2021 Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest winners announced

Haldimand County has announced its 2021 Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest winners.

A panel of judges comprised of County staff, community figures and a local photographer/filmmaker closely examined more than 180 submissions and determined the following winners:

First Place:
Caledonia Sunset by Taryn Roberts

Second Place:
A Pot of Gold by Kim Spurr
Third Place:
Winter Road by Jesse Curley		Honourable Mention:
Heron on the Grand by Amy Brown

In addition to contest prizes (gift cards for local businesses), winning photographs will be displayed at the Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre in late January.

Special thanks are owed to contest judges Graeme Bachiu (Windecker Road Films), Kaitlyn
Clark (The Haldimand Press), Yvonne Van De Wiele (92.9 The Grand FM), Karen Richardson (Haldimand Museums), and the Haldimand County Communications team for their participation and thorough, thoughtful examination of all entries.

Details about next year’s Uniquely Haldimand photo contest will be announced in fall 2022. More information on the Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest and a gallery of past winners is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/photocontest.

Members of the public reminded of arena safety protocols ahead of holidays

With a number of ice bookings and public skate programs scheduled over the holiday break, Haldimand County is reminding residents of arena protocols in place to protect the safety of staff and visitors.

  • Every person in the arena is required to wear a mask or face covering that covers their mouth, nose and chin. Exemptions include children under two (2) years of age and those who cannot wear a mask for a medical reason.
  • Individuals 12 years old and above must provide proof of vaccination to enter an arena, with limited exceptions. Please note that as of January 4, 2022, only vaccine certificates with an official QR code – shown on a mobile device or printed out – will be accepted as valid proof of vaccination as per provincial regulations.
  • QR code vaccine certificates can be obtained from the province’s website. All Haldimand County Public Library branches are offering free print and lamination services for individuals who need a copy of their vaccine certificate and do not have access to a printer/technology.
  • All program participants must also complete the Arena Contact Tracing Form prior to entry.

To help serve the public better and minimize wait times, the county is asking that all spectators, walking track users and members of the general public entering an arena complete the online contact tracing/screening form prior to their visit.

The form is available on the main page of HaldimandCounty.ca and may also be completed by scanning the QR code posted at all arena entrances. Completing this form prior to entry will be required as of January 4, 2022.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in scheduled arena programming but are urged to remain vigilant and follow public health protocols, especially with the emergence of new variants of concern.

More information on arena programs, including a full schedule of holiday programming and safety protocols, are available on the county website at HaldimandCounty.ca/recreation-facilities.

Haldimand County Fire Department issues important wood stove and fireplace safety reminders

It’s that time of year when we love to cuddle up in front of a cozy fire and Haldimand County Fire Department is reminding residents of how they can safely enjoy their wood stoves and fireplaces. Knowing what to burn and how to burn it matters.

Before thinking about using your wood stove or fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned. Chimney fires can burn explosively and often go undetected. If you notice the following from your chimney: a loud cracking and popping noise, a lot of dense smoke, and an intense hot smell, it may be at risk for fire and should be serviced immediately. Preventative care can reduce the risk of fire.

When using your fireplace or wood stove, use only dry seasoned wood cured for at least six months. Burning freshly cut or even partially seasoned wood will cause creosote, a highly combustible residue, to build-up which could lead to a chimney fire. Other items that cause creosote build-up and should never be burned include wrapping paper, plastic, manure, plywood, or any wood that is coated, painted, pressure-treated, wet, rotted, diseased, or moldy. In summary, only well-seasoned dry wood and kindling should be used in your fireplace or wood stove.

Here are some simple tips that can increase your fire safety:

  • Always use a screen in front of the fireplace.
  • Never leave children unattended by a fire.
  • Have a fire escape plan for your house and review it regularly with your family.
  • Keep the doors of your wood-burning appliance closed unless loading or stoking the fire.
  • Keep flammable items (curtains, furniture, newspapers, books, etc.) away from your appliance.
  • Regularly remove ashes into a covered metal container, stored outdoors on a non-flammable surface.
  • Have your chimney, flue and appliance inspected and cleaned annually.

Why is this important? In Canada, there are approximately 2,000 fires annually that are directly linked to heat generating appliances, including wood stoves, fireplaces and chimneys. From 2010-2019, these fires lead to 377 deaths and 3,048 injuries.

