Grand River Conservation Authority Issues High Lake Erie Level Warning

On Monday, November 5, the Grand River Conservation Authority issued a High Lake Erie Level 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 reach just below critical levels on Tuesday. A surface low pressure system is set to traverse the province bringing strong winds to the Lower Great Lakes Region on Tuesday and Wednesday. These winds have the potential to cause a lake surge combined with high waves which may cause localized shoreline flooding on Tuesday afternoon/evening.

Strong south-southwest winds in the 45 to 50 km/h range are expected to begin on Tuesday afternoon and persist until Wednesday afternoon, with gusts up to 90 km/h possible. Lake Erie levels are forecast to rise Tuesday morning before peaking Tuesday afternoon between approximately 4:00 and 9:00 p.m. Lake levels are forecast to rise 0.7 metres above the current level, accompanied by waves of up to 1.5 metres.

In the vicinity of Port Maitland the following forecast applies:

Lake Erie current elevation at Port Maitland:        174.7 m (IGLD 1985)

Lake Erie estimated to peak at:                                 175.4 m (IGLD 1985), excluding waves

Critical Level:                                                                175.5 m (IGLD 1985)

Forecast (estimated) Peak Lake Level:                    0.1 m below critical levels, excluding waves

Haldimand County OPP and municipal staff will monitor roads along the lakeshore Tuesday afternoon and implement closures as necessary.

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.

‘We Make It Here’ Video Showcases Career Opportunities in Haldimand

A second video in the We Make It Here series has just been released. The videos showcase local employers and demonstrate the many job opportunities that exist at local manufacturing businesses in Haldimand. The videos are the result of a partnership project between the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, 3 local businesses, school boards and Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism Division.

The newest We Make it Here video offers a behind-the-scenes look at manufacturing career opportunities at three local businesses including: BJ Take Inc. (a commercial and industrial lighting company in Dunnville), Cayuga Displays (a food display manufacturer in Cayuga), and Stelco (Nanticoke’s fully integrated steel plant). The video provides employee perspectives on career opportunities at three featured businesses and an overview of the products they manufacture. Schools and employment services use the videos to provide students and job seekers with a glimpse of today’s modern manufacturing practices, and inform them of industry career pathways.

“We Make it Here showcases the importance of the manufacturing sector in Haldimand County,” stated Lidy Romanuk, Manager of Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism Division. “We were thrilled to partner with the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, local businesses and other key partners on this project. We hope this video will provide both students residents and businesses with an improved understanding of the employment and business opportunities that exist locally.”

Manufacturing is the largest industry in Haldimand County’s economy by employment and makes up approximately 16% of the labour force (Haldimand County’s Community Profile 2018). “The manufacturing sector in Haldimand County is vibrant and diverse and a key component of the local economy,” stated Romanuk. These businesses create and develop unique products that are exported throughout the world and even into space.

 

Important safety reminders for Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month (November)

Haldimand County Emergency Services has issued some important safety reminders for residents ahead of Carbon Monoxide Awareness month. Carbon Monoxide is known as the silent killer because it is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas.

November was declared Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month in 2013 following the passing of the Hawkins Gignac Act. The Hawkins Gignac Act is named in honour of the Hawkins family — Laurie, Richard, and their children, Cassandra and Jordan — who were tragically killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in their Woodstock home. The tragic outcome of carbon monoxide poisoning was felt locally – in Cayuga – after 12 year old Nolan Young passed away due to CO poisoning. Since his death, the Young family has tirelessly worked to spread awareness of this silent killer.

“Carbon monoxide is a real risk because you can’t see it or smell it or taste it. The only way to mitigate tragedy and protect your family is to have functioning carbon monoxide alarms in your household,” said Richard Geerdink, Fire Prevention Officer for Haldimand County. “If your home uses fuel-burning appliances like natural gas, propane, wood or oil, you need to have a carbon monoxide alarm outside of all sleeping areas and it’s recommended to have a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home,” he continued.

Residents with attached garages are required to have alarms installed as well.  Appliances that are rarely used over the summer months may develop leaks or blockages and cause carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the home. “It’s so important to have appliances and fireplaces inspected by a professional when the colder temperatures begin,” Geerdink stated.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning mimic flu symptoms – headache, feeling nauseous, dizziness and weakness.

Residents who are unsure of where or how to install a carbon monoxide alarm are encouraged to contact Haldimand’s Fire Prevention Bureau for assistance. Residents who are unable to afford a carbon monoxide alarm may also contact the Fire Prevention Bureau as assistance is available.

