NewsNow E-Edition Apri 30 2026

BUY CANADIAN

Going old school

Where the water meets the land

By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow

Nelles Manor Museum volunteer Tony Crowle shows seven-year-old Lennon Kamermans how to work a Kwikprint hot stamping machine. The exhibition was part of Saturday’s 2026 Wayzgoose - the annual showcase of all things printing - at Grimsby Public Art Gallery. For more coverage, please turn to Page 17. Loree - Photo See MEETING, Page 3

MEETING

From Page 1 -ing alongside Conservation Ontario, Indigenous partners, municipalities and regional collaborators.

The project will combine shoreline analysis and high-end modelling based on data, “but local knowledge will validate what we’re saying on the technical side,” said project manager Brendan Buggeln, NPCA manager of Natural Hazard Management and Resiliency. “I want to leverage public knowledge to really understand where the problems are,” Buggeln said. They are truly the experts.”

The community is invited to share that knowledge and meet project teams at an open house, Tuesday, May 5, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre in Grimsby.

Funded through Natural Resources Canada, the Coastal Resilience Management Plan covers a dynamic 100-km stretch from Oakville to Niagara-onthe-Lake and will identify short and long-term actions tailored to each community.

“We want to look at the possible impact of climate change on the shoreline and engage with the community to make sure we preserve all the things they value about the shoreline,” Buggeln said.

That could include a range of options from a hard barrier to a fully naturalized shoreline. “The resilience plan will depend on what we hear from

quent and severe weather events. “We need to get our plans in place, come up with policies and how to react,” Buggeln said.

The project was launched last July and the team anticipates returning to the community in the fall of 2027 with a coastal resilience management plan that will offer recommendations and a roadmap for implementation.

“Our work is rooted in protecting people and property from natural hazards, and this project is an important step in continuing that mandate along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Community input will be critical to its success – local knowledge helps us better understand how the shoreline is changing and what matters most to the people who live, work, and spend time here,” said Leilani Lee-Yates, NPCA CAO and secretary treasurer.

“Community perspectives are at the heart of this project,” said Erika Navarro, supervisor of communications and public relations for the NPCA. There are three ways to get involved.

Additional open houses include: May 5, 2:30-5 p.m., Club Lasalle, St. Catharines; May 6, 6-8:30 p.m., Hamilton Museum of Steam, Hamilton; May 7, 2-4:30 p.m., Trafalgar park Community Centre, Oakville; and May 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Burlington Seniors’ Centre, Burlington.

Residents can access an interactive social map to ‘drop a pin’ on areas they know from their own experience that are affected by flooding or erosion, where access may be limited or difficult, or areas they value and visit.

“We have 95 pins on the map. You can tell the community has been waiting for this work, feels engaged and empowered to participate,” Navarro said.

There will also be a detailed community survey available on the website. Survey participants will be eligible to win a prize pack with a variety of swag, membership passes and day passes .

“Just as important as the science is the lived experience of the people who know this shoreline best,” Navarro said. “How you use the shoreline, what you value, and where you’ve seen changes over time all play a critical role in shaping effective locally relevant solutions.”

Access the map/project details at: lakeontariocoastal.ca

VINELAND NURSERIES

The Woolverton deferred at Grimsby council

Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan stepped down from the chair to move a deferral on The Woolverton apartment project at the beginning of Monday’s council meeting.

Jordan called for part of the April 22 Planning Committee minutes and a couple of related bylaws be deferred to the May 6 Planning Committee “to allow for public consultation and a clarification of the NEC (Niagara Escarpment Commission) comments.”

Jordan said his move was necessitated by concerns raised by the NEC

about “the building massing and the associated encroachment on views of the Escarpment from Mountain/ Christie Street,” - as noted in a report by Grimsby planner Sawroop Sandhu. A motion to defer preempts all debate and discussion on the matter at hand, so a motion to allow two delegations on the matter that night were not brought forward and there was no debate of the housing project. Coun. Lianne Vardy was the only one opposed to the deferral motion approved 7-1. Coun. Jennifer Korstanje was absent.

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STATELY 2.5 STOREY GEORGIANSTYLE HISTORICAL HOME

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3 BEDROOM 4 BATH TOWNHOME in Stoney Creek's Most Desirable east-end neighbourhoods! Nestled at the end of quiet culde-sac and backing onto parkland. Beautifully finished topto-bottom with pride of ownership evident throughout. Move in ready! $599,900

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Audience members turn to photograph a red-tailed hawk handled by 11-year-old June Heffernan, one of the unique demonstrations at Grimsby Regional Spring Home & Garden Show.

