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Nominations open for Haldimand County’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Night

Nominations open for Haldimand County’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Night

Haldimand County is pleased to be hosting its 21st Recognition Night, celebrating the volunteers, projects, events and activities that make the County a vibrant and engaging place to live.

“This year’s theme, “Growing Stronger Together”, is intended to reinforce the vital contribution volunteers make to our communities and how much the County values those contributions,” says Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. “This is a wonderful opportunity to nominate your favourite volunteer community project, festival or event, organization or individual, highlighting the positive impact they have made within the community.”

Nominations are being accepted for the following award categories:

  • Volunteer of the Year;
  • Youth Volunteer of the Year;
  • Community Organization or Group of the Year;
  • Community Project Award;
  • Community Festival & Event Award;
  • Caring Haldimand Award;
  • Heritage Haldimand Award;
  • Community Culture Award; and,
  • Wall of Fame Induction (Caledonia, Cayuga, Dunnville, Hagersville, Jarvis).

Nominations may be submitted by filling out the appropriate form on the County website or by contacting cdp@haldimandcounty.on.ca or calling 905-318-5932, ext. 6370 to assist in the completion of an online application.

Anyone submitting a nomination is asked to complete the application in full and provide as much detail and supporting documentation as possible. Nominations must be submitted by 4:00 pm, Tuesday, August 8, 2023, and will be judged by an independent committee.

Invitations to attend the 21st Annual Recognition Night will be sent to nominees, community groups, organizations and agencies. Anyone looking for further information can e-mail cdp@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call 905-318-5932 ext. 6370.

Mudcat Festival fireworks tentatively allowed to proceed while county-wide burn ban remains in effect

The county-wide burn ban issued by the Haldimand County Fire Department on June 7 remains in effect due to the current conditions impacting Ontario. The ban includes recreational and non-recreational fires along with the use of family fireworks.

After careful review and consideration, the Haldimand County Fire Department has determined that the Dunnville Mudcat Festival’s professional fireworks display set for this weekend will be excluded from the ban and allowed to proceed, conditional on weather.

The Fire Department and County staff undertook an extensive evaluation of the situation that included site visits, assessments, discussions with the professional fireworks vendor, reviews of the vendor’s fire safety plan, and the implementation of a number of precautionary fire watch/prevention measures in conjunction with the Mudcat Festival Committee.

“Our number one priority remains community safety,” remarks Fire Chief Jason Gallagher. “This was not a decision we made lightly and we will continue to monitor the situation right up until the event and won’t hesitate to reverse the decision should conditions change. But as of right now, with the support of senior staff and Council, we’re comfortable with the fireworks display proceeding as planned.”

Residents are advised to keep an eye on the County website and social media for any updates regarding the event should sub-optimal weather (e.g. high winds, etc.) result in the cancellation of the fireworks display.

For more information on fire safety in Haldimand County, visit the Fire Department website.

Property transfer of historic Street Cemetery to Haldimand County completed; remediation work to begin this summer to make the site safe

Haldimand County is pleased to announce that, following two years of consultation with the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO), the Ministry of Transportation (Ontario) and two property owners, the Street Cemetery in Canfield has been fully transferred to the municipality.

The Street Cemetery—which dates back to the 1870s—is historically significant as the resting place of Black settlers and their descendants who came from the U.S. to Canfield through the Underground Railroad. Among the individuals buried in the Cemetery is Carrie Barnes, the niece of famed American abolitionist and political activist Harriet Tubman. The Cemetery is also associated with one of the first churches established by Black freedom seekers in Canfield—the North Cayuga Baptist Church—which was known for welcoming both Black and white parishioners.

“We are very happy this transfer has now been completed as it allows us to use $100,000 in County funds approved through the 2021 Capital Budget to begin the clean-up of this significant site,” says Ward 2 Councillor John Metcalfe. “We know how incredibly important this Cemetery is to descendants living throughout southwestern Ontario, elsewhere in Canada and in the U.S. We want to make sure it is cared for and protected in keeping with the County’s values of cemetery care and honouring our local history.”

The restoration of the site will take place in two phases: the first is the transfer of the property (now completed) and general site clean-up (now being initiated); the second phase includes the formation of a Community Stakeholder Committee—including descendants of the original families, local heritage groups and resident advocates—to create a longer-term plan for community engagement, designation and preservation of the Cemetery.

“With the completion of the property transfer on Monday, staff immediately visited the site and developed a timeline for the first phase of the restoration work,” says Phil Mete, General Manager of Public Works Operations. “This will include additional survey work, on-site coordination of the anticipated work with the BAO and other authorities having jurisdiction, careful removal of brush and unsafe trees, ground repair, removal of old fencing, and construction of the pathway from Haldimand Road #32 to the site.

