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2023/2024 Respiratory Illness Season

The 2023/2024 Respiratory Illness Season is among us. While some people are suffering from seasonal allergies, others are suffering from colds and flus. The province, Haldimand County, and health officials would like to remind you that flu shots and both Covid vaccines and Covid boosters are available.

The overall risk posed by seasonal viruses this fall/winter is expected to continue to be atypical compared to pre-pandemic years based on observations from the southern hemisphere in summer 2023. We anticipate an early start to the influenza season, co-circulation of influenza A and B, and low-to-moderate Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) levels in most regions, including increased respiratory illness burden among pediatric populations. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. It can be serious, and both infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV that requires hospitalization.

Please utilize Health811 for non-urgent health inquiries and questions. Telehealth, walk-in clinics, virtual doctor appointments, and other resources are available for non-urgent matters, saving emergency rooms for urgent heath matters. Haldimand and Norfolk Health and Social Services are also offering vaccinations both by appointment and walk-in, as are some pharmacies.

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe, cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze, and stay home if you are not feeling well.

11th Annual Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest running October 16 – December 1, 2023

The County’s annual Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest – now in its 11th year – will be accepting entries from October 16 to December 1, 2023. 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.

Photos eligible for entry must depict a scene from within the boundaries of 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, accessible at photocontest.haldimandcounty.on.ca. Photos must be submitted by Friday, December 1 and comply with all rules and regulations.

A panel of judges comprised of both County staff, community members and local media will closely examine all submissions in December. Four winners will be announced prior to the end of 2023 with 1 Grand Prize, 1 Second Prize, 1 Third Prize and 1 Honourable Mention awarded.

Prizes include gift certificates for unique culinary experiences and local shops.

Winning photographs will be featured in an exhibit and displayed permanently on the County website.

Haldimand County curbside garbage collection contractor changes on October 16

The new curbside garbage collection contractor for Haldimand County, Norfolk Disposal Services Ltd., will begin collection on October 16, 2023. Residents should note that while their curbside collection day will not change, the time of day for their collection may be different. All garbage and recycling should be curbside before 7 a.m. on their collection day.

Residents in the Dunnville area may notice that their garbage is collected by Grand Disposal Services Ltd. as they have been subcontracted to collect this area on behalf of Norfolk Disposal Services Ltd.

For any questions about garbage or recycling collection, contact Haldimand County at 905-318-5932 or visit https://www.haldimandcounty.ca/garbage-recycling/. Download the Recycle Coach App for collection information and notifications.

Cayuga Heritage Centre unveils new exhibit, October program schedule

The Cayuga Heritage Centre is pleased to announce the launch of its newest exhibition, ‘Handle With Care’, along with its October program schedule.

Exhibition Talk: ‘Handle with Care’ – October 10

In this special presentation led by our museum curator, participants will learn about the history of fragile, useful objects we use in our daily lives and the process of setting up and caring for the precious items in Haldimand Museums’ collection – including 19th century ceramics, pottery, earthenware and porcelain. Visitors will have a chance to explore the exhibition upon arrival (6 p.m.) and celebrate its grand opening. There is no cost to attend.

Workshop: Preserving Your Family Photographs – October 21

Participants in this hands-on preservation workshop will learn how to keep their cherished family photographs intact for future generations. The workshop will include a discussion on the history of photography, how to identify vulnerabilities and apply preventive care techniques like an archivist! Please feel free to bring photos along for consultation at the end of the session. The workshop will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and take place in the Cayuga Heritage Centre’s Archive Room.

Community Voices Participatory Presentation and Community Paramedic Program K9 Visit – October 25

Join other history enthusiasts for a presentation exploring lesser-known families that have had roots in Haldimand County from time immemorial. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn about the genealogical research process and have a visit with our local emergency services’ wellness dogs.

This program will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Cayuga Heritage Centre programming room. Please note that a trained emergency services dog will be in the building.

Cemetery Walk – October 28

Discover the history and secrets of the Caledonia Methodist Cemetery on a guided walking tour. Learn about headstone symbiology and local family histories.  There are two timeslots available: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The cost for each program is $10/person unless otherwise specified. Pre-registration is required for all events. Register online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building at 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

Program offers mentorships and grants to “Spark” new tourism ideas for Haldimand County

A second round of the “Spark” Mentorship & Grants Program has been launched to encourage Haldimand County entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profit organizations to create new tourism ideas for the region.

The program provides selected applicants with mentorship, $3,000 in seed funds and additional partner support to help get them started. Previous Haldimand County recipients were selected to develop unique getaway packages, organic flower farm experiences and workshops, and a new festival.

Organizers are looking for new tourism ideas that will enhance Haldimand County’s current tourism offerings, create high-quality tourism experiences, address gaps in tourism products and services, motivate longer stays and repeat visits, and increase year-round visits and tourism spending. They are especially interested in ideas that connect with agritourism, culinary, cycling, Grand River and waterfront activation, and the winter season.

