Patrons anxious to see the completed renovation of the Norfolk County Public Library branch in Waterford had their curiosity piqued during a grand reopening on Thursday evening
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle content“This was such a team effort, and we are absolutely thrilled with this space,” said Julie Kent, CEO of the NCPL. “Our opportunity to work with Norfolk County staff has been delightful, and I look forward seeing everyone have so much fun and opportunity to learn.”
Sylvia Myers of Schoolhouse Products in Markham helped with design and furniture choices for the renovation project.
“They lowered the shelving which gives better sight lines and opens up the space because the ceiling is pretty low,” Myers said. “The big circulation desk is white to make the space look brighter. Walking into the space, patrons will notice a difference.”
NCPL board chair Kimberly Earls said the project was a long time coming in terms of planning while the community has grown so much.
“I think it’s so lovely,” she said. “It’s so light and bright, and I feel like it functions so well. I think it makes use of our space a little better.”
By moving around shelving, changing walls and repurposing wasted space the renovation project resulted in a gain of 800 square feet of public-use space.
Sydney Clarysse, project lead, energy and facilities at Norfolk County, said that through a federal government investment under the Green Inclusive Community Buildings Program, energy savings from the retrofit portion of the project will see an 80.7 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and about $4,000 in annual energy savings or reduced operating costs for the branch.
“NCPL had an interior expansion in their capital budget for which they were planning,” Clarysse noted. “As soon as we found out we were successful in receiving the funding for the retrofit, we decided it would be best to combine both projects and reduce the downtime for the community at the branch.”
CEO Kent added that through a partnership with the Waterford and District Horticultural Society, gardens around the library will be revitalized with native plants and shrubs over a few years.
Waterford residents Hannah Lawrence and her husband Cliff were among those attending the grand reopening, sharing that she used to bring her children to the library when they were younger, and now brings her grandson quite often.
“It’s a beautiful library and I’m excited for it,” she said. “I think it’s going to be much more user friendly, and I love that it’s more environmentally friendly too.”
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Norfolk OPP say five people have been charged after separate investigations into incidents of intimate partner violence over a four-day period
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentOn April 27, police say two people were involved in an interaction, during which one person was verbally threatened, physically assaulted and had their property damaged. The victim sustained minor injuries.
A 22-year-old Norfolk County resident is charged with two counts of spousal assault; two counts of mischief under $5,000; two counts of failure to comply with release order; and uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm.
Also on April 27, police were called to another Norfolk County home where two people were involved in an altercation with one being physically assaulted. No injuries were reported.
A 49-year-old Norfolk County resident is charged with assault – spousal.
On April 29, police charged a 41-year-old Norfolk County resident with assault with a weapon and fail to comply with a probation order after two people were involved in an altercation. No injuries were reported.
On April 30, police were called about threats being uttered at a Norfolk County home.
Police say a one person threatened another individual and set fire to an object on the property. No injuries were reported.
A 31-year-old from Norfolk County is charged with uttering threats – damage property; arson – damage property; and six counts of fail to comply with probation order.
Later on April 30, police charged a 27-year-old from Norfolk with assault – spousal after two people were involved in an interaction at a county home. No injuries were reported.
If you or someone else requires assistance related to intimate partner violence, contact Victim Services of Haldimand-Norfolk-Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation at 1-800-264-6671. The OPP can be reached at 1-888-310-1122. In case of immediate danger, call 911.
Two people are facing drug charges after members of the Six Nations Police Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a trafficking investigation.
Police conducted searches on a Mississauga Road residence and a vehicle located in Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation on May 2 during an investigation dubbed Project Roll the Dice.
Seized were about 58 grams of fentanyl, about 17 grams of cocaine, bulk currency, drug packaging, digital scales and cell phones.
A 31-year-old man from Mississaugas of the Credit has been charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking; and proceeds of crime under $5,000.
A 34-year-old woman from Ohsweken is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking; proceeds of crime under $5,000; and breach of probation.
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LondonNewsMurder charge laid after sudden death investigation in Norfolk CountyBy Fiona RobertsonPublished: April 25, 2025 at 6:15PM EDT
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say police Norfolk OPP are urging the public to be cautious when exploring investment opportunities after residents were defrauded in three different scams
Norfolk OPP are urging the public to be cautious when exploring investment opportunities after residents were defrauded in three separate scams
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentPolice were called on Sunday to a Norfolk home to investigate after they say a community member was defrauded of $90,000 in an online trading scam.
Police said the victim responded to an online advertisement promoting an investment opportunity. The victim was later contacted by someone claiming to be an investor who persuaded them to invest through an online trading platform with the promise of substantial returns.
Between February and April, police say the victim invested about $90,000 but never received any returns. They were unable to withdraw the funds.
On April 11, police say a different resident reported losing $53,000 in a cryptocurrency scam.
Police say that victim also responded to an online advertisement promoting an investment opportunity. They were contacted by someone claiming to be an investor who convinced them to invest using an online trading platform that operated with cryptocurrency, promising significant returns on their initial investment.
In April, the victim invested about $53,000 but never received any returns. Police say they unsuccessfully tried to withdraw their funds.
A third scam was reported to police on Saturday.
Police say the victim got a call from someone claiming to represent a tech support company. The caller convinced the victim to grant remote access to their computer in order to install what they said was anti-virus software.
Police say the victim later discovered $9,500 had been withdrawn from their bank account.
Police say scams are attempted daily through online platforms, emails, phone calls, texts, letters and faxes.
Charges laid after intimate partner violence investigations
Two people have been charged in connection with separate investigations involving intimate partner violence.
At about 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, Norfolk OPP responded to a reported mischief in the county.
Police say two people had an altercation inside a home that resulted in property damage. Police also found a firearm belonging to one of the individuals they say was improperly stored in the home.
A 39-year-old Norfolk County resident has been charged with mischief – destroys or damages property; and careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition.
A few hours later, at about 5 a.m., police responded to a separate reported mischief in Norfolk.
Again, two people were involved in an altercation that resulted in property damage, say police.
A 25-year-old Norfolk resident has been charged with mischief – destroys or damages property.
Health officials report several new measles exposure sites in Norfolk
Health unit urges anyone at risk to monitor for symptoms
But the highly contagious virus continues to circulate in the community
with the local health unit warning of potential measles exposures at five different locations in recent days
Grand Erie Public Health said people may have been exposed to the measles at Real Canadian Superstore in Simcoe on April 19 from 9:30 a.m
and the Simcoe Arms Restaurant and Pub on the same day from 2:45 p.m
There were also possible exposures at École Sainte-Marie in Simcoe on April 17 from 8:35 a.m
Attendees at a specialized learning program called Turning Point at Valley Heights Secondary School
may have been exposed on April 15 from 6 p.m
Health officials say people born after 1970 who are not fully vaccinated against measles
as well as those who are pregnant or immunocompromised
are at particular risk of adverse outcomes should they contract the disease
The health unit can offer vaccination and antibody treatment to mitigate the risk of infection
Anyone at those locations who may be at risk or is showing symptoms — which can take up to three weeks to appear — should fill out a measles exposure form at geph.ca/measlesform.
On Thursday, grassroots advocacy group Ontario School Safety released an open letter calling for the province to accelerate in-school vaccination while also freeing up money to improve ventilation and air filtration in schools and on school buses
The measles virus is spread through respiratory droplets that can hang in the air for several hours after an infected person leaves the room
“Improving indoor air quality reduces the spread of viruses like measles
and also helps with other air quality issues — wildfire smoke
allergens and other airborne pathogens,” OSS spokesperson Mary Jo Nabuurs stated in a news release
“This would be a wise economic investment in the health and well-being of Ontarians
especially in our children and staff in Ontario schools and school buses
It’s about ensuring students and staff can thrive in their learning and working environments by keeping schools open safely.”
