By Emily Stonehouse

Robin Carmount has officially been named the Highlander of the Year at the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala, held this past Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Bonnie View Inn. “It feels amazing to receive this honour,” said Carmount, “especially when you look at the others nominated in this category as well.”
The award for Highlander of the Year highlights a local citizen for their contribution and leadership to the community as a whole. They must demonstrate their dedication to the betterment of Haliburton County through their actions, words, and visions.
“Robin deserves to be nominated because he believes in the future of our youth and has dedicated himself to changing lives,” read his nomination form.
Carmount is a local police officer with the Haliburton OPP detachment, and is passionate about providing a safe and accessible space for the youth of the county to play, learn, and grow. He developed a series of after-school programs in Minden and Wilberforce, and for the cost of $1, everyone is welcome to participate. At the end of the season, the participants decide how they will pay it forward, and will collectively decide on which local charity to donate to. “The program is highly successful, well-attended, and continues to run in both Minden and Wilberforce,” read his nomination form.
In 2019, Carmount developed the Haliburton County Youth Sailing Association, which teaches sailing for kids aged eight to 24, and allows opportunities to not only explore the sport of sailing, but discuss teamwork, community support, and advocacy for mental health in youth.
Carmount’s nomination form sang his praises for the dedication and commitment he has to the community. “Robin is a quiet, get-it-done person who asks for nothing in return for the work he’s doing; and who spends his personal time not only overseeing and organizing the programs but participating in them himself.”
After winning the award, Carmount stated that he believes there is more to do for the youth of Haliburton County. “There’s always more work to be done for the young people in our community,” he said. “We need more things for kids to do.” For a full list of winners from the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala, see inside this edition.