By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—The following items were discussed at Council in Committee on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Any decisions made had to be ratified at Council on Monday, November 7. To view the full report and video, visit haldimandcounty.ca.
Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation provides update on operations, finances
Matt Bowen, CEO of Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation (HNHC), stopped by Council last week to share an update on the organization’s operations and finances.
HNHC manages or owns 65% of community housing in Haldimand Norfolk, totalling 544 homes (17 apartments, 171 family homes). Average rent charged to tenants is $380 a month. HNHC had 57 tenants move out over the year, had an occupancy rate of 99.9%, and had a rent collection rate of 99.6%.
The organization raised $3.6 million in 2022, with $1.6 million coming from municipal subsidies, $1.7 million coming from rental revenue, and $65,000 from Provincial and Federal funding. Annual expenses for the year were just slightly lower than the generated revenue, with maintenance/repairs and staff payroll topping the list at over $700,000 each.
HNHC plans to complete their multi-year elevator modernization project in 2022, having completed upgrades in Dunnville, Port Dover, Simcoe, and Caledonia previously.
Their strategic plan going forward includes expanding their affordable housing goals, with their proposed build in Dunnville in the planning stage and a plan for a new build in Simcoe. Additionally, they aim to achieve financial fitness by utilizing “innovative and creative ways to save money,” including savings through process improvements, bulk purchasing, utilizing an internal maintenance program, and seeking funding for energy efficient equipment and building upgrades.
Two new applications made for Community Improvement Plan funding
Haldimand Council fielded two requests for funding through the Downtown Areas Community Improvement Plan.
The first project relates to façade improvements at 17 Cayuga Street North in Cayuga. The building has aging siding and windows. According to a staff report, the repairs will result in a more aesthetically pleasing exterior for the building, which is in a highly visible area in the downtown core. Staff have recommended a grant of $10,000, approximately 41% of the overall projected cost.
The second project relates to façade improvements at 105 Bridge Street in Dunnville. In this case, the building is in various states of disrepair, with aging siding and deteriorated/discoloured concrete. It is currently undergoing a compete exterior renovation, with the proponents seeking funding to partially cover costs.
County staff have recommended a grant of $10,393, accounting for half of the expenses for the renovations, which include six new windows, new soffit and fascia, and improvements to the existing porch, which is currently rotten in parts.
Council voted unanimously in favour of supporting both applications.
Hewitt chooses final two recipients for remaining Mayor’s Gala funds
Outgoing Mayor Ken Hewitt has chosen two local recipients to benefit from the nearly $80,000 in raised funds remaining from this year’s Mayor’s Gala fundraiser, selecting the Hagersville Legion to receive $40,000 and Community Living Haldimand (CLH) to receive $36,276.95.
Hewitt said he chose the Legion for the support of President Jack Esselment’s volunteers over the years, running the bars and helping raise funds. For CLH, Hewitt wanted to acknowledge Warren Burger for his years of service as the gala’s Master of Ceremonies, as well as his work as an auctioneer at the event.
“I wanted to indirectly recognize those two individuals, and through them to those particular recipients. It’s no slight against any other recipient. We’ve done quite a tremendous job over the last year trying to ensure every recipient or charity in this county was receiving funds. There is a balance, and I thought these were the two most appropriate,” said Hewitt.
Council voted unanimously in favour of supporting the mayor’s motion for the funds.
Councillor Dalimonte makes outgoing request regarding stretch of sidewalk in Hagersville
Outgoing Ward 4 Councillor Tony Dalimonte brought forth a motion to Council, requesting that the incoming Council seriously consider connecting a sidewalk on the east side of Tuscarora Street at Victoria Street to the sidewalk extending south from Emily Street.
He explained, “Please take this section of sidewalk seriously in your new budget for 2023. Hagersville is a fast-growing urban centre. This particular gap was a case where we had a new development butting up against an older section of the community. With the amount of traffic we get on Highway 6, a lot of people tend to avoid it and want to walk the backstreets of the community. I hope you’ll give it serious consideration.”
The outgoing Council is restricted in adding budget items above $50,000. Councillor Rob Shirton committed to ensuring the item is considered as part of the upcoming budget, with staff estimating a cost of $150,000 to see it through.
