Residents Invited To Participate In Public Art Project Through Haldimand County-Great Art For Great Lakes Partnership

Earlier this year, Haldimand County partnered with the Great Art for Great Lakes organization to bring public art to Haldimand. A call for proposals was issued to the local creative community in March, and three local ‘makers’ were selected to lead public workshops that will result in the creation of art installations.

The art installations, in whatever forms they may take, will focus on ideas that showcase the grandeur of the Great Lakes and how it connects people, their shared history and diverse cultures.

 

Meet the artists & learn about the art projects you can get involved in:

Artist(s): Lacie Williamson

Project Title: Inheritance

Workshop date: To be announced

Join Lacie in creating INHERITANCE — a site-specific multimedia installation that combines graffiti techniques, sculptural installation and sound recording along the shores of Lake Erie.

As a participatory art project, all residents are invited to attend and learn more about techniques used in graffiti art. The importance of Lake Erie and its stories will be explored throughout the project.

Artist(s): Rob Lamothe & Logan Staats

Project Title: Song for the Water

Workshop date: To be announced

Join Rob Lamothe & Logan Staats in creating — SONG FOR THE WATER.

As a participatory art project, all residents are invited to attend a series of workshops by Rob Lamothe & Logan Staats. The workshops will feature talking circles that build a space for diversity and inclusion where creating without fear is possible. Participants will learn about collaboration, song writing and storytelling. They will learn how to translate their thoughts, ideas and feelings into words. Everyone who attends a workshop, and consents, will have their name on the song credits alongside Rob and Logan.

Haldimand Museums Hosting Mothers Day Historical Tea, Victorian Beauty Secrets Seminar And More This May

This May at Haldimand County Museum & Archives, residents and visitors are invited to learn about Victorian beauty secrets, women’s suffrage and famous mothers throughout history. All events run from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the museum’s 8 Echo St. location in Cayuga unless otherwise specified. Admission is by donation.

May 8 – Famous Mothers Tea & Talk

Fresh homemade scones, raspberry jam and other treats will be served followed by an informative talk on some of the strong, courageous mothers throughout history. Women like Lady Aberdeen –one of the founders of the Victorian Order of Nurses – and Nellie McClung – a women’s rights activists, reformer and legislator – will be highlighted. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. Code: 8105.

May 15 – Heritage Series: Women Wielding Power

This talk will explore the suffrage movement and the history of women’s rights. The suffrage movement in Canada began in the 1890s but it wasn’t until 1920 that women got the right to vote in Ontario. The movers and shakers of the time included Dr. Emily Stowe – first female doctor to practice medicine in Canada – and Adelaide Hunter Hoodless, who fought for better education and conditions for women. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $5/person. Code: 8108.

May 16, 22 & 23 – Victorian Beauty Secrets Workshops at your Library

Haldimand Museums’ popular Victorian Beauty Secrets workshops will be held at the Hagersville, Dunnville & Jarvis libraries throughout May. Workshop participants will learn how their Victorian ancestors managed to look their best with a minimal amount of store-bought items. Participants will have the opportunity to sample and make some of women’s favourite products from the era. Registration fee includes recipes, take-home products and light refreshments. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. (Hagersville Library – May 16, 1pm to 3pm – Code: 8084; Dunnville Library – May 22, 1pm to 3pm – Code: 8087; Jarvis Library – May 23, 1:30pm to 3:30pm – Code: 8088)

Pre-registration for paid events must be completed online or at any County office using the code provided. For more information, contact the museum at 905-772-5880 or email: krichardson@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Trail Grand Openings Met With Enthusiasm By Residents And Visiting Recreation Seekers

On Saturday, April 27, Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt and members of Council hosted grand opening celebrations at the award-winning Cayuga Grand Vista and Gypsum Mine Tract trails. Dozens of residents and visitors attended, despite the blustery weather, to explore the new routes and learn about Haldimand’s history.

“Both the Cayuga Grand Vista and Gypsum Mine Tract are fantastic additions to the community,” said Mayor Ken Hewitt. “They offer new opportunities to stay active, learn about our history and connect with nature,” he added.