Haldimand County Fire Department want your families to be safe and to remember, “No Fire is a Safe Fire.”

For more information on wood stove and fireplace safety, visit https://dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/fire-services/fire-safety-education/, or call your local fire department.

Haldimand County Museum and Archives announces holiday program lineup at Cayuga Library and Heritage Centre

Haldimand County Museum and Archives is hosting a number of programs and an exhibition this December, highlighting various traditions of Christmas. Programs take place at the Cayuga Library and Heritage Centre, located at 19 Talbot Street West, Cayuga.

Good Tidings We Bring: Christmas in Words – December 7 at 6 p.m.

This presentation focuses on the history of Christmas cards – a custom that began in the United Kingdom in 1843 and continues today with the expression and exchange of warm wishes in the form of holiday greetings.

Christmas Trends, Traditions and Toys – December 8 at 1 p.m.

Christmas trends, traditions and toys is the theme for this presentation. Leaving cookies and milk for Santa—and a few carrots for his reindeer—became a North American holiday tradition in the 1930’s. In 1965, The Coca-Cola Company sponsored a Charlie Brown Christmas television special that became one of the most beloved Christmas shows of all times.

Christmas Traditions and Customs – December 14 at 6 p.m.

This presentation examines Christmas traditions and customs. The custom of “decking the halls” came from the British Isles. Decorations were natural and included pine cones, nuts, holly berries, feathers and chains made of cranberries and popcorn.

At the Christmas Table – December 15 at 2 p.m.

Join us as we step back in time and enjoy some “tastes” from the past including a description of a 1780’s Christmas menu prepared by our early ancestors and comprising of wild turkey, venison, mince pies and plum pudding.

The cost for each program is $10 per person. Pre-registration and pre-payment must be completed either online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building (53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga). Proof of vaccination will be required. For more information, contact the Heritage Centre at 905-318-5932 ext. 6613 or email museum.archives@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Experience Haldimand County’s 2021 Holiday Activities

Holiday activities in Haldimand County are available in-person and virtually. A highlight of holiday activities in Haldimand County includes:

Holiday Public Skates
Additional Public Skates are being offered over the holidays at the following indoor arenas on the listed dates and times:

All arenas will be closed December 25 – 26, 2021 and January 1, 2022.
For a complete list of arena details, visit https://dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/recreation-facilities/arenas/

Virtual Programs and Activities

Launching on Friday, November 26, 2021 enjoy weekly virtual programs that include exercises, baking and crafts for all ages. This six week series will provide a fun new holiday activity for the whole family each week. No registration is required and all activities are free. To join in on the fun, visit https://dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/recreation-facilities/programs/.

Walking Trails
Enjoy the outdoors on one of Haldimand County’s beautiful walking trails. For an interactive list of the trails available, visit https://dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/recreation-facilities/trails-pathways/.

Residents are encouraged to regularly check the Haldimand County website and social media accounts for updates related to virtual programming and the exciting ways to explore and enjoy Haldimand this Holiday Season!

New program for Haldimand & Norfolk aims to “Spark” innovative tourism ideas with grants and mentorships

A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas for Haldimand & Norfolk was officially announced today. The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants from the region with a mentor and provide a $3,000 seed grant to help take their new tourism idea to the next level.

View the official announcement video here: https://youtu.be/WNSXZT1CMlE    

The “Spark” Program was first piloted in Windsor-Essex in 2018 by the Tourism Innovation Lab, and has now been delivered in over 16 regions across the province and British Columbia. Its goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits.

While there are no specific categories, program organizers are especially interested in new tourism ideas that connect with agritourism, cycling, waterfront, and the winter season.

Applications are encouraged from individuals, small businesses and non-profit organizations based in Haldimand & Norfolk from November 23rd to January 14th, 2022. Following a juried review process, five finalists from Haldimand County and five finalists from Norfolk County will be invited to virtual Pitch Sessions where three winners will be selected from each.

The Haldimand & Norfolk “Spark” Program is being led by the Tourism Innovation Lab in collaboration and with support from Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, Haldimand County, Norfolk County, Libro Credit Union, Grand Erie Business Centre and Venture Norfolk.

