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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.

Haldimand County launches Holiday Wish Book campaign to highlight local products

Cover of 2024 Holiday Wish BookHaldimand County launches annual Holiday Wish Book campaign to showcase bespoke, artisan crafts, and unique gifts from local shops to encourage Haldimand County residents and visitors to shop local for the holidays. The campaign includes a printed Holiday Wish Book that will be mailed to homes across Haldimand County in mid-November, as well as an online page complete with comprehensive listing details at TourismHaldimand.ca/wish-book.

Highlighted products include one-of-a-kind pieces from local artisans and craftspeople that vary from handcrafted woodwork and pottery to custom jewellery. For those who prefer shopping from the comfort of their couch, an online marketplace is available on the Tourism Haldimand website by clicking on the shopping cart on the top menu bar.

“The holidays are the perfect time to shop local and keep the holiday spirit bright for everyone in our communities,” said Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Economic Development & Tourism. “Not only will you be supporting local businesses, but you’ll also be giving a gift that is meaningful.”

For more information, please visit TourismHaldimand.ca/wish-book, or visit Tourism Haldimand on Facebook or Instagram.

https://www.facebook.com/HaldimandCountyTourism

https://www.instagram.com/tourismhaldimand/

Haldimand Museums kicks off the festive season with Holiday Market on November 23

Haldimand Museums is hosting its first ever Holiday Market supporting local artisans and craftspeople on Thursday November 23 from 2 – 8 p.m. in the Haldimand County Administration Building’s atrium lobby at 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga, ON. This family friendly event is free to attend with free parking available in front of the building and next to the Cayuga Memorial Arena.

Enjoy festive decorations, carollers and local handcrafted products and food perfect for holiday gifts. Featured products include glass art, holiday decorations, dog bandanas, raw and roasted hazelnuts, knit and crocheted goods, 100% soy candles, handmade jewellery and handcrafted Canadian wood products.

Be sure to take your photo in front of the County Christmas tree, and stop by the Haldimand Museums table to learn about upcoming programs and workshops, and purchase historical holiday cards.

For additional information about this event, please contact Geneva Gillis at 905-318-5932 x 6613 or museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Emergency Management Exercise

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – On October 12th, 2023 Haldimand County Emergency Services partnered with Genesee & Wyoming Inc. to conduct a full-scale tactical exercise involving the railway. Fire, Paramedics, Ontario Provincial Police, Genesee & Wyoming Inc., and Woodstock Police joined together to learn, train, and practice a simulated event.

This year’s Emergency Management exercise was in the Jarvis area and simulated a truck versus train collision, in which one train car was leaking and another was on fire. The purpose of the yearly exercise is ensure compliance with policies and procedures, test inter-agency communication, as well as ensure both first responder and public safety.

We are pleased to advise that this year’s exercise was a great success. Please see the attached photos.

 

CO Awareness Week

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – Join us from November 1-7 in celebrating CO Awareness Week! Haldimand County’s Emergency Services members will be spreading awareness regarding Carbon Monoxide safety, and our fire fighters will be our boots on the ground handing out information to local residents. Don’t be shy and say hi! This will be prime time to ask questions, get advice, and meet your friendly neighbourhood fire fighters!

The Fire Department has a limited supply of Carbon Monoxide alarms that will be distributed to local residents in need, free of charge. To receive an alarm, please contact the Fire Department at (905) 318-5932 ext. 6230 or email emergencyservices@haldimandcounty.on.ca. Complimentary CO alarms are available on a first come, first served basis.

Carbon Monoxide is known as the “Silent Killer”. It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. It can be present in any home with a fuel fired appliance. As it is undetectable by human senses, the only way to ensure the safety of you and your family is to have working CO alarms! You can also have all fuel fired appliances inspected regularly by a certified technician and, of course, DO NOT leave vehicles or generators running indoors.

  • Ontario law requires that a working carbon monoxide alarm be installed adjacent to each sleeping area in homes that have a fuel-burning (i.e. wood, oil, natural gas, propane) appliance, fireplace or an attached garage.
  • In a condo or apartment building with a service room, carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in the service room and adjacent to each sleeping area of all condo/apartment units above, below and beside the service room.
  • In a condo or apartment building with a garage, carbon monoxide alarms must be installed adjacent to each sleeping area of all condo/apartment units above, below and beside the garage.
  • Carbon monoxide alarms in rental units must be tested by the landlord annually and after every change in tenancy.
  • In Ontario, more than 65 per cent of injuries and deaths from carbon monoxide occur in the home.
  • A Canadian certification mark ensures that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet the appropriate Canadian standard; only alarms with the Canadian certification mark should be purchased and installed.

Paddles of the grand a finalist for Tourism Innovator of the Year award

Haldimand County is pleased to announce that Paddles of the Grand is a finalist for a Tourism Industry Award of Excellence in the category of Innovator of the Year from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). This award recognizes an organization or individual that created a new, innovative product, policy or service to promote and enhance tourism in their local community, region or the province of Ontario.

Paddles of the Grand developed as an extension of the PATH (Paddle Art Tour Haldimand), a 2021 municipal initiative involving both the Community Development & Partnerships and Economic Development & Tourism Divisions at Haldimand County, with a grant from the Tourism Relief Fund. Earlier this year, Paddles of the Grand was also a finalist for a 2022 Innovator of the Year award from Ontario’s Southwest Tourism Corporation.

