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Hagersville Chamber of Commerce sells Community Centre, Chamber presents Haldimand County with $700,000 contribution towards the new Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre

The fund-raising committee for the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre took a big leap towards reaching its goal with the recent $700,000 contribution from the Hagersville Chamber of Commerce following its sale of the Hagersville Community Centre.

“We are so pleased to be able to make this contribution towards the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre project,” says Chamber President Rob Phillips. “The new building will be a beautiful, fully accessible and functional community space that will enhance the quality of life of our residents of all ages and abilities.”

“The Community Centre has served as a gathering place for our community for more than one hundred years, and it has served many service clubs and user groups well, but the times have changed and we need a building now that is more accessible and is able to accommodate many different types of programming, events and activities,” adds Phillips.

The Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre will be located in Grant Kett Park, adjacent to the town’s Arena, ball diamonds and outdoor amphitheatre.

Plans for the new, multi-purpose facility were introduced in early 2021 during capital budget deliberations and approved by Council for construction in 2024. As part of the project and preliminary public engagement, the community will have to raise approximately $2 million towards the co-located facility.

“Haldimand County is incredibly grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for its stewardship and financial management of the Community Centre for the past twenty years,” adds Ward 4 Councillor and Chair of the community fund-raising committee, Tony Dalimonte. “This has been a tremendous amount of work and responsibility for the Chamber, in particular volunteers John & Janice Luttjehuizen and Charlie & BJ Garvie, who managed the operations, maintenance and booking of the facility throughout that time.”

For background information, details and updates about the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre project, please visit www.haldimandcounty.ca/hagersvilleALC/.

Pictured from left to right: Paul Diette (CEO, Haldimand County Public Library), Doug Miller (Community Fund-Raising Committee Member), Tony Dalimonte (Ward 4 Councillor and Chair of Community Fund-Raising Committee), Rob Phillips (President of Hagersville Chamber of Commerce), Ed McCarthy (Director of Hagersville Chamber of Commerce)

Haldimand County March Break Camp registration opens February 7, 2022

March Break is quickly approaching and Haldimand County is pleased to offer Safari themed March Break Camps from Monday, March 14 to Friday, March 18 for children ages 4-11.

These week-long camps will operate daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the option of extended care starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. The cost for the week is $116.00 with additional costs for extended care.

March Break Camps will be offered at the following locations:

  • Caledonia (Haldimand County Caledonia Center and Grace United Church)
  • Cayuga (Cayuga Memorial Arena)
  • Dunnville (Amity Lodge)
  • Hagersville (Hagersville Arena)
  • Jarvis (St. Paul’s Anglican Church)

Camp registration opens February 7, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. and can be completed online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, located at 53 Thorburn Street South in Cayuga. Camp spots fill quickly, so it is advised that new users create an online account in advance and returning users attempt logging into their account prior to February 7.

Additional COVID-19 protocols will be in place to ensure a safe and fun time at camp. Children participating in the program must wear a face covering that covers their mouth, nose and chin throughout the day for the majority of program activities.

Notice regarding planned “Tractor Convoy” in Haldimand County

It has come to the County’s attention that a “Tractor Convoy” from Dunnville to Delhi has been planned for Saturday, February 5, 2022, portions of which are intended to take place on Haldimand County property including at arenas and parks.

Please be advised that, due to the nature of the event and the potential it has to cause negative experiences, disruptions and safety concerns for other users of our facilities, Haldimand County does not support the activity, and participating in it may result in police involvement and potential charges under the County’s by-laws.

The inclusion of Haldimand County’s logo in the promotion of the event should in no way give the impression it is supported by the County, as use of the logo without permission is also in contravention of the County’s policies.

Haldimand County logo. A yellow sun rising or setting atop green and blue waves. Haldimand County in black lettering below.

