HALDIMAND—The following items were discussed at a Council-in-Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. All items will be ratified at a follow up meeting on Tuesday, October 14.
Emergency repairs completed at community halls
Council received an update on emergency repairs completed at three community halls during the first half of 2025.
The work, funded under the County’s Community Halls Capital Funding Policy, totalled $1,406.12. It included: replacement of a furnace gas valve, flame sensor, and igniter at Seneca Centennial Hall ($478.27); repair of the front door automatic opener at Fisherville Lions Community Centre ($429.23); and replacement of a sump pump at Nanticoke Community Centre ($498.62).
All projects were classified as Category I capital work, addressing structural integrity and public safety, and were fully funded by the County through the 2025 Tax Supported Capital Budget.
Budget increase approved for Caledonia pedestrian crossover
Council approved a budget amendment to the 2025 Tax Supported Capital Budget to support construction of a new pedestrian crossover on Caithness Street East near the Caledonia Fairgrounds.
The project, funded through Ward 3’s Community Vibrancy Fund allocation, was originally budgeted at $40,000 but will require an additional $36,000 due to higher-than-expected costs for poles, hardware, and concrete work. The revised $76,000 budget will fully utilize the remaining Ward 3 allocation for 2025.
The crossover is included in the County’s 2025 Traffic Upgrades tender, which also covers pedestrian crossover installations in Dunnville and Jarvis and intersection improvements in Cayuga and Dunnville. All other components of the tender were within approved budgets.
2026 employee benefit plan renewals add additional $144,500 in expenses
Council reviewed the 2026 renewals for Haldimand County’s employee group benefit plans, covering eligible employees, retirees, volunteer firefighters, and members of Council.
The plans, administered primarily through Sun Life, include coverage for life insurance, long-term disability, extended healthcare, and dental benefits.
For 2026, long-term disability premiums are proposed to increase by 15%, resulting in an estimated cost of $103,300, while life insurance rates are expected to remain unchanged under an existing rate guarantee. Extended healthcare costs are projected to rise by 12%, and dental premiums are forecasted to decrease by 18%.
Overall, the County’s annualized premium costs are projected to increase by approximately $144,500, or 3.7%, bringing total annual expenses to about $4 million. Staff noted the County’s Employee Benefits Reserve Fund balance of $3.5 million positions Haldimand well to manage future cost increases.
