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.

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 Receives Jumpstart Sport Relief Fund Grant for Local Tennis Program

In February, Canadian Tire Corporation announced an additional $12 million commitment to Jumpstart’s Sport Relief Fund to help sport and recreation organizations build back sport and play in Canada.

Jumpstart conducted a State of Sport study via Ipsos, which revealed the pandemic has not only impacted current access to sport and play but has real long-term effects, as well. Haldimand County and the communities it serves have experienced this impact of the pandemic first-hand.

Recently, Haldimand County was pleased to receive confirmation that it is among the more than 500 national sport and recreation organizations to be provided with grant support through the latest round of Jumpstart’s Sport Relief Fund. In 2021, Jumpstart has already distributed in excess of $9 million in funding to more than 800 organizations across Canada through the fund.

“We are very grateful to receive this news as we know the funding will have a positive impact on our local youth programming,” says Lynda Kissner, Supervisor of Programs & Events. “In Haldimand County, we plan to use the funding towards the introduction of the Louise Brown & Ross Brown Juniors Tennis Program, which will be made available free of charge to youth ages 8 to 18 years.”

For more information about the new tennis program, please check the County’s website at dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website.

Haldimand Playbook is this Summer’s Source for All Things Recreation, Leisure and Culture

If you’re looking to make new summer memories, the Haldimand Playbook—which hit resident mailboxes this week and is also available online—is your guide to our County and all it has to offer.

The Playbook includes information about registering for summer aquatics and camp programming, heritage and culture workshops and Library programming.

If you’d rather take a less scheduled approach to your plans, visit our splash pads or wading pool to cool off on a hot day. Enjoy our parks and greenspaces including skate parks, ball diamonds, tennis and multi-use courts and picnic areas in several communities as well as disc golf in Caledonia’s LaFortune Park. Visit one of our many trails and pathways throughout the County and along the Grand River.

If tennis is something you’ve always wanted to try, the County is hosting an Introduction to Tennis program, offered in Caledonia, Dunnville and Jarvis. Check the County’s website for more details.

For anyone looking to explore the farthest reaches of the County there are two new tours: the geotour is suitable for adventurers of all ages and skill levels, with twenty geocaches stashed throughout Haldimand, while the public art tour is a County-wide display of 24 handmade wooden paddles painted by local artists. Details are available online and both tours include ongoing contests.

Remember to stop and enjoy a meal or snack at our local eateries, or hit the local shops to experience the County’s many unique offerings as you build out your Haldimand experience.

As always during these unusual times, we ask that you follow the current provincial and public health COVID-19 guidelines when visiting our parks, facilities and trails or participating in programming and activities. Please be respectful of others and do not litter; dispose of garbage or take out what you brought in.

The Playbook also includes a survey—on the back cover or online—about how the County can better stay connected to you. Please let us know how we can best communicate with you!

Visit Haldimand County’s Administration Building or Library Branches for your free copy of the Playbook, or check out the County’s website at https://dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/recreation-guide/.

Haldimand County Pools Opening Saturday, June 19th

Haldimand County’s Pools will open for the season on Saturday, June 19!

PLEASE NOTE: Any access to County pools requires either a reservation or registration in keeping with provincial guidelines. Reserve your free public or fitness swim or register for lessons at:  link.haldimandcounty.ca

At the pools, the safety protocols have been updated to reflect Stage 1 of the Province of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen. These include:

  • Reduced bather loads to 25% to comply with social distancing;
  • Advance reservations for recreational (public/fitness) swims and registration for instructional programming through the County’s online booking system;
  • Participants are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before the start of a reservation/registered program for sign-in and screening and to ensure participants benefit from maximum available swim time;
  • Participants showered and dressed for swim prior to sign-in (i.e. at home); dressing rooms will not be available to change;
  • Leaving valuables at home as participants will have to bring and leave their items on the pool deck during their swim;
  • Walk-ups will only be considered if space is available; and,
  • Social distancing protocols must be adhered to by participants before, during and after swims.

Reservations for public/fitness swims will be accepted on a week-by-week basis; participants are asked to limit the number of slots they book in one day to ensure the maximum number of participants possible can enjoy recreational swims.

Registration is now open and residents may book free public/fitness swims, using the County’s online registration system (link.haldimandcounty.ca) or by calling Haldimand County customer service at 905-318-5932.

Haldimand County Summer Program Registration Opens June 14

Summer is quickly approaching and the Haldimand County Summer Programs Team has been hard at work creating plans for a safe return to day camps and aquatic programs!

This summer will see the return of Camp HaldiFUN, Camp Creative Campers and the Leadership Initiative in a variety of locations: Caledonia, Cayuga, Dunnville, Hagersville and Jarvis.  Fun will be the focus as staff make sure every day at camp is filled with a variety of activities, crafts and games.

If you’re looking to cool off this summer, visit one of the County’s three outdoor pools located in Caledonia, Dunnville and Hagersville for a swim or for some lessons. Watch the Haldimand County website and social media accounts for a pool opening announcement coming soon!

Safety measures related to COVID-19 will be in place to ensure everyone has a safe camp or aquatics experience.

Pre-registration for public and fitness swims will be required again this summer. Residents can book free public/fitness swim slots using the County’s online registration system (link.haldimandcounty.ca) or by calling Haldimand County customer service at (905) 318-5932. Please note there will be an overall reduction in the number of public swim spots available to comply with social distancing requirements, and participants are encouraged to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Registration opens on Monday, June 14 for day camps and aquatic programs; you can register by using the County’s online registration system or in-person at the Haldimand County Administration Building in Cayuga.

For more details regarding the camp and swim programs, contact the Summer Coordinators at (905) 318-5932 ext. 8383.

Make a splash this summer!!

Cayuga Grand Vista Trail Construction Nearing Completion

Construction on Haldimand County’s newest trail, the Cayuga Grand Vista, is nearing completion. Work on the highly anticipated trail project has been underway since spring 2018, and the route will open to the public later this fall.

The Cayuga Grand Vista trailhead is located behind the Cayuga Courthouse at 55 Munsee St. N. The trail will take 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 will offer picturesque views of the river and its natural surroundings.

Each lookout has been designated with a name of local individuals that have noted accomplishments locally, provincially and federally – the Honourable Madame Justice Helen Kinnear and the Honourable Dr. Justice T. David Marshall. Plaques will be installed at both lookouts with descriptions of their accomplishments.

“The Cayuga Grand Vista is a great addition to the community. It provides an opportunity for recreation and education,” noted Sheila Wilson, Manager, Community Development and Partnerships. “The peaceful setting and naming plaques offer a unique connection to Cayuga’s past,” she continued.

“The trail will be open in the next few weeks,” Wilson added. “We are waiting on the delivery of gates to prevent unauthorized vehicles from accessing the trail. The gates are a standard design feature incorporated into all trails to ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety.”

An announcement will be posted on the County website and social media accounts once the construction fences come down and the trail is open for use. Residents are reminded that construction sites are not to be accessed by the public and are requested to call the OPP if they witness vehicles using County parkland or trails.

An official Grand Opening Celebration will be scheduled for early spring of 2019.

An aerial view of the Cayuga Grand Vista trail.