Haldimand County Council approves 2022 Water and Wastewater Budget

On January 13, 2022, Haldimand County Council reviewed and approved the 2022 Rate-Supported Capital and Operating Budget. Otherwise known as the Water & Wastewater Budget, it is an important strategic document that ensures reliable, safe, clean and affordable potable water is available to residents across the County. New water & wastewater rates take effect on February 1, 2022.

This Rate-Supported Budget deals exclusively with water and wastewater treatment initiatives and is funded directly by user rates (with no support from property taxes). With a focus on the following key principles – providing service capacity for anticipated growth, to ensure the systems are optimized and improved when required, and a focus on replacement/rehabilitation – the average residential, combined water & wastewater user will see a slight increase of about $1.73 (2.1%) on their average monthly bill.

Haldimand’s water & wastewater rates remain below the provincial average due to ongoing strategic planning efforts and diligent asset management practices. In the long-term, rates are expected to remain stable due to a comprehensive, long-term infrastructure maintenance/rehabilitation schedule and a projected increase in user growth.

Council will next review the Tax-Supported Operating & Capital Budgets on the following dates:

Tax-Supported Capital Budget: March 3, 2022 & March 4, 2022* (*if required)

Tax-Supported Operating Budget: March 31, 2022 & April 1, 2022* (*if required)

More information about 2022 budget deliberations will be shared closer to the scheduled meeting dates. Due to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, it has not yet been determined whether the meetings will be hosted in-person or virtually.

More information about County budgets is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/financials.

911 Basics

Haldimand County Paramedic Services comprises dedicated professionals who work hard to guarantee emergency care for those in need.  We ask all residents to assist us by reviewing when it is appropriate to call 911.

What is 911

911 is a central dispatch for emergency services.  This service allows for all emergency services to be deployed to assure those first responders can deliver emergency services quickly and efficiently.

When to call 911

Knowing when to call 911 can be a difficult decision.  Assessing your situation will make sure that emergency services are available when needed.  Do not hesitate to contact them for immediate help if you are experiencing:

  • Medical emergencies, like chest pain or difficulty breathing,
  • A direct threat to life,
  • An uncontrolled or an uncontained fire.

What happens when you call 911

A 911 dispatcher will answer and ask if you need police, fire or ambulance.  Before calling, be sure to assess your situation to give the dispatcher a complete picture of the circumstances you are experiencing.  That way, they can arrange for the appropriate assistance.

With many people relying on mobile devices, you may need to provide exact location details.  Cell phones do not give the dispatcher’s precise address, and they will only see your general location.  Be prepared to give an address or an intersection.  Other critical information that may be necessary are:

  • Apartment number and entry code,
  • Landmarks,
  • Any obstacles that may prevent entry,
  • Language barriers that could require accommodation.

Be sure to stay on the line to let the 911 dispatcher will let you know when to hang up.

Questions to ask yourself:

Is a person hurt or in danger?

  • Do not hesitate to call 911 if there is difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or chest pain.

Is there an emergency where a law enforcement officer, firefighter or medical help is needed?

  • If you are witnessing an assault, or think a driver is impaired, do not intervene and call 911 immediately.

Are there alternative numbers to call to help you assess your situation?

  • There are services available to assist you in determining your required level of care. Telehealth, which offers free medical advice over the phone, or 211 Ontario, a Community and Social Services helpline, can guide you.

Are you still unsure? 

  • Go ahead and call 911.  The call taker will then determine if emergency assistance is needed.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO CALL

Telehealth Ontario:

Toll-free: 1-866-797-0000

Toll-free TTY:1-866-797-0007

211 Ontario:

www.211ontario.ca

Call: 2-1-1

Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213

TTY: 1-844-483-9835

Call 1-(888)-310-1122

File a report online on the O.P.P. website

A Decision Tree Chart for calling 911

 

Haldimand County, agricultural community celebrate installation of first Farm 911 sign

Earlier this month, Haldimand County and the local agriculture community celebrated the installation of the first Farm 911 sign.

