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Haldimand County Council approves 2024 Capital Budget

Haldimand County Council reviewed and approved the 2024 Tax-Supported Capital Budget and 10-year forecast on February 1, 2024. The Capital Budget outlines $48.8 million of infrastructure investments in 2024, with a total investment of $344.7 million over the next 10 years.

View an at-a-glance breakdown of Capital Budget 2024 highlights

The 2024 Capital Budget is heavily focused on enhancing municipal infrastructure with notable expenditures on roadway improvements, technology enhancements, upgrades to existing public amenities as well as the construction of a new multi-purpose community recreation facility (Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre).

2024 Capital Budget Highlights:

  • $18 million towards roadway and active transportation improvements like road reconstruction & resurfacing, gravel road conversions, bridge/culvert rehabilitations and other structure-related projects;
  • $15 million total towards the Hagersville Library & Active Living Centre (HL + ALC) project, the scope of which now includes construction of a full pavilion, new concession stand and outdoor washroom facilities in Grant Kett Park, adjacent to the HL + ALC site;
  • $1.8 million towards the purchase of one new fire pumper and a new tanker, plus $560,000 for two new ambulances;
  • $704,000 towards enhancing municipal arenas, including upgrades to refrigeration & ice maintenance equipment and replacing key building elements;
  • $900K towards tree conservation and re-forestation initiatives, such as the Downtown Street Tree Revitalization Program and general maintenance, removal, planting and care of urban trees;
  • $1.3 million for park and trail-related enhancements, including upgrades to ball park amenities and the development of a new on-road cycling lane on River Rd.;
  • $380K towards key technology upgrades (148K for website and communications-related enhancements and $235,000 on the rollout of critically important software solutions);
  • $250K towards the development of a Traffic Management Plan
  • $50,000 towards accessibility upgrades to municipal facilities.

Chief Administrative Officer Cathy Case noted that while the focus of the county’s annual capital investment continues to be ‘hard infrastructure’ like bridges, roads and facilities, there is a critical need for the organization to prioritize investing in technology.

“Expenditures with a concerted focus on updating technologies and software have been introduced into the 2024 budget and flagged as a corporate priority. As important as our bricks and mortar infrastructure is, it is equally imperative that we invest in the tools necessary to be future-focused, work efficiently, be competitive as an employer and ultimately provide residents with better access to municipal services, staff and data,” stated Case.

“Today, Council approved a budget that ensures we are investing strategically in the infrastructure needed to not only keep our communities safe and vibrant, but continue to deliver county services efficiently, to the standard of excellence our residents deserve,” stated Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley.

Similar to past years, the total capital levy, funded by property taxes, will increase from $21.8 million to $22.6 million in 2024 – an increase of $800,000, or approximately 1% of the overall 2023 municipal levy.

The total municipal levy for 2024 will be determined once the 2024 Tax-Supported Operating Budget is approved by Council.

The 2024 Tax-Supported Operating Budget will be presented to Council on Thursday, February 29, 2024 – 9:30 a.m. at the Haldimand County Administration Building.

More information on Haldimand County budgets can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/Financials/Budgets/.

Haldimand entrepreneurs awarded grants and mentorships to help spark new tourism ideas

Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism Division is pleased to announce that three Haldimand tourism businesses were awarded a seed grant and mentorship to help spark new tourism ideas in Haldimand County.

The county’s “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is a partnership initiative between the Tourism Innovation Lab, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, Haldimand County Tourism, Libro Credit Union, and the Grand Erie Business Centre. The program’s goal is to find, foster, and support new tourism ideas, experiences, and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits in the region.

Eleven Haldimand applications were received, with the top five selected to present their new tourism ideas at a virtual pitch session held on December 12th. A panel of partner representatives and a tourism innovator from outside the region selected the three winning applicants.

Each winner will be awarded a $3,000 seed grant and 3-month mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.

The 2023 Haldimand County “Spark” Program 2.0 winners are:

  • Jessica Lymburner & Blain Albin, Caledonia Chamber of Commerce (Enhancing Waterfront Experiences in Caledonia)
  • Natalie Strouth & Jan Vilaca, Door 25 (Taste like a Local, Door 25 Road Trip Getaway)
  • Justin Awde, Awdshire Village Resort (Awdshire Village Resort)

Haldimand Economic Development & Tourism along with Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation will be actively reaching out to work with all eleven program applicants to assist each of them in developing their business concepts further and bringing their ideas to reality.

Quotes

“The ‘Spark’ Program reflects our commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering growth within our tourism sector. These innovative ideas showcase the creativity and potential that exist within Haldimand County, enriching visitor experiences and supporting our local economy.” – Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Haldimand County Economic Development and Tourism.

“We’re delighted to witness the innovative concepts brought forth by Haldimand’s entrepreneurs through the ‘Spark’ Program. These initiatives exemplify the spirit of creativity and collaboration, aligning with our mission to drive forward-thinking tourism experiences in the region.” – Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead for the Tourism Innovation Lab.

