The Hallowe’en Haunted House on Pintail Crescent in Orléans which has raised over $100,000 for CHEO and has entertained kids for over 25 years has been given a one-year reprieve.
Orléans West-Cumberland city councillor Matt Luloff with the support of his east end colleagues and Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, has managed to find a way to allow Brian and Patrick Albert to operate the haunted house for one final year.
The father and son duo thanked their many supporters, including the more than 3,800 people who signed an online petition, in a post on their Facebook page on July 24.
“We are thrilled to announce, with the unwavering support of everyone and the dedication of the City, that we will be reopening for this final year,” the Alberts wrote.
“To everyone, thank you so much for fighting for us and for the support throughout these past 26 years. Your generosity is amazing; you are the reason why we were able to donate over $100,000 to CHEO.”
The Albert residence has wel-comed Hallowe’en and Christmas display enthusiasts for the over 25 years with elaborate displays that have been enjoyed by young and old alike.
The Brian and Patrick Albert put in hundreds of hours every year setting up the displays, especially the Hallowe’en display which in the past has included a haunted house made up of several temporary rooms.
Days after putting the display away last year they were visited by a bylaw officer saying that the City had received a complaint from a neighbour about the display.
The Alberts didn’t think much of it at the time because they were busy setting up their Christmas display, which like the Hallowe’en display, draws hundreds of visitors to the street every year.
It wasn’t until they received a notice from the City’s bylaw office last month that they realized they had to make a difficult decision to remove the haunted house or risk getting a heavy fine.
But after making the decision to remove the haunted house on July 5, they received a call from Matt Luloff who told them that he was able to put a hold on the ban in order to allow time to come up with a compromise solution that would allow then to keep the Haunted House.
The result was a reprieve for at least 2026. Rather than try to continue to fight with the City, the Alberts decided that this year’s edition of the Haunted House would be the last, however, they will continue to have a Christmas display and as well as a Hallowe’en display in future years only with the Haunted House element.
“This wasn’t just about a haunted house. It was about pre-serving something that has brought neighbours together for 26 years while raising more than $100,000 for CHEO,” Luloff said in response to his successful efforts.
Meanwhile, the Alberts are hop-ing that all the publicity surround-ing the threatened closure will equate to the biggest turnout and largest amount of donations for CHEO they will ever receive.
DAPO FUN DAY from 12 noon at the Blackburn Community Park. Live music, DJs, BBQ, kids activities and much more. This is a fundraising event for the Dapo Agoro Foundation for Peace.
OPEN CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Minimum of five games! All levels welcome, but first-timers are HIGHLY encouraged to sign up and learn this fun activity. To pre-register 
EUCHRE TOURNAMENT at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park. Join a great gang of people playing euchre. Pizza served at 6 p.m., and cards dealt at 6:30 p.m. Send an email to info@straydogbrewing.ca to get on the list. Do NOT send your etransfer until you receive confirmation there is room for you. $25 gets you in and includes a beverage, two slices of delicious pizza, and a chance at some great prizes. It's one hell of a deal
TRIVIA NIGHT from 6:30 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company. Exercise your grey matter before it turns to mush over the holidays. Reservations are a must to secure your spot. Send your team name and number of people to info@straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