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One person has died and three others have been transported to hospital following a three-vehicle collision on Highway 24 near Waterford
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentNorfolk County OPP said the collision occurred at about 3:33 p.m. Tuesday when an SUV and two sedans collided on Highway 24 just north of Simcoe.
An 87-year-old male passenger in one of the sedans was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the sedan was airlifted to a trauma centre with undetermined injuries, Norfolk OPP said.
The driver and passenger in the SUV were taken to hospital with undetermined injuries. The driver of the second sedan was treated for minor injuries, Norfolk OPP said.
Highway 24, between Windham Road 11 and Old Highway 24, is expected to remain closed for several more hours as the investigation remains ongoing.
The West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) Team is assisting with the investigation and is asking anyone who was travelling on Highway 24 and witnessed the collision, or who has any relevant information, to contact the Norfolk County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
Those who wish to remain anonymous are asked to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous online tip at www.helpsolvecrime.com to become eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available, said police.
Rural communities face unique challenges in meeting the needs of gender-based violence survivors
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentWhat is described as the first comprehensive analysis of gender-based violence in Haldimand and Norfolk has been published by the Haldimand and Norfolk Justice for Women Review Team and authored by Amber Wardell and Kate Wiggins.
“Barriers to service are exacerbated by limited service availability, long distances between services and anonymity concerns,” said a news release issued by the agency.
Beyond Domestic Violence: GBV Community Report Card identifies strengths, gaps, challenges and potential solutions to improve the overall response to domestic violence in Haldimand and Norfolk.
“Meaningful violence prevention goes beyond programming designed to respond to the immediate needs of survivors,” said the release. “It is only through the collaborative efforts of aggressor services, survivor services, and more general supports, such as housing, income, healthcare, and social, and housing systems that case outcomes can be positively impacted.
“Although intersectionality is a term often used within systems and services, the narratives of this report demonstrate that Haldimand and Norfolk resources and supports could be significantly strengthened in order to improve survivor experiences and outcomes.”
The project involved statistical analysis over a five-year period and data collection via survey, focus group and interviews from 233 participants, including survivors of gender-based violence, service providers across sectors, law enforcement personnel and those who have used violence in relationships.
Statistical information in the report includes:
The report card lists some of the barriers to accessing services in rural communities, such as geographical isolation, a lack of public transportation and a scarcity of services.
Also highlighted is a lack of abuse or violence specific programming for aggressors in the community when it isn’t ordered by the court.
“Women are left with all the responsibility,” said a survey respondent.
Noted, too, were delays in the legal system and high “unfounded” sexual assault case rates. Between 2010 and 2014, 43 per cent of sexual assault cases in Haldimand and 34 per cent in Norfolk were deemed unfounded compared to the national average of 19 per cent.
In October 2023, Norfolk County joined a growing number of municipalities in declaring gender-based violence an epidemic.
At the time, Wardell told councillors the number of incidents reported to police has doubled over the past few years. She said rates of gender-based violence and femicide are on the rise across Ontario, with a gender-based killing of a woman happening about once a week.
A two-vehicle collision on Monday in Norfolk County sent two people to hospital
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentNorfolk OPP said the collision between two pickup trucks occurred on Cockshutt Road at Concession 10 Townsend shortly after 4:30 p.m.
The driver of one pickup truck was not injured while the driver of the second vehicle was taken to hospital, and the passenger by air ambulance for treatment of injuries.
Road closures were in effect for about four hours on Cockshutt Road between Thompson Road East and Concession 1 Townsend, and Concession 10 Townsend between Barbers Ln. and Villa Nova Road.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is asked to contact Norfolk OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
A Tillsonburg man is facing a charge of child luring after being arrested by Aylmer Police on March 20.
Police, in a social media post, said the charges come after a two-month investigation. The interactions began via Snapchat social media platform, said police.
Two Brantford residents face charges after Six Nations Police wrapped up a two-month drug investigation into those believed responsible for supplying illicit drugs to the Six Nations community.
Police executed search warrants on Monday, March 24 on a vehicle and residence on North Park Street in Brantford, resulting in the seizure of about 600 grams of cocaine with an estimated street value of $60,000, about $25,000 in currency and other drug trafficking evidence.
A 24-year-old male and 25-year-old female, both of Brantford are charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking: cocaine and proceeds of crime over $5,000.
The suspects remained in custody pending bail hearings.
new signs will be installed on provincial highways meant to lure tourists into Norfolk County
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentThe signs, unveiled by the county’s economic development staff at a council-in-committee meeting on Tuesday, will replace the “Toes in the Sand” images that have been at Norfolk “gateways” since 2016.
The new images are a woman and child picking an apple from a tree; a man and woman on bicycles along a trail in a wooded area; a landscape featuring a flower farm; and two people paddleboarding.
They were picked from among eight images put together quickly by staff after getting direction from council last month. The photos were ranked with input from the economic development advisory committee, the Norfolk agricultural advisory committee, chambers of commerce and BIAs (business improvement areas).
Director of economic development John Regan told councillors the signs are meant, in part, to promote Norfolk’s agri-tourism – picking fruit, for example, or learning skills on a farm.
“Visitors want to participate, taste and purchase,” said Regan.
The photo choices received a mixed review from councillors.
“I’m not sure I like them all,” said Coun. Linda Vandendriessche, noting the apple photo in particular. “I don’t like selecting just one agriculture. I would have loved a huge basket with everything that we have here.”
Coun. Alan Duthie said there are only a couple places in the county offering pick-your-own apples.
“I feel like there’s some things perhaps missing,” said Duthie. “We have a number of festivals and events. The Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show is a pretty big deal. Was that considered?”
Sue Gardner, senior economic development officer, said it’s impossible to reflect all the county has to offer in four images.
“We know we can’t hit it all,” said Gardner. “We think the images portray messages we want to get out now.”
She said staff is looking into the county putting up some other signs on its own.
Gardner also noted the controversy over the Toes in the Sand signs, which picture just that on a beach with the tag line: Ontario’s Garden. The sign is at all four highway locations.
“We had a lot of feedback from people commenting on the disconnect between the beach and Ontario’s Garden and I feel that it perhaps didn’t reflect the diversity of Norfolk’s treasures,” said Gardner.
Coun. Chris VanPaassen questioned the locations of the signs – on Highway 403 at the Rest Acres Road exit eastbound; Highway 3 at Highway 19 eastbound; Highway 3 at East Quarter Line westbound; and Highway 6 at Concession 5 Woodhouse westbound.
“Three of the signs are in Norfolk,” said VanPaassen. “You’re already here. That’s not really my idea of drawing people in. Putting up new signs in Norfolk to come to Norfolk doesn’t make much sense to me.”
Regan said he didn’t know why those locations were chosen years ago but approval from the Ministry of Transportation is required to relocate them and that could take several years. He said the signs are also meant for residents to “discover their own regions.”
Coun. Adam Veri questioned how the signage gets people to drive into Norfolk towns and to the restaurants, retailers, theatres, festivals and other events.
Regan said the signs are just one facet of the county’s marketing plan that includes print and radio ads, an app that lists 250 Norfolk experiences, and a guide that promotes activities in various downtowns.
“People may not take that exit and drive in but it’s going to make them think about it,” said Regan.
Coun. Kim Huffman commended staff for their work.
“I think all four are very good,” she said. “I’m a fan of all of them.”
If the final OK of the signs is given by council at a meeting later this month, approval is then needed from the ministry. The total cost of the project is $18,300, including the sign replacement and annual renewal.
Norfolk County is looking at potential ways to give not-for-profit and charitable organizations a financial break
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentAt a recent council-in-committee meeting, councillors directed staff to consider how the county could cover one-time costs for these groups related to planning applications for things such as building permits, demolition permits and rezoning requirements.
