Haldimand County Announces Closure of Administration Building In Accordance With Provincial State of Emergency and Stay At Home Order

As a result of the Ontario Government declaring a state of emergency and issuing a province-wide stay-at-home order, Haldimand County will be closing its Administration Building to the public effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01a.m. The closure is expected to last 4 weeks, unless the stay-at-home order is extended by the Province.

While the administration building is closed, staff will be available to assist customers by phone or email during regular hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 4:30pm). Members of the public are encouraged to contact the County at 905-318-5932, use the Contact form at HaldimandCounty.ca/connect or info@haldimandcounty.on.ca for assistance.

A number of municipal services are also available online and do not require in-person visit. A list of alternate service options during the shutdown period is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19.

The Canborough Waste Management Facility is the only public facility that will remain open throughout the shutdown period, and only debit and credit payments will be accepted. Museums, libraries and arenas remain closed in accordance with provincial regulations, however, staff remain available to assist residents via phone/e-mail. Curbside pickup will continue to be offered at all library branches.

All Haldimand County facility closures, program cancellations, meeting postponements and other related details are available at HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19.

To learn more about what’s open/what’s closed during the Province-wide shutdown, visit the Ontario Government website.

Haldimand County Announces Facility Closures Following Province-Wide Emergency Brake Announcement

On Thursday, April 1, 2021, the Province of Ontario announced that it would be implementing a province-wide ‘emergency brake shutdown’ as a result of rising COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations. The province-wide emergency brake will take effect Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 12:01 a.m. and is expected to last 4 weeks.

As a result of this announcement, Haldimand County will be closing a number of facilities to the public, including:

– All museums (staff will still be available to answer inquiries and requests via phone/e-mail)
– All libraries (curbside pickup only; staff will remain available to assist via phone/e-mail)
– All arenas (Note: ice rentals scheduled for tonight will continue as planned given the shutdown takes effect April 3)

All indoor recreation has been canceled and due to the length of the shutdown, ice will be removed from arenas. User groups are being notified.

Council meetings will be held virtually during the province-wide shutdown.

The Haldimand County Administration Building will remain open with strict physical distancing measures and capacity limits in place. The Canborough Waste Management Facility will also remain open, however, the Re-Use program bin will be unavailable and only debit or credit payment will be accepted.

Full details regarding municipal facilities, programs and services during the pandemic are listed on the ‘What’s Open/Closed‘ and ‘County Service Options‘ tabs at HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19.

While in-person services at the Administration Building remain available, residents are reminded that a number of municipal services are available online and do not require in-person visit.

More information on what’s permitted during the emergency brake shutdown is available on the Province of Ontario’s website.

Updates will be shared as required.

Haldimand and Norfolk Counties Commemorate 1 Year Since Declaration of COVID-19 Emergencies

On March 24, 2020, Haldimand and Norfolk counties officially declared emergencies due to COVID-19. To recognize this pivotal day and acknowledge the challenges of the past year, both counties will lower flags at administration facilities for the duration of Wednesday, March 24, 2021.

“It is important to recognize the hard work and dedication that has gone in to the local fight against COVID-19 over the past 12 months, by County staff, the Health Unit, frontline workers and the community as a whole,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt. “Flags lowered symbolize the extraordinary efforts put forward by the community, the many challenges faced and the hurdles we’ve overcome,” Hewitt noted.

Both mayors acknowledged the tireless work of staff, frontline workers and community members who contributed the local COVID-19 response – by way of planning for and implementing public health strategies, keeping vulnerable community members safe, volunteering, donating supplies and adhering to public health guidelines.

“COVID-19 has affected all of us in different ways. It hasn’t been easy, and we’ve all had to make sacrifices to keep our community safe. Because of these collective efforts, we are in a position today where the light at the end of the tunnel is visible. Our staff and the entire community deserve a huge thanks for stepping up and doing everything possible to keep the virus at bay,” said Norfolk County Mayor/Chair of the Board of Health Kristal Chopp.

