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Haldimand County Emergency Services joins national week of action to help 9-1-1 callers #KnowExactlyWhere in an emergency with what3words app

From October 3 to 9, Haldimand County will be taking part in the #KnowExactlyWhere safety campaign to raise awareness of the free what3words app and how it can be effectively utilized in an emergency when calling 9-1-1 from an unknown location.

In an emergency, identifying precisely where help is needed is critical to getting resources to the scene quickly, however, this can be challenging when callers are in remote or unfamiliar areas, without street addresses or on unnamed trails. In these moments, emergency services can waste precious time and resources just trying to locate the person in need of help.

What3words provides a simple way to communicate a very precise location and across Canada the technology has been successfully used for everything from reporting fires and rescuing pets, to locating critically injured snowmobilers and hikers with pinpoint accuracy.

what3words has divided the world into a grid of 10ft squares and given each square a unique combination of 3 random words: a what3words address. For example, ///hampers/thesaurus/excited will take you to the main Haldimand County Administration Building at 53 Thorburn St S., Cayuga. These three words can be provided to an emergency dispatcher when calling 911.

The app is free to download for both iOS and Android devices, and works offline, making it ideal for use in areas with an unreliable data connection, such as hiking trails and campsites. what3words can also be used via the online map at what3words.com.

Teams across Canada have praised what3words innovative location technology for cutting response times when it matters most. Downloading the what3words app one of the simplest actions the public can take to support busy emergency response teams, and Haldimand County Emergency Services encourages residents to familiarize themselves with the free tool.

To date, what3words is available to over 50 emergency communication centres across Canada, with a presence in eight provinces and two territories.

what3words logo

October programs at Haldimand County Public Library

Haldimand County Public Library is offering something for everyone with three exciting programs this October. All programs are free and some require pre-registration.

Healthy Eating While Watching your Pennies

The Haldimand County Public Library and the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit are inviting residents to join Health Unit dietitians for a free, one-hour interactive and engaging workshop to discuss: strategies for cutting grocery bills without compromising taste or nutrition; how to interpret the Nutrition Facts Table and nutrition content claims on food items; and meal planning tips using pantry staples.

Upcoming Sessions:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. – Dunnville Library Branch
  • Thursday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. – Jarvis Library Branch

Pre-registration is required and can be done in person at any branch or by calling (289) 674-0400.

Author Visit with Constance e Bryce

Local Haldimand author Constance e Bryce will be sharing her latest book of poetry, It’s Different Now. This latest book, the last in her “Walking Among The Mighty” series, is a poetic commentary on recent political and social issues that have been in the news.

Constance will be at Dunnville Library branch on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p. m. Everyone is welcome and no registration is required.

Virtual Cooking Class with Chef Rabiya

Chef Rabiya from Rabi’s Grand Kitchen will be hosting a free virtual cooking class, via Zoom, on Monday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.  Novice and advanced chefs alike will be treated to step-by-step instructions for unique and delicious beef cutlets. Participants can cook along with Chef Rabi or simply observe and try the recipe later.

Pre-registration is required. Participants can purchase the necessary ingredients from their local grocery store using a list that will be sent one week before the session. To register, visit your local library branch or email kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

The Heritage Centre announces October program lineup

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga is pleased to offer an exciting and diverse lineup of programs for the month of October.

The cost for each presentation is $10 per person and the cost for 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.

Tuesday, Oct. 11  (6 p.m.) – Presentation: Phantom of Film
This presentation takes a look at some of the scariest films of all time. Horror films have existed for more than a century, with many early movies taking their inspirations from Gothic and horror literature authors such as Edgar Allan Poe (The Raven), Bram Stoker (Dracula) and Mary Shelley (Frankenstein).

Wednesday, Oct. 12 (1 p.m.) – Presentation: Radio Days
This presentation explores the history of radio and how it influenced Canada and Haldimand County. Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi first developed the idea of a radio, or wireless telegraph, in the 1890s and in 1897 received a  British patent for the radio. By 1919, the radio boom had begun and, over the next ten years, a vast array of programming choices became available, ushering in what became known as the “Golden Age of Radio.”

Tuesday, Oct. 18 (6 p.m.) – Presentation: Royal Weddings
There’s nothing quite like a royal wedding. The pomp, the splendour, the anticipation of the dress! This presentation takes a look at royal weddings and wedding dresses from history, which all influenced the way we say ‘I do’ today.

Wednesday, Oct. 19 (1 p.m.) – Tea & Presentation: Ghostly Tales of Haldimand County
Afternoon tea returns to the Heritage Centre. Attendees will enjoy homemade scones, sweet treats and a bottomless cup of tea followed by a presentation detailing some of Haldimand County and the surrounding areas’ most haunted places.

