Flood Warning In Effect For Cayuga, Dunnville And Port Maitland; Canadian Coast Guard Ice Breaker Called In

The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Warning for the Southern Grand River Watershed and Lake Erie Shoreline. There is a currently a heightened risk of flooding in low-lying areas of Cayuga, as well as downstream of the Dunnville Dam, in the village of Port Maitland and along the lakeshore.

Haldimand County’s Manager of Emergency Services/Fire Chief is urging residents to cease all recreational activities on the Grand River immediately due to the danger of ice jams, thinning ice and the arrival of the CCGS Griffon Ice Breaker in Port Maitland. The Ice Breaker was requested by Chief Gallagher and it has been confirmed that it will arrive tomorrow afternoon. The CCGS Griffon will not be able to enter the Grand River and commence its icebreaking activities if there are ice huts and/or recreational activities occurring.

The warm weather has the potential to cause remaining ice jams in the southern Grand River to further weaken. This may cause the ice sheet to release upstream of Caledonia Dam creating the potential for ice jams to form downstream and cause flooding in the community of Cayuga.

A southwest wind will accompany the incoming weather event. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry storm surge forecast for Lake Erie is indicating Lake Erie levels will surge early Friday morning, peaking just below the warning threshold for Lake Erie, decreasing by late Friday morning.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be hand-delivering warning notices to residents and businesses within flood zones in Cayuga, Dunnville and Port Maitland this evening and into tomorrow. Residents in flood zones are recommended to contact their insurance companies about flood protection if they do not already have it.

Residents are being urged to stay away from Lake Erie/Grand River shoreline areas experiencing elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from shoreline areas.

The current flood warning will remain in effect until Friday, February 8, 2019 at 4pm. 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.

2019 ‘Neighbour Nights’ Will Bring Caledonia Residents Together At Haldimand County Public Library

Haldimand County Public Library has added a new program to its roster: ‘Neighbour Nights’, a monthly social and educational program at the Caledonia Library. The new program is geared towards new Caledonia residents, newly retired individuals, new parents and residents with a desire to learn more about their community.

Each Neighbour Night session is themed, and centers around various aspects of Caledonia’s vibrant community. The overarching goal of Neighbour Nights is to create and cultivate social connections between community members and local organizations, service clubs, agencies and businesses for the purpose of increasing community engagement and public awareness of programs, services and business.

The 2019 Neighbour Night schedule is as follows:

Thursday, March 7: Community Events

Thursday, March 28: Health, Fitness & Wellness

Thursday, April 25: Sports & Recreation

Thursday, May 30: Focus on Children

Thursday, June 27: ‘Staycationing’ in Haldimand County

Thursday, July 25: Employment & Entrepreneurship

Thursday, September 26: Lifelong Learning

Thursday, October 24: Volunteering

Thursday, November 21: Local History & Culture

“Haldimand County Public Library plays an important role in providing information and learning opportunities to area residents. Neighbour Nights offer a venue through which members of the Caledonia community can make valuable connections, discover community resources and better appreciate all that Haldimand County has to offer,” noted Paul Diette, CEO, Haldimand County Public Library.

All Neighbour Night programs will take place at Haldimand County Public Library’s Caledonia Branch from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the dates scheduled – usually the last Thursday of the month. All community members are welcome to attend the free program, mix and mingle with fellow residents and learn about what’s offered locally. Registration is not required.

Organizations, service clubs, agencies or businesses interested in participating are encouraged to contact Lindsay Thomas, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 905-318-5932 ext. 6118 or lthomas@haldimandcounty.on.ca. Additional information about Haldimand County Public Library programs, resources and events can be found at HaldimandLibrary.ca and on the library’s Facebook page.

Haldimand Museum & Archives’ February Schedule Features Valentines Day, Black History Month And Family Day Events

This February, Haldimand County Museum & Archives will be offering residents a chance to discover Haldimand’s link to the Underground Railroad, enjoy a Valentines Tea and more. Paid events can be registered for through Haldimand County’s online registration system. All events will be held at HCMA at 8 Echo St. in Cayuga unless otherwise noted.

