Explore The History of Christmas at Haldimand County Museum and Archives

On Wednesday, December 5 at 1:00 p.m., Haldimand County Museum and Archives will host its 12th Annual Christmas Tea & Talk. This year, curator Karen Richardson will explore the history of Christmas celebrations and traditions over the past 235 years.

“The earliest settlers to Haldimand County were loyalists. Despite facing many hardships, they continued to celebrate Christmas with traditions and customs from their home countries,” said Richardson. Loyalist settlers of German descent brought the idea of a Christmas tree to Upper Canada. Decorations were natural and included pine cones, nuts, holly berries, feathers and chains made of cranberries and popcorn,” she added.

Even the custom of “decking the halls” – draping walls with evergreen garland – came from the British Isles and was introduced over a century ago by settlers in their Upper Canada cabins. The Victorian era ushered in a much more elaborate Christmas tree; while homemade ornaments were still utilized, precious glass ornaments and gilled gold began to adorn the tree. WWI had a major influence on holiday celebrations, as well. Trees were decorated with a patriotic theme and included union jack flags and paper ornaments.

In addition to Richardson’s talk, attendees will be treated to delicious homemade scones, tea and sweet treats. The cost to register is $10 per person, and pre-registration is required. Interested individuals may register online or at any Haldimand County office using program code 8060.

Cayuga Grand Vista and Gypsum Mine Tract now open to the public!

Two new trails in Haldimand County, the Cayuga Grand Vista (Cayuga) and Gypsum Mine Tract (Caledonia – York), are now open to the public.

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.

The Gypsum Mine Tract can be accessed from two points: Haldimand Rd. 9 at Nelles St. E (York) and McClung Rd. at Maclachlan Ave (Caledonia). The trail’s name is intended to reflect the historical importance of gypsum mining in the area. From 1838 – 2016, 5 mines were established and eventually decommissioned in both Caledonia and York; gypsum was extracted from 65 feet below ground and hauled to the surface by donkeys and horses underneath what is now the trail. From the access at McClung Rd., the trail runs east towards Haldimand Rd. 9 where it proceeds west and connects to the Rotary Riverside Trail.

“Both the Cayuga Grand Vista and Gypsum Mine Tract are fantastic additions to the community,” said Mayor Ken Hewitt. “From a community vibrancy perspective, they offer new opportunities to stay active, learn about our shared history and connect with nature,” he added.

While both trails are now open to the public, formal grand opening celebrations will be planned and held in the spring. “We’re encouraging everyone to go out and walk, run or cycle the new routes,” said Sheila Wilson, Manager of Community Development & Partnerships. Wilson noted that although Haldimand County trails are not maintained during the winter, they remain open; in snowy conditions, the trails become excellent routes for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. As with all Haldimand County trails, motorized vehicles are not permitted.

Details regarding an official grand opening celebration for the Cayuga Grand Vista and Gypsum Mine Tract trails will be announced in spring 2019.

‘We Make It Here’ Video Showcases Career Opportunities in Haldimand

A second video in the We Make It Here series has just been released. The videos showcase local employers and demonstrate the many job opportunities that exist at local manufacturing businesses in Haldimand. The videos are the result of a partnership project between the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, 3 local businesses, school boards and Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism Division.

The newest We Make it Here video offers a behind-the-scenes look at manufacturing career opportunities at three local businesses including: BJ Take Inc. (a commercial and industrial lighting company in Dunnville), Cayuga Displays (a food display manufacturer in Cayuga), and Stelco (Nanticoke’s fully integrated steel plant). The video provides employee perspectives on career opportunities at three featured businesses and an overview of the products they manufacture. Schools and employment services use the videos to provide students and job seekers with a glimpse of today’s modern manufacturing practices, and inform them of industry career pathways.

“We Make it Here showcases the importance of the manufacturing sector in Haldimand County,” stated Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism Division. “We were thrilled to partner with the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, local businesses and other key partners on this project. We hope this video will provide both students residents and businesses with an improved understanding of the employment and business opportunities that exist locally.”

