Haldimand County to begin re-opening outdoor amenities May 22

The Ontario government has announced its three-step roadmap to safely re-open the province. To start, Ontario will allow more outdoor recreational amenities to re-open, with restrictions in place, effective May 22, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.

In response to this provincial direction, Haldimand County staff will begin re-opening outdoor amenities on May 22. These amenities include, but are not limited to: boat ramps, soccer and baseball fields, tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts, and skate parks.

Residents are asked to be patient as staff work to re-open amenities over the weekend. When enjoying newly re-opened outdoor spaces, members of the public are asked to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines, including maintaining a distance of 6 feet from members outside of their own household.

The public is also reminded that while some outdoor amenities are re-opening, the stay-at-home order remains in effect and non-essential travel is strongly discouraged by the province.

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

Statement from Mayor Hewitt & Council – May 15, 2021

COVID-19 Update

First, let me apologize to those of you who had tried to contact me in the past few weeks. I was successful in contacting COVID and was in a lethargic fog for approximately 10 days. Fortunately it was a bad head cold and nothing that would have led to me to going to the hospital. I certainly can appreciate however, the effect of this virus on those that may be more vulnerable.

I cannot state for fact that vaccinations will shield you or I from getting COVID with any amount of certainty. I have to place my faith in those that have the skills in the medical field that can make the claims that the benefits far outweigh the risks. While it is everyone right and personal decision to make, just the same it is everyone right to feel safe while enjoying some freedoms that we all long for.

As you all know the Ford Government has extended the provincial stay at home order until June 2nd and while many of us have differing thoughts on that, you must understand that it is not option of the local council to defy the orders and/or encourage businesses to re-open. Like many of you, I do not see the logic behind many things, but like it or not we live in Ontario, not in Florida. Making the comparisons does nothing to getting us open any quicker. Our numbers here in H-N are better than in Toronto, why are we suffering just he same? It does not matter; our numbers may look good, but our ICU capacity is severely affected by the current COVID wave.

Would I like to be golfing or boating; absolutely. I would like to also have dinner at the local restaurants. I want to get there just as quick as you all do and the only way to get the Province to open up is to push the numbers down.

I can only hope and ask that you factor those around you and the businesses that desperately need our full support when choosing whether to get vaccinated or not.

Again, I believe the argument in favour of them far outweighs the arguments against.

Vaccine doses administered so far: 46,205
Number of people completely vaccinated: 5,102

Status updates / information on second doses: 

  • The Health Unit is currently vaccinating eligible individuals in Phase 2 of the province’s rollout framework. Current eligibility details can be found at hnhu.org/covax-eligible.
  • All appointments from May 19 onward may be booked using the provincial tool.
  • Individuals who received their first dose of vaccine prior to April 20 are currently being contacted by the Health Unit to schedule second dose appointments. Second doses are being booked by date of first dose, not by age or group, to ensure they are administered within the 16-week (112 day) timeframe established by the province.
  • If you have not received a phone call from the Health Unit and it is more than 90 days after your first dose, please call the vaccine hotline at 519-427-5903 and leave a message for follow-up.
  • As the province expands eligibility further, there will be an increased demand for vaccine appointments. The Health Unit has requested additional doses in order to meet these demands and expedite community rollout. Clinics continue to run at capacity, and appointments are being added as vaccine supply is received.

Information regarding AstraZeneca vaccine:

  • Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has advised that the Ontario government is reviewing data to consider whether to use AstraZeneca for second doses. The province will be announcing next steps and guidance for people who received AstraZeneca as a first dose.
  • All mass clinic sites in Haldimand and Norfolk are administering the Pfizer vaccine, while participating physicians have been administering Moderna.
  • Individuals who received a first dose of AstraZeneca at a participating local pharmacy will be contacted regarding next steps once further instruction is provided by the province.

Eligibility and waitlist information:

  • Individuals 40 and above, essential workers in Group 1 and Group 2 and individuals from all other previous groups are currently eligible to book online.
  • Individuals 18+ become eligible across Ontario beginning May 24.
  • The province is finalizing plans to administer both doses of vaccine to youth aged 12 to 17. The province anticipates these vaccinations for youth will be offered from mid-June to the end of August, in collaboration with school boards and other partners.​
  • Waitlists continue to be an integral part of the local vaccine rollout strategy by ensuring unused doses (due to cancellations, no shows, etc) never go to waste and priority populations are receiving their shots as quickly as possible.

 

Caledonia Protest Update

 

OPP continue to make arrests and courts continue to release on conditions. It is frustrating for all those involved. I continue to recommend to Chief Hill and others that the time for a local born solution that sees the end of these kinds of interruptions to our communities is the only path of success that I see an end to. Both the Province and the Feds are overwhelmed with the Pandemic and other issues that unfortunately for us caught up in this dispute are not on the radar and waiting for them to arrive and attempt to solve this dispute in the near future is simply not going to happen.

