> Main Street landlord told to remove sign, Town says sign OK /Pg 7 > Lincoln approves odour bylaw Pg 3 > COVID forces WLMH OR closure Pg 4 > Long-time volunteer now needs help Pg 11 Thursday, April 22, 2021 Vol. 9 Issue 50
www.wn3.ca 100% Niagara owned & operated.
Proudly serving Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Winona
Circ: 26,529
Climate protest at RBC scrubbed out By Tristan Marks NewsNow The Town of Grimsby sent in the big guns to ensure a public Grimsby sidewalk was clean and clear - of chalk. Sophie Krouse stood outside RBC last week to raise awareness of Canadian banks investments in the fossil fuel industry. The bank responded by calling the Town’s bylaw department which called the Niagara Regional Police (NRP) who ordered the Town to send a scrubbing vehicle to clear chalk messages left on public sidewalks in front of the St. Andrews Ave. branch. Krouse, a Grimsby Secondary School student, was protesting billion dollar investments made by banks such as RBC into fossil fuels, when she was threatened with a Mischief charge for graffiti on public property. She said she arrived at the branch around 1:45 p.m. to close her
Sophie Krouse was surprised to see Niagara Regional Police officers show up at Grimsby’s Royal Bank branch, told her sidewalk chalk messages were vandalism and she could face charges. Minutes later, public works showed up in a sidewalk sweeper to wipe away the messages. Marks - Photo account with RBC and chalking slogans on two NRP vehicles and and were threaten- “police intimidation”. began to set up her the nearby public side- a Grimsby bylaw truck ing to charge me,” Thing is, Sophie protest. walk while handing out arrived at the scene. said Sophie, who later said she did her due She said this involved fliers to pedestrians. “They said I vandal- described the interac- diligence to ensure holding up signs and Within 30 minutes, ized town property tion as an example of See PROTEST, Page 2
Decision to make Mayor Jordan pay “not enforceable” By Mike Williscraft NewsNow “The resolution is not enforceable, correct?” “That’s correct.” That exchange at Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting between Grimsby Coun. Lianne Vardy and the Town’s legal coun-
sel John Mascarin summarized and capped a long and heated matter regarding a push by a majority of council to force Mayor Jeff Jordan to pay a series of invoices connected to a phone call he made. The call was found to be in breach of the Town’s code of conduct, but was “trivial and not of conse-
quence” by then-Integrity Commissioner Charles Harnick, who was subsequently relieved of this duties a short time later after a closed session debate on his tenure. Mascarin attended Monday’ meeting to speak to his 10-page review of the legality of a motion approved by council 5-4 to have the
mayor pay $1,302.62 in bills which resulted from a phone call made after his confidential emails somehow turned up at the home of Coun. Kevin Ritchie. The emails were discussed in a closed session of council, with Ritchie choosing not to return the information, claiming that See $1,302.62, Page 5
Page 2 • NewsNow • Thursday, April 22, 2021
PROTEST
From Page 1 everything she was doing that day was perfectly legal. She followed all social distancing rules, made sure she was the only protester as per social gathering rules, and made sure where she could legally put up posters and slogans. “I double and triplechecked that I was on public property,” Sophie said. She also noted that, although she only put up posters around the RBC branch where she knew it was legal, she saw bank employees going around tearing them down. “They took them all down, I have a video of it,” she said. The NRP officers first spoke to RBC staff, then to Sophie. Shortly after, a street scrubber vehicle arrived at the scene to thoroughly scour the sidewalk of chalk. Sophie’s mother, Melissa Krouse was also on the scene and watched it unfold. She said that, as a long-time Grimsby resi-
dent, she was shocked at how the police and Town employees reacted. “I was so surprised, to be honest,” said Melissa. “We researched the legality. We considered very carefully to make sure Sophie wasn’t doing anything wrong. I’m just shocked that the bylaw officer thought it was worth sending out a scrubber just for chalk.” Later on, the Krouses reached out to the Town about the incident. “My Dad and I took it upon ourselves to contact bylaw to see if there were any laws relating to chalking, and there is absolutely no regulation or bylaw condemning such acts on public/city sidewalks,” said Sophie. Grimsby director of planning, Antonietta Minichillo said the NRP Officers, “warned the individual because the writing on the sidewalk was considered ‘mischief’ under the Criminal Code of Canada.” A spokesperson for RBC, Cheryl Brean, said, “When a protest is oc-
curring at or near one of our branch locations we follow an established process to protect the well-being of everyone involved which includes notifying local police services.” Sophie’s protested on behalf of ‘Banking on a Better Future’, an organization that raises awareness of how much money Canadian banks pour into fossil fuels while also claiming to support “green initiatives”. She explained that Canada’s five biggest banks: RBC, TD, BMO, CIBC, Scotiabank have invested more than $700 billion into the fossil fuel industry altogether. “By convincing people to take their money out of these banks, we can hopefully convince the banks to pull their money out of fossil fuels,” she added. This confrontation may prove to have only strengthened Sophie’s resolve. “Next week I’m going to show up again with a bigger sign,” she said.