Haldimand and Norfolk counties will continue working collaboratively with public health to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and facilitate mass vaccinations in line with the Province’s rollout framework.

For more information on the local response to COVID-19, including community vaccination rollout, visit HNHU.org.

 

Haldimand County logo. A yellow sun rising or setting atop green and blue waves. Haldimand County in black lettering below.

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Preparing For Community Vaccination Program In Haldimand, Norfolk Counties

Haldimand and Norfolk’s COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force is preparing for the vaccination of the general public over the coming months.

As per the Province’s vaccine rollout plan, vaccines are first being distributed to priority groups, such as acute healthcare workers and residents of long-term care and retirement settings.

Vaccination of Haldimand and Norfolk’s long-term care and retirement home residents is complete, while vaccination of healthcare workers continues.

Once the vaccination of healthcare workers is complete, doses will be allocated to community-residing individuals over the age of 80.

Only when all priority groups have had the opportunity to get the vaccine will it be offered to members of the public who wish to receive it.

An announcement will be made when vaccines are available to members of the general public. Updates will be provided to the community on an ongoing basis.

Due to uncertainty regarding vaccine availability and timing, the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force has been actively working to plan and implement community vaccination clinics.

Large amounts of vaccines could be made available at any time for certain segments of the population and in order to respond quickly, facilities must be equipped to administer a high volume of doses.

In Haldimand County, the Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre and Cayuga Memorial Arena will be utilized as community vaccine clinics.

In Norfolk County, the Vittoria and District Community Centre and Norfolk General Hospital will be used as community vaccine clinics.

For security reasons, vaccines will not be stored at these locations.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force – a joint effort of the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, Haldimand & Norfolk Counties (including Paramedic & Fire services), Norfolk General Hospital and West Haldimand General Hospital, Haldimand War Memorial Hospital and both counties’ Family Health Teams – will continue working collaboratively until residents in both counties have had the chance to receive the vaccine.

“Thanks to the guidance, hard work and dedication of the COVID-19 task force, our communities will be ready to respond once vaccines become available. With the help of our partners, we’ll be able to provide access to the COVID-19 vaccine safely, widely, and quickly to as many residents as possible – an important step in our collective fight against the virus,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

“COVID-19 has impacted every part of our lives, from our health and wellbeing to the local economy,” said Norfolk County Mayor and Chair of the Board of Health Kristal Chopp. “I’m thrilled that we’re starting to see light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel, and look forward to community vaccinations paving the way for a return to a more normal way of living and working.”

More information on vaccine availability and community clinics in Haldimand and Norfolk will be shared with residents as soon as details are confirmed. Residents are encouraged to read up on the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine via the Ontario Government or Health Unit website.

 

Haldimand County logo. A yellow sun rising or setting atop green and blue waves. Haldimand County in black lettering below.

Haldimand County Re-opens in Orange; Plans Underway for Public Access to County Arenas

With the announcement by Premier Doug Ford of Haldimand County’s re-opening in the ‘orange’ or ‘restrict’ stage of the Province’s colour-coded re-opening framework, municipal staff have begun the process to re-open County Arenas.

Beginning the week of February 22, three of Haldimand County’s Arenas (two pads at Caledonia’s HCCC and one each in Dunnville and Hagersville) will re-open for minor sports programming including hockey, figure skating and ringette. The Cayuga Memorial Arena will remain closed for all recreation and the ice removed as the County prepares the facility to become a community vaccination centre in the coming weeks. Preliminary information about community vaccination clinics, including Frequently Asked Questions, is available here.

Residents are encouraged to check the County website regularly for updates about Arena programming, including future public skates and use of the walking tracks.

 

Haldimand County logo. A yellow sun rising or setting atop green and blue waves. Haldimand County in black lettering below.