Meneses said Norfolk’s procedural bylaw doesn’t allow groups to come before council asking for fees to be waived, and staff don’t have the authority to waive or reduce council-approved fees.
Councillors backed a motion to have county staff investigate reallocating up to $34,000 from the Community Grant Program toward potentially covering one-time fees incurred by non-profits.
Earlier in the meeting, councillors approved a staff recommendation to discontinue the Community Grant Program due to the “extensive resources and time” required to administer it.
Councillors did, however, approve grants to seven organizations for this year. They include Haldimand-Norfolk Reach for the Child Nutrition Network ($7,200); Child and Family Services of Grand Erie Foundation ($4,000); Strong Start Charitable Organization ($5,000); South Coast Community for Caring ($3,200); Young Caregivers Association ($2,000); Front Door Ministry ($3,100); and Catholic Community Services of York Region – Simcoe location ($2,000).
Mayor Amy Martin said she wasn’t in support of any cost covering system that would “provide a benefit to a very select group” using county tax dollars.
Coun. Linda Vandendriessche said she also had “a little bit of difficulty with it.”
“All not-for-profits that serve the community are equal in my mind,” she said. “My problem is where do you stop and how do you determine which organization is more worthy than another?”
Coun. Alan Duthie asked Meneses if he was concerned it could be a “slippery slope.”
“Yes,” said the CAO. “It’s something we don’t necessarily have an approved funding source for. We don’t know what it might cost in any given year, so it could be a lot of money or a little bit of money. And it’s something the taxpayers would be subsidizing.”
County staff will look at how to potentially create a funding source for fees incurred by not-for profits as part of the municipality’s community improvement program and come back to council with a report outlining the process.
county administration buildingNorfolk councillors have voted against having security patrol in and around the county administration building in Simcoe
Norfolk councillors have voted against having security patrol in and around the county administration building in Simcoe
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentAt a council-in-committee meeting on Tuesday, Coun. Kim Huffman said she was surprised they were even considering it given that, just minutes before, councillors rejected a plan to continue security services at Talbot Gardens to help protect children playing hockey at the arena.
In a report to council, staff recommended a pilot project that would place security at the downtown county building on Colborne Street South for 10-hour shifts on weekdays.
“There is no way I’m going to support spending $57,000 for adults to have protection when little kids down the street, if you see something bad, just phone the police,” said Coun. Chris VanPaassen. “But the adults up here, we need to hire a security guard to protect us because we don’t know how to dial 911.”
“I’m feeling this is a little ironic that we’re discussing this for us as adults and yet when it came for the children, we just said, ‘Outta here.’ I have a bit of a problem with this.”
Council agreed last December to place a security at Talbot Gardens until the end of the hockey season after reported drug use at the arena.
Coun. Alan Duthie said drug paraphernalia had been found by children in the arena washrooms. He read accounts from hockey parents who reported people passed out on the washroom floors.
The county spent about $30,000 to have a security in place at Talbot Gardens until the end of March. County staff recommended security be put back in place from September to March, with reduced hours.
In a report to councillors, Bill Cridland, general manager of operations, said having security for another hockey season would provide more data to determine if it should be permanent.
The report said there were just five minor incidents recorded at the arena while security was in place but Cridland “felt the presence of a guard was enough to eliminate a lot of the incidents.”
Mayor Amy Martin said the expense of security worked out to about $6,300 per incident. She suggested other ways to provide the service, perhaps with hockey parents or service club members doing patrols and calling police if there was a problem.
“I’m not convinced this is something the taxpayer should be paying for for a very small group in one community across the county,” said Martin.
Duthie said he witnessed an early-morning altercation last month between a hockey parent and an intoxicated person he believed came into the arena from the nearby warming centre.
“It’s more than just projecting a minor hockey group,” said Duthie. “It’s actually protecting our staff. It’s protecting our citizens.”
Coun. Adam Veri suggested arena user groups should be paying the cost of security.
“Charge the hourly cost of a guard to whoever is using the arena at the time,” said Veri. “This is not a service we provide at any of our other facilities. I don’t understand why this would be a cost shared by taxpayers in general.”
Duthie said Talbot Gardens is unique given it’s in Simcoe’s downtown where there is a homeless issue and its proximity to the warming centre.
“One incident of a child coming in contact with an illicit substance could produce an awful result,” said Duthie. “I don’t know that it’s the user group’s responsibility. Maintaining safety in an arena is our job, not theirs.”
Councillors directed staff to talk to arena user groups and service clubs about potential ways to help.
They then rejected a staff recommendation to add security to the county administration building and grounds.
Al Meneses said there is “quite a bit of illegal activity in and around the building” and staff are often escorting people out. Vandendriessche said she has “physically had to walk over people to get in the building.” Martin said she once had to “walk over a mattress with a lamp plugged in” in the building’s stairwell.
“The difference between this building and the arena is that this is a building people are required to attend for public council meetings, bylaw appeals, to pay their property taxes,” said Martin. “We have a large contingent of staff showing up here every single day.”
“And while our arenas are as important, the happenings in these buildings are for all residents of all ages and income levels.”
Although he voted against adding security, Coun. Tom Masschaele said the building is the “seat of government in Norfolk County.”
“I think there is a little bit more of an emphasis on its image and the public perception of what happens around it.”
The matters will come to council for final consideration later this month.
police don't support more motorcycle parking on Main Street for Friday the 13thNorfolk County staff
police don't support more motorcycle parking on Main Street for Friday the 13th
Norfolk County staff and the OPP don’t support more motorcycle parking on Main Street in Port Dover for Friday the 13th
“It is the opinion of staff and OPP that this type of parking configuration presents many challenges to public safety, operational management, as well as exponentially creating an increased risk set to the county.”
At a council-in-committee meeting in March, Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin said she wanted more motorcycle parking on Main Street for the next Friday the 13th event in June.
Events during the warm weather can bring more than 100,000 people to the lakeside town of about 8,000.
Motorcycle parking on Main Street was removed in 2019 for safety reasons. For the event last September, motorcycles could be parked on a short section of the street.
Stilwell’s report said that change caused significant delays for paramedic crews responding to calls in the downtown. In one instance, he said, paramedics took 26 minutes to get to a call that should have taken two minutes.
“Allowing motorcycle parking on the entirety of Main Street will inevitably increase these response times,” said the report.
Staff will be reviewing Main Street parking between Nelson and Chapman at the June event “to weigh out the benefits of bikes recently being allowed to park on this portion of Main Street versus the risks associated with it.”
The memo was on the agenda for consideration at a council meeting on Wednesday.
Halfway through its five-year strategic plan
Norfolk County is making steady progress on its goals
says the municipality’s most senior staff member
“Having said that, yes, Norfolk is making progress.”
In April 2023, Norfolk County council approved its 2022-2026 strategic plan, defining the municipality’s priorities that set a foundation for the current four-year term.
Created with input from local businesses, community agencies, county staff and residents, the strategic plan acts as a road map, giving direction to the delivery of programs and services.
Annual reports to council update progress made on the strategic plan so the public can keep track.
A lengthy list of 2024 achievements cover the plan’s five areas of focus: Empowering Norfolk; Building Norfolk; Connecting Norfolk; Serving Norfolk; and Sustaining Norfolk.
“There have been several successes and considerable progress in the first two years of this term of council,” said Meneses. “Council deserves a great deal of credit for supporting efforts and keeping the administration focused on the stated goals.”
Meneses points to economic development as a standout, with new investment and initiatives within the department.
Last year, the municipality set its economic development strategy into 2027, with goals to support and retain businesses, grow the local economy and labour force, and make connections within the expansive community to transit, business clusters and business incubators.
