Alnwick-Haldimand Township

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In Their Words: Old grant application for aging arena stirs debate in Alnwick-Haldimand

GRAFTON MEMORIAL ARENA

Alnwick-Haldimand Township council took another step in its journey to keep an aging arena open for residents at a special council meeting on Nov. 15. The Ontario government requested updated information regarding an old grant application the township staff made two years ago for upgrades and repairs to the current facility. It wanted to know if the council still wanted to keep the application alive. To do this, the council had to give its endorsement once more. Continue Reading →

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In Their Words: Halfway into term Alnwick-Haldimand council debates and approves strategic plan

Alnwick-Haldimand Township town hall

Alnwick-Haldimand council debate:

Almost two years into its mandate, Alnwick-Haldimand council approved its strategic plan at a recent meeting. Most municipal councils in Northumberland County already have a strategic plan in place. A strategic plan is a guiding document. As you will hear in this debate, the CAO will explain how it will accompany every report and legislation the council passes until the end of its mandate. In Their Words is a feature that allows people to listen to what is going on at the various councils within Northumberland. Continue Reading →

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In Their Words: Alnwick-Halidmand council debates cancelling 2024-2025 hockey season

Grafton Minor Hockey League

The show:

On September 30, the Alnwick-Haldimand Township council met to discuss the state of the Memorial Arena in Grafton. The ice rink’s pipes were failing, and the situation was grim. The council debated what to do. The choice was stark: either pay $50,000 for repairs on the system that may or may not fix the problem or cancel the hockey season. Children were already registering. Continue Reading →

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Alnwick-Halidmand John Logel on the state of Memorial Arena and its future

The show:

The state of the Memorial Arena in Grafton has been an issue for a long time. Over decades, many councils have dealt with the more than 75-year-old building and its infrastructure. The current Alnwick-Haldimand council inherited this legacy. In January, Mayor John Logel appeared on the show to discuss a survey to determine the arena’s future. Since then, multiple reports have been written or are underway. Continue Reading →

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Public decorum foremost after zero tolerance policy reminder issued in Alnwick-Haidmand

Alnwick-Haldimand Township town hall

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Several municipalities in Northumberland have implemented policies regarding public behaviour towards staff and politicians. A growing number of incidents has spawned this response, as some residents are becoming increasingly rude and belligerent. Meanwhile, members of the public argue they are frustrated by a lack of transparency and consultation. In this interview, the issue of public decorum is front and centre. David Dawson, Chief Administration Officer of Alnwick-Haldimand, sent out a public reminder to residents about its Zero Tolerance policy after an incident. Continue Reading →

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Alnwick-Haldimand takes steps to move forward on the future of Memorial Arena after much debate

GRAFTON MEMORIAL ARENA

The future of the Memorial Arena in Grafton took another step forward on July 23, when the council directed staff to undertake several studies before it decides to revamp the aging facility. The studies will include several components: an assessment of the current facility, a feasibility study, a needs assessment, and three conceptual designs. This was in response to a Notice of Motion made by Councillor Mike Ainsworth at the last meeting. The decision came after a public delegation and an intense debate. Resident Jim McCormack provided a detailed deputation, expressing numerous concerns. Continue Reading →

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AH council to seek a report at next meeting into the feasibility of Legion partnership to save aging arena

Alnwick Haldimand Memorial Arena

A plan to partner with the Grafton Legion to upgrade the aging Memorial Arena took a step forward at the July 9 council meeting. Councillor Mike Ainsworth gave a notice of motion to direct staff to hire a consultant to do a feasibility study of the arena. The study would look at replacing the ice pad, the pad boards, renovations, and an addition to incorporate the Grafton Legion’s needs. The report for the regular council meeting will be due on Oct. 8. Continue Reading →

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Alnwick-Haldimand Township council approves final tweaks on short-term rental bylaws

AIRBNB

 

After over a year of tweaking, Alnwick-Haldimand Township council finalized its short-term rental bylaw at its June 25 meeting. In the spring of 2023, the controversial bylaw was opposed by residents and business owners. Residents were upset about the noise and other offences at some short-term rental properties, and business owners felt the original bylaw was too restrictive and unfair. It was sent back to staff, and an ad hoc committee was formed to review it. After several iterations, the bylaw returned and was approved by council in November 2023. Continue Reading →

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All options open as council seeks public input on future of Alnwick-Haldimand Memorial Arena

Alnwick Haldimand Memorial Arena

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

For decades, Alnwick Haldimand Township council has wrestled with the future of the nearly 75-year-old Memorial Arena. The stacks of reports sitting on shelves are a testament to the debates over the years. Various councils have edged along with repairs and replacements as time has taken its toll. Now, with accelerated development near Grafton and a council struggling to keep the facility open, politicians are seeking public input on the future of the ice pad. As the mayor said in the interview, all options are on the table. Continue Reading →

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Chair of ad hoc committee provides another perspective on short-term rentals in township

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Earlier this week, the report from the ad hoc committee on short-term rentals in Alnwick-Haldimand Township was officially brought before the planning committee of council. Many delegates and council members spoke about the divisive nature of the issue and the need to get it right. Councillors deferred any action to give politicians and the public a chance to provide more input and consider the numerous delegations at the meeting. Have a listen and see what you think. Originally aired: May 26, 2023 Continue Reading →

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