“We are so proud of Paddles of the Grand and their continued growth, and are glad they are getting well-deserved credit for their hard work,” says Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Economic Development & Tourism at Haldimand County. “It is an incredible honour to be recognized as a finalist amongst all the tourism experiences in Ontario.”

“What started as a COVID recovery project has grown into an unstoppable community initiative,” says Katrina Schmitz, Manager of Community Development & Partnerships at Haldimand County.  “We are so proud to have been able to partner with paddle art creator Gina McIntee—and many other local artists—on the original PATH project and see how the community’s interest in the paddles has grown and expanded throughout Haldimand County, including in store windows in our communities.”

The Innovator of the Year award winner will be announced at the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario’s conference during the gala awards on October 25, 2023.

Haldimand Museums looking to preserve the community’s past through oral history project, seeking interviewees

Haldimand Museums is embarking on a special project to preserve local history through the voices, memories and perspectives of people who have lived, worked or visited the county throughout history.

Staff are currently seeking individuals with unique stories or recollections of Haldimand’s past who are willing to be interviewed and videotaped for this oral history project, which will eventually become part of the museum’s permanent collection and viewable for generations to come.

Oral histories play an integral role in many cultures and take many forms, including (but not limited to) songs, stories, folklore, allegories and traditional one-on-one interviews – either audio or video.

Oral history can provide a fuller, more accurate picture of the past by augmenting information provided by public records, statistical data, photographs, maps, letters, diaries, and other written-word historical materials.

For Haldimand Museums’ oral history project, staff are hoping to capture accounts of what life was like in different areas of the county, at different periods in time.

“There’s so much more to local history than the artifacts or records we have in our collection, and what’s published in history books. We want to hear from people that have had unique experiences in Haldimand County over the years, remember certain events or recall circumstances that occurred while they were living or working in the area,” said Anne Unyi, Supervisor, Heritage and Culture.

“The interviews we conduct will shine a light on our community’s past that may otherwise be forgotten. It’s important we capture these untold stories so we can teach future generations about where they came from and the events that shaped life as they know it,” Unyi added.

Individuals who are interested in being interviewed for this oral history project are encouraged to contact museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca with their name, contact information and a few brief details on the stories or perspectives they wish to share. Museum staff will follow up with individuals to coordinate interviews, which will be conducted in-person at either the Cayuga Heritage Centre or Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre over the coming months.

2023/2024 Respiratory Illness Season

The 2023/2024 Respiratory Illness Season is among us. While some people are suffering from seasonal allergies, others are suffering from colds and flus. The province, Haldimand County, and health officials would like to remind you that flu shots and both Covid vaccines and Covid boosters are available.

The overall risk posed by seasonal viruses this fall/winter is expected to continue to be atypical compared to pre-pandemic years based on observations from the southern hemisphere in summer 2023. We anticipate an early start to the influenza season, co-circulation of influenza A and B, and low-to-moderate Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) levels in most regions, including increased respiratory illness burden among pediatric populations. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. It can be serious, and both infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV that requires hospitalization.

Please utilize Health811 for non-urgent health inquiries and questions. Telehealth, walk-in clinics, virtual doctor appointments, and other resources are available for non-urgent matters, saving emergency rooms for urgent heath matters. Haldimand and Norfolk Health and Social Services are also offering vaccinations both by appointment and walk-in, as are some pharmacies.

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe, cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze, and stay home if you are not feeling well.

11th Annual Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest running October 16 – December 1, 2023

The County’s annual Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest – now in its 11th year – will be accepting entries from October 16 to December 1, 2023. Residents and visitors are invited to submit photos of Haldimand’s beautiful environment, architecture and vibrant community life for a chance to win some great local prizes.

With 87km of gorgeous Lake Erie waterfront, the Grand River, sprawling countryside and charming towns, Haldimand County is one of the most picturesque destinations on Ontario’s southwest coast. Its abundance of outdoor recreation options, scenic lookouts, community events, historic sites and culinary experiences make it an incredible place to live, explore and photograph.

Photos eligible for entry must depict a scene from within the boundaries of Haldimand County. They must be original, digital high resolution photos no more than two years old and not previously published.

Participants may submit their photos via the online submission portal, accessible at photocontest.haldimandcounty.on.ca. Photos must be submitted by Friday, December 1 and comply with all rules and regulations.

A panel of judges comprised of both County staff, community members and local media will closely examine all submissions in December. Four winners will be announced prior to the end of 2023 with 1 Grand Prize, 1 Second Prize, 1 Third Prize and 1 Honourable Mention awarded.

Prizes include gift certificates for unique culinary experiences and local shops.

Winning photographs will be featured in an exhibit and displayed permanently on the County website.

Haldimand County curbside garbage collection contractor changes on October 16

The new curbside garbage collection contractor for Haldimand County, Norfolk Disposal Services Ltd., will begin collection on October 16, 2023. Residents should note that while their curbside collection day will not change, the time of day for their collection may be different. All garbage and recycling should be curbside before 7 a.m. on their collection day.

Residents in the Dunnville area may notice that their garbage is collected by Grand Disposal Services Ltd. as they have been subcontracted to collect this area on behalf of Norfolk Disposal Services Ltd.

For any questions about garbage or recycling collection, contact Haldimand County at 905-318-5932 or visit https://www.haldimandcounty.ca/garbage-recycling/. Download the Recycle Coach App for collection information and notifications.