“Staff have found a balance to implementing the plan with key high priorities that will ensure all our traditional sectors (such as agriculture, manufacturing and tourism) are supported, while increasing our focus on new and emerging opportunities with sectors, such as food processing, advanced manufacturing, health sciences and creative economy,” said John Regan, director of strategic innovation and development. “Existing businesses will be supported as they grow.”
Last year, council also approved the hiring of a new coordinator/analyst position for the economic development department at a cost of $90,000.
“Economic development for this municipality is a core service,” Coun. Alan Duthie said at the time. “I don’t believe we’ve treated it as such and it’s time we should. I think we’re 10 to 20 years behind other municipalities.”
At the same time as it plans for growth, said Meneses, the municipality continues to be “challenged with a financial reality that will require continued focus.”
At the suggestion of Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin at a meeting last November, staff are creating a report for the public detailing the history of how the county got into its current financial bind.
“We owe it to the public to be transparent,” said Martin at the time. “We can’t continue to hang our hat on not building new recreation, skating by with the roadwork we can do, not adding new amenities the public wants us to do, not being able to pay our staff because of our financial situation and not having some type of information that paints a picture as to why.”
When Norfolk approved its 2024 operating budget, the county had $85 million in outstanding debt, depleted reserves, aging assets, including roads, drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems, and a multi-million-dollar funding shortfall to manage them. For the first time in its history, the county’s capital plan was projected to top the $1-billion mark.
While the county is committed to decreasing its debt load, treasurer Amy Fanning told councillors at a meeting in January, when the 2025 operating budget of $136 million was approved, that the hard work continues.
“The cost of capital needs for asset repair and replacement is rising faster than reserve transfers and this is leading to increased levels of debt being projected for the organization,” said Fanning. “Additionally, as the population of the county continues to grow and the legislative and environmental landscape continues to change, so do the staffing levels required to provide the services that residents expect and deserve.”
In the short term, Meneses said the county is preparing for U.S. president Donald Trump’s plan to implement devastating duties on all Canadian imports to the United States.
“With recent uncertainty stemming from geo-political tensions and threats coming from our largest trading partner, Norfolk is starting to look at procurement, ‘buy local’ Canada campaigns, and looking at strategies to help our businesses, farmers and residents.”
And Meneses said the municipality’s financial realities require continued focus.
“Advocating for additional revenue tools, looking for opportunities to control debt levels and debt-servicing costs, managing aging infrastructure in one of Ontario’s largest (geographically) municipalities, and looking for service efficiencies will remain challenges that will demand innovation, discipline and courage.”
Norfolk council has directed staff to investigate the potential to implement a two-tiered or multi-tiered fee structure for arena ice rental based on the residency of the user group
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentCoun. Adam Veri received support at a council meeting on Wednesday for his motion calling for a report because of a new open borders policy, which could result in an influx of players from other municipalities into Norfolk County’s rep teams.
“Arenas in Norfolk County are subsidized by taxpayers to provide a benefit to residents of Norfolk County,” said the motion. “The majority of users within any user group utilizing these facilities should predominantly be from Norfolk County. It is important to ensure that Norfolk athletes are not displaced from using facilities that are subsidized by Norfolk County taxpayers.”
The Ontario Hockey Federation has implemented an open borders policy for minor hockey, effective for the 2025-26 season. This means that for players aged U10 and above, residency rules have been eliminated, allowing them to play for any association in Ontario, regardless of where they live. This change applies to all levels of minor hockey, including house league, BB, A, AA, and AAA.
For decades, and in many cases since the inception of minor hockey in Ontario, residency rules were in place so that without releases or under special circumstances, players had to play for the centre where they lived.
The Ontario Hockey Federation began discussions on removing residency rules in 2022 before approving the change last December with all four minor hockey members – Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario, Greater Toronto Hockey League, Northern Ontario Hockey Association and Ontario Minor Hockey Association – taking part in the vote.
“I’m trying to get ahead of this by saying if Norfolk County’s taxpayers are going to subsidize arena use, those facilities should be used for our residents,” said Veri.
He said players from outside the county are welcome, but they shouldn’t be paying the subsidized rate.
Coun. Alan Duthie said part of county staff’s investigation should include consultation with user groups and neighbouring municipalities “where we may be drawing players from under the open border guidelines.”
“While there is a subsidized rate here, that may or may not be the case in some of the neighbouring areas,” said Veri.
Coun. Doug Brunton said creating a two-tier system would be a “nightmare.”
“It should be spread out equitably across all the groups,” he said. “If we start worrying if somebody comes from Timbuktu to play here, do we charge him extra?”
Coun. Chris Van Paassen said it may be possible to work out fees between municipalities rather than at the team level.
“If we have a lot of kids playing in Tillsonburg and not so many back here, (maybe there could be) a little negotiation between the municipalities,” said Van Paassen.
He said there may not be an issue because the number of Norfolk residents playing outside the municipality will equal the number of non-residents using Norfolk ice and “it will all balance out anyway.”
markets’Norfolk councillors have cancelled a planned $10-million investment in U.S
As long as the United States is at economic war with Canada
Norfolk County will take its money elsewhere
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentIn response to tariffs levelled on Canadian goods by U.S. President Donald Trump, councillors in the rural municipality cancelled a planned $10-million investment in U.S. equities through Norfolk’s legacy fund.
The $67.7-million fund was created in 2014 using proceeds from the sale of local utility company Norfolk Power to Hydro One.
Norfolk’s largest investment fund generates about $2.5 million per year in interest — an average annual return of 4.8 per cent — and backstops the county’s credit rating.
Proceeds from the legacy fund worth $26 million have been used to build and repair roads, with another $5 million set aside for Norfolk General Hospital in Simcoe.
At council on Tuesday, Norfolk’s investment advisers from CIBC pitched a plan to get even more investment income from the fund while reducing risk.
The idea was to shift the bulk of the investments away from fixed-income instruments like bond funds and into principal protected notes linked to the stock market, which offer a higher potential return while locking in gains.
According to the advisers, that move would generate an additional $550,000 to $650,000 per year without risking the fund’s capital.
Councillors loved the plan — with one change.
“You’ve got to get rid of that line about U.S. investments. We’re not giving them anything right now,” said Coun. Chris Van Paassen, referring to the proposal to invest 15 per cent of the PPNs in what he called “the evil U.S. markets.”
Treasurer Amy Fanning told councillors the plan was crafted “before the tariff war erupted,” saying staff would work with the advisers to suggest new markets for Norfolk’s marquee investment.
Ian Murray of CIBC Private Investment Counsel told council international markets were on the upswing and could be a promising place for the county to invest. Under the current plan, Norfolk has 10 per cent of its PPN holdings in non-U. S. international markets, with the balance in Canadian equities.
Murray said U.S. markets have provided “huge returns” for the municipality in the past. He hopes “cooler heads will prevail” and bring a swift end to what he described as an illogical trade war.
Council also wants to ensure no American companies get procurement contracts from Norfolk.
But that is proving complicated, since defining “made in Canada” is a challenge when sourcing products manufactured here by a company headquartered in the U.S., or when parts of a single product are made in both countries.
By law, municipalities in Ontario are not allowed to discriminate based on geography when deciding between bidders. But upper levels of government are looking into the issue, and county staff will report back to council on what is possible at the municipal level.
J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce annual Innovation Frontier came at the perfect time
With many business owners contemplating what to make of U.S
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentA gathering of Norfolk’s local business-minded folks and key players were at The Greens At Renton near Simcoe Thursday to share information and ideas, while also hearing from a handful of speakers.
John Regan, director of economic development with Norfolk County, said that while supporting local is always a great idea, area businesses shouldn’t simply ignore the U.S. market either.
