Empire Communities Donates $600,000 to Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre project in advance of capital fundraising campaign

On Thursday, October 28, 2021, members of Haldimand County Council and staff were presented with a $600,000 donation from Empire Communities, which will be used to construct the future Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre.

This significant donation is the first received for this project, which will see a community capital fundraising campaign launched before the end of 2021 to cover the balance of funds required for construction.

“We are extremely grateful for this generous contribution and investment in the vibrancy and quality of life in our county,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

“Blending in to and enhancing the larger community is something we strive for in every project we undertake. Supporting the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre project is one way we can contribute and fulfill this commitment,” said Mark Tutton, Empire’s President of Low Rise.

Plans for this new, multi-purpose facility were introduced earlier this year during capital budget deliberations and approved by Council for construction in 2024.

As outlined in the project’s funding conditions, the community will need to raise approximately $1 million towards the combined Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre, comprising approximately 10% of the total anticipated project budget.

This condition is consistent with similar community/County partnership projects to construct major assets, including the Cayuga and Dunnville arenas. “This substantial donation will have long lasting impacts and is an important step forward in making this facility a reality,” said Ward 4 Councillor and community fundraising committee chair Tony Dalimonte.

Dalimonte noted that a large scale, community-driven fundraising campaign will likely kick off later this year.

A preliminary community open house regarding the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre was held on October 20, 2021. Further opportunities to get involved and provide feedback will be announced as the project progresses.

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

Members of Haldimand Council, Haldimand staff, community members and Empire representatives pose atop a set of stairs outdoors with a ceremonial cheque for $600,000.

Photographed above (Left to right):

Rob Phillips, President, Hagersville Chamber of Commerce

Paul Diette, CEO, Haldimand County Public Library

Doug Miller, committee member, Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre Project Capital Fundraising Committee

Tony Dalimonte, Ward 4 Councillor and community fundraising committee chair, Haldimand County

Mark Tutton, President of Low Rise, Empire

Stephen Armstrong, President, Armstrong Planning and Project Management

Dan Lawrence, Ward 3 Councillor, Haldimand County

Residents, ‘explorers’ encouraged to check out Haldimand County paddle art and geotours

With fall in the air, there’s still time to enjoy two great outdoor activities: Haldimand County’s Geotour and Paddle Art Tour Haldimand (PATH).

Developed by the County’s Community Development & Partnerships Division in conjunction with the Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), these two tours allow residents, families and visitors of all ages to make new memories while enjoying local creative talents, natural beauty and great eateries and shops in the area.

The geocaching tour takes local ‘explorers’ to twenty different locations across Haldimand County, from the north end in Caledonia to the southern shore of Lake Erie in Lowbanks.

Participants who complete the tour and submit their ‘passport’ will receive a specially-designed souvenir geocoin and be entered into a final draw.

The Paddle Art Tour Haldimand (PATH) is a public art journey celebrating the significance of the Grand River and Lake Erie to Haldimand County. Twenty-four local artists have created original designs—on wooden paddles hand made by local high school students—which are on display throughout the County.

Complete the tour and passport to be entered into the County’s contest.

Both tours can be enjoyed while complying with all provincial and public health guidelines associated with the pandemic.

Farm 911 Emily Project officially launched in Haldimand

Haldimand County is pleased to announce the launch of the Farm 911 Emily Project civic addressing initiative.

The program 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.

The Farm 911 Emily Project is inspired by Emily Trudeau, who tragically passed away after being involved in a farm accident in Hastings County, Ontario, where first responders had difficulties finding her location.

“This program will assist first responders in identifying the site of a medical or rescue incident more efficiently. When a farm incident occurs it can take first responders longer to locate the property if there is no civic address,” said Jason Gallagher, Haldimand’s Manager of Emergency Services and Fire Chief.

“Although we have not had any local tragedies due to an inability to find an incident on vacant property, we hope these measures will ensure we continue on this course,” Gallagher added.

Haldimand County would like to acknowledge the Haldimand County Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture (HFA) for bringing this program to the attention of Council for the benefit of agricultural property owners.

In addition, Haldimand County is pleased to partner with Erie Mutual Insurance Company and the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (local chapter) who have provided sponsorship funds to cover the costs of 35 signs (first come, first serve) for 2021.

This project will operate on a voluntary basis for existing vacant farm entrances.

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.

If funding is fully subscribed to, successful applicants will be required to pay a fee of $109.61* which is to be submitted along with their application (*2021 fee).

The application will be reviewed by staff and if no concerns are identified, a new civic address will be issued.

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.

Residents invited to learn about Dunnville Downtown Street Tree Program at online community open house

Haldimand County is inviting community members to attend an online community open house to learn more about and provide input into Dunnville’s Downtown Street Tree program.

As part of the planned street tree revitalization, staff are conducting community consultations to kick off a downtown street tree enhancement program for the County’s downtown areas.

