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Registration for spring/summer programs opens May 1; 2023 Playbook now available

Registration for County spring/summer recreation and museum programs opens online at midnight on Monday, May 1. In-person registration will also be available beginning May 1 at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn St. S., Cayuga during regular business hours. Registration for library programs opens on June 19. All programs are now available for viewing online and in the Playbook.

The 2023 Spring/Summer Playbook, the County’s guide for programs, activities and experiences, is available online or at the Cayuga Administration Building, library branches and County museums. The Playbook includes information about registering for swim lessons, summer camps, heritage and culture presentations and events and library programming.

Residents can also visit the Playbook to find information on non-registered recreation options such as parks, trails, pools, and splash pads. Many County parks and greenspaces include amenities like skate parks, ball diamonds, tennis/pickleball and multi-use courts and picnic areas, offering a wide variety of recreation opportunities for all interests. For walkers and cyclists, Haldimand offers more than 40 km of off-road pathways and trails and hundreds of kilometres of on-road cycling routes throughout the County and along the Grand River.

For more information, visit www.haldimandcounty.ca/recreation-guide/.

Upcoming May programs at the Haldimand County Public Library

Haldimand County Public Library has something for everyone with three exciting upcoming programs this May.

Spring card-stamping workshop

Hosted by Annette Ball from Stampin With the Bee’s, attendees of this program will make three beautiful spring cards to send to loved ones. The registration fee is $10 and can be done at any library branch or by calling (289) 674-0400. See the schedule of workshops below.

  • Monday, May 1 at 6 p.m., Jarvis Branch
  • Tuesday, May 2 at 6 p.m., Cayuga Branch
  • Wednesday, May 3 at 6 p.m., Hagersville Branch

Hagersville Branch Knitting Club

The Hagersville Branch of the Haldimand County Public Library invites anyone interested in knitting or crocheting to participate in a fun, relaxing weekly social club. The Knitting Club will run every Thursday, beginning May 4, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Attendees are asked to bring their current project and/or supplies and share in the hobby of knitting, crocheting or other yarn crafts with fellow yarn enthusiasts. The club is open to everyone, regardless of skill level. No registration is required.

Resume finessing workshop

In partnership with Nichole Morgan, a professional career coach with over five years of experience in Human Resources and Recruitment, the Library is offering a free resume-finessing workshop to help individuals perfect their resumes.

The course will teach adults how to craft an interview-securing resume and present a favourable first impression.⁠ Participants will learn how to:

  • Align relevant skills and experience with the employer’s needs⁠
  • Communicate one’s career story and update one’s qualifications
  • Identify top accomplishments⁠
  • Tailor a resume to the position sought
  • Properly format a resume
  • Address employment gaps (if any)⁠

The workshop will be offered to all adults at the Caledonia Branch on May 10 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required and can be done in the branch or by phone at (289) 678-0400, ext. 1. All participants are asked to bring a copy of their current resume.

Haldimand County launches new Business Retention and Expansion Program

Haldimand County is proud to announce the launch of a new Business Retention and Expansion (BR+E) program designed to support and grow local businesses.

Officially titled Real Haldimand Business Support, the BR+E program will focus on identifying and addressing the needs of existing businesses in the County, with the goal of retaining and expanding current businesses, as well as implementing actions that will support the attraction of new businesses to the area. The program will provide a range of services to local businesses, including one-on-one interviews with economic development staff, follow-up supports connecting business owners to applicable resources, expansion information and available industry-specific marketing opportunities.   

The program also includes a targeted BR+E survey that’s used during confidential one-on-one interviews to gather information from local businesses about their current operations, challenges, and future plans. The intent of the survey is to support businesses looking to expand, identify areas where businesses may be struggling, and to provide information that can be used to develop policies and programs that will help key sectors to grow and thrive.

“Haldimand County is home to a diverse and vibrant business community, and we are committed to supporting the growth and success of our local businesses,” said Lidy Romanuk, Manager, Haldimand County Economic Development & Tourism Division. “Real Haldimand Business Support will provide the resources and support those businesses need to thrive, maintain their operations in Haldimand and create jobs. Now is the right time to check in with our businesses to better understand the lasting impacts of the past three years and any resulting opportunities or change in priorities. In addition to helping our businesses succeed, information gathered from this program will allow us to assess any changes we might need to make with our existing strategic plans.”