Individuals associated with the farm 911 Emily Project stand beside a newly installed yellow Farm 911 sign. From left to right:rogram sponsors Darcy Johnson (Erie Mutual), Richard Blyleven (Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario local chapter), and Councillor John Metcalfe (Council representative for Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee). Henk Lise is also the Chair of Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee and President of the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture.

Property owners Henk and Jackie Lise celebrated this initiative alongside program sponsors Darcy Johnson (Erie Mutual), Richard Blyleven (Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario local chapter), and Councillor John Metcalfe (Council representative for Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee). Henk Lise is also the Chair of Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee and President of the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture.

The Farm 911 Emily Project offers owners of rural, agricultural land the opportunity to purchase 911 signage for their farm entrances to help first responders locate individuals/incidents in an emergency.

Through this program, properties will be identified by yellow and black signs to distinguish between vacant properties and properties with dwellings. This is so first responders are aware the incident they are called to may not be tied to a home or farm building. This project will operate on a voluntary basis for existing vacant farm entrances.

“This program is such an important initiative as it helps promote on farm safety. By installing these signs property owners will improve Haldimand County’s Emergency Services ability to locate on farm accidents, with the objective of preventing tragedies in the farming community,” remarked Henk Lise, Chair of Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee.

It is anticipated that sponsorships received from Erie Mutual Insurance, the local Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario and Haldimand Federation of Agriculture will cover the costs of 35 signs (first come, first serve) for 2021 and potentially 55 signs for 2022.

If funding is fully subscribed to, successful applicants will be required to pay a fee of $109.61 (2021 fee) which is to be submitted along with their application). The application will be reviewed by staff and if no concerns are identified, a new civic address will be issued.

Individuals who wish to participate are encouraged to submit an application form available online at HaldimandCounty.ca/The-Farm-911-Emily-Project or contact Planning@HaldimandCounty.on.ca for additional information.

2021 Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest winners announced

Haldimand County has announced its 2021 Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest winners.

A panel of judges comprised of County staff, community figures and a local photographer/filmmaker closely examined more than 180 submissions and determined the following winners:

First Place:
Caledonia Sunset by Taryn Roberts

Second Place:
A Pot of Gold by Kim Spurr
Third Place:
Winter Road by Jesse Curley		Honourable Mention:
Heron on the Grand by Amy Brown

In addition to contest prizes (gift cards for local businesses), winning photographs will be displayed at the Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre in late January.

Special thanks are owed to contest judges Graeme Bachiu (Windecker Road Films), Kaitlyn
Clark (The Haldimand Press), Yvonne Van De Wiele (92.9 The Grand FM), Karen Richardson (Haldimand Museums), and the Haldimand County Communications team for their participation and thorough, thoughtful examination of all entries.

Details about next year’s Uniquely Haldimand photo contest will be announced in fall 2022. More information on the Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest and a gallery of past winners is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/photocontest.

New program for Haldimand & Norfolk aims to “Spark” innovative tourism ideas with grants and mentorships

A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas for Haldimand & Norfolk was officially announced today. The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants from the region with a mentor and provide a $3,000 seed grant to help take their new tourism idea to the next level.

View the official announcement video here: https://youtu.be/WNSXZT1CMlE    

The “Spark” Program was first piloted in Windsor-Essex in 2018 by the Tourism Innovation Lab, and has now been delivered in over 16 regions across the province and British Columbia. Its goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits.

While there are no specific categories, program organizers are especially interested in new tourism ideas that connect with agritourism, cycling, waterfront, and the winter season.

Applications are encouraged from individuals, small businesses and non-profit organizations based in Haldimand & Norfolk from November 23rd to January 14th, 2022. Following a juried review process, five finalists from Haldimand County and five finalists from Norfolk County will be invited to virtual Pitch Sessions where three winners will be selected from each.

The Haldimand & Norfolk “Spark” Program is being led by the Tourism Innovation Lab in collaboration and with support from Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, Haldimand County, Norfolk County, Libro Credit Union, Grand Erie Business Centre and Venture Norfolk.

