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Simcoe Recreation Centre sees increase in use

Attendance numbers at the Simcoe Recreation Centre were up significantly in 2022 and continue to be strong into 2023.  

Between the new indoor multi-purpose floor, Annaleise Carr Aquatic Centre, Simcoe Seniors’ Centre, and the bookable meeting spaces, program and rental participants added up to 82,868 visits in 2022. 

A big reason for the increased use of the facilities is the availability of flexible, adaptable spaces, such as the 15,725 square-foot multi-purpose floor.

Delhi Kinsmen Pool closed for renovations this summer

Due to extensive renovations taking place, the Delhi Kinsmen Pool will be closed this summer and re-open in 2024. 

The upgrades will provide improved accessibility to the entrance, change rooms and washrooms. The pool’s tank will also receive a facelift to increase the lifespan of the facility. 

The pool is a seasonal facility that would typically be open from the beginning of June through the end of August for public swims, private groups, and swim lessons. 

Economic Recovery Plan’s final report presented

Two years of work culminated today as the final updates to the Norfolk County Economic Recovery Plan were presented to Council.

In 2020, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Council committed $250,000 of strategic funding towards the Economic Recovery Plan. These funds were leveraged  with other economic recovery grants and funding, allowing for a total investment of $915,000  toward targeted local initiatives. The County supported two other related grant programs for an additional $170,000 into the local economy.

Building Department to host permit night in Simcoe

Residents planning to add a deck, pool, or shed to their property can now gain some in-person assistance during the permit process.

 

Norfolk County’s Building Department is hosting a fast-track permit night in Simcoe on Tuesday, March 21 to help community members beat the summer rush.

 

From 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Robinson Administration Building at 185 Robinson Street (second floor), County staff will review completed applications to ensure compliance with zoning and building code requirements.

Community Development Award Nominations closing soon

The nomination period for the 2023 Community Development Awards closes Sunday, March 19 at midnight. 

 

Residents are encouraged to submit the name of a person or project that is helping to build a healthy, livable community. Award categories include building, design, environmental sustainability, agriculture, heritage and culture, and youth and lifetime leadership.  

 

Some award categories are open to both individuals and groups. Visit the event webpage for descriptions, criteria, conditions, and eligibility. 

Norfolk County represented at ROMA Conference

Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin and members of senior staff were part of the delegation that attended the 2023 ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipal Association) Conference.

The event allowed 1,000 municipal, provincial, and federal officials, as well as senior staff to discuss critical rural issues with provincial ministers in-person.

While at the conference, the Norfolk County delegation brought forth several key themes from housing to mental health, and Indigenous relations to healthcare.

Residents reminded to stay safe as storm approaches

 

Norfolk County is expected to experience a winter storm starting on Friday morning, with forecasts calling for as much as 10 to 15 centimeters of snow falling throughout the day.  

Norfolk County residents should expect hazardous winter driving conditions and take precautions to stay safe by monitoring the weather conditions and adjusting travel plans accordingly.   

Clear sidewalks  

The Norfolk County Snow & Ice Removal by-law states that “every owner of a building or lot, whether occupied or not, clear away and remove snow and ice from the sidewalk adjacent to the property by noon each day.” Failing to clear the sidewalk of snow and ice creates the potential for slip and fall incidents and often forces people to walk on the roadway, creating a safety hazard for the community.

Norfolk County to host expanded Community Days in June

Norfolk County residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for the second annual Norfolk Community Days from June 3 to 10, 2023. 

 

“After the success of our very first Norfolk Community Day hosted in June 2022, I was thrilled to hear that staff have expanded this year’s event to a whole week,” said Mayor Amy Martin.  

 

County facilities in each Ward, such as community centres, museums, libraries, fire halls, pools, arenas, and parks, will welcome members of the community to attend free recreational, social and cultural activities throughout the week-long event.

Norfolk County celebrates National Procurement Month

Norfolk County is recognizing the valuable work of its Purchasing team this March as part of National Procurement Month.  

An important role of Purchasing staff is to ensure the County and its residents get the best value for money through fair competition and by developing purchasing policies and procedures. The Purchasing team supports all County divisions and departments with corporate contracts, quotes, bid document development and issuance, contract execution, and looks after the procurement card program.  

Family Health Team moving from Port Rowan Medical Centre to new location

Residents should be advised that the Norfolk Family Health Team will be leaving the County-owned Port Rowan Medical Centre as of March 31, 2023. 

The Medical Centre team has decided to move to another location within Port Rowan.  

“Norfolk County wishes the family health team well with their decision to leave the county facility. We are pleased that they will be staying in the Port Rowan Community,” said Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin.

Norfolk County provides more details on new tourism initiative, and invites local partners to ‘Amplify Norfolk’

Amplify Norfolk, Norfolk County’s new tourism initiative featuring live entertainment, is inviting partners, artists, volunteers, and vendors to get involved. Originally known as Project Microphone, events will feature headline performers and local talent and are expected to attract as many as 5,000 attendees, establishing Norfolk County as an entertainment destination. Visitors will be encouraged to stay and play to support local tourism, restaurants, and accommodation operators. 

Amplify Norfolk will launch this June during the week-long Norfolk Community Days event with a grand-finale live concert at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds.

Norfolk County winter storm warning for February 27

Norfolk County is experiencing a winter storm with snow, heavy at times, expected to become mixed with ice pellets early this evening before transitioning to light rain or drizzle near midnight tonight. There is also a risk of freezing rain and strong winds this evening.

Norfolk County reminds residents to take precautions to stay safe, such as staying off roads, monitoring the weather conditions, and postponing non-essential travel. Residents are asked to move parked vehicles from the road.

Norfolk County and Parkland working together to find a new owner for Port Rowan Esso retail location

Parkland Canada, owners of Port Rowan’s Esso branded retail location, and Norfolk County are looking to the community and area business leaders to find a new owner for the community’s only gas station.

  

“Over the past several days, I’ve had a transparent and constructive dialogue with Parkland about their decision to close Port Rowan’s Esso retail location. Councillor Masschaele and I spoke about the unique needs of this rural community, and we are pleased that Parkland will be working with Norfolk County to try to find a new owner.

Registration for spring and summer recreation programs starts February 28

Norfolk County’s Spring and Summer Recreation Program Guide is now available online to help residents plan and prepare for registration. 

Registration for County spring and summer recreation programs, including spring swimming lessons, opens at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28. Registration for summer swimming lessons will open at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. Residents can view the Spring and Summer Recreation Program Guide at norfolkcounty.ca/RecGuide. 

Approximately 65 registered or drop-in programs and classes with close to 6,000 spaces will be offered, including swimming, fitness and wellness, general interest, pickleball, and youth leadership.

Norfolk County Community Development Award Nominations open until March 19

Online nominations for Norfolk County’s Community Development awards and volunteer selection committee will be opened today, until March 19 at norfolkcounty.ca/CDawards.

 

Residents are invited to nominate a person or project that is helping to build a healthy, livable community in one of the following categories:

 

  • Best New Build or Renovation Award
  • Outstanding Community Design Award
  • Environmental Sustainability Award
  • Norfolk Spirit Award for Agriculture
  • Thriving New Business Award
  • Economic Excellence and Prosperity Award
  • Heritage Property Stewardship Dogwood Award
  • Heritage and Culture Dogwood Award
  • Lifetime Leadership Award
  • Youth Leadership Award
  • Community Development Champion Award

Some award categories are open to both individuals and groups.