“Based on the current condition of the Cemetery and surrounding area, we anticipate this work will take four to six months as it involves securing and coordinating appropriate contractors to complete the majority of this sensitive work.”

Staff will also begin the work of bringing together the Community Stakeholder Committee.

“We know families of the original freedom-seekers and members of the public were hopeful to have the Cemetery site available for a visit on Emancipation Day, which is August 1, however, that will not be possible this year given contractors will be on site and significant safety concerns,” adds Mete.

“However, Heritage Haldimand already had plans in the works for an Emancipation Day get-together for the community on Sunday, July 30 in Canfield. The event will include a presentation by Niagara-based historian Rochelle Bush, who is also a freedom-seeker descendant with family ties to the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman. Details about the event—for which reservations will be required—will be available in the coming weeks.”

Haldimand County recognizes National AccessAbility Week from May 28 to June 3

Haldimand County recognizes National AccessAbility Week from May 28 to June 3

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON –  National AccessAbility Week (May 28 – June 3) is a time to honour the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities and highlight the importance of identifying, removing and preventing barriers to inclusion and accessibility.

Haldimand County recognized the week by hosting an internal AccessAbility Awareness Challenge on May 29. Haldimand County members of Council and employees were invited to participate in a variety of challenges to simulate different types of barriers that residents may experience, including a wheelchair tight space transfer, a low vision walk, a schizophrenia simulation, dexterity challenges, and more.

After taking part in the low vision walk challenge, Mayor Bentley shared, ” We have a responsibility to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can navigate our streets, access our services, and participate in our community. Together, we will continue to strive to make our communities more inclusive, making Haldimand County a more accessible county for all residents to live, work and play.”

One way that Haldimand County prioritizes accessibility is through the inclusion of the Accessibility Advisory Committee. This committee provides practical knowledge on a wide-range of accessibility and disability concerns including: physical, visual, hearing impairment, intellectual, mental health, senior’s issues and communication. The committee meets regularly to review and make accessibility recommendations on municipal capital projects and County services.

“Accessibility is not just about making things accessible; it’s about empowering individuals and fostering inclusion,” stated Brian Grice, Haldimand County’s Accessibility Coordinator. “When we prioritize accessibility, we unlock the doors to a world where everyone can participate, contribute, and thrive. Today’s event was a great opportunity to show, at a very basic level, some of the barriers that members of our own community struggle with on a daily basis. Haldimand County is committed towards eliminating barriers and helping our community to become a place for all.”

To learn more about Haldimand County’s commitment to Accessibility, visit www.HaldimandCounty.ca/Accessibility/.

A woman wearing low visibility glasses and a walking stick poses next to a man and an accessible parking sign.

Pictured: Health and Safety Representative Josh Borsellino provides guidance to Mayor Bentley as she completes a low vision walk.

Haldimand Museums partner with Cayuga, Dunnville secondary students to develop exhibit; Items to be auctioned online

Haldimand Museums have partnered with students from Cayuga and Dunnville Secondary Schools to create a special exhibition, “We Chair-ish You In Haldimand County”.

The exhibit is on display now at the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum in Selkirk, running until Friday, June 30, and features a variety of re-purposed wooden chairs with unique designs produced by the students and showcasing their creativity.

In addition to the exhibit,  the public is invited to participate in a virtual auction where these one-of-a-kind works of art will be available for sale to the highest bidder. The auction begins Monday, June 26 at 9 a.m. through to Friday, June 30 at 4 p.m. To view the virtual exhibition and participate in the auction visit Facebook.com/HaldimandCounty/. The successful bidders will be notified to make payment arrangements for pickup of the chairs. All proceeds benefit Haldimand Museums.

The Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum is located at 3513 Rainham Road, Selkirk. For further information about this event contact 905-776-3319 or email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Residents Invited to View, Provide Feedback on Architectural Design of Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre

Residents Invited to View, Provide Feedback on Architectural Design of Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – Following two years of stakeholder engagement and consultation, Haldimand County and the team of Curran, Gacesa, Slote Architects Inc. (CGS) are ready to share the latest design vision for the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre.

Residents are invited to attend community information sessions taking place Wednesday, May 17—1:30-3:00 pm and 6:30-9:00 pm—in the Almas Room at the Hagersville Arena (36 Sherring Street North).

“We’re excited to be able to share the latest design of this integrated facility,” says General Manager of Community & Development Services, Mike Evers. “Hagersville has been identified as the second-fastest-growing urban community in the County, with a shortage of accessible public buildings for recreation, leisure, community socialization and library services. This new building will create so many wonderful opportunities for residents and visitors.”

Details about the latest design are also available to view on the dedicated County webpage for the project at https://www.haldimandcounty.ca/hagersvillealc/, including opportunities to provide feedback or additional input.

