News and Notices
Public Notice: Committee of the Whole Meeting Cancellation
June 11, 2026
Please be advised that in accordance with Procedure By-law 110-2023, section 3.5, that the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026 has been cancelled.
The next Municipal Planning/Regular Council Meeting will proceed as scheduled unless otherwise advertised.
We appreciate your understanding.
Media Release: Township Senior Staff Members Receive Threats, Municipal Office to Remain Closed to Walk-ins Until Further Notice
June 9, 2026
For Immediate Release
Grafton, ON – Appropriate Authorities are being consulted concerning serious threats, acts of intimidation, and harassment directed at senior staff members of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.
Staff members were recently targeted on social media, by email, and through comments submitted through the Township website.
Statement from Mayor John Logel:
“These threats are extremely troubling and entirely unacceptable. The incivility within our community must stop. Municipal staff work hard every day to serve residents, implement Council's decisions, and provide the services that our community depends on. While we recognize that residents may sometimes disagree with decisions, policies, or projects, there is never any justification for threats, intimidation, harassment, or abusive behaviour directed toward municipal employees. Our staff deserve to perform their duties in a safe and respectful environment. Threats against staff, whether made in person, by phone, online, or through any other means, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated."
Statement from CAO/Fire Chief Dave Dawson:
“The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand is committed to openness, transparency, and respectful public engagement. Constructive discussion, differing viewpoints, and healthy debate are essential components of local democracy. Residents have every right to express concerns, ask questions, and hold municipal decision-makers accountable.
Township staff are dedicated public servants who carry out their professional responsibilities in accordance with municipal policies, Council direction, applicable legislation, and their obligations to the community. Staff members do not establish municipal policy; rather, they provide professional advice, implement Council decisions, and deliver essential services to residents.
The Township has both a legal and moral obligation to protect the health, safety, and well-being of its employees. Under Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act, workplace harassment is defined as:
"Engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a workplace, including virtually through the use of information and communications technology, that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome."
The Act further recognizes that workplace harassment can occur through virtual communications and technology-based platforms. Employers are required to maintain policies and programs to protect workers from workplace harassment and workplace violence and to provide a safe and healthy work environment.
The Township takes these responsibilities seriously. Comments, statements, or conduct that target employees personally, undermine their professional integrity through false allegations, or create a hostile work environment can have significant impacts on employee health, safety, and mental well-being. Such conduct may also discourage talented professionals from serving our community and negatively affect the Township's ability to provide effective public services.
On behalf of the Township administration, I thank residents who continue to engage thoughtfully and respectfully in matters affecting our municipality. By working together in a spirit of mutual respect, we can ensure that public discourse remains productive, informed, and focused on the best interests of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.”
The Municipal Office in Grafton will remain closed to the public for walk-in service until further notice. Facility enhancements for the protection of staff at the Municipal Office are being implemented. Once the enhancements have been completed, it is anticipated that the facility will be re-opened for walk-in service. Until such time, services will be provided by appointment only. Please call 905-349-2822 or email info@ahtwp.ca to make an appointment.
The drop box located at the front of the Municipal Office continues to be available for submitting payments or applications.
In addition, all Council, Committee of the Whole, Municipal Planning Meetings and Committee of Adjustment/Land Division meetings will be held virtually using Zoom Technologies until further notice.
The Township has issued several notices to the public in the last 24 months about harassment, intimidation and threatening behaviour towards staff. The Township has also issued statements and educational material on misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation to raise awareness about information circulating online and to direct residents to official Township communication channels for accurate, timely information.
For more information, contact:
Dave Dawson, CAO/Fire Chief
T: 905-349-2822
E: ddawson@ahtwp.ca
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Media Release: Service Disruption - Grafton Municipal Office Closed to Public Until Further Notice
June 8, 2026
For Immediate Release
Grafton, ON - Please be advised that the Municipal Office will be closed to the public effective immediately and will remain closed until further notice.
