Haldimand County, Heritage Haldimand & Canfield Hall Celebrating Black History Month With Special Recognition Event

More than 150 years ago, the community of Canfield welcomed slaves fleeing the United States through the Underground Railroad, providing a safe haven and freedom. In September 2017, the Canfield Community Centre, Heritage Haldimand and Haldimand County collaborated on the installation of a marker honouring this history.

On Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. the community will come together again to celebrate Black History Month and the donors to this important project with a presentation by local historians Sylvia Weaver and Barbara Topp.

“This project has been a wonderful collaboration for us with the Canfield Community Centre and Haldimand County,” said Sylvia Weaver, Heritage Haldimand member and the volunteer project manager for this proposal. “From the time the County approved the request for this memorial, we have been overwhelmed by the response from people who either grew up in the area or had family who lived in Canfield during those times. From Niagara Region to Windsor and into the United States, we have been contacted by so many for whom this is a meaningful part of their personal family history,” said Weaver.

“We are so happy to have been able to formally recognize this important part of our local story,” added Weaver, “and we’re very excited to be able to come together again to share stories and celebrate the support which has been received.”

The Underground Railroad was a secret network organized by people who helped men, women and children escape from slavery to freedom. It operated before the Civil War (1861-1865) ended slavery in the United States. Black settlers first started coming to Canfield in 1837, with 137 black residents identified in the North Cayuga census by 1851.

The installation of the natural stone and plaque, recognizing Canfield as a ‘station’ within the Underground Railroad, was approved through the County’s Community Partnership Program—including almost $4,000 in grant funding—and saw almost $9,000 raised in the community.

“This is an incredible part of Haldimand County’s history,” said Ward 4 Councillor Tony Dalimonte, “and one which continues to engage residents and visitors to our community. The County was very happy to have been able to support Heritage Haldimand and the Canfield Community Centre in ensuring not only that we remember this important part of our local history but, in fact, formally recognize it and encourage everyone to learn about the wonderful community of Canfield.”

The event takes place Sunday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the Canfield Community Centre; all are welcome to attend. Parking and seating are limited.

Haldimand County Public Library Offering Spring 2019 Community Volunteer Income Tax Program

Haldimand County Public Library, in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency, is offering free income tax filing services as part of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Tax filing will be performed by trained volunteers and offered to eligible individuals out of the Caledonia, Hagersville, Jarvis and Selkirk Branches.

To be eligible for this free tax filing service, individuals must be:

– single, with an annual income of $30,000 or less;

– a married couple, with a combined annual income of $40,000 or less;

– a single adult with dependents, with an annual income of $35,000 or less (plus an additional $2,500 per dependent);

– an individual with less than $1,000 investment income

Anyone interested in this service may call Haldimand County Public Library at 289-674-0400 or visit one of the branches for more information. The free tax clinics run from February 11 to April 15, 2019.

Individuals seeking further information about tax clinics or other library programs may also contact Lindsay Thomas, Haldimand County Public Library’s Community Outreach Coordinator  at 905-318-5932 ext. 6118 or lthomas@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Cayuga Grand Vista Trail Wins Award Of Excellence From Landscape Ontario

On Monday, January 8, 2019 Haldimand County’s Cayuga Grand Vista trail was recognized for its innovative design by Landscape Ontario, the province’s leading horticultural trades association. The firm contracted to design the trail – Seferian Design Group of Burlington – put forward the nomination and was honoured with an Award of Excellence.

The Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence is an annual juried competition that recognizes design and craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance and design projects created by their members. More than 500 guests attend the awards reception annually to applaud their peers and recognize innovation in the green industry.

“We are very proud of this project and pleased that it was recognized by our peers at Landscape Ontario. It has been a pleasure working with Haldimand County and bringing this exciting vision to life,” said Brad Smith, Seferian’s Senior Landscape Architect.

The Cayuga Grand Vista 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. 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.

Residents and visitors have been on the trail regularly and enjoying the beautiful views from the bridge since it opened last November. “If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out the trail yet, I highly recommend you do. It is a gem in Haldimand County – something we can all be proud of and celebrate for years to come,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt. “We are thrilled with the positive response to this new community addition and look forward to the Official Grand Opening Celebration in early spring.”

