Haldimand County Public Library Partners With Service Canada To Host Social Insurance Number & Information Clinics

Haldimand County Public Library has partnered with Service Canada to offer Social Insurance Number & Information Clinics this May. With the closest Service Canada offices to Haldimand County being in Hamilton, Simcoe and Welland, this is an excellent opportunity for community members to get or replace their social insurance number and receive other information on Government of Canada programs such as Employment Insurance, Disability Credits and Canada Pension. With summer jobs right around the corner, this is an excellent opportunity for youth who may not have a social insurance number to get theirs.

Social Insurance Number & Information Clinics will be offered to residents on a drop-in basis on the following dates:

Wednesday, May 8, 2019:

Hagersville Branch (13 Alma St. N.) from 12-2 p.m.

Caledonia Branch (100 Haddington St.) from 4-7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019:

Dunnville Branch (317 Chestnut St.) from 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019:

Jarvis Branch (2 Monson St.) from 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Selkirk Branch (34 Main St. W.) from 5-8 p.m.

Those in need of a new or replacement Social Insurance Number must bring one primary identification document, though a secondary document may also be required and is recommended. Individuals who plan on attending the clinics may visit www.canada.ca for a complete list of acceptable primary and secondary identification documents.

 

For more information about social insurance numbers or other Government of Canada services, visit www.canada.ca or call 1-800-O-Canada. Further details about the SIN clinics and other library offerings can be obtained by calling or visiting any branch. Up-to-date program information is also available via www.haldimandlibrary.ca and the Library’s Facebook page.

Haldimand County Business Excellence Award Winners Announced

On Wednesday, April 10, Haldimand County’s business community gathered at the Fisherville District Lions Community Centre to attend the eleventh annual Business Excellence Awards. This year, the awards breakfast and networking session drew over 100 business owners.

The annual Business Excellence Awards Breakfast provides an opportunity for Council to connect with and thank Haldimand County business owners for all they do to make Haldimand County a great place to live. During the early morning gathering, Mayor Ken Hewitt addressed those in attendance and thanked business owners for providing good quality jobs to Haldimand County residents and supporting the community in so many ways. Mayor Hewitt also spoke of the momentum the business community continues to build, and how their efforts are contributing to Haldimand County’s overall prosperity.

The event also highlighted and celebrated the Business Excellence Award nominees and winners. 23 companies were nominated this year for outstanding business achievements. “Haldimand County is very fortunate to have a successful business community and it was no surprise that we received so many outstanding nominations,” stated Mayor Ken Hewitt. “Council would like to congratulate both nominees and recipients and thank them for their contributions to the community,” he added.

Business Excellence Award Nominees:

Caledonia Business Improvement Area

Christa by Design

Chuck & Peter Hogeterp – Sales Representatives RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.

Confident Temps Dental Placement Agency Inc.

Debb’s Cuisine on Queen

Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation

Erie Mutual Insurance Company

Fisherville Hotel & Tavern

Flyers Bakery and Café Inc.

G’s Hairstyling

Ideal Roofing Plus

Julia’s Bistro & Catering

K9 Fun Zone

LVW Creative Barracks

My Sweet Sweet World

Personal Care Clinic

Pine Ridge Gardens

Purple Haven Lavender Farm

The Cabin Wellness Clinic

The New You Salon and Spa

The Reeve Bed and Breakfast

Toronto Motorsports Park

U Save Lawn Services

2018 Business Excellence Award Winners

Agri-Business Award Winner

Pine Ridge Gardens – Pine Ridge Gardens grows quality greenhouse flowers year round in Dunnville. Their flowers are sent to many major centres in Canada and the United States including New York, Boston, Chicago, Toronto and various locations in Eastern Canada. In the past three years the company has increased its crop growth by 40%, while simultaneously lowering their carbon footprint.

Business Award Winner (10 employees and under)

Confident Temps Dental Placement Agency Inc. – Since 2002 Confident Temps Dental Placement Agency Inc. in Cayuga has been providing a customized friendly, caring and confidential approach towards filling dental staffing needs. The agency provides temporary and permanent staff for dental offices, while also providing job opportunities for many dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental receptionists who want to supplement their income.

Business Award Winner (Over 10 employees)

Erie Mutual Insurance Company – Erie Mutual Insurance Company in Dunnville was founded in 1871 and originally formed on the strong roots of the farming community in Haldimand County. Farmers helping farmers. Today, they continue to grow and build on the value of providing insurance protection that exceeds their members’ expectations with a customer experience unsurpassed in the insurance industry.

Not-For-Profit Award

Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation – The Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation, established in 1974, has continuously raised funds through the tremendous support of their generous donors, to take care of the hospital and other health care institution needs in Haldimand County. Currently, 15 members of the community reside on the Board of Directors that govern the Foundation and accept the challenge to raise the bar higher in support of the Hospital.

Tourism Business Award

Toronto Motorsports Park – Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga is a multi-purpose motorsports facility and has been the home of Drag Racing since the 50’s. In 2003 TMP expanded, adding a road course circuit to their drag strip making them the only facility of it’s kind in Eastern Canada. Since then, they have further expanded their offering to include major events, weekly race programs, training sessions, an exotic car and drag race experience and corporate outings.

