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Media Inquiries

For all media inquiries, please contact Norfolk County's Corporate Communications Department.

Corporate Communications
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-420-9345
Mailing address

Media releases

Norfolk prepared for Friday the 13th in Port Dover  

Norfolk staff, along with community partners Port Dover Board of Trade, Port Dover Kinsmen Club, and Norfolk County OPP, are preparing for October’s Friday the 13th event in Port Dover. 

County staff are working closely with Friday the 13th organizers to support traffic-related issues, emergency contingency plans, licensing requirements, and enforcement matters to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for motorcycle enthusiasts. 

Community partners coordinate street vendors, shuttle services, beer tents and camping for visitors. 

Norfolk reminding residents of safety processes

Norfolk County encourages residents to be aware of safety processes when interacting with any County employee at their home or place of business, and in the community.     

All Norfolk County employees are issued identification badges to improve customer service and security. Badges include the employee’s name, job title and division, headshot photo, and date of issue. Employees must wear this badge for identification while on County property, during interactions with clients, and while performing their duties.

Norfolk County reminds residents that cooking safety starts with you

The Norfolk County Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association for Fire Prevention Week from October 8 to 14, 2023. 

This year’s theme is “Cooking Safety Starts with You! Pay Attention to Prevention.”  

Cooking-related fires are a leading cause of home fires in Norfolk County, with the department already responding to 32 such fires this year.   

“The primary cause of cooking fires is leaving a heat source unattended,” explained Norfolk County Fire Chief Gord Stilwell. 

Happy Thanksgiving Norfolk County: What’s open and closed   

Norfolk County is reminding residents that there are some changes to programs, facilities and services with Thanksgiving taking place this weekend.     

County Administration Buildings    
All buildings will be closed Monday, October 9, reopening Tuesday, October 10.      

Health Unit    
All branches will be closed Monday, October 9, reopening Tuesday, October 10. For public health emergencies or hazards, such as outbreaks, food poisoning, meningitis, or rabies, please call the after-hours emergency phone number at 1-877-298-5888.       

Upcoming Norfolk County recreation facility closures 

Norfolk County Recreation’s team is encouraging residents to be aware of upcoming closures over the next few weeks.

The following facilities will be closed leading up to, and throughout, the 2023 Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show:

  • Simcoe Recreation Centre and Simcoe Senior’s Centre are closed from Wednesday, September 27 to Wednesday, October 11, and will reopen on Thursday, October 12
  • Annaleise Carr Aquatic Centre will be closed from Saturday, September 30 to Tuesday, October 10, and will reopen on Wednesday, October 11

All Norfolk County arenas will be closed on Saturday, September 30 to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and will resume regular hours on Sunday, October 1.

County seeking resident feedback on 2024 budget

September 29, 2023 – Norfolk County is seeking resident input in prioritizing services and investments for the coming year. Council and staff will consider all ideas, comments and suggestions for the 2024 budget process.    

The budget is the financial plan that directs the flow of funds to programs and services in Norfolk County. Careful budget planning and control ensure that funds are used as effectively as possible to meet the community’s needs now and into the future.  

Norfolk County to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

With National Day for Truth and Reconciliation taking place on Saturday, September 30, Norfolk County will raise the ‘Survivor Flag’ on Friday, September 29. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Survivors and their families and communities and to ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.   

On Friday, September 29, Norfolk County staff will raise the ‘Survivor Flag’ at the County Administration Building in Simcoe.

Tree removal to begin on Long Point Causeway

Tree removal and maintenance will occur along the Long Point Causeway this winter.  

In total, 109 trees will be removed, and another 22 trees will be pruned. The work will address trees in poor condition due to age or other factors and ensure the successful and safe completion of the Long Point Causeway Resurfacing Project, scheduled for the summer of 2024.   

The resurfacing project will include in-place asphalt recycling, asphalt overlay, installation of roadside safety devices and installation of wildlife exclusionary fencing to deter at-risk species from entering the roadway.  

September 28 is Ontario’s first Test Your Smoke Alarm Day

Norfolk County is joining communities across Ontario on September 28 in the first-ever “Test Your Smoke Alarm Day.”  

Also known as “Saved by the Beep”, Norfolk County Fire Department is urging all residents to test their alarms, learn about fire safety, and plan a fire escape route. 

Those taking part are encouraged to snap a photo of the testing process and post it on social media with the hashtag #SavedByTheBeep. 

“This is an incredibly important message we need people to hear,” said Norfolk County Fire Chief Gord Stilwell, noting that last year alone saw 133 fatal fires in Ontario, the most in two decades.

Work begins on Simcoe Water Tower

Norfolk County Staff have joined contractors to make scheduled and necessary upgrades to the Simcoe Water Tower. The project will run for approximately three weeks with an estimated completion date of October 16. This includes the replacement of various components and a thorough inspection. The tower must be drained to complete the work.   

 

There will be no impact to residential customers in the community, or water quality.  

 

Alternate water depots are located in Waterford, Delhi and Port Rowan during the service disruption. 

Amplify Norfolk brings Bedouin Soundclash Waterford Pumpkinfest, October 14

Amplify Norfolk is bringing Bedouin Soundclash to Pumpkinfest’s main stage on Saturday, October 14. The musical evening also includes performing artists Logan Staats and Alysha Brilla.  

Tickets are available for purchase at pumpkinfest.com/Tickets. Standing room tickets are $30, and seated tickets are $50. Seating may be selected and reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets provide access to the entire lineup and the concert grounds from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with in-and-out privileges and access to the private stage-side bar. 

Norfolk County seeking advisory board members

Norfolk County is seeking local individuals for advisory committees involving agriculture, economic development, Norfolk County Public Library, and sustainability. 

Advisory committees are a collection of individuals who bring unique knowledge and skills to their field. While they do not hold any formal authority, they advise Council on issues and challenges in their respective sector. 

Terms for members typically last four years. Each committee includes a member of Norfolk County Council. Meetings are usually held once per month, and minutes are included in agendas to be reviewed by members of Council.

Learn more about Norfolk’s forests during National Forest Week

Norfolk County is joining other municipalities across Canada in recognizing National Forest Week, September 17-23. 

An initiative of the Canadian Institute of Forestry, National Forest Week is an annual campaign to celebrate Canada’s forest heritage and to raise awareness about this valuable and renewable resource. This year’s theme is “supporting biological diversity.” 

“Few municipalities can boast a unique and diverse forest landscape like Norfolk County,” said Mayor Amy Martin.

Fall water main flushing begins this month

Norfolk staff will soon be providing routine fall maintenance to the water mains throughout the County.  

During a flush, hydrants are opened and allowed to flow in a controlled manner in one direction. This increased flow scours pipe walls, cleaning the sediment from inside the water mains.  

The fall schedule is as follows:  

  • Port Dover – September 18 – October 30 
  • Port Rowan – September 18 – September 22 
  • Delhi/Courtland – September 25 – October 16 
  • Waterford – October 16 – October 30 
  • Simcoe – October 23 – December 4 

Discoloured water is a normal side effect of cleaning water mains.

Waterford silo demolition starting this September

Demolition of Waterford’s decommissioned agricultural silos located at Nichol Street West and McCool Street will begin later this month and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.