Official Grand Opening Celebration details will be announced in the near future.

Note: Linked photo courtesy of Seferian Design Group.

Haldimand County Council Invites Residents To Attend 2019 Community Open Houses

Haldimand County Council is inviting residents to attend 2019 Community Open Houses.

The purpose of the Open Houses is to update residents on successes, projects, issues and challenges that Haldimand County is currently managing and to give residents, community groups and businesses an opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions or discuss any subjects/concerns they may have. The open house format will be very informal and interactive.

2019 Community Open House Schedule:

January 14, 7pm – Caledonia Arena (Remax Room)

January 16, 7pm – Cayuga Memorial Arena (McSorley Room)

January 22, 7pm – Jarvis Community Centre

January 23, 7pm – Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre

Anyone seeking further information about the Open Houses are encouraged to contact Donna Chausse, Executive Assistant to the Mayor & Council via e-mail or by phone at 905-318-5932 ext. 6102.

Memory Enhancement Workshops Continue At Haldimand County Public Library

Haldimand County Public Library, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society of Haldimand-Norfolk, is continuing to offer Strengthen Your Mind workshops into 2019.

“Over 110 Haldimand County community members have completed this training since these programs were launched at the library in 2016,” said Linsday Stephens, Haldimand County Public Library’s Community Outreach Coordinator. “That is over 110 people who have enhanced their memory, developed ties with fellow community members and now have the skills and tools to keep their mind strong as they age. We are thrilled to continue this partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society and help more of our community members stay mentally fit.”

The 7 week Strengthen Your Mind workshops provide valuable and practical information for those wanting to enhance their memory. Class time includes learning new skills and participating in brain challenging exercises and activities. Topics that will be covered during the 7 weeks include memory and aging, learning styles, mental aerobics, exercise, strategies for enhancing memory, brain dominance, the five senses, stress, optimism and humour, nutrition and socialization, and library tools for mental strength.

Strengthen Your Mind workshops scheduled for 2019 include:

Caledonia Branch – 100 Haddington St.
Tuesdays as scheduled – 1:30 to 4p.m.
February 26 through April 16 (No meeting March 19)

Dunnville Branch – 317 Chestnut St.
Wednesdays as scheduled – 1:30 to 4p.m.
April 3 through May 29 (No meetings April 24 and May 22)

Jarvis Branch – 2 Monson St.
Mondays as scheduled – 1:30 to 4p.m.
May 6 through June 24 (No meeting May 20)

Hagersville Branch – 13 Alma St. N.
Tuesdays as scheduled – 10a.m. to 12:30p.m.
May 7 through June 25 (No meeting May 21)

Strengthen Your Mind workshops are free and everyone is welcome to attend. Interested individuals may register by calling the library at 289-674-0400 or visiting a library branch hosting the program.

Workshops will also be held in summer and fall of 2019 at the Caledonia, Dunnville, Cayuga and Selkirk branches.

Anyone seeking further information about library programs may contact Lindsay Thomas, Community Outreach Coordinator at 905-318-5932 ext. 6118. Additional information about programs, resources and events can be found at HaldimandLibrary.ca and on the library’s Facebook page.

2018 Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest Winners Announced

On January 2, 2019 Haldimand County announced its 2018 Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest winners. Winning photographs can be viewed here.

A panel of judges comprised of County staff, community figures & a local photographer/filmmaker closely examined all submissions and determined the grand prize, second prize and honorable mention winners. The winners include:

Grand Prize – Visitor on the Lake by Lesley Mabo
Second Prize – Burning Sunset by Natasha Danko
Honourable Mention 1 – Pedestrian Bridge over Nanticoke Creek by Carol Redford
Honourable Mention 2 – Arched Reflections by Robert Schihl

All winning photos represent the beauty and splendor of Haldimand County’s natural environment. In addition to contest prizes (gift cards for local culinary experiences), winning photographs will be featured in an exhibit within Haldimand County Museum & Archives beginning in January.

Special thanks are owed to contest judges Graeme Bachiu (Windecker Road Films), Kaitlyn
Clark (The Haldimand Press), Karen Richardson (Haldimand Museums) and Jane Anderson (Haldimand County Economic Development & Tourism) for their participation and thorough, thoughtful examination of all entries.