Mayor’s Award of Distinction

Chuck & Peter Hogeterp – Sales Representatives, RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc. – Peter & Chuck Hogeterp own a personal Real Estate business that operates under the Remax Escarpment Realty Inc Hamilton umbrella, but is based out of Cayuga. The pair have been in the Real Estate business since 2002, while focusing initially on Haldimand they have since expanded their business into neighbouring counties and cities, all the while supporting countless Haldimand County charities, initiatives and organizations.

Youth Entrepreneur Award

LVW Creative Barracks – LVW Creative Barracks in Dunnville has been attracting regional artists to Haldimand County since 2015.  They are known for partnering with local Haldimand businesses and organizations to offer artistic and experiential events truly unique to the community.  Operating as a social enterprise, they focus on positive social and environmental impacts, creating a safe and welcoming community space in downtown Dunnville.

New Dunnville Farmers Market Opens This Saturday; Caledonia And Hagersville Markets To Open In May

Warmer weather is on the horizon and Haldimand County’s three farmers markets will soon be open for business. The newly constructed Dunnville Farmers Market will be the first to open for the season this Saturday, April 6.

Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore the market for locally grown root crops, apples, greenhouse produce as well as maple syrup, preserves and specialty products like homemade butter tarts and prepared foods.

“Shopping locally means that dollars spent at farmers markets stay within the community – supporting local producers and creating jobs for residents,” noted Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s Manager of Economic Development & Tourism. “The markets are also a fantastic opportunity to learn about how food is grown and connect with friends, family and neighbours,” she added.

After this Saturday, the Dunnville Farmers Market – located at 120 Market Street – will continue to operate every Saturday from (7am to 12pm) until the end of the year. Starting later this spring (date TBD), it will also be open every Tuesday.

The Caledonia Farmers Market will open Thursday, May 16 and will operate every Thursday from 3pm to 7pm in the Canadian Tire parking Lot at 365 Argyle Street South.

The Hagersville Farmers Market is set to open officially on Wednesday, May 15; it will operate every Wednesday from 7am to 12pm in Market Square, behind the Post Office at 22 King Street East.

Haldimand County Public Library Hosting 7th Annual Poetry Contest

Haldimand County Public Library invites residents of all ages to get creative and participate in its 7th annual poetry contest, to be held throughout the month of April. April 2019 marks the 21st anniversary of National Poetry Month being recognized in Canada, which celebrates poetry and the important role it plays in Canadian culture.

This year, the library’s poetry contest theme is My Town, My Home, and residents are encouraged to write and submit an original, unpublished poem of any style surrounding this theme. Entry forms, a full list of rules and submission details can be obtained on the library’s website or at any library branch. This year, poems may also be submitted online.

Submissions will be accepted during the month of April and entered to win cash prizes in one of the following categories:

  • Primary – Kindergarten to Gr. 3
  • Junior – Gr. 4 to Gr. 6
  • Intermediate – Gr. 7 to Gr. 10
  • Senior – Gr. 11 – 12
  • Adult – age 18+

Judging will take place at the end of April by a panel of judges. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each category. First prize will receive $50, second prize will receive $35 and third prize will receive $20. Winners, their families and friends will be invited to attend the April Poetry Contest Awards Ceremony to enjoy poetry readings and light refreshments; a date and location for the ceremony will be announced towards the end of the contest.

Individuals with further questions about the 7th Annual April Poetry Contest may call or visit their local library branch. Branch hours and contact numbers can be found at on the library website. To stay connected with the library, ‘like’ them on Facebook for updates on programming, special events and more.

Haldimand County Museum & Archives Launching New Exhibit And More This April

This April, members of the public are invited to create their own elaborate fascinator hat, enjoy a proper Royal tea, celebrate the roaring twenties and explore a brand new exhibit at HCMA. All events run from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at 8 Echo St. in Cayuga unless otherwise specified. Registration for paid events may be completed online via link.haldimandcounty.on.ca or at any County office using the code provided.

April 4 – Exhibit: Flood, Fire and Fury

This fascinating exhibit explores the many disasters that have happened in Haldimand County including the great flood of 1930, the crippling snowstorm of 1977 and the Hagersville tire fire in 1990. Learn about these notable events and how the community rallied to recover. The exhibit runs from April 4 until May 31 and is open to the public during regular museum hours. Admission is by donation.

April 10 – Adult Workshop: Make Your Own Fascinator

In the 18th century, British women dressed their elaborate hairstyles with ribbons, feathers, butterflies and jewels secured to the front or side of the head. At this workshop, participants will learn how to make their own one-of-a-kind fascinator hat.  Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. Code: 8100.

April 17 – Royal High Tea

Participants are encouraged to wear their favourite hat and bring their appetites to this true High

Tea. Featuring a menu of fresh homemade scones, raspberry preserves and sweet treats, this event will highlight royal women. Door prizes and other surprises will be offered! Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $10/person. Code: 8101.

