be open to the public again in 2021. In the meantime, visit southpondfarms.ca and select “Shop” to see what’s in the online store.
8. Wutai Shan
Buddhist Garden
It’s kind of hard to fathom the extent of this project, but when it’s finished — possibly sometime in 2021 — it will be nothing short of astonishing. Walking trails, a huge lake, a gigantic wooden temple assembled without nails … I can’t wait to see it. But in the meantime, if you stop to marve at the shining temple and sculptures, you won’t be alone. People are already drawn to the site, which is still blocked off, to take photos of the giant statues nestled into the hills. 708 Ski Hill Rd.
All photos by Nancy Payne.
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Available at Kent Bookstore in Lindsay. $12.95. Advocate publisher Roderick Benns' award-winning book for youth
The Legends of Lake on the Mountain: An Early Adventure of John A. Macdonald
SCHMALE APPOINTED TO O’TOOLE’S SHADOW CABINET
Local MP Jamie Schmale is settling into his new role as shadow minister for Families, Children and Social Development. He was named to the post on Sept. 8 by Conservative Party of Canada leader Erin O’Toole.
“I’m grateful to be able to serve the constituents of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, and all Canadians on this file,” Schmale said in a media release.
“We are in an unprecedented time in our nation’s history. Families are struggling, youth are underemployed and understandably there is anxiety about what the future may hold. It is imperative that we listen to what Canadians are saying as we address housing and rental affordability, the cost of raising children and take steps to make life more affordable for families.”
Prior to being named to his new position Schmale served as shadow minister for Crown-Indigenous Relations. “Together, with the rest of the Conservative team, we will be holding this government to account,” Schmale added. “Our families and children are the bedrock of our society and I will work hard every day on their behalf.”
CITY GETS $1.7 MILLION FROM FEDS, PROVINCE, TO HELP FUND LINDSAY TRANSIT
Kawartha Lakes received about $1.7 million in funding from the Canadian government and the province for the renovation and expansion of Lindsay’s bus maintenance facility. This includes seven new conventional buses (five to replace retiring vehicles and two to expand the fleet) and a new transit hub. There will also be 20 additional transit stops, along with more bike racks and bike corrals as well as upgrades to transit software that is expected to improve transit efficiency.
The federal government contributed more than $946,000, the province more than $788,000, and the city is spending more than $1.1 million – for a total of $2, 856,000. The infrastructure money supports 30 public transit projects around central, north and southern Ontario.
Adelaide Place opening in 2020 delaide Place Senior Living Community is scheduled to open in mid, 2020 and will consist of independent rental suites with full kitchens and insuite laundry. Suites will be spacious and modern, bright and airy. Create your new home in one of the 90 one and two-bedroom suites. All suites include ve appliances - refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer. Prices also include a satellite television package, telephone package and Chef, housekeeping services, personal care services, medical alert system and more. When you choose to call Adelaide Place home, opportunities abound for enjoying the company of friends and family. e billiards room, lounge and party room on the second oor are great places to socialize. If you are interested in making Adelaide Place Senior Living Community your new home, deposits are now being accepted to put a hold on a speci c Adelaide Place opening in 2020 A delaide Place Senior Living Community is scheduled to open in mid-2020 and will consist ofindependent rental suites withfull kitchens andin-suite laundry. Suites will be spacious and modern, bright and airy. Create your new home in one ofthe 90 one andtwo-bedroom suites. All suites include five appliances –refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer. Suite prices also include a satellite televisionpackage, telephone package and internet access to keep you connected. Chef, housekeeping services, personal care services, medical a lert system and more. For an additional fee, Adelaide Place has a team of health care professionals that offer around-the-clock wellness and care services for your security, comfort and peace ofmind. When you choose to call Adelaide Place home, opportunities abound for enjoying the company offriends and family. The billiards room, lounge and party room on the second floor are great places A Adelaide Place opening in 2020 delaide Place Senior Living Community is scheduled to open in mid, 2020 and will consist of independent rental suites with full kitchens and insuite laundry. Suites will be spacious and modern, bright and airy. Create your new home in one of the 90 one and two-bedroom suites. All suites include ve appliances - refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer. Prices also include a satellite television package, telephone package and Chef, housekeeping services, personal care services, medical alert system and more. When you choose to call Adelaide Place home, opportunities abound for enjoying the company of friends and family. e billiards room, lounge and party room on the second oor are great places to socialize. If you are interested in making Adelaide Place Senior Living Community your new home, deposits are now being accepted to put a hold on a speci c Adelaide Place opening in 2020 A delaide Place Senior Living Community is scheduled to open in mid-2020 and will consist ofindependent rental suites withfull kitchens andin-suite laundry. Suites will be spacious and modern, bright and airy. Create your new home in one ofthe 90 one andtwo-bedroom suites. All suites include five appliances –refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer. Suite prices also include a satellite televisionpackage, telephone package and internet access to keep you connected. Chef, housekeeping services, personal care services, medical a lert system and more. For an additional fee, Adelaide Place has a team of health care professionals that offer around-the-clock wellness and care services for your security, comfort and peace ofmind. 