“It’s important to look at it from a hyper-local perspective,” Reagan told the crowd. “Our economy is really, deeply integrated with the U.S. market with approximately 85 per cent of Ontario’s exports going to the U.S. and Norfolk manufacturers, agricultural producers and tourist businesses are all connected with cross-border trade.”
Regan noted that Norfolk County exported $2.6 billion to the U.S. in 2022 alone, much of that coming via manufacturing and agriculture.
“We’re definitely not anti-American, and I don’t think anyone in Norfolk County is,” Regan added. “But in our field of economic development, we’ve certainly taken the high road because we do have our elbows up, but our arms are wide open. We see tremendous value in our U.S. friends and colleagues and those relationships continue to grow despite the administration that is there.
“A lot of folks in Norfolk depend on that trade with the U.S. so we have to be very mindful as to how we position ourselves.”
Regan told the crowd of about 125 that county staff are looking to further leverage ties with others in the region such as Haldimand, Oxford, Brant and the City of Brantford.
“We need to look more at a buy local program,” he added.
To that end, Regan said the Visit Norfolk App includes information on more than 260 local businesses. The county’s economic development department has already received 12 applications in 2025 for its community improvement plan, which helps local businesses with money via grants earmarked for facade, design, and environmental improvement. Six of the applications have been approved, he said.
Another priority is the changing of welcome signs placed at key motorist entrances to Norfolk’s borders. Norfolk staff have created four signs that were shown to the crowd and received a round of applause.
“We know that these images cannot speak to everything in Norfolk County but what we can promise is, these signs will not be up for a decade,” Regan noted, adding images will change every three to four years and the department is investigating having more tourism-based signs that showcase other aspects of the municipality.
Keynote speaker for the event was Brian Dickinson, a University of Waterloo professor. Presenters also included Caroline Jager of Homegrown Hideaway; speaker, author and coach Shelli Varela, and RBC economist Dominick Hardy.
“I think the topics that we were able to pull together with our speakers are spot on for this year,’ said chamber executive director Karen Matthews.
The crowd was given a few chances to mingle throughout the day.
“One of the things that the chamber of commerce is known for is allowing businesses the opportunity to network and learn and grow from each other,” Matthews said. “Every time we produce an event, we always build in enough time for networking and getting to know other businesses, sharing information and expertise.”
LondonNewsThree Norfolk County residents defrauded of over $150,000By Bailey ShakyaverOpens in new windowPublished: April 14, 2025 at 5:17PM EDT
Amy Martin has returned to her post as Norfolk County mayor
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentThe Port Dover native started an unpaid leave of absence in January while running for the PC party leading up to this week’s provincial election.
Martin finished second in her first attempt at becoming Haldimand Norfolk MPP. She garnered 24.5 per cent of the vote with 12,949 ballots. Independent Bobbi Ann Brady won a second term with 63.7 per cent of the vote for a total of 33,669 ballots.
“While we may not have won, we didn’t go down without a fight,” Martin said to a few dozen people who gathered at Capitol 33 in Delhi after the polls closed. “We stayed above board, we put in the work, we held the line on our messaging, and we gave folks a choice at the ballot.”
Martin vowed to continue to lobby for Haldimand and Norfolk.
“While we respect the decision of the electorate, let me be clear, we won’t go away,” she said. “We will continue to advocate for Haldimand Norfolk and we will continue to push for progress and progression that we know is possible and that we know we deserve.”
A Norfolk County release sent Friday thanked residents for their patience during Martin’s unpaid leave. “Norfolk County appreciates the support and understanding of its residents during this period and looks forward to continuing its work under Mayor Martin’s leadership,” the release said.
“Norfolk County also congratulates Bobbi Ann Brady on continuing as our local Member of Provincial Parliament and wishes her success.”
Brant County OPP responded to a single motor vehicle collision on Pleasant Ridge Road at approximately 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Upon arrival, officers detected signs of impairment and the driver was arrested and brought to the detachment for further testing.
As a result, Casey Croley, a 38-year-old male from Norfolk County, has been charged with the following offences:
In addition to the charges, the vehicle has been impounded for seven days, and their driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days.
Norfolk needs to draw waterPlan calls for a large
phased-in water treatment plant to be built in Nanticoke at a cost of $450 million in today's dollars
This is Part 5 of Postmedia’s How Canada Wins series
Norfolk County has water aplenty but the process of getting drinking water from the ground or Lake Erie is onerous and expensive
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentLikewise is the process of dealing with wastewater
and both are systems few see and fewer want to pay exorbitant rates to use
But to ramp up much-needed housing and encourage development that will help share the water costs
Norfolk wants to embark on an ambitious project likely to cost at least half a billion dollars
“Water and wastewater services are two of the most critical elements for growth,” says Andrew Grice
the person in charge of Norfolk’s infrastructure system
“You can’t build a community without adequate services and you always need to be ahead of the game.”
That means ensuring there’s more capacity than what’s actually needed at the moment in case of emergencies
Norfolk has five water treatment plants across the county: in Simcoe
While the grand scheme calls for an inter-urban water system that would eventually reduce costs
it first calls for enormous expenditures for setting up the piping and infrastructure that would provide water and wastewater services right across the county
phased-in water treatment plant to be built in Nanticoke
the potential effects of American tariffs come into play and the costs of de-commisioning the old plants
He noted there isn’t a clear picture at this point about how the tariffs being levied by U.S
President Donald Trump will affect the plans
a lot of the pipe material we use in Ontario is sourced locally
Some pumps and other materials we procure through U.S
A pricey inter-urban water plant and it’s cost may not be welcomed by Norfolk taxpayers but
it’s the way to attract residents and industry
satisfy the house-hungry provincial demands and reduce the impact of the project on individual residents
“Our council has some big plans for more amenities in urban town centres in Norfolk County,” says Sam Bunting
the past-president of the Haldimand-Norfolk Homebuilders’ Association
we can’t have upgraded and new amenities without a bigger population and we can’t have more people without urban water.”
Plans for the big inter-urban water system would “solve those issues” and Bunting is a big fan of the big plans
“You can’t build something to make people come without an existing infrastructure
This council is focused on water and services to get ready for positive change.”
home-building was booming in Norfolk – with the exception of Port Dover where a development moratorium brought building to a halt for several years
High interest rates slowed things to a crawl across the county but a lowered rate and the recent call for a federal election has provided hope for builders and developers in the area
saying (Ontario) needed a million more homes by 2030 and I don’t know if that’s achievable now but Norfolk has been doing due diligence to prepare for future growth
“There will be a little bit of pain in the short term but
the faster we get more homes and more population
“You can’t build a community without adequate services and we need to be ahead of the game.”
Since the big inter-urban water plant is totally dependant on Norfolk getting funds from the feds and the province
the county is working through applications and lobbying to secure that money – representing 66 per cent of the cost
there’s plenty of interest in townhouses and apartment condos being developed around Simcoe but
it’s pushing the limits of capacity and the town’s infrastructure is failing
Millions can be spent just keeping the old systems going but “there will come a point in the future where we wouldn’t be able to add anything more to our system.”
so it would be phased in later in the inter-urban project
Grice said the pressure from the province to build and grow is pushing from one side while the aging water systems push back from the other
“If we don’t get funding we’ll have to keep monitoring and upgrading those five systems but
our hope is in building the inter-urban system and the more users we have on it
Norfolk County could have its first online municipal election in 2026
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentCouncillors will discuss and make a decision on a report from Norfolk’s clerk William Tigert that recommends approval of internet voting as the sole means of casting a ballot in the next election.
Under legislation, the municipal clerk is solely responsible for conducting the municipal election. Council’s only involvement is determining if the clerk is allowed to use technology for vote counting, or allowing for votes to be cast via mail, telephone or online.
