Haldimand County Public Library offers free Community Volunteer Income Tax Program

Haldimand County Public Library, in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency, is hosting the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, a free income tax filing service provided by trained volunteers.

This tax program will be offered by drop-off appointment only at the Caledonia, Jarvis, Cayuga, Hagersville, and Selkirk Branches of the Haldimand County Public Library. The free tax clinics will run from February 28 to April 22, 2022.

To be eligible for this free tax filing service, participants must be either:

  • Single, with an annual income of $30,000 or less;
  • Married couple, with a combined annual income of $40,000 or less;
  • Single adult with dependents, with an annual income of $35,000 or less (plus additional $2,500 per dependent);

All individuals must have less than $1,000 in investment income to be eligible.

If you would like to access this free service or have any questions, please call the Haldimand County Public Library at 289-674-0400 or visit one of the branches.

Once participants drop off materials and complete the necessary forms, all materials will be delivered to a volunteer by library staff. Upon completion of the tax files, participants will be called back to the library to pick up their prepared forms. If any questions should arise during the process, the volunteer will contact participants by phone.

Individuals seeking further information about tax clinics may contact Katrina Krupicz, Community Outreach Coordinator, Haldimand County Public Library at 905-318-5932 ext. 6552 or kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca

Haldimand County easing public health measures in facilities in alignment with province

Effective March 1, Haldimand County will be following Provincial plans to ease public health measures at County-owned facilities.

Measures include removal of proof of vaccination requirements and lifting capacity limits on remaining indoor public settings.

Masking requirements and physical distancing remain in place at this time.

For information on Haldimand County programs and services during COVID-19, visit HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19. 

 

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

Haldimand County announces revitalization of Caledonia, Cayuga, Dunnville, Hagersville, Jarvis and Selkirk through partnership with My Main Street

Today, Haldimand County is pleased to announce that Caledonia, Cayuga, Dunnville, Hagersville, Jarvis and Selkirk will be participating in the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program to help revitalize our main streets, providing a total of $115,000 in non-repayable contributions to support local businesses.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced a $23.25-million investment to the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) to establish My Main Street — a two-year program to support the recovery and revitalization of main streets and local businesses in southern Ontario through two program streams.

EDCO is delivering the My Main Street Local Business Accelerator program stream, which supports the revitalization of 65 main street communities, and provides non-repayable contributions for more than 650 local businesses across southern Ontario. The program focuses on creating and maintaining vibrant and inclusive local downtowns while providing residents, new entrepreneurs, and existing businesses with economic opportunities in our communities.

Six communities in Haldimand County will be supported with two dedicated Main Street Ambassadors, customized market research, data analysis and non-repayable funding contributions for new and existing small businesses.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada recognizes the challenges that main street businesses face due to the pandemic. To help small businesses recover and ensure that our local main streets remain vibrant, our government built the My Main Street program to offer critical funding and services for local businesses as they find ways to adapt and rebuild. We will continue to be there to support our local small businesses and the communities in which they operate, create jobs and drive resilient economic growth.”

  • The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Small business is the backbone of our economy and the keystone of our economic recovery. Haldimand County is grateful to receive funding that will support our main streets, businesses and entrepreneurs who have experienced some of the most challenging times we’ve seen in recent history.”

  • His Worship Ken Hewitt, Mayor of Haldimand County

About FedDev Ontario
For more than 12 years, FedDev Ontario has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation and growth in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving their productivity, growing their revenues, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects.

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

Residents encouraged to provide input into Community and Recreation Facilities Strategy

Haldimand County Council is encouraging all residents and users of County facilities to have their say in helping identify recreation facility needs now and in the future.

An online survey—focusing on new or repurposed facilities to support activities such as aquatics, sports, health, wellness, arts and culture—is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/RecStrategy/ until March 7.

“We are eager to hear from everyone about the kinds of recreation and community facilities they want the County to build or create in the coming years, and the input from this consultation process will guide that,” says Mayor Ken Hewitt. “If we have learned anything through this pandemic, it is that access to recreation and leisure is critical to supporting physical, mental, emotional and social well-being.

“We also want to encourage our younger residents, who we hope continue to make Haldimand County their home as they begin to work and raise their own families, to use this opportunity to tell us what kinds of recreation makes them happy.”

You can find out more about the Community & Recreation Facilities Strategy process—including the online survey and updates about in-person consultation opportunities—on the project web page.

