The County’s annual Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest – now in its 9th year – will be accepting entries from October 15 to December 1, 2021. Residents and visitors are invited to submit photos of Haldimand’s beautiful environment, architecture and vibrant community life for a chance to win some great local prizes.
With 87km of gorgeous Lake Erie waterfront, the Grand River, sprawling countryside and charming towns, Haldimand County is one of the most picturesque destinations on Ontario’s southwest coast. Its abundance of outdoor recreation options, scenic lookouts, community events, historic sites and culinary experiences make it an incredible place to live, explore and photograph.
To be eligible, photos must depict a scene within Haldimand County. They must be original, digital high resolution photos no more than two years old and not previously published. Participants may submit their photos via the online submission portal at photocontest.haldimandcounty.ca.
Photos must be submitted by Wednesday, December 1 and comply with all rules and regulations.
A panel of judges comprised of county staff, community members and local media will closely examine all submissions in December. Four winners will be announced prior to the end of 2021 with 1 Grand Prize, 1 Second Prize and 2 Honorable Mentions awarded.
Prizes include gift certificates for unique culinary experiences and local shops.
Winning photographs will be featured in an exhibit within the new Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre and displayed permanently on the County website.
As part of the planned replacement of the Hagersville Public Library and in recognition of the need for more accessible public spaces given the community’s significant growth, Council has authorized staff to initiate a community capital fund-raising campaign and proceed with community consultations/other activities to support the construction of this new multi-purpose facility.
Hagersville has been identified as the second-fastest-growing urban community in Haldimand and has a shortage of accessible public buildings for recreation, leisure and community socialization. The current community hall is approximately 100 years old and has challenges associated with accessibility and functionality.
The existing Hagersville Public Library, while enjoyed by residents since 1945, is limited in terms of accessibility, programming, services and parking.
The new, integrated facility is intended to be located in Hagersville’s Grant Kett Park, a large downtown green space which already includes the arena, three ball diamonds and a natural amphitheatre used for events. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.
Residents are encouraged to register and attend one of four open house sessions to learn more about the project and provide input into the design of this new community asset.
Four half-hour sessions are being held on Wednesday, October 20 at the Hagersville Community Centre (62 Main Street South) from 6 to 6:30 p.m., 6:45 to 7:15 p.m, 7:30 to 8 p.m. or 8:15 to 8:45 p.m.
In keeping with provincial and public health guidelines, registration will be limited to 25 participants per session, and proof of vaccination will be required in accordance with provincial guidelines.
Haldimand continues to grow. By 2041, the population is expected to increase to approximately 68,000 and by 2051, that number is likely to climb to 77,000. In order to meet community needs resulting from this growth and anticipated demographic changes, Haldimand County Council has also directed staff to undertake a Major Community & Recreation Facility Needs & Implementation Strategy.
Separate from the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre, this feasibility study/analysis will be conducted to identify and prioritize additional community wellness and recreation needs associated with the County’s 20+ year growth forecast, including locations and components.
Watch for upcoming opportunities to share your thoughts and input into this important process.
Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre in Caledonia welcomes back children this August for lots of fun-filled activities and adventures!
Join in the excitement and explore workshops with various themes from arts and science to mystery and mayhem including:
August 10: Mad Science – To Infinity and Beyond: Shoot for the stars and explore the universe with us!;
August 12: Art Attack – Hands-on painting, drawing and sculpting;
August 17: Who Dunnit? – A special Edinburgh Square Mystery featuring Wade the Wandering Heron;
August 18: Eco-Art in the Square – The wonderful world of ecology, insects, animals and plants; and,
August 19: Castles and Dragons – A magical, medieval adventure awaits young Ladies, Lords, and Knights.
The Centre’s staff have taken care to ensure the safety of its young participants, with staff following protocols established by the Provincial and Haldimand Norfolk Public Heath Units including smaller group sizes, health screening, hand washing, mask wearing, physical distancing and increased facility cleaning.
Summer Discovery Days take place at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre, 80 Caithness Street East, Caledonia. Workshops are suitable for children aged 6 to 10 years and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cost is $27.50 per child and registration is available online at www.link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Cayuga Administration office.
For additional information contact the Centre at 905-765-3134.
On Tuesday, October 5th at 7 PM join fellow Haldimand County readers for a virtual author visit with Carolyn Huizinga Mills as she discusses her first novel The Good Son. Already an award-winning children’s author, the former Dunnville resident has written her first adult novel and it promises not to disappoint.
The Good Son is a psychological thriller following Zoe Emmerson as her world is turned upside-down when, after thirty years, the murder of her six-year-old neighbour is reopened. At the time, Zoe didn’t share information that indicated that her brother may have been involved – she was young and scared and was unsure what exactly she saw. But the knowledge has always haunted her and now, as her past and present collide, she is forced to face a difficult truth.
