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Haldimand County’s New Central Administration Building On Track For Fall 2019 Completion

On April 16, 2019, County staff presented Council with an update on the new Central Administration Building’s construction progress. A number of major construction milestones have been completed to date, and the building is on track to be completed by fall 2019.

As of the April 16 update, the building’s structural steel frame is 99% complete. The roof deck has been completed and installation of electrical equipment, sanitary piping, fire suppression systems, spray foam insulation and door frames is currently underway.

Over the next two months, several key components of the building will be complete including roofing, masonry (stone work), spray foam insulation. Work on interior drywall will commence shortly, the front entrance’s structural steel canopy will be installed, and road work – including site grading – will begin on Chippewa St. with favourable weather.

“The progress we’ve seen over the past few weeks is exciting, and it’s great to see the building take shape. A great deal of time and effort has gone into getting the project to this point, & I look forward to the moment we can welcome and serve the community in this space,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

Plans for a new building and municipal service delivery model have been in the development stages since 2015, following a comprehensive Administration Accommodation Review focused on enhancing customer service, maximizing administrative/operational efficiencies and ensuring long-term cost effectiveness. After thorough analysis and community consultation, a consolidated service model – involving the construction of a new administration building – was selected by Council. Construction on the new building began in May 2018.

All services currently available at the County’s satellite offices will be offered at the new building, and new online tools will be introduced to provide more 24/7 services to residents. Library branches will be retrofitted with ‘Community Hubs’ – computer and information stations designed to connect resident with County news & online services. Library staff will be available to provide instruction and guidance on how to make use of online services, like how to pay taxes or water bills online.

More information about the new Central Administration Building – including construction updates – will be shared on the County website and social media channels as the project progresses.

 

Haldimand County Museum & Archives Launching New Exhibit And More This April

This April, members of the public are invited to create their own elaborate fascinator hat, enjoy a proper Royal tea, celebrate the roaring twenties and explore a brand new exhibit at HCMA. All events run from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at 8 Echo St. in Cayuga unless otherwise specified. Registration for paid events may be completed online via link.haldimandcounty.on.ca or at any County office using the code provided.

April 4 – Exhibit: Flood, Fire and Fury

This fascinating exhibit explores the many disasters that have happened in Haldimand County including the great flood of 1930, the crippling snowstorm of 1977 and the Hagersville tire fire in 1990. Learn about these notable events and how the community rallied to recover. The exhibit runs from April 4 until May 31 and is open to the public during regular museum hours. Admission is by donation.

April 10 – Adult Workshop: Make Your Own Fascinator

In the 18th century, British women dressed their elaborate hairstyles with ribbons, feathers, butterflies and jewels secured to the front or side of the head. At this workshop, participants will learn how to make their own one-of-a-kind fascinator hat.  Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. Code: 8100.

April 17 – Royal High Tea

Participants are encouraged to wear their favourite hat and bring their appetites to this true High

Tea. Featuring a menu of fresh homemade scones, raspberry preserves and sweet treats, this event will highlight royal women. Door prizes and other surprises will be offered! Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. Code: 8101.

April 24 – Heritage Series: All That Jazz

This informative talk will offer a nostalgic look at the roaring twenties. World War I had just come to an end and a new generation flocked from small towns to big cities in search of excitement and opportunity. Flashy new cars rolled down city streets, speakeasies popped up everywhere and women expressed their independence by shortening their hemlines & cutting their hair. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $5/person. Code: 8102

For more information contact 905-772-5880 or museum.archives@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre wins Carol Ritchie Scotch Thistle Award

Tourism Caledonia recently recognized Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre for its presentation of the history of Caledonia through education/outreach activities and the numerous permanent & temporary exhibits available for tourists.

Edinburgh Square was also commended for the many improvements made to the 1857 building, an architectural design of the renowned John Turner.

The old Town Hall with its original 1857 jail cell is appealing to visitors from near and far. The permanent display highlighting the gypsum mining industry along the Grand River is an interesting feature. Family ancestors researched in the Gillespie Clark Reference Library attract tourists with Caledonia connections. The library contains books, files and historic documents relating to Caledonia’s rich history. The collection of surviving editions of the Grand River Sachem from 1856 to the present day is also valuable for visitor research.

Cayuga Grand Vista Trail Wins International Design Award For Architecture

Haldimand County’s Cayuga Grand Vista trail was recognized for its innovative design and architecture at the International Design Awards. The trail was awarded a ‘Silver’ for architectural design in the ‘arches, bridges, viaducts and gateways’ subcategory. This award follows the trail’s recognition at the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence in January 2019.

