Haldimand County closely monitoring COVID-19 situation, advises residents of potential service impacts

Haldimand County is closely monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 on the local community.

In response to key public health indicators, including a significant rise in case numbers, Haldimand County has taken a number of actions to mitigate negative effects, protect the health of staff and the community and ensure continuity of essential services. Some of these actions include:

  • Requiring remote work where possible and significantly limiting the number of staff present at the Haldimand County Administration Building
  • Requiring appointments for some municipal services and providing online service options
  • Preparing to enact, if required, staffing contingency plans for essential services should the workforce be reduced due to sickness or isolation requirements

While Haldimand County has contingency plans in place for critical services (e.g. Fire/EMS, winter control, water/wastewater, Grandview Lodge), in the event of serious staff shortages, residents are advised that the level of service and response times for less critical services may be affected as the county responds to the evolving COVID-19 situation.

Slower response times are also possible in areas such as winter control. In the case of staffing shortages, priority will be given to main transportation routes. The County appreciates the public’s understanding in this regard and will provide notice if any major impacts are anticipated.

The Haldimand County Administration Building remains open for general customer service walk-ins, however, a number of services – such as planning and licensing – are being offered by appointment only.

Members of the public are strongly encouraged to check the website for a list of service impacts or call Haldimand County Customer Service at 905-318-5932 prior to their visit to confirm whether an appointment is required.

Many municipal services do not require an in-person visit to the Administration Building. A list of alternate service options is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19 under the ‘County Service Options‘ tab.

Updates will be shared at HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19 as they become available.

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

Lake Erie Flood Warning; Members of the public asked to exercise caution along the lakeshore

A Flood Warning has been issued for the Lake Erie shoreline, Port Maitland, and areas downstream of the Dunnville Dam.  Flooding associated with storm surges could impact low-lying areas along the shoreline and reach Flood Zone 1.  Residents are asked to exercise caution if travelling along the lakeshore.

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) issued a forecast advising that high winds from the south and southwest for the Lower Great Lakes may result in a storm surge event.  Waves up to 1.5 m are expected with predicted gusts up 60-90 km.

The NDMNRF forecast is predicting the following for Port Colborne and is applicable at Port Maitland:

  • Lake Erie current elevation at Port Colborne: 174.6 m
  • Lake Erie estimated to peak at: 175.7 m, excluding waves
  • Lake Erie Expected time of peak: Wednesday, 5 January 2022 early evening

Haldimand County Emergency Services and staff closely monitor conditions and roads along the lakeshore.  However, we kindly ask that you report a public roadway obstruction (e.g., downed tree, water, or debris over a road) by calling 1-888-849-7345.

Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updated flood messages.  A Flood Zone Map, flood guide for lakeshore property owners, and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

This Flood Warning is in effect until Thursday, January 06, 2022, and will be updated as needed.

REMINDERS:

Dial 911 if your safety is at risk.

Haldimand County announces service impacts, facility closures as Ontario moves to modified Step 2

On Wednesday, January 5, 2022, the entire province will move to a modified Step 2 of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. As a result, there will be some changes to Haldimand County programs and services.

The Haldimand County Administration Building will remain open for general customer service walk-ins, however, a number of services will be offered by appointment only, effective immediately. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Planning services
  • Licensing services

Many municipal services do not require an in-person visit to the Administration Building. A list of alternate service options is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19 under the ‘County Service Options‘ tab.

Members of the public can check the website for a list of service impacts or call Haldimand County Customer Service at 905-318-5932 to confirm whether they require an appointment.

Residents are encouraged to use the contact form at HaldimandCounty.ca/connect if they wish to reach a specific division by e-mail.

Effective Wednesday, January 5, 2022, the following changes will take effect:

  • All municipal arenas will close
  • All museums will close
  • Capacity at all library branches will be reduced to 50%

Service impacts, facility closures and capacity reductions will remain in effect until January 26, 2022, subject to trends in public health and provincial direction. Updates will be shared at HaldimandCounty.ca/COVID-19 as they become available.

 

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

New COVID-19 safety measures in effect at county arenas

In alignment with the province’s latest public health measures and reduced capacity limits for indoor public settings, Haldimand County is implementing a number of changes to arena protocols effective immediately.

Members of the public who plan to visit an arena over the next few weeks are advised of the following changes:

  • Food/drink concessions and vending machines are NOT permitted to operate under the new provincial regulations
  • NO outside food and drink whatsoever may be brought into a county arena under the new provincial regulations (with the exception of water bottles for on-ice sport participants)

Further, the following protocols remain in effect:

  • Every person in the arena is required to wear a mask or face covering that covers their mouth, nose and chin. Exemptions include children under two (2) years of age and those who cannot wear a mask for a medical reason.
  • Individuals 12 years old and above must provide proof of vaccination to enter an arena, with limited exceptions. As of January 4, 2022, only vaccine certificates with an official QR code – shown on a mobile device or printed out – will be accepted as valid proof of vaccination as per provincial regulations.
  • All arena visitors must complete the online Arena Contact Tracing Form prior to entry.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in scheduled arena programming but are urged to remain vigilant and follow public health protocols, especially with the emergence of new variants of concern.