Copies of the book can be borrowed from your local library branch. Anyone wishing to join the virtual event is asked to register by calling his or her local library at 289-674-0400 or by e-mailing kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca
We have had tremendous success in Haldimand-Norfolk as we continue through with the vaccination programs. The staff and volunteers have been dedicated, professional and courteous, making the experience for everyone as flawless as possible. We have received plenty of positive feedback regarding the process and we thank you for taking the time to thank those on the frontlines.
At present, over 120,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across both counties, with almost 65% of residents fully vaccinated. The Ministry of Health is aiming for all communities across the province to have 80% of the population with first dose, and over 75% of the population fully vaccinated by early August.
All residents with a second dose appointment booked for August, September or October who are 28 days past their first dose are being asked to book an appointment at a closer date. Appointments are available in various locations and may be booked using the HNHU’s Online Booking Tool or by calling the Health Unit’s Vaccine Hotline at 519-427-5903.
I urge those of you who are holding out to reconsider and think about your family and your community. While I can appreciate the decision being yours to make, your decision not only impacts you, it impacts those of us around you and we must ensure that we can withstand another potential wave. For the sake of our children who need to reacquaint themselves with traditional schooling; our businesses who need to bring much needed revenue for their families; our sporting programs that help our community stay health and vibrant both physically and mentally, lets pull together and be one of the leading areas in vaccinations in Ontario.
As we move into the fall, we are transitioning out of the arenas to make way for the sporting programs and will be working towards providing vaccination clinics in a variety of places throughout both counties.
Caledonia Protest Update
As you all know, the developer has begun the process of refunding deposits to those poor home owners who have been cheated of their dream. This is not them abandoning the site, as we still believe that they hold legal title to the lands in dispute. This is a respectful decision to allow the potential homeowners to make future decisions that best serve them.
If and when the Province and the Federal government move forward and not just engage those on Six Nations with some meaningful dialogue but also stand behind the land registry system that guides all of us accordingly, we will then start to see progress.
Whether you are a homeowner, a developer, or a municipality following the planning process, you should be able to count on the regulations and policies set out to guide the final outcome of owning your dream home.
I continue to support my friends on Six Nations who truly deserve an outcome on their long time outstanding claims, but I will never support the methodology that has been employed on Douglas Creek Estates or Mackenzie Meadows or any of those involved in such acts of disobedience.
I will continue to lobby those at the Province to engage leaders on Six Nations and to bring the Feds to account on the actual claims that are legitimate and will continue to show Haldimand, of which Caledonia is in, being a great place to live, to work, to play and mostly to raise a family.
Haldimand Museums is excited to announce the reopening of its three sites to the public following recent pandemic closures.
As of Tuesday July 27, Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum in Selkirk and Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre in Caledonia will be open to visitors, along with the already-reopened Heritage Centre located in the Cayuga Public Library.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to check out a diverse range of on-site and online programming and activities for the summer and fall, including:
You Can’t Live Without It, the newest exhibit at the Heritage Centre—located at 19 Talbot Street, Cayuga—runs until September 30 and highlights the history of advertising and how this form of communication was and is used by businesses to promote their wares and activities.
On August 18 at 1:00 pm, join Heritage Centre staff via Zoom for the presentation Historical Kitchen Gardens, which looks at how early settlers tended their kitchen gardens, a vital part of their families’ survival. Advance registration at www.link.haldimandcounty.ca.
Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre (80 Caithness Street, Caledonia) tips its cap to the history of headgear with A Head for Fashion, an exhibition featuring some very unique hats, their significance and the stories they tell.
Edinburgh Square will also be offering in-person its popular summer Discovery Days workshops for children during the month of August – from arts and science to mystery and mayhem. Check out www.link.haldimandcounty.ca for a complete list of Discovery Days programs and to register.
Stop by the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum to experience The Life and Times of Lyric Poet Wilson MacDonald, with displays highlighting the history of rural education and the heritage of the surrounding community. This original one-room school house is located at 3513 Rainham Road, Selkirk.
Registration for all Haldimand Museums programs and special events is open, and residents and visitors can reserve their space using the County’s online reservation system www.link.haldimandcounty.ca or by visiting the Haldimand County office in Cayuga.
Pandemic-related protocols which allow patrons to safely explore our local arts, heritage and culture remain in place. Visitors to Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum and Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre will be required to wear a non-medical face mask and physical distance while on site. Visitors are encouraged to book their visit in advance where possible. A maximum number of four patrons may be admitted at one time, with each visit limited to 45 minutes. Visitors without a prior reservation may be admitted if capacity allows.
At this time, the archives and reference collections located within the Haldimand Museums sites and all in-person services will remain closed until further notice. These services continue to be available upon request through email at museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.
In February, Canadian Tire Corporation announced an additional $12 million commitment to Jumpstart’s Sport Relief Fund to help sport and recreation organizations build back sport and play in Canada.