For more information on the Haldimand & Norfolk “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/HaldimandNorfolk.

QUOTES

Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation
“Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation is excited to be partnering on the expansion of “Spark” Program into Haldimand and Norfolk counties. We’ve seen some amazing ideas translate into new tourism experiences for travellers across Ontario’s Southwest, and we’re eager to see what new ideas emerge from Haldimand and Norfolk!” said Joanne Wolnik, Executive Director of the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation.

Haldimand County
“Our goal is to inspire Haldimand & Norfolk County residents and entrepreneurs to come forward with creative ideas that will generate new innovative tourism opportunities, experiences and partnerships in our communities.  We are excited to be working together along with our project partners to capture these great ideas, and define the actions needed to put these ideas to work.  Now more than ever, the tourism industry needs innovation and the “Spark” Program is a great opportunity to launch these tourism offerings and assist entrepreneurs in getting them to the next level” said Lidy Romanuk, Manager, Economic Development & Tourism, Haldimand County.

Norfolk County
“Norfolk County is thrilled to be partnering with Haldimand County on this exciting Spark program, which will provide an opportunity for our many creative entrepreneurs to bring innovative tourism product ideas to market.  With the importance of tourism and entrepreneurship to our economy, we are delighted to be part of a project that both supports the creation and growth of small businesses, while simultaneously adding exciting new product offerings for our residents and visitors to enjoy when experiencing all that Norfolk County has to offer.  We are grateful to the Tourism Innovation Lab and wonderful sponsors (SWOTC, Libro Credit Union, Venture Norfolk, Grand Erie Business Centre) for helping to make this project a reality” said Zvi Lifshiz, Director, Strategic Innovation and Economic Development, Norfolk County.

Libro Credit Union
“At Libro Credit Union, we know that working together always makes people stronger, so we find partnerships like this so rewarding. The Spark program and everyone involved in it is a great example of partnership with people who share our values. At Libro, our financial coaches work with Owners – we call our customers Owners because they own part of the company – to set goals and work towards them, and there’s nothing we like more than an exciting idea like this!” said Scott Macleod, Regional Manager Haldimand & Norfolk, Libro Credit Union.

Grand Erie Business Centre
“The “Spark” Program has a history of success in helping to develop and foster new tourism businesses and entrepreneurs. We are happy to support this program and partner with everyone involved to encourage new tourism experiences to be developed and offered in our communities.” said Tauri Caputo, General Manager, Grand Erie Business Centre.

Tourism Innovation Lab
“We are very excited to be launching the “Spark” Program in Haldimand & Norfolk,” said Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab. “As we have seen through previous rounds in southwest Ontario, innovative tourism ideas brought forward by entrepreneurs, small businesses and organizations will inspire and elevate the tourism offerings and experiences in the region.”

Children invited to ‘Ask Santa Anything’ through Public Library-Optimist Club program

Haldimand County Public Library and the Optimist Club of Haldimand have once again partnered to kick off the holiday season with a fun, festive ‘Ask Santa Anything’ program.

From now until Friday, December 10, children are invited to write down their most pressing questions for Santa and drop them off at any Haldimand County Public Library branch. For kids who have wondered what Rudolph’s middle name is, what Santa’s favourite cookies are, or how Santa’s elves keep their ears clean – now is the chance to find out!

Starting on Monday, December 20 and Tuesday, December 21, children can look to the library’s Facebook page or YouTube channel to see how Santa’s special helpers are getting the library ready for his visit and listen to a story to get them into the Christmas spirit.

On Wednesday, December 22, Santa will be making a special appearance on the library’s Facebook page and YouTube channel where he will be answering many of the questions submitted. Any question which Santa does not answer in his video will be answered by him in writing on the library’s Facebook page.

For more information on the ‘Ask Santa Anything’ program, visit HaldimandLibrary.ca, e-mail kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call your local branch at 289-674-0400.

Haldimand County Public Library announces virtual visit with ‘One Book One Haldimand’ author Craig Davidson

Join Craig Davidson, author of One Book One Haldimand’s 2021 book Precious Cargo: My Year Driving the Kids on School Bus 3077, virtually on Thursday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. for a reading, book talk and a Question & Answer session. The virtual visit will take place over Zoom and participants do not need a library membership to join the discussion.