During this time, municipal services are available by telephone, email, or by appointment only. Residents requiring assistance are encouraged to contact the office using the information provided below.
Contact Information:
Phone: 905-349-2822
Email: info@ahtwp.ca
Website: www.ahtwp.ca
Payments and applications may still be submitted to the Township using the drop box at the front door of the Grafton Municipal Office, located at 10836 County Rd #2, Grafton or mailed to PO Box 70, Grafton, ON K0K 2G0.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding. Updates regarding the reopening of the office will be provided when they become available.
For more information, contact:
Dave Dawson, CAO/Fire Chief
T: 905-349-2822
E: ddawson@ahtwp.ca
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Statement from Mayor Logel on 2026 Tax Rates and Social Media
Media Release
For Immediate Release
Grafton, ON – June 1, 2026 - Recently, we have seen an increase in misinformation, malinformation and unverified claims circulating on social media. Social media can be a useful tool for sharing information and connecting with each other. It can also spread inaccurate or misleading content that creates confusion, unnecessary concern, hostility, and division within our community.
I encourage all residents to verify information before sharing it and to rely on official Township communications for accurate, timely updates. The Township regularly provides news, notices, meeting information, and emergency communications through our official channels, including our website, social media accounts, and public notices.
The Township is committed to transparency and keeping residents informed. If you have questions about information you see online, please contact Township staff directly or consult our official communication channels for clarification.
Statement on 2026 Municipal Tax Rates
We would like to clarify the purpose of the 2026 Tax Rate By-law and reassure residents that the municipal tax rates being presented are consistent with the 2026 budget approved by Council on February 11, 2026.
The Tax Rate By-law is a required legislative step that allows the municipality to charge and collect property taxes for the year and formally establishes the tax rates needed to generate the revenue approved through the budget process. It does not represent a new budget, nor does it introduce changes to the spending plans or tax levy that Council approved earlier this year. The 2026 Budget was approved following a thorough, open, transparent public-facing process between December 16, 2025, and February 11, 2026. The process included a public survey, public meeting, educational presentation on Understanding Property Taxes (including how they are calculated) and four Special Council meetings. Supporting documentation, reports, and draft versions of the budget can be found on the Township’s website in the “Agendas and Minutes” section.
Since Council adopted the 2026 Budget in February, there have been no increases to the approved municipal levy. The Township’s residential tax rate remains 5.09%. The tax rates reflected in the by-law have been calculated using assessment data from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) to support the approved budget and ensure that the municipality can continue delivering the services, programs, and infrastructure investments that residents rely on.
Township staff have reviewed the calculations and billing information. It was confirmed at the Special Council Meeting on May 29, 2026 that the calculations used for the June tax bills are correct and reflective of the final 2026 Budget adopted by Council.
Residents can be confident that the amounts shown on their tax notices have been calculated correctly.
The by-law simply provides the mechanism required to implement that approved budget through the property taxation process.
We remain committed to keeping residents informed about municipal finances and ensuring that decisions are made in an open and accountable manner.
Again, I encourage residents to rely on official municipal communications when seeking information about municipal taxes and finances. If you have questions about your specific tax notice, please contact the Municipality directly. Our staff are always happy to review your account, explain how your taxes were calculated, and answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We remain committed to serving our community with openness, professionalism, and respect, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide clarity and reassurance on this matter.
By working together and relying on trusted sources, we can help ensure our community remains well-informed and focused on facts.
- Mayor John Logel
Online Safety: Be Aware of Misinformation, Disinformation & Mal-information
If it raises your eyebrows, it should raise questions. Misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM) refers to false, exaggerated, or misleading information that can cause minor or major harm to organizations, communities, and individuals. MDM damages public trust in institutions and their staff. Subscribe to the Township’s e-newsletters, meeting agendas and minutes or visit the Township’s official website, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube pages to receive accurate, official information about Township services, projects, decisions, or events. Township staff are always open to respectful dialogue with residents. If you have a question or concern, please contact staff directly and we’ll be happy to assist and provide you with the correct information.