The BR+E program is looking to engage businesses of all types, and will place additional emphasis on connecting with businesses in some of Haldimand’s key industries: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism, Downtown Retail, Professional Services and Healthcare. These sectors are vital to the local economy, and the program will work to identify and address the unique needs of these businesses.

Businesses interested in learning more about the program or getting involved can contact Jaymie Nelson, Project Manager Business Retention & Expansion at Opportunity@HaldimandCounty.on.ca to schedule an interview, or visit the website to fill out a contact form. All businesses large and small are encouraged to connect.

For more information visit: www.BusinessHaldimand.ca.

Nanticoke Minister’s Zoning Order Public Consultation

Haldimand County Council is seeking public feedback on the Nanticoke Minister’s Zoning Order which was supported by the previous Council. The objective of these consultations is to hear the views of members of the public and then use that input to inform Council’s next steps relative to the standing decision of support.  Details of the project are contained below and via the links provided.  Members of the public are strongly encouraged to review the background information on the County’s website along with the Frequently Asked Questions section.

The two meeting dates are:

  • Virtual Meeting – Wednesday, April 19 at 3 p.m.  (registration by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, April 18)
  • In-Person Meeting – Thursday, April 27 at 6 p.m. (registration by 12:00 pm on Wednesday, April 26)

If you wish to participate in either meeting, you must register with the Clerk by completing and submitting the form available on the County website. Each delegation will have 5 minutes to express their views on the matter.

Alternatively, in writing to the Office of the Clerk clerk@haldimandcounty.on.ca or drop off at 53 Thorburn Street South Cayuga ON), no later than Monday, April 24 at 12 pm. Please note that any written submissions will be included as part of the record produced by the Clerk for the April 27 public meeting.

Haldimand County Public Library hosting 10th annual poetry contest

Haldimand County Public Library invites residents of all ages to get creative and participate in its 10th annual poetry contest, to be held throughout the month of April.

This year’s theme is Kindness. The Library encourages entrants to express through poetry how kindness, or good will, empathy, tolerance, helpfulness and philanthropy has impacted them, their community, or how they approach the world.

Entry forms and a full list of rules and submission details can be found on the library’s website or at any library branch. Submissions can be made in person at any branch or can be submitted online.

Submissions will be accepted during the month of April and entered to win cash prizes in one of the following categories:

  • Primary – Kindergarten to Gr. 3
  • Junior – Gr. 4 to Gr. 6
  • Intermediate – Gr. 7 to Gr. 10
  • Senior – Gr. 11 – 12
  • Adult – age 18+

Judging will take place at the beginning of May by a library-chosen panel. First, second and third-place prizes will be awarded in each category. First prize will receive $50, second prize will receive $35 and third prize will receive $20. Winners will be announced in mid-May with an awards ceremony to follow.

Individuals with further questions about the 10th Annual April Poetry Contest may call or visit their local library branch. Branch hours and contact numbers can be found on Haldimand County Public Library website.

Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum welcomes spring with children’s workshops

This spring, the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum is offering a series of fun, engaging and artistically themed workshops for children aged 5-12 years.

Taking place in Haldimand’s unique one-room schoolhouse, the Saturday workshops will focus on creating one-of-a-kind arts and crafts for each holiday using techniques such as woodworking, painting and gardening.

Saturday, Apr. 1 – Easter Workshop
Participants can help the museum get ready for its Easter egg hunt, create some crafts and sample some sweet treats.

Saturday, May 6 – Mother’s Day Workshop
Focusing on scrapbooking, this workshop will teach kids how to make a special memory for mom.

Saturday, June 10 – Father’s Day Workshop
Kids can construct a puzzle piece creation and make some sweet treats to share with dad.

All the workshops run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and cost $29 per child. Registration is available online or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn St. S., Cayuga.

