Flood Warning in effect for Lake Erie shoreline

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 shoreline and could reach Flood Zone 2.

Water levels are now forecasted to rise by 1.36m above the current level to 175.82 meters (IGLD 1985) within the Long Point Region Conservation Authority’s watershed. Peak levels are currently expected to occur Monday evening. Wave heights are expected to reach 2 meters along the shoreline.

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.

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 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 and will be updated as needed.

Haldimand County Museum and Archives announces holiday program lineup at Cayuga Library and Heritage Centre

Haldimand County Museum and Archives is hosting a number of programs and an exhibition this December, highlighting various traditions of Christmas. Programs take place at the Cayuga Library and Heritage Centre, located at 19 Talbot Street West, Cayuga.

Good Tidings We Bring: Christmas in Words – December 7 at 6 p.m.

This presentation focuses on the history of Christmas cards – a custom that began in the United Kingdom in 1843 and continues today with the expression and exchange of warm wishes in the form of holiday greetings.

Christmas Trends, Traditions and Toys – December 8 at 1 p.m.

Christmas trends, traditions and toys is the theme for this presentation. Leaving cookies and milk for Santa—and a few carrots for his reindeer—became a North American holiday tradition in the 1930’s. In 1965, The Coca-Cola Company sponsored a Charlie Brown Christmas television special that became one of the most beloved Christmas shows of all times.

Christmas Traditions and Customs – December 14 at 6 p.m.

This presentation examines Christmas traditions and customs. The custom of “decking the halls” came from the British Isles. Decorations were natural and included pine cones, nuts, holly berries, feathers and chains made of cranberries and popcorn.

At the Christmas Table – December 15 at 2 p.m.

Join us as we step back in time and enjoy some “tastes” from the past including a description of a 1780’s Christmas menu prepared by our early ancestors and comprising of wild turkey, venison, mince pies and plum pudding.

The cost for each program is $10 per person. Pre-registration and pre-payment must be completed either online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building (53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga). Proof of vaccination will be required. For more information, contact the Heritage Centre at 905-318-5932 ext. 6613 or email museum.archives@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Experience Haldimand County’s 2021 Holiday Activities

Holiday activities in Haldimand County are available in-person and virtually. A highlight of holiday activities in Haldimand County includes:

Holiday Public Skates
Additional Public Skates are being offered over the holidays at the following indoor arenas on the listed dates and times:

All arenas will be closed December 25 – 26, 2021 and January 1, 2022.
For a complete list of arena details, visit https://dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/recreation-facilities/arenas/

Virtual Programs and Activities

Launching on Friday, November 26, 2021 enjoy weekly virtual programs that include exercises, baking and crafts for all ages. This six week series will provide a fun new holiday activity for the whole family each week. No registration is required and all activities are free. To join in on the fun, visit https://dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/recreation-facilities/programs/.

Walking Trails
Enjoy the outdoors on one of Haldimand County’s beautiful walking trails. For an interactive list of the trails available, visit https://dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/recreation-facilities/trails-pathways/.

Residents are encouraged to regularly check the Haldimand County website and social media accounts for updates related to virtual programming and the exciting ways to explore and enjoy Haldimand this Holiday Season!

New program for Haldimand & Norfolk aims to “Spark” innovative tourism ideas with grants and mentorships

A new program aimed at sparking and supporting innovative tourism ideas for Haldimand & Norfolk was officially announced today. The “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program will match selected applicants from the region with a mentor and provide a $3,000 seed grant to help take their new tourism idea to the next level.

View the official announcement video here: https://youtu.be/WNSXZT1CMlE    

The “Spark” Program was first piloted in Windsor-Essex in 2018 by the Tourism Innovation Lab, and has now been delivered in over 16 regions across the province and British Columbia. Its goal is to find, foster and support new tourism ideas that will enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visits.

While there are no specific categories, program organizers are especially interested in new tourism ideas that connect with agritourism, cycling, waterfront, and the winter season.

Applications are encouraged from individuals, small businesses and non-profit organizations based in Haldimand & Norfolk from November 23rd to January 14th, 2022. Following a juried review process, five finalists from Haldimand County and five finalists from Norfolk County will be invited to virtual Pitch Sessions where three winners will be selected from each.