I don’t believe locally we can solve the overarching ongoing land disputes along the Haldimand tract and elsewhere. That is clearly the function of the Federal government, and the process must be top down driven; but the idea of coming together from the bottom up on shared projects that meet local needs for both communities can enable us to demand more from the Province and the Feds. I have put forth several ideas to all those involved like our fresh lake water solution for Six Nations and I truly believe that it is these kind of plans that will start a tradition of successes for both communities living in the area and breakdown the existing barriers to us finding amicable ways of cohabiting and growing together for the benefits of both our future generations.

Lastly, a quick shout out to Shannon MacPherson-Adams. I wish you all the best and success in getting the stem cell treatment you and everyone so deserves. They are completing their fund-raising awareness ride today in Caledonia and I will be there with many of you cheering them on. For those that would like to help and donate, you can go to their Facebook page called; Shannon’s Plasma Cell Mates.

Stay safe,

Ken

Haldimand County Public Library invites residents to virtual book talk with award-winning local author Brad Smith

Spend an evening with Haldimand County Public Library’s One Book One Haldimand author Brad Smith as he discusses his latest book Cactus Jack.

“In Cactus Jack, Brad Smith tells a compelling story of thoroughbred racing’s bottom rung. These are not the wealthy owners, the marquee trainers and name jockeys, but the debt-ridden, hardscrabble class striving to get back to even in life and maybe find a bit of redemption along the way. The novel is deeply intimate in its telling, yet cinematic in story range and scope, clear winner by a dozen lengths.” – Jim Tomlinson, author of Things Kept, Things Left Behind.

The virtual author visit will take place online using Zoom on Thursday, May 27 at 7pm. Participants will enjoy a short reading, a book talk and a Q & A session facilitated by library staff. You do not need a library membership to join the discussion!

To register, 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 Cactus Jack are available at all library branches. Call your local branch at 289-674-0400 or use the online catalogue to reserve a copy.

Haldimand Museums and Cayuga Secondary School hosting virtual art exhibit, online auction

Haldimand Museums and Cayuga Secondary School’s grade 11 art class have once again partnered to produce a very special exhibit: “We Chair-ish You In Haldimand County”.

This virtual exhibit, which runs May 4 to May 20, displays 17 re-purposed wooden chairs showcasing unique artistic designs produced by Mrs. Lammens’ talented students. Accompanying each chair is an artist statement in which the student conveys the story or idea behind their chair’s distinctive design, including which artist and movement they have chosen to emulate.

These one-of-a-kind chairs will be available to the public through an online auction; bidders have from Monday, May 10 through Thursday, May 20 at 4:30 pm to place their bids.

In 2019, the “We Chair-ish You in Haldimand County” event raised over $1,000. Once again this year all proceeds will benefit future exhibitions and program development at Haldimand Museums.

For further information, contact the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum at 905-776-3319 or wmacdonald.museum@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

‘Good in Every Grain’ educational kits for kids available at local libraries

Calling all budding farmers! Good in Every Grain is a new program by the Grain Farmers of Ontario that aims to inspire grade school students to learn about where their food comes from, the types of grains grown in Ontario, and how plants develop. Children can now request a grain kit that contains soybean or wheat seeds, a soil wafer, a germination cup and a how-to-guide for parents at their local Haldimand County Library branch.

Parents are encouraged to request a kit early, as supplies are limited. Simply fill out the e-mail form at HaldimandLibrary.ca and select ‘Grain Kit Request’ from the drop-down list. Alternatively, parents can call their local branch at 289-674-0400 to request a kit.

Make sure to include your phone number and indicate which library branch you would like to pick-up your kit. Library staff will call you when your kit is ready and arrange a curbside appointment.

 

Haldimand County Public Library launching new virtual book club

Residents aged 14 and above are invited to join the Haldimand County Public Library’s new virtual book club. Unlike other book clubs where everyone reads the same title, at B.Y.O.B. Club, you pick the titles you want to read.

Each month, there will be a new theme (mystery, banned books, bestsellers, etc.) and then YOU choose a title to read and discuss via Zoom. Titles read can be in print, digital (e-books) or audio formats. Meetings will take place on the third Tuesday of the month at 7pm. All sessions will be hosted by Library staff who will not only help with discussions but will also guide the readers towards their next choices.

The first meeting will take place Tuesday, May 18 at 7pm. For this inaugural meeting, everyone is encouraged to read a cookbook. It could be a family favorite, one you saw on the library’s social media posts or one written by a celebrity. Anything goes! Share your opinions about your selection, recommend it to others or seek suggestions for something better!