Manufacturing is the largest industry in Haldimand County’s economy by employment and makes up approximately 16% of the labour force (Haldimand County’s Community Profile 2018). “The manufacturing sector in Haldimand County is vibrant and diverse and a key component of the local economy,” stated Romanuk. These businesses create and develop unique products that are exported throughout the world and even into space.

 

Haldimand Museums Commemorate Remembrance Day With Exhibits, Events And More

All 3 Haldimand County museums will be commemorating Remembrance Day with exhibits, events and celebrations.

November 4 – Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum – Exhibits and Selkirk
Remembrance Day Observance activities
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

On November 4, 2 exhibits from Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum –
Selkirk Home Heroes & We Will Remember Them – will be available for viewing
at Selkirk Centennial Hall as part of Selkirk’s Remembrance Day Observance
activities. Selkirk’s Remembrance Day Parade will begin at the Selkirk Fire Hall
at 11:30 a.m. and proceed to the Memorial Gates at Selkirk Park for a
ceremonial service and wreath laying (12:15 p.m.). Following the ceremony,
attendees are encouraged to visit Selkirk Centennial Hall to view the museum
exhibits and enjoy a free soup luncheon hosted by the Selkirk Lions.

November 7 – Haldimand County Museum & Archives – Tea & Talk: End of the Great War
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

On November 7, Haldimand County Museum & Archives is presenting a World
War I-themed Tea & Talk. Attendees will be treated to tea, homemade sweets
and learn about Haldimand’s military past. Museum curator Karen Richardson
will explore Haldimand’s wartime connections and what it was like for local
soldiers in the trenches. This program costs $10/person and pre-registration is
required. Registration may be completed by calling/visiting any County office or
online through LeisureLink (program code 6286).

November 8 – Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre – Annual Harvest Lunch
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre will present its annual Harvest
Lunch and Talk on Thursday, November 8. This year’s event will feature guest
speaker Marilynn Havelka (CAO, Ruthven Park National Historic Site) and a
preview of the museum’s newest exhibit, We Will Remember Them – a
photographic tribute honoring Haldimand residents who served. This program
costs $15/person and pre-registration is required. Registration may be
completed by calling/visiting any County office or online through Leisure Link
(program code 6445).

Edinburgh Square Annual Harvest Lunch Will Commemorate Haldimand’s Wartime Efforts

Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre will present its annual Harvest Lunch and Talk on Thursday November 8th. This year’s event will feature guest speakers and a preview of the museum’s latest exhibit that commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Great War.

Special guest speaker for the afternoon will be Marilynn Havelka, CAO, Ruthven Park National Historic Site who will discuss the role of the Thompson Family during the First World War – beginning with patriarch Andrew, his wife Violet, sons Andrew and Walter and daughter Margaret. Havelka will also elaborate on the family’s connection to the  37th Haldimand Rifles and Haldimand 114th Battalion of which Andrew Sr. became Commanding Officer in February 1916.

The Harvest Lunch and Talk will also provide guests with a sneak preview of the  Centre’s current exhibition, We Will Remember Them. The exhibit officially opens November 11th, 2018 coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War.  We Will Remember Them is a photographic retrospective recognizing those men and women from Haldimand County who served their Country over the past 100 years, beginning with the Great War.

Also included as part of this exhibition is the display Blood Brothers, Brothers in Arms, which examines an almost forgotten WWI connection between Canadian First Nations soldiers serving in the Haldimand 114th Battalion and the City of Edinburgh, Scotland. The display pays tribute to the links between the soldiers of the Haldimand 114th Battalion and their Scottish friends – links which are still evident today.

The Harvest Lunch  and Talk takes place at 80 Caithness St. E., Caledonia from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Cost is $15.00 per person and includes the presentation, a hearty lunch of soups and amazing cheese scones, Edinburgh Square’s special tea blend and sweet treats.

