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Flood Watch

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – The Long Point Region Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Watch message for all areas within its watershed.

A significant amount of precipitation has fallen in the Long Point Region watershed over the last 24 hours. The Long Point Region received between 25 and 30 mm of precipitation across the watershed. This precipitation combined with the melting snowpack are creating runoff, causing watercourses to exceed their banks creating localized flooding in floodplains, low-lying areas, and regions with poor drainage.

People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and ice and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be actively monitoring conditions throughout the weekend. Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updates flood messages. A flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

This message will be in effect until 12:00 pm Monday, January 29, 2024.

Haldimand’s winter ’24 Playbook the go-to guide to winter recreation, leisure and fun!

There is still lots of time to take advantage of all the cold-weather recreation and leisure Haldimand County has to offer, and the Playbook—available online and at the Haldimand County Administration Building, the Cayuga Heritage Centre and Libraries—is residents’ guide to getting engaged and getting active!

Public skating programs

Free public skating programs are offered at all four of the county’s arenas, including public and adult skates, pre-school skates, child’s hockey skates, shinny for all ages and open figure skates. No registration is required; check out the Playbook or the Recreation page for schedules and additional details.

Walking tracks

The County has indoor Walking Tracks in the Caledonia, Cayuga and Dunnville Arenas, open daily from 8:00 a.m. to Arena closing. Access is free and requires no pre-registration; call the Arena to confirm hours of operation.

Partnership programs – Sit to Be Fit, Minds in Motion

In collaboration with the Haldimand Abilities Centre, Haldimand County is pleased to once again offer the always-popular Seniors Sit to be Fit at the Caledonia Arena, while the new Minds in Motion program is being offered at the Cayuga Arena. Both programs are free; contact the Abilities Centre at 905-768-4488 for information or to register.

Museum and library programming

Haldimand Museums and Libraries also offer a variety of activities and programs for all ages, including exhibits, presentations, workshops and social opportunities. You can also go virtual with your Haldimand Museums experience! Visit the Museums’ online collection or exhibits, programs and curriculum. A schedule of Museum programs is available at link.haldimandcounty.ca; some programs require registration.

March Break

Families looking for March Break diversions have a variety of options to choose from including weekly recreation camps (registration opens February 1), museum workshops or ‘take-home’ kits and library activities. Pricing, locations and registration details are in the Playbook and online at link.haldimandcounty.ca.

Haldimand County also has beautiful outdoor spaces you can visit at your leisure: parks, pathways and trails. Please be aware these assets are not winter maintained and should be used at your own discretion.

Visit the Haldimand County Administration Building, your local Library or the Cayuga Heritage Centre to pick up a copy of the Playbook, or find it online.

Flood Warning

FLOOD WARNING

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – The Long Point Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Warning message.

An intense low-pressure system is forecast to cross over the lower Great Lakes Region between Friday and Saturday. As a result, Lake Erie will see sustained winds from the southwest ranging from 50 to 60 km/hr and gusts of 70 km/hr Saturday.

With the forecasted winds, flooding is expected to impact low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.

Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding will reach Lake Erie Flood Stage 2. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with the flood warning zone mapping on the Haldimand County website: Lake Erie Flood Zones in Haldimand County (arcgis.com)

The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels, and to follow the direction of local flood coordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be actively monitoring conditions throughout the weekend. Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updates flood messages. A flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

This message will be in effect until 8:00 pm Sunday, January 14, 2024.

Flood Watch

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Watch message.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) storm surge model forecast for the eastern end of Lake Erie is indicating a rise in lake levels just above the threshold of Lake Erie Flood Zone 1. The passage of a strong low pressure system is expected to bring high winds to Lake Erie on Saturday.

The lower Great Lakes are expected to see sustained winds of 45 to 60 km/hr from the south and southwest with gusts up to 90 km/hr on Saturday. The peak elevation of the surge is forecast to occur Saturday evening but lake levels are expected to be high through most of the day.

The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels, and to follow the direction of local flood coordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be actively monitoring conditions throughout the weekend. Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updates flood messages. A flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

This message will be in effect until 12:00 pm Sunday, January 14, 2024.

11th Annual Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest Winners Announced

Haldimand County has announced its 2023 Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest winners.

A panel of judges closely examined nearly 100 submissions and determined the following winners:

1st Place:
The Bridge by John Wallace		2nd Place:
There’s No Place Like Home by Lori Hobin
Photo of Caledonia Mill and BridgeLarge tree in front of a house
3rd Place:
Chasing Rainbows in the Country by Kim Spurr		Honourable Mention:
Fireworks over the Grand by Anand Kasote
Rainbow over a tree and fieldsFireworks over the Caledonia Bridge

In addition to contest prizes (gift cards for local businesses), winning photographs will be displayed at the Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre in January and may appear on future county publications.