Applications will be accepted from October 5th to November 9th, 2023. Following a juried review process, finalists will be invited to a Pitch Session where three winners will be selected.

The Haldimand County “Spark” Program is a partnership between Haldimand County, Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization, Libro Credit Union, Grand Erie Business Centre and the Tourism Innovation Lab.

Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization
“Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization is excited to be partnering on the Haldimand County ‘Spark’ program once again. We’ve been inspired by the innovative ideas and results from the “Spark” program across the region to date, and we are eager to see what new ideas emerge through this year’s program in Haldimand County,” said Joanne Wolnik, Executive Director of Ontario’s Southwest Regional Tourism Organization.

Haldimand County
“We believe that every corner of Haldimand County holds untapped potential waiting to be discovered. With the return of the “Spark” program, we are ready to uncover and transform these ideas into unforgettable experiences,” said Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism at Haldimand County. “We encourage anyone with an idea to apply to reimagine tourism, spark creativity, and craft an even brighter future for our community and its visitors.”

Libro Credit Union
“At Libro Credit Union, we believe that collaboration empowers individuals and enriches communities. We recognize that small businesses play a vital role in fostering such collaboration and driving our local economies. Discovering partnerships like the one with the Haldimand County Spark program is truly gratifying, as it highlights the importance of supporting small businesses and startups in our community. Embracing innovative ideas like this is truly what excites us at Libro!” said Stacie Blakey, Community Manager at the Libro Credit Union – Caledonia Branch.

Grand Erie Business Centre
“The ‘Spark’ program has a history of success in helping to develop and foster new tourism businesses and entrepreneurs. We are happy to support this program and partner with everyone involved to encourage new tourism experiences to be developed and offered in our communities.” said Tauri Caputo, General Manager of the Grand Erie Business Centre.

Tourism Innovation Lab
“We are very excited to be launching a second round of the “Spark” program in Haldimand County,” said Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead of the Tourism Innovation Lab. “We have been inspired by the creativity, passion and innovative spirit of our previous Haldimand County program winners and look forward to the new ideas that will come forward.”

For more information on the Haldimand County “Spark” program and to register for an upcoming Info Session visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/Haldimand.

As Fire Prevention Week approaches, Haldimand County Fire Department reminds residents: “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.”

Fire Prevention Week runs from October 8-14 this year, and Haldimand County Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to promote this year’s theme, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire preventionTM.”

This year’s theme and awareness campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to mitigate the risk of kitchen fires.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in Canada. “Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires,” said Fire Chief Jason Gallagher. “This tells us that there is still much work to do when it comes to educating the public about ways to stay safe when cooking.”

Haldimand County Fire Department offers these key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire.

  1. Ensure your home has functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are installed to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  2. Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking, and never leave anything unattended. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  3. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
  4. Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least 1m around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
  5. When it comes to cooking with oil, shortening, or other fats, it’s crucial to be extra vigilant. One small mistake, such as overheating the oil or leaving a pot unattended, can quickly escalate into a dangerous kitchen fire. To prevent these kinds of fires, it’s important to keep pots and pans securely lidded to avoid splashing oil and never to leave cooking equipment unattended.
  6. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  7. Homeowners should be mindful of how they store their kitchen tools and utensils. Make sure that flammable materials, such as paper towels or dish towels, are stored away from the stovetop, and that utensils and tools are kept in a safe and secure location.

To find out more about fire prevention programs and activities in Haldimand, please contact the Haldimand County Fire Department at (905) 318-5932 ext. 6230 . For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking safety, visit www.fpw.org. For fire safety fun for kids, visit sparky.org.

Federal grant enables County website re-design project

Website redesign illustrationHaldimand County has embarked upon a website redesign project to develop a fully accessible, user-friendly website by December 2024. A public survey has been launched to collect resident input and will be open until November 3, 2023.

Haldimand County applied for funding through the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) in an effort to expedite compliance with website accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The county was successful in its application and awarded $96,000 to support the project.

Having previously deemed website improvements as one of six corporate priorities to achieve during the 2022-2026 term, Haldimand County Council green-lighted the project in February 2023.

Feedback regarding the county website has not gone unnoticed and staff are hoping to gain further insight from the community on needs and wants when it comes to accessing county information. As a first step, residents and businesses are invited to share their thoughts on the current website and their needs for the new site.

The online survey will be available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/PD9NXMS until November 3, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. The feedback from the survey will be used to develop the design and sitemap of a new site.

Residents can find updates and view the progress of the website project at www.haldimandcounty.ca/website/.

“We’re incredibly grateful to have received this grant from the federal government,” says Megan Jamieson, General Manager, Corporate & Social Services. “As a municipality, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve our services in ways that are meaningful to residents but also affordable. With the support of this grant, we’ll be able to ensure that all residents, of all ages and abilities will be able to access the information they need.”