Details about this year’s photo contest will be announced in the County’s Fall/Winter 2019 Community Guide.

Grand River Conservation Authority Issues Flood Warning For Port Maitland, Other Areas Downstream Of The Dunnville Dam

The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Warning for areas along the Grand River downstream of the Dunnville Dam, in the village of Port Maitland and along the lakeshore.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry surge model forecast for the eastern end of Lake Erie is predicting lake levels to exceed the critical level warning level. In the vicinity of Port Maitland the following forecast applies:

Lake Erie current elevation at Port Maitland: 174.58 m (IGLD 1985)

Lake Erie estimated to peak at: 175.55 m (IGLD 1985), excluding waves

Lake Erie Expected time of peak: Early morning hours of January 1st 2019

Critical Level: 175.5 m (IGLD 1985)

Forecast (estimated) Peak Lake Level: 0.05 m above the critical level, excluding waves

Significant wave action is also expected with waves reaching between 2 and 3 meters in height. The forecasted lake rise and wave action mean the possibility of flooding and erosion exists in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.

Haldimand County Emergency Services are warning affected residents and businesses within Lake Erie Flood Zone 1. It is expected that Powell Marina, Willow Lane, Port Maitland and low point cottages will be the main affected areas.

Residents are being urged to stay away from Lake Erie/Grand River shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from shoreline areas.

The current flood warning will remain in effect until Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at 4pm. Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Grand River Conservation Authority & Haldimand County websites and social media accounts for the most up-to-date flood and weather warning information.

Haldimand County Now Accepting Nominations for 2018 Business Excellence Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for Haldimand County’s Business Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding business achievements throughout 2018. Award categories include: Agri-Business, Business (over 10 employees and under 10 employees), Tourism, Youth Entrepreneur and Not-for-Profit.

“The Business Excellence Awards provide the community with an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge outstanding local businesses,” explained Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s manager of Economic Development and Tourism.

The awards will be presented by Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt and Council on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 during the annual Business Excellence Awards Breakfast at the Fisherville Community Centre.

The nomination package can be accessed via BusinessHaldimand.ca or picked up at any County office or library. Completed forms may be submitted in person at any County office or e-mailed to opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, February 15, 2019.

Anyone seeking additional information may call the County’s Economic Development & Tourism division at 905-318-5932 ext. 6331.

Haldimand County Council Seeking Public Input On Retail Cannabis Sales

Ontario municipalities have until January 22, 2019 to decide whether to permit or prohibit the sale of recreational cannabis, and Haldimand County Council is seeking community input on this decision.

At the December 11 Council in Committee meeting, staff presented a report outlining the opt-in and opt-out options regarding private cannabis retail stores. Council must decide and submit a formal resolution to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario by the January 22 deadline. Council has 2 options: opting in or opting out. If Council chooses to opt-in, the decision cannot be reversed. If opting out is chosen, Council retains the ability to revisit the matter and opt-in at a future date.

To better understand resident sentiments on retail cannabis sales in the community, feedback will be collected by staff and presented to Council. Residents are encouraged to read the recreational cannabis retail sales facts and provide their input through one of the following avenues:

1) in person at the January 21, 2019 Council meeting or at a scheduled community meeting

2) via online survey (by January 8, 2019)

3) via e-mail or letter to the Municipal Clerk at 45 Munsee St. North, Cayuga, N0A 1A0 (by noon on January 21, 2019)

Feedback and survey results will be presented at the Council in Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Any feedback received after the Council in Committee meeting will be provided to Council for consideration ahead of the Council meeting on Monday, January 21.

Welcome to Haldimand County’s newly redesigned website!

Welcome to Haldimand County’s newly redesigned website!

You’ll notice a number of changes: a fresh look, enhanced navigation and an improved ‘search’ function. On top of that, the site is now mobile-friendly – it’s fully functional and compatible for use on all wireless devices (smartphones, tablets, etc).

Please take a look around and explore. If you have any suggestions on how to improve the site further or can’t find something you’re looking for, please contact the site manager. Your feedback is appreciated!