February 13: Valentine Tea & Talk (1 p.m.)
This fun-filled afternoon features tea, treats and mystery! Beginning with traditional homemade scones and fresh raspberry jam, the afternoon will unveil new clues to solve a mystery based on true events surrounding missing lawyer Mr. Murdoch, who was believed to have left town with the citizens’ money. Did he really leave town, or did something dire happen to him? Pre-registration is required for this event ($10/person). Activity number: 8067.

February 18: Heritage Day in Selkirk (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Sponsored by the North Erie Shore Historical Society, this free Family Day event will feature heritage displays, entertainment, hands-on activities and other fun for all ages. Visit with museum curator Karen Richardson at the event – to be held at Selkirk Centennial Community Hall – with an exhibit about the end of the Great War. This is a free, drop-in event; registration is not required.

February 20, 21, 27 & 28: Heritage Series – Road to Freedom
Learn all about Haldimand’s Black History and its fascinating link to the Underground Railroad at this informative lecture. This program will be offered at four locations: Haldimand County Museum & Archives (Feb 20 – 1pm), Hagersville Library (Feb 21 – 1pm), Dunnville Library (Feb 27 – 1:30pm) and the Jarvis Library (Feb 28 – 1:30pm). Light refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required for this event ($5/person).

For more information on events, programs and exhibits at HCMA, contact the museum at 905-772-5880 or e-mail: Karen Richardson. Haldimand County Museum & Archives is located at 8 Echo St in Cayuga, ON.

Business Excellence Awards Breakfast Date Announced, Call For Nominations Continue

Haldimand County’s annual Business Excellence Awards Breakfast has been set for Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at the Fisherville Community Centre (7:30 a.m.). The awards celebrate successful, innovative businesses and business leaders who drive the local economy and make a difference in their communities. Nominations will be accepted until February 15, 2019.

Mayor and Council will be presenting awards for the following categories: Agri-Business, Business – over 10 employees, Business – 10 employees and under, Not-for-Profit, Tourism and Youth Entrepreneurship – under 30 years of age (sponsored by the Grand Erie Business Centre).

“Haldimand County is home to many exceptional businesses, and these awards provide a great opportunity to recognize their impact”, said Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s Manager of Economic Development and Tourism Division. “The Awards Breakfast is not only a chance to celebrate local business achievements, but an opportunity for the business community to network and share experiences with one another,” she added.

All business owners across Haldimand are invited to attend the Business Excellence Awards Breakfast and can RSVP by calling 905-318-5932 ext. 6331, e-mailing opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca or registering online via BusinessHaldimand.ca. Nomination forms can be downloaded at BusinessHaldimand.ca and returned by e-mail, fax or dropped off at any Haldimand County office.

Haldimand County, Heritage Haldimand & Canfield Hall Celebrating Black History Month With Special Recognition Event

More than 150 years ago, the community of Canfield welcomed slaves fleeing the United States through the Underground Railroad, providing a safe haven and freedom. In September 2017, the Canfield Community Centre, Heritage Haldimand and Haldimand County collaborated on the installation of a marker honouring this history.

On Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. the community will come together again to celebrate Black History Month and the donors to this important project with a presentation by local historians Sylvia Weaver and Barbara Topp.

“This project has been a wonderful collaboration for us with the Canfield Community Centre and Haldimand County,” said Sylvia Weaver, Heritage Haldimand member and the volunteer project manager for this proposal. “From the time the County approved the request for this memorial, we have been overwhelmed by the response from people who either grew up in the area or had family who lived in Canfield during those times. From Niagara Region to Windsor and into the United States, we have been contacted by so many for whom this is a meaningful part of their personal family history,” said Weaver.

“We are so happy to have been able to formally recognize this important part of our local story,” added Weaver, “and we’re very excited to be able to come together again to share stories and celebrate the support which has been received.”

