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News, notices, and updates

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

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.

Rainbow crosswalk to be installed in Port Dover

Norfolk County will install its second decorative crosswalk at the intersection of Main Street and Chapman Street in Port Dover on September 15.

The first Rainbow crosswalk, approved by Council in May, was installed in June on Union Street at Norfolk Street in Simcoe. The project was funded by “Ryder’s Rainbow”, an initiative that gained support from residents across Norfolk and raised more than $30,000 — enough to cover the cost of two decorative crosswalks. 

Seniors’ Centre to celebrate 50th anniversary 

What began as an ambitious vision has become a staple in our community for half a century.  

In 1972, Audrey and Vic Pond championed the idea for a seniors’ Drop-In Centre in Simcoe. On September 15, 2023, the Simcoe Seniors’ Centre will celebrate its 50th anniversary.  

New crossover completed in Simcoe

The pedestrian crossover on Norfolk Street and Wilson Drive in Simcoe has been completed.  With that in mind, County staff are reminding residents that pedestrians have the right of way at these crossings. 

Crossovers allow pedestrians to cross the road safely and are easily identified by specific signs, pavement markings, push buttons, and flashing lights. When the pedestrian crossover is activated, drivers and cyclists must yield the right of way to the pedestrian, stopping behind pavement markings until they have completely crossed the road before proceeding. 

Norfolk County announces Sarah Page as General Manager, Health and Social Services

Norfolk County is pleased to announce that Sarah Page will become the General Manager, Health and Social Services, effective October 2, 2023. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, Page will lead the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, Haldimand-Norfolk Social Services and Housing, and Norview Lodge teams.  

Happy Labour Day Weekend, Norfolk County: What’s open and closed  

Norfolk County is reminding residents that there are some changes to programs, facilities and services throughout the Labour Day weekend and into the statutory holiday Monday.   

County Administration Buildings   
All buildings will be closed Monday, September 4, reopening Tuesday, September 5.   

Health Unit   
All branches will be closed Monday, September 4, reopening Tuesday, September 5. 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.