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For many small businesses, 2020 has been a very challenging year. To encourage residents to support local this holiday season, Haldimand County’s Economic Development & Tourism division has launched the Haldimand Holiday Wish Book – a one-stop guide for local gift ideas, unique experiences and food & drink spots.
The Holiday Wish Book celebrates local, hand-made products and features 35 local businesses. Copies are being distributed to all Haldimand residents by mail and will also be available for pickup at local libraries. An online, downloadable version of the Holiday Wish Book is also available at dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/holiday-wishbook.
“Local businesses give back to our communities in many ways. They sponsor team sports and fundraisers and hire local residents. This year, show your support by purchasing local goods and services in-person and online,” said Manager of Economic Development & Tourism at Haldimand County, Lidy Romanuk.
The heart of the Holiday Wish Book is the Real. Local. Haldimand campaign, part of the County’s 2020 Business Recovery Plan. The campaign focuses on shopping local in a safe environment.
For more information on the Haldimand Holiday Wish Book or tips on how to support local this holiday season, visit BusinessHaldimand.ca.
Haldimand County is in the process of updating its Official Plan to conform with new Provincial policies. Once complete, the updated Plan will guide growth and development in Haldimand for the next 30 years – to 2051. Staff are seeking community input on proposed updates to the Plan, including growth strategies for the County’s 6 urban centres.
Currently, there are two ways for community members to get involved:
Official Plan Update Facilitated Workshop #1 Date/Time: November 30, 2020 from 6:15pm to 9pm Location: Virtual meeting (Zoom session) Details: This virtual workshop will focus on key trends impacting Haldimand County, participants’ aspirations for the County and two themes: the economy and growth management. To pre-register for this workshop, complete the form at HaldimandCounty.ca/opupdate, e-mail planning@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call 905-318-5932 ext. 6209. The virtual meeting link will be provided to participants upon registration.
Online Public Information Centre – Official Plan Update Phase 1 – Growth Strategy Date/Time: November 18 to December 18, 2020 Location: Online via HaldimandCounty.ca/opupdate Details: Members of the public are encouraged to review information materials posted on the County website and provide feedback by December 18. Information materials include information boards, updated growth forecasts, community and employments land needs information and proposed boundary changes for the County’s six urban centres. Pre-registration is not required.
There will be further opportunities to get involved in the Official Plan Update and provide feedback in 2021.
“Community feedback is vital because it provides staff with an understanding of what’s important to residents when it comes to their County’s future. These insights offer important perspective on what our priorities should be as we manage continuing growth,” said Mike Evers, General Manager of Community & Development Services.
**Please note that flu shot appointments are fully booked. At this time, wait lists will not be offered.**
Haldimand County Paramedic Services will be offering six community flu shot clinics throughout November and December 2020. Flu shots will be offered by appointment only to individuals over the age of 16. Appointments may be booked using the County’s online registration system at link.haldimandcounty.ca. Due to the limited number of appointments, flu shots will be offered to Haldimand County residents only. High dose vaccinations (65+) will not be offered at these clinics.
Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalizations, and death.
Getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.
Flu shot appointments will be offered from 10am to 3pm on the following dates:
November 27 – Dunnville Arena
December 9 – Selkirk Fire Station #13
December 11- Cayuga Arena
December 15 – Hagersville Legion
Instructions for individuals who book flu shot appointments:
Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment and wear a face covering. Leave unnecessary items in your car.
When you arrive, you will be greeted by a Haldimand County staff member who will help you complete a COVID-19 screening assessment and flu shot consent form.
Once you receive your shot, you will need to remain in the building for 15 minutes post-immunization.
Immunization areas will be disinfected thoroughly after every appointment.
For COVID-19 safety reasons, a limited number of individuals will be permitted inside each flu shot location at any given time. Individuals who arrive with other family members may not be able to enter the facility together as a group. Individuals who are more than 15 minutes late or miss their appointment will be required to book a new time slot.
Residents are reminded to not come to their pre-booked appointment if they are feeling unwell. Please call 905-318-5932 ext. 6127 and leave a message to cancel or re-schedule your appointment.
Individuals who need assistance booking an appointment online may call Haldimand County customer service at 905-318-5932.
Flood & High Lake Level Warnings are now in effect for the Lake Erie shoreline and areas downstream of the Dunnville Dam. High winds and waves in the forecast are expected to cause extremely dangerous conditions throughout Sunday and there is a high risk of flooding, erosion and property damage associated with this weather event.
This event will have a significant impact along the shoreline and impacts are expected to exceed those that occurred during the October 31, 2019 event. Impacts are expected to affect Zones 1-5 along the Lakeshore (see the Lake Erie Flood Zone Lookup tool to learn more about Flood Zones and their impacts).