Artist Submissions Welcome for Latest Phase of Paddle Art Tour Haldimand (PATH)

Artist Submissions Welcome for Latest Phase of Public Art Tour Haldimand (PATH)

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – 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.

Launched in 2021, PATH became a popular activity for Haldimand County residents and visitors to participate in, finding inspiration in the 24 unique designs created by 23 local artists who used wooden paddles—hand made by local high school students—to create art portraying the area’s natural landscapes, wildlife, history and much more.

Building on the popularity of the tour, Haldimand County is inviting local emerging and established artists to submit a sketch and description of an image they would like to paint on one of eight new paddles that will be added to the PATH this year. Each paddle blade is a surface of 28” x 7”and will be installed with the handle upright. Selected artists will receive an honorarium of  $500. The paddles will be installed throughout Haldimand County as we transition public art displays along the Tour.

Interested artists can send submissions: electronically to partnerships@haldimandcounty.on.ca; in-person or by mail to the Haldimand County Administration Building c/o Community Development & Partnerships, 53 Thorburn St. S., Cayuga, ON  N0A 1E0.

Closing date for submissions is June 16, 2023 at 4:00 pm and selected artists will be notified by June 28, 2023.

2023 Household Hazardous Waste and Waste Electronic Events

Some household waste can be dangerous for residents and the environment if not disposed of properly. They are capable of polluting water sources and releasing harmful chemicals into the air. Haldimand County hosts four Household Hazardous Waste and Waste Electronic Events throughout the year. Hazardous waste that isn’t accepted in the garbage collection program and end-of-life electronics can be dropped off at these events.

The events run from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the following locations:

  • April 29 – Cayuga Secondary School
  • June 10 – McKinnon Park Secondary School, Caledonia
  • September 16 – Dunnville Roads Yard
  • October 14 – Hagersville Secondary School

Waste accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste Events include paint products, automotive-type fluids, pressurized containers, batteries, and medications. Electronics accepted at the drop-off events include computers, monitors, home office equipment, television and video equipment, as well as cellphones and cellphone batteries.

Items that are not accepted include non-propane gas cylinders of any type, medical sharps, mercury, and pool oxidizers (e.g. chlorine pucks).

Residents can use the “What Goes Where” search tool to learn more about what can be disposed of using the regular garbage collection program and what must be dropped off at one of the Household Hazardous Waste Events. They can also visit the Recycle My Electronics website for a list of acceptable electronic waste.

Please direct any inquiries about hazardous waste disposal to Solid Waste Operations at waste@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Registration for spring/summer programs opens May 1; 2023 Playbook now available

Registration for County spring/summer recreation and museum programs opens online at midnight on Monday, May 1. In-person registration will also be available beginning May 1 at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn St. S., Cayuga during regular business hours. Registration for library programs opens on June 19. All programs are now available for viewing online and in the Playbook.

The 2023 Spring/Summer Playbook, the County’s guide for programs, activities and experiences, is available online or at the Cayuga Administration Building, library branches and County museums. The Playbook includes information about registering for swim lessons, summer camps, heritage and culture presentations and events and library programming.

Residents can also visit the Playbook to find information on non-registered recreation options such as parks, trails, pools, and splash pads. Many County parks and greenspaces include amenities like skate parks, ball diamonds, tennis/pickleball and multi-use courts and picnic areas, offering a wide variety of recreation opportunities for all interests. For walkers and cyclists, Haldimand offers more than 40 km of off-road pathways and trails and hundreds of kilometres of on-road cycling routes throughout the County and along the Grand River.

For more information, visit www.haldimandcounty.ca/recreation-guide/.

Nanticoke Minister’s Zoning Order Public Consultation

Haldimand County Council is seeking public feedback on the Nanticoke Minister’s Zoning Order which was supported by the previous Council. The objective of these consultations is to hear the views of members of the public and then use that input to inform Council’s next steps relative to the standing decision of support.  Details of the project are contained below and via the links provided.  Members of the public are strongly encouraged to review the background information on the County’s website along with the Frequently Asked Questions section.

The two meeting dates are:

  • Virtual Meeting – Wednesday, April 19 at 3 p.m.  (registration by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, April 18)
  • In-Person Meeting – Thursday, April 27 at 6 p.m. (registration by 12:00 pm on Wednesday, April 26)

If you wish to participate in either meeting, you must register with the Clerk by completing and submitting the form available on the County website. Each delegation will have 5 minutes to express their views on the matter.

Alternatively, in writing to the Office of the Clerk clerk@haldimandcounty.on.ca or drop off at 53 Thorburn Street South Cayuga ON), no later than Monday, April 24 at 12 pm. Please note that any written submissions will be included as part of the record produced by the Clerk for the April 27 public meeting.