Home show packs PKC

The inaugural Grimsby Regional Spring Home & Garden Show went off without a hitch last weekend.

“We received some glowing comments from show visitors as they left the event. People enjoyed the great variety of exhibitors and they thought the show looked very professional,” said Dave Jenkins, president, Jenkins Show Productions.

“In addition to a super line up of local businesses we also brought in the educational Canadian Raptor Conservancy live birds of prey shows. And we were very thrilled to have chef Pino Di Cerbo from MasterChef Canada doing cooking demonstrations all weekend. All in all, it was a terrific show showcasing what a terrific community Grimsby is. We will be back next spring for sure!

Pouian Forouzan Mehr, left, and Arshia Afshin work the Pika Pika Foods booth and its spread of mediterranean snacks, at the Grimsby home show.

Celebrity chef Pino Di Cerbo demonstrates some cooking techniques while prepping desserts for an attentive audience.

With immense gratitude, we are thrilled to share that together, we have raised $1,000,000 through the Shine On fundraising initiative in celebration of 50 years of Harmony Jewellers.

What began as a milestone celebration has become something far greater - a community coming together to support two important healthcare pillars in our community: the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital and McNally House Hospice. To everyone who donated, bid, attended, sponsored, volunteered, or shared our message: thank you for helping us shine brighter than ever.

The Power of Your Support in Transforming Local Care

KEVIN LUTTEJEHUIZEN

Owner Harmony Jewellers

We are deeply impressed by how our community united, demonstrating both remarkable generosity and a strong collective commitment.

Together, McNally House Hospice and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital form a true Campus of Care, supporting individuals and families at di erent stages of their journey, and ensuring that when needs change, care remains close to home.

As Harmony Jewellers celebrates 50 years, am filled with gratitude to be part of such a caring and generous community. It is a privilege to share this milestone with you while supporting two important pillars of healthcare that provide comfort, care, and hope across West Niagara.

To see our community come together with such generosity and purpose was incredibly moving. We are especially grateful to Kevin and Kaitlyn Luttjehuizen for choosing the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation and McNally House Hospice as their charities of choice. What stood out most was not just the remarkable one million dollars raised, but the spirit behind it. People gave in a way that was both personal and deeply meaningful.

MURRAY BAIN

Board Chair McNally House Hospice

KEVIN ANTONIDES

Board Chair WLMH Foundation

Supporting McNally House Hospice’s new build and expansion to meet growing community needs, including cuddle beds, double-wide hospital beds that allow loved ones to stay close and share comfort in life’s final moments.

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital's critical priorities, including new inpatient beds, a leading-edge spine surgery program, and a portable ultrasound, each one directly impacting patient experience and access to care.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

when homeowners peruse their bank statements after selling

According to a recent remodeling impact report dealing with outdoor features, standard lawn care service yields an estimated cost recovery of 217 per cent.

Landscape maintenance, with an estimated cost recovery of 104 per cent, and an overall landscape upgrade (100 percent) also yield great returns for homeowners.

The report also noted the effects of such projects related to homeowners’ desire to spend time on their property.

Among homeowners who participated in the report and committed to standard lawn care service, 58 per cent indicated they had a greater desire to be at home since completing the project, while 46 per cent indicated they have an increased sense of enjoyment when spending time at home.

Spring planting pointers

Each spring presents an opportunity for homeowners to get back outside and tend to their gardens. Here are a few tips to help with planting:

• Start with the soil. Winter can take its toll on a garden.

Clear rocks and other debris from the area before loosening the

soil about eight inches deep if plantings are new. An existing garden may only need to be loosened about six inches, after which homeowners can mix compost into the soil in early spring.

• Take soil temperatures. Unpredictable weather is among the noticeable effects

HOME IMPROVEMENT

of climate change in recent years. That lack of predictability can make spring planting a little more tricky than it once was.

Experts note that soil temperatures around 50 F are best for coolseason crops, while soil should be 60 F or

warmer when planting warm-weather plants such as tomatoes.

· Work with a garden center to identify what to plant. Such a consultation can be especially useful for homeowners planting a new garden.

See GARDEN Page 16

HOME IMPROVEMENT

GARDEN

From Page 15 Landscapers and garden center professionals will know which plants work in the local climate.