SRH HEALTH FOODS & WELLNESS CLINIC 80 Main St. W., Grimsby Ont. L3M 1R6
905-945-8951 • WWW.SRHHEALTH.CA ntial As an essee are w e servic rve open to se you!
1230 Barton St. E., Hamilton Ont. L8H 1V8
905-545-9857
NAKA LIPOSOMAL
• Helps the body to metabolize fats and proteins • Helps in the development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums • Helps in connective tissue formation • Helps in wound healing • An antioxidant for the maintenance of good health We follow ent m L L A governtocols! ro p COVID
GRIMSBY: Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am-6:00 Sat. 9:30 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday Closed
143 Lock St. E., Dunnville Ont. N1A 1J66
905-701-8513
Hours of Operation: Mon.-Fri. 9:30 am-5:00 Sat. 9:30 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday Closed
News Now • Thursday, April 22, 2021 • Page 3
Lincoln public nuisance bylaw tackles cannabis odour
By Tristan Marks NewsNow The Town of Lincoln’s new nuisance bylaw is an example of “a small town thinking big,” says Coun. Mike Mikolic. Lincoln council passed a comprehensive nuisance bylaw on Monday, which set fines and procedures for everything from knocking over waste containers to ‘light trespass’. The portion of the bylaw that received the most discussion at the preceding week’s Committee of the Whole meeting dealt with odour nuisance, particularly odour caused by cannabis grow ops. Municipal law enforcement manager Mike Barkway said this will give Lincoln bylaw officers “several authorities” via the Municipal Act to deal with complaints of cannabis odours coming from grow ops. According to the new procedure, once the Town’s bylaw office receives an odour complaint, it will review it and then assign an officer to investigate. That officer will then visit the site several
times at different parts of the day to determine the source of the smell. “The officer wouldn’t be able to, by the complaint on its own, say that the smell is coming from this property or x property or y property,” said Barkwell, explaining the need for multiple visits. Once the property causing the smell is properly identified, the officer will inform the owner of the complaint, and can request they install better odour mitigation or serve a noxious odour order. In the latter case, the property owner then has a set period of time to fix the issue or else the bylaw officer will charge them with a proposed fine of $500 for failure to comply. From there, the officer can keep periodically checking in on the property and charge them for every new instance of non-compliance. Coun. Paul MacPherson said he was pleased with the bylaw as a whole, but pointed out that the bylaw had to make exemptions for “normal agricultural use” as defined
by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). “So to clarify: if we have an odour issue at a cannabis facility and we go through this process, is there a point where a facility can lean on OMAFRA to support them in challenging the bylaw?” asked MacPherson. Barkwell explained that OMAFRA could not challenge or strike down the bylaw, but would rather decide on a case-by-case basis if a grow op could be considered “normal agricultural practice”. Furthermore, director of planning and development Matt Bruder said that constant cannabis cultivation and harvesting “goes beyond what those normal farming practices would be.” “When we drafted up this bylaw, we tried to recognize that there are those normal farm practices,” Bruder said. “But it’s not normal if something is repetitive and goes beyond normal farming seasons.” Coun. Adam Russell asked if
the bylaw could be applied to the odours caused by someone smoking cannabis or from the smell of plants being grown for personal use. According to federal law, any resident may grow up to four cannabis plants for their own use. Barkwell explained that the bylaw cannot apply to anything “trifling in nature”, although smoking cannabis could be charged in certain instances under existing smoking bylaw. Furthermore, he said the Town’s “hands were tied” in going after cannabis plants grown in a resident’s backyard as long as it was four or less plants. “It’s no different than having a mustard plant growing in your backyard,” Barkwell said. Mayor Easton expressed her disappointment that the bylaw was complaint-driven. “I do not want to see the citizens of Lincoln carrying the full responsibility- or any appreciable responsibility-for other people’s aberrant behaviour,” Easton said.