All programs take place at the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum, 351 Rainham Rd., Selkirk. For more information call the museum at 905-776-3319 or email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

April happenings at the Heritage Centre in Cayuga

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga is celebrating spring with four events and a new exhibition titled ‘With this Ring, I Thee Wed.’ The exhibition runs from April 4 to June 24 and will feature wedding gowns, dresses and ensembles that span the period from 1840 to the present.

Tuesday, Apr. 11 (6 p.m.) – Workshop: Preserving your Family Heirlooms
Participants will learn how to preserve their family’s most treasured heirlooms at this hands-on workshop.

Wednesday, Apr. 12 (1 p.m.) – Presentation: With this Ring
Highlighting the Heritage Centre’s latest exhibition, ‘With this Ring, I Thee Wed,’ this presentation will focus on the history of wedding attire, customs and traditions.

Tuesday, Apr. 18 (6 p.m.) – Presentation: Let Them Eat Cake
This presentation focuses on the history of mills and bakeries in Haldimand County.

Wednesday, Apr. 19 (1 p.m.) – Tea and Presentation: Royal Rules
Attendees can enjoy homemade scones, sweet treats, and a delightful talk on the rules members of the Royal Family are expected to follow in public.

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

All programs take place at the Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre, located at 19 Talbot Street West. For more information, contact the Heritage Centre at (905) 318-5932, ext. 6613 or email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Edinburgh Square hops into spring with new events and programming

Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre is pleased to announce an exciting line-up of programming, events and exhibitions for April 2023.

Saturday Discovery Day Workshops for kids return April 1 with the ‘Easter Egg-stravaganza’ Workshop. Children can enjoy a day of fun crafts, tasty treats and an ‘eggcellent egg hunt.’ April 22 will feature an Earth Day Workshop where kids can create recyclable art and learn about ways to keep the Earth happy and healthy.

Saturday workshops run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and are geared toward children 6 to 10 years of age. The cost for each session is $28.25 per person. Pre-registration is required. Register online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

Beginning April 11, the Haldimand Photography Club returns to Edinburgh Square for its annual exhibition featuring the work of talented local photographers and highlighting a blend of wildlife, landscapes and portraiture images.

The Centre is also pleased to host a Paddle Painting Workshop with Gina Wilson McIntee on the evening of Friday, Apr. 21. Gina, an established artist, will inspire and share why it’s important to love ourselves first and embrace the precious gifts we hold. Nature, wildlife and water are all a part of the scene participants will paint. Finished paddles will be a reminder that people are part of a larger community and bigger picture. To register contact Tamara at  905-229-0911 or email paddlesofthegrand@gmail.com.  The workshop runs 7-9 p.m. and costs $70 per person (includes materials and supplies).

Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre is located at 80 Caithness Street East, Caledonia. For more information about programs and activities contact Edinburgh Square at 905-765-3134 or email museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Architect named for design development of Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre

Plans are moving forward for the construction of Haldimand County’s new Library + Active Living Centre in Hagersville with the awarding of the design contract to the firm of Curran, Gacesa, Slote Architects Inc. (CGS).

The firm was one of seven compliant bidders which submitted competitive bids—assessed through the County’s Procurement Policy and in keeping with legislation—for the contract. The work includes the development of detailed design and engineering drawings, which will become part of a tender document for construction of the facility.

Work will begin immediately to finalize the design of the new multi-purpose facility and includes incorporation of stakeholder and community input about the design so far as well as a final round of consultation this spring.

Details about opportunities to contribute to the design will be promoted through Haldimand County’s newspaper ads and social media platforms, as well as the dedicated County webpage for the project: https://www.haldimandcounty.ca/hagersvillealc/.

 

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

Mayor’s statement on the passing of former mayor Lorraine Bergstrand

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Lorraine Bergstrand. As the first official mayor of Haldimand County as its own entity, Lorraine was instrumental in setting a solid foundation for Haldimand County to build upon for years to come.  Lorraine was a strong advocate for women in politics and administration, an inspiring and tenacious leader to many and will leave behind a lasting impact. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all those grieving.

We’ve lowered flags at the County Administration building to mark her passing and honour a life taken too soon. Lorraine was a familiar and passionate presence in our community and she will be greatly missed.

— Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley