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Paddle Art Tour Haldimand (PATH) an Ideal Way to Enjoy Local Talent in Parks Throughout the County

Haldimand County is pleased to announce the official launch of its newest outdoor public art initative on Saturday, July 10.

The Paddle Art Tour Haldimand (PATH) is a celebration of the municipality’s local talent and the importance of the Grand River and Lake Erie to Haldimand County.

Haldimand County residents and visitors will be inspired by 24 unique designs created by 23 local artists who used wooden paddles—hand made by high school students—to create art portraying the area’s natural landscapes, wildlife, history and much more.

The paddles have been installed throughout the County with the generous assistance of Dunnville Silo. Haldimand County also gratefully acknowledges the support of Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) for tourism businesses in southern Ontario in completing the project.

For those interested in a self-guided tour of the PATH, a map of the locations, as well as contest information for anyone who manages to visit all or most of the sites, can be found on the County’s website. Printed copies of the map may be picked up at the Haldimand County Administration Building, Libraries or by calling 905-318-5932 extension 6370.

When you are out enjoying these public spaces, please comply with current public health orders and maintain physical distancing at all times.

Haldimand Playbook is this Summer’s Source for All Things Recreation, Leisure and Culture

If you’re looking to make new summer memories, the Haldimand Playbook—which hit resident mailboxes this week and is also available online—is your guide to our County and all it has to offer.

The Playbook includes information about registering for summer aquatics and camp programming, heritage and culture workshops and Library programming.

If you’d rather take a less scheduled approach to your plans, visit our splash pads or wading pool to cool off on a hot day. Enjoy our parks and greenspaces including skate parks, ball diamonds, tennis and multi-use courts and picnic areas in several communities as well as disc golf in Caledonia’s LaFortune Park. Visit one of our many trails and pathways throughout the County and along the Grand River.

If tennis is something you’ve always wanted to try, the County is hosting an Introduction to Tennis program, offered in Caledonia, Dunnville and Jarvis. Check the County’s website for more details.

For anyone looking to explore the farthest reaches of the County there are two new tours: the geotour is suitable for adventurers of all ages and skill levels, with twenty geocaches stashed throughout Haldimand, while the public art tour is a County-wide display of 24 handmade wooden paddles painted by local artists. Details are available online and both tours include ongoing contests.

Remember to stop and enjoy a meal or snack at our local eateries, or hit the local shops to experience the County’s many unique offerings as you build out your Haldimand experience.

As always during these unusual times, we ask that you follow the current provincial and public health COVID-19 guidelines when visiting our parks, facilities and trails or participating in programming and activities. Please be respectful of others and do not litter; dispose of garbage or take out what you brought in.

The Playbook also includes a survey—on the back cover or online—about how the County can better stay connected to you. Please let us know how we can best communicate with you!

Visit Haldimand County’s Administration Building or Library Branches for your free copy of the Playbook, or check out the County’s website at https://www.haldimandcounty.ca/recreation-guide/.

Haldimand County Launches Outdoor Dining Campaign

With restrictions being lifted, and the summer season well underway,  Haldimand County is pleased to highlight all the amazing outdoor dining options available throughout the County via an upcoming social media campaign.

The campaign, taking place over the next several weeks, will promote the various outdoor dining options,  and can be found at tourismhaldimand.ca. This new landing page features an interactive map and highlights all the participating locations.

“The hospitality sector including restaurants have struggled throughout the pandemic . With the recent announcement of the Province moving into stage two, we believe that it is now more important than ever to remind local residents that all of their favorite dining experiences are opening up again” said Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism.

With over 30 patios, food trucks, and outdoor windows, serving ice cream made locally, Lake Erie perch, and everything in between, there is always a new experience around the corner.

To browse the featured outdoor dining listings and explore the interactive map, visit tourismhaldimand.ca. Stay updated with new additions on our Tourism Instagram and Facebook. For additional information, or if you want to add your business to the local directory,  contact opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca or 905-318-5932 ext. 6331.

When you are out enjoying these public spaces, please comply with current public health orders and maintain physical distancing at all times.

Haldimand County Public Library Launches Child & Youth Summer Reading Programs and Take-Home Activity Kits

The TD Summer Reading Program and library summer programing is back at all 6 Haldimand County Public Library branches.

