By James Matthews Interest in operating short-term rental properties in Highlands East for the summer tourism season has increased. Kim Roberts, the township’s junior planner, gave council during its April 8 meeting a snapshot of…
Pinestone commits to moving forward
By Thomas Smith A fresh start, a new beginning, a page turned on the next chapter for Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre. That’s the hope, anyway. Six months ago, Andy MacMillan, Collin Burke and the…
Haliburton’s own Pasta Lady
By Emily Stonehouse It started small. Reaching out to a small business owner, in an effort to understand how the ongoing tariff disputes with the United States are impacting them. It became so much more.…
Best sledding season in years says HCSA president
By Thomas Smith “It was a comeback year for us,” says Neil Vanderstoop, Haliburton County Snowmobile Association (HCSA) president. On Sunday, March 16, the HCSA officially closed all snowmobiling trails for the season. Vanderstoop says…
Handmade Heaven comes to a halt
By Emily Stonehouse It seemed like it happened overnight; we blinked, and suddenly Handmade Heaven, the shop at 160 Highland Street which featured a variety of local artists, was gone. Shelves emptied, signs pulled down,…
Haliburton history fades with Wigamog Inn
By James Matthews The name Kashagawigamog is an Anishinaabeg word that means lake of long and winding waters. For many people, Wigamog is a word that conjures memories of long and winding childhood summers on…
Maple season back to normal, says local producers
By Thomas Smith Last year, around the middle of February, there was no snow in the bush in Haliburton County. With the unusually warm weather, syrup producers had to jump at the opportunity to produce…
Juna opens it’s doors
By Emily Stonehouse It’s finally here. Fine foodies unite to welcome Haliburton’s newest eatery: Juna restaurant, officially opening on March 7. The Italian restaurant, located at 210 Highland Street in the heart of Haliburton, was…
Business groups brace for possible trade war with…
By James Matthews Many business communities are circling their wagons in anticipation of an economic war with Canada’s largest trading partner. Industries and business groups, municipalities and communities are bracing for possible financial impacts. The…
Russel Red Records is now Redmans Records
By Thomas Smith Dan Manley and his partner Collin Burke opened Russel Red Records in 2019. Manley has a lifelong love of music and is active in the arts community of Haliburton as music director…
Local photographer recognized on international stage
By Emily Stonehouse We repeatedly hear about the importance of disconnecting from the online world, but in reality, it’s nearly impossible to do. The world is fast-paced these days; a swirling buzz of colour and…
A&W opens its doors in Haliburton
By Emily Stonehouse It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The long-discussed A&W Restaurant has opened its doors at 10 Hops Drive in Haliburton. With rumours circulating around town leading up to the opening,…
Thinking outside the snow globe for winter tourism
By Emily Stonehouse It’s no secret that the security of winters is unstable. Climate change is impacting our snowy certainty with a vengeance, and as a result, many of our local businesses have thrown in…
Out cold; a decision to press pause for…
By Emily Stonehouse It’s not something she takes lightly, but the owner of Mixtape Vintage, Heidi Hudspith, has made a big decision. She will be closing her doors until spring. “All of my costs are…
Celebrating One Year of Self care at Willow…
By Lisa Bucher Special to the Echo Located in the heart of Haliburton, Willow Organic has become a go-to spot for wellness and self care. Co-founded by Sylvia Holland, an experienced spa owner, and Shannon…
Chamber optimistic about year ahead, despite deficit
By Emily Stonehouse The Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce (HHCOC) held their 63rd AGM on Dec. 12 via Zoom. The short and sweet meeting included highlights of the past year, as well as projects for…
Snowmaker settles in at Winterdance
By Emily Stonehouse “We’re ready.” Two words from Tanya McCready, the owner of Winterdance Dogsled Tours in Haliburton. An optimistic sentiment from a tourism provider who was quite literally stuck in the slush last year. …
Seeing the world from Haliburton; Linda Coneybeare hangs…
By Emily Stonehouse Through the years, the colours, sights, and sounds of downtown Haliburton have shifted and changed. Kosy Korner changed locations, Sharpley’s became Algonquin Outfitters, a variety of restaurants and boutiques have shifted gears…
Features Brasserie: comfort food refined in the Highlands
By Emily Stonehouse When I first scheduled an interview at Features Brasserie in Fort Irwin, I set aside an afternoon. Not because I planned to spend the entire day out there, but because I assumed…
Boshkung takes silver
By Emily Stonehouse Boshkung Brewing has once again been recognized for their outstanding beers - and this time on a national stage. The Haliburton County company recently took home a silver prize in the English…
Haliburton Foodland dives into alcohol sales
By Emily Stonehouse Brad Park, the owner of Haliburton’s bustling Foodland, believes that liquor sales at the store will benefit business. “It’ll boost sales for sure,” he said. “There’s no downside to that.” Park was…