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Residents invited to September 17 open houses regarding Draft Community & Recreation Facilities Strategy

Haldimand County residents are reminded that two in-person open houses are taking place Tuesday, September 17 regarding the draft Community & Recreation Facilities Strategy (CRFS), the municipality’s vision for indoor recreation and programming for the next twenty-plus years.

The drop-in sessions are 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm in the Cayuga Memorial Arena’s McSorley Family Hall, 55 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga. Both County staff and the consultant involved in drafting the report will be available at the sessions to share information and answer questions.

The draft CRFS is available now on the County’s website at www.haldimandcounty.ca/recstrategy/. It is the result of extensive community engagement, research, current and future County demographic information and best practices in community and recreation facilities development. Comments about the Strategy may also be provided via online form until September 20, 2024.

The Strategy will be brought forward to Council in late 2024 for review and final approval.

 

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

Presentation of Barbara Martindale Memorial Laneway, storyboard and exhibit scheduled for September 12

On Thursday, September 12, Haldimand County will be celebrating one of its most active civic leaders, Barbara Martindale, with the naming of a laneway at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre and presentation of an associated storyboard and exhibit, in her memory. The event begins at 5:00 pm, with a welcome and remarks beginning at 5:30 pm.

The Executive Director of the Caledonia & Regional Chamber of Commerce from its creation in 1996 to her passing in 2022, Martindale was a noted historian, author, advocate and community builder. Her work career began at the Caledonia Grand River Sachem newspaper, where she wrote the popular column, “For What It’s Worth”, for decades.

Martindale’s advocacy began in the early 1980s when she joined a volunteer committee to restore the recently-saved Caledonia Town Hall, now known as Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre. Locally, she was active with her church, the Caledonia BIA, Ruthven Park Management Committee, the Caledonia Community Foundation and the Active Lives Campaign, which spearheaded the construction of the Haldimand County Caledonia Centre (twin pad arena, library and hall).

Her contributions didn’t end with those she made locally. Martindale was active in the Canadian Community Newspaper Association, the provincial Progressive Conservative Party (including running as a local candidate in 1985), the Toronto Women’s Advertising Club and as President of the Hamilton Branch of the Media Club of Canada.

For her community work, Martindale received a Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, as well as Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellow recognition.

Invitation to Barbara Martindale Memorial Laneway naming on September 12, 2024

Draft version of Haldimand County Community & Recreation Facilities Strategy now available; information session set for September

Haldimand County is pleased to share the draft Community & Recreation Facilities Strategy, a vision for indoor recreation and programming for the next twenty-plus years.

The draft strategy is available online at www.haldimandcounty.ca/recstrategy/). It is the result of extensive community engagement, research, current and future county demographic/growth information and best practices in community and recreation facilities development.

“Staff were fortunate to be able to work with and benefit from the expertise of consultants who are very familiar with Haldimand County—having worked here previously—and who are also leaders nationally in this field,” said General Manager of Community & Development Services Mike Evers.

“They have presented an evidence-based roadmap for the development of potential facilities and spaces for aquatics, sports, arts, culture and community wellness based on the community’s input, the county’s demographic and growth projections and our approach to fiscal responsibility,” he added.

“The draft strategy has something for every community, with a series of recommendations about future facility options and locations as well as more immediate programming and partnership opportunities to maximize recreation and wellness programming.”

Members of the public are encouraged to review the strategy and provide comments via online form or by attending an in-person drop-in information session on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McSorley Family Hall (Cayuga Memorial Arena, 55 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga).

“It should be noted the draft strategy is based on this moment in time, and the larger, higher-dollar-value assets identified—such as an indoor pool or turf field—are for future consideration by Council based on demographics, growth, resources and appropriate timing, which will require further community consultation at that time,” said Evers.

“Support of the current draft strategy does not mean these recommended facilities will be acted upon immediately. It is important for any municipality to plan for these types of larger investments many years before they are built to ensure it is ready when third-party infrastructure funding and grants become available to help offset initial capital costs.”

Comments on the strategy may be provided until September 20, 2024. The strategy will be brought forward to Council in late 2024 for review and final approval.

Heritage Haldimand hosting Emancipation Day gathering

Heritage Haldimand invites community members to the 3rd Annual Emancipation Day Gathering taking place Thursday August 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Canfield Community Centre.

Emancipation Day recognizes the Abolition of Slavery Act, which became law on August 1, 1834 and freed thousands of people of African descent throughout the British Empire. Since then, Emancipation Day has been celebrated in many areas across Canada each year on or near August 1.

