News

Grab your spookiest costume (and your swim trunks) and join Norfolk Recreation for a back-to-back dose of Halloween fun on October 28. 

Fall Leaf and Yard Waste collection begins next week in Norfolk County. With that in mind, residents should avoid raking or blowing leaves onto the street or a neighbouring property as per by-law 2004-213. 

Norfolk is joining the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and many other municipalities across the province to celebrate Local Government Week from October 15 to 21.  

Norfolk staff, along with community partners Port Dover Board of Trade, Port Dover Kinsmen Club, and Norfolk County OPP, are preparing for October’s Friday the 13th event in Port Dover. 

County staff are working closely with Friday the 13th organizers to support traffic-related issues, emergency contingency plans, licensing requirements, and enforcement matters to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for motorcycle enthusiasts. 

Community partners coordinate street vendors, shuttle services, beer tents and camping for visitors. 

Norfolk County encourages residents to be aware of safety processes when interacting with any County employee at their home or place of business, and in the community.     

All Norfolk County employees are issued identification badges to improve customer service and security. Badges include the employee’s name, job title and division, headshot photo, and date of issue. Employees must wear this badge for identification while on County property, during interactions with clients, and while performing their duties.

The Norfolk County Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association for Fire Prevention Week from October 8 to 14, 2023. 

This year’s theme is “Cooking Safety Starts with You! Pay Attention to Prevention.”  

Cooking-related fires are a leading cause of home fires in Norfolk County, with the department already responding to 32 such fires this year.   

“The primary cause of cooking fires is leaving a heat source unattended,” explained Norfolk County Fire Chief Gord Stilwell. 

Norfolk County is reminding residents that there are some changes to programs, facilities and services with Thanksgiving taking place this weekend.     

County Administration Buildings    
All buildings will be closed Monday, October 9, reopening Tuesday, October 10.      

Health Unit    
All branches will be closed Monday, October 9, reopening Tuesday, October 10. For public health emergencies or hazards, such as outbreaks, food poisoning, meningitis, or rabies, please call the after-hours emergency phone number at 1-877-298-5888.       

With National Day for Truth and Reconciliation taking place on Saturday, September 30, Norfolk County will raise the ‘Survivor Flag’ on Friday, September 29. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation seeks to honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Survivors and their families and communities and to ensure that public commemoration of their history and the legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.   

On Friday, September 29, Norfolk County staff will raise the ‘Survivor Flag’ at the County Administration Building in Simcoe.

Tree removal and maintenance will occur along the Long Point Causeway this winter.  

In total, 109 trees will be removed, and another 22 trees will be pruned. The work will address trees in poor condition due to age or other factors and ensure the successful and safe completion of the Long Point Causeway Resurfacing Project, scheduled for the summer of 2024.   

The resurfacing project will include in-place asphalt recycling, asphalt overlay, installation of roadside safety devices and installation of wildlife exclusionary fencing to deter at-risk species from entering the roadway.  

Norfolk County is joining communities across Ontario on September 28 in the first-ever “Test Your Smoke Alarm Day.”  

Also known as “Saved by the Beep”, Norfolk County Fire Department is urging all residents to test their alarms, learn about fire safety, and plan a fire escape route. 

Those taking part are encouraged to snap a photo of the testing process and post it on social media with the hashtag #SavedByTheBeep. 

“This is an incredibly important message we need people to hear,” said Norfolk County Fire Chief Gord Stilwell, noting that last year alone saw 133 fatal fires in Ontario, the most in two decades.

Norfolk County Staff have joined contractors to make scheduled and necessary upgrades to the Simcoe Water Tower. The project will run for approximately three weeks with an estimated completion date of October 16. This includes the replacement of various components and a thorough inspection. The tower must be drained to complete the work.   

There will be no impact to residential customers in the community, or water quality.  

Alternate water depots are located in Waterford, Delhi and Port Rowan during the service disruption. 

Amplify Norfolk is bringing Bedouin Soundclash to Pumpkinfest’s main stage on Saturday, October 14. The musical evening also includes performing artists Logan Staats and Alysha Brilla.  

Tickets are available for purchase at pumpkinfest.com/Tickets. Standing room tickets are $30, and seated tickets are $50. Seating may be selected and reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets provide access to the entire lineup and the concert grounds from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., with in-and-out privileges and access to the private stage-side bar.