Haldimand Tourism Businesses Given Opportunity To Hone Filmmaking Skills

Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism division is hosting a virtual videography workshop series for local tourism businesses.

From Intuition to Execution: Telling your Business Story in Video is funded by the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation and through the support of Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). This workshop series will develop tourism operators skills to plan, capture and edit great video stories that they shoot on their smart phone. At the end of the series participants will walk away with a final video ready to be used to promote their tourism business, when safe to do so.

The workshop series is being offered FREE to qualifying businesses and will consist of three group webinars, the first taking place February 17, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., as well as one-on-one virtual instruction by workshop leader Graeme Bachiu, an award winning local filmmaker from Windecker Road Films.

“Having great video content can help businesses attract new visitors and increase their organic reach on social media,” said Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism.  “Great video content will enhance business exposure but also assists in promoting Haldimand County as a tourist destination in the future.”

Capacity is limited, and the program is reserved for tourism businesses physically located in Haldimand County. Register by visiting BusinessHaldimand.ca.

Haldimand County Reshaping Local Retail With Launch Of Real Haldimand Virtual Marketplace

Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism division is launching a virtual marketplace to support local businesses. The Real Haldimand Marketplace will allow members of the public to discover new businesses/products and shop local from the comfort of home.

The new virtual marketplace aims to help local businesses expand their customer base and boost the local economy. “We want to encourage customers to show their love for local! Through the fully-virtual marketplace, our goal is to improve visibility of local businesses and drive customers to purchase,” said Lidy Romanuk, the County’s Manager of Economic Development & Tourism.

COVID-19 restrictions have compelled small businesses to make the shift to offer online sales. With the Real Haldimand Marketplace, businesses are now able to reach new audiences and stay connected with their customers through a convenient and accessible platform.

Local small business owner Krista Jefferson, who opened her Caledonia store November 2019, loves the idea of being part of a virtual marketplace for Haldimand businesses. “The support of the community has meant so much during this pandemic. As people seek to support small businesses and shopping locally – I love the idea of giving them an easy way to do it all in one place!”, she said.

To explore local shops and products in the Real Haldimand Marketplace, visit TourismHaldimand.ca/Marketplace. Browse the ever-growing list of vendors on the marketplace and purchase products through businesses’ online shopping portals.

All Haldimand County businesses with eCommerce platforms are encouraged to sign up as a vendor on the Real Haldimand Marketplace. Free support is available through the Digital Main Street program until the end of February to businesses that don’t have an online store set up already.

For more information on supports available to local business owners, such as educational webinars, access to expert business advisors and more small business resources, visit: BusinessHaldimand.ca.

The County is grateful for the support of Caledonia BIA, Caledonia Chamber of Commerce, Cayuga Chamber of Commerce, Dunnville BIA, Dunnville Chamber of Commerce, Hagersville BIA, Hagersville Chamber of Commerce and Jarvis Board of Trade who helped make the Real Haldimand Marketplace possible.

200+ Local Businesses Assisted By Haldimand County Digital Service Squad

In the fall of 2020, Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism Division – in partnership with Grand Erie Business Centre – received almost $94,000 to bring a Digital Service Squad to the community. The Digital Service Squad is one of several programs offered by Digital Main Street. Digital Main Street is funded through the launch of a $57 million partnership between FedDev Ontario and the Province of Ontario and is administered through the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA). The Digital Service Squad’s focus is to work with business owners to help develop and improve the businesses’ online presence.

Throughout the fall of 2020, Haldimand County’s Digital Service Squad went door-to-door in Caledonia, Hagersville, Jarvis, Cayuga, Dunnville, Selkirk and Fisherville to introduce the program to local businesses and promote the $2500 Digital Transformation Grant that businesses could apply for to assist with enhancing their digital presence. This resulted in the Digital Service Squad assisting over 200 local businesses from October to December 2020 with 78 of those businesses receiving approval for the Digital Transformation Grant. The overall outcome was a total of $195,000 going back to the businesses and our local community.

In addition to assisting the business with the grant application, developing a transformation plan and putting their plan into action, the Digital Service Squad has also worked closely with the businesses to improve their current digital methods. The team has assisted businesses in claiming and updating their Google My Business listings, using social media better and researching and implementing e-commerce solutions for their businesses, as well as providing assistance in enhancing new and existing websites.

