Haldimand County Public Library Partners With Service Canada To Host Social Insurance Number & Information Clinics

Haldimand County Public Library has partnered with Service Canada to offer Social Insurance Number & Information Clinics this May. With the closest Service Canada offices to Haldimand County being in Hamilton, Simcoe and Welland, this is an excellent opportunity for community members to get or replace their social insurance number and receive other information on Government of Canada programs such as Employment Insurance, Disability Credits and Canada Pension. With summer jobs right around the corner, this is an excellent opportunity for youth who may not have a social insurance number to get theirs.

Social Insurance Number & Information Clinics will be offered to residents on a drop-in basis on the following dates:

Wednesday, May 8, 2019:

Hagersville Branch (13 Alma St. N.) from 12-2 p.m.

Caledonia Branch (100 Haddington St.) from 4-7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019:

Dunnville Branch (317 Chestnut St.) from 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019:

Jarvis Branch (2 Monson St.) from 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Selkirk Branch (34 Main St. W.) from 5-8 p.m.

Those in need of a new or replacement Social Insurance Number must bring one primary identification document, though a secondary document may also be required and is recommended. Individuals who plan on attending the clinics may visit www.canada.ca for a complete list of acceptable primary and secondary identification documents.

 

For more information about social insurance numbers or other Government of Canada services, visit www.canada.ca or call 1-800-O-Canada. Further details about the SIN clinics and other library offerings can be obtained by calling or visiting any branch. Up-to-date program information is also available via www.haldimandlibrary.ca and the Library’s Facebook page.

Haldimand County Business Excellence Award Winners Announced

On Wednesday, April 10, Haldimand County’s business community gathered at the Fisherville District Lions Community Centre to attend the eleventh annual Business Excellence Awards. This year, the awards breakfast and networking session drew over 100 business owners.

The annual Business Excellence Awards Breakfast provides an opportunity for Council to connect with and thank Haldimand County business owners for all they do to make Haldimand County a great place to live. During the early morning gathering, Mayor Ken Hewitt addressed those in attendance and thanked business owners for providing good quality jobs to Haldimand County residents and supporting the community in so many ways. Mayor Hewitt also spoke of the momentum the business community continues to build, and how their efforts are contributing to Haldimand County’s overall prosperity.

The event also highlighted and celebrated the Business Excellence Award nominees and winners. 23 companies were nominated this year for outstanding business achievements. “Haldimand County is very fortunate to have a successful business community and it was no surprise that we received so many outstanding nominations,” stated Mayor Ken Hewitt. “Council would like to congratulate both nominees and recipients and thank them for their contributions to the community,” he added.

Business Excellence Award Nominees:

Caledonia Business Improvement Area

Christa by Design

Chuck & Peter Hogeterp – Sales Representatives RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.

Confident Temps Dental Placement Agency Inc.

Debb’s Cuisine on Queen

Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation

Erie Mutual Insurance Company

Fisherville Hotel & Tavern

Flyers Bakery and Café Inc.

G’s Hairstyling

Ideal Roofing Plus

Julia’s Bistro & Catering

K9 Fun Zone

LVW Creative Barracks

My Sweet Sweet World

Personal Care Clinic

Pine Ridge Gardens

Purple Haven Lavender Farm

The Cabin Wellness Clinic

The New You Salon and Spa

The Reeve Bed and Breakfast

Toronto Motorsports Park

U Save Lawn Services

2018 Business Excellence Award Winners

Agri-Business Award Winner

Pine Ridge Gardens – Pine Ridge Gardens grows quality greenhouse flowers year round in Dunnville. Their flowers are sent to many major centres in Canada and the United States including New York, Boston, Chicago, Toronto and various locations in Eastern Canada. In the past three years the company has increased its crop growth by 40%, while simultaneously lowering their carbon footprint.

Business Award Winner (10 employees and under)

Confident Temps Dental Placement Agency Inc. – Since 2002 Confident Temps Dental Placement Agency Inc. in Cayuga has been providing a customized friendly, caring and confidential approach towards filling dental staffing needs. The agency provides temporary and permanent staff for dental offices, while also providing job opportunities for many dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental receptionists who want to supplement their income.