• Consider planting vegetables in the spring. Various garden experts note that

spring is an ideal time to plant a vegetable garden. If planted at the right time, a vegetable garden can save homeowners money on grocery bills and provide a season’s worth of fresh veggies. Lettuce and spinach are sunand shade-friendly vegetables, which can make them good options for a spring garden. Cool-season root vegetables, which include beets, carrots and swiss chard, are some other notable veggies that can thrive in early spring.

Grimsby’s Wayzgoose draws visitors from afar

By Evan Loree

West Lincoln firefighters serve up BBQ Caistor style

Volunteer Emily Keunen shows off a complete meal with fries, sausage, a burger and pulled pork at West Lincoln firefighters drive-thru BBQ fundraiser on Saturday at Caistor firehall.

Roll into your next favourite hobby with the Grimsby Lawn Bowling Club!

Drop-in & learn how to play!

Try your hand at a few bowls and register for the season.

Season opens: May 18 | 1PM-4PM

Brad

off a barbecue

WED. MAY 13 6:30PM-8:30PM SAT. MAY 16 1PM-4PM

Know an outstanding West Lincoln resident who generously volunteers their time and talent for the betterment of our community? Nominate them for a Community Recognition Award!

Categories:

• Cultural (3 age subcategories)

• Recreation/Sports (3 age subcategories)

• General Volunteerism (3 age subcategories)

• General Youth Community Engagement (15 & under)

Fill out or download a nomination form online or pick up a paper copy at Township Administration, the West Lincoln Community Centre or any West Lincoln Public Library branch. Nominations close at 4 p.m. on May 14, 2026.

Visit www.westlincoln.ca/communityawards for full contest details

West Lincoln adopts affordable housing plan

West Lincoln approved an affordable housing plan to give a blueprint to encourage a variety of housing models at its Monday, April 27 meeting.

The plan establishes a framework, project area and incentives for improving housing affordability and housing access within the Township. This is done in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning Act, which allows the Township to designate specific areas for improvement.

The plan also allows for provision

of financial incentives to landowners within that area to assist with improvement and certain types of development, redevelopment, construction or reconstruction.

“This is an important step forward in making West Lincoln a more inclusive and attainable place to live,” says Mayor Cheryl Ganann.

“By encouraging the development of a wider range of housing options, we’re supporting our residents today while planning responsibly for future growth.”

Learn To Lawn Bowl Open House

Beamsville Lawn Bowling Club - at 5088 Park Avenueinvites all Lincoln adults (not just Seniors) to come out and have fun learning to Lawn Bowl. Meet our members while we introduce you to the sport.

Come visit any or all of the following Open Houses –

• Saturday, May 9 - 1:30-4:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, May 19 - 1:30-4:30 p.m.

• Monday, June 1 - 6:30-9 p.m.

We look forward to meeting you.

Questions? Please email Brad Emmett:

Answer the call. Volunteer

OBITUARIES

Stanley “Lenny” AndruSiw

Husband, Dad, Papa, Brother, Friend, Coach & Athlete. Stanley “Lenny” Andrusiw passed away on Friday the 24th of April 2026 a few short days of his 89th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication. Lenny is survived by his Beautiful wife of 61 years, Anne (Lagan), and his children Christine (Dan) Gazzola, Lea-Anne, and Paul (Alenka) Andrusiw. Lenny was extremely proud of his grandchildren Matt (Rebecca), Sam (Jenny), Nicholas (Vanessa), Noah, Ella, and Krysia. Brother Donny (Mary-Lou) Andrusiw Late sister, Dorothy ( Chester) Gdanski And many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Lenny spent many years running the Jordan House with his father, enjoying a bachelor lifestyle until he met the love of his life at a dance in Grimsby. Together, they built a beautiful life in Vineland, raising three incredible children. Lenny was a passionate golfer and a lifetime member at 20 Valley Golf & Country Club. He dedicated 34 yrs of his adult life to working at TRW as a tool and die maker and was known for his athleticism.

In the last seven years, Lenny has faced several challenges with his health Which he met with Grace and always a smile on his face

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who assisted in his care over the past few years, including the PSWs and nurses at Saint Elizabeth, and especially Dr. Lepp. The outpour of love from friends, family, and neighbours has been so comforting and appreciated.

OBITUARIES

Baran, James (Jim) roy

James (Jim) Roy Baran passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026 in his 91st year. Jim was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Glenda, and his brothers Steve (Margaret) and Peter (the late Ann) and an infant sister, Katarina. He is survived by his children, Joni and Mike, and his grandchildren, Dayna, Riley and Jack.

