Behind its picturesque setting, the town is driving growth through strategic investments in infrastructure, housing, and economic development. From new housing projects to road and bridge upgrades, Haliburton is focused on building a sustainable future while addressing the needs of its rural community. With collaborative initiatives and a clear vision, the town is poised to strengthen its position as a thriving hub in Ontario, one that balances progress with the qualities that make it truly special. OPEN FOR BUSINESS: ECONOMIC AND HOUSING INITIATIVES Haliburton is taking bold steps to address housing shortages and foster economic growth, with a focus on collaboration and innovation. At the forefront of these efforts is the development of 35 new housing units in Minden, a project supported by the provincial government and the Kawartha Lakes Housing Corporation. Burton highlights the need for expanded opportunities, stating,“further assistance to identify Crown and public lands appropriate for development would be a great assistance in the development of affordable housing in rural Ontario.” The town is also partnering with neighboring municipalities in eastern Ontario to explore communal servicing solutions, aiming to streamline development processes and enable higher-density projects. Burton points to Frontenac County as a leader in this space, noting, “Frontenac County is leading the way in this respect to help streamline the approval process.” On the economic front, Haliburton established a countywide economic development department in 2021 to attract investment and improve coordination. The department serves as a liaison between the county and member municipalities, ensuring efficient communication with prospective investors. “We’re working with our member municipalities to streamline inquiries from prospective investors in the county,” Burton explains.“County staff work as a liaison between county and member municipalities to help ensure information is communicated in a timely and clear manner.” Haliburton’s proactive approach includes innovative fiscal policies to support community needs. “We implemented countywide short-term rental and municipal accommodation tax,” Burton notes, a measure that balances tourism growth with local housing pressures while generating revenue for infrastructure and services. These initiatives reflect Haliburton’s commitment 111 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 HALIBURTON, ON
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