Pre-registration for this event must be completed online or at any County office using the program code 6445. For further information, please contact Anne Unyi, Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre at 905-765-3134, or by email at esquare.centre@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand Museums Receive Provincial Grants Totaling $37,914

Annually, Haldimand County’s 3 museums apply for Community Museum Operating Grants (CMOG) offered by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. All Haldimand Museums sites received notice of approval of CMOG funding for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

Funding awarded is as follows:

  • Haldimand County Museum and Archives: $12,097
  • Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum: $11,073
  • Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre: $14,744

Museums play a significant role in contributing to lifelong learning and the creation of vibrant, creative communities. Funding through the CMOG program helps strengthen the capacity of organizations and museums to meet heritage-related goals and interpret/protect Ontario’s cultural heritage.

“We are extremely grateful to the Ministry for their continued support of Haldimand museums. The $37,914 awarded will contribute to the continued preservation of our unique heritage through programming, events, exhibitions, preservation and curation activities,” said Anne Unyi, Supervisor of Heritage & Culture for Haldimand County.

Haldimand County’s 3 museums – located in Cayuga (Haldimand County Museum & Archives), Caledonia (Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre) and Selkirk (Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum) – serve to educate and inspire visitors of all ages through year-round programming, exhibitions and genealogical research assistance.

As a requirement of receiving annual Community Museum Operating Grants (CMOG) from the Ontario Ministry of Culture, the three Haldimand Museums sites are required to demonstrate compliance with the Standards for Community Museums in Ontario, which set out the minimum requirements for the operation of a community museum. All three museums – including the new Heritage Centre – comply with these standards.

In the spring of 2019, the Haldimand County Museum and Archive facility will close and relocate to 19 Talbot Street, Cayuga within the Cayuga Library and Heritage Centre. Artifacts, records and reference materials will be displayed and made available within the new state-of-the-art building. Exhibits, events and educational programs that residents and visitors currently enjoy will continue to be offered at the Talbot Street location.

“Heritage and Culture staff will continue to apply for CMOG funding for all three County owned museums – Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum, Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre and the new Heritage Centre in Cayuga,” said Unyi. “We are looking forward to the Heritage Centre opening and providing a new, accessible and inviting space for visitors to explore our unique history,” she added.

18th Annual Recognition Night Celebrates “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Haldimand County’s 18th Annual Recognition Night took place October 11, 2018 at the Fisherville Lions Community Centre and, once again, honoured almost forty nominees.

More than 275 guests attended the dinner and awards ceremony recognizing nominees in 11 categories, including five inductees onto the Walls of Fame in Caledonia, Cayuga and Dunnville. (These individuals are recognized for their significant contributions to recreation and sport in their communities.)

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 Dunnville’s Nancy DeWitt, while Hagersville’s Owen Bluhm was named Youth Volunteer of the Year.

2018 Wall of Fame Inductees

Caledonia Wall of Fame
Dan Edge

Cayuga Wall of Fame
Joy Wheatley

Dunnville Wall of Fame
Barry Dear
Ken Hines
Tom Pettigrew

2018 Haldimand County Recognition Award Nominees & Winners
(Note: Winners are listed in bold italics)

Nominees for Heritage Haldimand Award
The Pelican Group
The Reeve Bed & Breakfast

Nominees for Community Culture Award
Don & Sylvia Weaver

Nominees for Caring Haldimand Award
By the Willow Hospice Day Away Program
The Dunnville Learning Centre
East Haldimand Hospice/East Haldimand Hospice Clinical Team
Colleen Wenzel
Yvette Young & Family

Nominees for Community Project Award – Small Projects (up to $10,000 budget)
Caledonia Veteran Banners Project
Dunnville Horticultural Society – Wingfield Park Project
Dunnville Veteran Banners Project

Nominee for Community Project Award – Large Projects (over $10,000 budget)
Jarvis Lions Club Trail/Pathway Project

Nominees for Community Festival Award – Minor Festival (<500 attendees)
Caledonia Community Easter Egg Hunt
Downtown is a Stage: Dunnville Friday Nights
Selkirk Christmas Celebration & Illuminated Tractor Parade

Nominees for Community Organization or Group Award
92.9 The Grand
Concerned Citizens of Haldimand
Just Tents Inc.

