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It has come to the County’s attention that a “Tractor Convoy” from Dunnville to Delhi has been planned for Saturday, February 5, 2022, portions of which are intended to take place on Haldimand County property including at arenas and parks.
Please be advised that, due to the nature of the event and the potential it has to cause negative experiences, disruptions and safety concerns for other users of our facilities, Haldimand County does not support the activity, and participating in it may result in police involvement and potential charges under the County’s by-laws.
The inclusion of Haldimand County’s logo in the promotion of the event should in no way give the impression it is supported by the County, as use of the logo without permission is also in contravention of the County’s policies.
In accordance with the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, all Haldimand County arenas will be opening on January 31, and museums/community halls on February 1, with COVID-19 protocols in place. All facilities will be open at 50% capacity.
Visitors are reminded of the following:
Face masks/coverings are required in all Haldimand County facilities, with limited exceptions;
Screening and Proof of Vaccination (POV) are required for individuals 12 years of age or older;
Completing the online contact tracing form is no longer required.
Arenas:
All arena programming, including public skates and ice rentals, will resume on January 31, 2022;
A full schedule of ice programs, including Pre-School Skate, Adult Skate, Child’s Hockey Skate, Youth/Teen/Adult Shinny Programs, Public Skate and Open Figure Skate, is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/recreation-facilities. All programs are offered on a drop-in basis (no registration required) and are free of charge;
Walking tracks will be open in Caledonia, Dunnville and Cayuga from 8 a.m. to facility close. Facility closing times vary and are dependent on bookings, but are typically between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. To confirm closing times, please call an arena directly;
All visitors/spectators must remain seated while consuming food or drink.
Museums:
Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre (Caledonia) and the Heritage Centre (Cayuga) will re-open February 1, 2022. Information on Museum programs and exhibits can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/recreation-facilities.
Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum (Selkirk) will re-open in March.
Community Halls/Meeting Spaces:
Community Halls and Meeting Spaces will re-open for bookings;
Food or drink may only be consumed while seated in the facility;
Haldimand County has ended the Significant Weather Event declared Sunday in advance of the winter storm.
Winter control staff worked around the clock to patrol and clear approximately 1500kms of roadways during and after the storm.
Members of the public are thanked for patience and cooperation in moving cars off of streets to help crews and their plows work faster.
Residents are reminded of the following service impacts:
Garbage/recycling collection on Monday, January 17, 2022:
There was NO garbage/recycling curbside collection due to inclement weather. Residents whose curbside collection day is normally Monday are asked to hold on to their garbage/recycling until next week (the following Monday, January 24). Affected residents may set out 6 bags of garbage and unlimited recycling. Recycling collection on Tuesday, January 18, 2022:
There was NO recycling curbside collection due to inclement weather in areas of Oneida, Dunnville and Hagersville, however, garbage collection still took place. Affected residents are asked to hold on to their recycling until next Tuesday, January 25.
Haldimand County Emergency Services and The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) are concerned about the increased use of frozen natural water bodies for on-ice activities like skating and ice fishing this winter. Most of these water bodies are not monitored for winter recreation and may not be safe.
Ice fishing is strongly discouraged in areas where ice conditions are not monitored. Anglers are advised to avoid areas downstream of dams and stay off the ice at the mouth of the Grand River.
While colder temperatures allow for some ice formation, daily changes in temperature, wind, precipitation and underwater currents greatly affect ice conditions. This winter has been warmer than usual, with significant fluctuations in temperatures adding to the risk. In particular, moving water can further weaken ice that may otherwise look stable on rivers and creeks.
Accessing frozen natural water bodies puts the public and Haldimand County’s first responders at risk. Anyone who falls through the ice could experience hypothermia and death before emergency services can assist them.
Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and pose a serious hazard when combined with cold, fast-moving water. Parents are encouraged to remind their children of the risks associated with these hazards and keep pets away from all water bodies.
Select Grand River Conservation Areas, including Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake, Pinehurst Lake and Shade’s Mills, monitor ice conditions. They will offer ice fishing if conditions permit. For the up-to-date status of winter activities in Grand River Conservation Areas, please visit www.grandriver.ca/activitystatus. These conservation and natural areas are subject to provincial COVID-19 guidelines, and operations may change with little notice.
Many watershed municipalities provide safe, outdoor skating and recreation options. Please visit local municipal websites for more details.
