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Haldimand County Public Library Launches Child & Youth Summer Reading Programs and Take-Home Activity Kits

The TD Summer Reading Program and library summer programing is back at all 6 Haldimand County Public Library branches.

Children aged 0-12 years can register for the Junior Reading Club, and those over 12 years of age can register for the Teen Reading Club. For every library book a child or teen reads, a ballot will be issued for entry into cash prize draws held at the end of summer. Participants fill out and return the ballots to the branch at which they registered. Contact your local library branch in August to find out draw dates.

Junior Summer Reading Club participants will be eligible for cash prizes of $100, $50, and $25 being awarded at each library branch. Participants in the Teen Summer Reading Club will be eligible for one of three $100 cash prizes or one of six $50 cash prizes. It’s the perfect time to get reading!!

This summer, library branches will also offer Take-Home Activity Kits. These kits include amazing crafts and activities based on this year’s Summer Reading Club theme “Game On!” Six unique kits will be available in July and six unique kits will be available in August. Multiple kits can be requested at the same time but with a limit of one unique kit per child. These free kits are available while supplies last.

July take-home activity kits:

  • Tic-Tac-Toe
  • Yahtzee
  • Design your Own Board Game
  • Frisbee
  • DIY Twirly Whirly Toy
  • Baby Yoda

August take-home activity kits:

  • Butterfly Candy Holder
  • Jumping Frog Game
  • Sun Visor Craft
  • Minecraft Swords
  • Backyard Scavenger Hunt
  • Chalk Challenge

To reserve your activity kit or to register for the Junior or Teen Summer Reading Clubs, visit your local library or call your local branch at 289-678-0400.

The Library gratefully acknowledges the support of our summer program sponsors: TD Bank Financial Group, Dunnville Rotary Club, Optimist Club of Haldimand, Caledonia Men’s Club, Friends of the Dunnville Library and Friends of the Jarvis Library.

Haldimand County Council Opposes Use of Haldibrook Road for City of Hamilton’s Truck Route Master Plan

At the Council meeting held on June 28, 2021, Haldimand County Council passed the following resolution:

THAT Haldimand County Council has reviewed the City of Hamilton’s draft recommended Truck Route Master Plan as outlined in the correspondence from the City of Hamilton sent on June 14, 2021;

AND THAT given the overwhelming public opposition, lack of adequate infrastructure to support truck traffic and the existence of a designated truck route in close proximity, Haldimand County Council is strongly opposed to Haldibrook Road being included as a proposed truck route in the City of Hamilton’s Truck Route Master Plan.

Notice of the passing of this resolution will be sent to the City of Hamilton.

The City of Hamilton is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of their Truck Route Master Plan. More information regarding the project, including how residents can participate and provide comments, can be found at engage.hamilton.ca/trmp

Haldimand & Norfolk Counties Opt Out of Canborough Landfill Facility Proposal

Haldimand County Council and Norfolk County Council, as joint owners of the Canborough Landfill Facility located at 499 James Road Dunnville, considered an unsolicited proposal made by a private sector entity for the use of the property.  After deliberations, both Councils agreed to not accept the proposal. In accordance with the conditions of the offer, the details will remain confidential.

Haldimand County Receives AA Stable Credit Rating, Re-Affirms Financial Health

On May 13, 2021, Standard & Poor’s completed its annual update and review of Haldimand County’s financial credit rating. Based on their review and despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the County’s fiscal position, Standard and Poor’s has affirmed the County’s “AA Stable” credit rating.

Over the past years, the County’s credit rating has gone from a “low” of “A Negative” to the current “AA Stable” rating. This is very positive news and a testament to the sound financial policies and principles adopted by Council and managed by staff.

Several factors impact the credit rating of a municipal government. Standard and Poor’s Rating Service evaluates approximately 35 Canadian municipalities, 1 Territory and 9 Provinces, in addition to many international entities. Municipal ratings are based on six main categories: institutional framework; economy; financial management; budgetary performance; liquidity; and debt burden.

“Haldimand County’s financial health is an accomplishment that Council is proud of. Prudent fiscal management and investment decisions have a significant impact on the County’s ability to invest in community infrastructure and deliver quality services,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

“Today, Haldimand County is in an excellent financial position to provide quality public services while making strategic investments in infrastructure to not only maintain, but also enhance the quality of life for residents,” he added.

To learn more about Haldimand County’s financial health, visit HaldimandCounty.ca/financials.

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

Grandview Lodge Receives $3 Million In Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program Funding

In 2020, Grandview Lodge applied for grant funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – COVID 19 Resiliency Infrastructure Stream for Long Term Care Homes (ICIP). Grandview was approved for the full $3,223,000 requested, which will be used to replace HVAC infrastructure at the home.