Haldimand County Moving Into ‘Orange’ Stage Of Re-Opening Framework; Administration Building To Re-Open February 22

On Friday, February 12, Premier Doug Ford announced that Haldimand County will move into the ‘orange’ or ‘restrict’ stage of the Province’s colour-coded re-opening framework as of February 16, 2021 at 12:01am. As a result of this announcement, the Haldimand County Administration Building will re-open for in-person service on Monday, February 22 with COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Details regarding the opening other municipal facilities such as arenas, museums and libraries will be announced in the near future once confirmed.

There are many changes under ‘orange’ stage rules, including the re-opening of indoor dining, gyms and personal care services with restrictions and capacity limits. More information and sector-specific guidelines for re-opening businesses within the ‘orange’ stage are available on the Province of Ontario’s website.

The re-opening announced today is a positive response to the efforts taken by citizens and businesses to reduce transmission of the virus. Even though the stay-at-home will expire on Tuesday, it is important to recognize that the use of masks, hand washing, social distancing and reducing non-essential travel will continue to be required under provincial safety protocols, particularly as new variants of the COVID-19 virus emerge.

Until the administration building re-opens, staff remain available to assist by phone or email during regular hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 4:30pm). Members of the public are encouraged to call 905-318-5932, use the contact form at HaldimandCounty.ca/connect or e-mail info@haldimandcounty.on.ca for assistance.

A number of municipal services are available online and do not require in-person visit. A list of service impacts and alternate service options is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19.

County staff will continue working closely with public health to monitor and respond to the local COVID-19 situation. Updates related to municipal services will be shared with the community as required and continue to be posted regularly at HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19.

 

Haldimand County logo. A yellow sun rising or setting atop green and blue waves. Haldimand County in black lettering below.

Grandview Lodge residents, staff receive COVID-19 vaccine

On Thursday, January 14, residents and staff at Grandview Lodge received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In total, 109 residents and 33 staff received the vaccine on Wednesday, with additional staff vaccinations scheduled for a later date. Dr. Ahmed Kamouna, Grandview’s medical director, and a team of Paramedics and Grandview Lodge staff administered the vaccines.

“Today feels like the beginning of the end and that is exciting when it relates to a pandemic,” said Jennifer Jacob, Grandview Lodge’s Administrator. “We know this isn’t a cure and that we’re still in this battle, but there is a sense of relief knowing we are now better protected,” she noted. “We will continue to do everything we can to protect our staff and residents through the use of PPE, social distancing and hand hygiene.”

“This vaccine has been long-awaited by many and I could not be happier for Grandview Lodge staff, residents and resident families. There is still work to be done, but knowing we are one step closer to beating this virus is extremely welcome news,” said Mayor Ken Hewitt. “Much gratitude is owed to the vaccine team and all Grandview staff for their continued dedication,” Hewitt added.

According to the prioritization framework determined by the Province, vaccinations are being administered to those most at risk: residents of long-term care facilities and health care providers who are working in higher risk settings.

Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect against serious illnesses like COVID-19.

Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. This can reduce your risk of developing COVID-19 and make your symptoms milder if you do get it.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, including the Ontario government’s vaccination plan, visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario.

More information on Grandview Lodge’s response to COVID-19 is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/grandview-lodge.

Below: Val Eckersley, Grandview Resident and President of Grandview Lodge Resident Council, was the first resident to receive the vaccine, administered by Dr. Ahmed Kamouna, Medical Director Grandview Lodge

Below: Laura Cornwall, RPN Hillview/Infection Prevention and Control Nurse was the first staff member to receive the vaccine by a Haldimand County Paramedic who was on site to assist with the innoculation process of residents and staff.

Below: Members of Grandview’s vaccine team. Victoria Maxwell (RN), Kim Livingstone (ADON) and Kelly Wickett-Horton (RPN).

COVID-19 Outbreak Declared At Grandview Lodge After Asymptomatic Staff Member Tests Positive

A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Grandview Lodge. As a result of protocols requiring regular testing of Grandview Lodge staff to ensure resident safety, one asymptomatic staff member was confirmed to have tested positive on Thursday, January 7. The staff member is currently self-isolating.