She said she preferred if the Town’s bylaw officers actively patrolled Lincoln to search for any offending grow ops. However, Barkwell said this kind of action would go beyond what is possible. “There needs to be a complaint to get the process started otherwise we are acting outside the public nuisance portion of the bylaw,” Barkwell said. He noted that, in the case of an illegal grow op, there would be a criminal investigation led by the NRP, with constant contact with the bylaw office. The motion to approve the bylaw passed unanimously. It also provides proposed fines for “light trespassing”nuisance caused to a residence by light shining from a neighbouring property- as well as attempts to knock over mail boxes, porta potties and similar installments. With the bylaw passed, the schedule of proposed fines will next go to the Ministry of the Attorney-General’s office for review.
Forward thinking about reverse mortgages
From one business owner to another I can help you find the insurance coverage and financial services your business needs to succeed.
1201462CN.2
Craig Budd Insurance Agency Ltd Craig Budd, Agent 49 Main St W Grimsby, ON L3M 1R3 905-309-4440 www.craigbudd.ca Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance or Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company, underwriter of life insurance and living benefits products. Desjardins, Desjardins Insurance and related trademarks are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence.
In 2015, I became a Certified Reverse Mortgage Specialist with HomeEquity Bank, so that I could help senior homeowners navigate the reverse mortgage solutions offered by this particular company. At that time, HomeEquity Bank was the sole provider of reverse mortgages in Canada and it has a strong alliance with CARP (the Canadian Association of Retired Persons). In 2020, HomeEquity Bank was recognized on canadianbusiness.com’s Growth List as one of Canada’s fastest growing companies - for the fifth consecutive year. The Growth List is compiled by ranking Canada’s fastest-growing companies by five-year revenue growth, profiling the country’s most successful entrepreneurial businesses. HomeEquity Bank has been the sole provider of reverse mortgages in Canada since 1986 up until several years ago, when a new provider entered the reverse mortgage market: Equitable Bank. So now, in addition to offering HomeEquity Bank reverse mortgage solutions, I am excited to announce that I also offer Equitable Bank reverse mortgages! Having access to two providers of reverse mortgages means more competitive interest rates, and continuing enhancements to the reverse mortgage product line-up that ultimately benefit you, the consumer. Reverse mortgages are ever evolving to meet the changing needs of senior homeowners. And, it is time to recognize reverse mortgages as a viable lending solution for senior homeowners. For your complimentary reverse mortgage review, please contact me. I welcome the opportunity to educate you on reverse mortgages. You can then determine if a reverse mortgage is the right solution for you at this time.
Margo Wynhofen, B.A.Econ., Principal Broker Verico
One Mortgage
Corp.
Each Verico Broker is an Independent owner operator ™ Trademarket of Vercio Financial Group Inc.