The International Design Awards (IDA) exist to recognize, celebrate and promote legendary design vision and to uncover emerging talent in architecture, interior, product, graphic, and fashion design. The firm contracted to design the trail, Seferian Design Group of Burlington, put forward the award nomination.

“This is incredible news. I am so proud of this award, our team, and the project being recognized on the international stage,” said Brad Smith, Seferian Design Group’s Senior Landscape Architect. Seferian also won a Landscape Ontario Award of Excellence in January 2019 for the Cayuga Grand Vista design.

The Cayuga Grand Vista’s main trailhead is located behind the Cayuga Courthouse at 55 Munsee St. N. The trail guides pedestrians and cyclists on a scenic loop from the courthouse over the Grand River on the restored CN bridge to King George St. and Maple Rd. (secondary trailhead) and back to the courthouse via Talbot St. E. and Munsee St. N. Two lookout platforms on the east and west sides of the bridge offer picturesque views of the river and its natural surroundings. Parking is available at the main trailhead behind the Courthouse.

“Seeing the concept of this trail come to life – especially restoration of the bridge – was an amazing thing to witness. It’s a fantastic addition to the community that will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

A Grand Opening Celebration for the Cayuga Grand Vista trail will be held on April 27 at 10:30 am, 2019; full details will be announced shortly.

Note: Trail photo courtesy of Seferian Design Group

Grandview Lodge Recognized For Exemplary Long-Term Care By Accreditation Canada

In late 2018, the highest possible designation through Accreditation Canada was Awarded to the Grandview Lodge, Haldimand County’s long-term care home. Grandview Lodge was recognized for its quality care and received accreditation with exemplary standing.

Accreditation Canada came to the home, reviewed policies and procedures, interviewed residents and staff and determined that Grandview Lodge is a “leading example of quality long-term care.” Grandview Lodge successfully demonstrated excellence in quality improvement and surpassed all standards for a long-term care home.

Quality of life is a top priority for Grandview residents and staff. Accreditors praised the home for its philosophy of care and exceptional service delivery. Accreditors were impressed with the home’s ability to meet the needs of a diverse population and provide meaningful programs to ensure residents receive comfort, compassion and care.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of the accreditation process,” noted Jennifer Jacob, Administrator at Grandview Lodge. “Being recognized as a leader in the delivery of long-term care is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire staff body,” she continued.

Jacob noted that new programs are always being developed to enhance residents’ lives and build community within the 128-bed home. In 2018, Grandview Lodge debuted a brand-new Games Room for residents and their families with a shuffleboard table, board games and mini-bar (run by staff every Tuesday).

More information about Grandview Lodge, its services and philosophy of care can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/Grandview-Lodge/.

Cayuga Grand Vista Trail Wins Award Of Excellence From Landscape Ontario

On Monday, January 8, 2019 Haldimand County’s Cayuga Grand Vista trail was recognized for its innovative design by Landscape Ontario, the province’s leading horticultural trades association. The firm contracted to design the trail – Seferian Design Group of Burlington – put forward the nomination and was honoured with an Award of Excellence.

The Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence is an annual juried competition that recognizes design and craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance and design projects created by their members. More than 500 guests attend the awards reception annually to applaud their peers and recognize innovation in the green industry.

“We are very proud of this project and pleased that it was recognized by our peers at Landscape Ontario. It has been a pleasure working with Haldimand County and bringing this exciting vision to life,” said Brad Smith, Seferian’s Senior Landscape Architect.

The Cayuga Grand Vista trailhead is located behind the Cayuga Courthouse at 55 Munsee St. N. The trail guides pedestrians and cyclists on a scenic loop from the courthouse over the Grand River on the restored CN bridge to King George St. and Maple Rd. and back to the courthouse via Talbot St. E. and Munsee St. N. Two lookout platforms on the east and west sides of the bridge offer picturesque views of the river and its natural surroundings.

Residents and visitors have been on the trail regularly and enjoying the beautiful views from the bridge since it opened last November. “If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out the trail yet, I highly recommend you do. It is a gem in Haldimand County – something we can all be proud of and celebrate for years to come,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt. “We are thrilled with the positive response to this new community addition and look forward to the Official Grand Opening Celebration in early spring.”

Official Grand Opening Celebration details will be announced in the near future.

Note: Linked photo courtesy of Seferian Design Group.

Haldimand County recognized for Grand River water quality improvement efforts

Haldimand County has been recognized by the Grand River Conservation Authority for its efforts to improve the water quality of the Grand River.

