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Both Argyle Street S. and McKenzie Rd. in Caledonia are now open. Crews have completed temporary repairs to both roadways, which will be maintained until spring when permanent repairs can be made.
Affected portions of the roadway are: Argyle St. S between Braemar Ave. & Highway 6 and McKenzie Rd. between Fuller Dr. & York Rd. Haldimand County is asking for the public’s patience as crews work towards final, permanent repairs.
Members of the public are also advised of the closure of Sixth Line for approximately one week starting Monday, February 22. CN requires full access to Sixth Line to complete rail line repairs.
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 staff member was confirmed to have tested positive on Wednesday, February 18.
At this time, Grandview Lodge is working with Public Health to ensure the safety of all residents and staff. Resident testing is underway.
The outbreak will last until March 3 pending no further cases. Further updates will be provided as necessary.
Haldimand County is proud to announce the return of its Seasonal Sidewalk and On-Street Patio Program. Applications are now being accepted for patios on both public and private property. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions Haldimand County has extended the patio season for both public and private patios from March 15, 2021 until January 1st 2022 to allow for more outdoor dining as weather permits.
Extending the patio season has a direct benefit for restaurants, cafes, breweries and other food establishments as it will allow establishments to host additional patrons while maintaining social distancing requirements. Food and drink establishments have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020 with restrictions significantly reducing seating capacity in these establishments. Extending the 2021 patio season will support businesses in allowing them to serve additional customers outside of what may be acceptable indoors throughout 2021.
“The effects of COVID-19 have impacted businesses significantly, especially in the restaurant and service sector,” said Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism division. “Haldimand County continues to support businesses by removing as many barriers as we can at this time. Simultaneously, our hope is to come up with more creative solutions that encourage residents to support local businesses”.
In addition to the Seasonal Sidewalk and On-Street Patio program on public property, Haldimand County will also be extending the temporary private patio program that was established in 2020 to support the restaurant sector through COVID-19 restrictions. This program permits establishments to open a temporary seasonal patio on private property without proceeding through the planning approval process.
Businesses wishing to apply for a Seasonal Sidewalk and On-Street Patio permit must complete an application. More information and the application form can be downloaded at BusinessHaldimand.ca/business/seasonalpatioprogram. Business owners are also encouraged to contact Economic Development and Tourism Division (EDT) staff to review their patio concept and application prior to submission. The EDT team can be reached at 905-318-5932 or opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca.
Statement from Mayor Hewitt & Council – February 16, 2021
COVID-19 Update
Today marks the day that Haldimand-Norfolk opens back up in the ‘orange’ level. Like many of you, I am excited to see this happen and I am hoping that our local businesses can quickly get back to their full production prior to COVID.
I ask you all to consider local businesses before you venture out to the city to shop. Every dollar spent in Haldimand is considerable to those that have had to endure the most difficult times. That said, I am encouraged by the ways our business owners have changed their models to adapt to this new way of life.
We are currently preparing for the rollout of 1000s of vaccines and it is our hope to have the Cayuga Arena ready in the next couple of weeks for mass vaccinations as they arrive.
As many of you know, the date of vaccinations are a moving target and we are at the mercy of other levels of government. It is our belief that those communities most vulnerable and most ready will be of the first to receive the required vaccines. Haldimand’s population is an older one, therefore, more vulnerable, so we will be ready.
Why the Cayuga Arena? There are many factors that were considered and like everything else in this pandemic, it does not always make sense to individuals but does to the whole County. We needed a large venue with several distinct rooms. We needed a central location and the impact although it inconveniences some, is the least intrusive of all other centres. Staff made the decision, putting public health ahead of everything else.
Caledonia Protest Update
As many of you know, the remaining blockades have been lifted by the protestors and we are currently on site trying to repair the extensive damages done by these individuals. It is our hope later this week or next to fully re-open the roads, however, this is dependent on the weather and availability of material.
While I am encouraged by this latest progress, let’s not forget that these roads should never have been closed in the first place. Like it or not, a judge made a ruling and the OPP have an obligation to follow through on such a ruling. To suggest that roads are being closed to protect people against the violence of the OPP is completely absurd.
While the OPP have failed miserably in the application of the injunction and their inability to manage this situation, they are not guilty of violence. Let me state when referencing the OPP, it is always in the context of those making the decisions – not those on the ground.
Speaking of failure, I remind you of the current situation of our court system and the judges within. How can it be possible to have one judge grant us an injunction and other judges to simply release the people arrested for crimes and not hold them accountable for their poor decisions.
You may recall Alex Huntert who was arrested and released on conditions. No surprise he has broken those conditions and is currently wanted for breach. All indications would suggest that he is hiding somewhere within Six Nations and it is our hope that both Six Nations police and the OPP will get this individual off of our local streets soon. Maybe this time our courts will treat him with the same level of respect he has given to date.