Individuals currently staying at properties along the lake are encouraged to leave and return to their permanent residences. Permanent residents should shelter in place until otherwise directed by emergency officials, unless at any time they feel their safety is in jeopardy, in which case they should leave immediately. Preparations are underway should evacuations be deemed necessary.
The MNRF surge model forecast for the eastern end of Lake Erie is indicating a rise in levels of 2.98 metres (9.8 feet) above chart datum. The peak above critical lake levels is forecast to occur this evening between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m, before receding overnight.
Haldimand County Emergency Services is urging residents to stay away from all shoreline areas and roadways. It is NEVER safe to drive through floodwater. Emergency Services is also reminding residents to only call 911 if their safety is at risk. Emergency Services is not able to pump out flooded basements.
Haldimand County Emergency Services will continue monitoring conditions throughout Sunday. Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updated flood messages. A flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.
Further updates on this weather event will be shared as the forecast evolves.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Haldimand County is under the jurisdiction of three conservation authorities. Weather advisories and impacts may vary based on a given location’s position on the shoreline. You can look up a property or specific location and obtain information about flood impacts using the Lake Erie Flood Zone Lookup tool.
Current advisories and flood messages are available on conservation authority websites:
High winds and strong waves are expected along the Lake Erie shoreline Sunday and there is a risk of flooding, wave uprush and shoreline erosion in lakeshore areas. Flood and High Lake Level watches are in effect for the entire Lake Erie shoreline and areas downstream of the Dunnville Dam.
75 km/h south winds are forecasted for Sunday evening with gusts over 100 km/h. These winds will result in significant waves and storm surge.
The peak above critical lake levels is forecast to occur Sunday evening, though uncertainty remains in the height of the Lake Erie surge based on current forecast models. Given the uncertainty that remains in this forecast, the public is advised to familiarize themselves with Lake Erie Flood Zone Property Lookup tool available on Haldimand County’s website.
Haldimand County Emergency Services is advising the public to stay away from shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.
High winds can toss loose objects and turn them into dangerous projectiles. For this reason, residents along the lake are encouraged to shut storm shutters and tie down or secure outdoor items.
Haldimand County Emergency Services will be actively monitoring conditions throughout Sunday. Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updated flood messages. A flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.
Further updates on this weather event will be shared as the forecast evolves.
Haldimand County is under the jurisdiction of three conservation authorities. Weather advisories and impacts may vary based on a given location’s position on the shoreline. You can look up a property or specific location and obtain information about flood impacts using the Lake Erie Flood Zone Lookup tool.
Current advisories and flood messages are available on conservation authority websites:
Haldimand County Public Library and the Optimist Club of Haldimand have partnered together to kick off the holiday season with a fun, festive ‘Ask Santa Anything’ program.
From now until December 3, children are invited to write down their most pressing questions for Santa and drop them off at any Haldimand County Public Library branch. For kids who have wondered what Rudolph’s middle name is, what Santa’s favourite cookies are or how Elves keep their ears clean – now is the chance to find out!
On December 13, children and their parents/guardians can visit the library’s Facebook page or YouTube channel to find out if Santa has answered their questions. On December 13, Santa will also reveal some surprises that he has stored up his magical sleeves.
Since 2019, Haldimand County has been working to secure a vendor capable of delivering high-speed internet to all under-serviced areas within the community. In June 2020, KWIC Internet was announced as the successful proponent and network construction planning is currently underway.
In the months ahead, Haldimand County staff and KWIC project leaders will be working closely to coordinate the installation of necessary infrastructure, including fibre trenching. KWIC will also be facilitating community consultations to determine the best placement for fixed wireless towers. Public consultation notices will be delivered to initial project build areas throughout December 2020.
Fibre construction is expected to begin in mid-late January 2021 (weather permitting) and wireless tower construction in early February 2021 (also weather permitting). Based on these timeframes, it is anticipated that services for homes and businesses in the western part of Haldimand County will start becoming available during the first half of 2021.
As network construction progresses and the project moves forward, KWIC and Haldimand County will keep residents informed of more area-specific timelines. Over the project’s 5-year timeframe, broadband services will be made available to all of Haldimand County’s under-serviced areas (areas that do not have access to unlimited broadband internet with minimum download/upload speeds of 50/10 Mbps).
“We are very excited to see this project get off the ground and look forward to working with residents and stakeholders to deliver safe, efficient, industry-leading services that empower Haldimand County to connect like never before,” said Mark Rapley, KWIC Internet’s Director of Operations.
Bringing broadband internet to rural communities is one of Council’s top priorities for the 2018-2022 term. “Council is extremely pleased to see this critically important initiative move forward. It is especially welcome news given the rapid digital shift we’ve seen over the past few months and the increasing need for individuals, families and businesses to have reliable, affordable internet,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.
All project-related information is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/broadband and updates will be posted here regularly.
Haldimand County Emergency Services has seen an increase in collisions involving motor vehicles and slow-moving farm equipment.