Dunnville has been identified as having a downtown area that would benefit from the program and is the first community in which it will be implemented. Areas for potential planting include downtown portions of Queen Street, Bridge Street, Lock Street East and Chestnut Street.

Existing street trees, while enjoyed by the downtown for decades, are limited in surviving numbers, placement, consistency and expected lifespan.

This new, proactive tree establishment and replacement plan will ensure downtown areas remain beautiful for years to come by applying the “right tree, right place” principle and using new technologies to integrate trees within hardscapes.

Implementation is expected to begin in Dunnville in 2022.

Residents are encouraged to register and attend the on-line open house session to learn more about the project and provide input into the design of this important community project.  

A one-hour session (presentation and Q&A session), facilitated by Sean Kelly of SKA Design, is being held via Zoom on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 7 p.m.

Interested community members may register via email to jiaqi@ska-design.ca or by calling 519-787-4313. A dedicated Zoom link will be provided to registrants.

Watch for upcoming opportunities to share your thoughts and input into this important project.

For further information, contact Sean or Jack at SKA Design: 519-787-4313 or sean@ska-design.ca.

Heritage Centre’s November programs explore Haldimand’s military history and wartime contributions

This November, the Cayuga Heritage Centre is hosting four in-person events and an exhibition commemorating Haldimand’s significant military history and wartime contributions.

Tuesday, November 9 at 6:30 p.m. – War and Remembrance
This presentation will examine both world wars and how they affected Haldimand County. Learn what it was like in the trenches and on the home front through a visual exploration of the community’s military past.

Wednesday, November 10 at 10 a.m. – Haldimand at War
Join the Heritage Centre’s curator for a special talk on the various conflicts Haldimand County has been involved in, including the War of 1812, Boer War, WWI and WWII.

Tuesday, November 16 at 6:30 p.m. – Canadian Nursing Sisters in WWI
Continuing the tribute to the war effort, staff will highlight the contributions of the Canadian Nursing Sisters and women from Haldimand and surrounding areas who were part of this important unit. The Canadian Nursing Sisters, formed in 1885, joined every military force sent out by Canada from the South African War to the Korean War.

Wednesday, November 17th at 1 p.m. – Letters from the Front
Many of Haldimand’s soldiers wrote letters from the front to loved ones at home. This talk will feature correspondence from various soldiers and the nursing sisters from WWI and WWII that showcases what life was like at war.

Proof of vaccination will be required upon entry to the programming space.

The cost for each program is $10 per person and pre-registration must be completed online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building (53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga).

Programs take place at the Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre, located at 19 Talbot Street West. For more information, contact the Heritage Centre at 905-318-5932 ext. 6613 or email: museums@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

9th Annual Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest Running October 15 – December 1, 2021

The County’s annual Uniquely Haldimand Photo Contest – now in its 9th year – will be accepting entries from October 15 to December 1, 2021. Residents and visitors are invited to submit photos of Haldimand’s beautiful environment, architecture and vibrant community life for a chance to win some great local prizes.

With 87km of gorgeous Lake Erie waterfront, the Grand River, sprawling countryside and charming towns, Haldimand County is one of the most picturesque destinations on Ontario’s southwest coast. Its abundance of outdoor recreation options, scenic lookouts, community events, historic sites and culinary experiences make it an incredible place to live, explore and photograph.

To be eligible, photos must depict a scene within Haldimand County. They must be original, digital high resolution photos no more than two years old and not previously published. Participants may submit their photos via the online submission portal at photocontest.haldimandcounty.ca.

Photos must be submitted by Wednesday, December 1 and comply with all rules and regulations.

A panel of judges comprised of county staff, community members and local media will closely examine all submissions in December. Four winners will be announced prior to the end of 2021 with 1 Grand Prize, 1 Second Prize and 2 Honorable Mentions awarded.

Prizes include gift certificates for unique culinary experiences and local shops.

Winning photographs will be featured in an exhibit within the new Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre and displayed permanently on the County website.

Residents Invited To Learn More About Future Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre At Community Open House

Haldimand County is inviting residents to attend a community open house to learn more about plans for the future Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre.

As part of the planned replacement of the Hagersville Public Library and in recognition of the need for more accessible public spaces given the community’s significant growth, Council has authorized staff to initiate a community capital fund-raising campaign and proceed with community consultations/other activities to support the construction of this new multi-purpose facility.

Hagersville has been identified as the second-fastest-growing urban community in Haldimand and has a shortage of accessible public buildings for recreation, leisure and community socialization. The current community hall is approximately 100 years old and has challenges associated with accessibility and functionality.

The existing Hagersville Public Library, while enjoyed by residents since 1945, is limited in terms of accessibility, programming, services and parking.

The new, integrated facility is intended to be located in Hagersville’s Grant Kett Park, a large downtown green space which already includes the arena, three ball diamonds and a natural amphitheatre used for events. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.

Residents are encouraged to register and attend one of four open house sessions to learn more about the project and provide input into the design of this new community asset.  