More info and tips at: https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/online-
disinformation.html#2
Township Official Communication Channels:
• Agendas, Minutes for Council, Advisory Committee Meetings:
o https://alnwickhaldimand.civicweb.net/portal
• E-Newsletters:
o Township Talk! Newsletter, Council Recap Newsletter: www.ahtwp.ca/council
o Subscribe to receive updates direct to your inbox by emailing clerks@ahtwp.ca
• News, Public Notices, Media Releases:
o www.ahtwp.ca/news-and-notices
• Website
• Follow us on Social Media:
o Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlnwickHaldimandTownship
o LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com
• YouTube: Council Meetings Recordings
o www.youtube.com/@alnwickhaldimandtownshipah6784
For more information, contact:
Dave Dawson, CMMIII
CAO/Fire Chief
T: 905-349-2822
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Township of Alnwick/Haldimand Seeking Members for Joint Compliance Audit Committee
May 21, 2026
Public Notice
Grafton, ON – The lower tier municipalities of Northumberland County are seeking seven experienced professionals for appointment to the 2026 to 2030 for the Joint Compliance Audit Committee (Committee).
The Committee is an independent body required by the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, which considers applications for audits of candidates’ and registered third party advertisers’ campaign finances. Committees may be required to appoint auditors and determine if legal proceedings are required against candidates, campaign contributors, or registered third party advertisers for contraventions of municipal election campaign finance laws.
Applicants with a background in accounting, auditing, law, academics, election administration, and/or public administration are preferred. Applicants should have:
· Excellent analytical decision-making and communication skills;
· A working knowledge of the election process and election campaign finance (an asset);
· Experience working on a government board or quasi-judicial body (an asset);
· Flexibility to attend meetings during daytime and evening hours; and
· Excellent oral and written communication skills.
The following are not eligible to be a member of the Committee:
· Employees or officers of any of the participating municipalities;
· Members of Council or Local Boards for the participating municipalities;
· Any persons who are candidates in the 2026 municipal election; and
· Any persons who are registered third parties in the 2026 municipal election.
The Committee’s term of office is four years, beginning in November 2026. Successful applicants will receive the following remuneration:
· A retainer of $400 and $350 (including mileage) for attendance at a mandatory training session will be provided.
· Committee members will receive a per diem of $400 plus mileage for any official committee meetings they are required to attend. Applicants must have flexibility to attend meetings (daytime and evening).
How to Apply
Those interested may apply online or in-person at Victoria Hall (55 King Street West, Cobourg). To apply online visit Cobourg.ca/committees and scroll down to the list of Current Advisory Committees, Local Boards and/or Ad Hoc Committees. Click on “Vacancies” in the chart’s header, then click on Joint Compliance Audit Committee and click on the green button which reads “Apply.”
Applications will be open until Friday, June 12, 2026.
For meeting agendas and minutes of Council meetings, please visit https://alnwickhaldimand.civicweb.net/portal
Residents can also watch Council meetings on the Township’s YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/@alnwickhaldimandtownshipah6784
For more information, please contact:
Emily Cartlidge, Municipal Clerk
The Corporation of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand
PO Box 70, 10836 County Rd 2
Grafton, ON K0K K20
T: 905-349-2822
E: ecartlidge@ahtwp.ca
Public Notice: Northumberland County Postpones Planned Prescribed Burn
Cobourg, ON – May 12, 2026 – Northumberland County is advising residents that the planned prescribed burn in the County Forest scheduled for this spring has been postponed due to environmental conditions.
Several factors contributed to the decision, including a lack of adequate drying days between rainfall, consistently cold nighttime temperatures, and rapid seasonal green up. These conditions do not support the safe and effective implementation of the prescribed burn.
