Flood Warning in effect for Lake Erie shoreline

A Flood Warning is currently in effect for the Lake Erie shoreline. The currently forecasted lake surge and wave heights are expected to have similar impacts as, or potentially greater than, the two surge events in late October.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry surge forecast model was updated at 2:00 p.m. today
and is forecasting a peak surge elevation of 176.2 m by 6:00 p.m. today. This is a 1.4 m rise above the
current lake level.

While some uncertainty remains in the height of the Lake Erie surge, forecasts indicate a risk for a significant event along the Lake Erie shoreline resulting in flooding, wave uprush and increased shoreline erosion along low-lying areas of the Lake Erie shoreline and lower reaches of some tributaries.

Lake levels are expected to begin to quickly rise early this afternoon, with the peak currently forecasted for early evening. Inner bay water levels are expected to peak about 1 hour after the lake peaks in Haldimand and Port Dover.

“Property owners along the Lake Erie shoreline should take precautionary measures now and prepare their property as best as possible for another extreme weather event,” said Jason Gallagher, Haldimand County’s Manager of Emergency Services and Fire Chief.

Residents living along Lake Erie should pay close attention to water levels and waves in their area and are urged to stay away from the shoreline during this event. Residents are also encouraged to contact their insurance company regarding flood insurance if they do not already have it.

This Flood Warning comes just days before a Flooding Hazards & Preparedness Measures Public Education Centre scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2019 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre (275 Ramsey Drive, Dunnville). Staff from the County and Grand River, Long Point Region and Niagara Peninsula conservation authorities will be present to share information and answer questions.

“We’ve already seen the damaging power of Lake Erie and the impacts it can have on our waterways and shorelines. With lake levels as high as they are, we really need property owners to understand the severity of these hazards and know exactly what to do and how to stay informed before, during and after a flood event,” Gallagher added.

The Flood Warning will remain in effect until noon on Thursday, November 28, 2019. Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Haldimand County website and social media accounts for the most up-to-date flood and weather warning information.

Haldimand County Hosting Flooding Hazard Information Session With Grand River, Long Point Region And Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authorities

Haldimand County is inviting residents to attend an information session regarding Lake Erie flooding hazards and preparedness measures on Monday, December 2, 2019 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre (275 Ramsey Drive, Dunnville). Staff from the County and Grand River, Long Point Region and Niagara Peninsula conservation authorities will be present to share information and answer questions.

While Lake Erie’s static water level has decreased over recent months, there remains a heightened risk of significant shoreline flooding, beach submersion, crawl space/septic system inundation and wave-driven erosion. This risk is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

At the December 2nd information session, residents will have an opportunity to learn about the record high lake levels, the roles each agency plays in watershed/shoreline management and flood response, how to stay informed about flood events, and measures residents can take to protect themselves and their property.

“We’ve already seen the damaging power of Lake Erie and the impacts it can have on our waterways and shorelines. With lake levels as high as they are, we really need property owners to understand the severity of these hazards and know exactly what to do and how to stay informed before, during and after a flood event,” said Jason Gallagher, Haldimand County’s Fire Chief & Manager of Emergency Services.

A brief presentation led by Haldimand County Emergency Services and the Grand River Conservation Authority will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a ‘meet and greet’ with County and conservation authority staff.

Following the presentation, residents are encouraged to visit information stations to ask questions of staff and find out specifics about their property, including whether their property is in a designated flood zone, which conservation authority jurisdiction they fall within & what permits may be required for shoreline protection structures/how to obtain them.

Haldimand County Museum & Archives Announces Holiday Program Lineup At New Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre

Haldimand County Museum & Archives is hosting a number of programs this December, including its annual Christmas Tea, a Holiday open house, a talk on the history of Christmas traditions and a special lecture on toys from the past. All programs will be held at the new Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre; registration may be completed online or in-person at any County office.

