COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Accurate information has proven a challenge in fast-paced world of social media.

The Township’s Emergency Operations Group is in constant communication with our own MPP, Health Unit and OPP; and with the County and neighbouring municipalities. As such, we have the most accurate and up-to-date information about and for Algonquin Highlands property owners. The public is asked to confirm information directly from the Township website before sharing it.

The best way to keep up with the latest news by subscribing to News & Notices.

For concerns about a non-essential business remaining open or providing services; and concerns about gatherings on private property call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

For concerns regarding retail businesses and individuals charging unfair prices for necessary goods call the Unfair Pricing Concerns hotline at 1-800-889-9768.

For questions regarding what businesses remain open, or about what services are still available, call the Stop the Spread business line at 1-888-444-3659

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, complete the COVID-19 Self-Assessment at https://covid-19.ontario.ca.

Additional information can be found at www.haliburtoncares.ca.

Haliburton County is serviced by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. Information regarding this district can be found at www.hkpr.on.ca/covid-19-2/covid-19/.

Information regarding the Haliburton Highlands COVID-19 Response can be found at www.haliburtoncares.ca.

The Administrative Office at 1123 North Shore Road will is open to the public. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. 

This information updated March 8, 2023

You may call the Township office at 705-489-2379 or email info@algonquinhighlands.ca or staff contact information can be found under each department listed on this page, or the contact us page.

This information updated December 21, 2021

Please contact the Airport Coordinator at 705-754-2611 of by email regarding Airport Operations

This information updated December 23, 2020

Yes, the Airport terminal buiding is open to the public. Visitors will be required to observe COVID-19 safety protocols, including the wearing of face masks and maintaining physical distancing.

For further details regarding Airport operations, please visit www.algonquinhighlands.ca/airport.php

This information updated March 14, 2022

• Please contact Greg Moore at 705-489-2379 ext. 330 or email gmoore@algonquinhighlands.ca regarding Building or By-law Enforcement matters
• Building Permit and Septic permit applications can be found online for review and completion and may be submitted via email or regular mail. Please contact Greg Moore regarding payment options when submitting an application via email.
• Building permit applications are available at www.algonquinhighlands.ca/Building_permit_application-v2020.pdf
• Septic system permits can be found at www.algonquinhighlands.ca/deptdocs/2020-03_Sewage_System_Permit_Application_Package.pdf.

This information updated December 23, 2020

Yes. Our office will continue issuing permits in accordance with provincial requirement.

Payment for building permits may be made by cheque or credit card. If you require a receipt, an electronic copy of the receipt can be emailed to you once payment has been processed.

Building permit applications are available at www.algonquinhighlands.ca/Building_permit_application-v2020.pdf

Septic system permits can be found at www.algonquinhighlands.ca/deptdocs/2020-03_Sewage_System_Permit_Application_Package.pdf.

Please note some of the pages within the application are non-fillable and will need to be printed and completed. Applications may be scanned and emailed to the building department at gmoore@algonquinhighlands.ca or sent by regular mail.

This information updated December 23, 2020

Yes, staff are conducting field inspections at this time. 

No, the Cemeteries are now closed for the winter.

This information updated December 21, 2021

Yes. The Township’s public water taps remain open and all users are reminded that these are public facilities where extraordinary hygiene practices are required.  Taps are located at:

• Stanhope Airport (1168 Stanhope Airport Rd.)  
• Township Office (1123 North Shore Rd.) 
• Dorset Recreation Centre (1051 Main St., Dorset - located to the right of the main entrance by the book drop) 

As the Dorset Tower remains closed at this time, the public water tap at this location will not be accessible.

This information updated December 23, 2020

Some. At the request of the Health Unit, public vault privies remain available at the Dorset Parkette, Elvin Johnson Park, Stanhope Park, Frost Centre Ski & Snowshoe Trails access point and Big East Lake access point. These facilities are periodically checked and cleaned as needed, users are asked to undertake appropriate hygiene protocols.

Public washrooms at the Township Office are available.

This information updated December 23, 2020

Public Wi-Fi hotspots remain available outside the following locations (all buildings remain closed to the public):

• Stanhope Public Library (1109 North Shore Rd.)
• Stanhope Firefighters' Community Hall (1095 North Shore Rd.)
• Dorset Recreation Cente (1051 Main Street) and throughout most of downtown Dorset
• Oxtongue Community Centre (3979 Highway 60, Dwight)
• Stanhope Municipal Airport (1168 Stanhope Airport Rd. Please note that the deck is closed for physical distancing purposes)
• Township Office (1123 North Shore Road)

Users are asked to be considerate of bandwidth consumption due to increased attendance at public WiFi sites.

This information updated December 23, 2020

Please visit https://olco.ent.sirsidynix.net/client/en_US/haliburton/ for information on library services in Haliburton County.

