Introduction
Haldimand County is seeking proposals from qualified practitioners with expertise in the delivery and instruction of innovative programs for Haldimand’s new Hagersville Active Living Centre. Potential programs include—but are not limited to—the areas of recreation, leisure, wellness, arts, culture, music, dance, sports, fitness and more. (Examples include yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Zumba, maker activities, etc.)
Individuals must have experience and high-level skills, relevant qualifications/certifications and a previous success rate in the delivery of community-focused programs and activities.
Background
In February 2026, Haldimand County opened its first non-arena indoor recreation and community centre—the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre (HL+ALC)—representing an exciting new level of accessible, inclusive, year-round service for all residents of the County and neighbouring communities. Located at 11 Athens Street, the HL+ALC is located at the east end of Grant Kett Park and on the same site as the Hagersville Arena, three ball diamonds (including the outdoor amphitheatre which the facility overlooks), paved, lit pathways, a playground and associated park amenities.
Opening in the year of the Corporation of Haldimand County’s 25th anniversary, the HL+ALC has the opportunity to become a model for how the municipality delivers on the community’s expressed desire for more meaningful, diverse and accessible programming.
Programming at the Hagersville Active Living Centre (ALC) will take a holistic approach to the physical and emotional well-being of residents and visitors of all ages and abilities through social connection, physical activity and wellness, leisure, cultural activities and exhibitions and mental engagement programs. The multi-functional ALC serves as both a gymnasium and as Hagersville’s new municipal community centre.
Applicants are to provide quality programs and activities and excellent customer service in an affordable yet profitable manner at these locations.
Scope of work
The successful applicants will be responsible for providing high-level, quality instruction for programs in a professional manner, including, but not limited to, the following expectations:
Operational management
- Adherence to Haldimand County policies, procedures and by-laws as well as to facility rules, safety regulations and emergency procedures
- Managing equipment and supplies for the required program, which may be owned by Haldimand County or provided by the programmer
- Coordinating with municipal staff in scheduling and accessing the facility
Safety and compliance requirements
- Maintaining valid Standard First Aid and CPR certifications
- Providing a current Vulnerable Sector Check
- Ensuring inclusive practices that remove barriers to participation
Administrative and marketing duties
- Participant registration will be managed through the HALC staff and Haldimand’s ActiveNet registration program
- Coordination and promotion of the program—including social media, flyers, news articles, etc.—will be the responsibility of Haldimand County
- It is the responsibility of successful applicants to collect data (attendance, etc.) and outcomes for program evaluation and reporting to Haldimand County staff
Operator Requirements
Applicants are required to:
- Comply with all Haldimand County policies, procedures and by-laws, and any applicable provincial laws and regulations (e.g. Grand Erie Public Health Unit, Ministry of Labour, etc.)
- Provide proof of having a Commercial General Liability insurance policy in the amount of $2 million (naming Haldimand County as additional insured), including, but not limited to, bodily and personal injury liability, extended bodily injury, property damage, products and completed operations liability, blanket contractual liability, premises liability and contingent employer’s liability coverage. Please email partnerships@haldimandcounty.ca to speak to a staff member if you have questions about these insurance requirements
- Provide relevant experience, certifications, references and proof of a track record in providing the proposed program/activity
Resources provided by Haldimand County
Some equipment may be provided by the County as outlined in Schedule ‘A.' Site visits with prospective applicants will be considered to determine equipment needs and who is responsible for providing the equipment. Haldimand County is also responsible for supplying or providing:
- All necessary space to operate the program/activity
- All equipment as identified in Schedule ‘A’ and delivery of the same in good working condition on the agreement start-up date
- All necessary service and repair of County-owned capital equipment due to mechanical breakdown or ordinary wear and tear, not including any capital equipment owned by the applicant
- All light, heat, cooling, power, fuel, hot and cold water, garbage removal and pest control services
- Maintenance services for the business premises
Submission of Expression of Interest
If you are an experienced program practitioner in the above-noted areas of interest, and would like to collaborate with Haldimand County to develop engaging, inclusive and age-appropriate programs for the community, please complete the attached Expression of Interest (EOI) Form (Schedule ‘B’). Key information to include in the EOI:
- Experience and qualifications, including educational or other background experience, certifications, references and track record of providing the same or similar programs or activities
- A program overview including the program name, program type, a brief description of the activity, target audience, proposed schedule, facility needs and length of program (e.g. one hour weekly for six weeks, one-time, etc.)
- Methodology and safety overview to include alignment with Haldimand County and community goals or interests, safety and risk management
- Programs related to children’s recreation and sport should align with the HIGH FIVE quality standard
- Innovation and creativity to execute a program that engages the community
- Proposed fees including the instructor cost, materials cost and/or any other anticipated costs; and,
- Certificate of Insurance
Submissions from interested parties are invited by email (partnerships@haldimandcounty.ca), drop-off at the Haldimand County Administration Building (53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga) or by mail (to the above-noted address) to the attention of the Community Programming and Partnerships Division.
Submissions are invited on an ongoing basis. Staff will review and respond to applicants within two weeks; if you have not received a response after the two-week period, please reach out to partnerships@haldimandcounty.ca.
Evaluation process for submissions
Submissions will be assessed by a team of Haldimand County staff based upon criteria including:
- Experience and qualifications in the recreation, sport, leisure, arts, culture and maker sectors
- Program overview
- Community impact (value and cultural impact)
- Reputation and reliability
- Instructor fees and material costs
- Originality of program design
- Welcoming of diversity and uniqueness
Agreement with Haldimand County
Haldimand County is seeking to enter into agreements with approved applicants based on the duration of the proposed program/activity.