The Haldimand & Norfolk “Spark” Program is being led by the Tourism Innovation Lab in collaboration and with support from Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation, Haldimand County, Norfolk County, Libro Credit Union, Grand Erie Business Centre and Venture Norfolk.

For more information on the Haldimand & Norfolk “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program visit www.tourisminnovation.ca/HaldimandNorfolk.

QUOTES

Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation
“Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation is excited to be partnering on the expansion of “Spark” Program into Haldimand and Norfolk counties. We’ve seen some amazing ideas translate into new tourism experiences for travellers across Ontario’s Southwest, and we’re eager to see what new ideas emerge from Haldimand and Norfolk!” said Joanne Wolnik, Executive Director of the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation.

Haldimand County
“Our goal is to inspire Haldimand & Norfolk County residents and entrepreneurs to come forward with creative ideas that will generate new innovative tourism opportunities, experiences and partnerships in our communities.  We are excited to be working together along with our project partners to capture these great ideas, and define the actions needed to put these ideas to work.  Now more than ever, the tourism industry needs innovation and the “Spark” Program is a great opportunity to launch these tourism offerings and assist entrepreneurs in getting them to the next level” said Lidy Romanuk, Manager, Economic Development & Tourism, Haldimand County.

Norfolk County
“Norfolk County is thrilled to be partnering with Haldimand County on this exciting Spark program, which will provide an opportunity for our many creative entrepreneurs to bring innovative tourism product ideas to market.  With the importance of tourism and entrepreneurship to our economy, we are delighted to be part of a project that both supports the creation and growth of small businesses, while simultaneously adding exciting new product offerings for our residents and visitors to enjoy when experiencing all that Norfolk County has to offer.  We are grateful to the Tourism Innovation Lab and wonderful sponsors (SWOTC, Libro Credit Union, Venture Norfolk, Grand Erie Business Centre) for helping to make this project a reality” said Zvi Lifshiz, Director, Strategic Innovation and Economic Development, Norfolk County.

Libro Credit Union
“At Libro Credit Union, we know that working together always makes people stronger, so we find partnerships like this so rewarding. The Spark program and everyone involved in it is a great example of partnership with people who share our values. At Libro, our financial coaches work with Owners – we call our customers Owners because they own part of the company – to set goals and work towards them, and there’s nothing we like more than an exciting idea like this!” said Scott Macleod, Regional Manager Haldimand & Norfolk, Libro Credit Union.

Grand Erie Business Centre
“The “Spark” Program has a history of success in helping to develop and foster new tourism businesses and entrepreneurs. We are happy to support this program and partner with everyone involved to encourage new tourism experiences to be developed and offered in our communities.” said Tauri Caputo, General Manager, Grand Erie Business Centre.

Tourism Innovation Lab
“We are very excited to be launching the “Spark” Program in Haldimand & Norfolk,” said Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab. “As we have seen through previous rounds in southwest Ontario, innovative tourism ideas brought forward by entrepreneurs, small businesses and organizations will inspire and elevate the tourism offerings and experiences in the region.”

Children invited to ‘Ask Santa Anything’ through Public Library-Optimist Club program

Haldimand County Public Library and the Optimist Club of Haldimand have once again partnered to kick off the holiday season with a fun, festive ‘Ask Santa Anything’ program.

From now until Friday, December 10, children are invited to write down their most pressing questions for Santa and drop them off at any Haldimand County Public Library branch. For kids who have wondered what Rudolph’s middle name is, what Santa’s favourite cookies are, or how Santa’s elves keep their ears clean – now is the chance to find out!

Starting on Monday, December 20 and Tuesday, December 21, children can look to the library’s Facebook page or YouTube channel to see how Santa’s special helpers are getting the library ready for his visit and listen to a story to get them into the Christmas spirit.

On Wednesday, December 22, Santa will be making a special appearance on the library’s Facebook page and YouTube channel where he will be answering many of the questions submitted. Any question which Santa does not answer in his video will be answered by him in writing on the library’s Facebook page.

For more information on the ‘Ask Santa Anything’ program, visit HaldimandLibrary.ca, e-mail kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call your local branch at 289-674-0400.