At this time, Grandview Lodge is working with Public Health to ensure the safety of all residents and staff. Resident testing is underway.

General Manager of Corporate & Social Services, Cathy Case, said “Grandview Lodge staff have worked tirelessly to protect our most vulnerable during this pandemic and will continue to do so through this most recent outbreak. The continued support of the community is greatly appreciated.”

Residents will be isolated to their rooms during the outbreak as per Public Health direction. In accordance with Ministry of Health requirements, essential caregivers are still permitted within the home but are required to follow proper protocols with respect to full personal protective equipment.

Further updates will be provided as necessary.

Haldimand County logo. A yellow sun rising or setting atop green and blue waves. Haldimand County in black lettering below.

Haldimand County Administration Building, Other Public Facilities To Close In Accordance With Provincial Shutdown Orders

As a result of holiday closures and the Ontario Government declaring a province-wide shutdown, all Haldimand County facilities – with the exception of the Canborough Waste Management Facility (CWMF) – will be closed to the public from December 24 at 3pm until January 23, 2021 unless the shutdown is extended by the Province.

All in-person meetings (e.g. Council), facility bookings (e.g. ice time) and programs in County facilities (e.g. public skates) scheduled to occur during this shutdown period have been cancelled or postponed.

While the administration building is closed, staff will be available to assist customers by phone or email during regular hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 4:30pm). Members of the public are encouraged to contact the County at 905-318-5932, use the Contact form at HaldimandCounty.ca/connect or info@haldimandcounty.on.ca for assistance.

A number of municipal services are also available online and do not require in-person visit. A list of alternate service options during the shutdown period is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/covid-19/.

The CMWF will remain open, however, only debit and credit payments will be accepted. Outdoor Christmas tree recycling depots will also remain open. The Re-Use program bin located at CWMF will be closed. Libraries will remain open for curbside pickup services only.

All Haldimand County facility closures, program cancellations, meeting postponements and other related details are available at HaldimandCounty.ca/covid-19/ & will be updated regularly.

To learn more about essential services and what’s open/what’s closed during the Province-wide shutdown, visit the Ontario Government website.

 

Haldimand County logo. A yellow sun rising or setting atop green and blue waves. Haldimand County in black lettering below.

Haldimand County Paramedic Services Offering Community Flu Shot Clinics

**Please note that flu shot appointments are fully booked. At this time, wait lists will not be offered.**

Haldimand County Paramedic Services will be offering six community flu shot clinics throughout November and December 2020. Flu shots will be offered by appointment only to individuals over the age of 16. Appointments may be booked using the County’s online registration system at link.haldimandcounty.ca. Due to the limited number of appointments, flu shots will be offered to Haldimand County residents only. High dose vaccinations (65+) will not be offered at these clinics.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, getting a flu vaccine this year is more important than ever because:

  1. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalizations, and death.
  2. Getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.

Flu shot appointments will be offered from 10am to 3pm on the following dates:

  • November 27 – Dunnville Arena
  • December 9 – Selkirk Fire Station #13
  • December 11- Cayuga Arena
  • December 15 – Hagersville Legion

Instructions for individuals who book flu shot appointments:

  • Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment and wear a face covering. Leave unnecessary items in your car.
  • When you arrive, you will be greeted by a Haldimand County staff member who will help you complete a COVID-19 screening assessment and flu shot consent form.
  • Once you receive your shot, you will need to remain in the building for 15 minutes post-immunization.
  • Immunization areas will be disinfected thoroughly after every appointment.

For COVID-19 safety reasons, a limited number of individuals will be permitted inside each flu shot location at any given time. Individuals who arrive with other family members may not be able to enter the facility together as a group. Individuals who are more than 15 minutes late or miss their appointment will be required to book a new time slot.

Residents are reminded to not come to their pre-booked appointment if they are feeling unwell. Please call 905-318-5932 ext. 6127 and leave a message to cancel or re-schedule your appointment.

Individuals who need assistance booking an appointment online may call Haldimand County customer service at 905-318-5932.