Haldimand County announces six in-person programs at the Heritage Centre in Cayuga

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga is pleased to host six programs for the month of March.

You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby: March 8 at 6:00 p.m.
This presentation will focus on the history of the suffragette movement and the changing  roles of women throughout history.

Preserving Your Family Heirlooms: March 9 at 1:00 p.m.
This hands-on workshop teaches participants how to preserve and protect family heirlooms; topics include textiles, furniture, documents and more.

Famous Canadian Women: March 15 at 6:00 p.m.
Join us for this enlightening talk featuring some of Canada’s and Haldimand’s most famous women and the impact they have had on our country and our community.

When Irish Eyes are Smiling: March 16 at 1:00 p.m.
This presentation focuses on the migration of the Irish to Canada and Haldimand County. Over half a million Irish citizens arrived in Canada from 1831 to 1850, and by 1867 they were the second-largest ethnic group in Canada (after the French), comprising 24% of the country’s population.

Carved in Stone: March 19 at 12:30 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what various gravestone symbols mean? Is the information on the stones completely accurate? During this workshop, participants will be provided with tips on how to use cemetery stones and associated records in their genealogy quest.

Royal Women:  March 23 at 1:00 p.m.
The third in this series of presentations about the Royal Family will focus on the women of the family and the various roles they have had throughout history.

Cost for all programs is $10 per person and pre-registration is required. Register online at Link.HaldimandCounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga.

For more information about programs and activities, contact the Heritage Centre at 905-318-5932 ext. 6613 or email heritagecentre@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand & Norfolk entrepreneurs awarded grants and mentorships to help ‘Spark’ new tourism ideas

Six finalists who made winning pitches for the Haldimand & Norfolk “Spark” Program were each awarded a $3,000 seed grant and mentorship to help them get started with their new tourism ideas.

The Haldimand & Norfolk County “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program is a collaborative partnership initiative between the Tourism Innovation Lab, Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, Haldimand County Tourism, Norfolk County Tourism, Libro Credit Union, Grand Erie Business Centre and Venture Norfolk.

The program’s goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas, experiences and partnerships that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits in the region.

Twenty applications were received, with the top five from Haldimand and the top five from Norfolk being invited to present their new tourism ideas at virtual Pitch Sessions held this week. Judge panels of local partner representatives and tourism innovators from outside the region selected the six winning applicants.

The 2022 Haldimand County “Spark” Program winners are:

  • Dan Megna & Laurie Lilliman, Twisted Lemon (Haldimand Getaway Packages)
  • Jessica Carpio, Bluewater Flower Farm (Organic Flower Farm Tours, Experiences & Sensory Based Workshops)
  • Nancy VanSas, Lower Grand River Land Trust/Ruthven Park (Ruthven in Wonderland)

The 2022 Norfolk County “Spark” Program winners are:

  • Brooke Martin (Norfolk’s Bounty: A Picnic Experience)
  • Hannah & Cliff Lawrance (Glamping Accommodations)
  • Marshall Collins, Collins Harbour (Food Trucks)

In addition to seed funds, mentorship and additional partner support, selected applicants gain access to a network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders across the province.

For more information visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/HaldimandNorfolk.

Haldimand County accepting applications from local groups to raise flag on new community flag pole

Last fall, Haldimand County Council approved a new process for the flying of community flags in support of local charitable and non-profit groups. A fourth flagpole was installed at the administration building in Cayuga last month and groups may now formally submit a flag-raising request.

The new community flagpole is located adjacent to the administration building’s three existing flagpoles. All requested flags will be flown alongside federal, provincial and municipal flags.

Charitable and non-profit groups are encouraged to submit a request at least four weeks in advance of the date requested, along with a brief description of the nature of the flag raising.

Requests from groups will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis and reviewed to ensure that they meet all criteria outlined in the policy (e.g. they are not of political, commercial or religious nature, do not promote hatred, violence, racism or discrimination, etc.)

Flags will be flown for one week, with the possibility of a longer timeframe where other requests have not been submitted. A description of the current community flag being flown will be posted on the Haldimand County website at HaldimandCounty.ca/community-flags/.

All interested groups are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and submit requests through the online at application form at HaldimandCounty.ca/community-flags/.

Below: The Pride flag flies in front of the Haldimand County Administration Building in June 2021. A fourth flag pole has been installed specifically for community flags.

