Affordability and Governance Study: Public Survey and Open Houses

Haliburton County, ON, June 8, 2026 – Beginning today, residents and business owners across Haliburton County are invited to share their ideas about what municipal governments can do today to build a stronger future for our communities.

The County of Haliburton has launched a community-wide Affordability and Governance Structure Study that will look at ways to simplify government processes and provide better value for taxpayers. The Study Team has developed a community engagement plan with opportunities for as many people as possible to share ideas.

No decision would be made right away. The Study is about getting more information to help inform what we do next. Ultimately, any decisions around the future of Haliburton County will be made by the 2026-2030 councils.

“Through the Study, we want to have an open discussion about how municipalities can deliver services in a way that is practical and affordable for taxpayers while also protecting what makes our communities special,” said Dave Burton, Warden, County of Haliburton. “I invite everyone in Haliburton County to take part in the engagement process and help shape our future.”

Engagement opportunities include:

• A public survey available June 8 – 28. The survey is available now at wadein.haliburtoncounty.ca and should take about ten minutes to complete. Paper copies are also available at local municipal offices and libraries.
• Five public open houses for people to share their thoughts and ideas. Each in-person open house will include a presentation from the Study Team that begins 30 minutes after doors open. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback. Open house dates:
  • Tuesday, June 23, 2 - 4 p.m. at the Haliburton Legion
  • Tuesday, June 23, 6 - 8 p.m. at the Lloyd Watson Memorial Community Centre in Wilberforce
  • Wednesday, June 24, 6 - 8 p.m., Virtual Open House
  • Thursday, June 25, 2 - 4 p.m. at the Dorset Recreation Centre in Algonquin Highlands
  • Thursday, June 25, 6 - 8 p.m. at the Minden Community Centre

For the virtual open house, visit wadein.haliburtoncounty.ca to register. Registration is not required to attend the in-person open house sessions.

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Media Contact:  Lisa Severson, Project Lead, Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) 613-213-8520, lseverson@eorn.ca