At the Cayuga Grand Vista celebration, attendees were introduced to stories of the late Honourable Madame Justice Helen Kinnear and Honourable Dr. Justice T. David Marshall – both Cayuga-born figures with extraordinary accomplishments – whom the trail’s two scenic lookouts were named after. Justice Kinnear defied early gender stereotypes to become a history-making pioneer in the legal profession, while Dr. Justice Marshall achieved national recognition in the fields of medicine and law. Family members of both Justice Kinnear and Dr. Justice Marshall were present and acknowledged by Council prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

At the Gypsum Mine Tract opening, attendees learned about the history of gypsum mining that played a major role in Caledonia’s development. From 1838 – 2016, 5 mines were established and eventually decommissioned in both Caledonia and York; gypsum was extracted from 65 feet below ground and hauled to the surface by donkeys and horses underneath what is now the trail.

“The community response to both of these new trails has been extremely positive and they will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come,” said Hewitt.

More information on Haldimand County trail routes, parks and recreation activities is available on the Haldimand County website.


Haldimand County Council, staff, Trails Advisory Committee members and family members of Dr. Justice David T. Marshall and the Honourable Madame Justine Helen Kinnear cutting the Cayuga Grand Vista trail ribbon.

From left to right: Janet deVos (Haldimand County Trails Advisory Committee), Sheila Wilson (Haldimand County), Jill Morison, Fred Morison, Mrs. T. David Marshall, Don Boyle (Haldimand County), Brittany Morison, David Morison, Albert Morison, Darline Kinnear, Mayor Ken Hewitt (Haldimand County), (Behind Ken is Murray Kinnear), Ward 2 Councillor John Metcalfe (Haldimand County), Ward 3 Councillor Dan Lawrence (Haldimand County), and Megan Turner (Haldimand County).

Newly Appointed Haldimand Museums Advisory Board Bridging The County’s Past With Present

Haldimand County is pleased to announce the 2018 – 2022  Haldimand Museums Advisory Board.

The Haldimand Museums Advisory Board (HMAB) acts as an advisory body to Haldimand County Council on matters related to the Ontario Heritage Act, Regulation 877, Museum Standards, and all facets of Haldimand Museums.

The Haldimand Museums Advisory Board assists and advises Council in furthering the objectives of Haldimand Museums: to preserve (through conservation and collections management programs) the heritage of Haldimand County and make that heritage accessible (through public programs such as exhibits, tours and special events) to residents and visitors.

Returning as Chair is Nancy McBride who will be assisted by Vice Chair, Colleen Kelly. Other members include: Fred Stevenson Francis, Lynne King, Jill Shea, Clayt Spears, Charles Gillyat and Haldimand County representative Councillor Rob Shirton.

With strong skills and expertise in areas such as local history, heritage conservation and preservation, community engagement and consensus building these HMAB members will work together with Heritage and Culture staff to achieve Haldimand Museum’s objectives over the next four years. Haldimand Museums include the Haldimand County Museum and Archives (Cayuga), Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre (Caledonia) and the Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum (Selkirk).

Haldimand County Partners With Mohawk College To Bring Mobile Classroom To Caledonia

Haldimand County Council has formally endorsed a partnership with City School by Mohawk to bring a mobile college classroom to Caledonia this summer.

On April 23, Haldimand Council approved the installation of a City School by Mohawk mobile classroom in the community of Caledonia for 12 weeks this summer. The mobile classroom – a 53-foot transport trailer, custom designed to expand to 93-square-metre (1,000-square-feet) – is part of Mohawk’s City School initiative, which aims to put a college education within reach of everyone. The trailer serves as a multi-purpose classroom to deliver free introductory training in welding, HVAC and general construction to people in communities and neighbourhoods with limited access to post-secondary institutions. This summer, in Caledonia, the program will focus on an introduction to advanced manufacturing.

Mohawk also runs City School locations in North Hamilton at the Eva Rothwell Resource Centre, in Downtown Hamilton at the Central Public Library, and in pop-up locations throughout the region, including the Haldimand County Library Caledonia branch and, this fall, at the Dunnville Branch.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about City School or is considering enrolling in a program can visit the City School website – mohawkcollege.ca/cityschoolstart or contact City School staff at 905-575-2730. An information session will be held on Friday, May 3, from 2 – 3:30 p.m. at the Caledonia branch (100 Haddington St., Caledonia).