This message will remain in effect until Friday, April 1, 2022, and will be updated if necessary.
For further information, refer to GRCA’s website at www.grandriver.ca.
Launching into the new year, the Heritage Centre is pleased to host five new virtual programs:
All That Jazz Presentation: January 18 at 7:00 p.m. Take a look at life in Haldimand County and Canada during the 1920’s. There was a rapid expansion of agricultural production and exports that helped to fuel the overall economy. A number of inventions helped shape Canada, including the automobile, the airplane, the washing machine, the radio and the assembly line. The decade began with a roar and ended with a crash.
Cultural Cooking Program Workshop: January 19 at 1:00 p.m. Most of our ancestors emigrated to Haldimand from other countries, bringing with them a variety of recipes from their homeland. This workshop explores how many of these recipes have been adapted to form what we now call “Canadian Cuisine.”
Helping You Date Old Photos Program Workshop: January 25 at 7:00 p.m. This hands-on workshop will help you learn how to date old photographs and learn some conservation tips, including how to store, scan and maintain your precious memories.
Winter Pastimes Presentation: January 26 at 1:00 p.m. Wrap up the month with a look at the winter pastimes our ancestors enjoyed and how our various cultures influenced our traditional games.
Royal Visits Presentation: February 1 at 7:00 p.m. This presentation is the first in a series of year long talks on the Royal Family in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne. This first talk focuses on the many visits that the Royals have made to Canada – from Queen Victoria’s son Albert, the Prince of Wales’ visit in 1860 to Queen Elizabeth’s 22 tours beginning with her first in 1951.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions all programming for January will take place via Zoom.
Cost for all programs is $10.00 per person and pre-registration is required. Register online at Link.HaldimandCounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga. A Zoom link will be emailed to all confirmed registrants.
For more information about programs and activities, contact the Heritage Centre at 905-318-5932 ext. 6613 or email heritagecentre@haldimandcounty.on.ca
Haldimand County Paramedic Services comprises dedicated professionals who work hard to guarantee emergency care for those in need. We ask all residents to assist us by reviewing when it is appropriate to call 911.
What is 911
911 is a central dispatch for emergency services. This service allows for all emergency services to be deployed to assure those first responders can deliver emergency services quickly and efficiently.
When to call 911
Knowing when to call 911 can be a difficult decision. Assessing your situation will make sure that emergency services are available when needed. Do not hesitate to contact them for immediate help if you are experiencing:
Medical emergencies, like chest pain or difficulty breathing,
A direct threat to life,
An uncontrolled or an uncontained fire.
What happens when you call 911
A 911 dispatcher will answer and ask if you need police, fire or ambulance. Before calling, be sure to assess your situation to give the dispatcher a complete picture of the circumstances you are experiencing. That way, they can arrange for the appropriate assistance.
With many people relying on mobile devices, you may need to provide exact location details. Cell phones do not give the dispatcher’s precise address, and they will only see your general location. Be prepared to give an address or an intersection. Other critical information that may be necessary are:
Apartment number and entry code,
Landmarks,
Any obstacles that may prevent entry,
Language barriers that could require accommodation.
Be sure to stay on the line to let the 911 dispatcher will let you know when to hang up.
Questions to ask yourself:
Is a person hurt or in danger?
Do not hesitate to call 911 if there is difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or chest pain.
Is there an emergency where a law enforcement officer, firefighter or medical help is needed?
If you are witnessing an assault, or think a driver is impaired, do not intervene and call 911 immediately.
Are there alternative numbers to call to help you assess your situation?
There are services available to assist you in determining your required level of care. Telehealth, which offers free medical advice over the phone, or 211 Ontario, a Community and Social Services helpline, can guide you.
Are you still unsure?
Go ahead and call 911. The call taker will then determine if emergency assistance is needed.
Haldimand County is closely monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 on the local community.
In response to key public health indicators, including a significant rise in case numbers, Haldimand County has taken a number of actions to mitigate negative effects, protect the health of staff and the community and ensure continuity of essential services. Some of these actions include:
Requiring remote work where possible and significantly limiting the number of staff present at the Haldimand County Administration Building
Preparing to enact, if required, staffing contingency plans for essential services should the workforce be reduced due to sickness or isolation requirements
While Haldimand County has contingency plans in place for critical services (e.g. Fire/EMS, winter control, water/wastewater, Grandview Lodge), in the event of serious staff shortages, residents are advised that the level of service and response times for less critical services may be affected as the county responds to the evolving COVID-19 situation.