Verico One Mortgage Corp. FSCO License #10460
7 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, ON L3M 1K4 Tel: 905.309.8850 email: margo@mymortgageadvisor.ca www.mymortgageadvisor.ca
Page 4 • NewsNow • Thursday, April 22, 2021
WLMH ORs shutdown to max COVID capacities The pressure within Ontario and on our hospital due to COVID-19 is escalating rapidly and Hamilton Health Sciences is feeling it across its system - including West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. “HHS continues to create capacity for critical care and to ensure that the team members with the specialized skills and expertise re-
quired to care for the sickest patients are available and supported,” said Tom Perry of HHS’s communications & public affairs department. • HHS has been ramping down scheduled surgeries and non-emergent, non-urgent activities to be able to free-up staff for the response. • As of last Friday, April 16, the OR at WLMH was
temporarily closed and Labour and Delivery will also be temporarily redirected to Niagara Health in St. Catharines. • Patients will be advised by their health care provider about any changes to their care plan. • Any surgeries or procedures booked in the operating rooms at WLMH will be cancelled and rebooked. Additional information about
pausing scheduled care is available here. •Information for families expecting to deliver at WLMH during this time is available here. • Appointments and diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays and ECGs, will go forward as scheduled. All other hospital services remain open, including the emergency department.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of GBF Community Services. Every one plays a vital role in each area of our services. We couldn’t do what we do without them! On National Volunteer Week, we want to salute each of our loyal, dedicated and hard-working volunteers. Because of your dedication in serving your local community, your neighbours in need have food on their table and a roof over their heads through what has been one of the most challenging seasons for our community. To our volunteers who have had to step back for a season due to COVID-19, we understand that your health comes first, and we look forward to having you return when you are safely able.
“As always, we thank our staff, physicians and partners at Niagara Health for their ongoing flexibility, professionalism and support of our patients,” said Perry. Current HHS ICU capacity is at 94 per cent, with 102 beds occupied out of a total of 108. The effort continues across HHS as a whole to create capacity for critical care, and to ensure that the team members with the specialized skills and expertise required to care for the sickest patients are available and supported. These measures, while unwelcome by all of us, are necessary to respond to this third and most severe wave of the pandemic. Todate, approximately 40 staff have been redeployed to help care for
those during the third wave. “Patients should continue to attend their appointments. Patients will be contacted directly by their surgeon or a member of their care team if there is a change to their planned care. Our hospitals remain open and safe for everyone who needs emergency care,” said Perry. “We ask that you please register and get vaccinated as soon as you become eligible to do so, abide by public health restrictions that are in place, and continue to practice masking and physical distancing.” More information, including ICU capacity data, has been added to HHS’s website at https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/covid19/.
K9K9 Kouture roominG Kouture G GroominG inci.nc. Your K9 K9 Spa Your Spa
LET YOUR PET SHINE! LET PET SHINE! K9 KYOUR outure GroominG inc. Your K9 Spa
LET YOUR PET SHINE!
Join our monthly Tub Club!
Your monthly membership allows you unlimited bathes!* Call or text today to book! *some restrictions apply.
Join our Tub Club! ourmonthly monthly Tub Club! Cell:Join 905-309-0047 | K9KoutureGrooming@cogeco.ca
YourYour monthly allows monthly membership allows you you 45 Mainmembership Street W., Grimsby For those who would like to learn more about joining GBF’s volunteer unlimited ortext text today to book! Aunlimited Divisionbathes!* ofbathes!* K9 Kare Call Professional Pet Sitting Call or today to Services book!
*somerestrictions restrictions apply. *some apply. family after the current Provincial lockdown is lifted, we’d love to hear from you! We welcome individuals, students, service and church Cell: 905-309-0047 | K9KoutureGrooming@cogeco.ca Cell: 905-309-0047 | K9KoutureGrooming@cogeco.ca 45 Main Street W., Grimsby groups and corporate teams. 45 ofMain Street W., Grimsby A Division K9 Kare Professional Pet Sitting Services Give us a call today at 905-309-5664 ext. 28. A Division of K9 Kare Professional Pet Sitting Services Learn more at www.GBFgrimsby.com.