“The Digital Service Squad has been well-received by many local businesses across Haldimand County,” said Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism. “We are pleased to be able to provide this free service to businesses at a critical time when businesses are looking for alternative business solutions and enhancing online access to their products,” said Romanuk.

While the Digital Service Squad is prevented from making in-person visits during the provincial Stay-at-Home measures, the success of the Digital Service Squad continues. Any businesses wishing to connect with the Squad can do so via a virtual meeting or via phone.

Through the months of January and February the Digital Service Squad is hosting virtual webinars. To date more than 130 attendees have registered for these 30-minute webinars. The webinar topics are focused on digital tools and provide businesses with an introductory understanding of how to use and implement them. The webinar topics are Targeted Email Marketing, Email Marketing: After the Send, Custom Graphics with Canva, Effective Advertising on Facebook and Square POS. To register to attend these free webinars or to schedule a meeting with a Digital Service Squad member go to BusinessHaldimand.ca for more information.

New Library Resource Provides Free Digital Access To Thousands Of Newspapers, Magazines

Haldimand County Public Library is pleased to announce that all cardholders now have FREE access to PressReader, a digital newspaper and magazine subscription service. Using the new tool, residents can browse and download thousands of local and international titles, including the Toronto Star, Hamilton Spectator, Simcoe Reformer, Canadian Living and more.

PressReader can be viewed through a computer web browser or from the PressReader app on a smartphone or tablet. For step-by-step instructions on how to get started, visit HaldimandLibrary.ca and click on the ‘PressReader’ icon.

Accessing PressReader requires a library card number and library PIN. Residents that do not have a library card and wish to sign up can call any local library branch or use the online request form at HaldimandLibrary.ca.

PressReader is one of many digital resources offered by the library. For more information on downloadable eBooks/audiobooks, virtual programming for children & other online offerings, visit the library website or call any branch.

Grandview Lodge COVID-19 Outbreak Update

Through routine testing, one Grandview Lodge staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member was asymptomatic at the time of testing and is currently self-isolating at home. As a result of this positive test, the declared outbreak at Grandview has been extended.

During this most recent round of routine testing, no other staff tested positive for COVID-19. All residents who may have been in contact with this staff member will be tested to rule out transmission to the resident population.

Grandview Lodge staff continues to work with Public Health to manage the outbreak. Grandview’s team of dedicated staff continue to be diligent in working safely, utilizing PPE and protecting residents.

Further updates will be shared as they become available.

 

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

Haldimand County Council Approves 2021 Water And Wastewater Budget

On January 26, 2021, Haldimand County Council reviewed and approved the 2021 Rate-Supported Capital and Operating Budget. Otherwise known as the Water & Wastewater Budget, it is an important strategic document that ensures reliable, safe, clean and affordable potable water is available to residents across the County. New water & wastewater rates take effect on February 1, 2021.

This Rate-Supported Budget deals exclusively with water and wastewater treatment initiatives & is funded directly by user rates (with no support from property taxes). With a number of key infrastructure projects on the horizon – including major upgrades to Caledonia’s water and wastewater systems with a significant portion of the costs being covered by development charges – the average residential, combined water & wastewater user will see a slight increase of about .37¢ (0.4%) on their average monthly bill.

Haldimand’s water & wastewater rates remain below the provincial average due to ongoing strategic planning efforts and diligent asset management practices. In the long-term, rates are expected to remain stable due to a comprehensive, long-term infrastructure maintenance/rehabilitation schedule and a projected increase in user growth.

The budget emphasizes that provincial legislation has the ability to significantly impact municipal operations. As such, senior staff will continue to monitor the political environment & lobby against changes that may impact the affordability of water rates in Ontario.

Council will next review the Tax-Supported Operating & Capital Budgets on the following dates:

Tax-Supported Capital Budget: March 4, 2021 & March 5, 2021* (*if required)

Tax-Supported Operating Budget: March 31, 2021 & April 1, 2021* (*if required)

More information about 2021 budget deliberations will be shared closer to the scheduled meeting dates. Due to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, it has not yet been determined whether the meetings will be hosted in-person or virtually.

More information about County budgets is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/financials.