Fire Chief / EMS Manager Jason Gallagher is urging motorists to stay alert, slow down and share the road with farm equipment. Gallagher is also and reminding farm equipment operators to ensure their equipment has proper lighting and a reflective slow-moving vehicle emblem.
“Although we’re past peak harvest season, there are still farming operations underway throughout the County and slow-moving farm equipment on our roads. We’ve seen an increase in collisions that could have been prevented, and ask that everyone utilizing County roads do their part to keep them safe,” said Gallagher.
Both motorists and farm equipment operators have been found to be at fault in recent collisions.
Roadway safety for motorists
Stay alert for slow-moving farm equipment, especially at dawn or dusk when visibility is reduced;
Slow down and be patient when approaching slow-moving machinery from behind;
Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic;
Never pass on a hill or curve.
Roadway safety for farm equipment operators
Make sure any farm equipment being driven on roadways is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem;
Drive as far to the right as possible;
If traffic accumulates behind you on a road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, you should pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so the vehicles can pass;
If possible, avoid traveling on roadways at dawn or dusk when it is more difficult for drivers of other vehicles to see;
Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over protection structure.
On Tuesday, November 3rd, a COVID-19 outbreak was declared at Grandview Lodge Long-Term Care Facility, in conjunction with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. Three staff tested positive during routine testing and remain at home in self-isolation. The majority of test results have been returned showing 4 additional positive cases – one contracted service provider and three residents. The outbreak currently appears to be contained within one unit of the home. We are awaiting further test results and will provide updates to the community as necessary. Residents are in room isolation where required. A public health management plan has been implemented and staff continue to be diligent. The home has been closed to visitors. Grandview Lodge will take all necessary steps to keep our residents and staff safe. Our thoughts go out to all of the affected individuals and their families.
Haldimand County did not extend its face mask bylaw because the Provincial order with respect to wearing face masks takes precedence and so there was no need to overlap with another bylaw that would only cause confusion. Haldimand County respects the Provincial orders and fully subscribes to the face mask rules as outlined by them.
As we are seeing numbers increase in the surrounding areas, I implore you all to be vigilant in social distancing and wearing masks where appropriate. You are doing your part and you are making a difference. Particularly for our most vulnerable, including our small businesses that we wish to remain open throughout this difficult time. Currently under the new tiered system we are green and let’s keep that way.
CALEDONIA PROTEST
Who has registered ownership of the lands at 1535 McKenzie?
Foxgate Developments Inc., a development company jointly owned by Losani Homes and Ballantry Homes, has held legal title to the McKenzie Lands now for five years. There has never been any claim made by any indigenous group against the title to the lands. The history is that in 1835 and 1841 the McKenzie Lands were surrendered by the Six Nations to the Federal Crown, which sold them via Crown Grant in 1853 to Thomas Nicholls. The Federal Crown grant and patent form a certified a root of ownership. Continuously from 1853 until today, the McKenzie lands were owned, occupied, and sold to third party residents and farmers without any claims registered against title. In 2006 the Province of Ontario certified the title giving “Fee Simple Absolute Title” to the previous owner that sold the property to Foxgate.
Are the lands at 1535 approved for development?
Yes. The lands were approved for development in 2003 by the County of Haldimand. In 2006 the lands were designated as a Growth Plan Area for Development. In 2015 Foxgate Developments resurrected the 2003 approvals and had them fully re-approved by the County in 2017. In 2019 the County approved the site servicing (roads, sewers and watermains), and in July when the protests began, the site was almost fully serviced. In August 2020 the Province reviewed its Growth Plan and included 1535 McKenzie Road (and all of Haldimand County that is not on the Reserve) in its up to date Growth Plan for Development shown below. To be clear, except for the Six Nations Reserve which straddles the Brant-Haldimand border, none of the “Haldimand Tract” lands are held back from being “Growth Plan Area”. The Province fully encourages growth and development in the Haldimand Tract.
Why did Haldimand County approve the development?
For the same reasons that development is approved in the Haldimand Tract everywhere else such as Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford etc.
In good faith, Haldimand County — through its notification agreement with Six Nations – was very transparent regarding this plan and every other plan in Haldimand. Why would we assume that after a legal binding agreement with the Band Council signed and accepted anything would prevent this from happening? In fact, we were encouraged by the very agreement that this was a positive step forward in working with Six Nations. It was by no means to suggest that the value of the land was such as they already paid millions for it and it was by no means to suggest that the real claim in front of the Feds was diminished by this agreement. It was simply to recognize that the ongoing issues with our Nations were still in court.
Why don’t we just freeze development?
You cannot simply just stop development for many reasons. It takes many yeas and dollars for developments like this to become real. There has to be some reliance on the planning process for these companies to secure financing for these projects. As a tax payer you rely on development to keep your taxes relatively low. Without development you can add approximately 3% to your annual tax rates. Every municipality needs growth to pay for the needs and wants of those living within.
