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Budget Committee Approves 2024 Rate-Supported Operating Budget 

Norfolk County’s Budget Committee has reviewed and approved the 2024 Rate Supported Operating Budget.   

The Budget Committee heard presentations from the Environmental and Infrastructure Services and Corporate Services teams before approving the proposed rate budget as proposed by staff. The net rate requirement is $29,627,800, representing an 11.2 percent increase over 2023. This translates to an annual increase of $171, or 12.0 percent on the average residential bill.  

 “This budget works towards addressing Norfolk’s critical infrastructure needs,” said Mayor Amy Martin. 

Norfolk Arenas now LiveBarn Venues

Norfolk County is pleased to announce a new collaboration with LiveBarn Inc. as the official video streaming provider starting November 18. 

This partnership ensures a better viewing experience and greater visibility for families, coaches, scouts, and fans, making games more accessible than ever. 

The service will be available at arenas in Langton, Delhi, Talbot Gardens, and Port Dover. Due to internet delays at Waterford Tricenturena Ice Pad, this service will not be provided at this location until issues are resolved. 

Norfolk County celebrates life of Roger Geysens

Flags at Norfolk County facilities will be lowered on Thursday, November 16, to honour the life of former Councillor Roger Geysens.

Geysens passed away peacefully at age 79, surrounded by his family, on November 10.

Born in Hooglede, Belgium, Roger moved to Canada at the age of eight and spent his childhood on a tobacco farm in Norfolk.

Geysens represented constituents in and around Langton (Ward 2) for nearly 30 years – first with the Township of Norfolk, then with Norfolk County before retiring in 2021.

Norfolk invites feedback on review of potential surplus land 

Norfolk County is inviting members of the public to provide feedback on some initial shortlisted County-owned vacant land as part of a review of potential surplus land.

During previous budget deliberations, Council directed staff to review underutilized land identified as not significant for present or future needs that could be sold. Proceeds would help fund Council-approved priorities and further solidify Norfolk’s financial position.

Selling vacant land will also add more land supply for future housing and employment opportunities and reduce annual maintenance and operating expenses.

Remembrance Day in Norfolk

Norfolk County will join Canadians across the country on Remembrance Day in paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who served and continue to serve our country during times of war, military conflict, and peace. Residents are encouraged to join a local ceremony or take a moment on Saturday, November 11, 2023, to remember and honour the sacrifices of our soldiers.

Remembrance Day Services on November 11 will be held in communities across Norfolk.

Norfolk celebrates World Town Planning Day

Each year, on November 8, World Town Planning Day recognizes and promotes the role of planning in creating livable and vibrant communities. Over 30 countries worldwide recognize this annual event. 

Professional Planners make important contributions to municipalities, assisting with the creation and design of complete communities and new public spaces, and implementing policies that protect the use of natural heritage, environmental, and prime farmland areas.   

Based on current data, Norfolk’s population is projected to grow to over 90,000 by 2050.

Bridge Project now complete

The Bridge Project, located on Norfolk County Road 45, is now complete.

Situated close to Langton between Highway 59 and East Quarter Line Road, the new bridge is a single-lane prefabricated modular panel bridge 5.7 metres wide and has a life span of between 50 and 75 years.

“Council is pleased to announce the bridge construction is complete,” said Mayor Amy Martin. “Agriculture is important to Norfolk’s economy, and we have delivered a single-lane bridge wide enough for modern-day agricultural equipment and vehicular traffic.”

The original single-lane Bailey Bridge was constructed in 1992 and was in service until December 2018.

Budget Committee approves 2024-2033 Capital Plan

Norfolk County’s Budget Committee has reviewed and approved the 2024-2033 Capital Plan.  

Norfolk’s 2024 Capital Budget is heavily focused on managing existing assets, with notable expenditures in roads, facilities, and water and wastewater treatment plants.   

Based on the discussions and deliberations, the Committee is recommending gross capital expenditures of $1.02 billion from 2024 to 2033, with $166.5 million in projects planned to be initiated in 2024. 

Highlights of the capital projects to be initiated in 2024 include: 

  • Simcoe Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades ($58.3 million) 
  • Port Dover Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades ($29.4 million) 
  • Road Reconstruction Program ($16.6 million) 
  • Port Rowan Water Treatment Plant Upgrades ($14.1 million) 
  • Simcoe Recreation Centre Retrofit ($4.1 million) 
  • Dressing Room Expansions – Arenas ($8.5 million) 
  • Accessible Parking – Norview Lodge ($0.9 million) 

The impact of capital financing on the 2024 Levy and Rate Supported Operating budgets as a result of the Budget Committee approval will be 4.15 percent on the net tax levy and 6.9 percent on the net rate requirement.

Enjoy a Spooktacular Halloween with Norfolk Recreation

October 27, 2023 – Grab your spookiest costume (and your swim trunks) and join Norfolk Recreation for a back-to-back dose of Halloween fun on October 28. 

First is the Halloween Bash at the Simcoe Recreation Centre on the multipurpose floor. From 1 to 4 p.m., attendees will participate in an afternoon of spooky fun for the whole family with prizes awarded for the funniest, most original, and homemade costumes. Enjoy crafts, games and the magic of Dougtastic. 

Fall Leaf and Yard Waste Collection begins

Fall Leaf and Yard Waste collection begins next week in Norfolk County. With that in mind, residents should avoid raking or blowing leaves onto the street or a neighbouring property as per by-law 2004-213. 

Leaves not only cause clogged sewer drains and make sidewalks and roadways slippery, but they also hinder the work of street sweepers. 

Instead, residents are encouraged to participate in the final weeks of the leaf and yard waste curbside pickup, which begins October 16 and continues until November 24. 

Norfolk to participate in Local Government Week

Norfolk is joining the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and many other municipalities across the province to celebrate Local Government Week from October 15 to 21.  

The week was established to increase youth and public awareness about local governments’ vital role in our communities.  

“Delivering excellent municipal services is a priority for Council and staff. I’m proud of our team and the efforts they’ve made to provide better service to our entire community,” said Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin. 

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.