2018 Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest Winners Announced

On January 2, 2019 Haldimand County announced its 2018 Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest winners. Winning photographs can be viewed here.

A panel of judges comprised of County staff, community figures & a local photographer/filmmaker closely examined all submissions and determined the grand prize, second prize and honorable mention winners. The winners include:

Grand Prize – Visitor on the Lake by Lesley Mabo
Second Prize – Burning Sunset by Natasha Danko
Honourable Mention 1 – Pedestrian Bridge over Nanticoke Creek by Carol Redford
Honourable Mention 2 – Arched Reflections by Robert Schihl

All winning photos represent the beauty and splendor of Haldimand County’s natural environment. In addition to contest prizes (gift cards for local culinary experiences), winning photographs will be featured in an exhibit within Haldimand County Museum & Archives beginning in January.

Special thanks are owed to contest judges Graeme Bachiu (Windecker Road Films), Kaitlyn
Clark (The Haldimand Press), Karen Richardson (Haldimand Museums) and Jane Anderson (Haldimand County Economic Development & Tourism) for their participation and thorough, thoughtful examination of all entries.

Details about this year’s photo contest will be announced in the County’s Fall/Winter 2019 Community Guide.

Grand River Conservation Authority Issues Flood Warning For Port Maitland, Other Areas Downstream Of The Dunnville Dam

The Grand River Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Warning for areas along the Grand River downstream of the Dunnville Dam, in the village of Port Maitland and along the lakeshore.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry surge model forecast for the eastern end of Lake Erie is predicting lake levels to exceed the critical level warning level. In the vicinity of Port Maitland the following forecast applies:

Lake Erie current elevation at Port Maitland: 174.58 m (IGLD 1985)

Lake Erie estimated to peak at: 175.55 m (IGLD 1985), excluding waves

Lake Erie Expected time of peak: Early morning hours of January 1st 2019

Critical Level: 175.5 m (IGLD 1985)

Forecast (estimated) Peak Lake Level: 0.05 m above the critical level, excluding waves

Significant wave action is also expected with waves reaching between 2 and 3 meters in height. The forecasted lake rise and wave action mean the possibility of flooding and erosion exists in low lying areas along the Lake Erie shoreline.

Haldimand County Emergency Services are warning affected residents and businesses within Lake Erie Flood Zone 1. It is expected that Powell Marina, Willow Lane, Port Maitland and low point cottages will be the main affected areas.

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

The current flood warning will remain in effect until Tuesday, January 1, 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.

Haldimand County Now Accepting Nominations for 2018 Business Excellence Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for Haldimand County’s Business Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding business achievements throughout 2018. Award categories include: Agri-Business, Business (over 10 employees and under 10 employees), Tourism, Youth Entrepreneur and Not-for-Profit.

“The Business Excellence Awards provide the community with an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge outstanding local businesses,” explained Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s manager of Economic Development and Tourism.

The awards will be presented by Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt and Council on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 during the annual Business Excellence Awards Breakfast at the Fisherville Community Centre.

The nomination package can be accessed via BusinessHaldimand.ca or picked up at any County office or library. Completed forms may be submitted in person at any County office or e-mailed to opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, February 15, 2019.

Anyone seeking additional information may call the County’s Economic Development & Tourism division at 905-318-5932 ext. 6331.

Haldimand County Council Seeking Public Input On Retail Cannabis Sales

Ontario municipalities have until January 22, 2019 to decide whether to permit or prohibit the sale of recreational cannabis, and Haldimand County Council is seeking community input on this decision.

At the December 11 Council in Committee meeting, staff presented a report outlining the opt-in and opt-out options regarding private cannabis retail stores. Council must decide and submit a formal resolution to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario by the January 22 deadline. Council has 2 options: opting in or opting out. If Council chooses to opt-in, the decision cannot be reversed. If opting out is chosen, Council retains the ability to revisit the matter and opt-in at a future date.

To better understand resident sentiments on retail cannabis sales in the community, feedback will be collected by staff and presented to Council. Residents are encouraged to read the recreational cannabis retail sales facts and provide their input through one of the following avenues:

1) in person at the January 21, 2019 Council meeting or at a scheduled community meeting

2) via online survey (by January 8, 2019)

3) via e-mail or letter to the Municipal Clerk at 45 Munsee St. North, Cayuga, N0A 1A0 (by noon on January 21, 2019)

Feedback and survey results will be presented at the Council in Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Any feedback received after the Council in Committee meeting will be provided to Council for consideration ahead of the Council meeting on Monday, January 21.

Haldimand County recognized for Grand River water quality improvement efforts

Haldimand County has been recognized by the Grand River Conservation Authority for its efforts to improve the water quality of the Grand River.

During the Grand River Conservation Authority’s annual Grand River Watershed Wide Optimization Program workshop on Tuesday, November 20, recognition awards were handed out to a number of municipalities for their water quality improvement efforts throughout 2017. All three of Haldimand County’s wastewater treatment plants discharging to the Grand River were recognized: Caledonia, Cayuga and Dunnville.