More information on the Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest and a gallery of past winners is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/photocontest.

Free English as a Second Language program expands to Hagersville library branch

Haldimand County Public Library has expanded their partnership with Mohawk College to offer the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program in Hagersville, in addition to the existing Caledonia program. LINC is a free, in-class program that will provide eligible adult newcomers with success-oriented language instruction.

The LINC program will take place at the Hagersville library branch (13 Alma Street North) on Wednesdays from 5 – 8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., beginning Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

Participants will improve their speaking, reading, and writing skills in English while learning about Canadian culture and more. They will also have access to one-on-one education, employment, and wellness support.

Individuals who are interested in this program must be:

  • A permanent resident of Canada, a protected person (with a “Notice of Decision”), a Ukrainian temporary resident or their dependent;
  • 18 years of age or older;
  • Living in Ontario.

Classes are also continuing to run at the Caledonia library branch (100 Haddington Street) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 – 9 p.m., beginning Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

To learn more about the Hagersville or Caledonia programs, eligibility criteria, or to register, contact Mohawk College at LearnEnglish@mohawkcollege.ca or visit mohawkcollege.ca/HaldimandLINC.

Haldimand County Council approves 2024 Water & Wastewater Budget

On December 7, 2023, Haldimand County Council reviewed and approved the 2024 Rate-Supported Operating & Capital Budget. Otherwise known as the Water & Wastewater Budget, this important strategic document ensures that reliable, safe, clean and affordable potable water is available to residents across the County. New water & wastewater rates take effect on January 1, 2024.

This Rate-Supported Budget deals exclusively with water and wastewater treatment initiatives & is funded directly by user rates (with no financial support from property taxes).

The 2024 budget includes $67.5 million in capital expenditures on the water side, $52 million of which is for the Nanticoke Water Treatment Plant Capacity Expansion project and fully recoverable from Norfolk County. In addition, $3.9 million has been set aside for expenditures on the wastewater side to maintain, improve and optimize the operation of existing systems and to add capacity in response to growth.

Over the 10-year capital forecast period there is approximately $227 million allocated for enhancements to municipal sewer and water infrastructure.

Major projects slated for 2024 include, but are not limited to:

  • Nanticoke Water Treatment Plant capacity expansion project (engineering)
  • Lake Erie Industrial Park wet well pumping refurbishments
  • Caledonia Standpipe interior relining
  • Caledonia North water storage expansion
  • Highway #6 Transmission main twinning
  • Dunnville Water Treatment Plant roof replacement

The average residential combined water & wastewater user will see a slight increase of about $1.41 (1.64%) on their average monthly bill and all bulk services (i.e. water depot, septic holding treatment, etc.) will increase by 3%.

Factors impacting the 2024 Rate-Supported budget and user rates include:

  • an increase to Ontario Clean Water Agency and Veolia water and wastewater operations contracts based on annual inflationary increases and rising chemical costs;
  • increases to the rate the City of Hamilton charges Haldimand County for water and increased consumption of water (due to growth), and;
  • the addition of an Asset Management and Improvement Manager to focus on water and wastewater program enhancements.

Overall, Haldimand’s water & wastewater rates remain below the provincial average due to ongoing strategic planning efforts and diligent asset management practices. Over the Term of Council (2023-2027), 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: February 1, 2024

Tax-Supported Operating Budget: February 29, 2024

More information about County budgets, user fees/rates and taxes is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/financials.

Depiction of 2024 Rate-Supported Budget highlights.

Haldimand County developing Archaeological Management Plan, seeking preliminary public input

Haldimand County has retained Archaeological Research Associates Ltd. (ARA) to develop the county’s first Archaeological Management Plan (AMP) and has launched an online survey to obtain community feedback.

The County has commenced this 18-month long project to develop a new framework and strategic direction aimed at preserving local archaeological resources and further strengthen planning and policy processes.

Key deliverables to be produced as part of the Archaeological Management Plan include:

  • A comprehensive research and background review to compile a comprehensive County history, gap analysis of existing policy and procedures, and roles and responsibilities, and establish initial AMP objectives based on best practices.
  • A comprehensive set of Geographical Information System (GIS) based mapping that documents known archaeological resources and identifies areas of archaeological potential;
  • Development of a robust engagement program with First Nations and Indigenous communities, partners, the general public, and;
  • Proposed new protocols, policies, roles and responsibilities, and management strategies to be integrated into the County’s Official Plan and planning framework.

Engagement with partners and the public will occur throughout the project to provide opportunities for information sharing, feedback and education.

The preliminary public survey will remain open until January 27, 2024 and may be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCAMP.

For more information on the Archaeological Management Plan, including a project timeline, visit the project web page.

