Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation

05/31/2026

The HHACF would like to add its voice to the chorus of consolences and rememberances of Murray Fearrey. His impact on the community and county over multiple decades will be long-lasting. We owe a debt of gratitude to him for sharing in our vision and for his leadership with Dysart council making it possible for the Foundation to have a place it can call home. Haliburton County wouldn't be the same without him.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dysart et al Mayor Murray Fearrey on May 28th, 2026.
Murray served our community with dedication, compassion and integrity. Throughout his time in office, which spans back to 1971, he worked tirelessly to support the residents of our community at both the Dysart et al and County Council tables.
On behalf of Council and municipal staff, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Donna McCallum and the rest of his family, friends, colleagues, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside our Mayor.
Murray’s leadership, commitment, and presence will be greatly missed throughout the municipality and beyond.
Municipal flags have been lowered to half-mast in honour of Mayor Fearrey.
His family created a website in honour of his long history of community service that details many of the contributions that he made during his lifetime. https://murrayfearrey.manus.space
Rest in peace Murray

Photo credit to the Haliburton Echo

04/30/2026

A new national report, "Artworks," reveals that the arts and culture sector contributes a staggering $131 billion to Canada’s economy.

But it’s about more than just the numbers. In communities like Haliburton County, the arts:
✅ Increase our sense of meaning and purpose.
✅ Drive regional development and tourism.
✅ Strengthen social cohesion and community belonging.

Our local artists and organizations are essential to the quality of life we love here in the Highlands. Support local, invest in the arts!

https://www.businessandarts.org/blog/artworks-report/

04/28/2026

The team at Yallowega Architecture in Sudbury created a site plan for our rezoning -- this is not the final plan, but lays the foundation for what should be expected in the new zoning bylaw (general building placement, types of uses, driveway location, setbacks, etc).

You can view this site plan full size and read all of the reports (traffic, environmental, etc) on our website - https://www.hhartscentrefoundation.ca/rezoning

Note that driveway access to the property is currently proposed via Wonderland Rd and will likely have to stay that way - rather than a possible access from Cty Rd 21 - due to the presence of a proposed environmental protection (EP) zone along 21 that protects sensitive wetlands and animal life, and would prevent this direct access.

We are looking forward to discussing our proposal with you at the public meeting, to be scheduled by Dysart, in the coming months.

04/12/2026

This Thursday, we submitted our application for re-zoning of our 14 acres at Wonderland Rd and County Rd 21. We're asking Dysart et al to change the zoning from 'Suburban Residential' to 'Urban Institutional' to allow for development of a mixed-use performing arts centre with accessory residential and commercial uses as well as protect the delineated wetland areas.

We'll post the final reports on our website so you can read about our application. Your feedback is important - you'll have a chance to have your say. You can also send us your questions.

Stay tuned for more updates.

03/30/2026

With the beautiful wooded property generously gift by Dysart, the HHACF is committed to preserving as much of the greenspace as possible, including keeping our construction footprint to a minimum and not encroaching on the identified wetland.

At our open house in Fall 2025, notable feedback was about potential impact on turtles. From the environmental report - "There is low potential for any turtles to be present within the subject property; however, if any do occur, it would likely be in association with the small wetland ecosite, which will be retained in full."

If you'd like a copy of the reports from our rezoning, please message us.

02/28/2026

Six years ago this week, we had user consultations with U-Links Centre for Community Based Research and students from Fleming College - we've come a long way since then with 14 acres thanks to the visionary generosity of Dysart et al council. In the next couple of weeks, we'll be submitting our rezoning application. Wish us luck!

01/26/2026

The HHACF is pleased to announce its new leadership team as it enters the next exciting phase of its mission:
- Michael Clipperton, president
- Sumeet Sodhi, vice-president
- Wil Andrea, treasurer
- Chris Radigan, secretary

Please read on for a message from the executive committee --

This past year marked a turning point for the Haliburton Highlands Arts Centre Foundation. What began as vision and planning has become tangible: the donation of land from the municipality, a strengthened governance structure, growing partnerships, and the continued development of a clearer public identity rooted in community connection.

We have learned that building an arts centre is not only about bricks and mortar. It is about trust, relationships, and shared purpose. Our volunteers, board members, partners, and supporters have shown what can happen when a community comes together around culture, creativity, and belonging.

The year ahead is about momentum. We hope to continue to move thoughtfully from planning into pre-development, deepen relationships across Haliburton County, and invite more people to see themselves reflected in this project. Key milestone activities include expanded community outreach and input, completion of the land rezoning process, and the initiation of major fundraising efforts. Our focus remains steady: working toward a sustainable home for the performing arts that is grounded in and shaped by our community, for generations to come.

With gratitude and optimism,
HHACF Executive Committee

01/12/2026

The HHACF is very excited to welcome its newest board member, Jennifer Strype. No stranger to the stage, Jennifer is keen to help establish a new performing arts centre in the Haliburton Highlands. Learn more about her and other board members at https://www.hhartscentrefoundation.ca/team

01/01/2026

There’s no better time to support the performing arts in the Haliburton Highlands.
Every holiday donation moves us closer to creating a purpose-built performing arts centre that will transform our community.
Give today - your generosity fuels the next phase of the arts in the Highlands. 🥂🎭
Learn more & donate at www.hhartscentrefoundation.ca

12/27/2025

Haliburton County deserves a performing arts home that reflects its talent, passion, and vibrant arts community. Your holiday donation supports the development of a professional performing arts facility that will enrich our cultural, social, and economic landscape.
Join us in building something extraordinary. ❤️
Learn more & donate at www.hhartscentrefoundation.ca