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Need for Proper Smoke and Carbon Monoxide

The Emergency Services Division of Haldimand County would like to remind all residents of the importance of having proper smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in their residences. With the tragic number of house fires and related fatalities in 2022, a key priority for Emergency Services in 2023 is stressing the importance of working smoke/CO alarms under the Fire Code. Community members are asked to be mindful of the requirements as failure to comply could lead to charges.

Provincewide, fire-related deaths have been steadily rising year after year.

  • 2019 saw 72 fire deaths
  • 2020 saw 114 fire deaths
  • 2021 saw 124 fire deaths
  • 2022 saw 133 fire deaths

The top five suspected causes of residential fires are as follows:

  • Unattended cooking
  • Overloaded or faulty wiring
  • Supplementary heating from space heaters, wood stoves, and chimneys
  • Candles
  • Careless smoking

Ontario law requires fire detection devices on every floor of a dwelling and outside all sleeping areas. Offenders can be ticked $360 or fined up to $50,000, and double that for corporations.

What to do to help avoid house fires:

  • Don’t leave the kitchen unattended, most kitchen fires are a result of distraction or leaving the oven/unattended. If you need to leave the room, ask your spouse or roommate to keep an eye on the food and keep stove and oven clean. Keeping your appliances such as your stove clean reduces the risk of a grease fire. Residents should either manually clean their appliances once it is at room temperature, or opt for the oven self-cleaning setting every few months.
  • Limit the use of extension cords and read the CSA/ESA labels on items you are using to determine the electrical load on the receptacle you are using. Especially heating devices/appliances.
  • Try to replace traditional candles with battery-operated decorative candles. If you must use a traditional candle ensure it is in a “tip” proof container or globe.
  • If you smoke, be sure to do it outside and completely extinguish the cigarette in an ashtray.

To help avoid injury or death in the event of a fire, Haldimand County Fire Department recommends the following tips.

  • “Get Out and Stay Out” – never go back inside for anything.
  • Make sure to test your alarms frequently and change the batteries twice annually.
  • Have an escape plan and practice it with your family members. It is important to have a plan set in place prior to an emergency, and allow your children to hear the alarm sounding when you test the batteries so they know what it sounds like.
  • Openly discuss with your children the importance of following the rules and safety guidelines as everyone’s lives depend on it.

If you are not sure how many alarms you need or where they should be placed, do not hesitate to reach out to your local fire department.

Haldimand County continues to roll out pedestrian crossover installation program

Haldimand County’s pedestrian crossover installation program continues to roll out across the community. Crossovers in Cayuga, Jarvis, Hagersville, Byng and Dunnville will be installed over the next month in addition to the two crossovers already in place in Dunnville and Caledonia.

Haldimand County’s first pedestrian crossover was installed in 2020 on Main St. in Dunnville between Bridge St. & Queen St. Since then, staff have worked to establish costing, location criteria and potential additional locations in consultation with members of Council.

Current crossover locations include:

DunnvilleMain St. between Bridge St. & Queen St. (September 2020)
Caledonia – Argyle St. N at Sutherland St. (September 2022)

Locations for soon-to-be installed crossovers include:

Cayuga – Talbot St. (Hwy 3) @ Thorburn St.
Jarvis – Talbot St. (Hwy 3) @ Saunders Dr.
Hagersville – Main St. (Hwy 6) @ Marathon St.
Byng – Rainham Rd. (Rd. 3) @ Port Maitland Rd. (Rd. 11)
Dunnville – George St. (Hwy 3) @ Lock St.

A pedestrian crossover differs from a pedestrian crosswalk. Crosswalks are most often located at an intersection with traffic signals, pedestrian signals or stop signs, whereas crossovers are a designated pedestrian crossing in the roadway, usually not at an intersection.

By law, drivers and cyclists must stop and yield to pedestrians wanting to cross the road and wait for them to completely reach the other side before driving through the crossover.

All crossovers throughout the county will feature signage stating ‘Stop for Pedestrians’ along with yellow flashing lights that are activated at the push of a button (by a pedestrian wanting to cross). The crossover is identified on the roadway by ladder-style pavement markings and triangle yield lines (‘sharks teeth’) on each approach, indicating where drivers and cyclists need to stop.