“A number of municipalities in Ontario have utilized a hybrid option of allowing some of each type of voting to be used,” said Tigert in a report to council, expected to be discussed at a council-in-committee meeting in May.
“This approach is not recommended as this actually places more burden on election staff, running more than one election.”
While Tigert acknowledged all voting methods have advantages and disadvantages, he said offering multiple methods increases the cost of an election.
Tigert said internet voting “offers significant advantages in terms of convenience, accessibility and the potential to increase voter engagement, especially among younger and middle-aged demographics and those with mobility challenges.
“Given the rapidly evolving technological landscape and the increasing reliance on digital solutions in daily life, adopting internet voting as a standalone methodology for the 2026 municipal election represents a forward-thinking approach.”
But voting online also has challenges, including cybersecurity threats. And not everyone in the county has internet access.
Tigert said the municipality would use encryption for all voter data and transmissions and a multi-factor authentication for both voters and election staff. He said there would be continuous monitoring for cyber threats during the voting period.
On-site voting kiosks would be set up in areas with limited internet access and offline alternatives would be developed “to ensure no voter is disenfranchised.”
Tigert said campaigns would be created to educate the public if council decides to use online voting.
According to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, in the 2022 election 217 of 417 municipalities holding elections used internet and/or phone/combined voting methods. The City of Brantford has been offering a combination of traditional in-person and internet voting since 2014. The counties of Haldimand and Brant offered both in the 2022 election.
The last municipal election in Norfolk cost about $383,000. Tigert’s report estimates the costs of internet voting in 2026 at $366,000 compared to $443,000 for traditional in-person voting, and $670,000 for a hybrid of in-person and internet voting.
But Tigert said a switch to online voting doesn’t mean lots more residents are going to cast ballots. Ontario municipal data indicates there could be a minor increase in voter participation over the short term.
Municipal voter turnout is at an all-time low across Canada and in Ontario. In the 2022 Norfolk County election, voter turnout was about 35 per cent, slightly lower than provincial averages.
Grand Erie’s interim medical officer of health
says unvaccinated residents are at risk of serious health complications as a measles outbreak worsens in Norfolk
Confirmed infections now at 48 — mainly in children — but officials worry many more are out there
There are nearly 50 people confirmed to have contracted measles in Norfolk County in the past month — and the region’s top doctor says the real case count is likely much higher
“We know there are cases out there that we don’t know of,” interim medical officer of health Dr
Malcolm Lock said during a press briefing on Tuesday
Health unit staff are told anecdotally about likely cases in people who do not seek medical attention
and there are children showing up at clinics with ear infections and respiratory complaints
only to be diagnosed with the potentially harmful disease
The basic reproduction number for measles is 12 to 18, meaning one infected person “parachuted into an unimmunized or highly susceptible group” — such as a classroom where most kids are unvaccinated — can potentially infect 12 to 18 others
The ongoing outbreak in Norfolk reached 48 confirmed cases on Thursday, with one adult and 10 children added to a list that has grown steadily over the past month
One of the latest patients is in hospital and the rest are recovering at home
People may have been exposed to the highly contagious airborne virus at La Salette Old Colony School and Glen Meyer Old Colony School — two private religious schools in western Norfolk — on Feb
Onus is on families to update health unit when kids gets needed vaccinations
Anyone who visited the Tim Hortons inside the A-wing of Brantford General Hospital from Feb. 10 to 12 should also monitor for measles symptoms, which can take several weeks to appear
Hamilton public health announced a case with exposures in a lower-city school and at the children’s hospital — though they did not say it was connected to Norfolk
Health unit data suggests Haldimand-Norfolk is not close to the 95 per cent vaccination rate needed for herd immunity
And with the virus mainly infecting unvaccinated children
“It’s not a trivial infection,” said Dawn Bowdish
a professor of medicine at McMaster University
“A child died (of measles) at McMaster hospital last year
so this is a very real and clear possibility.”
putting people undergoing cancer treatment at particular risk
who dies of a disease like measles is just an unspeakable tragedy,” she said
“Because it could have been so easily prevented by investing in public health
by making sure that we don’t allow misinformation.”
Misinformation about vaccine safety is a central reason some areas of Norfolk are “underserviced” when it comes to immunization
“I believe the anti-vaccine groups are sending out far more messages than we are,” he said
“So I think public health really needs to improve our messaging and try to find out what is the reason behind younger people refusing vaccines.”
Bowdish and Lock both stressed the measles vaccine is safe and highly effective
with one dose after a child’s first birthday providing up to 85 per cent immunity
and a second dose between ages four and six boosting protection to virtually 100 per cent
One-third of Hamilton high school students were missing records as of early February
Canadian health officials recently changed vaccination guidelines so babies between six and 11 months can get a booster shot for earlier protection.
Widespread vaccination kept measles at bay for decades, and Lock suspects some Canadians are not aware of the serious damage the disease can do.
“It’s important that people realize that if they choose not to be vaccinated, they’re putting children at risk,” he said.
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President Donald Trump’s tariffs against Canada and other nations is being felt in Norfolk County
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle content“We need to be the leaders in our community and let the residents know that we’re looking out for everybody here,” said Coun. Kim Huffman while advocating for a buy-local campaign to support Norfolk’s business community.
The county’s economic development department crafted a multipronged strategy to connect residents and tourists with local Canadian-made products through a “tariff response and resources” webpage and on the Visit Norfolk app.
Residents and business owners can also visit Norfolk’s online “tariff resource hub” to fill out a business impact survey and get up to speed on the trade war between the erstwhile economic allies.
“Norfolk County is dedicated to creating an environment where local businesses can thrive despite economic headwinds,” John Regan, the county’s director of economic development, stated in a news release.
“Together, we can navigate these challenges, leverage available resources and continue to build a robust, interconnected local economy.”
The United States is Norfolk’s biggest export destination, with the vast majority of the rural county’s $2.6 billion worth of exported goods heading south of the border.
Befitting Norfolk’s status as one of Canada’s largest growers of fruits and vegetables, the county exported $622 million in agricultural products like ginseng, pumpkins, peppers, asparagus and cabbage in 2022, according to Statistics Canada.
More than 2,500 residents owe their living to agriculture, not including the roughly 5,000 temporary foreign workers who travel north from Mexico and the Caribbean every year to augment their income by working on local farms.
Less heralded, but no less essential to the local economy, is Norfolk’s manufacturing sector, which employs more than 5,500 residents and accounted for exports worth $2.03 billion in 2022.
The county’s largest private employer is Toyotetsu Canada in Simcoe, whose 1,200 employees make steel car parts for various Toyota and Lexus assembly lines.
Norfolk is staying in close contact with local chambers of commerce and boards of trade, along with provincial and national organizations offering support to affected businesses, Regan said.
Councillors took a stand last month by voting to invest $10 million in Canadian and international stocks rather than what one councillor called “the evil U.S. markets.”
That move is forecast to cost the county as much as $500,000 annually in lost investment income, as American stocks typically outperform domestic and international alternatives, council heard.
But councillors decided it was worth the financial hit to protest the tariffs and Trump’s threats to annex Canada.