Jim was born in Hamilton and moved to Grimsby in 1958 after marrying Glenda who he met while playing hockey for the Grimsby Peach Kings. In addition to hockey, Jim also played senior competitive baseball in the 1960s. Jim served as a volunteer firefighter on the Grimsby Fire Department for 15 years and was a long-time member of Twenty Valley Golf and Country Club.

Many thanks to the staff at Shalom Manor in Grimsby for their exceptional care and compassion over the last seven years of Jim’s life.

Cremation has taken place. If desired, memorial donations can be made to Shalom Manor.

Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com

APT. FOR RENT

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CARS

CARS, TRuCkS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. we pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.

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GARAGE SALE & mOvInG SALE

Saturday, may 2, 2026

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 1 Shoreline Crescent, Grimsby. No previews or pre-sales prior to Saturday @ 8 a.m. We are moving and downsizing. Variety of household items.

LANDSCAPING

LAwn ROLLInG & AERATIOn. Front & back yard. Call Ken 905-957-5731.

GARdEn CLEAn-uP, garden design, Garden edging and mulching. trees/bushes trim and cut. Clean gutters and evesdrop. Pressure washing. 289-6689160

The family invites all to celebrate Lenny‘s life at Tallman Funeral Home (3277 King St Vineland) on Thursday, April 30 Visitation 11 o’clock Memorial Service at 12 noon followed by a luncheon in the Fireside Room.

The family would appreciate any donations to be directed to the Village of Hope Niagara or a charity of your families choice.

Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

ROn’S TREE & ShRub SERvICE Removal, pruning, stump grinding, shrub care. Call Ron 905-563-4593

STRuGGLInG wITh huRTS, hAnG-uPS OR hAbITS? “Celebrate Recovery (CR)” 12 step Christian Recovery for Healing, Help and Hope. ALL WELCOME! Wednesdays at 7 pm. Forestview Community Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby. For info. or help, CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca 905945-9529

SCRAP REMOVAL

RubbISh & Junk REmOvAL. Call Ken 905-973-3235

PLOTS FOR RENT

Tired of over paying for vegetables at the grocery store? Time to look at growing your own!! Plots are available at Christ Our Saviour Lutheran Church. 905-945-8931

T&G LAndSCAPInG Lawn Maintenance, Sod and Lawn Work, Top Seeding Aerating & Fertilizing, Fences and Decks, Snowplowing, Fire wood for sale. Leaky Basement. frank Tirimacco 905-651-4410 tgland@hotmail.com

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NPCA needs to act now on Gibson St. steps: reader

Dear Editor, Beamer was gifted to the people of Grimsby, and it stands out for its uniqueness in so many ways.

into the tranquility that awaits.

Managing Director: M. Andrew Gauthier Funeral Director: Tom C. Merritt 905-957-7031 www.merritt-fh.com

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The one that is relevant at this time is its accessibility from downtown. You can enter the conservation area directly from downtown Grimsby via the Gibson side trail.

This connection not only makes the conservation area readily available to residents and visitors alike, but it also amplifies a sense of community –the regulars and the visitors who meet at the Gibson entry point and hike up to Beamer.

I count myself in the group of regulars – 3-5 times a week –who walk up the Gibson side trail just steps from downtown and

It is as if you step through a door at the Gibson trail entrance where you are wrapped in nature, embraced by the creek, the straight as an arrow tree and an active community of wildlife inhabitants. The Gibson side trail is a real reconnector - a threshold into nature at our collective doorstep.

The Gibson side trail gives a new meaning to the term accessible; in that it starts downtown. The welcome mat is always there with the residents living on Gibson Street always welcoming and patient with visiting hikers and greet the

See BEAMER, Page 23

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45 Main St. West, Grimsby, ON, L3M 1R3 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848

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Grimsby will run out of road to kick Woolverton can down

A lot of good stuff happening in West Lincoln - great to see - with the firefighter barbecue, action on affordable housing, this weekend’s upcoming food drive for West Lincoln Community Care....lots.

I am sorry to say, you don’t see comments from Mayor Cheryl Ganann’s luncheon this week and that’s on me, which I will leave for the end of this piece, but it will be in next week.

Main between Christie and Elm. I’ve been saying onstreet parking is crucial since the prior DIA developed a plan that kept Main Street spots and added 18 more down Ontario - but that fell on deaf ears.

So why worry about parking now?