Historically Speaking: Christmas Customs & Traditions – December 4 (1-3pm)
This year’s Christmas Tea theme centers around the many Christmas customs around the world. Attendees will learn the origins of holiday traditions we practice in Canada and explore unique holiday customs from around the world. Did you know that children in Holland receive presents from Sinterklaas on December 5 (not Christmas eve or day), and that Japanese children receive gifts on their pillow? Scones, a bottomless cup of tea and sweet treats will be provided. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. Code: 10310.

Holiday Open House at the Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre – December 6 (4:30 to 7:30pm)
Before heading to Light Up Night at the Village Green, residents and visitors are invited to stop by the new Cayuga Library &+Heritage Centre for hot drinks (tea & apple cider), Christmas treats and festive activities. After checking out the new library, museum exhibit & archival space, kids can take part in a fun scavenger hunt and Christmas card craft. Tours of the new, state-of-the art facility will also be provided. No registration is required; just drop in.

Culture Club: Dickens of a Christmas – December 10 (6:30 to 8pm)
In 1848, Dickens published A Christmas Carol and it was an instant hit. His ideal Christmas was full of charity and good will to all. At this talk, attendees will discover the history of Christmas through the eyes of Charles Dickens – and the many Christmas customs and traditions that can be credited to him. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $5/person. Code: 10311.

Heritage Series: Christmas Toyland – December 14 (1 to 3pm)
Every generation has a list of their ‘must have’ toys. In the mid 1800s dolls, wooden blocks, marbles, card games and yo-yos were all the rage. By the 1900s, teddy bears, erector sets and  Crayola Crayons were top of the list. Join museum curator Karen Richardson for a fun afternoon reflecting on the past through the world of play.  Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $5/person. Code: 10312.

For more information on these programs or other Museum offerings, contact the museum at museum.archives@haldimandcounty.on.ca or 905-772-5880. A comprehensive schedule of all Museum programs is available in the County’s Community Guide.

Haldimand County Seeking Additional Public Input To Enhance Public Parks In Cayuga

Haldimand County is once again seeking community input into enhancing public parks in Cayuga. Following public meetings and workshops held earlier in 2019, a survey has been developed to collect additional ideas from residents to help establish a community-driven vision for the Cayuga parks system.

Feedback is being sought for four parks: the Village Green, Cayuga Library Parkette, Bob Baigent Park and the Cayuga Administration Building/Museum property.

Landscape architecture and planning firm Stempski Kelly Associates Inc. has been facilitating the community engagement process and will produce conceptual preferences for the four public parks. Comments from the public are a valuable part of the design process and will be considered in the final park design recommendations.

Residents are encouraged to take the survey online and provide their comments by November 25.

Anyone seeking further information about the survey or Cayuga parks enhancements in general is encouraged to call 905-318-5932 or e-mail Haldimand County’s Community Development & Partnerships Division at cdp@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand Residents Invited To ‘Meet & Greets’ With O.P.P. & Police Services Board

The Haldimand County Police Services Board and Haldimand County O.P.P. Detachment are hosting three ‘Meet & Greet’ open houses to discuss community issues and provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about policing.

Meet & Greet schedule:

Jarvis – Thursday, November 28, 2019 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Jarvis Lawn Bowling Building (2020 Main Street South, Jarvis)

Caledonia – Thursday, December 12, 2019 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Remax Room at the Haldimand County Caledonia Centre (3-100 Haddington Street, Caledonia)

Dunnville – Wednesday, January 15, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Optimist Club of Dunnville (101 Main Street East, Dunnville)

The Meet & Greet format will be an open forum moderated by Police Services Board Chair Bernie Corbett. Residents who attend will have the chance to ask questions and chat with both police officers & Police Services Board members. The goal of the ‘Meet & Greet’ sessions is to generate meaningful conversations about community issues, needs and concerns.

More information about policing in Haldimand County, including the 2017-2019 Haldimand County OPP Action Plan, is available at haldimandcounty.ca/police-services.

