In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30, 2024, Norfolk County will raise the ‘Survivor Flag’ on Friday, September 27 at the County Administration Building in Simcoe, where it will remain until Tuesday, October 1.
This day honours First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Survivors, their families, and communities, and serves as a reminder of the importance of publicly commemorating the history and legacy of residential schools as a key part of the reconciliation process.
Norfolk County is committed to strengthening positive relations with Indigenous nations and communities. To further the goals of cooperation, respect, and partnerships, beginning in October 2024, Norfolk will read an Indigenous Statement at the start of each Council meeting.
In observance of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30, 2024, the following is a list of impacted programs, services and closures:
County Administration Buildings
All buildings will be closed.
Court Closures
All courts, including the Provincial Offences Court at the Robinson Administration Building in Simcoe, will be closed.
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
All branches will be closed. For public health emergencies or hazards, such as outbreaks, food poisoning, meningitis, or rabies, please call our after-hours emergency phone number at 1-877-298-5888.
Social Services and Housing
Both Simcoe and Dunnville office locations will be closed. For crisis support, such as emergency accommodation, call the Victim Services Support Line at 1-800-264-6671.
Heritage and Culture
All museums and Norfolk County Archives will be closed.
Norfolk County Public Library
Norfolk County Public Library supports this commemoration with a special in-person program on Saturday, September 28, at the Delhi, Port Dover, Port Rowan, and Simcoe Branches starting at 11:00 a.m. This program will feature a combination of storytelling, activities, and thoughtful discussions to help foster understanding and empathy toward Truth and Reconciliation efforts. NCPL has special displays and a resource booklet available at all Branches and to download at ncpl.ca (found at the bottom of the homepage under Current Events). All Library Branches are closed on Monday, September 30, but residents are encouraged to explore the library’s digital resources and those available through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation website.
Recreation
The Simcoe Recreation Centre, including the Annaleise Carr Aquatic Centre and Simcoe Seniors Centre, Delhi Friendship Centre, and all County Arenas will be closed, reopening on Tuesday, October 1. The Delhi Afterschool Program will run as scheduled.
Ride Norfolk
Ride Norfolk will operate with regular service hours on Monday, September 30.
ServiceNorfolk
ServiceNorfolk will be closed. Residents may email askus@norfolkcounty.ca. Staff will reply to emails in a priority sequence when offices reopen. Residents may also visit the Norfolk County Customer Service Portal online to submit non-urgent service requests at any time.
Residents seeking emergency assistance regarding forestry, parks and facilities, public health, roads, water, sewer, and drainage can call 1-877-298-5888.
For after-hours By-law Enforcement, the public may use the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) non-emergency line number at 1-888-310-1122.
Transfer Stations
Transfer stations will be open regular hours on Monday, September 30.
Waste Collection
There will be no delay in waste collection this week. Residents are encouraged to use the Recycle Coach app for instant access to their area’s collection schedule, personalized reminders, and more. The app is available on the iTunes Store and the Google Play Store, free of charge.
Emergency and Critical Services
All essential and critical services, including Fire and Paramedic Services, will continue to operate as usual.
Quotes
Mayor Amy Martin
“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a chance for all of us to listen to Indigenous voices and learn more about their experiences. It’s an important time to reflect on the past and consider how we can contribute to healing and reconciliation in our daily lives.”