Children aged 0-12 years can register for the Junior Reading Club, and those over 12 years of age can register for the Teen Reading Club. For every library book a child or teen reads, a ballot will be issued for entry into cash prize draws held at the end of summer. Participants fill out and return the ballots to the branch at which they registered. Contact your local library branch in August to find out draw dates.

Junior Summer Reading Club participants will be eligible for cash prizes of $100, $50, and $25 being awarded at each library branch. Participants in the Teen Summer Reading Club will be eligible for one of three $100 cash prizes or one of six $50 cash prizes. It’s the perfect time to get reading!!

This summer, library branches will also offer Take-Home Activity Kits. These kits include amazing crafts and activities based on this year’s Summer Reading Club theme “Game On!” Six unique kits will be available in July and six unique kits will be available in August. Multiple kits can be requested at the same time but with a limit of one unique kit per child. These free kits are available while supplies last.

July take-home activity kits:

  • Tic-Tac-Toe
  • Yahtzee
  • Design your Own Board Game
  • Frisbee
  • DIY Twirly Whirly Toy
  • Baby Yoda

August take-home activity kits:

  • Butterfly Candy Holder
  • Jumping Frog Game
  • Sun Visor Craft
  • Minecraft Swords
  • Backyard Scavenger Hunt
  • Chalk Challenge

To reserve your activity kit or to register for the Junior or Teen Summer Reading Clubs, visit your local library or call your local branch at 289-678-0400.

The Library gratefully acknowledges the support of our summer program sponsors: TD Bank Financial Group, Dunnville Rotary Club, Optimist Club of Haldimand, Caledonia Men’s Club, Friends of the Dunnville Library and Friends of the Jarvis Library.

Haldimand County Council Opposes Use of Haldibrook Road for City of Hamilton’s Truck Route Master Plan

At the Council meeting held on June 28, 2021, Haldimand County Council passed the following resolution:

THAT Haldimand County Council has reviewed the City of Hamilton’s draft recommended Truck Route Master Plan as outlined in the correspondence from the City of Hamilton sent on June 14, 2021;

AND THAT given the overwhelming public opposition, lack of adequate infrastructure to support truck traffic and the existence of a designated truck route in close proximity, Haldimand County Council is strongly opposed to Haldibrook Road being included as a proposed truck route in the City of Hamilton’s Truck Route Master Plan.

Notice of the passing of this resolution will be sent to the City of Hamilton.

The City of Hamilton is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of their Truck Route Master Plan. More information regarding the project, including how residents can participate and provide comments, can be found at engage.hamilton.ca/trmp

Haldimand & Norfolk Counties Opt Out of Canborough Landfill Facility Proposal

Haldimand County Council and Norfolk County Council, as joint owners of the Canborough Landfill Facility located at 499 James Road Dunnville, considered an unsolicited proposal made by a private sector entity for the use of the property.  After deliberations, both Councils agreed to not accept the proposal. In accordance with the conditions of the offer, the details will remain confidential.

Haldimand County Receives AA Stable Credit Rating, Re-Affirms Financial Health

On May 13, 2021, Standard & Poor’s completed its annual update and review of Haldimand County’s financial credit rating. Based on their review and despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the County’s fiscal position, Standard and Poor’s has affirmed the County’s “AA Stable” credit rating.

Over the past years, the County’s credit rating has gone from a “low” of “A Negative” to the current “AA Stable” rating. This is very positive news and a testament to the sound financial policies and principles adopted by Council and managed by staff.

Several factors impact the credit rating of a municipal government. Standard and Poor’s Rating Service evaluates approximately 35 Canadian municipalities, 1 Territory and 9 Provinces, in addition to many international entities. Municipal ratings are based on six main categories: institutional framework; economy; financial management; budgetary performance; liquidity; and debt burden.

“Haldimand County’s financial health is an accomplishment that Council is proud of. Prudent fiscal management and investment decisions have a significant impact on the County’s ability to invest in community infrastructure and deliver quality services,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

“Today, Haldimand County is in an excellent financial position to provide quality public services while making strategic investments in infrastructure to not only maintain, but also enhance the quality of life for residents,” he added.

To learn more about Haldimand County’s financial health, visit HaldimandCounty.ca/financials.

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

Grandview Lodge Receives $3 Million In Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program Funding

In 2020, Grandview Lodge applied for grant funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – COVID 19 Resiliency Infrastructure Stream for Long Term Care Homes (ICIP). Grandview was approved for the full $3,223,000 requested, which will be used to replace HVAC infrastructure at the home.

