Haldimand County is a rural city-status single-tier municipality on the Niagara Peninsula in Southern Ontario, Canada, on the north shore of Lake Erie, and on the Grand River. Despite its name, it is no longer a county by definition, as all municipal services are handled by a single level of government. Municipal offices are located in Cayuga. The county is adjacent to Norfolk County, the County of Brant, the City of Hamilton, the township of West Lincoln and the township of Wainfleet.

History

Haldimand's history has been closely associated with that of neighbouring Norfolk County. Upper Canada was created in 1791 by being separated from the old Province of Quebec, Haldimand was created in 1798 as part of the Niagara District. It was named after Sir Frederick Haldimand, the governor of the Province of Quebec from 1778 to 1785. In 1844, the land was surrendered by the Six Nations to the Crown in an agreement that was signed by the vast majority of Chiefs in the Haldimand tract. In 1974, Haldimand was incorporated as a town by the amalgamation of the villages of Cayuga, Hagersville and Caledonia and the townships of Oneida, Seneca, North Cayuga, South Cayuga and parts of Rainham and Walpole. In 2001, Haldimand was enlarged by amalgamating with Dunnville and half of Nanticoke. Beginning in February 2006, a land dispute by native protesters began near Caledonia over a housing development being built on the outskirts of town, which members of the nearby Mohawk Six Nations people claim is rightfully their land. The issue reignited again in February 2020, when Mohawk protesters blocked off Highway 6 again in protest of McKenzie Meadows.

Communities

The population centres in Haldimand are Caledonia, Dunnville, Hagersville, Jarvis and Cayuga. Part of the Six Nations Reserve is within the geographic area of Haldimand County, but is independent of the county. Most of Haldimand is agricultural land, although some heavy industry, including the former Nanticoke Generating Station, is located here. Smaller communities within the municipality are Attercliffe Station, Balmoral, Bodri Bay, Brookers Bay, Byng, Canborough, Canfield, Cheapside, Clanbrassil, Crescent Bay, Decewsville, Empire Corners, Featherstone Point, Fisherville, Garnet, Hoover Point, Kohler, Little Buffalo, Lowbanks, Moulton Station, Mount Carmel, Mount Healy, Nanticoke, Nelles Corners, Peacock Point, Port Maitland, Rainham Centre, Selkirk, Sims Lock, South Cayuga, Springvale, Stromness, Sweets Corners, Townsend, Willow Grove, Woodlawn Park and York. The ghost towns of Cook's Station, Cranston, Dufferin, Erie, Indiana, Lambs Corners, Lythmore, Sandusk, Upper, and Varency are also located within Haldimand.

Historic townships

Haldimand County's area of 309,300 acres was formed from part of the land grant to the Six Nations in 1783. The County was purchased by treaty and opened for general settlement in 1832. It was first settled by white veterans of Butler's Rangers established there by Joseph Brant. A large number of Germans were among the first settlers.

Climate

Demographics

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Haldimand County had a population of 49,216 living in 18,719 of its 20,710 total private dwellings, a change of NaN% from its 2016 population of 45,608. With a land area of 1250.45 km2, it had a population density of in 2021.

Ethnicity

Only ethnic groups that comprise greater than 1% of the population are included. Note that a person can report more than one group.

Languages

As of the 2021 census, there were 47,190 citizens that spoke English only, 15 that spoke only French, 1,530 that spoke both official languages and 130 that spoke neither.

Religion

As of the 2021 census, there were 29,380 citizens identifying as Christian and 18,200 as non-religious and secular perspectives.

Local government

The city is within the federal electoral riding of Haldimand—Norfolk and within provincial electoral riding of Haldimand—Norfolk. Current Mayor: Shelley Ann Bentley Previous Mayors:

Healthcare

Healthcare in Haldimand County is overseen by Haldimand-Norfolk Health and Social Services. Hospitals in Haldimand County include Haldimand War Memorial Hospital in Dunnville, and West Haldimand General Hospital in Hagersville.

Policing

Policing in the county is provided by the Haldimand detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police located in Cayuga.

Fire services

Fire services in the county is provided by the Haldimand County Fire Department which was created in 2001 following the separation of Haldimand and Norfolk. The department currently consists of 11 stations located strategically throughout the county. With almost 300 firefighters and 40 fire apparatuses, it is one of the largest volunteer fire departments in Ontario. The department consists of:

Education

Public Schools in Haldimand County are administered by the Grand Erie District School Board. These schools include:

Catholic Education

Catholic Schools in Haldimand County are administered by the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. These include:

Transportation

The Southern Ontario Railway operates in southwestern Haldimand. Highways that travel through Haldimand include Ontario Highway 3 and Ontario Highway 6. Several intercity bus companies operate routes that travel through Haldimand County, connecting it to nearby cities and towns. Although, driving is the most common way to get around in Haldimand County, as public transportation options are limited.

Protected areas

Attractions

Natural Landmarks

Activities

Heritage

Notable people