Incubator shakes up space for post-pandemic world

By Sam Gillett

A fresh lick of paint isn’t the only thing different about the Haliburton County Development Corporation (HCDC) this summer.

The HCDC Business Incubator has undergone a refresh to better serve a post-pandemic work world.

It now has a coworking space with new desks and chairs, a bookable meeting room downstairs with a screen and whiteboard and blazing fast internet throughout.

Executive director Heather Reid said it’s part of a wider renovation plan.

“This summer is really about opening it up, seeing what interest is like, and then going out to local entrepreneurs and asking what else they might use the space for or what other services could be offered,” she said.

Fleming College’s integrated design class helped redesign the incubator in January 2022. HCDC hired Kat Schouten, a student in the program, to stay on throughout the summer to help integrate changes.

Schouten said the idea of rentable desk space targets the needs of a growing work-from-home entrepreneurial community in the Highlands.

Desks can be rented in four or eighthour increments, or as part of packs of 10 sessions.

“If they want to come once a week, it’s different than renting out a space every day,” Schouten said. “It gives them that flexibility.”

The HCDC is also hosting “Mix it Up Monday Mixers” geared toward people who work from home, each Monday from 4-6 p.m.

“Networking is a full-contact sport, you have to get out and meet people,” said Les Nip, who recently moved to the Algonquin Highlands and attended a June 27 mixer.

He said some of the HCDC’s new services are necessary for professionals working remotely, such as the downstairs meeting room.

“If you’re meeting clients, you need a professional meeting space,” he said.

MBC Lakes AGM meeting notice

Residents and cottage owners of Maple Lake, Cameron Lake and Beech Lake are invited to our annual AGM meeting being held on July 9th 2022, 9:30 am at the Stanhope firefighters hall, 1123 North Shore Rd, Algonquin Highlands, ON K0M 1J1, Canada.

Renew your membership or become a new member during the meeting, if you can’t attend the meeting here’s how you can renew or become a new member of MBC lake association: https://mbclakes. ca/membership-account/membershipcheckout/

We’re looking forward to see you at the AGM meeting on July 9th 2022.

Notice

Proposed Road Naming By-Law

TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 48 of the Municipal Act 2001, S.O., 2001, c.25, as amended, the Council of the Township of Algonquin Highlands at its Regular Meeting to be held on Thursday, July 21, 2022 will consider a bylaw to provide for the naming and renaming of all public and private roads for the purpose of accommodating the addition of a private road name within the Township of Algonquin Highlands as follows:

Additions: Red Squirrel Trail

Additional information, and a copy of the proposed by-law, is available by contacting the Clerk.

Dated June 29, 2022.

Dawn Newhook

Municipal Clerk

Township of Algonquin Highlands 1123 North Shore Rd. Algonquin Highlands, ON K0M 1J1 T: 705-489-2379 Ext. 333

E: dnewhook@algonquinhighlands.ca

Request For Tender

CONSTRUCTION OF SKI CLUB/GARAGE AT GLEBE PARK

The Municipality of Dysart et al is requesting tenders for the construction of a ski club/garage located at Glebe Park.

Tenders must be received on or before 12:00 p.m. EST on Monday, July 18, 2022.