 

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

Haldimand County Digital Service Squad Hosting Free Online Workshops For Local Biz

Haldimand County is offering free online webinars and workshops to assist businesses with increasing their online presence. The workshops are being offered in partnership with the Grand Erie Business Centre.

Workshops will give businesses and entrepreneurs an overview of free tools they can leverage to promote their goods and services online and stay competitive. Topics include introductions to the graphic design program Canva, targeted email marketing with MailChimp and advertising on Facebook. A webinar has also been organized with guest speakers from Square to provide an overview of Square point of sale systems.

“Since last year, the County’s Digital Service Squad has been working with local businesses to help them increase their visibility online and adapt to the world of eCommerce,” said Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Economic Development & Tourism. “We encourage all local businesses to take advantage of these workshops and reach out for one-on-one assistance if needed,” Romanuk added.

Dates and times for upcoming online workshops:

  • Targeted Email Marketing – Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 9:00 am
  • Custom Graphics with Canva – Thursday, February 4 , 2021 at 3:00 pm
  • Advertising on Facebook – Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 3:30 pm
  • Email Marketing: After the Send – Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 9:00 am
  • Point of Sale Systems with Square – Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 9:30 am

To register for a workshop or request additional information, visit BusinessHaldimand.ca, contact the County’s Economic Development and Tourism division at 905-318-5932 ext. 6331 or e-mail opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand County Public Library Offering Popular ‘Strengthen Your Mind’ Courses Online

Haldimand County Public Library, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society of Haldimand Norfolk, is offering its popular Strengthen Your Mind courses online.

The courses will be offered online through Zoom twice weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays) starting Tuesday, February 9 through March 18. Courses will take place from 1:30-3:00pm.

The 6-week Strengthen Your Mind courses provide valuable and practical information for individuals wanting to enhance their memory. During the course, participants will practice and participate in brain challenging exercises and activities.

Topics that will be covered during the 6 weeks include memory and aging, learning styles, mental aerobics, exercise, strategies for enhancing memory, brain dominance, the five senses, stress, optimism and humour, nutrition and socialization, and library tools for mental strength.

Pre-registration is required for the free course. To register, visit the Haldimand Country Public Library website or Facebook page and click on the Strengthen Your Mind link to register.

Grandview Lodge residents, staff receive COVID-19 vaccine

On Thursday, January 14, residents and staff at Grandview Lodge received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In total, 109 residents and 33 staff received the vaccine on Wednesday, with additional staff vaccinations scheduled for a later date. Dr. Ahmed Kamouna, Grandview’s medical director, and a team of Paramedics and Grandview Lodge staff administered the vaccines.

“Today feels like the beginning of the end and that is exciting when it relates to a pandemic,” said Jennifer Jacob, Grandview Lodge’s Administrator. “We know this isn’t a cure and that we’re still in this battle, but there is a sense of relief knowing we are now better protected,” she noted. “We will continue to do everything we can to protect our staff and residents through the use of PPE, social distancing and hand hygiene.”

“This vaccine has been long-awaited by many and I could not be happier for Grandview Lodge staff, residents and resident families. There is still work to be done, but knowing we are one step closer to beating this virus is extremely welcome news,” said Mayor Ken Hewitt. “Much gratitude is owed to the vaccine team and all Grandview staff for their continued dedication,” Hewitt added.

According to the prioritization framework determined by the Province, vaccinations are being administered to those most at risk: residents of long-term care facilities and health care providers who are working in higher risk settings.

Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect against serious illnesses like COVID-19.

Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. This can reduce your risk of developing COVID-19 and make your symptoms milder if you do get it.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, including the Ontario government’s vaccination plan, visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario.

More information on Grandview Lodge’s response to COVID-19 is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/grandview-lodge.

Below: Val Eckersley, Grandview Resident and President of Grandview Lodge Resident Council, was the first resident to receive the vaccine, administered by Dr. Ahmed Kamouna, Medical Director Grandview Lodge

Below: Laura Cornwall, RPN Hillview/Infection Prevention and Control Nurse was the first staff member to receive the vaccine by a Haldimand County Paramedic who was on site to assist with the innoculation process of residents and staff.

Below: Members of Grandview’s vaccine team. Victoria Maxwell (RN), Kim Livingstone (ADON) and Kelly Wickett-Horton (RPN).