Four half-hour sessions are being held on Wednesday, October 20 at the Hagersville Community Centre (62 Main Street South) from 6 to 6:30 p.m., 6:45 to 7:15 p.m, 7:30 to 8 p.m. or 8:15 to 8:45 p.m.

In keeping with provincial and public health guidelines, registration will be limited to 25 participants per session, and proof of vaccination will be required in accordance with provincial guidelines.

Interested residents may register online at HaldimandCounty.ca/hagersvilleALC or by calling 905-318-5932 ext. 6370.

Haldimand continues to grow. By 2041, the population is expected to increase to approximately 68,000 and by 2051, that number is likely to climb to 77,000. In order to meet community needs resulting from this growth and anticipated demographic changes, Haldimand County Council has also directed staff to undertake a Major Community & Recreation Facility Needs & Implementation Strategy.

Separate from the Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre, this feasibility study/analysis will be conducted to identify and prioritize additional community wellness and recreation needs associated with the County’s 20+ year growth forecast, including locations and components.

Watch for upcoming opportunities to share your thoughts and input into this important process.

Heritage Centre launching sports history exhibit, offering ghost walks and more this October

The Heritage Centre in Cayuga is hosting three special events in October, including the launch of its newest exhibit, “For the Love of the Game” which highlights Haldimand’s sporting past.

Mark your calendars and join museum staff on Wednesday, October 13 at 1:00 pm for the opening of “For the Love of the Game” and a special presentation featuring photos, sports memorabilia and an opportunity to learn about Haldimand’s NHL stars, gold medal winners and Olympians.

Just in time for Halloween and those who like a spooky tale or two, “Ghostly Tales of Haldimand County” offers in-person exploration of haunted locations throughout the County including the: Cayuga Courthouse, Haldimand’s famous “ghost town” Indiana, Caledonia’s nine-span bridge, the Grand River and more. This presentation takes place Wednesday, October 20 at 1:00 pm and again at 2:30 pm.

On Tuesday, October 26 at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm, the popular “Ghost Walk Walking Tour of Cayuga” takes participants on a stroll through the village’s most ghostly haunts. Stories of murder, mayhem and ghost sightings will have shivers running down your spine!

Due to reduced capacity limits and in order to accommodate other visitors to the Heritage Centre, a maximum of six (6) patrons will be admitted for each presentation, and pandemic-related protocols remain in place.

Cost is $10.00 per person and pre-registration must be completed online at www.Link.HaldimandCounty.ca or in person at the Haldimand County Administration Building (53 Thorburn Street South, Cayuga).

Programs take place at the Cayuga Library + Heritage Centre, located at 19 Talbot Street West, Cayuga.

For more information, contact the Heritage Centre at 905-318-5932 ext. 6613 or e-mail: museum.archives@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

The Cayuga Library and Heritage Centre building with a metal roof and brick exterior.

Registration now open for fall/winter 2021-22 arena programs

Registration is now open for fall/winter 2021-22 programming at Haldimand County arenas. Programs begin on Tuesday, October 12 and include preschool skate, adult skate, child’s hockey skate, shinny programs, public skate and open figure skate.

The program schedule is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/recreation-facilities. Registration may be completed online at link.haldimandcounty.ca or by calling 905-318-5932.

Before visiting a Haldimand County arena, residents are asked to review provincial vaccination regulations and COVID-19 safety protocols in effect at county arenas and  community halls.

Please note that County staff have no ability to make exceptions to provincial vaccination regulations and associated protocols, and anyone unable to provide proof of vaccination will not be permitted to enter the facility. Visitors are asked to be respectful of staff implementing these provincial requirements.

Programs will be running with reduced capacity in compliance with public health measures and residents are encouraged to pre-register early to secure their spots.

While fall/winter programs offered by the county are free of charge, residents are reminded that financial supports are available for children who wish to participate in local organized or club sports but cannot due to economic barriers.

For additional information, visit HaldimandCounty.ca/recreation-facilities.

Fire Department asks residents to Get Loud! and “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety™” ahead of Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week runs from October 3-9, 2021 and the Haldimand County Fire Department is urging residents to Get Loud! and “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety™”.

By law, every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. Sadly, far too often do fatal fires occur in homes where there were no working smoke alarms.

Testing your alarms is the only way to ensure they are working and that you and your family can be alerted in the event of a fire.

Testing alarms produces a beep, the sound of alarms in an emergency. Replace the batteries if the alarms do not sound when the test button is pushed. If the alarms still don’t sound, replace the alarms.

“Knowing the different sounds your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make, can save you, your loved ones, and your home. Get Loud! by testing your alarms every month to learn the sound they make and to ensure the batteries work,” said Haldimand County Fire Chief Jason Gallagher.

“Take immediate action if your smoke or carbon monoxide alarms sound. If the alarms beep, get everyone out of the home. If your alarms chirp, replace the batteries or alarms immediately,” Gallagher added.

For more fire safety/prevention tips and learning resources, visit the Fire Department’s website.

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