The Underground Railroad was a secret network organized by people who helped men, women and children escape from slavery to freedom. It operated before the Civil War (1861-1865) ended slavery in the United States. Black settlers first started coming to Canfield in 1837, with 137 black residents identified in the North Cayuga census by 1851.

The installation of the natural stone and plaque, recognizing Canfield as a ‘station’ within the Underground Railroad, was approved through the County’s Community Partnership Program—including almost $4,000 in grant funding—and saw almost $9,000 raised in the community.

“This is an incredible part of Haldimand County’s history,” said Ward 4 Councillor Tony Dalimonte, “and one which continues to engage residents and visitors to our community. The County was very happy to have been able to support Heritage Haldimand and the Canfield Community Centre in ensuring not only that we remember this important part of our local history but, in fact, formally recognize it and encourage everyone to learn about the wonderful community of Canfield.”

The event takes place Sunday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the Canfield Community Centre; all are welcome to attend. Parking and seating are limited.

Haldimand County Public Library Offering Spring 2019 Community Volunteer Income Tax Program

Haldimand County Public Library, in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency, is offering free income tax filing services as part of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Tax filing will be performed by trained volunteers and offered to eligible individuals out of the Caledonia, Hagersville, Jarvis and Selkirk Branches.

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

– single, with an annual income of $30,000 or less;

– a married couple, with a combined annual income of $40,000 or less;

– a single adult with dependents, with an annual income of $35,000 or less (plus an additional $2,500 per dependent);

– an individual with less than $1,000 investment income

Anyone interested in this service may call Haldimand County Public Library at 289-674-0400 or visit one of the branches for more information. The free tax clinics run from February 11 to April 15, 2019.

Individuals seeking further information about tax clinics or other library programs may also contact Lindsay Thomas, Haldimand County Public Library’s Community Outreach Coordinator  at 905-318-5932 ext. 6118 or lthomas@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Grandview Lodge Recognized For Exemplary Long-Term Care By Accreditation Canada

In late 2018, the highest possible designation through Accreditation Canada was Awarded to the Grandview Lodge, Haldimand County’s long-term care home. Grandview Lodge was recognized for its quality care and received accreditation with exemplary standing.

Accreditation Canada came to the home, reviewed policies and procedures, interviewed residents and staff and determined that Grandview Lodge is a “leading example of quality long-term care.” Grandview Lodge successfully demonstrated excellence in quality improvement and surpassed all standards for a long-term care home.

Quality of life is a top priority for Grandview residents and staff. Accreditors praised the home for its philosophy of care and exceptional service delivery. Accreditors were impressed with the home’s ability to meet the needs of a diverse population and provide meaningful programs to ensure residents receive comfort, compassion and care.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of the accreditation process,” noted Jennifer Jacob, Administrator at Grandview Lodge. “Being recognized as a leader in the delivery of long-term care is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire staff body,” she continued.

Jacob noted that new programs are always being developed to enhance residents’ lives and build community within the 128-bed home. In 2018, Grandview Lodge debuted a brand-new Games Room for residents and their families with a shuffleboard table, board games and mini-bar (run by staff every Tuesday).

More information about Grandview Lodge, its services and philosophy of care can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/Grandview-Lodge/.

Cayuga Grand Vista Trail Wins Award Of Excellence From Landscape Ontario

On Monday, January 8, 2019 Haldimand County’s Cayuga Grand Vista trail was recognized for its innovative design by Landscape Ontario, the province’s leading horticultural trades association. The firm contracted to design the trail – Seferian Design Group of Burlington – put forward the nomination and was honoured with an Award of Excellence.

The Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence is an annual juried competition that recognizes design and craftsmanship in landscape construction, maintenance and design projects created by their members. More than 500 guests attend the awards reception annually to applaud their peers and recognize innovation in the green industry.