News Now • Thursday, April 22, 2021 • Page 5
$1,302.62 From Page 1 the information was now his. Key to Mascarin’s findings was the phrasing of the motion passed by council which said the mayor had to “pay” the prescribed amount as opposed to “suspension of pay”. He noted at several points in the meeting that councils only have two options when implementing sanctions for a code of conduct breach - reprimand or suspension of pay. Mascarin went through the process in detail and noted all was done by the book in terms of process, debate, vote and approval. The issue was with what was approved. Coun. Dave Sharpe, who made the motion and had the support of Councillors Dave Kadwell, John Dunstall, Randy Vaine and
Ritchie, acknowledged he made an error but noted he sought correction of that error both at the initial meeting it was made and when it came up in the meeting minutes to approved at the subsequent council meeting. On Monday night, Sharpe repeatedly blamed Coun. Dorothy Bothwell - at one point noting she “denied me to correct the motion” for the improper wording being the demise of the push to penalize Jordan. The motion Sharpe was referring to was a motion to lift the item from the COTW minutes so it could be revisited. That motion to lift was defeated with Dunstall, Bothwell, Vardy, Jordan and Coun. Reg Freake all voting against. This meant the motion was put to council as it was stated and it was approved as is.
However, with that wording, “It is a financial penalty and it is not authorized at law,” Mascarin said. The debate included more fireworks among councillors after Ritchie claimed the whole matter would not have come about if Jordan had not made any calls dealing with closed session information. Vardy noted the phone calls would not have been necessary if Ritchie had simply returned the confidential emails he happened to find in his possession. “I’m sorry, Coun. Ritchie, it was you who got this ball rolling,” said Vardy, noting all her comments were public information discussed during an IC debate. Ritchie demanded an apology, which Vardy refused. “You asked if I ‘wished to apologize’ and I do not,” said Vardy.
Your turn is coming soon.
VINELAND NURSERIES Spring Flowering Plants To Choose From: • Dogwood Trees - many varieties • Magnolia • Serviceberry • Crabapple • Witchhazel • Redbud Available: • Rhodos/Azaleas • Shrubs • Evergreens • Natives • Perennials • Japanese Maples
Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine plan is helping to stop the spread and save lives. Thousands of people across the province are getting vaccinated every day. As vaccinations continue, we need to stay the course to protect those we love. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Keep your distance.
MORE TO COME! Greenlane
JohnH
QEW
Victoria
CERTIFIED ARBORIST AVAILABLE FOR YOUR TREE PLANTING/ PRUNING QUESTIONS & NEEDS.
Competitive priCing Martin
Th e O r ig in a l 76 S in c e 19
N
4540 MARTIN RD., VINELAND STATION
Find out when, where and how to get vaccinated at ontario.ca/covidvaccineplan or call 1-888-999-6488 for assistance in more than 300 languages. Paid for by the Government of Ontario
(Just West of Victoria Ave.)
905-562-4836
Regular hours Mon. to Fri. 10AM. to 5PM. Sat./ Sun. 8AM. to 5PM.
32 Cawthra, Toronto, ON
Page 6 • NewsNow • Thursday, April 22, 2021
Notice of Study Completion Prudhomme Creek Erosion and Flood Control Works and a Road Stormwater Outlet Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Schedule ‘B’) (i.e. requiring an individual/comprehensive EA approval before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g. require further studies), only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests on other grounds will not be considered. Requests should include the requester contact information and full name.
SITE LOCATION
CE ES
CR
ESCE
NT
KL
EA
UC YS NE HO
ET
AZAL
E CR
UE EN E AV
RE
AL
ST
GLE
G
ND
KIN
VICTORIA AVENUE
ROAD
NT
RITTENHOUSE
CONTRACT # 2020016PW RITTENHOUSE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION TOWNSHIP OF LINCOLN
The Study:
CULVERT LOCATION
. 1964
The Town of Lincoln has competed a study to determine the best option for addressing existing flooding and erosion issues associated with Prudhomme Creek and to determine the best option for accommodating stormwater flows from Rittenhouse Road to Prudhomme Creek. This study was conducted as part of the design process in accordance with Section A.2.9 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This project followed Schedule B as defined by the Municipal Engineers Association’s guidelines set out in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011, 2018 and 2020.
Study Recommendation: Through an extensive evaluation process that included public engagement with local residents and other stakeholders, the study recommends the installation of two 1500 mm concrete box culverts within the existing stream channel over a distance of approximately 50 m. The culverts will extend from the south side of Rittenhouse Road where a 90 degree concrete wing wall will be installed, under the roadway to an area north of the dwellings located at 3521 and 3523 Rittenhouse Road.