Business Award Winner (Over 10 employees)

Erie Mutual Insurance Company – Erie Mutual Insurance Company in Dunnville was founded in 1871 and originally formed on the strong roots of the farming community in Haldimand County. Farmers helping farmers. Today, they continue to grow and build on the value of providing insurance protection that exceeds their members’ expectations with a customer experience unsurpassed in the insurance industry.

Not-For-Profit Award

Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation – The Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation, established in 1974, has continuously raised funds through the tremendous support of their generous donors, to take care of the hospital and other health care institution needs in Haldimand County. Currently, 15 members of the community reside on the Board of Directors that govern the Foundation and accept the challenge to raise the bar higher in support of the Hospital.

Tourism Business Award

Toronto Motorsports Park – Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga is a multi-purpose motorsports facility and has been the home of Drag Racing since the 50’s. In 2003 TMP expanded, adding a road course circuit to their drag strip making them the only facility of it’s kind in Eastern Canada. Since then, they have further expanded their offering to include major events, weekly race programs, training sessions, an exotic car and drag race experience and corporate outings.

Mayor’s Award of Distinction

Chuck & Peter Hogeterp – Sales Representatives, RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc. – Peter & Chuck Hogeterp own a personal Real Estate business that operates under the Remax Escarpment Realty Inc Hamilton umbrella, but is based out of Cayuga. The pair have been in the Real Estate business since 2002, while focusing initially on Haldimand they have since expanded their business into neighbouring counties and cities, all the while supporting countless Haldimand County charities, initiatives and organizations.

Youth Entrepreneur Award

LVW Creative Barracks – LVW Creative Barracks in Dunnville has been attracting regional artists to Haldimand County since 2015.  They are known for partnering with local Haldimand businesses and organizations to offer artistic and experiential events truly unique to the community.  Operating as a social enterprise, they focus on positive social and environmental impacts, creating a safe and welcoming community space in downtown Dunnville.

New Dunnville Farmers Market Opens This Saturday; Caledonia And Hagersville Markets To Open In May

Warmer weather is on the horizon and Haldimand County’s three farmers markets will soon be open for business. The newly constructed Dunnville Farmers Market will be the first to open for the season this Saturday, April 6.

Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore the market for locally grown root crops, apples, greenhouse produce as well as maple syrup, preserves and specialty products like homemade butter tarts and prepared foods.

“Shopping locally means that dollars spent at farmers markets stay within the community – supporting local producers and creating jobs for residents,” noted Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s Manager of Economic Development & Tourism. “The markets are also a fantastic opportunity to learn about how food is grown and connect with friends, family and neighbours,” she added.

After this Saturday, the Dunnville Farmers Market – located at 120 Market Street – will continue to operate every Saturday from (7am to 12pm) until the end of the year. Starting later this spring (date TBD), it will also be open every Tuesday.

The Caledonia Farmers Market will open Thursday, May 16 and will operate every Thursday from 3pm to 7pm in the Canadian Tire parking Lot at 365 Argyle Street South.

The Hagersville Farmers Market is set to open officially on Wednesday, May 15; it will operate every Wednesday from 7am to 12pm in Market Square, behind the Post Office at 22 King Street East.

Haldimand County Artists, Creators Sought For Great Art For Great Lakes Project

Haldimand County has partnered with the Great Art for Great Lakes organization to bring public art to local communities.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided funding to support five Great Art for Great Lakes public art projects in 2019, and an additional five in 2020. Two of the art projects will be created and located in Haldimand County – one in 2019 and a second in 2020.

Haldimand County has committed to providing up to $7,500 of in-kind support, including:

– providing space for community workshops/programming;

– identifying location(s) for the installation of art pieces;

– providing assistance with the installation of art piece(s); and

– working with Great Art for Great Lakes to promote the project and programming

Through public workshops and events, local makers, creators & artists will work towards the co-creation of permanent, public artwork to be installed within Haldimand County. The art installation, in whatever form it may take, will focus on ideas that showcase the grandeur of the Great Lakes and how it connects people, their shared history and diverse cultures.

