By Angelica Ingram

Published Jan. 3 2017

Dave Burton did not spend Christmas Day as he had planned.

The reeve of Highlands East was in hospital for surgery on Dec. 25 following a bad fall on Dec. 23.
Burton slipped on the ice falling and landing on both knees he said.

“I pulled the ligaments and all the quad muscles off the knee caps on both legs” he said from Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay.

The reeve expects recovery to take a number of weeks between his time in the hospital and rehab that will follow.

“There’s no weight bearing with both legs I can’t do anything” said Burton. “It was terrible.”
He plans to continue his work as reeve with the help of his laptop which will enable him to stay connected.

“I’m still available I’m just not hands on.”

Burton said the hope is to get him back to Haliburton soon. He has had family by his side in the hospital.

The reeve said he has been getting good care and is determined to get back on his feet.

Deputy-reeve Suzanne Partridge will be filling in for Burton during his recovery time and said she is up for the challenge.

A councillor for the past 18 years including being reeve of Cardiff township prior to amalgamation Partridge has a good understanding of what is involved.

“I’m quite up for the task” she said. “People are being directed to call me.”

Partridge said she and Burton have a good working relationship and communicate regularly which will continue.

“I think everything should go well” she said.