“This contribution is one of the largest ever received by Haldimand County and we are very grateful to both federal and provincial governments for providing this opportunity,” said Cathy Case, General Manager of Corporate & Social Services.

“This $3M plus in funding will fill a large gap in the County’s capital budget program and will take any burden related to the costs of this replacement project off of local taxpayers,” Case added.

Case noted that a new and improved HVAC system at Grandview Lodge will benefit staff, residents and their families by increasing infection and prevention control measures throughout the home. Work on the HVAC system replacement will begin immediately.

$120 million was recently added to the provincial and territorial agreements of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support ventilation improvement projects in public buildings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For the Grandview HVAC replacement project, the ICIP funding contribution from the federal government totals $2,578,400 and the provincial contribution is $644,600.

For more information on the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, visit the Infrastructure Canada website.

To learn more about Grandview Lodge, visit HaldimandCounty.ca/grandview-lodge.

 

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

County Seeking Public Input On Official Plan Update, Asks Residents To Help Shape Haldimand’s Future

Haldimand County is in the process of updating its Official Plan to conform with new Provincial policies. Once complete, the updated Plan will guide growth and development in Haldimand for the next 30 years – to 2051. Staff are seeking community input on proposed updates to the Plan, including growth strategies for the County’s 6 urban centres.

Currently, there are two ways for community members to get involved:

  1. Official Plan Update Facilitated Workshop #1
    Date/Time: November 30, 2020 from 6:15pm to 9pm
    Location: Virtual meeting (Zoom session)
    Details: This virtual workshop will focus on key trends impacting Haldimand County, participants’ aspirations for the County and two themes: the economy and growth management. To pre-register for this workshop, complete the form at HaldimandCounty.ca/opupdate, e-mail planning@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call 905-318-5932 ext. 6209. The virtual meeting link will be provided to participants upon registration.
  2. Online Public Information Centre – Official Plan Update Phase 1 – Growth Strategy
    Date/Time: November 18 to December 18, 2020
    Location: Online via HaldimandCounty.ca/opupdate
    Details: Members of the public are encouraged to review information materials posted on the County website and provide feedback by December 18. Information materials include information boards, updated growth forecasts, community and employments land needs information and proposed boundary changes for the County’s six urban centres. Pre-registration is not required.

There will be further opportunities to get involved in the Official Plan Update and provide feedback in 2021.

“Community feedback is vital because it provides staff with an understanding of what’s important to residents when it comes to their County’s future. These insights offer important perspective on what our priorities should be as we manage continuing growth,” said Mike Evers, General Manager of Community & Development Services.

To learn more about the Official Plan and how the update process works, visit www.HaldimandCounty.ca/opupdate.

County-Wide Broadband Internet Project Moving Forward, Network Construction Timelines Announced

Since 2019, Haldimand County has been working to secure a vendor capable of delivering high-speed internet to all under-serviced areas within the community. In June 2020, KWIC Internet was announced as the successful proponent and network construction planning is currently underway.

In the months ahead, Haldimand County staff and KWIC project leaders will be working closely to coordinate the installation of necessary infrastructure, including fibre trenching. KWIC will also be facilitating community consultations to determine the best placement for fixed wireless towers. Public consultation notices will be delivered to initial project build areas throughout December 2020.

Fibre construction is expected to begin in mid-late January 2021 (weather permitting) and wireless tower construction in early February 2021 (also weather permitting). Based on these timeframes, it is anticipated that services for homes and businesses in the western part of Haldimand County will start becoming available during the first half of 2021.

As network construction progresses and the project moves forward, KWIC and Haldimand County will keep residents informed of more area-specific timelines. Over the project’s 5-year timeframe, broadband services will be made available to all of Haldimand County’s under-serviced areas (areas that do not have access to unlimited broadband internet with minimum download/upload speeds of 50/10 Mbps).

“We are very excited to see this project get off the ground and look forward to working with residents and stakeholders to deliver safe, efficient, industry-leading services that empower Haldimand County to connect like never before,” said Mark Rapley, KWIC Internet’s Director of Operations.

Bringing broadband internet to rural communities is one of Council’s top priorities for the 2018-2022 term. “Council is extremely pleased to see this critically important initiative move forward. It is especially welcome news given the rapid digital shift we’ve seen over the past few months and the increasing need for individuals, families and businesses to have reliable, affordable internet,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

All project-related information is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/broadband and updates will be posted here regularly.

 

Statement from Mayor Hewitt and Council regarding Caledonia protest

Well, if there was any doubt regarding the peaceful approach of these protestors – actually professional agitators as some could be called – we have seen clearly their real actions and their complete disregard for public infrastructure and the officers sworn to protect and serve the public. Their actions are despicable and unforgivable in a time where our first responders should be given the utmost respect in helping our communities through these difficult times.