How to get involved:

Great Art for Great Lakes has issued a call for proposals from the local creative community and will be hosting a preliminary artist information session on March 20, 2019 at Ruthven Park National Historic Site (6:00pm – 8:30pm). Interested artists may register for the information session via gaglhaldimand.eventbrite.ca. The call for proposals closed April 5, 2019.

For more information about the project, including proposal submission requirements, visit the Great Art For Great Lakes website or e-mail gagl@waterlution.org.

Haldimand County Business Community Invited To Excellence Awards Breakfast

Haldimand County Council has extended an invitation to all local business owners and representatives from business organizations to attend the upcoming Business Excellence Awards Breakfast. This year’s free breakfast and networking event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at the Fisherville Community Centre (7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.)

The event will feature an address by Mayor Ken Hewitt along with a recognition ceremony to announce Business Excellence Award winners. Exceptional local businesses will be recognized in the following categories:

  • Agri-Business
  • Business – over 10 employees
  • Business – 10 employees and under
  • Not-for-profit
  • Tourism
  • Youth Entrepreneur Award (Under 30 years of age) sponsored by Grand Erie
    Business Centre

“This event is a great opportunity for business owners to connect and network with one another,” explained Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism division. She added, “The event highlights and recognizes local business leaders excelling and inspiring others in our communities.”

Any members of the business community who wish to attend may call 905-318-5932 ext. 6331, e-mail opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca or sign up online via www.BusinessHaldimand.ca. RSVPs must be received by Friday, April 5, 2019.

Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre wins Carol Ritchie Scotch Thistle Award

Tourism Caledonia recently recognized Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre for its presentation of the history of Caledonia through education/outreach activities and the numerous permanent & temporary exhibits available for tourists.

Edinburgh Square was also commended for the many improvements made to the 1857 building, an architectural design of the renowned John Turner.

The old Town Hall with its original 1857 jail cell is appealing to visitors from near and far. The permanent display highlighting the gypsum mining industry along the Grand River is an interesting feature. Family ancestors researched in the Gillespie Clark Reference Library attract tourists with Caledonia connections. The library contains books, files and historic documents relating to Caledonia’s rich history. The collection of surviving editions of the Grand River Sachem from 1856 to the present day is also valuable for visitor research.

Cayuga Grand Vista Trail Wins International Design Award For Architecture

Haldimand County’s Cayuga Grand Vista trail was recognized for its innovative design and architecture at the International Design Awards. The trail was awarded a ‘Silver’ for architectural design in the ‘arches, bridges, viaducts and gateways’ subcategory. This award follows the trail’s recognition at the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence in January 2019.

The International Design Awards (IDA) exist to recognize, celebrate and promote legendary design vision and to uncover emerging talent in architecture, interior, product, graphic, and fashion design. The firm contracted to design the trail, Seferian Design Group of Burlington, put forward the award nomination.

“This is incredible news. I am so proud of this award, our team, and the project being recognized on the international stage,” said Brad Smith, Seferian Design Group’s Senior Landscape Architect. Seferian also won a Landscape Ontario Award of Excellence in January 2019 for the Cayuga Grand Vista design.

The Cayuga Grand Vista’s main trailhead is located behind the Cayuga Courthouse at 55 Munsee St. N. The trail guides pedestrians and cyclists on a scenic loop from the courthouse over the Grand River on the restored CN bridge to King George St. and Maple Rd. (secondary trailhead) and back to the courthouse via Talbot St. E. and Munsee St. N. Two lookout platforms on the east and west sides of the bridge offer picturesque views of the river and its natural surroundings. Parking is available at the main trailhead behind the Courthouse.

“Seeing the concept of this trail come to life – especially restoration of the bridge – was an amazing thing to witness. It’s a fantastic addition to the community that will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

A Grand Opening Celebration for the Cayuga Grand Vista trail will be held on April 27 at 10:30 am, 2019; full details will be announced shortly.