Haldimand County’s New Central Administration Building On Track For Fall 2019 Completion

On April 16, 2019, County staff presented Council with an update on the new Central Administration Building’s construction progress. A number of major construction milestones have been completed to date, and the building is on track to be completed by fall 2019.

As of the April 16 update, the building’s structural steel frame is 99% complete. The roof deck has been completed and installation of electrical equipment, sanitary piping, fire suppression systems, spray foam insulation and door frames is currently underway.

Over the next two months, several key components of the building will be complete including roofing, masonry (stone work), spray foam insulation. Work on interior drywall will commence shortly, the front entrance’s structural steel canopy will be installed, and road work – including site grading – will begin on Chippewa St. with favourable weather.

“The progress we’ve seen over the past few weeks is exciting, and it’s great to see the building take shape. A great deal of time and effort has gone into getting the project to this point, & I look forward to the moment we can welcome and serve the community in this space,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

Plans for a new building and municipal service delivery model have been in the development stages since 2015, following a comprehensive Administration Accommodation Review focused on enhancing customer service, maximizing administrative/operational efficiencies and ensuring long-term cost effectiveness. After thorough analysis and community consultation, a consolidated service model – involving the construction of a new administration building – was selected by Council. Construction on the new building began in May 2018.

All services currently available at the County’s satellite offices will be offered at the new building, and new online tools will be introduced to provide more 24/7 services to residents. Library branches will be retrofitted with ‘Community Hubs’ – computer and information stations designed to connect resident with County news & online services. Library staff will be available to provide instruction and guidance on how to make use of online services, like how to pay taxes or water bills online.

More information about the new Central Administration Building – including construction updates – will be shared on the County website and social media channels as the project progresses.

 

Haldimand County Emergency Services Issues Emergency Preparedness Week Reminder, Invites Residents To Open House

Ahead of Emergency Preparedness Week (May 5-11, 2019), Haldimand County Emergency Services is urging residents to be emergency ready by learning more about area risks, creating a plan and assembling an emergency preparedness kit. On May 10 from 2-4pm, residents are invited to drop by Emergency Services headquarters in Cayuga to chat with staff, ask questions and get emergency planning tips.

Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is an annual, nationwide event that encourages Canadians to be proactive in planning for potential emergencies. “Emergencies or disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. Being prepared is critical since it can take time for help to arrive,” said Don Otterman, Deputy Chief, Paramedic Services. “Every resident should have a plan and an emergency preparedness kit ready to take care of themselves and their family for at least 72 hours,” he added. 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), towels, rope and garbage bags among other necessities.

Haldimand County has an incredibly detailed Emergency Plan that is ready to be activated in the case of a disaster or emergency situation. “Emergency planning is a continuous activity for Haldimand County. Every year, staff participate in emergency simulation exercises that get staff thinking on their feet and practicing the duties they’d be required to carry out in the event of an actual disaster,” Otterman explained. “It’s not just first responders that participate, either – management and certain administrative staff have key roles to play in an emergency response, from implementing road closures to setting up evacuation centers and communicating information,” he added.

Otterman emphasized the importance of including children in emergency readiness discussions and planning, so they know what to expect should a dire situation arise. 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 (CHCH TV), the County website and its social media accounts (Facebook & Twitter). “In an evacuation scenario, residents may not have access to TV or radio. Under these circumstances, our website and social media accounts serve as critical communication channels,” Otterman noted.

Emergency preparedness resources 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.

New Heritage Haldimand Committee Looks Forward To Preserving County’s Built Heritage

Haldimand County is pleased to announce the newly appointed members to the 2018 – 2022  Heritage Haldimand Committee.

Members are appointed by Haldimand County Council to advise and assist Council on matters relating to Parts IV and V of the Ontario Heritage Act. Pursuant to statutory roles and responsibilities as noted under Section 28 of the Act, Heritage Haldimand will assist and advise Haldimand County Council on the conservation of the community’s cultural heritage resources and provide guidance on the conservation of its cultural heritage through planning, education, and stewardship. There are 42 designated heritage properties in Haldimand County.