“Supporting initiatives like those recognized by the ‘Spark’ Program is pivotal in showcasing the diverse and enticing offerings of Ontario’s Southwest. These projects underscore the region’s commitment to fostering unique, immersive visitor experiences that contribute to the vibrancy and allure of Haldimand County as a tourism destination.” – Joanne Wolnik, Executive Director for Ontario’s Southwest.

Flood Watch

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – The Long Point Region Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Watch message for all areas within its watershed.

A significant amount of precipitation has fallen in the Long Point Region watershed over the last 24 hours. The Long Point Region received between 25 and 30 mm of precipitation across the watershed. This precipitation combined with the melting snowpack are creating runoff, causing watercourses to exceed their banks creating localized flooding in floodplains, low-lying areas, and regions with poor drainage.

People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and ice and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be actively monitoring conditions throughout the weekend. Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updates flood messages. A flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

This message will be in effect until 12:00 pm Monday, January 29, 2024.

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.

Upcoming winter programs at Haldimand County Public Library

Haldimand County Public Library has an exciting lineup of programs this winter for residents of all ages, including a children’s reading program, a youth babysitter course, and adult craft sessions. For more information on library programming, contact a local branch or visit www.haldimandlibrary.ca.

Paws to Read

In partnership with Therapeutic Paws of Canada, the Library is offering an exciting literacy program designed to help children who would benefit from extra practice with their reading. Registered children come to the library each week at a pre-scheduled time and read to a certified team of dog and handler.

Children are encouraged to pick a book or books they enjoy or think the dog will enjoy and spend their 15-minute session reading to the specially-trained dog. Paws to Read dogs provide undivided attention to the children increasing a child’s confidence and boosting self-esteem in those who struggle to read aloud.

The program will be available at the Caledonia, Cayuga and Jarvis branches. Sessions run over four weeks and must be at the same time each week. Registration is required and space is limited. Interested participants can call the branch they wish to participate at or register in person. For more information, visit the library’s website.

Crafternoons 2024

Registration is now open at the Jarvis, Cayuga, Hagersville, Dunnville and Caledonia branches for Crafternoons – an adult-only crafting program during which participants are shown how to make a pre-selected craft. The program runs from 1-2 p.m. and all materials are provided unless stated otherwise. The cost to participate is $2. Registration is required and can be done at the library branches.

The February Crafternoon sessions will be making cuddly Valentine’s Day creatures. For more information, visit the Crafternoons page on the Library website.

February session dates:

  • Jarvis branch – Tues., Feb. 15
  • Caledonia branch – Tues., Feb. 20
  • Hagersville branch – Wed., Feb. 21
  • Dunnville branch – Thurs., Feb. 22
  • Cayuga – Fri., Feb. 23

2024 Red Cross Babysitting courses

Beginning February 1, Haldimand County youth aged 11-17 can register for March Break babysitting courses at the Cayuga and Dunnville library branches. The Red Cross course will run over two days from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Participants are required to attend both days and demonstrate a responsible and mature attitude to receive their certificate.

The cost of the course is $40 per person and registration must be completed in person at the library branch. Each course is limited to 12 people to ensure student safety and success.

The course is a nationally recognized program and is designed to help participants develop self-assurance, knowledge and skills required not only for babysitting duties but also when at home. Topics covered in the course include caring for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children as well as creating safe environments and how to handle emergencies.

March Break session dates:

  • Cayuga branch – Monday, Mar. 11 and Tuesday, Mar 12, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Dunnville branch – Thursday, Mar. 14 and Friday, Mar. 15, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Summer courses will also be offered with registration beginning on May 1. For more information, contact your local branch.

Flood Warning

FLOOD WARNING

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – The Long Point Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Warning message.

An intense low-pressure system is forecast to cross over the lower Great Lakes Region between Friday and Saturday. As a result, Lake Erie will see sustained winds from the southwest ranging from 50 to 60 km/hr and gusts of 70 km/hr Saturday.

With the forecasted winds, flooding is expected to impact low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries. Wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion can be expected from this event.

Haldimand County residents and businesses within LPRCA’s watershed should be aware flooding will reach Lake Erie Flood Stage 2. The public is advised to familiarize themselves with the flood warning zone mapping on the Haldimand County website: Lake Erie Flood Zones in Haldimand County (arcgis.com)

The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels, and to follow the direction of local flood coordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be actively monitoring conditions throughout the weekend. Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updates flood messages. A flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

This message will be in effect until 8:00 pm Sunday, January 14, 2024.

Flood Watch

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Watch message.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) storm surge model forecast for the eastern end of Lake Erie is indicating a rise in lake levels just above the threshold of Lake Erie Flood Zone 1. The passage of a strong low pressure system is expected to bring high winds to Lake Erie on Saturday.