Caledonia’s wastewater treatment plant was the only plant in the entire Grand River watershed to receive gold recognition. The Dunnville plant received silver and Cayuga obtained bronze. To be recognized, municipalities are required to meet specific criteria related to environmental compliance regulations and performance reporting. Haldimand County met – and in some cases exceeded – recognition criteria.

The GRCA continuously works with municipal water managers and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to improve the operation of wastewater treatment plants.

The goal of the Wastewater Optimization Program is to raise the quality of the treated effluent that leaves the plant and enters a river or stream.

“This recent recognition fully demonstrates our commitment to protecting the natural environment by reducing pollutant discharges to the Grand River”, said Mayor Ken Hewitt. “These achievements are primarily a result of enhancing process control through data based decision-making and efforts to understand plant needs, which over time have saved the County a significant amount of money through infrastructure deferral,” he continued.

For more information about the County’s water and wastewater treatment operations, including water quality reports, visit the Water and Wastewater page.

Welcome to Haldimand County’s newly redesigned website!

Welcome to Haldimand County’s newly redesigned website!

You’ll notice a number of changes: a fresh look, enhanced navigation and an improved ‘search’ function. On top of that, the site is now mobile-friendly – it’s fully functional and compatible for use on all wireless devices (smartphones, tablets, etc).

Please take a look around and explore. If you have any suggestions on how to improve the site further or can’t find something you’re looking for, please contact the site manager. Your feedback is appreciated!

Explore The History of Christmas at Haldimand County Museum and Archives

On Wednesday, December 5 at 1:00 p.m., Haldimand County Museum and Archives will host its 12th Annual Christmas Tea & Talk. This year, curator Karen Richardson will explore the history of Christmas celebrations and traditions over the past 235 years.

“The earliest settlers to Haldimand County were loyalists. Despite facing many hardships, they continued to celebrate Christmas with traditions and customs from their home countries,” said Richardson. Loyalist settlers of German descent brought the idea of a Christmas tree to Upper Canada. Decorations were natural and included pine cones, nuts, holly berries, feathers and chains made of cranberries and popcorn,” she added.

Even the custom of “decking the halls” – draping walls with evergreen garland – came from the British Isles and was introduced over a century ago by settlers in their Upper Canada cabins. The Victorian era ushered in a much more elaborate Christmas tree; while homemade ornaments were still utilized, precious glass ornaments and gilled gold began to adorn the tree. WWI had a major influence on holiday celebrations, as well. Trees were decorated with a patriotic theme and included union jack flags and paper ornaments.

In addition to Richardson’s talk, attendees will be treated to delicious homemade scones, tea and sweet treats. The cost to register is $10 per person, and pre-registration is required. Interested individuals may register online or at any Haldimand County office using program code 8060.

Cayuga Grand Vista and Gypsum Mine Tract now open to the public!

Two new trails in Haldimand County, the Cayuga Grand Vista (Cayuga) and Gypsum Mine Tract (Caledonia – York), are now open to the public.

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.

The Gypsum Mine Tract can be accessed from two points: Haldimand Rd. 9 at Nelles St. E (York) and McClung Rd. at Maclachlan Ave (Caledonia). The trail’s name is intended to reflect the historical importance of gypsum mining in the area. 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. From the access at McClung Rd., the trail runs east towards Haldimand Rd. 9 where it proceeds west and connects to the Rotary Riverside Trail.

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

While both trails are now open to the public, formal grand opening celebrations will be planned and held in the spring. “We’re encouraging everyone to go out and walk, run or cycle the new routes,” said Sheila Wilson, Manager of Community Development & Partnerships. Wilson noted that although Haldimand County trails are not maintained during the winter, they remain open; in snowy conditions, the trails become excellent routes for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. As with all Haldimand County trails, motorized vehicles are not permitted.

Details regarding an official grand opening celebration for the Cayuga Grand Vista and Gypsum Mine Tract trails will be announced in spring 2019.

Residents Urged To Exercise Caution During Periods Of High Wind Today, Tomorrow

Haldimand County Manager of Emergency Services/Fire Chief Jason Gallagher is urging residents to stay inside – and be alert if venturing outside – while high winds persist.

Winds of up to 100km/hr are expected throughout Haldimand County Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. “Residents are reminded to stay inside if they are able to and to stay away from windows during the wind event. If residents must venture out, they should watch for flying debris, downed hydro wires, fallen trees and other hazards,” stated Gallagher.

The wind is expected to ease off in the early hours of Wednesday. “During this wind event it is most likely that Emergency Services will be responding to multiple calls. If you see or hear a fire truck or ambulance, please pull over to the right if you’re unable stop so we can maneuver around you and provide the quickest and safest response,” Gallagher added.

Residents along the lakeshore are also being reminded of the High Lake Erie Level Warning issued yesterday by the Grand River Conservation Authority.