“We are very proud of this project and pleased that it was recognized by our peers at Landscape Ontario. It has been a pleasure working with Haldimand County and bringing this exciting vision to life,” said Brad Smith, Seferian’s Senior Landscape Architect.

The Cayuga Grand Vista trailhead is located behind the Cayuga Courthouse at 55 Munsee St. N. The trail guides pedestrians and cyclists on a scenic loop from the courthouse over the Grand River on the restored CN bridge to King George St. and Maple Rd. and back to the courthouse via Talbot St. E. and Munsee St. N. Two lookout platforms on the east and west sides of the bridge offer picturesque views of the river and its natural surroundings.

Residents and visitors have been on the trail regularly and enjoying the beautiful views from the bridge since it opened last November. “If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out the trail yet, I highly recommend you do. It is a gem in Haldimand County – something we can all be proud of and celebrate for years to come,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt. “We are thrilled with the positive response to this new community addition and look forward to the Official Grand Opening Celebration in early spring.”

Official Grand Opening Celebration details will be announced in the near future.

Note: Linked photo courtesy of Seferian Design Group.

Haldimand County Council Invites Residents To Attend 2019 Community Open Houses

Haldimand County Council is inviting residents to attend 2019 Community Open Houses.

The purpose of the Open Houses is to update residents on successes, projects, issues and challenges that Haldimand County is currently managing and to give residents, community groups and businesses an opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions or discuss any subjects/concerns they may have. The open house format will be very informal and interactive.

2019 Community Open House Schedule:

January 14, 7pm – Caledonia Arena (Remax Room)

January 16, 7pm – Cayuga Memorial Arena (McSorley Room)

January 22, 7pm – Jarvis Community Centre

January 23, 7pm – Dunnville Community Lifespan Centre

Anyone seeking further information about the Open Houses are encouraged to contact Donna Chausse, Executive Assistant to the Mayor & Council via e-mail or by phone at 905-318-5932 ext. 6102.

Memory Enhancement Workshops Continue At Haldimand County Public Library

Haldimand County Public Library, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society of Haldimand-Norfolk, is continuing to offer Strengthen Your Mind workshops into 2019.

“Over 110 Haldimand County community members have completed this training since these programs were launched at the library in 2016,” said Linsday Stephens, Haldimand County Public Library’s Community Outreach Coordinator. “That is over 110 people who have enhanced their memory, developed ties with fellow community members and now have the skills and tools to keep their mind strong as they age. We are thrilled to continue this partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society and help more of our community members stay mentally fit.”

The 7 week Strengthen Your Mind workshops provide valuable and practical information for those wanting to enhance their memory. Class time includes learning new skills and participating in brain challenging exercises and activities. Topics that will be covered during the 7 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.

Strengthen Your Mind workshops scheduled for 2019 include:

Caledonia Branch – 100 Haddington St.
Tuesdays as scheduled – 1:30 to 4p.m.
February 26 through April 16 (No meeting March 19)

Dunnville Branch – 317 Chestnut St.
Wednesdays as scheduled – 1:30 to 4p.m.
April 3 through May 29 (No meetings April 24 and May 22)

Jarvis Branch – 2 Monson St.
Mondays as scheduled – 1:30 to 4p.m.
May 6 through June 24 (No meeting May 20)

Hagersville Branch – 13 Alma St. N.
Tuesdays as scheduled – 10a.m. to 12:30p.m.
May 7 through June 25 (No meeting May 21)

Strengthen Your Mind workshops are free and everyone is welcome to attend. Interested individuals may register by calling the library at 289-674-0400 or visiting a library branch hosting the program.

Workshops will also be held in summer and fall of 2019 at the Caledonia, Dunnville, Cayuga and Selkirk branches.

Anyone seeking further information about library programs may contact Lindsay Thomas, Community Outreach Coordinator at 905-318-5932 ext. 6118. Additional information about programs, resources and events can be found at HaldimandLibrary.ca and on the library’s Facebook page.