Community Services and Organizations in Haliburton County
Haliburton County's community life is sustained by dozens of organizations, service clubs, and not-for-profit groups that work quietly and steadily to improve life for residents of all ages and circumstances. From seniors' services and community health to environmental stewardship and the arts, this network of community organizations represents some of the most dedicated people in the county.
Health and Social Services
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides public health services to Haliburton County, including vaccination programs, health promotion, environmental health, and communicable disease prevention. For emergency or urgent health care, the Haliburton Highlands Health Services operates hospitals in Minden and Haliburton and provides a range of acute care and community health programs.
Community Support Services for Haliburton County (CSS Haliburton) provides support services for seniors and adults with physical disabilities, including transportation, home support, meals on wheels, friendly visiting, and social programs. CSS Haliburton is one of the county's most important community organizations, enabling many residents to remain living independently in their homes.
Aging Well in Haliburton County
Haliburton County is taking active steps to become an age-friendly community. A dedicated community committee — spanning all four municipalities — surveyed nearly 450 residents on their needs and concerns related to aging. The survey identified key priorities across six areas: Housing, Finance, Communication, Facilities, Transportation, and Accessibility.
Action committees for each area are actively working to improve conditions for older adults across the county. The initiative is a model of community-driven planning and reflects Haliburton County's commitment to supporting residents through all life stages.
Environmental Organizations
Haliburton County hosts a remarkable range of environmental organizations working to protect and restore the natural heritage of the Highlands:
- Environment Haliburton! — community environmental advocacy and education
- Haliburton Highlands Land Trust — protecting natural lands through conservation easements and land acquisition
- Haliburton Highlands Field Naturalists (HHFN) — nature education, guided outings, and citizen science
- Friends of Ecological and Environmental Learning (FEEL) — native plant sales, environmental education, and shoreline restoration advocacy
- Coalition for Equitable Water Flow (CEWF) — advocating for sustainable water management across the county's watersheds
- Friends of the Rail Trail — maintaining and developing the rail trail network through the county
The Environment Haliburton! website maintains links to most of these organizations and provides a hub for environmental news and advocacy in the county.
Lake and Property Owners Associations
Haliburton County's many lakes are home to property owners associations that work to protect water quality, manage shoreline vegetation, advocate for responsible boating practices, and build community among lake residents. The Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners Associations (COHPOA) coordinates advocacy across numerous individual lake associations, providing a unified voice on issues affecting the county's waterways.
Faith Communities
Haliburton County is home to a range of Christian denominations, with churches serving all four municipalities. Many churches are active community hubs, hosting food banks, seniors' programs, community dinners, and charitable fundraisers alongside their regular worship activities.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is the lifeblood of community organizations in Haliburton County. Opportunities exist year-round with health organizations, arts groups, environmental bodies, service clubs, sports organizations, and special events. Whether you can offer a few hours per month or a few days per week, there's an organization in Haliburton County that would benefit from your time and skills. Use the contact form to let us know your interests, and we'll help connect you with organizations looking for volunteers.
Connect with Volunteer Opportunities