Alnwick/Haldimand Township says a direct threat against staff prompted the temporary closure of the municipal office in Grafton to unrestricted public access.
The township first announced the closure June 9, citing safety concerns for employees. A day later, officials confirmed threats against staff were responsible for the decision and said the office would remain closed until additional security measures could be implemented.
The situation follows concerns that have been building for months. In October 2025, council reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, intimidation and abuse directed at township staff after a series of incidents involving municipal employees.
CAO Dave Dawson says the latest decision was driven by the township’s responsibility to protect workers.
Despite the closure, Dawson says township services remain available. “So we closed the municipal office to free public access. We did not close it to services. So customers, residents can still come to the front door, phone the front desk, and they’ll be let in and offered service as they require.”
Dawson also expressed concern about the role social media can play in spreading misinformation and escalating tensions around local issues.
“There’s no filter and there’s no checking of the information before it’s actually published.” says Dawson. “And the accountability of posting such information doesn’t seem to exist today.”
The township says it is working to improve security at the municipal office and hopes to fully restore public access once those measures are in place.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