Visitors are asked to be respectful of staff implementing these provincial requirements.

More information on arena programs and protocols, including a full schedule of holiday programming, is available on the county website at HaldimandCounty.ca/recreation-facilities.

Two pairs of women's figure skates on ice.

Haldimand County, agricultural community celebrate installation of first Farm 911 sign

Earlier this month, Haldimand County and the local agriculture community celebrated the installation of the first Farm 911 sign.

Individuals associated with the farm 911 Emily Project stand beside a newly installed yellow Farm 911 sign. From left to right:rogram sponsors Darcy Johnson (Erie Mutual), Richard Blyleven (Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario local chapter), and Councillor John Metcalfe (Council representative for Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee). Henk Lise is also the Chair of Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee and President of the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture.

Property owners Henk and Jackie Lise celebrated this initiative alongside program sponsors Darcy Johnson (Erie Mutual), Richard Blyleven (Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario local chapter), and Councillor John Metcalfe (Council representative for Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee). Henk Lise is also the Chair of Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee and President of the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture.

The Farm 911 Emily Project offers owners of rural, agricultural land the opportunity to purchase 911 signage for their farm entrances to help first responders locate individuals/incidents in an emergency.

Through this program, properties will be identified by yellow and black signs to distinguish between vacant properties and properties with dwellings. This is so first responders are aware the incident they are called to may not be tied to a home or farm building. This project will operate on a voluntary basis for existing vacant farm entrances.

“This program is such an important initiative as it helps promote on farm safety. By installing these signs property owners will improve Haldimand County’s Emergency Services ability to locate on farm accidents, with the objective of preventing tragedies in the farming community,” remarked Henk Lise, Chair of Haldimand County’s Agriculture Advisory Committee.

It is anticipated that sponsorships received from Erie Mutual Insurance, the local Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario and Haldimand Federation of Agriculture will cover the costs of 35 signs (first come, first serve) for 2021 and potentially 55 signs for 2022.

If funding is fully subscribed to, successful applicants will be required to pay a fee of $109.61 (2021 fee) which is to be submitted along with their application). The application will be reviewed by staff and if no concerns are identified, a new civic address will be issued.

Individuals who wish to participate are encouraged to submit an application form available online at HaldimandCounty.ca/The-Farm-911-Emily-Project or contact Planning@HaldimandCounty.on.ca for additional information.

2021 Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest winners announced

Haldimand County has announced its 2021 Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest winners.

A panel of judges comprised of County staff, community figures and a local photographer/filmmaker closely examined more than 180 submissions and determined the following winners:

First Place:
Caledonia Sunset by Taryn Roberts

Second Place:
A Pot of Gold by Kim Spurr
Third Place:
Winter Road by Jesse Curley		Honourable Mention:
Heron on the Grand by Amy Brown

In addition to contest prizes (gift cards for local businesses), winning photographs will be displayed at the Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre in late January.

Special thanks are owed to contest judges Graeme Bachiu (Windecker Road Films), Kaitlyn
Clark (The Haldimand Press), Yvonne Van De Wiele (92.9 The Grand FM), Karen Richardson (Haldimand Museums), and the Haldimand County Communications team for their participation and thorough, thoughtful examination of all entries.

Details about next year’s Uniquely Haldimand photo contest will be announced in fall 2022. More information on the Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest and a gallery of past winners is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/photocontest.

Members of the public reminded of arena safety protocols ahead of holidays

With a number of ice bookings and public skate programs scheduled over the holiday break, Haldimand County is reminding residents of arena protocols in place to protect the safety of staff and visitors.

  • Every person in the arena is required to wear a mask or face covering that covers their mouth, nose and chin. Exemptions include children under two (2) years of age and those who cannot wear a mask for a medical reason.
  • Individuals 12 years old and above must provide proof of vaccination to enter an arena, with limited exceptions. Please note that as of January 4, 2022, only vaccine certificates with an official QR code – shown on a mobile device or printed out – will be accepted as valid proof of vaccination as per provincial regulations.
  • QR code vaccine certificates can be obtained from the province’s website. All Haldimand County Public Library branches are offering free print and lamination services for individuals who need a copy of their vaccine certificate and do not have access to a printer/technology.
  • All program participants must also complete the Arena Contact Tracing Form prior to entry.

To help serve the public better and minimize wait times, the county is asking that all spectators, walking track users and members of the general public entering an arena complete the online contact tracing/screening form prior to their visit.