April 24 – Heritage Series: All That Jazz

This informative talk will offer a nostalgic look at the roaring twenties. World War I had just come to an end and a new generation flocked from small towns to big cities in search of excitement and opportunity. Flashy new cars rolled down city streets, speakeasies popped up everywhere and women expressed their independence by shortening their hemlines & cutting their hair. Pre-registration is required for this program; the cost is $5/person. Code: 8102

For more information contact 905-772-5880 or museum.archives@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand Museums Partner With Cayuga Students to Develop New Exhibit

Haldimand Museums are partnering with Cayuga Secondary School’s grade 11 art class to create a special exhibit: We Chair-ish You In Haldimand County.

The exhibit will feature a variety of re-purposed wooden chairs with original designs created by students to showcase their unique creativity and abilities.

The Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum invites the general public to come out for a special exhibit opening on Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00 pm. This will be an opportunity to greet and meet the young artisans and hear what their work of art represents. The museum is located at 3513 Rainham Road, Selkirk.

In addition to the exhibit, residents and visitors are invited to come out and celebrate the local talent at the We Chair-ish You In Haldimand County art auction. The auction will take place on Thursday, May 16th at the Selkirk Centennial Hall at 7:00 pm. All proceeds benefit Haldimand Museums. For further information on museum programs, exhibits and special events contact Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum at (905) 776-3319 or wmacdonald.museum@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Flood Warning terminated

The Grand River Conservation Authority has terminated all flood watches and warnings.

Flows continue to recede throughout the Grand River watershed. River ice and associated ice jams have generally moved out of the river system. A small ice jam remains in place in the Grand River at Port Maitland. This ice jam is not causing major flooding at this time.

Milder weather with limited rainfall is expected to move in to the watershed over the coming week. These weather conditions will help melt the remaining snow pack. The slow release of runoff into local waterways is not anticipated to cause additional flooding.

Flood Watch Upgraded To Flood Warning; Ice Jam Risk Continues For Haldimand County, Southern Grand River Watershed

The Flood Watch for low-lying areas along the Grand has been upgraded to a Flood Warning. Haldimand County Emergency Services has been monitoring conditions along shoreline areas and have reported minor flooding in the Caledonia, Cayuga, York and Dunnville areas. River levels are high on the upper river between Dunnville and Caledonia. The Kinsmen Park off of Ouse St. in Cayuga is flooded, as well as parts of the Lions Park in Dunnville, Seneca Park, the Caledonia Fairgrounds and York Park. York Park has been closed due to flooding, as well as Ouse St. at Baird St.

Flows in northern and central portions of the Grand River watershed continue to recede but will remain high through the weekend. Flows through Dunnville are forecast to peak shortly after midnight on Sunday morning. Flows through York and Cayuga will peak late Saturday evening.

River ice remains present in the southern Grand River upstream of Dunnville Dam. Residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas in Cayuga, Caledonia, York, Dunnville & Port Maitland should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution around riverbanks and lakeshore areas. Residents who have a historic susceptibility to flooding should consider taking action to secure or protect any property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas. This may include ensuring sump pumps are functioning and/or securing items along the shore line.

Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Grand River Conservation Authority & Haldimand County websites and social media accounts for the most up-to-date flood and weather warning information.

OPP Conducting Distracted Driving Campaign (March 11-17, 2019)

With the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) set to conduct its Distracted Driving Campaign during March Break, drivers caught using their cell phones may also get caught off guard by the tougher penalties that took effect on January 1, 2019.

The new penalties include a fine increase up to $1,000, three demerit points and a three-day licence suspension. The penalties increase with subsequent offences. For novice drivers in the graduated licencing system, there is no fine or additional demerit points but longer licence suspensions now apply.

The deaths of 55 people and more than 9,115 collisions were linked to an inattentive driver on OPP patrolled roads in 2018. The OPP laid 13,529 Distracted Driving charges last year against drivers whochose to make roads unsafe by dividing their attention between driving and using a hand-held electronic device.

For more information on distracted driving, including statistics, fines and penalties, visit the Province’s website.

Haldimand County Artists, Creators Sought For Great Art For Great Lakes Project

Haldimand County has partnered with the Great Art for Great Lakes organization to bring public art to local communities.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided funding to support five Great Art for Great Lakes public art projects in 2019, and an additional five in 2020. Two of the art projects will be created and located in Haldimand County – one in 2019 and a second in 2020.

Haldimand County has committed to providing up to $7,500 of in-kind support, including:

– providing space for community workshops/programming;

– identifying location(s) for the installation of art pieces;

– providing assistance with the installation of art piece(s); and

– working with Great Art for Great Lakes to promote the project and programming

Through public workshops and events, local makers, creators & artists will work towards the co-creation of permanent, public artwork to be installed within Haldimand County. The art installation, in whatever form it 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.

How to get involved:

Great Art for Great Lakes has issued a call for proposals from the local creative community and will be hosting a preliminary artist information session on March 20, 2019 at Ruthven Park National Historic Site (6:00pm – 8:30pm). Interested artists may register for the information session via gaglhaldimand.eventbrite.ca. The call for proposals closed April 5, 2019.

For more information about the project, including proposal submission requirements, visit the Great Art For Great Lakes website or e-mail gagl@waterlution.org.