The County will reassess conditions and look to proceed with the prescribed burn in the fall, pending suitable weather and site conditions.
Prescribed burns are an important land management tool used to help maintain and restore local ecosystems and support forest health. Learn more about how we are restoring unique habitats in the County Forest by visiting Northumberland.ca/forest-management.
Further updates will be shared with the public as plans progress.
Questions?
· Contact Northumberland County Natural Heritage team forest@northumberland.ca
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For more information:
Kate Campbell
Director, Communications
Northumberland County
Phone: 905-372-3329 x2335
Email: campbellk@northumberland.ca
Web: northumberland.ca
About Northumberland County
Located on the traditional territory of the Mississauga, Northumberland County is a thriving community just one hour east of Toronto along Highway 401, with easy access to urban centres to the north, east and west. As the upper tier level of municipal government for the region, Northumberland County’s vision is to bring together people, partnerships and possibilities for a strong and vibrant Northumberland. Our community includes seven distinct yet complementary municipalities, with County Council comprised of the Mayors of each of these member municipalities:
• Township of Alnwick/Haldimand
• Municipality of Brighton
• Town of Cobourg
• Township of Cramahe
• Township of Hamilton
• Municipality of Port Hope
• Municipality of Trent Hills
Township of Alnwick/Haldimand Approves Grafton Arena Rink Slab Replacement Project
Media Release
For Immediate Release
Grafton, ON – May 4, 2026 - The Council of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand is moving forward with a major upgrade to the Haldimand Community Memorial Arena in Grafton following Council’s approval of both the project financing plan and the contract award for the arena rink slab replacement at its meeting on April 28, 2026.
Council has awarded the construction contract to J. J. McGuire General Contractors Inc. in the amount of $2,257,000, plus HST, with an additional $75,000, plus HST, approved for the installation of a low emissivity ceiling to improve energy efficiency and ice performance. The total project cost is $2,332,000, plus HST.
The project will include:
• Demolition and replacement of the existing concrete rink slab;
• Upgrades to refrigeration and cooling systems;
• Installation of new rink boards and glass; and
• Addition of a low emissivity ceiling to improve energy efficiency and ice quality.
The Township has retained consulting firm Barry Bryan Associates to oversee the project from design through to completion. Following a competitive procurement process, five bids were received. The selected contractor was the lowest compliant bidder meeting all technical and submission requirements.
Construction is expected to begin in early May 2026, with substantial completion anticipated by the end of October 2026.
Quote from Mayor John Logel
“The approval of the arena renovation is really about people. Our families, our youth, our seniors, our local teams, and everyone who calls this community home.
For years, this arena has been a gathering place where friendships are formed, kids learn teamwork, and neighbors come together to cheer, celebrate, and connect. By moving forward with this renovation, we’re making sure that this space continues to serve our community for many years to come.
This project will create a safer, more welcoming, more reliable, and more accessible facility for everyone. The renovations will provide a reorganization of the players benches, penalty boxes and times keeper box that will allow for better interaction during games. Just as importantly, we’re upgrading the building in a way that’s more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible, because taking care of our shared spaces also means taking care of our future.
We’ve heard from many of you throughout this process, and your voices helped shape this decision. At the end of the day, this isn’t just about renovating a building, it’s about strengthening our Township.
Thank you to Council, staff and community members for sharing their ideas, passion, and support. I look forward to seeing this space continue to bring us together.” – Mayor John Logel
In tandem with the contract award, Council has approved a financing strategy that balances fiscal responsibility with project certainty. The Township will pursue a combination of community fundraising and long-term debenture financing through Infrastructure Ontario, with approval secured for borrowing up to the full project cost if required.
To support cash flow during construction, the Township may temporarily utilize reserves, which will be replenished once debenture funds or donations are received.
The arena renewal project directly supports the Township’s strategic priorities, including maintaining critical infrastructure, enhancing recreational services, and strengthening community engagement.