The form is available on the main page of HaldimandCounty.ca and may also be completed by scanning the QR code posted at all arena entrances. Completing this form prior to entry will be required as of January 4, 2022.

Members of the public are encouraged to participate in scheduled arena programming but are urged to remain vigilant and follow public health protocols, especially with the emergence of new variants of concern.

More information on arena programs, including a full schedule of holiday programming and safety protocols, are available on the county website at HaldimandCounty.ca/recreation-facilities.

Flood Warning upgraded, members of the public urged to avoid non-essential travel along the lakeshore

The Flood Warning and River Flood Watch remains in effect for the Lake Erie shoreline, Port Maitland and areas downstream of the Dunnville Dam. Flooding associated with storm surge is now expected to impact low lying areas along the shoreline and could reach Flood Zone 5.

The most recent Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) forecast is advising of continued high winds from the south and southwest for the Lower Great Lakes, resulting in a significant storm surge. Waves up to 1.8 m are expected to accompany this event.

Haldimand County Emergency Services and staff are closely monitoring conditions and roads along the lakeshore. Crews are currently responding to multiple calls and members of the public are urged to stay home and away from lakeshore areas throughout this event.

Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updated flood messages. A Flood Zone Map, flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

This Flood Warning is in effect until noon on Monday, December 13, 2021 and will be updated as needed.

REMINDERS:

Dial 911 if your safety is at risk.

To report a public roadway obstruction (e.g: downed tree, water or debris over a road) call 1-888-849-7345.

Lake Erie Flood Warning and River Watch in Effect

A Flood Warning is in effect for the Lake Erie shoreline. With high winds and waves in the forecast, flooding is expected to impact low lying areas along the Grand River downstream of Dunnville Dam, in the community of Port Maitland, and along the shoreline and could reach Flood Zone 4.

Water levels are now forecasted to rise by 1.8 metres above the current level to 176.3 meters (IGLD 1985) within the Grand River and Long Point Region Conservation Authority’s watersheds. Peak levels are currently expected to occur Saturday evening. Wave heights are expected to reach 1.6 meters along the shoreline.

The combination of snowmelt and rainfall on saturated or frozen ground is expected to increase river flows, resulting in flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to rivers and streams typically prone to flooding.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be closely monitoring conditions and roads along the lakeshore. Members of the public are urged to stay away from all shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. The public is also advised to use extreme caution around all water bodies. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time, and when combined with current weather conditions, pose a serious hazard.

Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updated flood messages. A Flood Zone Map, flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods. Residents should be familiar with their insurance coverage and contact their insurance provider if they have any questions.

This Flood Warning is in effect until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2021 and will be updated as needed.

Haldimand County Fire Department issues important wood stove and fireplace safety reminders

It’s that time of year when we love to cuddle up in front of a cozy fire and Haldimand County Fire Department is reminding residents of how they can safely enjoy their wood stoves and fireplaces. Knowing what to burn and how to burn it matters.

Before thinking about using your wood stove or fireplace, have your chimney inspected and cleaned. Chimney fires can burn explosively and often go undetected. If you notice the following from your chimney: a loud cracking and popping noise, a lot of dense smoke, and an intense hot smell, it may be at risk for fire and should be serviced immediately. Preventative care can reduce the risk of fire.

When using your fireplace or wood stove, use only dry seasoned wood cured for at least six months. Burning freshly cut or even partially seasoned wood will cause creosote, a highly combustible residue, to build-up which could lead to a chimney fire. Other items that cause creosote build-up and should never be burned include wrapping paper, plastic, manure, plywood, or any wood that is coated, painted, pressure-treated, wet, rotted, diseased, or moldy. In summary, only well-seasoned dry wood and kindling should be used in your fireplace or wood stove.

Here are some simple tips that can increase your fire safety:

  • Always use a screen in front of the fireplace.
  • Never leave children unattended by a fire.
  • Have a fire escape plan for your house and review it regularly with your family.
  • Keep the doors of your wood-burning appliance closed unless loading or stoking the fire.
  • Keep flammable items (curtains, furniture, newspapers, books, etc.) away from your appliance.
  • Regularly remove ashes into a covered metal container, stored outdoors on a non-flammable surface.
  • Have your chimney, flue and appliance inspected and cleaned annually.

Why is this important? In Canada, there are approximately 2,000 fires annually that are directly linked to heat generating appliances, including wood stoves, fireplaces and chimneys. From 2010-2019, these fires lead to 377 deaths and 3,048 injuries.

Haldimand County Fire Department want your families to be safe and to remember, “No Fire is a Safe Fire.”

For more information on wood stove and fireplace safety, visit https://dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/fire-services/fire-safety-education/, or call your local fire department.