Heritage Haldimand invites everyone to attend the Gathering, which provides an opportunity to celebrate and reflect upon Haldimand County’s important Black history. The highlight of the evening will be a presentation by local author and historian Sylvia Weaver who will speak on the “Underground Railroad and Well-Known Local Black Families”.

The Canfield Community Centre is located at 50 Talbot Road, Canfield; admission to this family-friendly event is free and refreshments will be provided.

For more information please email heritage@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

 

Heritage Haldimand logo

New Exhibition At Wilson Macdonald Museum Explores Sports And Playtime In Haldimand

Come out to the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum (WMMSM) in Selkirk this summer and take a walk down memory lane with “Sports and Playtime”, featuring toys and sporting memorabilia from several Haldimand baseball and hockey teams.

Whether you played or came out to watch a local sporting event such as baseball or hockey, memories of  friends, teammates and neighbours who sponsored, coached or promoted local sports heroes will be brought to mind. Remember the excitement of hearing the crack of the bat or the sound of,  “He shoots. He scores!” that got your team spirit racing. Visit WMMSM this summer and look objects and images that showcase some of those moments, including a Marty McSorley All Stars Day hockey team jersey from Cayuga.

The exhibition also looks at playtime where, long before cell phones and social media, children kept busy with their imaginations. Dolls and other stuffed toys came to life and joined in at tea parties, and kids spent hours outdoors playing hide-and-seek or bested their friends while playing  favourite board games.

“Sports and Playtime” will be on display at the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum, 3513 Rainham Road, Selkirk from July 17 to September 17; Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm and Saturdays 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. For additional information please email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand Museums celebrate Ontario Museum Month with diverse and engaging activities

May is Ontario Museum Month, an opportunity to celebrate the province’s 700-plus museums, galleries and heritage sites and their amazing historical and cultural assets and stories.

This month, Haldimand County’s three unique Museums are pleased to invite visitors to enjoy a wide variety exhibitions. On display at the Cayuga Heritage Centre until the end of August is Common Grounds, a history of the parks and gardens that make up the County’s landscape.

On display at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre in Caledonia, the Haldimand Photography Club is showcasing its Spring Exhibition, which is followed by the Annual Juried Art Show, open May 30 to July 26.

At Selkirk’s Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum you can check out We Chair-ish You in Haldimand County, open May 17 through June 14 with a ‘meet the artist’ open house taking place May 17,  9:00-11:30 am followed by a live auction of the artist chairs June 19 at 6:00 pm.

Residents and visitors are also welcome to attend Haldimand Museums events at each location throughout the month of May:

The Heritage Centre (19 Talbot Street West, Cayuga):

Wednesday May 15; 1 pm – Park Development Talk
A talk on the theory and process of park and garden design from a guest speaker.

Saturday, May 25; 1 pm – European Park History Talk
A look at the influences of European parks in North America, including how they impacted the development of Haldimand County’s parks.

The cost for each regular program is $10 per person.

Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum (3513 Rainham Road, Selkirk):

 Wednesday May 8; 6:00 pm; $20 per person – Early Salad Days and Edible Flowers Adult Workshop

 Saturday May 11; 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; $29.75 per child – Mother’s Day Workshop for Children

 Additional information is available online at  www.haldimandcounty.ca/heritage-culture/.

Pre-registration is required for all events. Register online at  link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga or your local Library Branch’s myHC kiosk.

For additional information about Haldimand Museums programs, visit www.haldimandcounty.ca/heritage-culture/ or email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand Museums logo

Haldimand Museums puts out call for entries for Haldimand County’s 26th annual Juried Art Show

Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre in Caledonia is pleased to announce a call for submissions for the 26th Annual Juried Art Show.

This art exhibition is open to artists of all ages and experience levels who work in any medium including—but not limited to—painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramic, sculpture and mixed media. While the theme of the show is open, this year there will be a special category to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Grand River’s Heritage River Designation, and artists are invited to submit pieces that depict any subject matter in any location,

Works of art completed within the last three years are eligible for entry and will be received at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre, 80 Caithness Street East, Caledonia during regular business hours from Tuesday, May 7 through Saturday May 25. An entry fee of $25 per artist will be charged; up to three pieces may be presented for the jury’s consideration.

The Juried Art Exhibition, which always presents an extremely varied and interesting mix of styles, subjects and mediums from local and area artists, will run from Thursday, May 30 through Saturday, July 27, with an opening reception and awards presentation taking place Thursday, May 30 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

Entry forms are available online at www.haldimandcounty.ca/heritage-culture/  or from the Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre.

For further information, please contact Edinburgh Square at 905-765-3134, or by email at museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

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.

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.

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.