Slower response times are also possible in areas such as winter control. In the case of staffing shortages, priority will be given to main transportation routes. The County appreciates the public’s understanding in this regard and will provide notice if any major impacts are anticipated.
The Haldimand County Administration Building remains open for general customer service walk-ins, however, a number of services – such as planning and licensing – are being offered by appointment only.
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to check the website for a list of service impacts or call Haldimand County Customer Service at 905-318-5932 prior to their visit to confirm whether an appointment is required.
Many municipal services do not require an in-person visit to the Administration Building. A list of alternate service options is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19 under the ‘County Service Options‘ tab.
A Flood Warning has been issued for the Lake Erie shoreline, Port Maitland, and areas downstream of the Dunnville Dam. Flooding associated with storm surges could impact low-lying areas along the shoreline and reach Flood Zone 1. Residents are asked to exercise caution if travelling along the lakeshore.
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) issued a forecast advising that high winds from the south and southwest for the Lower Great Lakes may result in a storm surge event. Waves up to 1.5 m are expected with predicted gusts up 60-90 km.
The NDMNRF forecast is predicting the following for Port Colborne and is applicable at Port Maitland:
Lake Erie current elevation at Port Colborne: 174.6 m
Lake Erie estimated to peak at: 175.7 m, excluding waves
Lake Erie Expected time of peak: Wednesday, 5 January 2022 early evening
Haldimand County Emergency Services and staff closely monitor conditions and roads along the lakeshore. However, we kindly ask that you report a public roadway obstruction (e.g., downed tree, water, or debris over a road) by calling 1-888-849-7345.
Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updated flood messages. A Flood Zone Map, flood guide for lakeshore property owners, and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.
This Flood Warning is in effect until Thursday, January 06, 2022, and will be updated as needed.
On Wednesday, January 5, 2022, the entire province will move to a modified Step 2 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. As a result, there will be some changes to Haldimand County programs and services.
The Haldimand County Administration Building will remain open for general customer service walk-ins, however, a number of services will be offered by appointment only, effective immediately. These include, but are not limited to:
Planning services
Licensing services
Many municipal services do not require an in-person visit to the Administration Building. A list of alternate service options is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19 under the ‘County Service Options‘ tab.
Members of the public can check the website for a list of service impacts or call Haldimand County Customer Service at 905-318-5932 to confirm whether they require an appointment.
Residents are encouraged to use the contact form at HaldimandCounty.ca/connect if they wish to reach a specific division by e-mail.
Effective Wednesday, January 5, 2022, the following changes will take effect:
All municipal arenas will close
All museums will close
Capacity at all library branches will be reduced to 50%
Service impacts, facility closures and capacity reductions will remain in effect until January 26, 2022, subject to trends in public health and provincial direction. Updates will be shared at HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19 as they become available.
Earlier this month, Haldimand County and the local agriculture community celebrated the installation of the first Farm 911 sign.
Property owners Henk and Jackie Lise celebrated this initiative alongside program sponsors Darcy Johnson (Erie Mutual), Richard Blyleven (Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario local chapter), and Councillor John Metcalfe (Council representative for Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee). Henk Lise is also the Chair of Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee and President of the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture.
The Farm 911 Emily Project offers owners of rural, agricultural land the opportunity to purchase 911 signage for their farm entrances to help first responders locate individuals/incidents in an emergency.
Through this program, properties will be identified by yellow and black signs to distinguish between vacant properties and properties with dwellings. This is so first responders are aware the incident they are called to may not be tied to a home or farm building. This project will operate on a voluntary basis for existing vacant farm entrances.
“This program is such an important initiative as it helps promote on farm safety. By installing these signs property owners will improve Haldimand County’s Emergency Services ability to locate on farm accidents, with the objective of preventing tragedies in the farming community,” remarked Henk Lise, Chair of Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee.
It is anticipated that sponsorships received from Erie Mutual Insurance, the local Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario and Haldimand Federation of Agriculture will cover the costs of 35 signs (first come, first serve) for 2021 and potentially 55 signs for 2022.
If funding is fully subscribed to, successful applicants will be required to pay a fee of $109.61 (2021 fee) which is to be submitted along with their application). The application will be reviewed by staff and if no concerns are identified, a new civic address will be issued.