The newly elected Chair is Ann Baldwin, while David Marshall continues in his role as Vice Chair. The remaining Committee members include Sylvia Weaver, Angela Wallace, Kathy Blott, Cherilyn and Bob Gibson, Betsy McBurney and Haldimand County representative Councillor John Metcalfe.

Heritage Haldimand members have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in any areas including heritage conservation, construction, historical research and most importantly a desire to assist with the preservation of the built heritage of the County. The Heritage Haldimand Committee looks forward to creating a plan for the future direction of heritage in Haldimand and will be identifying actions to carry out over the next four years.

Photo (from left to right): Ann Baldwin, Chair; Sylvia Weaver and Council representative John Metcalfe pose in front of the Canfield Black Settlement marker.

Call For Entries – Haldimand County’s 23rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition

Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre has issued a call for submissions to Haldimand County’s 23rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition.

The Juried Art Exhibition is open to established or emerging artists working in all media including (but not limited to) drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramic, sculpture and mixed media.

Works of art completed within the last three years are eligible for entry and will be received at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre, 80 Caithness Street, Caledonia during regular business hours Tuesday, May 7 through Saturday, May 25. An entry fee of $25.00 per artist will be charged; up to three pieces may be presented for the Jury’s consideration.

The 23rd Annual Juried Art Show will run at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre May 30 through June 27, 2019 with an opening reception and awards presentation to be held Thursday, May 30 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

Entry forms are available online at dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/heritage-culture and at Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre.

For more information about the Juried Art Exhibition contact the Centre by phone at 905-765-3134 email: esquare.centre@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Controlled Burn Scheduled For April 2019 As Part Of Thompson Creek Parkland Restoration Project

In May 2018, Haldimand County Council awarded an $11,550 community partnership grant to the Dunnville Horticultural Society (DHS) to bring the Thompson Creek Parkland Restoration Project to fruition. Part of this Haldimand County-DHS-Ducks Unlimited Canada partnership project requires that a controlled burn be conducted on the parkland adjacent to Robinson Road. The burn will take place in April 2019 (weather dependent).

The Thompson Creek Parkland Restoration Project aims to rehabilitate the wetlands and grassland, create naturalized walkable pathways and establish a Carolinian Arboretum Education Centre/outdoor classroom. The purpose of the controlled burn is to clear the grassland site of accumulated debris, halt the growth of invading shrubs and rejuvenate the native tallgrass ecosystem.

Controlled burns are deliberately set, carefully planned and controlled fires that consume ground level fuels like dried leaves, cured grass, needles and fallen/downed woody debris. The practice is a widely-used and recognized scientific method of controlling non-fire tolerant invasive species, allowing for growth and regeneration of naturally-occurring historical grasslands and fire-tolerant tree species.

The controlled burn has been carefully planned in consultation with Haldimand County Emergency Services, with public safety at the forefront. Lands & Forests Consulting has been contracted to oversee the burn with a team of highly-trained, experienced and nationally-certified wildland firefighters. Haldimand County Emergency Services will be on site for the duration of the burn, with Dunnville Station 9 on standby with equipment to assist if firefighting efforts are required.

The exact date of the controlled burn has not been confirmed, as weather and wind conditions will dictate the best time. Haldimand County will post updates regarding the timing of the burn via HaldimandCounty.ca and its social media channels.

Every effort will be made to make sure impacts from the controlled burn are minimized, however, if conditions change during the burn, neighbouring residences, schools and businesses may be affected. To prevent exterior smoke from entering your home, or in the event of exterior smoke entering your home or facility, please:

  • Refrain from outside activities like yard work and do not let your children play outside;
  • Check the Air Quality Index for your area (available on all weather-related websites, such as
    Environment Canada). If there is a high risk in your area, it is best to stay indoors;
  • Make sure you stay inside if local authorities advise those in your area to do so;
  • Close your windows and fireplace dampers to keep out the smoke; and,
  • Turn off air conditioners and HVAC systems.

More information about the Thompson Creek Parkland Restoration Project will be released once preliminary work on the site has been completed. Residents with questions or concerns about the controlled burn are encouraged to consult the Q&A document. All updates regarding the burn will be posted on the Haldimand County website and social media channels.