Haldimand County Public Library announces holiday and winter break program lineup, invites residents to get into the festive spirit

Haldimand County Public Library’s holiday and winter break program features a wide range of programs for all ages.

Highlights include:

Holiday Card Stamping Workshop
Nov 28, 6 p.m. (Cayuga Branch) & Nov 29, 6 p.m. (Hagersville Branch)
Participants will be guided through the process of creating handmade, festive greeting cards by local maker Annette Ball. Cost is $10/person with all proceeds benefitting the library. Individuals can register in-person at the library or by phone at 289-674-0400.

PAWS to Read Open House
Nov 29, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Cayuga Branch)
This innovative program partners children with certified therapy dogs to improve their literacy skills. Reading to a non-judgmental listener fosters self-confidence and a more relaxed, pleasurable reading experience. Open House attendees will get to meet some of the dogs, their handlers and learn how to get involved in the 2024 program. There is no cost to attend and no registration is required.

Cayuga Light Up Night Festivities at the Library
Dec 1, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Cayuga Branch)
Residents are invited to stop by the Cayuga Branch on Light Up Night to check out their collections, learn about library programs and create a special holiday ornament to take home. There is no cost to attend and registration is not required; just drop in.

Local Author Book Signing – Beau Johnson
Dec 2, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Caledonia Branch)
All are welcome at the Caledonia Branch to meet local author Beau Johnson and celebrate the release of his latest book, The Abrum Files: A Bishop Rider Book. Attendees can bring their own copies of Beau’s work to get signed, or purchase other titles for $20/each. There is no cost to attend and no registration is required.

Children’s holiday break/winter programming & storytimes
Registration opens December 4 (All Branches)
Registration for children’s holiday break programs, including LEGO clubs, craft parties, BINGO, and Storytimes opens on December 4. In-person registration is required; start dates and costs for each program vary and are posted at local branches and on the library website.

Registration will also begin on December 4th for the winter sessions of Storytime, Tales for Twos and Baby Storytime. The winter sessions will begin in January 2024, the exact start dates and costs for each program can be found at each of the library branches or on the library website. Registration is required and must be done in person at the library branch.

One Book One Haldimand Author Visit: Brad Smith – Rescheduled
Dec 7, 6:30 p.m. (Dunnville Branch)
All are welcome to join local author Brad Smith for a discussion on his latest book (and Haldimand County Public Library’s 2023 One Book One Haldimand title), Copperhead Road. Participants will enjoy a short reading, a book talk and a Q&A session facilitated by library staff. Copies of Brad’s work are available for loan in print and digital formats; they can be requested by calling 289-674-0400. There is no cost to attend and no registration is required.

For more information on library programs and services, visit www.haldimandlibrary.ca or follow Haldimand County Public Library on Facebook.

Construction underway on new Caledonia Fire and EMS Station

Construction is now underway on the new Fire and EMS Station in Caledonia. The new facility – located at 270 Argyle St. N – will replace the fire hall currently located on Caithness St. W. It is scheduled for completion in 2025.

Planning for the new, combined 15,640 sq ft Caledonia Fire and EMS station has been ongoing since 2014 in response to projected growth and urban intensification.

The new station’s design was developed by architectural and engineering consultants G.D. Vallee Ltd. and the construction is being managed by Reid & Deleye Contractors Ltd.

The fire portion of the building is approximately 6,372 sq ft which includes four (4) drive-thru style bays, a decontamination area, offices, lockers, washrooms with showers, laundry facilities, storage and maintenance space.

The EMS portion consists of approximately 1,432 sq ft and two (2) drive-thru style bays, an office, lunchroom/crew quarters, locker area, washrooms with showers and a stock room.

There is approximately 7,836 sq ft of space to be shared amongst Fire and EMS staff, including a large training/meeting room, storage, a universal washroom and space for the display of an antique fire truck.

The facility was designed with the potential to be transformed into a Net Zero building and will have the ability to be equipped with solar panels in the future.

Once the new Fire and EMS station is complete on Argyle St. N, the south side station on Kinross St. will remain in service with one fire pumper. The ambulance bay will only be used in the case of a major event.

“I appreciate the time and attention to detail that went into developing the design of this new facility,” said Haldimand County mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. “I’m thrilled to see shovels in the ground and look forward to seeing this much-needed project in its final state,” she added.

Jason Gallagher, Haldimand County’s Manager of Emergency Medical Services/Fire Chief, noted the significance of the project for the community and first responders. “This new facility is an important addition to the community and the dedicated first responders who serve it,” Gallagher stated. “It’s another important step in planning for the long-term protection of our county.”

Rendering of Caledonia Fire/EMS Station

Above: A digital rendering of the new Caledonia Fire and EMS station currently being constructed on Argyle St. N.