To suggest that the OPP started a confrontation giving these individuals the idea to strip the very rights of those living in Caledonia by the destruction of several main roads is completely preposterous and further demonstrates that other agendas exist. Violence is not being promoted by the OPP, the courts or us locally. The violence exists with those that were clearly seen on video by the OPP.

OPP do not just start firing weapons into crowds because they are bored. Those insinuations are purely an effort to garner support of their misguided decisions. These same peaceful protestors, despite our efforts, have to date said “NO” to both OPP and Six Nation Police escorting Hydro workers in to restore power from the burned out pole for residents living on the adjacent farm. They currently are running on a generator to provide heat and hydro to their home since the incident. That is the true picture of the people that some feel obliged to support. They should take a harder look a their own actions.

Another very disturbing issue and the only thing that I can agree with the protestors on is that no one has heard any responses from the Federal government who carries all the weight in terms of discussions to be had with members of Six Nations. It is disgusting that with all the pleas from all parties we still have no engagement from them.

I have been in contact with the Provincial Minister Greg Rickford and he agrees with the position of getting the Federal government involved to engage leaders on Six Nations.

People have asked “what can be done?” I encourage you to in every possible way contact both the Provincial and Federal governments. They must engage, they must put forth a path to get this into a board room and off our streets.

 

Caledonia Protest Update

On Thursday, October 22, 2020, following the granting of permanent injunctions to Foxgate Developments and Haldimand County to prohibit the continued occupation of the development site in Caledonia or on municipal property, a group of protestors began illegal and violent actions to block and vandalize municipal and Provincial property and roads.

While Haldimand County has consistently supported the need for senior levels of government to address outstanding indigenous land claims in our area, the actions of a few that flaunt our basic institutions and the rule of law must be condemned. No matter how important an issue may be, deliberately taking illegal actions that create chaos for others cannot be tolerated. The end does not justify the means in a civil society regardless of historic injustices.

Haldimand County is using all of its resources and influence with the Province, the Ontario Provincial Police and Six Nations to encourage and promote a peaceful restoration of the blocked roads and end to the illegal occupation of lands. We do not believe that the actions taken yesterday reflect the values of the wider Six Nations community, nor have the support of its leaders and we are hopeful that the community will similarly condemn the use of illegal tactics and take action to help resolve the matter quickly and peacefully.

Residents who are impacted by these actions are asked to remain calm and have patience as we work toward a resolution of this very fluid situation. The County is taking steps to ensure that fire and paramedic services remain available to respond quickly to any calls for service and that, as much as possible, adequate traffic management initiatives are in place and all services continue to be provided. Residents are encourage to visit www.haldimandcounty.ca for information on road closures and service changes that may occur as a result of the current situation.

Mayor Ken Hewitt said “we recognize how difficult and unfair it is to our community to regularly be dramatically impacted as pawns in a dispute in which we are not a party. The current road blockades and damage to them need to be resolved immediately and anyone who believes in a just and fair society where laws have meaning should be advocating to the Province to take appropriate steps in this regard.”

Statement from Mayor Ken Hewitt & Council regarding McKenzie Meadows occupation

A permanent injunction has been granted by Justice Harper to both Foxgate Developments and Haldimand County.

Sadly, Six Nations missed an opportunity today to bring both Crowns into court.  As I mentioned, Skyler had the opportunity to help further the cause that everyone on Six Nations has been long awaiting and hoping for.

His choice to continue to abuse the process and openly defy the court that was prepared to facilitate the Crown legally into the proceedings has let all of Six Nations and those in Caledonia affected down.

He does not want to be called a leader, but his actions over the past few months have warranted that and he has assumed a role with his postings, his ask for monies, and his support of violent actions that have transpired over time.

I have and will always support a process that brings the Nations together to adopt a transparent methodology that will advance the Haldimand Tract claims. It must be done peacefully and respectfully.   None of which would be consistent of the actions of those on McKenzie Meadows.

Striking a working table that can capture the needs of those on Six Nations and ensuring their voices are heard within the context of what could be Nation to Nation would be a positive step in achieving a solution. One that many people could get behind.

He has been clear that he does not lead his people, and I would agree with him on that. Most do not lead, but many follow. When decisions are made by people of influence, such as Skyler that ultimately affect others, it will bring scrutiny and many opinions. A decision made will never capture the interests of everyone especially one so polarizing as ongoing land disputes.

So again I would ask what is the true agenda of these protestors and Skyler? It is not to advance the claims process because they passed on that opportunity. Any argument made forthwith now carries no weight with respect to the outstanding claims that are in front of the Federal Courts.

Stay safe,

Mayor Ken Hewitt