Haldimand County Tackling Storm Cleanup, Damage Assessments

Overnight on Thursday, October 31 and Friday, November 1, severe winds and high waves downed trees and caused roadway flooding & damage throughout Haldimand County. Haldimand County Emergency Services and Roads crews worked through the night to clear debris and close affected roads. Much of the cleanup and damage assessments were completed over the weekend and all roads have now been re-opened.

Lakeshore Rd. east of Reicheld Rd. sustained the most significant damage and crews worked throughout the weekend to remove debris and asphalt heaved by strong waves. Staff have installed a temporary gravel roadway for this affected section of Lakeshore Rd. and the road has been re-opened.

Further updates about the impacts of this storm will be issued as information becomes available.

 

Haldimand County Recognizes Outstanding Community Volunteers at 19th Annual Recognition Night

Haldimand County’s 19th Annual Recognition Night took place October 17, 2019 at the Fisherville Lions Community Centre and, once again, honoured almost forty nominees.

Almost 300 guests attended the dinner and awards ceremony recognizing nominees in 12 categories, including three inductees onto the Walls of Fame in Caledonia and Dunnville and Sports Achievement Wall inductions in Cayuga and Jarvis. (In the case of the Walls of Fame, these individuals are recognized for their significant contributions to recreation and sport in their communities while the Sports Achievement Walls celebrate athletic accomplishment and sportsmanship.)

Along with the regular categories, an Inspiration Award was presented. Haldimand County has only given out this Award on a few occasions, and only for exceptional individuals. This year, the late Ron Clark was recognized for his incredible vision, leadership, generosity and humility in volunteering and contributing to his community.

Emcee Rock “N” Ray Michaels, from 92.9 The Grand, had the room in celebration mode as volunteers were honoured for their contributions to the County’s many festivals, events, capital and beautification projects, sporting activities and community halls.

This year, Volunteer of the Year honours went to Selkirk’s Jenny Bryce, while Caledonia’s Andrew Poirier was named Youth Volunteer of the Year. A full list of honourees and award winners is listed below.

Inspiration Award:

Ron Clark

Wall of Fame Inductees:

Caledonia Wall of Fame

Jim Harris

Gord Roberts

Dunnville Wall of Fame

Robert Culp

Haldimand County Recognition Awards (winners in bold italics):

 

Nominees for Heritage Haldimand Award

Canadian Drilling Rig Museum

Selkirk Memorial Gates Restoration Project

Wildwood Art Gallery and Studio

 

Nominees for Community Culture Award

Dunnville Community Theatre

Rosemary ‘Greg’ Hilton

Marion Nie

 

Nominees for Caring Haldimand Award

By the Willow Hospice Day Away Program

Dunnville Secondary School’s Relay for Life

Hagersville Food Bank

 

Nominees for Community Project Award – Small Projects (up to $10,000 budget)

Dunnville Horticultural Society – Floral Clock Rehabilitation Project

Dunnville Horticultural Society – Thompson Creek Park Heritage Tree Designation

 

Nominee for Community Project Award – Large Projects (over $10,000 budget)

Caledonia Disc Golf Project

 

Nominees for Community Festival Award – Minor Festival (<500 attendees)

Dunnville Shared Harvest’s Turnip the Beets Music Festival

V-Day Dunnville

 

Nominees for Community Festival Award – Major Festival

Caledonia Chili Cook-Off

Hagersville Santa Claus Parade

 

Nominees for Community Organization or Group Award

Cayuga Christian Fellowship

(The) Friends of LaFortune Park

Phoenix Youth Group

 

Nominees for Youth Volunteer of the Year

Andrew Poirier

Shaunasy Thomas

Mackenzie Visser

Chloe Wilson

 

Nominees for Volunteer of the Year

Bart & Stacy Barnes

Jenny Bryce

Warren Burger

Toni Hayes

Lori Ivanco

Paul McClinchey

Craig Peters

Bev Richert

 

Sporting Achievement Award Nominees

Haldimand Heat (Cayuga)

Kyle Chambers (Jarvis) 

Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest Now Accepting Submissions

Haldimand County is inviting residents and visitors to submit their photos of Haldimand’s beautiful environment, architecture and vibrant community life in the 7th annual Uniquely Haldimand photo contest. The contest opens October 15 and runs until December 1, 2019.