Nominees for Youth Volunteer of the Year
Owen Bluhm
Nicole Hibbs
Alexa McDonnell

Nominees for Volunteer of the Year
Paul Buchanan
Nancy DeWitt
Vern Disher
Lori Ivanco
Alex Komarniski
Sonya McKeen
Wayne Nie
Tom Pettigrew

Applications Now Being Accepted For 2019 Community Beautification Grants

It’s time once again for community groups and not-for-profit organizations to get creative and apply for a Haldimand County Community Beautification grant.

Each year, the County makes available $60,000 in grant funding to assist groups with enhancement initiatives which take place on municipal (public) property. The program was created in 2005 in recognition of the importance of beautification to the vitality of any community, as well as the sense of pride and quality of life it fosters for residents and visitors to the County.

Groups may apply for grant funding of up to 50% of the total cost of the proposed project to a maximum of $4,000 per year/per organization. Since its launch in 2006, the Community Beautification Program has resulted in 231 projects worth $2,525,420, while $778,826 in County grant funding has leveraged $1,751,594 in community contributions.

“This program has been a great success for Haldimand County,” said Manager of Community Development and Partnerships Sheila Wilson. “Showcasing our communities makes our towns and villages more beautiful, supports business attraction and retention, and leads to potential new tourism and economic development opportunities,” she contined.

“Each year our community groups impress us with their enthusiasm, innovation and individuality as they develop their applications,” she adds. “We can’t wait to see what proposals come forward this year to continue to enhance our communities and make them even more welcoming.”

Interested groups are encouraged to check out the guidelines and application materials on the Community Partnerships page. Applications are due Thursday, November 1 at 4:00 p.m. at any of the County’s offices in Cayuga, Caledonia, Dunnville or Hagersville.

Haldimand County Hosting Small Business Week Celebration

On Wednesday, October 17, 2018, Haldimand County will celebrate Small Business Week at the Caledonia Lions Club from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Small Business Week is a national celebration that recognizes Canadian entrepreneurs, their successes and community contributions.

The Caledonia Chamber of Commerce will be hosting this year’s celebration in partnership with the Haldimand Business Network. All Haldimand County business owners  are invited to attend the event, which includes a complimentary breakfast and keynote speaker (Steve Fenton, President of Battlefield International). The event is free of charge, but attendees are asked to pre-register online.

“This breakfast is an excellent opportunity to recognize and celebrate the numerous contributions local entrepreneurs and business owners provide to our communities,” said Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s Manager of Economic Development and Tourism. “The event also gives local businesses a chance to network, collaborate and learn from one another,” she added.

Business owners who wish to attend the celebration event may register on-line via BusinessHaldimand.ca or by phone (905-318-5932 ext. 6331). The deadline to register is October 12th.

Haldimand County Continues To Improve Capital Project Process

Over the past four years Haldimand County has substantially increased the number and total dollar value of capital projects designed to meet the growing needs of Haldimand County residents, while at the same time, renew and sustain the County’s existing infrastructure.

During this period, the number of active capital projects has grown from about 500 projects per year to over 600 projects per year and the funding has increased from approximately $100 million to over $120 million. The delivery of the capital project program has largely been accommodated with existing staff.

While the vast majority of these projects – over 97% – are delivered on time and within budget there are always one or two projects that do not meet Council, staff and public expectations related to timing and/or the final product. Following Haldimand County’s philosophy of continuous improvement, Council has directed staff to review the capital project program and seek ways to maximize project successes.

As part of this directive, County staff will be reviewing ways to improve and strengthen the ability to meet these expectations by considering measures such as requiring contractor prequalification for more projects; increased penalties to contractors to enforce start and end dates for construction contracts; and, reviewing holdback types and amounts to ensure contractor performance.

It is anticipated that this review and implementation of appropriate changes to capital project contract management will further reduce the number of projects that are not delivered satisfactorily.