It is the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians to understand and follow the rules of the road.

Drivers

  • Pay attention to what’s around you and be prepared to stop for pedestrians waiting to cross the road.
  • Stop behind the marked yield line. You don’t need to stop if there is no-one waiting to cross.
  • Make eye contact with pedestrians to make sure they see you.
  • Allow the pedestrian to cross the entire width of the road before driving through the crossover
  • You may drive with caution once the road is clear, even if the lights are still flashing. Make sure you have looked to see that no-one else is wanting to cross the road.

Pedestrians

  • Use caution.
  • Make sure the driver or cyclist has enough time to stop before you begin to cross.
  • Stand close to the curb. If the crossover has button-activated lights, press it to activate the flashing lights.
  • Hold your hand out in front of you indicating you are waiting to cross the road, making sure drivers can see you before you begin cross.
  • Look both ways and look for traffic to stop.
  • Make eye contact to make sure the driver or cyclist sees you before you step onto the road.
  • Cross when traffic has come to complete stop and you feel it’s safe.

Cyclists

  • When crossing, dismount, follow the rules for pedestrians and walk with your bike.
  • When riding with traffic, follow rules for drivers.

For more information on pedestrian crossovers, visit www.HaldimandCounty.ca/pedestrian-crossovers.

Pedestrians using a pedestrian crossover.

Haldimand County Business Excellence Breakfast to feature guest speaker Eric Termuende

Haldimand County is pleased to announce the return of the Business Excellence Breakfast. This free networking event will take place on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 7:00-9:30 am at the Riverside Exhibition Centre in Caledonia. The Business Excellence Breakfast is presented by Haldimand County in partnership with the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program, Grand Erie Business Centre and Caledonia Agricultural Society.

This year’s breakfast will feature Eric Termuende speaking about One-Degree Shifts: Building Tomorrow’s Greatest Places to Work. In this engaging and takeaway-loaded presentation, workplace expert Eric Termuende will share what years of research, stories and insights uncover about the one-degree shifts leaders use to adapt to an ever-changing world around them and build incredible teams.

“The Business Excellence Breakfast is an opportunity for Haldimand County to thank our local businesses for all they do to make Haldimand County a great place to live and work,”  said Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. “This year in particular, we would like to celebrate and acknowledge businesses for their achievements and challenges that they have overcome through the pandemic.”

“This event is also a great opportunity to connect with other local business owners, partners and members of Council,” added Lidy Romanuk, Manager, Economic Development and Tourism.

The My Main Street, Local Business Accelerator program is delivered by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario with an overall Government of Canada investment of $23.25 million through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), to support the recovery and strength of main streets and local businesses in southern Ontario.

“Main streets play a vital role in growing local communities and economies for everyone, said the Honorable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario. “The Government of Canada will continue to invest in My Main Street and the small businesses the program serves, resulting in local economic growth and more vibrant neighbourhoods for Canadians and their families to call home.”

Haldimand County invites local business owners, representatives from Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Areas and business organizations across the county to attend. There is no cost to attend but registration is required, visit the www.haldimandcounty.ca/business and follow the links for the Business Excellence Breakfast or reach out to opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca (905) 318-5932 ext. 6331 to RSVP.

Haldimand County Council approves 2023-2027 Accessibility Plan

On Wednesday, January 25, 2023 Haldimand County Council formally adopted the county’s 2023-2027 Accessibility Plan. This multi-year plan outlines the county’s strategy to prevent and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities and reaffirms its commitment to providing inclusive and accessible services.

The 2023-2027 Accessibility Plan takes into account legislated requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the needs of the community, input provided by the County’s Accessibility Advisory Committee as well as best practices for accessibility within the public sector.

