An important aspect of a project of the scale of building an arts centre is garnering support from stakeholders and organizations in the community. To this end, in February and March of 2021, the HHACF requested delegations at Haliburton County council and at the four municipal councils - Algonquin Highlands, Dysart et al, Minden Hills and Highlands East. Board president Dan Manley presented the history of the foundation, made the case for the creation of an arts centre in the county and outlined recent and upcoming activities. The HHACF requested letters of support from the various councils to bolster applications for grants and funding at the provincial and federal level.

Reactions from councilor members, mayors and deputy mayors were very positive. Comments echoed the need for an arts centre in the county and that the time is right for our project. All five councils moved and voted in favour of declaring support for the HHACF. We’re very thankful for this support and look forward to reporting back to the municipalities and county with our funding and project progress.

The Foundation’s activities for 2021 include more introductions to local organizations, including the dozens of lake associations that make up the Haliburton Highlands. These are currently underway and we’re confident support for a new arts centre will keep growing.

The Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation is very pleased to announce two recent additions to its board of directors: Drew Allen and Brigitte Gall.

Drew brings with him a career of experience in sales, promotion and sponsorship. Drew was also a large contributor to a feasibility study for the city of Richmond Hill when they were in the beginnings of their arts centre build project. Drew and his wife recently became full time residents of Haliburton County after cottaging since 2013. Being retired, Drew enjoys cross country skiing, collecting vinyl records and learning new repertoire on the piano. He also teaches Royal Conservatory Piano grades 1 to 8, and performs at local resorts, seniors homes and private events. Additionally, Drew is a volunteer radio host at Canoe FM radio and a member of their board of directors.

Brigitte is a multi-award winning performer, writer, and producer. She has earned accolades, awards and nominations for her series “Me, My House and I”, “The World’s Greatest Spas”, plus for her roles in “Joan of Montreal”, “Blue Murder”, “Moving Day” and “Twisted Sheets”. She has also been a keynote speaker Casey House, Habitat for Humanity, Becel Heart and Stroke Foundation and more. A frequent MC at events in Haliburton County, she is also co-owner of TheOccurence, a 100% Canadian puzzle manufacturing company with her husband, Michael. Brigitte has made Minden Hills her home with her husband and two daughters since 1999.

The HHACF has a busy 2021 with multiple research and fundraising goals planned and the board is confident of successes ahead with Drew and Brigitte on the team.

To read their full bios, please see our foundation team page.

On Tuesday October 20th, the Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation held its inaugural AGM online, via Zoom. Twenty people were in attendance, including members of the local press. A brief history of the HHACF was given, along with details of the foundation’s activities in the fiscal year ending July 31st, 2020. President, Dan Manley, spoke of goals for 2020 and secretary, Wil Andrea, presented financial reports. Finally, a general Q&A session fielded questions from attendees.

The AGM attendees also acclaimed two new board members — Tammy Rea and Beth Kipping. The HHACF is thrilled to welcome them and all of the skills and expertise they will bring to the board. Fiscal year 2020-21 is shaping up to be an exciting and busy year for the organization.

Special thanks to Ted Brandon, for hosting and recording the meeting and seamless document sharing, and to Lisa Gervais for her coverage of the AGM in the The Highlander newspaper.

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Reference Documentation

• AGM Agenda

• President’s message

• Financial Updates

  • Financial report

  • Balance sheet

  • Donation details

• Meeting minutes (in draft until formally accepted in the next AGM)