In conversations with the Chief of Six Nations, I am encouraged by his efforts to bring leaders on Six Nations together. I am excited that there is a genuine will to put forth a plan to meet with the Federal government. Ultimately, this is truly the progress to get excited about. It is time for those that have aggravated the situation to get out of the way of these good hearted individuals seeking progress and success for the whole of Six Nations, not the self serving ideology that always handicaps their community.
As a County that abuts the territory, it is our goal to work with all of those involved in putting a forth a plan that brings both success and harmony for all. Haldimand continues to look forward to the day where dialogue can happen about mutual needs such as fresh drinking water, roads and bridges, and most of all meeting the increasing health demands of our respective communities – all of which can be achieved for the betterment of both Haldimand and Six Nations. A stark contrast from standing on a road in utter defiance bringing nothing but stalemate and resentment.
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.
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.
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.
February is Black History Month, and Haldimand Museums and Heritage Haldimand have partnered to present an online historical telling of black freedom seekers who came to Canfield via the Underground Railroad more than 150 years ago.
The online presentation is researched and narrated by well-known local historian Sylvia Weaver, who has been working to share and recognize this important history for years, including through the installation of a Black Settlement Marker and Memorial Plaque in Canfield Park in 2017.
This rich history explored in the presentation is little known to many but tells the story of the village of Canfield, whose residents welcomed slaves fleeing from the United States through the Underground Railroad and worked with the newcomers to build a vibrant community.
Through photos and historical documents, the presentation focuses on the personal stories of the freedom seekers, the significance of the Underground Railroad, the development of the Black community in Canfield and the lives of its families.
Haldimand Museums staff have also prepared an Education Package with reading materials and resources to encourage educators and learners of all ages to better understand this meaningful local history.
All materials will be available for viewing on February 10, 2021, on Haldimand County Heritage & Culture page: HaldimandCounty.ca/heritage-culture.
For more information about Haldimand County’s heritage programming or support materials, please contact Haldimand Museums.
Pictured below (L to R): Donna Ford, President of the Central Ontario Network for Black History and Sylvia Weaver, historian and member of Heritage Haldimand during the 2017 black settlement market and memorial plaque unveiling.
The COVID-19 outbreak at Grandview Lodge has been declared over.
The outbreak was initially declared on January 7 after an asymptomatic staff member tested positive for the virus (during routine testing). Three additional staff members received positive COVID-19 tests over the course of the outbreak; all have been cleared to return to work by public health.
The dedication and commitment of the entire Grandview Lodge team enabled containment of the virus, including no transmission to residents, no loss of life, and recovery of all affected.
Grandview Lodge staff and Haldimand County would like to extend appreciation to residents’ family members and the community for the support and words of encouragement offered throughout the outbreak.
A Flood Warning remains in effect for areas in Flood Zone 1 along the Lake Erie shoreline. Haldimand County Emergency Services is asking residents to avoid non-essential travel along the lakeshore as high winds and waves are causing flooding, wave uprush and severe freezing conditions.
Haldimand County Emergency Services and Roads Operations crews are actively patrolling lakeshore areas. A number of roads were temporarily closed, but all have re-opened as of Friday afternoon.
Cayuga Area
Lakeshore Rd. from Brooker Rd. to Haldimand Rd. 50 – **RE-OPENED**
Lakeshore Rd. from Sweets Corners to Kohler Rd. – **RE-OPENED**
Walpole Area
Bluewater Parkway from Erie St. to 2nd St. – **RE-OPENED**
Dunnville Area
Northshore Rd. from Sherbrook Town Line Rd. to Hutchinson Rd. – **RE-OPENED**
Port Maitland area
Intersection of Port Maitland Rd. & Kings Row & the intersection of Lighthouse Dr. and Dover St. – **RE-OPENED**
The Port Maitland Pier is also closed and residents are being asked to avoid all lakeshore areas, stay home and stay safe. Severe conditions along the lake may cause a delay in emergency responses.
Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updated flood messages on the County website and social media accounts. A Flood Zone Map, flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.
A Flood Warning is in effect for the Lake Erie shoreline, Port Maitland and areas in Flood Zone 1 downstream of the Dunnville Dam. The surge event has potential to affect ice cover on the lower river from Port Maitland to the Dunnville Dam and the public is requested to stay off the ice.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has advised of strong gale force winds forecast for the Lower Great Lakes beginning early Friday morning. The MNRF surge model forecast for the eastern end of Lake Erie is indicating a rise in lake levels of 0.9m above the current level. Waves in excess of 2m are expected to accompany this event. The peak elevation of the surge is forecast to occur mid-day Friday.
Haldimand County Emergency Services will be closely monitoring conditions and roads along the lakeshore throughout Friday. Members of the public are urged to stay off the ice and away from all shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels.
Residents in Flood Zone 1 should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updated flood messages. A Flood Zone Map, flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.
This Flood Message is in effect until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021 and will be updated as needed.