The Plan outlines several actions that will be undertaken over the next 5 years to further enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of municipal programs, services and facilities. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Enhancing the County website to fully meet AODA standards;
  • Developing a Facilities Accessible Design Standards (FADS) document to clearly define accessible design standards that will be used across the County moving forward;
  • Completing a parks and facilities audit to identify areas of County owned parks and facilities that require accessibility-related improvements;
  • Continuing to engage the Accessibility Advisory Committee and consult members on applicable capital projects, Master Plans, Neighborhood Plans and major initiatives to ensure barrier-free access for all residents;
  • Working closely with the newly-established 2022-2026 Accessibility Advisory Committee to develop criteria for prioritizing accessibility-related enhancements across the county – taking into account both areas of greatest need and fiscal practicality.

While the County is legislatively required to abide by the AODA’s Design of Public Spaces Standard on a go-forward basis, the benefits of investing in accessibility enhancements extend beyond meeting regulatory requirements.

Rather, making expenditures that support an inclusive, barrier-free community will ensure Haldimand remains and continues to evolve as a great place to live, work and play for individuals of all abilities.

For more information on accessibility in Haldimand County or to review the 2023-2027 Accessibility Plan, visit www.haldimandcounty.ca/accessibility.

 

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

Haldimand County Public Library partners with Service Canada to host information sessions for youths, seniors and Indigenous Peoples

Haldimand County Public Library has partnered with Service Canada to offer informative in-person workshops about government benefits and services for local youth, Indigenous Peoples and seniors.

These programs will be offered in person at the identified branches with a Service Canada representative. Participants will be able to ask questions and join in discussions facilitated by library staff during and after the presentation. Pre-registration for these programs is recommended but not required.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) /Old Age Security (OAS) benefits and My Service Canada Account Workshop

This workshop provides information about the Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age Security benefit such as eligibility requirements, how to calculate your payment, how to apply, when to apply, survivors benefits, child benefits and more.

At the end of this workshop, a Service Canada representative will answer questions about the My Service Canada Account. Anyone wishing to obtain a Personal Access Code (PAC) to access their My Service Canada Account (MSCA) that day will need to know their SIN and have photo ID.

Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security Workshops are open to all residents and are scheduled as follows:

  • February 9 at 10 a.m. – Cayuga Library and Heritage Center, 19 Talbot  St.
  • March 6 at 1:30 p.m. – Selkirk Branch, 34 Main St W.
  • March 15 at 1:30 p.m. – Hagersville Branch, 13 Alma St N.
  • March 21 at 10 a.m. – Caledonia Branch, 100 Haddington St.
  • June 6 at 10:30 a.m. – Dunnville Branch, 317 Chestnut St.

Services for Youth Workshop and Social Insurance Clinic (SIN)

This workshop will cover a variety of government benefits,  programs and incentives aimed to help youth find employment and fund post-secondary education.  Some of the topics covered will be the Canadian Government Job Bank, education grants and loans, apprenticeship incentives, grants and loans.

At the end of the workshop, a Service Canada employee will assist youth and any other members of the public in registering for a Social Insurance Number (Social Insurance Numbers are needed to gain employment, open a bank account and apply to post-secondary education).

Services for Youth Workshops and Social Insurance Clinics are open to all residents and are scheduled as follows:

  • March 13 at 11 a.m. – Caledonia Branch, 100 Haddington St.
  • March 16 at 1:30 p.m. – Dunnville Branch, 317 Chestnut St.
  • April 24 at 2:30 p.m. – Jarvis Branch, 2 Monson St.

Anyone wishing to register for a Social Insurance Number must bring the following things:

  1. A valid primary identification document such as a birth certificate, Canadian citizenship card, work or study permit, or permanent resident card.
  2. A valid secondary identity document such as a passport, driver’s licence or health card.
  3. A document showing proof of address such as a bill from a service provider, employment or school document, or a letter from an organization attesting to the applicant’s address signed by a representative of that organization and the applicant.

Services for Indigenous Peoples Workshop

This workshop will provide information on the Indigenous Seniors Assisted Living Program, The Hope for Wellness Hotline as well as the Canadian Pension Program and Old Age Security. Other topics that will be covered include the First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program and financial assistance for Indigenous students.

The Services for Indigenous Peoples Workshop will be held at the Hagersville Branch (13 Alma St. N.) on Thursday, Mar. 16 at 5 p.m. The workshop is open to all residents.

For more information about these or other government benefits and services, or clarification on any document requirements, visit www.canada.ca or call 1-800-O-Canada.