Haldimand County Public Library announces virtual visit with ‘One Book One Haldimand’ author Craig Davidson

Join Craig Davidson, author of One Book One Haldimand’s 2021 book Precious Cargo: My Year Driving the Kids on School Bus 3077, virtually on Thursday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. for a reading, book talk and a Question & Answer session. The virtual visit will take place over Zoom and participants do not need a library membership to join the discussion.

To register for the Zoom session, call your local branch at 289-674-0400 or e-mail the library’s Outreach Coordinator at kkrupicz@haldimandcounty.on.ca and indicate “OBOH” in your email’s subject line.

Copies of Precious Cargo: My Year Driving the Kids on School Bus 3077 are available at all library branches and can be reserved by calling your local branch at 289-674-0400 or using the online catalogue.

One Book One Haldimand is an annual community-wide reading program through which individuals across Haldimand County are encouraged to read a selected Canadian title and join the author and other community members for a shared discussion.

For more information on library programs, visit HaldimandLibrary.ca.

County launches second annual Haldimand Holiday Wish Book, encourages residents to shop local

For the second year, Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism division has released the Haldimand Holiday Wish Book to encourage residents to shop & support local.

Featuring over 30 local businesses, the Holiday Wish Book is a one stop guide for local gift ideas, hand-made products and unique experiences.

Copies are being distributed to all households in by mail and will also be available for pickup at local libraries. An online, downloadable version of the Holiday Wish Book is also available at tourismhaldimand.ca/wish-book.

“We received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community and local businesses when we launched the 2020 Wish Book and made it a priority to bring it back for 2021,” said Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand’s Manager of Economic Development & Tourism.

“Haldimand County has so many unique shops and experiences. We encourage residents and visitors to explore all our community has to offer and to continue supporting local,” added Romanuk.

The Holiday Wish Book also has an online directory featuring even more local businesses. Anyone can browse vendor listings and shop local from the comfort of home via the Haldimand County Marketplace.

The County’s Economic Development & Tourism division is also running 12 Days of Giveaways starting December 1, 2021 and launching a winter sweepstakes contest. Follow Tourism Haldimand on Facebook or Instagram and check out the Haldimand Holiday Wish Book Online Directory for a chance to win some great local prizes.

For more information on the Haldimand Holiday Wish Book or tips on how to support local this holiday season, visit tourismhaldimand.ca/wish-book.

Businesses who would like to be added to the online directory or the Haldimand County Marketplace are encouraged to contact opportunity@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre Project Benefits From Generosity Of Local Residents Laird And Mary Jane McKeen

On Monday, November 15, the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre project benefitted from the generosity of local residents Laird and Mary Jane McKeen, who presented Haldimand County Council and staff with a $100,000 donation towards construction of the new facility.

“We are incredibly grateful to the McKeens for their generous contribution and investment in the vibrancy and quality of life of our communities,” says Haldimand County Ward 4 Councillor Tony Dalimonte. “The County is excited at the prospect of replacing two outdated municipal facilities with more accessible, functional and engaging spaces that enhance quality of life for all ages and interests.”

“The Hagersville Library and the Hagersville Community Centre have served residents throughout this region—including from Haldimand and Norfolk Counties, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations, which has a Library Services Reciprocal Borrowing Partnership with Haldimand—for decades,” Dalimonte continued. “We now have an opportunity to create innovative, efficient, community-designed spaces in beautiful Grant Kett Park, which is already home to our Arena, ball diamonds and outdoor amphitheatre.”

Plans for the new, multi-purpose facility were introduced in early 2021 during capital budget deliberations, and approved by Council for construction in 2024. As outlined in the project’s funding conditions, the community will have to raise approximately $1 million towards the co-located new facility.

A preliminary community open house about the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre took place in late October. Further opportunities to share ideas and provide feedback will be announced shortly.

For background information, details and updates, visit dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/hagersvilleALC/.

Community members Laird and Mary Jane McKeen present Haldimand Council members and staff with a $100,000 ceremonnial cheque. Stewart Patterson, Haldimand County Ward 1 Councillor Tony Dalimonte, Haldimand County Ward 4 Councillor Laird McKeen Mary Jane McKeen Doug Miller, Fundraising Committee Member Paul Diette, CEO, Haldimand County Public Library.