“This contribution is one of the largest ever received by Haldimand County and we are very grateful to both federal and provincial governments for providing this opportunity,” said Cathy Case, General Manager of Corporate & Social Services.

“This $3M plus in funding will fill a large gap in the County’s capital budget program and will take any burden related to the costs of this replacement project off of local taxpayers,” Case added.

Case noted that a new and improved HVAC system at Grandview Lodge will benefit staff, residents and their families by increasing infection and prevention control measures throughout the home. Work on the HVAC system replacement will begin immediately.

$120 million was recently added to the provincial and territorial agreements of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support ventilation improvement projects in public buildings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For the Grandview HVAC replacement project, the ICIP funding contribution from the federal government totals $2,578,400 and the provincial contribution is $644,600.

For more information on the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, visit the Infrastructure Canada website.

To learn more about Grandview Lodge, visit HaldimandCounty.ca/grandview-lodge.

 

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

County Seeking Public Input On Official Plan Update, Asks Residents To Help Shape Haldimand’s Future

Haldimand County is in the process of updating its Official Plan to conform with new Provincial policies. Once complete, the updated Plan will guide growth and development in Haldimand for the next 30 years – to 2051. Staff are seeking community input on proposed updates to the Plan, including growth strategies for the County’s 6 urban centres.

Currently, there are two ways for community members to get involved:

  1. Official Plan Update Facilitated Workshop #1
    Date/Time: November 30, 2020 from 6:15pm to 9pm
    Location: Virtual meeting (Zoom session)
    Details: This virtual workshop will focus on key trends impacting Haldimand County, participants’ aspirations for the County and two themes: the economy and growth management. To pre-register for this workshop, complete the form at HaldimandCounty.ca/opupdate, e-mail planning@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call 905-318-5932 ext. 6209. The virtual meeting link will be provided to participants upon registration.
  2. Online Public Information Centre – Official Plan Update Phase 1 – Growth Strategy
    Date/Time: November 18 to December 18, 2020
    Location: Online via HaldimandCounty.ca/opupdate
    Details: Members of the public are encouraged to review information materials posted on the County website and provide feedback by December 18. Information materials include information boards, updated growth forecasts, community and employments land needs information and proposed boundary changes for the County’s six urban centres. Pre-registration is not required.

There will be further opportunities to get involved in the Official Plan Update and provide feedback in 2021.

“Community feedback is vital because it provides staff with an understanding of what’s important to residents when it comes to their County’s future. These insights offer important perspective on what our priorities should be as we manage continuing growth,” said Mike Evers, General Manager of Community & Development Services.

To learn more about the Official Plan and how the update process works, visit www.HaldimandCounty.ca/opupdate.

County-Wide Broadband Internet Project Moving Forward, Network Construction Timelines Announced

Since 2019, Haldimand County has been working to secure a vendor capable of delivering high-speed internet to all under-serviced areas within the community. In June 2020, KWIC Internet was announced as the successful proponent and network construction planning is currently underway.

In the months ahead, Haldimand County staff and KWIC project leaders will be working closely to coordinate the installation of necessary infrastructure, including fibre trenching. KWIC will also be facilitating community consultations to determine the best placement for fixed wireless towers. Public consultation notices will be delivered to initial project build areas throughout December 2020.

Fibre construction is expected to begin in mid-late January 2021 (weather permitting) and wireless tower construction in early February 2021 (also weather permitting). Based on these timeframes, it is anticipated that services for homes and businesses in the western part of Haldimand County will start becoming available during the first half of 2021.

As network construction progresses and the project moves forward, KWIC and Haldimand County will keep residents informed of more area-specific timelines. Over the project’s 5-year timeframe, broadband services will be made available to all of Haldimand County’s under-serviced areas (areas that do not have access to unlimited broadband internet with minimum download/upload speeds of 50/10 Mbps).

“We are very excited to see this project get off the ground and look forward to working with residents and stakeholders to deliver safe, efficient, industry-leading services that empower Haldimand County to connect like never before,” said Mark Rapley, KWIC Internet’s Director of Operations.

Bringing broadband internet to rural communities is one of Council’s top priorities for the 2018-2022 term. “Council is extremely pleased to see this critically important initiative move forward. It is especially welcome news given the rapid digital shift we’ve seen over the past few months and the increasing need for individuals, families and businesses to have reliable, affordable internet,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

All project-related information is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/broadband and updates will be posted here regularly.