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Ade such as meals such as meals laide Place prepared by prepared by opening ou ou in r Executive r Executive 2020 ho hol ld d on a on a s sp pe e c cifi ific c s s u u it ite e. . Adelaide Place opening in 2020 A delaide Place Senior Living Community is scheduled to open in Chef, housekeeping services, personal care services, medical a lert system and delaide Place Senior Living Community is scheduled to open in mid, 2020 and will consist Chef, housekeeping services, personal care services, medical alert system and more. mid-2020 and will consist ofindependent rental suites withfull kitchens andin-suite more. For an additional fee, Adelaide Place A of independent rental suites with full kitchens and inlaundry. When you choose to call Adelaide Place home, has a team of health care professionals suite laundry. Suites will be spacious and mode opportunities abound for enjoying the company of rn, that offer around-the-clock wellness and Suites will be spacious and modern, bright and airy. Create your new home in one of the 90 one and two-bedroom suites. friends and family. e billiards room, lounge and party room on the second oor are great places to socialize. bright and airy. Create your new home in one ofthe 90 one andtwo-bedroom suites. All suites include five appliances –refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer and care services for your security, comfort and peace ofmind. When you choose to call Adelaide Place home, opportunities abound for All suites include ve appliances - refrigerator, stove, dryer. Suite prices also include a satellite If you are interested in making Adelaide Place enjoying the company offriends and famdishwasher, washer and dryer. Prices also include a televisionpackage, telephone package Senior Living Community your new home, deposits and ily. The billiards room, lounge and party satellite television package, telephone package and internet access to keep you connect are now being accepted to put a hold on a speci c ed. room on the second floor are great places internet access to keep you connected. Because a Because a house is not a home with suite. out to socialize. Lindsay’s Newest Concept in Senior Living is now taking “deposits” Adelaide Place Senior Living Community scheduled Lindsay’s Newest Concept in Senior Living is now taking “deposits” Adelaide Place Senior Living Community scheduled to open in mid, 2020 house is not a home without certain family members, we are also pet-friendly (some restrictions apply.) Residents will have access to several optional services, such as meals prepared by our Executive certain family members, our suites are also pet-friendly (some restrictions apply). Residents will have access to several optional services (at an additional fee), such as meals prepared by our Executive If you are interested in making Adelaide Place your new home, contact Tish Black at tish@adelaideplace.com or 705-340-4000 for more information. Deposits are now being accepted to put a hold on a specific suite. 40% LEASED! Lindsay’s Newest Concept in Senior Living is taking “deposits” to open in mid, 2020 • Ninety independent rental suites • Ninety independent rental suites • One and two bedroom options (710-1160 sq. ft.) • One and two bedroom options (710-1160 sq. ft.) • Suites will feature full kitchens and in-suite laundry • Suites will feature full kitchens and in-suite laundry • Amenities include a large outdoor terrace, dining room, Lindsay’s Newest Concept in Senior Living is now taking “deposits” Adelaide Place Senior Living Community scheduled to open in mid, 2020 ONE BEDROOM SAMPLE LAYOUT ONE BEDROOM SAMPLE LAYOUT • Amenities include a large outdoor terrace, dining room, billiards and party room, garage parking • Ninety independent rental suites
billiards and party room, garage parking • Residents will have access to amenities and services • One and two bedroom options (710-1160 sq. ft.) • Suites will feature full kitchens and in-suite laundry ONE BEDROOM SAMPLE LAYOUT • Residents will have access to amenities and services at the existing retirement community • Amenities include a large outdoor terrace, dining room, billiards and party room, garage parking Start living the retirement you deserve! at the existing retirement community Start living the retirement you deserve! Start living the retirement you deserve! • Residents will have access to amenities and services at the existing retirement community *Suite layouts may vary and furniture is not included
*Suite layouts may vary and furniture is not included
READER SPOTLIGHT Courtesy of Kawartha Lakes Public Library
SHANICE SPROULE
NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLER
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE DINOSAURS
by Steve Brusatte
Read about the evolution of dinosaurs as the author takes you through an incredible 200-million-year journey. Learn about the dinos you already know and meet some new ones along the way, plus learn about the scientific discoveries that are reshaping our understanding of these fascinating creatures!
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advertorial }} Kawartha Lakes law firm in significant growth phase
Waylon Skinner gets really fired up over injustice. As a young lawyer who has just become an Associate at Staples & Swain in Lindsay, he’s certainly in the right place. Skinner graduated from Queen’s University last year and did his articling in Cambridge — but he’s no stranger to Lindsay, where he was born and raised.
Skinner attended Leslie Frost P.S. and then I.E. Weldon Secondary School, and then completed his undergraduate Business degree at Western University in London before law school at Queen’s. Although he’s been away for nearly a decade, he still has family here and visited frequently. He’s got the pulse of the city, in other words, something law partners Heather Richardson and Angus McNeil noticed when he was brought on board to expand their team.
“He was so marvellously trained that he hit the ground running,” says Richardson, who saw in him the perfect opportunity to expand their team.
Skinner – who was called to the bar in May — is building a practice which focuses on helping clients with a wide variety of corporate matters, including incorporations, shareholder agreements, commercial lease agreements, and assisting with various employment matters. He also helps clients navigate residential Real Estate transactions.
The new lawyer says he chose this path to make a positive difference in his community.
“I like the kind of work where I can give back. Working with small businesses in the area, for instance, is very satisfying,” he says, given how important they are as the backbone of the community.
Staples & Swain is not only growing in the number of lawyers representing the firm but in its physical space as well. Its location at 10 William St. S., in downtown Lindsay has expanded, now that the Lindsay Shoe Repair has closed. McNeil and Richardson see an opportunity for a main floor reception, a boardroom, and a chance to expand their skilled support staff. “A healthy balance is important to all of us,” says McNeil, noting everyone has young families to spend time with. Richardson agrees. “We want to expand mindfully and take our time with this.” As for Skinner, his addition to the team seems like a natural progression for the firm — and it’s also a great opportunity to say hello to another Kawartha Lakes alumnus who has found his way home.
Waylon Skinner, Associate, and Heather Richardson and Angus McNeil, Law Partners at Staples & Swain.