Pictured Above (L to R):

Stewart Patterson, Haldimand County Ward 1 Councillor
Tony Dalimonte, Haldimand County Ward 4 Councillor
Laird McKeen
Mary Jane McKeen
Doug Miller, Fundraising Committee Member
Paul Diette, CEO, Haldimand County Public Library

Arena programs return to full capacity, drop-in model

In alignment with the province’s Roadmap to Reopening, Haldimand County is lifting capacity limits for arena programs effective immediately.

As capacities return to 100%, arena programs have shifted back to a drop-in model and residents will no longer need to pre-register to attend.

By provincial law, proof of vaccination must be shown by individuals 12 years of age and older before entering an arena.

For the safety of staff and participants, all individuals must also complete COVID-19 screening upon or prior to entering arenas. Individuals are encouraged to complete the screening form online prior to their arrival at dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/arena-contact-tracing-form.

Up to date program schedules, safety information and Frequently Asked Questions can be found online at dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/recreation-facilities.

Print copies of the arena program schedule are also available at all arenas and at the Haldimand County Administration Building located in Cayuga.

 

Two pairs of women's figure skates on ice.

Haldimand County’s Economic Development & Tourism Division Wins Provincial Tourism Award

Haldimand County’s Economic Development and Tourism division has won a provincial tourism award for initiatives completed in 2020 to support local businesses.

The Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), in partnership with Attractions Ontario, The Culinary Tourism Alliance, Indigenous Tourism Ontario and OTEC presented the Ontario Tourism Resiliency Awards at an in-person and virtual awards gala on October 27.

Haldimand was presented with the Innovation Award in the Destination Marketing Organization category.

The award encompassed the Real. Local. strategy that was implemented to support local businesses and better position Haldimand’s tourism offerings.

Marketing projects included in the award were:

  • Development of ‘Real. Local.’ branded graphic
    • The ‘Real. Local.’ graphic is available to local business to incorporate in their marketing efforts. Since the launch, several businesses have incorporated it in print and social media advertising, as well as on packaging.
  • Local food campaign, retail & wellness campaign, Road Trip Haldimand Campaign
    • Advertising for these 3 campaigns saw a total reach of 5,200 in print, a reach of over 200,000 in social media and 6,295 clicks to learn more about the 75 business which were included in the promotions.
  • 2020 Haldimand Holiday Wish Book
    • The Holiday Wish Book campaign included 58 businesses. All businesses were featured in the online directory hosted on the Haldimand County website and 33 businesses were featured in the printed booklet. 22,498 booklets were mailed to every household in Haldimand. The social media campaign, which featured all participating businesses, reached 67,687 individuals and saw 2,615 clicks from people interested in learning more about local businesses.
  • Real. Haldimand. Marketplace
    • The Marketplace launched in late December 2020 with 24 vendors and has now grown to 43 local businesses selling products on the online e-commerce site. An extensive social media campaign saw over 3,000 clicks to view listings on the Marketplace. A local business indicated that their business traffic doubled when they were included in the Marketplace and corresponding promotional marketing campaigns.
  • Increased Digital Presence
    • A new Tourism Website and Tourism Instagram page were launched at the end of 2020 to generate further interest in Haldimand’s diverse offerings, along with an extensive social media campaign to support local businesses.

Haldimand’s Business Development and Planning Advisory Committee (BDAPAC) was instrumental in COVID-19 business recovery planning, along with staff, in the early days of the pandemic.

In June 2020, EDT received funding from Fed Dev Ontario to support tourism marketing initiatives and support the tourism sector locally.

Through the recommendation of BDAPAC, a Marketing Advisory Committee was formed and consulted, giving direction on how the funding would be used, to maximize opportunities to support and promote local businesses. Council was kept informed of the work of BDAPAC and of these marketing initiatives and have been very supportive of these efforts.

Haldimand County is honoured to be recognized for this award and appreciate the support of Council, BDAPAC and the Marketing Advisory Committee in helping achieve this success.

For more information on supports available for local business, visit BusinessHaldimand.ca.