Haldimand Museums Commemorate Remembrance Day With Exhibits, Events And More

All 3 Haldimand County museums will be commemorating Remembrance Day with exhibits, events and celebrations.

November 4 – Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum – Exhibits and Selkirk
Remembrance Day Observance activities
11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

On November 4, 2 exhibits from Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum –
Selkirk Home Heroes & We Will Remember Them – will be available for viewing
at Selkirk Centennial Hall as part of Selkirk’s Remembrance Day Observance
activities. Selkirk’s Remembrance Day Parade will begin at the Selkirk Fire Hall
at 11:30 a.m. and proceed to the Memorial Gates at Selkirk Park for a
ceremonial service and wreath laying (12:15 p.m.). Following the ceremony,
attendees are encouraged to visit Selkirk Centennial Hall to view the museum
exhibits and enjoy a free soup luncheon hosted by the Selkirk Lions.

November 7 – Haldimand County Museum & Archives – Tea & Talk: End of the Great War
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

On November 7, Haldimand County Museum & Archives is presenting a World
War I-themed Tea & Talk. Attendees will be treated to tea, homemade sweets
and learn about Haldimand’s military past. Museum curator Karen Richardson
will explore Haldimand’s wartime connections and what it was like for local
soldiers in the trenches. This program costs $10/person and pre-registration is
required. Registration may be completed by calling/visiting any County office or
online through LeisureLink (program code 6286).

November 8 – Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre – Annual Harvest Lunch
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre will present its annual Harvest
Lunch and Talk on Thursday, November 8. This year’s event will feature guest
speaker Marilynn Havelka (CAO, Ruthven Park National Historic Site) and a
preview of the museum’s newest exhibit, We Will Remember Them – a
photographic tribute honoring Haldimand residents who served. This program
costs $15/person and pre-registration is required. Registration may be
completed by calling/visiting any County office or online through Leisure Link
(program code 6445).

Edinburgh Square Annual Harvest Lunch Will Commemorate Haldimand’s Wartime Efforts

Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre will present its annual Harvest Lunch and Talk on Thursday November 8th. This year’s event will feature guest speakers and a preview of the museum’s latest exhibit that commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Great War.

Special guest speaker for the afternoon will be Marilynn Havelka, CAO, Ruthven Park National Historic Site who will discuss the role of the Thompson Family during the First World War – beginning with patriarch Andrew, his wife Violet, sons Andrew and Walter and daughter Margaret. Havelka will also elaborate on the family’s connection to the  37th Haldimand Rifles and Haldimand 114th Battalion of which Andrew Sr. became Commanding Officer in February 1916.

The Harvest Lunch and Talk will also provide guests with a sneak preview of the  Centre’s current exhibition, We Will Remember Them. The exhibit officially opens November 11th, 2018 coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War.  We Will Remember Them is a photographic retrospective recognizing those men and women from Haldimand County who served their Country over the past 100 years, beginning with the Great War.

Also included as part of this exhibition is the display Blood Brothers, Brothers in Arms, which examines an almost forgotten WWI connection between Canadian First Nations soldiers serving in the Haldimand 114th Battalion and the City of Edinburgh, Scotland. The display pays tribute to the links between the soldiers of the Haldimand 114th Battalion and their Scottish friends – links which are still evident today.

The Harvest Lunch  and Talk takes place at 80 Caithness St. E., Caledonia from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Cost is $15.00 per person and includes the presentation, a hearty lunch of soups and amazing cheese scones, Edinburgh Square’s special tea blend and sweet treats.

Pre-registration for this event must be completed online or at any County office using the program code 6445. For further information, please contact Anne Unyi, Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre at 905-765-3134, or by email at esquare.centre@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

What the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit wants you to know about cannabis legalization

The federal government has legalized recreational cannabis. The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU) wants to ensure the public knows what this means locally.

While recreational cannabis is now legal for adults, it is still illegal in Ontario for anyone under 19 to purchase, possess or use recreational cannabis.

“Legal doesn’t mean harmless. No drug is without risk,” said Michelle Lyne, program manager of Community Health at the HNHU. “Youth, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, and people who have a history of mental illness or addiction should not use cannabis, unless prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider.”

“The Health Unit is most concerned about young people starting to use cannabis. The health risks to young people are serious and multifaceted,” said Dr. Shankar Nesathurai, medical officer of health at the HNHU.

Driving under the influence of cannabis is also a major public health concern. Cannabis use increases your risk of being involved in a collision. Combining cannabis and alcohol increases this risk further. Using cannabis and driving is illegal and dangerous. Never drive high or be a passenger in a vehicle with a driver who is impaired by cannabis.