The median home in Norfolk County listed for $909,000 in March, up 7% from the previous month's $849,450, an analysis of data from Realtor.com shows
the median home list price decreased 6.5% from $972,498
The statistics in this article only pertain to houses listed for sale in Norfolk County, not houses that were sold. Information on your local housing market, along with other useful community data, is available at data.patriotledger.com
Norfolk County's median home was 2,145 square feet
The price per square foot of homes for sale is up 4.3% from March 2024
at a median 21 days listed compared to the March national median of 53 days on the market
homes had a median of 31 days on the market
Around 744 homes were newly listed on the market in March
an 18.5% increase from 628 new listings in March 2024
The median home prices issued by Realtor.com may exclude many
The price and volume represent only single-family homes
but exclude most new construction as well as pending and contingent sales
The median home in Plymouth County listed for $719,950 in March, down 2% from the previous month's $734,900, an analysis of data from Realtor.com shows
the median home list price increased 4.3% from $690,000
The statistics in this article only pertain to houses listed for sale in Plymouth County, not houses that were sold. Information on your local housing market, along with other useful community data, is available at data.enterprisenews.com
Plymouth County's median home was 1,994 square feet
The price per square foot of homes for sale is up 1.5% from March 2024
at a median 30 days listed compared to the March national median of 53 days on the market
homes had a median of 38 days on the market
Around 540 homes were newly listed on the market in March
a 4.7% increase from 516 new listings in March 2024
Across the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area
The median Massachusetts home listed for sale had 1,824 square feet
The median American home for sale was listed at 1,800 square feet
The median home list price used in this report represents the midway point of all the houses or units listed over the given period of time
Experts say the median offers a more accurate view of what's happening in a market than the average list price
which would mean taking the sum of all listing prices then dividing by the number of homes sold
The average can be skewed by one particularly low or high price
the number of Norfolk County’s top earners on the province’s so-called Sunshine List jumped from 87 to 114 in 2024
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentOntario released its 2024 Sunshine List Friday, the annual list that documents public sector employees with salaries of over $100,000.
Al Meneses, Norfolk’s chief administrative officer, was again the top wage earner last year with a salary of $289, 204.
Thirty-three Norfolk County paramedics on the list earned between $100,196 and $138,032 in 2024.
Data shows that among the 114 Norfolk employees on the list in 2024, the average salary was $118,889. The total taxable benefits paid for these employees was $49,633. Among those on the list in both 2023 and 2024, the average raise was 4.1 per cent.
A media release issued by Katherine McCurdy, Norfolk’s director of corporate customer service and communication, said, in some cases, compensation includes one-time payments that don’t form part of employees’ normal ongoing base salary, such as acting pay, overtime, and retroactive payments.
The Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act was introduced in 1996 with a $100,000 earning threshold, which hasn’t been adjusted for inflation since its inception.
“The provincial Sunshine List has seen a 99 per cent increase from 151,375 names in 2018 to 300,570 in 2023,” said the release. “Notably, only eight per cent of these names would appear on the list if the $100,000 threshold had been indexed to inflation.
“If the $100,000 threshold from 1996 were indexed with inflation, the amount would be approximately $180,000 in 2024, and Norfolk County would have only one employee on the list.”
Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin said it’s important to have salary disclosure to help make Ontario’s public sector transparent and accountable but the process needs an update.
“Transparency is paramount but, perhaps, having the inflation calculator applied annually, it would be more helpful to remain consistent.”
But Martin said it’s never easy to defend public sector salaries to residents, even though many of the jobs “demand significant responsibilities that impact entire communities.”
“These jobs require talent and expertise, accountability and ethics, all within a demanding public microscope. The public sector has become as competitive as the private sector as municipalities struggle to attract, retain and motivate staff and attempt to obtain long-term commitments with a fair financial framework.
“Norfolk’s salaries, specifically, when compared to other single-tier municipalities of similar size, must remain competitive. It’s the reality of today’s marketplace. Without properly educated, experienced and committed staff, Norfolk will suffer. Norfolk manages public money and the public should demand the most competent staff possible.”
Other public sector salary disclosure facts for Norfolk:
As a single-tier municipality, Norfolk County provides all municipal services to residents, including water, wastewater, roads, recreation, fire, paramedic and social services, said the release. The county’s total operating budget for 2025 is $315 million, including gross rate and levy expenditures. Open and ongoing capital works are budgeted to exceed $300 million.
A request from the Norfolk County Public Library to hire four new staff members failed to get approval from the county’s budget committee
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentLibrary staff asked the committee for funding to create the new positions to help cope with increased use of branches across the county.
The positions included a full-time manager at a cost of $129,400, a part-time coordinator at a cost of $62,400 and two part-time library assistants at a cost of $105,400.
The request was among several “discretionary” items considered by councillors for inclusion in the 2025 operating budget.
In a presentation to the budget committee, library CEO Julie Kent said the Norfolk County Public Library “stands at a pivotal moment.” She said library visits have increased from 159,000 to 208,000 over the past two years and are projected to reach 315,000 by 2028.
Kent said library programming has doubled from 2022 to 2024 with 1,600 programs serving about 21,500 participants last year.
“We’ve reached our capacity,” said Kent. “Without additional staff we can’t keep up with the demand or continue growing.”
Kent said some of the library’s smaller branches, which open at noon and close at 5 p.m., could be open longer with additional staffing, making them more consistent with the hours at the Simcoe library, which is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
At a council meeting on Wednesday, Coun. Kim Huffman asked for a reconsideration of the request to hire the two library assistants.
“It would help to even out the number of hours so there is more equality in the hours for some of our smaller branches,” said Huffman. “Based on the information we’re getting, the return for our dollar from our library services is phenomenal. They’re vital to our community and I’d like to see our hours expand to be equitable for every taxpayer in the region.”
Adding the $105,400 cost for the positions to the budget would have brought the tax increase for the average residential taxpayer from 4.3 per cent to 4.4 per cent.
Mayor Amy Martin voted against the new hires, saying the budget change would cause confusion.
“I was in favour of this initially because I think it’s a great way to balance out the hours,” said Martin. “But my concern is, although it’s a slight increase, we have done a considerable amount of communications on what our net levy increase was to be and I think this would add to the confusion.”
Council gave final approval to the 2025 operating budget, which has a levy increase of 6.1 per cent. That translates into a property tax increase of 4.3 per cent, or $155.48 for the median assessed residential property in Norfolk.
Norfolk County’s 2025 operating budget is a reflection of the county’s commitment to responsible and sustainable financial management
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle content“In a time of ongoing economic pressures beyond our control, this budget showcases our efforts to secure meaningful savings wherever possible and invest in critical infrastructure and the delivery of valuable community programs,” Martin said in a statement released Thursday.
Martin said the budget also balances the need to invest in Norfolk’s future.
The mayor made the comments a day after county council’s budget committee recommended for approval an operating budget calling for a levy increase of 6.1 per cent. The increase translates into a property tax increase of 4.3 per cent or $155.48 for the median assessed residential property within Norfolk.
The budget is expected to be ratified by Norfolk County Council at a Jan. 22 meeting.
In a report presented to the committee on Wednesday, the county’s financial staff called it a “business as usual” budget that addresses inflation and financial sustainability goals, while also addressing some “critical needs of the corporation.”
The municipality’s operating budget covers day-to-day spending on services such as recreation programs, park maintenance, public health, city roads, garbage collection, delivery of safe drinking water, and emergency services.
Councillors were told in July the projected net levy hike was 8.5 per cent. At the same time, an average residential rate increase of 14 per cent was forecast for water and wastewater bills due to significant planned capital investments in those systems. The water and wastewater rate increase is now budgeted at 10.6 per cent.
Councillors heard the lower projected tax bills resulted from an increase in provincial funding to the municipality, a reduction in billing for OPP services, and adjustments made to departmental budgets by county staff. Also offsetting the tax increase is assessment growth of about 1.2 per cent.
“In the financial climate we’re in today, I’m really shocked that the budget is what it is,” Martin said at Wednesday’s meeting, noting that nearby Wilmot Township is currently battling a 51 per cent property tax increase.
“While four per cent still is very difficult for a lot of our residents, we will take a lens from the top down and look at everything with prudent financial management,” said Martin at the start of budget deliberations, which could change the projected tax increase.
However, the mayor cautioned the extra provincial funding and police dollars won’t likely be coming every year.