During the Grand River Conservation Authority’s annual Grand River Watershed Wide Optimization Program workshop on Tuesday, November 20, recognition awards were handed out to a number of municipalities for their water quality improvement efforts throughout 2017. All three of Haldimand County’s wastewater treatment plants discharging to the Grand River were recognized: Caledonia, Cayuga and Dunnville.

Caledonia’s wastewater treatment plant was the only plant in the entire Grand River watershed to receive gold recognition. The Dunnville plant received silver and Cayuga obtained bronze. To be recognized, municipalities are required to meet specific criteria related to environmental compliance regulations and performance reporting. Haldimand County met – and in some cases exceeded – recognition criteria.

The GRCA continuously works with municipal water managers and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to improve the operation of wastewater treatment plants.

The goal of the Wastewater Optimization Program is to raise the quality of the treated effluent that leaves the plant and enters a river or stream.

“This recent recognition fully demonstrates our commitment to protecting the natural environment by reducing pollutant discharges to the Grand River”, said Mayor Ken Hewitt. “These achievements are primarily a result of enhancing process control through data based decision-making and efforts to understand plant needs, which over time have saved the County a significant amount of money through infrastructure deferral,” he continued.

For more information about the County’s water and wastewater treatment operations, including water quality reports, visit the Water and Wastewater page.

Explore The History of Christmas at Haldimand County Museum and Archives

On Wednesday, December 5 at 1:00 p.m., Haldimand County Museum and Archives will host its 12th Annual Christmas Tea & Talk. This year, curator Karen Richardson will explore the history of Christmas celebrations and traditions over the past 235 years.

“The earliest settlers to Haldimand County were loyalists. Despite facing many hardships, they continued to celebrate Christmas with traditions and customs from their home countries,” said Richardson. Loyalist settlers of German descent brought the idea of a Christmas tree to Upper Canada. Decorations were natural and included pine cones, nuts, holly berries, feathers and chains made of cranberries and popcorn,” she added.

Even the custom of “decking the halls” – draping walls with evergreen garland – came from the British Isles and was introduced over a century ago by settlers in their Upper Canada cabins. The Victorian era ushered in a much more elaborate Christmas tree; while homemade ornaments were still utilized, precious glass ornaments and gilled gold began to adorn the tree. WWI had a major influence on holiday celebrations, as well. Trees were decorated with a patriotic theme and included union jack flags and paper ornaments.

In addition to Richardson’s talk, attendees will be treated to delicious homemade scones, tea and sweet treats. The cost to register is $10 per person, and pre-registration is required. Interested individuals may register online or at any Haldimand County office using program code 8060.

Cayuga Grand Vista and Gypsum Mine Tract now open to the public!

Two new trails in Haldimand County, the Cayuga Grand Vista (Cayuga) and Gypsum Mine Tract (Caledonia – York), are now open to the public.

The Cayuga Grand Vista trailhead is located behind the Cayuga Courthouse at 55 Munsee St. N. The trail guides pedestrians and cyclists on a scenic loop from the courthouse over the Grand River on the restored CN bridge to King George St. and Maple Rd. and back to the courthouse via Talbot St. E. and Munsee St. N. Two lookout platforms on the east and west sides of the bridge offer picturesque views of the river and its natural surroundings.

The Gypsum Mine Tract can be accessed from two points: Haldimand Rd. 9 at Nelles St. E (York) and McClung Rd. at Maclachlan Ave (Caledonia). The trail’s name is intended to reflect the historical importance of gypsum mining in the area. From 1838 – 2016, 5 mines were established and eventually decommissioned in both Caledonia and York; gypsum was extracted from 65 feet below ground and hauled to the surface by donkeys and horses underneath what is now the trail. From the access at McClung Rd., the trail runs east towards Haldimand Rd. 9 where it proceeds west and connects to the Rotary Riverside Trail.

“Both the Cayuga Grand Vista and Gypsum Mine Tract are fantastic additions to the community,” said Mayor Ken Hewitt. “From a community vibrancy perspective, they offer new opportunities to stay active, learn about our shared history and connect with nature,” he added.

While both trails are now open to the public, formal grand opening celebrations will be planned and held in the spring. “We’re encouraging everyone to go out and walk, run or cycle the new routes,” said Sheila Wilson, Manager of Community Development & Partnerships. Wilson noted that although Haldimand County trails are not maintained during the winter, they remain open; in snowy conditions, the trails become excellent routes for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. As with all Haldimand County trails, motorized vehicles are not permitted.

Details regarding an official grand opening celebration for the Cayuga Grand Vista and Gypsum Mine Tract trails will be announced in spring 2019.