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.

The contest is open to Haldimand County residents and visitors. To be eligible for entry, photos must depict a scene from within the boundaries of Haldimand County. They must be digital, high resolution photos no more than two years old. Participants may submit their photos via the online submission portal at haldimandcounty.ca/photo-contest. Photos must be submitted by Sunday, December 1 and comply with all rules and regulations.

A panel of judges will closely examine all submissions in December. Four winners will be announced prior in early 2020 with 1 Grand Prize, 1 Second Prize and 2 Honorable Mentions awarded. Prizes include gift certificates for unique culinary experiences, Haldimand County souvenirs and more. Winning photographs will be displayed within the new Cayuga Library & Heritage Centre and featured on a number of Haldimand County publications and marketing materials.

For additional information and to view past winners, visit haldimandcounty.ca/photo-contest.

New Library Partnership Program Helps Connect Caregivers To Autism Resources/Information

Haldimand County Public Library has embarked on a new partnership with Autism Ontario to help caregivers of children access resources and navigate the new Ontario Autism Program. Information sessions will be held by Autism Ontario staff at both Dunnville and Caledonia library branches this fall.

Autism Ontario (formerly Autism Society Ontario) is the province’s leading source of information and referral on autism and is one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. It is a registered charitable organization dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day challenges faces by individuals & their families.

As services for individuals with autism are changing, Autism Ontario has instated the Service Navigation Program to provide system navigation supports to families who are interested in accessing the province’s new Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and Childhood Budgets.

A free information session for parents about the new OAP will be presented by an Autism Ontario service navigator at the Caledonia Library in October and the Dunnville Library in November.

Caledonia Library – Ontario Autism Program & Childhood Budgets Information Session
100 Haddington St, Caledonia
Wednesday, October 23
1 to 3pm OR 5 to 7pm

Dunnville Library – Ontario Autism Program & Childhood Budgets Information Session
317 Chestnut St, Dunnville
Thursday, November 21
1 to 3pm OR 5 to 7pm

The information session is intended for parents only. Registration may be completed online via the Autism Ontario website.

For more information about this and other Haldimand County Public Library programs, visit the Library’s website, follow along on Facebook or call/visit any local branch.

Haldimand County’s New Administration Building On Track For January 2020 Completion

On October 8, 2019, Haldimand County staff presented Council with an update on the new Administration Building’s construction progress. A number of major construction milestones have been reached and the building is on track to be completed by January 2020.

Painting, floor finishes and light fixture/ceiling tile grid installation is currently underway within the building’s interior. Electrical work will continue over the next several weeks, as will landscaping and work on remaining exterior finishes (e.g: composite paneling, landscaping). Furniture deliveries and the overall setup/configuration of the building’s interior will begin in early December. Staff moves and satellite office closures are expected to begin in January 2020.

All services currently available at the County’s satellite offices will be offered at the new administration building, and new online tools will be introduced to provide more 24/7 services to residents. Library branches will be retrofitted with ‘Community Hubs’ – computer and information stations designed to connect resident with County news & online services. Library staff will be available to provide instruction and guidance on how to make use of online services, like how to pay taxes or water bills online.

Satellite office closure information will be announced and communicated to residents later this fall. To ensure service consistency across the County, Community Hubs openings will be coordinated to occur prior to satellite office closures.

The project is within budget and moving along well to substantial completion despite weather delays and impacts related to trades-related workforce disruptions in spring 2019.

More information about the new Central Administration Building – including construction updates – will be shared on the County website and social media channels as the project progresses.