To register, e-mail kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca with the subject line BYOB or call your local library branch at 289-674-0400.

Haldimand County Emergency Services Issues Important Reminders Ahead Of Emergency Preparedness Week (May 2-8, 2021)

Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is an annual, nationwide event that encourages Canadians to be proactive in planning for potential emergencies. This year, EP week runs from May 2 to 8, 2021. Haldimand County Emergency Services is encouraging all residents to spend some time creating a family emergency plan and assembling a 72-hour emergency kit.

“Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime, anywhere,” said Don Otterman, Deputy Chief, Paramedic Services. “Emergencies aren’t always environmental and can take many forms. In order to be prepared, every resident should have a plan and an emergency kit ready to take care of themselves and their family for at least 72 hours,” he added.

72-hour kits should include a variety of items including: a flashlight, batteries, non-perishable food, water, a sewing kit, copies of important IDs (e.g: birth certificates), medications, towels, rope and garbage bags among other necessities.

Otterman emphasized the importance of including children in emergency readiness discussions and planning. “With ample time at home these days, there’s no better time to sit down with your whole family, make a plan and assemble a kit. You can even turn it into a fun activity and allow kids to be active participants in planning,” he added.

For an emergency plan to be successful, every family member should have a role and know what to do. Parents are encouraged to utilize Haldimand County’s activity books to educate their children on what to do and how to stay calm in case of an emergency. Family pets should also be considered when making preparations.

Staying connected and informed is another important part of emergency preparedness. Knowing where to look for information and updates throughout an emergency situation is critically important. In addition to local radio – specifically 92.9 The Grand FM, the County’s emergency broadcast partner – residents should monitor local news outlets, the County website and County social media accounts (Facebook & Twitter). Specific instructions and timely updates from emergency officials (e.g: evacuation information) will be shared through these channels.

Emergency preparedness resources – including a 72 hour kit and evacuation checklist – are available on the Haldimand County website and GetPrepared.gc.ca. Anyone with questions related to emergency preparedness may also call Haldimand County Emergency Services at 905-318-5932.

Grandview Lodge Receives $3 Million In Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program Funding

In 2020, Grandview Lodge applied for grant funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – COVID 19 Resiliency Infrastructure Stream for Long Term Care Homes (ICIP). Grandview was approved for the full $3,223,000 requested, which will be used to replace HVAC infrastructure at the home.

“This contribution is one of the largest ever received by Haldimand County and we are very grateful to both federal and provincial governments for providing this opportunity,” said Cathy Case, General Manager of Corporate & Social Services.

“This $3M plus in funding will fill a large gap in the County’s capital budget program and will take any burden related to the costs of this replacement project off of local taxpayers,” Case added.

Case noted that a new and improved HVAC system at Grandview Lodge will benefit staff, residents and their families by increasing infection and prevention control measures throughout the home. Work on the HVAC system replacement will begin immediately.

$120 million was recently added to the provincial and territorial agreements of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to support ventilation improvement projects in public buildings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For the Grandview HVAC replacement project, the ICIP funding contribution from the federal government totals $2,578,400 and the provincial contribution is $644,600.

For more information on the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program, visit the Infrastructure Canada website.

To learn more about Grandview Lodge, visit HaldimandCounty.ca/grandview-lodge.

 

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

Haldimand Museums Celebrate Museum Month With Virtual Presentations, Exhibits

May is Museum Month in Ontario and Haldimand Museums is proud to announce its ‘virtual’ return to monthly presentations via ZOOM, beginning May 12, 2021 and continuing through July.

Special presentations will be led by Heritage Centre Curator, Karen Richardson, and highlight topics like Famous Canadian Mothers, The Life and Times of Peter Lymburner Robertson (the Canadian inventor of the Robertson screwdriver) and You Can’t Live Without It, a look at the impact of advertising through the centuries.

Individual interested in attending may view the full program descriptions and register through the County’s program registration portal.

For more information on virtual museum programming, contact the Heritage Centre at 905-318-5932 ext. 6613 or e-mail museum.archives@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

While museums are closed for in-person service due to COVID-19 restrictions, staff remain available to assist with research inquiries via the contacts listed above.

COVID-19 outbreak declared at Grandview Lodge

The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit has declared an outbreak at Grandview Lodge. One resident within the home has tested positive for the virus.

At this time, Grandview Lodge is working with public health to ensure the safety of all residents and staff.

Grandview Lodge wishes to reiterate the importance of getting vaccinated to reduce transmission of the virus and protect vulnerable populations, especially residents in long-term care. Approximately 95% of Grandview Lodge residents have been fully vaccinated.

Further updates will be shared as required.