Haldimand County seeking public input on Community and Recreation Facilities Strategy

Haldimand County is launching a comprehensive Community & Recreation Facilities Strategy to identify major facility needs and establish a 20-year implementation plan.

The Strategy will focus on facilities that support activities such as aquatics, sports, health, wellness, arts and culture.

The process will be strongly informed by public and stakeholder input and will examine needs, financial feasibility, partnerships and potential locations. While the analysis will exclude facilities that are already in sufficient supply (e.g. indoor ice rinks, community halls, neighbourhood parks), it will consider strategies to enhance and re-purpose existing buildings or construct new facilities to address growth and emerging needs.

An online survey to gather preliminary input is available until March 7 at HaldimandCounty.ca/RecStrategy/.

“We are very excited about this project, which has been a priority for this term of Council,” says Mayor Ken Hewitt. “Unfortunately, it has been delayed due to the pandemic and the associated limitations to public consultation, which is a critical part of this process.

“At this point, we know many people have become used to engaging online or via Zoom, and we feel we will be able to host in-person engagement opportunities. We don’t want to wait any longer to hear what residents want in the way of facilities to support recreation and wellness. We also think the pandemic may have adjusted people’s thinking about the importance of recreation to quality of life and the many different ways we can remain active, social and engaged.”

You can find out more about the consultation process—including the online survey and updates about in-person consultation opportunities—on the County’s website.

Haldimand County March Break Camp registration opens February 7, 2022

March Break is quickly approaching and Haldimand County is pleased to offer Safari themed March Break Camps from Monday, March 14 to Friday, March 18 for children ages 4-11.

These week-long camps will operate daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the option of extended care starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. The cost for the week is $116.00 with additional costs for extended care.

March Break Camps will be offered at the following locations:

  • Caledonia (Haldimand County Caledonia Center and Grace United Church)
  • Cayuga (Cayuga Memorial Arena)
  • Dunnville (Amity Lodge)
  • Hagersville (Hagersville Arena)
  • Jarvis (St. Paul’s Anglican Church)

Camp registration opens February 7, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. and can be completed online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, located at 53 Thorburn Street South in Cayuga. Camp spots fill quickly, so it is advised that new users create an online account in advance and returning users attempt logging into their account prior to February 7.

Additional COVID-19 protocols will be in place to ensure a safe and fun time at camp. Children participating in the program must wear a face covering that covers their mouth, nose and chin throughout the day for the majority of program activities.

Haldimand County arenas re-opening at 50% capacity January 31, museums and community halls February 1

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;
  • To inquire about renting Haldimand County facilities, visit the Community Halls page on the county website.

For more information on Haldimand County programs, facilities and services during the pandemic, visit HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19.

 

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

New COVID-19 safety measures in effect at county arenas

In alignment with the province’s latest public health measures and reduced capacity limits for indoor public settings, Haldimand County is implementing a number of changes to arena protocols effective immediately.

Members of the public who plan to visit an arena over the next few weeks are advised of the following changes:

  • Food/drink concessions and vending machines are NOT permitted to operate under the new provincial regulations
  • NO outside food and drink whatsoever may be brought into a county arena under the new provincial regulations (with the exception of water bottles for on-ice sport participants)

Further, the following protocols remain in effect:

  • 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. 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.
  • All arena visitors must complete the online Arena Contact Tracing Form prior to entry.

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.

Visitors are asked to be respectful of staff implementing these provincial requirements.

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

Two pairs of women's figure skates on ice.

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 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!

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.

Arena programs return to full capacity, drop-in model

In alignment with the province’s Roadmap to Reopening, Haldimand County is lifting capacity limits for arena programs effective immediately.

As capacities return to 100%, arena programs have shifted back to a drop-in model and residents will no longer need to pre-register to attend.

By provincial law, proof of vaccination must be shown by individuals 12 years of age and older before entering an arena.

For the safety of staff and participants, all individuals must also complete COVID-19 screening upon or prior to entering arenas. Individuals are encouraged to complete the screening form online prior to their arrival at dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/arena-contact-tracing-form.

Up to date program schedules, safety information and Frequently Asked Questions can be found online at dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/recreation-facilities.

Print copies of the arena program schedule are also available at all arenas and at the Haldimand County Administration Building located in Cayuga.

 

Two pairs of women's figure skates on ice.

Residents, ‘explorers’ encouraged to check out Haldimand County paddle art and geotours

With fall in the air, there’s still time to enjoy two great outdoor activities: Haldimand County’s Geotour and Paddle Art Tour Haldimand (PATH).

Developed by the County’s Community Development & Partnerships Division in conjunction with the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), these two tours allow residents, families and visitors of all ages to make new memories while enjoying local creative talents, natural beauty and great eateries and shops in the area.

The geocaching tour takes local ‘explorers’ to twenty different locations across Haldimand County, from the north end in Caledonia to the southern shore of Lake Erie in Lowbanks.

Participants who complete the tour and submit their ‘passport’ will receive a specially-designed souvenir geocoin and be entered into a final draw.

The Paddle Art Tour Haldimand (PATH) is a public art journey celebrating the significance of the Grand River and Lake Erie to Haldimand County. Twenty-four local artists have created original designs—on wooden paddles hand made by local high school students—which are on display throughout the County.

Complete the tour and passport to be entered into the County’s contest.

Both tours can be enjoyed while complying with all provincial and public health guidelines associated with the pandemic.