The lower Great Lakes are expected to see sustained winds of 45 to 60 km/hr from the south and southwest with gusts up to 90 km/hr on Saturday. The peak elevation of the surge is forecast to occur Saturday evening but lake levels are expected to be high through most of the day.

The public is asked to stay away from the Lake Erie shoreline due to strong wave action and elevated water levels, and to follow the direction of local flood coordinators and emergency officials. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be actively monitoring conditions throughout the weekend. Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updates flood messages. A flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

This message will be in effect until 12:00 pm Sunday, January 14, 2024.

11th Annual Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest Winners Announced

Haldimand County has announced its 2023 Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest winners.

A panel of judges closely examined nearly 100 submissions and determined the following winners:

1st Place:
The Bridge by John Wallace		2nd Place:
There’s No Place Like Home by Lori Hobin
Photo of Caledonia Mill and BridgeLarge tree in front of a house
3rd Place:
Chasing Rainbows in the Country by Kim Spurr		Honourable Mention:
Fireworks over the Grand by Anand Kasote
Rainbow over a tree and fieldsFireworks over the Caledonia Bridge

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

More information on the Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest and a gallery of past winners is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/photocontest.

Free English as a Second Language program expands to Hagersville library branch

Haldimand County Public Library has expanded their partnership with Mohawk College to offer the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program in Hagersville, in addition to the existing Caledonia program. LINC is a free, in-class program that will provide eligible adult newcomers with success-oriented language instruction.

The LINC program will take place at the Hagersville library branch (13 Alma Street North) on Wednesdays from 5 – 8 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., beginning Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

Participants will improve their speaking, reading, and writing skills in English while learning about Canadian culture and more. They will also have access to one-on-one education, employment, and wellness support.

Individuals who are interested in this program must be:

  • A permanent resident of Canada, a protected person (with a “Notice of Decision”), a Ukrainian temporary resident or their dependent;
  • 18 years of age or older;
  • Living in Ontario.

Classes are also continuing to run at the Caledonia library branch (100 Haddington Street) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 – 9 p.m., beginning Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

To learn more about the Hagersville or Caledonia programs, eligibility criteria, or to register, contact Mohawk College at LearnEnglish@mohawkcollege.ca or visit mohawkcollege.ca/HaldimandLINC.

Haldimand County Council approves 2024 Water & Wastewater Budget

On December 7, 2023, Haldimand County Council reviewed and approved the 2024 Rate-Supported Operating & Capital Budget. Otherwise known as the Water & Wastewater Budget, this important strategic document ensures that reliable, safe, clean and affordable potable water is available to residents across the County. New water & wastewater rates take effect on January 1, 2024.

This Rate-Supported Budget deals exclusively with water and wastewater treatment initiatives & is funded directly by user rates (with no financial support from property taxes).

The 2024 budget includes $67.5 million in capital expenditures on the water side, $52 million of which is for the Nanticoke Water Treatment Plant Capacity Expansion project and fully recoverable from Norfolk County. In addition, $3.9 million has been set aside for expenditures on the wastewater side to maintain, improve and optimize the operation of existing systems and to add capacity in response to growth.

Over the 10-year capital forecast period there is approximately $227 million allocated for enhancements to municipal sewer and water infrastructure.

Major projects slated for 2024 include, but are not limited to:

  • Nanticoke Water Treatment Plant capacity expansion project (engineering)
  • Lake Erie Industrial Park wet well pumping refurbishments
  • Caledonia Standpipe interior relining
  • Caledonia North water storage expansion
  • Highway #6 Transmission main twinning
  • Dunnville Water Treatment Plant roof replacement

The average residential combined water & wastewater user will see a slight increase of about $1.41 (1.64%) on their average monthly bill and all bulk services (i.e. water depot, septic holding treatment, etc.) will increase by 3%.

Factors impacting the 2024 Rate-Supported budget and user rates include:

  • an increase to Ontario Clean Water Agency and Veolia water and wastewater operations contracts based on annual inflationary increases and rising chemical costs;
  • increases to the rate the City of Hamilton charges Haldimand County for water and increased consumption of water (due to growth), and;
  • the addition of an Asset Management and Improvement Manager to focus on water and wastewater program enhancements.

Overall, Haldimand’s water & wastewater rates remain below the provincial average due to ongoing strategic planning efforts and diligent asset management practices. Over the Term of Council (2023-2027), rates are expected to remain stable due to a comprehensive, long-term infrastructure maintenance/rehabilitation schedule and a projected increase in user growth.

Council will next review the Tax-Supported Operating & Capital Budgets on the following dates:

Tax-Supported Capital Budget: February 1, 2024

Tax-Supported Operating Budget: February 29, 2024

More information about County budgets, user fees/rates and taxes is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/financials.

Depiction of 2024 Rate-Supported Budget highlights.