Comments: Interested persons may provide written comments to our project team by May 13, 2021. All comments and concerns should be sent directly to Walter Neubauer, Manager of Engineering at the Town of Lincoln. In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for an order requiring a higher level of study
@TownofLincolnON
Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested (request for conditions or a request for an individual/comprehensive environmental assessment), how an order may prevent, mitigate or remedy potential adverse impacts on Aboriginal and treaty rights, and any information in support of the statements in the request. This will ensure that the ministry is able to efficiently begin reviewing the request. The request should be sent in writing or by email to: Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks 777 Bay Street, 5th Floor Toronto ON M7A 2J3 minister.mecp@ontario.ca
Director, Environmental Assessment Branch Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks 135 St. Clair Ave. W, 1st Floor Toronto ON, M4V 1P5 EABDirector@ontario.ca
Requests should also be copied to Walter Neubauer at the Town of Lincoln by mail or by e-mail. Please visit the ministry’s website for more information on requests for orders under section 16 of the Environmental Assessment Act at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/class-environmentalassessments-part-ii-order All personal information included in your request – such as name, address, telephone number and property location – is collected, under the authority of section 30 of the Environmental Assessment Act and is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public. As this information is collected for the purpose of a public record, the protection of personal information provided in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) does not apply (s.37). Personal information you submit will become part of a public record that is available to the general public unless you request that your personal information remain confidential.
This Notice first issued April 13, 2021
News Now • Thursday, April 22, 2021 • Page 7
NORTHERN TOUCH PAINTING PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL QUALITY RESIDENTIAL PAINTING, RENOVATIONS AND CLEANING SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. 22 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATIONS AND ROOFING. WORKING AT HEIGHTS CERTIFIED.
ALEXANDER LACHANCE 289 455 3741
Northerntouchpainting@outlook.com 28 Elizabeth Street Grimsby, Ontario • Painting • Residential Renovations • Drywall • Vinyl Wallpaper • Insulation • Interior • Exterior Cleaning • Power Washing
289 455 3741
Spri
Upgrade your Heating & Cooling System today and save up to $1200 per year on utilities
NATURALLY GAS LTD.
2020
BEST WEST
IN THE
The owner disagrees with that account. “I was definitely told I needed a sign permit for it. My wife was there, too, and she heard it,” said the property owner. He did not say if the sign will be returned to his front window.
DIAMOND AWARD
2019
BEST WEST
IN THE
the bylaw department, said a bylaw officer did deal with the matter, but maintained the landlord was not told the sign needed a permit. “The Town of Grimsby Sign By-law No. 97-45, Section 2.12 (e), states that no sign permit is required for sign within a building or mall. The Bylaw Department speaks to the property owners in cases where complaints are received and does its best to provide education and information,” noted Minichillo in an email response. “In response to multiple concerned residents about inappropriate signs in the downtown area, By-law Officers attended the property... The By-law Officer visited the property owner and asked if the owner would be willing to remove the sign because of multiple upset residents. We did not proceed with any enforcement as the sign itself did not require a permit.”
e! r e H s ng i
Get your Central Air tuned up today!
HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING
HEATING SPECIALIST TSSA Member
naturallygas04@gmail.com
NATURALLY GAS LTD.