To register for the Zoom session, call your local branch at 289-674-0400 or e-mail the library’s Outreach Coordinator at kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca and indicate “OBOH” in your email’s subject line.

Copies of Precious Cargo: My Year Driving the Kids on School Bus 3077 are available at all library branches and can be reserved by calling your local branch at 289-674-0400 or using the online catalogue.

One Book One Haldimand is an annual community-wide reading program through which individuals across Haldimand County are encouraged to read a selected Canadian title and join the author and other community members for a shared discussion.

For more information on library programs, visit HaldimandLibrary.ca.

County launches second annual Haldimand Holiday Wish Book, encourages residents to shop local

For the second year, Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism division has released the Haldimand Holiday Wish Book to encourage residents to shop & support local.

Featuring over 30 local businesses, the Holiday Wish Book is a one stop guide for local gift ideas, hand-made products and unique experiences.

Copies are being distributed to all households in by mail and will also be available for pickup at local libraries. An online, downloadable version of the Holiday Wish Book is also available at tourismhaldimand.ca/wish-book.

“We received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community and local businesses when we launched the 2020 Wish Book and made it a priority to bring it back for 2021,” said Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand’s Manager of Economic Development & Tourism.

“Haldimand County has so many unique shops and experiences. We encourage residents and visitors to explore all our community has to offer and to continue supporting local,” added Romanuk.

The Holiday Wish Book also has an online directory featuring even more local businesses. Anyone can browse vendor listings and shop local from the comfort of home via the Haldimand County Marketplace.

The County’s Economic Development & Tourism division is also running 12 Days of Giveaways starting December 1, 2021 and launching a winter sweepstakes contest. Follow Tourism Haldimand on Facebook or Instagram and check out the Haldimand Holiday Wish Book Online Directory for a chance to win some great local prizes.

For more information on the Haldimand Holiday Wish Book or tips on how to support local this holiday season, visit tourismhaldimand.ca/wish-book.

Businesses who would like to be added to the online directory or the Haldimand County Marketplace are encouraged to contact opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre Project Benefits From Generosity Of Local Residents Laird And Mary Jane McKeen

On Monday, November 15, the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre project benefitted from the generosity of local residents Laird and Mary Jane McKeen, who presented Haldimand County Council and staff with a $100,000 donation towards construction of the new facility.

“We are incredibly grateful to the McKeens for their generous contribution and investment in the vibrancy and quality of life of our communities,” says Haldimand County Ward 4 Councillor Tony Dalimonte. “The County is excited at the prospect of replacing two outdated municipal facilities with more accessible, functional and engaging spaces that enhance quality of life for all ages and interests.”

“The Hagersville Library and the Hagersville Community Centre have served residents throughout this region—including from Haldimand and Norfolk Counties, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations, which has a Library Services Reciprocal Borrowing Partnership with Haldimand—for decades,” Dalimonte continued. “We now have an opportunity to create innovative, efficient, community-designed spaces in beautiful Grant Kett Park, which is already home to our Arena, ball diamonds and outdoor amphitheatre.”

Plans for the new, multi-purpose facility were introduced in early 2021 during capital budget deliberations, and approved by Council for construction in 2024. As outlined in the project’s funding conditions, the community will have to raise approximately $1 million towards the co-located new facility.

A preliminary community open house about the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre took place in late October. Further opportunities to share ideas and provide feedback will be announced shortly.

For background information, details and updates, visit dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/hagersvilleALC/.

Community members Laird and Mary Jane McKeen present Haldimand Council members and staff with a $100,000 ceremonnial cheque. Stewart Patterson, Haldimand County Ward 1 Councillor Tony Dalimonte, Haldimand County Ward 4 Councillor Laird McKeen Mary Jane McKeen Doug Miller, Fundraising Committee Member Paul Diette, CEO, Haldimand County Public Library.

Pictured Above (L to R):

Stewart Patterson, Haldimand County Ward 1 Councillor
Tony Dalimonte, Haldimand County Ward 4 Councillor
Laird McKeen
Mary Jane McKeen
Doug Miller, Fundraising Committee Member
Paul Diette, CEO, Haldimand County Public Library