Jumpstart conducted a State of Sport study via Ipsos, which revealed the pandemic has not only impacted current access to sport and play but has real long-term effects, as well. Haldimand County and the communities it serves have experienced this impact of the pandemic first-hand.
Recently, Haldimand County was pleased to receive confirmation that it is among the more than 500 national sport and recreation organizations to be provided with grant support through the latest round of Jumpstart’s Sport Relief Fund. In 2021, Jumpstart has already distributed in excess of $9 million in funding to more than 800 organizations across Canada through the fund.
“We are very grateful to receive this news as we know the funding will have a positive impact on our local youth programming,” says Lynda Kissner, Supervisor of Programs & Events. “In Haldimand County, we plan to use the funding towards the introduction of the Louise Brown & Ross Brown Juniors Tennis Program, which will be made available free of charge to youth ages 8 to 18 years.”
For more information about the new tennis program, please check the County’s website at www.haldimandcounty.ca.
Haldimand County is excited to announce the introduction of the Louise Brown & Ross Brown Juniors Tennis Program, geared towards youth ages 8 to 18 years of age and available from August 3rd to September 2nd in Caledonia, Dunnville and Jarvis.
The program, which will be coordinated by David Brown—who represented Canada in the Davis Cup—is named after his late mother, a top-notch provincial and Canadian tennis champion, and father.
Louise Brown learned to play tennis in her hometown of Dunnville. Her passion for the sport helped her win the Canadian Open women’s singles and doubles titles in 1957 and she ranked in the Top 10 in Canadian women’s tennis for 26 years. Throughout a tennis career that spanned more than four decades, Louise won more than sixty Canadian singles and doubles titles. Her husband, Ross, served in the R.C.A.F. from 1939 to 1945 and was the President of the Ontario Tennis Association from 1965 to 1970.
The goal of the new program is to introduce youth to the sport and teach them the fundamentals of the game. Participants will benefit from lessons led by a highly-qualified group of dedicated tennis professionals. “I’m very excited at the opportunity to come back to Haldimand County and share my family’s passion for the sport of tennis with our younger residents,” says Brown.
Thanks to the support of Canadian Tire Jumpstart’s Sport Relief Fund—which helps provide access to sport and play for Canadian youth—and Wilson Sporting Goods, the Louise Brown & Ross Brown Juniors Tennis Program will be offered free of charge to participants, including equipment (racquets and balls).
For more information, or to register (registration opens Wednesday, July 21), please check the County’s online registration system at link.haldimandcounty.ca.
Haldimand County is pleased to announce the official launch of its newest outdoor public art initative on Saturday, July 10.
The 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.
Haldimand County residents and visitors will be inspired by 24 unique designs created by 23 local artists who used wooden paddles—hand made by high school students—to create art portraying the area’s natural landscapes, wildlife, history and much more.
The paddles have been installed throughout the County with the generous assistance of Dunnville Silo. Haldimand County also gratefully acknowledges the support of Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) for tourism businesses in southern Ontario in completing the project.
For those interested in a self-guided tour of the PATH, a map of the locations, as well as contest information for anyone who manages to visit all or most of the sites, can be found on the County’s website. Printed copies of the map may be picked up at the Haldimand County Administration Building, Libraries or by calling 905-318-5932 extension 6370.
When you are out enjoying these public spaces, please comply with current public health orders and maintain physical distancing at all times.
If you’re looking to make new summer memories, the Haldimand Playbook—which hit resident mailboxes this week and is also available online—is your guide to our County and all it has to offer.
The Playbook includes information about registering for summer aquatics and camp programming, heritage and culture workshops and Library programming.
If you’d rather take a less scheduled approach to your plans, visit our splash pads or wading pool to cool off on a hot day. Enjoy our parks and greenspaces including skate parks, ball diamonds, tennis and multi-use courts and picnic areas in several communities as well as disc golf in Caledonia’s LaFortune Park. Visit one of our many trails and pathways throughout the County and along the Grand River.
If tennis is something you’ve always wanted to try, the County is hosting an Introduction to Tennis program, offered in Caledonia, Dunnville and Jarvis. Check the County’s website for more details.
For anyone looking to explore the farthest reaches of the County there are two new tours: the geotour is suitable for adventurers of all ages and skill levels, with twenty geocaches stashed throughout Haldimand, while the public art tour is a County-wide display of 24 handmade wooden paddles painted by local artists. Details are available online and both tours include ongoing contests.
Remember to stop and enjoy a meal or snack at our local eateries, or hit the local shops to experience the County’s many unique offerings as you build out your Haldimand experience.
As always during these unusual times, we ask that you follow the current provincial and public health COVID-19 guidelines when visiting our parks, facilities and trails or participating in programming and activities. Please be respectful of others and do not litter; dispose of garbage or take out what you brought in.
The Playbook also includes a survey—on the back cover or online—about how the County can better stay connected to you. Please let us know how we can best communicate with you!