For more information on the Haldimand & Norfolk “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/HaldimandNorfolk.

QUOTES

Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation
“Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation is excited to be partnering on the expansion of “Spark” Program into Haldimand and Norfolk counties. We’ve seen some amazing ideas translate into new tourism experiences for travellers across Ontario’s Southwest, and we’re eager to see what new ideas emerge from Haldimand and Norfolk!” said Joanne Wolnik, Executive Director of the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation.

Haldimand County
“Our goal is to inspire Haldimand & Norfolk County residents and entrepreneurs to come forward with creative ideas that will generate new innovative tourism opportunities, experiences and partnerships in our communities.  We are excited to be working together along with our project partners to capture these great ideas, and define the actions needed to put these ideas to work.  Now more than ever, the tourism industry needs innovation and the “Spark” Program is a great opportunity to launch these tourism offerings and assist entrepreneurs in getting them to the next level” said Lidy Romanuk, Manager, Economic Development & Tourism, Haldimand County.

Norfolk County
“Norfolk County is thrilled to be partnering with Haldimand County on this exciting Spark program, which will provide an opportunity for our many creative entrepreneurs to bring innovative tourism product ideas to market.  With the importance of tourism and entrepreneurship to our economy, we are delighted to be part of a project that both supports the creation and growth of small businesses, while simultaneously adding exciting new product offerings for our residents and visitors to enjoy when experiencing all that Norfolk County has to offer.  We are grateful to the Tourism Innovation Lab and wonderful sponsors (SWOTC, Libro Credit Union, Venture Norfolk, Grand Erie Business Centre) for helping to make this project a reality” said Zvi Lifshiz, Director, Strategic Innovation and Economic Development, Norfolk County.

Libro Credit Union
“At Libro Credit Union, we know that working together always makes people stronger, so we find partnerships like this so rewarding. The Spark program and everyone involved in it is a great example of partnership with people who share our values. At Libro, our financial coaches work with Owners – we call our customers Owners because they own part of the company – to set goals and work towards them, and there’s nothing we like more than an exciting idea like this!” said Scott Macleod, Regional Manager Haldimand & Norfolk, Libro Credit Union.

Grand Erie Business Centre
“The “Spark” Program has a history of success in helping to develop and foster new tourism businesses and entrepreneurs. We are happy to support this program and partner with everyone involved to encourage new tourism experiences to be developed and offered in our communities.” said Tauri Caputo, General Manager, Grand Erie Business Centre.

Tourism Innovation Lab
“We are very excited to be launching the “Spark” Program in Haldimand & Norfolk,” said Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab. “As we have seen through previous rounds in southwest Ontario, innovative tourism ideas brought forward by entrepreneurs, small businesses and organizations will inspire and elevate the tourism offerings and experiences in the region.”

Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre Project Benefits From Generosity Of Local Residents Laird And Mary Jane McKeen

On Monday, November 15, the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre project benefitted from the generosity of local residents Laird and Mary Jane McKeen, who presented Haldimand County Council and staff with a $100,000 donation towards construction of the new facility.

“We are incredibly grateful to the McKeens for their generous contribution and investment in the vibrancy and quality of life of our communities,” says Haldimand County Ward 4 Councillor Tony Dalimonte. “The County is excited at the prospect of replacing two outdated municipal facilities with more accessible, functional and engaging spaces that enhance quality of life for all ages and interests.”

“The Hagersville Library and the Hagersville Community Centre have served residents throughout this region—including from Haldimand and Norfolk Counties, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations, which has a Library Services Reciprocal Borrowing Partnership with Haldimand—for decades,” Dalimonte continued. “We now have an opportunity to create innovative, efficient, community-designed spaces in beautiful Grant Kett Park, which is already home to our Arena, ball diamonds and outdoor amphitheatre.”