Upcoming programs at the Heritage Centre

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga still has two more programs available for January.

Tuesday, Jan. 24 (6 p.m.) – Workshop: Ancestors in the Attic
This workshop is for anyone looking to find long-lost relatives who may be struggling with the process. Utilizing the archives and online resources, participants will learn how to find their family history in traditional and non-traditional places.

Wednesday, Jan. 25 (1 p.m.) – Tea and Presentation: Cooking up History – Historical Recipe Books
This presentation features a traditional afternoon tea followed by a talk on historical recipe books. Cookbooks from the 17th century and earlier tend to be directed toward professional chefs. By the 18th and 19th centuries, cookbooks were addressed to home cooks and included recipes for ordinary daily food and celebration foods.

The cost for the workshop is $10 per person and the afternoon tea is $15 per person. Pre-registration is required for all programs. Register online or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

All programs take place at the Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre, located at 19 Talbot Street West. For more information, contact the Heritage Centre at (905) 318-5932, ext. 6613 or email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

January programs at Haldimand County Public Library

The Haldimand County Public Library is hitting the ground running in 2023 with three engaging events coming up this month for the community to enjoy.

Author visit with Carolyn Huizinga Mills

The Library will be hosting an in-person author visit with Carolyn Huizinga Mills at the Dunnville Branch on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 3 p.m. where she’ll be discussing her latest novel, Sins of the Daughter. The visit will be approximately an hour in length with a short reading, book discussion and Q&A session. No registration is required.

Already an award-winning children’s author, Sins of the Daughter will be the first adult novel for the former Dunnville resident. The novel explores the fragile bond between mothers and daughters, and how the choices of one generation impact the next. Copies of the book are available to borrow from local library branches.

Book Club information night

The Haldimand County Public Library is launching a new book club at the Cayuga Branch. All those interested in joining or learning more about the program are invited to an information night at the Cayuga Branch on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

The session will determine if there is enough interest to start a new club, discuss how each meeting will run, and chose the titles that will be read during the year.

Crafternoons

Crafternoons are adult-only craft sessions held at various branches of the Haldimand County Public Library with a different craft each month. Participants in the January Crafternoon sessions will be creating wooden spoon snowmen to bring some seasonal charm to their kitchen décor. All sessions take place at 1 p.m. and require a $2 fee.

  • Jarvis Branch – Monday, Jan. 23
  • Hagersville Branch – Wednesday, Jan 25
  • Dunnville Branch – Thursday, Jan 26
  • Cayuga Branch – Friday, Jan 27

Reminder to Check Your Smoke Alarms

A few days after Christmas, Hamilton had a house fire that claimed the lives of two adults and two children. That fire was completely PREVENTABLE! It is a prime example of the importance of having working smoke detectors and the need to test them regularly. Please, please check your smoke alarms!!

10th Annual Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest Winners Announced

A panel of judges comprised of County staff, a local filmmaker and members of the media closely examined nearly 200 submissions and determined the following winners:

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

Details about the 2023 Uniquely Haldimand photo contest will be announced in the fall. More information on the Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest and a gallery of past winners is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/photocontest.

Community gathers at Caledonia Lions Hall to mourn Ontario Provincial Police Constable Greg Pierzchala

On Wednesday, January 4, 2023, members of Haldimand County Council, staff and the community gathered at the Caledonia Lions Hall to honour fallen OPP constable Grzegorz (Greg) Pierzchala.

The funeral service was broadcast live on the hall’s big screens for members of the public who wished to attend. Ward 2 Councillor and Deputy Mayor John Metcalfe welcomed attendees on behalf of Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley, who was in Barrie representing Haldimand County at the private service.

For members of the public who wish to express their sorrow but were unable to attend the viewing, a book of condolences will be available at the Haldimand County Administration Building in Cayuga until Friday, January 6, 2023. The book will then be collected and passed on to the OPP to share with PC Pierzchala’s family.

Haldimand County wishes to thank Rosa Flora and Zehr’s Caledonia for graciously donating floral arrangements, Tim Hortons (South Side) for supplying refreshments and the Caledonia Lions for providing the community space to gather, pay respects and mourn.