The Stanhope branch of the Haliburton County Public Library is open to visitors. 

This information updated March 8, 2023

No, public access computers at the Dorset Recreation Centre not available. The Dorset Recreation Centre remains closed until further notice.

This information updated July 23, 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and requirements for social distancing, Council meetings will be held electronically. For dates of upcoming Council Meetings please visit the Township Calendar.

You can be notified of upcoming Special Meetings of Council by Subscribing to News and Notices or Council Agendas

This information updated October 8, 2020

• Phone call or email enquiries should be directed as follows:
  • Tax Enquiries –  Karen Mintz, Tax Administrator – 705-489-2379 extension 323 or by email at taxes@algonquinhighlands.ca
  • AP, AR & payment enquiries – Sarah Hutson, Deputy Treasurer – 705-489-2379 extension 329 or by email at finance@algonquinhighlands.ca
  • General Finance Enquiries – Jean Hughes, Treasurer – 705-489-2379 extension. 328 or by email at jhughes@algonquinhighlands.ca

The Township continues to provide online and/or electronic payment options, as indicated below, and property owners can attend the municipal office to pay by Debit, Cheque or Cash during regular business hours.

Tax payments are accepted as follows;

This information updated March 14, 2022.

Yes. All post-dated cheques will be processed as per the date of the cheque, unless otherwise advised.

Please contact info@algonquinhighlands.ca if you need to adjust a payment you have submitted by post-dated cheque.

We appreciate that many businesses and agencies are offering discounts or reductions during this time however, the municipality is unable to offer any such discount or reduction on property taxes, as the Orders that may prevent attendance to any property have been made by the province.

The Township of Algonquin Highlands continued to waive penalty and interest charges throughout the initial three stages of the pandemic, however as vaccinations continue to roll out, and the Province considers re-opening options, penalty and interest charges will be reinstated and will do so in conjunction with the final tax billing for 2021. Penalty and interest chargesresumed as of August 1st, 2021 and be charged at the normal monthly rate of 1.25% on all outstanding tax balances.

This information updated March 8, 2023

• Please contact Fire Chief Michael French at 705-489-2379 regarding fire department matters.
• Pre-consultation via a phone call is strongly encouraged prior to determining if an in person meeting is required.

This information updated February 19, 2021.

Yes. A reminder that burning must be conducted in accordance with By-Law 2019-31.

Daytime burning (between 7am and 7pm) is not permitted from April 1 to October 31

This information updated April 15, 2021

Yes. The AHFS continues to operate at full capacity with universal precautions in place.

The hours at landfill sites have not changed, all sites are open regular WINTER hours until April 30. Summer hours begin May 1.

Hours for all sites can be found at https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/landfill-hours---locations.php or utilize the Waste Wizard (the Waste Wizard is a one stop shop for all waste disposal information)

Information as of December 20, 2021

Please contact Melissa Murray, Environmental Coordinator at 705-489-2379 extension 332 or email mmurray@algonqinhighlands.ca

This information updated December 23, 2020

In keeping with continued efforts to maintain the health and safety of staff, and the public, when attending waste disposal sites, masks are mandatory when interacting with landfill attendants. We are also reminding patrons of waste disposal sites that if you are not able to maintain physical distancing from other patrons, masks must be worn.

Information as of January 20, 2021

At Maple Lake Landfill, Oxtongue Lake Landfill and Dorset Transfer Station, all regularly permitted materials will be accepted (construction materials, metal, etc.), during all regular hours of operation. Payment must be by debit or credit card using our new tap-to-pay system. Cash will not be accepted.

Pine Springs will continue to accept only household garbage and recycling.

If you are not sure of whether your material will be accepted, the Waste Wizard can help you. Simply type the name of the material you have a question about, and the Wizard will provide you with the most current information about handling that material.

Information as of April 15, 2021

Yes. For changes at landfill sites, and in waste disposal, you can sign up to receive information through the Waste Wizard - click on Waste Event Calendar and then "get a reminder". Information in the Waste Wizard will also be updated regularly.

Yes. ReUse Centres at Maple, Dorset and Oxtongue Lake sites are open to residents.

Alternative resources for re-purposing good usable materials are available at:

• SIRCH Thrift Warehouse in Haliburton, where donations are accepted by appointment only, call 1-844-847-4381 to book. Please visit https://www.sirch.on.ca/social-enterprises/thrift-haliburton/ for additional information.
• 4C’s Lilly Ann Thrift Store in Haliburton. Donations accepted by appointment only, please call 705-457-3331 to book.

Often materials left at the road side with a “free” sign, will find new homes. There are a number of Haliburton County based “freecycle” and Buy & Sell groups on Facebook that you may find helpful to rehome good usable items.