Plans for the new, multi-purpose facility were introduced in early 2021 during capital budget deliberations, and approved by Council for construction in 2024. As outlined in the project’s funding conditions, the community will have to raise approximately $1 million towards the co-located new facility.

A preliminary community open house about the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre took place in late October. Further opportunities to share ideas and provide feedback will be announced shortly.

For background information, details and updates, visit www.haldimandcounty.ca/hagersvilleALC/.

Community members Laird and Mary Jane McKeen present Haldimand Council members and staff with a $100,000 ceremonnial cheque. Stewart Patterson, Haldimand County Ward 1 Councillor Tony Dalimonte, Haldimand County Ward 4 Councillor Laird McKeen Mary Jane McKeen Doug Miller, Fundraising Committee Member Paul Diette, CEO, Haldimand County Public Library.

Pictured Above (L to R):

Stewart Patterson, Haldimand County Ward 1 Councillor
Tony Dalimonte, Haldimand County Ward 4 Councillor
Laird McKeen
Mary Jane McKeen
Doug Miller, Fundraising Committee Member
Paul Diette, CEO, Haldimand County Public Library

Haldimand County’s Economic Development & Tourism Division Wins Provincial Tourism Award

Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism division has won a provincial tourism award for initiatives completed in 2020 to support local businesses.

The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), in partnership with Attractions Ontario, The Culinary Tourism Alliance, Indigenous Tourism Ontario and OTEC presented the Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards at an in-person and virtual awards gala on October 27.

Haldimand was presented with the Innovation Award in the Destination Marketing Organization category.

The award encompassed the Real. Local. strategy that was implemented to support local businesses and better position Haldimand’s tourism offerings.

Marketing projects included in the award were:

  • Development of ‘Real. Local.’ branded graphic
    • The ‘Real. Local.’ graphic is available to local business to incorporate in their marketing efforts. Since the launch, several businesses have incorporated it in print and social media advertising, as well as on packaging.
  • Local food campaign, retail & wellness campaign, Road Trip Haldimand Campaign
    • Advertising for these 3 campaigns saw a total reach of 5,200 in print, a reach of over 200,000 in social media and 6,295 clicks to learn more about the 75 business which were included in the promotions.
  • 2020 Haldimand Holiday Wish Book
    • The Holiday Wish Book campaign included 58 businesses. All businesses were featured in the online directory hosted on the Haldimand County website and 33 businesses were featured in the printed booklet. 22,498 booklets were mailed to every household in Haldimand. The social media campaign, which featured all participating businesses, reached 67,687 individuals and saw 2,615 clicks from people interested in learning more about local businesses.
  • Real. Haldimand. Marketplace
    • The Marketplace launched in late December 2020 with 24 vendors and has now grown to 43 local businesses selling products on the online e-commerce site. An extensive social media campaign saw over 3,000 clicks to view listings on the Marketplace. A local business indicated that their business traffic doubled when they were included in the Marketplace and corresponding promotional marketing campaigns.
  • Increased Digital Presence
    • A new Tourism Website and Tourism Instagram page were launched at the end of 2020 to generate further interest in Haldimand’s diverse offerings, along with an extensive social media campaign to support local businesses.

Haldimand’s Business Development and Planning Advisory Committee (BDAPAC) was instrumental in COVID-19 business recovery planning, along with staff, in the early days of the pandemic.

In June 2020, EDT received funding from Fed Dev Ontario to support tourism marketing initiatives and support the tourism sector locally.

Through the recommendation of BDAPAC, a Marketing Advisory Committee was formed and consulted, giving direction on how the funding would be used, to maximize opportunities to support and promote local businesses. Council was kept informed of the work of BDAPAC and of these marketing initiatives and have been very supportive of these efforts.

Haldimand County is honoured to be recognized for this award and appreciate the support of Council, BDAPAC and the Marketing Advisory Committee in helping achieve this success.

For more information on supports available for local business, visit BusinessHaldimand.ca.