Residents are encouraged to follow updates as construction progresses and to participate in ongoing community fundraising efforts in support of the project.
For meeting agendas and minutes of Council meetings, please visit https://alnwickhaldimand.civicweb.net/portal
Residents can also watch Council meetings on the Township’s YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/@alnwickhaldimandtownshipah6784
For more information, please contact:
Dave Dawson, CAO/Fire Chief
The Corporation of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand
PO Box 70, 10836 County Rd 2 Grafton, ON K0K K20
T: 905-349-2822
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2026 Municipal election: Free training session for prospective candidates and third party advertisers
Cobourg, ON – April 29, 2026 – Thinking about running for municipal office or getting involved in the upcoming 2026 municipal election? Northumberland County and its seven member municipalities are inviting residents to learn more about participating in the upcoming 2026 municipal election.
Individuals considering running as a candidate – or registering as a third party advertiser – in one of Northumberland County’s municipalities are encouraged to attend a free training session offered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH).
This informative session will provide a clear overview of the rules, responsibilities, and requirements associated with participating in a municipal election, helping attendees feel confident and prepared.
The formal presentation will run for approximately one hour and will be followed by a 30-minute question-and-answer period. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with representatives from Northumberland County and each member municipality, who will be available to answer questions and share municipality-specific election information.
Event details:
· Free In-person and virtual event
· Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
· Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Meeting information:
In-person
Council Chambers
555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg
Virtual Zoom information
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81955138257?pwd=Fnm7ZRBvae8hi3fZWjdt0Db5B9vwcZ.1
Meeting ID: 819 5513 8257
Passcode: 709556
1-855-703-8985 Canada Toll-free
We encourage anyone interested to attend, to obtain the information needed to properly prepare for the 2026 municipal elections.
Prescribed burn in Northumberland County Forest to support restoration and growth of native habitats
Cobourg, ON – April 23, 2026 – Northumberland County will be conducting prescribed (controlled) burns in the Northumberland County Forest this spring to help enhance and protect rare ecosystems in the forest.
Where and when
· Timing: Late April – early May, depending on weather conditions (as early as April 27th).
· The burn is planned within Northumberland County Forest (near Beagle Club Trailhead) in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand.
What to expect
· Temporary trail closures may occur at Beagle Club Trailhead during active burns – please check the @Northumberland Forest Facebook page for closure notices before visiting the trailhead.
· Smoke may be visible in the area during operations.
· All burns are carefully monitored and conducted by Lands and Forests Consulting and follow strict safety protocols.
Why this work is important
· Prescribed burns help restore and protect the rare ecosystems in the Forest, such as oak savannah, oak woodland, and tallgrass prairie.
· These controlled ground fires remove invasive plants and excess vegetation, while native species are protected from the fire by their naturally thick bark and deep roots.
· Prescribed burns are a recommended conservation and hazard reduction practice to reduce the risk of wildfire, increase the amount of sunlight reaching the forest floor and encourage the growth of native species.
Questions?
· Contact Northumberland County Natural Heritage team forest@northumberland.ca.
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For more information:
Kate Campbell
Director, Communications
Northumberland County
Phone: 905-372-3329 x2335
Email: campbellk@northumberland.ca
Web: northumberland.ca
About Northumberland County
Located on the traditional territory of the Mississauga, Northumberland County is a thriving community just one hour east of Toronto along Highway 401, with easy access to urban centres to the north, east and west. As the upper tier level of municipal government for the region, Northumberland County’s vision is to bring together people, partnerships and possibilities for a strong and vibrant Northumberland. Our community includes seven distinct yet complementary municipalities, with County Council comprised of the Mayors of each of these member municipalities:
• Township of Alnwick/Haldimand
• Municipality of Brighton
• Town of Cobourg
• Township of Cramahe
• Township of Hamilton
• Municipality of Port Hope
• Municipality of Trent Hills
*Past News and Notices have been archived.