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund.

Haldimand County Public Library congratulates Summer Reading Fun winners

Many Haldimand County children and teens spent a part of their summer vacation participating in the Haldimand County Public Library Summer Reading Program and Colouring Contest. Haldimand County is proud to express congratulations to the following winners:

Caledonia Branch
Rayner B.
Adelyn B.
Abigail F.
Bram S.
Derek B.
Alexa S.
Julia G.
William N.
Jaimee V.
Finley H.

Cayuga Branch
Bruce P.
Tyler R.
Hayley R.
Sara S.
Aric D.
Ellie Z.
Leah H.
Alice R.
Ivan M.

Dunnville Branch
Noah A.
Rory
Megan
Amelia
Jamie B.
Hannah
Darrell K
Audrey K.
Lucas K.

Hagersville Branch
Anna V.
Tessa V.
Tyse V.
Jayce D.

Jarvis Branch
Levi D.
Aaron V.
Bryce B.
Sawyer B.
Jonah W.
Piper M.
Dominic D.
Cadence B.

Selkirk Branch
Dax K.
Sullivan H.
Liam K.
Kaia P.
Wyatt K.
Makaya W.
Gideon R.

Four children and one teenager posing to celebrate winning library contest
Caledonia Winners: Back, L-R: Rayner B, William N, Adelyn B, Derek B. Front: Bram S.

Children show off the prizes they earned
Cayuga Winners: Back, L-R: Barb Booker (Children’s Programmer), Bruce P, Tyler R, Hayley R, Sara S.
Front, L-R: Aric D, Ellie Z, Leah H.

Two children holding their prize envelopes
Dunnville Winners: Audrey K. and Darrell K.

Haldimand County Public Library would like to thank the following businesses and organizations who sponsored this year’s Children’s Summer Reading Program: Hartwick Insurance, the Friends of the Dunnville Library,  the Friends of the Jarvis Library, The Caledonia Lions Club, The Hagersville Lions Club, The Selkirk Lions Club and Capital Power Corporation. The library would also like to thank the Dunnville Rotary Club for once again sponsoring the Teen Reading Program prizes and the TD Bank Group for funding program materials and theme promotions.

For more information on library programs, visit HaldimandLibrary.ca, e-mail kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call your local branch at 289-674-0400.

Earn volunteer hours as a Teen Reviewer for the Haldimand County Public Library

The Haldimand County Public Library is looking for high school students who are interested in earning volunteer hours by becoming a Teen Reviewer.

Teen Reviewers submit reviews of books, movies, eBooks, digital audiobooks, graphic novels, music, and/or video games that are owned by the Haldimand County Public Library. These reviews are then used to promote the library’s collection to other teens.

This is a volunteer opportunity that students can complete at home at a time that best suits their schedule between the months of October and June. To participate, students must fill out an application, which can be picked up at any Haldimand Library branch. Applications and reviews will not be accepted after June 1, 2024.

All volunteers must be between the ages of 14 and 18, have an interest in reading, watching or listening to items from the library, have the ability to communicate well with others through writing, and have a Haldimand County Library Card. Library cards are free for Haldimand residents.

For more information, visit the Teen Reviewer page on the Library website.

Fire Chief Jason Gallagher Challenges Haldimand to be “Saved by the Beep”

Fire Chief Jason Gallagher is calling on all residents of Haldimand County to test their smoke alarms on September 28 as part of Test Your Smoke Alarm Day. Be prepared to be Saved by the Beep with a working smoke alarm – it is your best chance to keep you and your family safe in the event of a fire.

Haldimand County is joining communities across Ontario on September 28 by asking everyone to take a minute and to ensure that there are working smoke alarms installed in their home.

Last year, Ontario lost 133 people to deadly fires – the highest number in over 20 years. Many of these fires were found to have no working smoke alarm and stand as a reminder that only working smoke alarms will alert you to a fire and give you and your loved ones enough time to safely escape.

“In Ontario, we’ve seen a significant rise in fatal fires and the number of people we have lost in these fires is very concerning,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Jon Pegg. “Entire families have been lost to fire and the most troubling part is that the majority of these fires did not have a working smoke alarm in the home. Had there been working smoke alarms, and a well thought out and practiced home fire escape plan, these deaths may have been prevented.”

The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM), with the support of fire services and fire safety partners across Ontario, is asking Ontarians to regularly test their smoke alarms with a challenge to test all smoke alarms in their residence on September 28.

For more information visit www.savedbythebeep.ca

Quick Facts:

  • Smoke alarms have been legally required to be installed on every storey of a residence in Ontario since 2006.
  • Residences also include vacation homes, cabins, trailers, RVs, and cottages.
  • Landlords must test alarms annually, after the battery is replaced, and after every change in tenancy. Renters must notify their landlord as soon as they become aware that a smoke alarm is not operating.