By Emily Stonehouse

It’s all about the people.

For David Zilstra, that’s what it’s always been. 36 years in the newspaper industry. Countless boards, organizations, and volunteer opportunities. Awards and plaques stacked up on his desk, including a nod as the community’s Highlander of the Year.

But it’s all about the people. That’s what kept him going. Every step of the way.

After nearly four decades of dedication and service, Zilstra will be hanging up his publishing hat. He started with the Haliburton Echo in 2005, having already committed years to the industry in Napanee. He had originally started with sales and ad management, before naturally evolving into publishing and the multi-faceted components of that role.

Zilstra stepped away from the Echo briefly in 2009, before returning in 2014, and rebuilding the team, the drive, and the papers as a whole.

When he looked back on his career with the local papers, some of his favourite times include municipal election coverage. “I’ve seen a few,” he chuckled. “But it’s a fun time. People are wanting to run ads, they want to run news stories, you’re talking to people on the street all the time. It’s so busy, but it’s exciting.”

And Zilstra is no stranger to chatting with people on the street. When he was awarded Highlander of the Year in 2023, his connection with the community was top of mind. “As publisher of the Haliburton County Echo, the Minden Times, County Life and two other community newspapers in Bancroft, the constant face-to-face engagement with local business and the wider community that are a key aspect of his job has made him acutely aware of the area’s complex needs,” read his nomination, sent in by a former colleague of Zilstra’s.

He was an active member of the Haliburton BIA, Haliburton Rotary, the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation, and the Highlands Summer Festival, to name a few. “David Zilstra has distinguished himself as a community leader by providing thousands of hours of his time to make the Haliburton Highlands a standout place to work and live,” said his nomination. “He has served as the publisher of three local newspapers during a tumultuous time in the media industry and provided high-quality year round jobs to many local residents.”

When asked about his role as publisher, Zilstra didn’t identify one singular task that keeps him busy. Rather, it’s a plethora of ongoing projects that keep the papers running. “I like the fast paced life,” he said. “And I want to make sure everyone has the tools they need to get things done here.”

On Thursday, May 1, the Echo hosted a retirement party for Zilstra, with over 100 locals popping by the offices to shake his hand and wish him well. “This is such a nice showing of community,” noted Angelica Ingram, the manager of tourism for the County of Haliburton, and a former writer for the Haliburton Echo. “It’s so nice to see everyone come together for David.”

Doug Rowe, who works for London Publishing, shared that he had worked with Zilstra for many years, and the two had set up a weekly phone call to discuss the ins and outs, the highs and lows, of the trade. “I have to say, it’s been an absolute pleasure to work with David,” he said, to a room of cheers and applause.

“I’ve had a great career,” noted Zilstra, “and I appreciate everyone being here. With all the work and fun we have, we also make a lot of friends.”

When asked what would be next for Zilstra, he quickly pointed out three priorities: golfing, biking, and kayaking. He is also looking forward to spending time with his wife, Marie, and starting some new adventures together.

“But I’ll be staying in the community, of course,” he said, “because the biggest thing I’ll miss is the people here.”

Because for David Zilstra, it’s all about the people.

From the teams at the Haliburton Echo, the Minden Times, County Life, and Bancroft, thank you to our fearless leader over the years. We wish you all the best in retirement.