Cottage kits are available for purchase at the Maple Lake Landfill Site, Oxtongue Lake Landfill site, and the Dorset Transfer Station. Quantities may be limited. If you would like to purchase more than 10 kits, please contact Melissa Murray, Environmental Coordinator mmurray@algonquinhighlands.ca or 705-489-2379 extension 332, to ensure the quantities you require will be available.

This information updated May 25, 2021

Please e-mail your name, property address and mailing address to mmurray@algonquinhighlands.ca and a replacement card will be mailed to you. If you wish to request a card via phone, please call 705-489-2379 extension 332 and leave a message with your name, property address and mailing address. New ID cards (bright orange) were originally mailed with your 2021 interim tax bills in February 2021.

Information as of May 25, 2021

The outdoor rinks are closed for the season.

This information updated March 31, 2022

The trails office is open:

• Hiking trails are open and can be accessed any time by donation at the trail head.
• Ski and Snowshoe trails are closed for the season.  For more information visit Ski and Snowshoe Trails webpage
• Backcountry campsites associated with the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails are OPEN. 

For more information contact: 705-766-9033 or trails@algonquinhighlands.ca

This information updated March 31, 2022

Yes, all hiking trails are open by donation at the trailhead, with the exception of the Dorset Tower trail as it leads to a closed facility within the Township (Dorset Tower). Ski and snowshoe trails are closed for the season visit Ski and Snowshoe Trails for updates.

This information updated March 31, 2022

Yes. Backcountry campsites associated with the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails are OPEN. 

This information updated March 31, 2022

Yes, we are taking reservations for Canoe Rentals, call the Trails office at 705-766-9033 to make your reservation.

This information updated March 31, 2022

Yes. We are accepting reservations for Stanhope Firefighter Community Hall and Oxtongue Lake Community Centre for an opening date of April 1, 2022. The Dorset Recreation Centre will remain closed at this time.

This information updated March 14, 2022

Yes. We are offering in person along with online programming and events, please visit our activities calendar for more information.

This information updated March 14, 2022

The Dorset Tower is currently closed for the winter, and is open to visitors during the spring, summer and fall. For more information visit the Dorset Lookout Tower webpage.

Information updated March 8, 2023

No. As the Dorset Tower is closed, the public water tap at this location is not accessible. Additional public water taps within the Township of Algonquin Highlands can be found at:

• Dorset Recreation Centre (1051 Main St., Dorset - located to the right of the main entrance by the book drop)
• Stanhope Airport (1168 Stanhope Airport Rd.)
• Township Office (1123 North Shore Rd.)

All users are reminded that these are public facilities where extraordinary hygiene protocols are required.

Information updated April 30, 2021

• Please contact Sean O'Callaghan, Planner, at 705-489-2379 extension 324 or e-mail socallaghan@algonquinhighlands.ca.
• Pre-consultation via a phone call or email is strongly encouraged for all applications.
• Planning applications for Zoning By-law Amendments, Official Plan Amendments, Minor Variances and Shore Road Allowance Closings can be found online at https://www.algonquinhighlands.ca/government/planning.php Completed applications may be submitted via email. Please contact Sean O’Callaghan regarding payment options.

Yes. Applications can be submitted in person (by appointment only), in the drop box outside the front door of the municipal office or mailed to the attention of the Planning Department. Electronic copies of applications can be emailed to socallaghan@algonquinhighlands.ca.

Yes. Pre-consultation meetings for new Planning applications can be scheduled in person, through videoconference or over the phone. Please contact the planner at socallaghan@algonquinhighlands.ca.

Yes. Staff continue to review and process ongoing applications. Please contact socallaghan@algonquinhighlands.ca regarding the status of existing applications or for general inquiries.

Yes. Applications for Road Occupancy or Entrance permits can be found at www.algonquinhighlands.ca/road-permits.php.

Completed applications can be submitted via mail, in person or via the secure drop box at the Township Office located at 1123 North Shore Road.

Once the application has been reviewed you will be contacted via email in two to three weeks.

Information as of December 23, 2020

Yes. Regular maintenance operations will continue but some may be delayed.

Yes. Please call 705-489-2379 extension. 332 to report a problem during our regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

To report a dangerous road condition outside of regular business hours, call:

• Stanhope 705-754-5450
• Sherborne, McClintock & Livingstone 705-854-0303

Issues such as:

• Accumulation of debris on private property
• Illegal dumping
• Animal licensing & control
• Noise (including Fireworks)
• Zoning By-law violations (e.g. illegal placement of trailers on vacant lands)
• Docking and mooring at public docks

are handled by the By-Law department. By-law complaints can be submitted online or by e-mail.

• Please contact us at 705-489-2379 extension 332 or via email regarding road maintenance or road construction.