Chipping away

Caistor Fire Station 2 Capt. Keith Tilstra chips potatoes into a bucket before they head to the deep fryers. The work was part of the West Lincoln firefighter’s fundraising BBQ, which included the works - brisket, pulled pork, sausage, fries, beans, coleslaw, buns and dessert - all homemade by the firefighters. Nice work! Loree - Photo

The heart of this week’s piece is more of a non-action taken by Grimsby council on Monday.

The Woolverton apartment building development got the deferral shuffle down to Buffalo (aka planning committee). This is not to say, necessarily, that it is wrong, but there are definitely questions.

Mayor Jeff Jordan stepped down from the chair to set the deferral in motion right off the hop - a good strategy to head off any pre-election grandstanding which was undoubtedly planned since it the May 1 campaign season seems to have kick-started weeks, if not months, ago.

Two things stuck out for me in his presentation of the motion, or the background of to them anyways.

The main point, I am sure, is his contention Niagara Escarpment Commission’s views need to be obtained and understood. What concerns me is a comment in a planner’s report noting NEC has concerns about view impact.

Sure, everyone has concern about view impact, but

it also needs to be noted nobody has a right to a view. That is not a planning matter on which anyone will win at an Ontario Land Tribunal appeal. So, when it is noted NEC has concerns about the building’s massing as it relates to a view, OLT’s view will be “tough cookies”. That begs the question, why hold it up. If the building is living by planning guidelines to get the height approved, then view impact is moot. This does not mean any resident’s concern for it is unjustified. It just means by today’s planning principles it is a losing card to play in the planning process.

The traffic stuff, the parking stuff...that is part of it, but it has been hashed and rehashed. If council wants to start worrying about downtown parking they never would have agreed to see a Main Street renovation plan do away with most of the on-street parking residents enjoy so much when they need to pop in somewhere to pick something up or run an errand. Main Street will go from 30 spots to about a half dozen on each side of

Coun. Reg Freake raised a concern - which was really more of a passing comment as debate is not allowed on a deferral motion, but he was right.

What about the project going straight to the Ontario Land Tribunal?

There are a lot of things to like about The Woolverton project - just as there were about Century Condos when it got hung up for years. But scrutiny is a good thing. When it becomes counterproductive is where OLT rides in whatever kind of horse a developer-friendly entity rides and says, “This appeal shall not pass!”

I cannot believe I am making a Lord of The Rings reference, but this is what it’s come to...

* * * * * *

Down side, I was ill enough last week I had to go to WLMH Saturday night.

The upside: the staff in ER were great. Respiratory specialist Shelley was very patient with me, which I appreciated since I could hardly breathe. Puffer, antibiotics and a steroid to chisel at a tough lung issue got to about 50 per cent for deadline, so I’ll take it over the alternative. Sorry Mayor Ganann, your piece was a casualty. Will get it in May 7.

BEAMER

From Page 21 regular hikers by name – truly a sense of community.

Once you step onto the trail, you start a climb at first gently but still going up – some 300 metres. On the Gibson trail the creek and trees and trail itself command your attention. The exposed tree roots grip the soil in the trail and wind around rocks and juts in the trail.

The Gibson hike is always inspiring as it changes with the seasons: running along the creek which roars with spring runoff and goes bone dry and quiet in summer before it is covered with ice in winter.

Then there are the trees. The Carolinian canopy. It is the largest stand of trees in the Town. Hikers on Gibson watch their leaves go from spring green to summer fullness to a riot of fall colours to bare branches in the winter that glisten with the rain and snow.

The Gibson trail demands your attention in other ways—you cannot simply look at your phone as you hike Gibson. The trail is covered with doglegged sec-

tions, exposed rocks, and tricky root coverage along the way.

Then there are the steps. The first set of steps is long and gentle, but the second set of twenty steps is steep, climbing straight up before levelling off. The final sixteen steps require a big push to reach the top. The reward is arriving surrounded by natural sounds and sights. Inhale and breathe.

The Gibson side trail is more than just a side door to enter Beamer. It is an experience onto itself and a point of uniqueness. The experience it provides can’t be copied.

Let’s not spend millions of dollars and time overengineering the replacement of the Gibson steps. Let’s work with nature to reinstall simple steps and intrude as minimally as possible on a unique and special nature of the Gibson trail. Let’s work to ensure this impressive link between our urban area and the Beamer conservation area is as natural and fits in with the natural setting that is Gibson side trail and Beamer conservation area.

Marilyn McCrea