The Pride flag flies on a pole in front of the Haldimand County Administration Building in June 2021

Haldimand County seeking public input on Community and Recreation Facilities Strategy

Haldimand County is launching a comprehensive Community & Recreation Facilities Strategy to identify major facility needs and establish a 20-year implementation plan.

The Strategy will focus on facilities that support activities such as aquatics, sports, health, wellness, arts and culture.

The process will be strongly informed by public and stakeholder input and will examine needs, financial feasibility, partnerships and potential locations. While the analysis will exclude facilities that are already in sufficient supply (e.g. indoor ice rinks, community halls, neighbourhood parks), it will consider strategies to enhance and re-purpose existing buildings or construct new facilities to address growth and emerging needs.

An online survey to gather preliminary input is available until March 7 at HaldimandCounty.ca/RecStrategy/.

“We are very excited about this project, which has been a priority for this term of Council,” says Mayor Ken Hewitt. “Unfortunately, it has been delayed due to the pandemic and the associated limitations to public consultation, which is a critical part of this process.

“At this point, we know many people have become used to engaging online or via Zoom, and we feel we will be able to host in-person engagement opportunities. We don’t want to wait any longer to hear what residents want in the way of facilities to support recreation and wellness. We also think the pandemic may have adjusted people’s thinking about the importance of recreation to quality of life and the many different ways we can remain active, social and engaged.”

You can find out more about the consultation process—including the online survey and updates about in-person consultation opportunities—on the County’s website.

Hagersville Chamber of Commerce sells Community Centre, Chamber presents Haldimand County with $700,000 contribution towards the new Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre

The fund-raising committee for the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre took a big leap towards reaching its goal with the recent $700,000 contribution from the Hagersville Chamber of Commerce following its sale of the Hagersville Community Centre.

“We are so pleased to be able to make this contribution towards the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre project,” says Chamber President Rob Phillips. “The new building will be a beautiful, fully accessible and functional community space that will enhance the quality of life of our residents of all ages and abilities.”

“The Community Centre has served as a gathering place for our community for more than one hundred years, and it has served many service clubs and user groups well, but the times have changed and we need a building now that is more accessible and is able to accommodate many different types of programming, events and activities,” adds Phillips.

The Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre will be located in Grant Kett Park, adjacent to the town’s Arena, ball diamonds and outdoor amphitheatre.

Plans for the new, multi-purpose facility were introduced in early 2021 during capital budget deliberations and approved by Council for construction in 2024. As part of the project and preliminary public engagement, the community will have to raise approximately $2 million towards the co-located facility.

“Haldimand County is incredibly grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for its stewardship and financial management of the Community Centre for the past twenty years,” adds Ward 4 Councillor and Chair of the community fund-raising committee, Tony Dalimonte. “This has been a tremendous amount of work and responsibility for the Chamber, in particular volunteers John & Janice Luttjehuizen and Charlie & BJ Garvie, who managed the operations, maintenance and booking of the facility throughout that time.”

For background information, details and updates about the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre project, please visit dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/hagersvilleALC/.

Pictured from left to right: Paul Diette (CEO, Haldimand County Public Library), Doug Miller (Community Fund-Raising Committee Member), Tony Dalimonte (Ward 4 Councillor and Chair of Community Fund-Raising Committee), Rob Phillips (President of Hagersville Chamber of Commerce), Ed McCarthy (Director of Hagersville Chamber of Commerce)

Haldimand County March Break Camp registration opens February 7, 2022

March Break is quickly approaching and Haldimand County is pleased to offer Safari themed March Break Camps from Monday, March 14 to Friday, March 18 for children ages 4-11.

These week-long camps will operate daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the option of extended care starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. The cost for the week is $116.00 with additional costs for extended care.

March Break Camps will be offered at the following locations:

  • Caledonia (Haldimand County Caledonia Center and Grace United Church)
  • Cayuga (Cayuga Memorial Arena)
  • Dunnville (Amity Lodge)
  • Hagersville (Hagersville Arena)
  • Jarvis (St. Paul’s Anglican Church)

Camp registration opens February 7, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. and can be completed online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building, located at 53 Thorburn Street South in Cayuga. Camp spots fill quickly, so it is advised that new users create an online account in advance and returning users attempt logging into their account prior to February 7.

Additional COVID-19 protocols will be in place to ensure a safe and fun time at camp. Children participating in the program must wear a face covering that covers their mouth, nose and chin throughout the day for the majority of program activities.