By Emily Stonehouse

While the content wasn’t necessarily standard for an AGM, the Haliburton County Development Corporation (HCDC) is far from traditional.

On Oct. 2, HCDC celebrated 40 years of community contributions by opening their doors to the public at Bonnie View Inn. With over 50 in attendance, including mayors from each municipality as well as founding members of the organization, the room was abuzz with stories of success and reflections over the past 40 years.

“It’s really an honour to have so many people here to celebrate our 40th anniversary,” opened Patti Tallman, the executive director of HCDC. “The strength of our partnerships continues to be the cornerstone of our successes.”

HCDC first took shape in 1985, under the leadership of Andy Campbell, who referenced his efforts to approach county council at the time, seeking community support. “Here we are 40 years later,” he chuckled to the crowd. “We’re still going strong.”

The organization provides loans, community economic development funding initiatives, grants, business resources, and coworking space opportunities to local businesses and organizations.

Last year, HCDC received 54 loan applications, where 37 were approved, eight were declined, and nine were withdrawn. Of the 54 applications, 43 per cent were dedicated to start-up costs for developing businesses. “Most typical banks won’t finance a business start-up,” said Sara Joanu, the loans officer for the organization.

With the fiscal year ending in March, 2025, it was noted that the total value of the investment portfolio for HCDC was $23,860,057. “Out of the 267 CFDCs (Community Future Development Corporations) across Canada, HCDC holds the largest portfolio,” said Joanu to the cheers of the crowd.

Since inception in 1985, HCDC has dispersed 2,410 loans, totalling $115,338,139.

“But what we do at HCDC is more than numbers,” said Joanu, noting the jobs created, the community support offered, and the opportunity to strengthen the future for families in Haliburton County.

Elisha Barlow, the program and operations coordinator, spoke to the successes of the Local Initiatives Program (LIP), which at the end of the fiscal year had worked on 24 projects with 103 partners, and disbursed $65,787 through the program. The LIP program is celebrating their ten year anniversary this year, which has dispersed $610,440 over the past decade.

HCDC staff welcomed a number of guest speakers to the AGM, kicking off with County Warden Dave Burton. “It’s an absolute privilege to be here today,” opened Burton. “The impact (of HCDC) goes beyond business. They have strengthened the fabric of our region,” he said.

Burton was followed by Malcom Cockwell, the managing director of Haliburton Forest. Cockwell was tapped into speaking through the many projects that the Forest and HCDC have embarked on over the years. “I always appreciate the chance to be here,” said Cockwell. “The institution has been so helpful to us over the years.”

Cockwell spoke to business successes and downfalls of the Forest from the past year, including a rise in tourism but a notable decline in forestry needs. “We’re in a cyclical sector, though,” he said, noting that he expects the pendulum to swing the other way as time goes on.

Since 2017, Cockwell noted that the organization is ten times the size it was nearly a decade ago. With 350 employees across the region, including over 100 full-time staff specifically at the Haliburton site, the impressive employer was proud to boast on the successes of the organization.

But he noted three major conversational items that have come up in recent history: forest fires, climate change, and tariffs.

For forest fires, while the news is quick to spread awareness around the topic, he noted that it’s “not the sort of thing that keeps us up at night.” Haliburton Forest wood differs from other northern forests that are more prone to fires, and while he advised caution, he was not stressed on the matter.

As for climate change, Cockwell took a different approach. “I’m tired of hearing about climate change,” he said. “What we really need to start talking about is invasive species.”

Cockwell shared that the threat of invasive pests is all too real, and it’s a growing concern that they are navigating on a daily basis at Haliburton Forest. “I cannot emphasize this enough,” he urged, “this is absolutely the biggest environmental challenge we are facing in our region, and it’s preventable.”

Lastly, Cockwell spoke to the ever-changing dynamics of our relationship with the U.S., in light of ongoing tariff talks and continued political uncertainty. He noted that the direct impact on the business has been difficult to quantify, but what he can confirm is that they have expanded their operations overseas significantly, and while many of their American partners have dropped off, international relationships have been forged and cemented.

Tammy Rea followed Cockwell, to discuss the impacts that HCDC had on “one small idea” that started to take shape many years ago. It was for the development of a film project, which welcomed blossoming filmmakers to develop their trade. Rea cited an impressive list of practicing filmmakers who found their footing through the program, and went on to showcase their talents with the world. “That was all from one LIP grant in 2006,” she closed. “The ripple effect is huge.”

The special guest portion of the day was closed off by Barb Bolin, who had been on the HCDC board for over 20 years. “I want to talk about Jim Blake,” opened Bolin. “A colleague, a voice of reason, and a friend.”

Blake retired from his role as economic development consultant earlier in the year, and Bolin listed a plethora of organizations and ideas that had Blake at the root of development. “I think it’s fair to say that every not-for-profit in the county has been touched by Jim Blake in some way,” she said. “Jim has always reminded us that process matters.”

Noting leadership, strategic planning, and business incubation in his bailiwick of skills, to name a few, Bolin celebrated Blake, and the many contributions he has made to the community over the years.

HCDC is planning a series of workshops and community programs offered in the coming weeks. Information on the services offered by the organization can be found at www.haliburtoncdc.ca.

Tallman and the staff at HCDC celebrated the involved partners, the board, and the many community members who support the services offered. “As a dedicated team, we are passionate about the work we do,” she said. “Whether we’re supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening not-for-profit organizations, or helping small businesses grow, our commitment is guided by a genuine desire to make a lasting impact.”