Tuesday, Oct. 25 (6 p.m.) – Ghostly Walking Tour
This annual ghost walk explores the haunted history of Cayuga. The walk will take place rain or shine; if the weather is inclement we will do a virtual walk.

Wednesday, Oct. 26  (1 p.m.) – Presentation: Things That Go Bump in the Night
This presentation explores the history of Halloween and how various cultures played a part in the celebrations.

For more information about programs and activities, contact the Heritage Centre at (905) 318-5932, ext. 6613 or email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand County seeking community feedback through Resident Satisfaction Survey

Haldimand County is continuing to develop its long-term Customer Experience and Communications Strategy and is looking for community input with a Resident Satisfaction Survey. The survey will ask residents to provide feedback on their experiences with County services and general perceptions related to the quality of life in the County.

“It’s important to identify where we are in order to plan where we need to go,” says Trish Cardwell, Manager, Customer Experience & Communications. “By gauging the overall satisfaction of our residents across all areas of service delivery, we can better ensure we are meeting the community’s needs and expectations going forward.”

The survey will be open online from September 27 to October 28, with hard copies available at any County Library branch and the County Administration Building in Cayuga. Results from the survey will assist the County in understanding current general levels of resident satisfaction, and help prioritize areas for improvement.

Haldimand County is committed to providing high-quality customer service, and this survey will help to create a larger picture of service delivery across the county to enable more efficient, cost-effective and accessible services for all residents.

Haldimand County votes 2022: advance polling and election day information

On October 24, eligible voters in Haldimand County will select who they want to represent them on Haldimand County Council in the 2022 municipal election.

Voting will take place between October 7 and 24 and residents are strongly encouraged to visit haldimandcounty.ca/election to confirm their voting eligibility and determine the voting option most convenient to them.

Voter List registration information

  • Residents – especially those who have recently moved to or within Haldimand County – are strongly encouraged to check that they are on the voters’ list as the data for the list is provided by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. A Voter List lookup tool is available on the County website.
  • Voter Notification Letters have been sent in the mail to all eligible electors. If for some reason you do not receive a voter notification letter, you may add yourself to the Voter List online at haldimandcounty.ca/election by Friday, October 21 at 12 p.m.
  • Residents who need assistance getting added to the Voter List may call the county at 905-318-5932 or e-mail election@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Advance internet voting – October 7 at 12:01 a.m. to October 23 at 11:59 p.m.

  • For the first time ever, internet voting will be offered for advance voting only beginning October 7 and ending on October 23 at 11:59 p.m.
  • To vote online, residents will need to have their Voter Identification Number and PIN provided in their Voter Notification Letter. A link to the online voting portal will be available at haldimandcounty.ca/election beginning October 7.
  • Eligible voters are strongly encouraged to vote online well in advance of the October 23 deadline. Eligible voters who require assistance voting online may call 905-318-5932 or e-mail election@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Advance in-person voting – October 12 to October 15

  • Advance polling stations will be open from October 12 – 15 and are a great way to avoid possible Election Day lineups.
  • A list of advance polling locations and operating hours are available at haldimandcounty.ca/election
  • Residents can vote at any advance polling station, regardless of their ward.

Election Day – October 24

  • A list of Election Day voting locations is available at haldimandcounty.ca/election
  • All polling stations are open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
  • Residents can vote at any Election Day voting location, regardless of their ward.

Other key details

  • Residents who are unable to make it in person to vote or vote by internet may assign a proxy to vote on their behalf. Instructions and proxy assignment forms are available on the county website.
  • In order to cast a ballot, residents must provide 1 piece of identification listing their name and qualifying address (e.g. driver’s licence, utility bill, mortgage statement, etc.). A list of acceptable ID is available on the county’s election website.
  • A list of certified candidates and candidates’ contact information is available on the county’s election page.

 

For additional information about Haldimand County’s 2022 Municipal Election, visit haldimandcounty.ca/election or contact the Clerk’s office.

Key details and reminders will be shared through the County’s social channels regularly leading up to the election.

Haldimand County’s innovative Community Paramedic Wellness Dogs program set to expand

Haldimand County’s Community Paramedic Wellness Dogs program is set to expand this fall after an overwhelmingly successful pilot run earlier this year. With encouraging reports from program participants of reduced stress and anxiety, and improved feelings of health and wellbeing, Haldimand is looking to grow the program’s reach through additional handlers, expanded on-call response, and increased Victim Services support.

“We’re thrilled to see this program taking off the way it has,” says Mike Evers, General Manager, Community & Development Services. “Having support dogs directly integrated into our EMS medical care to support clients, staff, and the community is quite unique and we’re proud to be among the first, if not the first, in the country to utilize this approach.”

