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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.

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.

Individuals who wish to participate are encouraged to submit an application form available online at HaldimandCounty.ca/The-Farm-911-Emily-Project or contact Planning@HaldimandCounty.on.ca for additional information.

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.