In Colorado, where cannabis has already been legalized, there has been a significant increase in poisonings among children who accidentally eat or drink cannabis. Always keep cannabis out of sight and reach of children and pets. If your child consumes cannabis by accident, call the Ontario Poison Centre 1-800-268-9017 and seek medical attention right away.

The HNHU’s website has information on the health effects of cannabis as well as resources for parents talking to youth and potential cannabis users. A coordinated campaign on cannabis and driving will be rolled out in 2019. The HNHU is also planning community and school-based programming to help prevent youth cannabis use.

If you choose to use cannabis, you can lower your risk by following Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines, which can be found at www.hnhu.org.

Hydro Legacy Fund Policy And By-Law Will Protect & Govern Use Of $72.4 Million From The Sale Of Haldimand County Utilities, Inc.

A formal policy and by-law governing the use of $72.4 million Haldimand County Utilities Inc. (HCUI) net sale proceeds was presented to and ratified by Haldimand County Council in 2018. The policy & by-law regulates the management, uses, controls, transparency and accountability measures related to this significant asset.

When Council approved Hydro One’s proposal to purchase the shares of HCUI, a proviso was that the principal proceeds from the sale be preserved in perpetuity. Staff subsequently prepared a strategy that allowed the $72.4 million principal to be protected, while securely invested and generating significant annual income for ongoing municipal use.

The Policy outlines four types of permissible uses of Hydro Legacy Fund investment earnings, annually estimated at approximately $4 million (based on 5% rate of return), in the following order of priority:

1) Annual inflationary indexing of the principal net sale proceeds;

2) Contributions towards major assets/infrastructure that benefit Haldimand County;

3) Annual contributions to reduce the operating tax levy; and

4) Strategic economic initiatives/opportunities that are anticipated to have County-wide benefits through enhancements to local employment and Haldimand’s assessment base.

As a further safeguard, the By-law requires that the public be notified and consulted if a future Council wishes to amend or override any provision of the Policy. The By-law states that any such decision may only be considered at a public meeting, open to input from the public without the requirement of registering as a delegation, and with public notice given a minimum of four weeks in advance.

“The investment earning potential of the Hydro Legacy Fund is expected to provide a major source of revenue to finance future County initiatives. It’s extremely important that the Fund be protected and used for the continued benefit of taxpayers, and the policy and by-law have been enacted to serve as a safeguard,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

Karen General, General Manager of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer noted the importance of accountability and transparency with regard to the Fund’s management. “It’s imperative that the public has access to reports and is aware of how the Fund is being used,” she stated in her presentation to Council. As such, the Hydro Legacy Fund policy outlines a number of requirements related to reporting, including an annual update from the Treasurer containing: a review of the investment performance and earnings, an accounting of all Fund-related transactions and other pertinent information.

Further details about the Hydro Legacy Fund and background information can be found within the Financial Information section of the website.

Haldimand Museums Receive Provincial Grants Totaling $37,914

Annually, Haldimand County’s 3 museums apply for Community Museum Operating Grants (CMOG) offered by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. All Haldimand Museums sites received notice of approval of CMOG funding for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

Funding awarded is as follows:

  • Haldimand County Museum and Archives: $12,097
  • Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum: $11,073
  • Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre: $14,744

Museums play a significant role in contributing to lifelong learning and the creation of vibrant, creative communities. Funding through the CMOG program helps strengthen the capacity of organizations and museums to meet heritage-related goals and interpret/protect Ontario’s cultural heritage.

“We are extremely grateful to the Ministry for their continued support of Haldimand museums. The $37,914 awarded will contribute to the continued preservation of our unique heritage through programming, events, exhibitions, preservation and curation activities,” said Anne Unyi, Supervisor of Heritage & Culture for Haldimand County.

Haldimand County’s 3 museums – located in Cayuga (Haldimand County Museum & Archives), Caledonia (Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre) and Selkirk (Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum) – serve to educate and inspire visitors of all ages through year-round programming, exhibitions and genealogical research assistance.

As a requirement of receiving annual Community Museum Operating Grants (CMOG) from the Ontario Ministry of Culture, the three Haldimand Museums sites are required to demonstrate compliance with the Standards for Community Museums in Ontario, which set out the minimum requirements for the operation of a community museum. All three museums – including the new Heritage Centre – comply with these standards.

In the spring of 2019, the Haldimand County Museum and Archive facility will close and relocate to 19 Talbot Street, Cayuga within the Cayuga Library and Heritage Centre. Artifacts, records and reference materials will be displayed and made available within the new state-of-the-art building. Exhibits, events and educational programs that residents and visitors currently enjoy will continue to be offered at the Talbot Street location.