“It’s one-time, maybe two-time funding,” said Martin. “It won’t be relied upon in future years.”
Among the major budget drivers are $5.1 million for infrastructure upgrades; $2.4 million for service level changes; $1.8 million for salaries and benefits; and $917,000 for OPP services.
The budget includes the hiring of nine new staff members at a total cost of $1.18 million. They include:
The budget committee is hearing individual budget presentations from each of the county’s departments and could make changes. A second budget meeting is scheduled for Thursday, if needed.
The committee will also be considering several “discretionary” requests. They include $25,000 for the North Shore Resilience Project; removal of a levy reduction of $317,000 from marina revenues; the hiring of a full-time manager of programming and outreach, a part-time training and development coordinator and two part-time library assistants for the Norfolk County Public Library; and a four-per-cent budget increase for the Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation.
Treasurer Amy Fanning told councillors financial stability continues to be a critical priority for Norfolk County.
“It is no secret that Norfolk is in a challenging financial position. The cost of capital needs for asset repair and replacement is rising faster than reserve transfers and this is leading to increased levels of debt being projected for the organization. Additionally, as the population of the county continues to grow and the legislative and environmental landscape continues to change, so do the staffing levels required to provide the services that residents expect and deserve.”
a second man who has been charged with multiple counts of arson
has been set free on strict bail conditions
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentMatthew Smith, 30, was one of two Norfolk men arrested on Jan. 26 after area police set up a joint task force to look into more than a dozen fires that appeared to be deliberately set.
The two were stopped while in a pickup truck that matched the description of a vehicle seen near a previous suspicious fire.
After several dates were set for a bail hearing, Smith’s case finally proceeded on March 31 in Simcoe court with an assistant Crown attorney asking for conditions that generally reflected those of his co-accused – Chad Reimer, 43, who was granted bail in February.
Both men are under tight house arrest at a relative’s home, wearing GPS monitors: Reimer in Port Rowan and Smith in Ridgeway, near Fort Erie.
They have to avoid the locations of the 11 fires they stand accused of being involved in and must not contact any of the property-owners or potential witnesses in the case.
In both cases, the accused men must not have access to matches or use cell phones or other electronic devices, although Smith was granted exceptions in both cases.
He can use a lighter or matches to smoke, under supervision, and can use a cell phone to stay in touch with his common-law wife and children, also under supervision.
During Reimer’s February bail hearing, he and his surety agreed to post an unusually-high $10,000 bond.
Smith and his two sureties agreed to post $11,000 for bail.
Those funds don’t have to be deposited to the court ahead of time but become in jeopardy if either man fails to show up for court dates.
The incidents Reimer and Smith are accused of being involved with were overnight fires at vacant houses or barns on rural roads.
The fires exhausted the area’s volunteer firefighters and spooked much of the rural community throughout last November, December and this January.
The accused men will return to Simcoe court for the next appearance at the end of April, but likely will not have to appear in person.
A structure fire on Windham Road 11 in Delhi early Monday has been added to the growing list of suspicious fires in Norfolk County
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentNorfolk County Fire Department and OPP personnel responded at about 3:29 a.m. to the fire that involved an unoccupied structure on the property.
Investigators with the Norfolk County OPP Crime Unit have deemed the fire suspicious.
Out of 14 fires in mostly rural areas of Norfolk County since the beginning of November 2024, police say eight are under investigation as suspicious in nature.
Dates, times and locations of those fires include:
“The affected structures have been identified as residences, greenhouses, barns, or other outbuildings,” said Norfolk OPP Const. Andrew Gamble. “Fortunately, no injuries have been reported in connection with these incidents.”
The string of suspicious fires has many Norfolk County residents concerned that an arsonist may be on the loose, but Norfolk County Fire Chief Gord Stilwell said they are still under investigation.
“Now that we have 13 in two months, they’re looking at everything to be sure nothing is connected,” said the fire chief in an interview last week. “I think some of the concern out there, when the cause is undetermined for a number of different reasons, people want to jump to the conclusion that they’re suspicious or they’re arson. But the fact is sometimes it’s just the state of repair of the building.”
Stilwell said determining the cause of a fire is challenging when buildings burn to the ground and debris needs to be pulled apart.
“It’s tough. Fires start for a number of different reasons,” he said. “The ones that appear to be suspicious, they’re not the norm. It’s not something that happens on a regular basis.”
The fire chief said citizens who have unoccupied buildings on their property should ensure they are secured to prevent trespassers from gaining access looking for shelter or to cause vandalism.
“Some of these buildings have power still going to them so you’ve got outdated wiring that are causes of fires, (along with) fuel-fired appliances.” he explained. “My advice would be if you’re not using the building, disconnect the power and heating devices and secure it to try to deter people.”
Stilwell said he is proud of his firefighters — all of whom are volunteers – for working through a couple of busy months.
“A structure fire is one of the more taxing events that they go to,” he noted. “I can’t say they’re not getting worn down with some of these calls, but in the last 12 hours we’ve had 10 storm-related calls as well.
Stilwell said his department is lucky to have so many dedicated individuals to answer the call.
Meantime, only one of the fires is under investigation by the fire marshal’s office.
“I can confirm that the Office of the Fire Marshal was called in to investigate the cause, origin, and circumstance of the fire on Turkey Point Road on October 29, 2024,” said OFM spokesperson Sean Driscoll. “The investigation is ongoing, and no determination of cause has been made.”
Driscoll said all other incidents in Norfolk County were reported to the OFM for awareness but are not under investigation by their office. Any determination of criminality, including arson, he said, is up to the police.
The Norfolk County OPP Crime Unit continues to investigate these fires and asks that anyone with relevant information call police at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be provided by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at helpsolvecrime.com where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
“Residents in the affected areas are also asked to check their home surveillance systems for any footage that may assist with the investigation,” Gamble said. “Additionally, motorists who were travelling on any of these roadways around the time of the incidents and may have witnessed suspicious activity are urged to contact the police immediately.”
This follows Norfolk’s acceptance onto the government’s Devolution Priority List
which will lead to changes in council structures
The postponement means that current Norfolk county councillors will remain in office for an additional year
Norfolk is among several areas where elections have been postponed as part of wider local government changes
Additional information can be found on Norfolk County Council's website.
please contact Norfolk County Council by emailing elections@norfolk.gov.uk
One of two men accused in a series of Norfolk County and area acts of arson was granted bail on Friday afternoon after an extensive review of strict conditions
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Play VideoArticle contentChad Reimer, 43, will remain in custody until he can be fitted with a GPS ankle bracelet that will ensure he remains under a form of house arrest, living with his mother.
He and his surety agreed to post an unusually-high $10,000 bond.
Reimer, wearing a baggy white T-shirt, was brought to the court in person from jail.
His terms of release include never being off his mother’s Port Rowan property unless she is with him or unless it’s for a serious medical emergency.
He is not to have, or have access to, any matches or anything that can generate fire, nor is he to have or use a cell phone or any device that transmits data.
Reimer must avoid the locations of the 11 fires of which he stands accused of being involved, but is allowed to commute past them in the presence of his surety.
He isn’t allowed to contact any of the victims or potential witnesses in the case, nor host or meet up with any friends or acquaintances.
Details about the case against Reimer shared at the bail hearing cannot be published due to a publication ban on evidence that was implemented Friday.
Reimer returns to court in Simcoe on March 25 at 9 a.m.
Reimer’s co-accused, Matthew Smith, 30, will return to bail court on Feb. 25.
The men were arrested Jan. 26 after a suspicious fire at a vacant barn, this time on Lynn Valley Road in Haldimand County.
Police who were part of a joint task force investigating 13 possible arsons, saw a pickup truck that matched the description of a vehicle seen near a previous suspicious fire and arrested the two men inside.