Part of the County’s Community Paramedic Program, which delivers specialized service through community outreach, the Wellness Dogs program currently supports full-time medical clients, Haldimand County first responders and OPP West officers, Victim Services staff, Haldimand County community programming, Grandview Lodge and local hospitals, along with attendance at public festival and events.

“Our goal is to expand the number of dog handlers, from one to around eight, to increase our program capacity,” explains Community Paramedic and dog handler, Nicole Selby. “Currently, the partial capacity of one dog handler can meet the needs of about 15 full-time clients in addition to various community engagements. With eight handlers at full capacity, there’s potential for supporting up to 100 full-time clients, and providing a greater presence in the community.”

The program is funded through Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, with the service dogs generously donated by community partners. Haldimand County has one full-time service dog who was donated by Autism Dog Services (ADS) and three part-time therapy dogs who are loaned to the program from Tsaheylu Shepherds, K9 Fun Zone, and the Shapton Family. The County will be continuing to develop and maintain new and current partnerships to train and secure future dogs for the program.

Medical clients of the Wellness Dogs program are referred to the Community Paramedic Program by their physician or health care professional. For community outreach opportunities, such as school visits, hospital visits, and attendance at public events, facilities or program directors can contact cpwellnessdogs@haldimandcounty.on.ca for requests and more information.

Haldimand County announces return of Small Business Breakfast on October 20

Haldimand County, in partnership with the Haldimand Business Network, is pleased to announce the return of the Small Business Breakfast, which is being hosted by the Hagersville Chamber of Commerce. The free event will take place on October 20 at the Hagersville Community Centre from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and all local business owners are invited to attend.

This year’s guest speaker is hometown hero Becky Kellar, three time Olympic women’s hockey gold medalist. Becky, who was born and raised in Hagersville, will share an impactful and motivational message about the journey to excellence and how to challenge our limits, find our passion, believe in ourselves and grow on our own ‘path to gold’.

“We are pleased to partner with the Hagersville Chamber of Commerce and the Haldimand Business Network to reconnect with business owners across Haldimand County and to celebrate the impact each business makes in our communities,” says Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism.  “The Small Business Breakfast provides an important opportunity for business owners to network and celebrate one another.”

Breakfast will be served by Barin’s Kitchen of Hagersville. There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Local businesses and business organizations who wish to register may visit www.BusinessHaldimand.ca and follow the links for the Small Business Breakfast or reach out to opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca to RSVP.

County facilities to be closed September 19 in recognition of National Day Of Mourning

Following the federal government’s declaration of a public holiday and National Day of Mourning in recognition of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, Haldimand County will also recognize and observe September 19 as a one-time public holiday as a gesture of respect to the country’s Head of State.

County facilities will be operating under statutory holiday hours and closures, with limited exceptions.

  • Haldimand County Administration Building – CLOSED
  • Haldimand County Public Libraries – CLOSED
  • Arenas – OPEN (no room rentals prior to 4 p.m.)
  • Canborough Waste Management Facility – OPEN with regular hours
  • Grandview Lodge – OPEN with normal operating hours
  • Museums – CLOSED

There will be no impacts to garbage and recycling curbside collection.

All facilities will reopen as usual on Tuesday, September 20.

Trucks to Touch event returns September 18

The Week of the Child and Youth Committee of Haldimand-Norfolk present the return of the annual Trucks to Touch event in celebration of the children and youth in our community. The free family event runs from noon to 3 p.m. at the Jarvis Lions Park (18 James St. E.) on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022. The event provides an opportunity for children to get up close and personal to some interesting and exciting vehicles including:

  • Heavy equipment
  • Tractors
  • ATVs
  • Emergency vehicles

Other activities will include face painting, crafts, and characters in costume. The park will be closed to vehicle access during the event. No registration is required.

Haldimand County mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Haldimand County joins the people of the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who died Thursday, September 8, 2022. She celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year, marking 70 years on the throne making her the longest reigning monarch in British history.

“We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, whose monumental 70-year reign spanned many important moments in our Canadian history,” expresses Mayor Ken Hewitt. “While Haldimand County had never directly hosted The Queen on any of her 22 official visits to Canada, as Canada’s longest reigning Sovereign, many across the county have known no other monarch.  She has been a constant figure of resilience and strength for the people of Britain, Canada and the rest of the Commonwealth throughout decades of unprecedented change. On behalf of the County, I offer our deepest sympathies to The King, the Royal Family, and all who are mourning this historic loss.”

Flags at all County buildings have been lowered to half-mast and will remain at half-mast until after the funeral. Residents wishing to share their condolences can do so online on the Canadian Heritage website and Buckingham Palace page.

Queen Elizabeth II