“Heritage and Culture staff will continue to apply for CMOG funding for all three County owned museums – Wilson MacDonald Memorial School Museum, Edinburgh Square Heritage & Cultural Centre and the new Heritage Centre in Cayuga,” said Unyi. “We are looking forward to the Heritage Centre opening and providing a new, accessible and inviting space for visitors to explore our unique history,” she added.

18th Annual Recognition Night Celebrates “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”

Haldimand County’s 18th Annual Recognition Night took place October 11, 2018 at the Fisherville Lions Community Centre and, once again, honoured almost forty nominees.

More than 275 guests attended the dinner and awards ceremony recognizing nominees in 11 categories, including five inductees onto the Walls of Fame in Caledonia, Cayuga and Dunnville. (These individuals are recognized for their significant contributions to recreation and sport in their communities.)

Emcee Rock “N” Ray Michaels, from 92.9 The Grand, had the room in celebration mode as volunteers were honoured for their contributions to the County’s many festivals, events, capital and beautification projects, sporting activities and community halls.

This year, Volunteer of the Year honours went to Dunnville’s Nancy DeWitt, while Hagersville’s Owen Bluhm was named Youth Volunteer of the Year.

2018 Wall of Fame Inductees

Caledonia Wall of Fame
Dan Edge

Cayuga Wall of Fame
Joy Wheatley

Dunnville Wall of Fame
Barry Dear
Ken Hines
Tom Pettigrew

2018 Haldimand County Recognition Award Nominees & Winners
(Note: Winners are listed in bold italics)

Nominees for Heritage Haldimand Award
The Pelican Group
The Reeve Bed & Breakfast

Nominees for Community Culture Award
Don & Sylvia Weaver

Nominees for Caring Haldimand Award
By the Willow Hospice Day Away Program
The Dunnville Learning Centre
East Haldimand Hospice/East Haldimand Hospice Clinical Team
Colleen Wenzel
Yvette Young & Family

Nominees for Community Project Award – Small Projects (up to $10,000 budget)
Caledonia Veteran Banners Project
Dunnville Horticultural Society – Wingfield Park Project
Dunnville Veteran Banners Project

Nominee for Community Project Award – Large Projects (over $10,000 budget)
Jarvis Lions Club Trail/Pathway Project

Nominees for Community Festival Award – Minor Festival (<500 attendees)
Caledonia Community Easter Egg Hunt
Downtown is a Stage: Dunnville Friday Nights
Selkirk Christmas Celebration & Illuminated Tractor Parade

Nominees for Community Organization or Group Award
92.9 The Grand
Concerned Citizens of Haldimand
Just Tents Inc.

Nominees for Youth Volunteer of the Year
Owen Bluhm
Nicole Hibbs
Alexa McDonnell

Nominees for Volunteer of the Year
Paul Buchanan
Nancy DeWitt
Vern Disher
Lori Ivanco
Alex Komarniski
Sonya McKeen
Wayne Nie
Tom Pettigrew

Applications Now Being Accepted For 2019 Community Beautification Grants

It’s time once again for community groups and not-for-profit organizations to get creative and apply for a Haldimand County Community Beautification grant.

Each year, the County makes available $60,000 in grant funding to assist groups with enhancement initiatives which take place on municipal (public) property. The program was created in 2005 in recognition of the importance of beautification to the vitality of any community, as well as the sense of pride and quality of life it fosters for residents and visitors to the County.

Groups may apply for grant funding of up to 50% of the total cost of the proposed project to a maximum of $4,000 per year/per organization. Since its launch in 2006, the Community Beautification Program has resulted in 231 projects worth $2,525,420, while $778,826 in County grant funding has leveraged $1,751,594 in community contributions.

“This program has been a great success for Haldimand County,” said Manager of Community Development and Partnerships Sheila Wilson. “Showcasing our communities makes our towns and villages more beautiful, supports business attraction and retention, and leads to potential new tourism and economic development opportunities,” she contined.

“Each year our community groups impress us with their enthusiasm, innovation and individuality as they develop their applications,” she adds. “We can’t wait to see what proposals come forward this year to continue to enhance our communities and make them even more welcoming.”

Interested groups are encouraged to check out the guidelines and application materials on the Community Partnerships page. Applications are due Thursday, November 1 at 4:00 p.m. at any of the County’s offices in Cayuga, Caledonia, Dunnville or Hagersville.