Note: Trail photo courtesy of Seferian Design Group

Flood Warning terminated, High Lake Level Outlook remains in place

The Flood Warning for Lake Erie issued on Sunday, February 24 has been terminated. A Lake Erie Conditions Statement – High Lake Level Outlook remains in place due to the heightened potential for shoreline flooding and erosion.

During the peak of the weather event on Sunday, wind gusts reached upwards of 120 km/h in some locations with sustained winds of approximately 65 km/h along the Lake Erie shoreline. These winds caused flooding of Zones 1 and 2 in Port Maitland due to a lake surge of approximately 0.5m above critical level.

Due to the instability of ice along the Lake Erie shoreline, elevated water levels and cold water temperatures, people are reminded to stay well away from these areas and keep children and pets well back.

Lake levels are updated each hour on the GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca under the river data section.

2019 ‘Neighbour Nights’ Will Bring Caledonia Residents Together At Haldimand County Public Library

Haldimand County Public Library has added a new program to its roster: ‘Neighbour Nights’, a monthly social and educational program at the Caledonia Library. The new program is geared towards new Caledonia residents, newly retired individuals, new parents and residents with a desire to learn more about their community.

Each Neighbour Night session is themed, and centers around various aspects of Caledonia’s vibrant community. The overarching goal of Neighbour Nights is to create and cultivate social connections between community members and local organizations, service clubs, agencies and businesses for the purpose of increasing community engagement and public awareness of programs, services and business.

The 2019 Neighbour Night schedule is as follows:

Thursday, March 7: Community Events

Thursday, March 28: Health, Fitness & Wellness

Thursday, April 25: Sports & Recreation

Thursday, May 30: Focus on Children

Thursday, June 27: ‘Staycationing’ in Haldimand County

Thursday, July 25: Employment & Entrepreneurship

Thursday, September 26: Lifelong Learning

Thursday, October 24: Volunteering

Thursday, November 21: Local History & Culture

“Haldimand County Public Library plays an important role in providing information and learning opportunities to area residents. Neighbour Nights offer a venue through which members of the Caledonia community can make valuable connections, discover community resources and better appreciate all that Haldimand County has to offer,” noted Paul Diette, CEO, Haldimand County Public Library.

All Neighbour Night programs will take place at Haldimand County Public Library’s Caledonia Branch from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the dates scheduled – usually the last Thursday of the month. All community members are welcome to attend the free program, mix and mingle with fellow residents and learn about what’s offered locally. Registration is not required.

Organizations, service clubs, agencies or businesses interested in participating are encouraged to contact Lindsay Thomas, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 905-318-5932 ext. 6118 or lthomas@haldimandcounty.on.ca. Additional information about Haldimand County Public Library programs, resources and events can be found at HaldimandLibrary.ca and on the library’s Facebook page.

Business Excellence Awards Breakfast Date Announced, Call For Nominations Continue

Haldimand County’s annual Business Excellence Awards Breakfast has been set for Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at the Fisherville Community Centre (7:30 a.m.). The awards celebrate successful, innovative businesses and business leaders who drive the local economy and make a difference in their communities. Nominations will be accepted until February 15, 2019.

Mayor and Council will be presenting awards for the following categories: Agri-Business, Business – over 10 employees, Business – 10 employees and under, Not-for-Profit, Tourism and Youth Entrepreneurship – under 30 years of age (sponsored by the Grand Erie Business Centre).

“Haldimand County is home to many exceptional businesses, and these awards provide a great opportunity to recognize their impact”, said Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s Manager of Economic Development and Tourism Division. “The Awards Breakfast is not only a chance to celebrate local business achievements, but an opportunity for the business community to network and share experiences with one another,” she added.

All business owners across Haldimand are invited to attend the Business Excellence Awards Breakfast and can RSVP by calling 905-318-5932 ext. 6331, e-mailing opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca or registering online via BusinessHaldimand.ca. Nomination forms can be downloaded at BusinessHaldimand.ca and returned by e-mail, fax or dropped off at any Haldimand County office.