www.naturallygasltd.com •905-945-8493
DIAMOND AWARD
2017/2018
BEST WEST
IN THE
By MIke Williscraft NewsNow Town of Grimsby and sign issues are continuing after a downtown property owner was told to remove a sign from his front window on April 9. “After last week’s April 8 article about the CAO firing some town employees I got the feeling that the town of Grimsby is being run like a dictatorship with no room for criticism,” said the landlord, who asked that his name not be published for concern of reprisal. “It took about six hours before a bylaw officer pulled into my driveway at home while I was having a tea with my wife on the front porch asking me if I owned (the property). which was in a company name, so they must have done some digging to find out who owned it. He told me he had a lot of calls because of that poster and that I either had to remove it or get a sign permit.” Antonietta Minichillo, Grimsby’s director of planning, who oversees
• Central Air • Gas Furnaces • Service • Ranges • Sales • Dryers • Installation • BBQ’s • Pool Heaters
DIAMOND AWARD
2015/2016 2015
BEST WEST
IN THE
He said/she said on downtown sign
DIAMOND AWARD
VIRTUAL Start
: Date th
April
24
We Thank You for Your Support
SATURDAY Th the Covid-19 pandemic, As we continue to navigate through APRIL 20 we at the Grimsby Firefighters Association felt it was our duty to
TO DONATE, GO TO: gofundme.com/f/2021-grimsby-firefighters-association-boot-drive
continue supporting and strengthening our community through this annual event. Our goal is to provide a Virtual outlet to help those chosen as this year’s recipients of the Grimsby Firefighters Association Boot Drive.
Grimsby FORT –
The Grimsby Life Centre
For more then 17 years, FORT has been providing an invaluable resource to our community through many avenues and programs with a focus on empowering our youth to make positive life choices and unlock their full potential. FORT is a not-for-profit centre, thus, help from our community is important to ensure centres like the FORT continue to thrive and be an integral support system for the youth of Grimsby.
Established in 1996, the Grimsby Life Centre has been a symbol of hope and strength in our community. Committed to compassionate care and support, The Grimsby Life Centre provides a vast array of resources through education and guidance for both individuals and families. These services are available at no cost, which is why, without the continued support of the community this centre would not be the success that it is today.
Foundation of Resources for Teens
Page 8 • NewsNow • Thursday, April 22, 2021
WINDOWS & SIDING SINCE 1966
Call 905.562.5831 for a FREE Estimate Visit us at: www.louwes.ca or 3435 King Street • Vineland
This Earth Day consider the Earth Today, April 22nd is Earth Day, an annual celebration of the ground we live on. It’s the time to be mindful of our good fortune in
Dean Allison Member of Parliament for Niagara West Contact Dean’s office for inquiries & assistance with: Federal Programs Legislation and Regulations Immigration and Citizenship Veteran’s Affairs Income Security Programs CPP, OAS, GIC Canada Revenue Agency Commemorative Certificates
having this spectacular planet for our home. When mankind inherited this planet, it was a pristine place, sparkling and beautiful. It was inevitable that as our population increased, there would be some changes, but we have been reckless and have done more damage than necessary. There are two places that I think of often. One is the Amazon rainforest, which is being stripped so that investors can mine for gold and other precious minerals. They seem to think that it doesn’t matter that there are people who have been living in the rainforest for thousands of years without damaging it. The prime minister of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, is using the Covid-19 disaster in his country to draw attention away
A Small Drop of Ink By Dorothy Turcotte from what is going on in the Amazon. The lives of his own people are no more important to him than those of the jungle. The other place that is on my mind is in Northern Ontario, part of our own province which is rich in precious minerals like gold. Grassy Narrows is in the news again. This community of indigenous Canadians has suffered for more than fifty years from the consequences of methylmercury released from a papermill about 150 miles upstream. The province has always promised to clean up the problem, but that may not be possible, even now. So
the people continue to live with a neurological disability known as Minamata disease. Now another problem has come to their community. Although a few years ago they drew up the Grassy Narrows Land Declaration banning mining from their territory, Trillium Gold Mines has applied to drill on their land. If the government of Ontario grants the necessary permission, the mine will go ahead anyway. Thanks, Doug Ford, for your pro-development policies. We have to protect our land from the greed and lack of compassion among developers. We also need to protect the people who lived here long before we came. Earth Day is the time to consider what we have done, and how we can make it right.
Are You Having Trouble Hearing? Smithville Hearing Clinic can help!
• Hearing Evaluations • Custom Hearing Protection
Hearing Aid Fitting and Repairs • NO doctors referrals needed We will match our competitors pricing
Constituency Office 4994 King Street, Box 880 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 905.563.7900
Toll Free 1.877.563.7900 info@deanallison.ca | www.deanallison.ca
#12-249 St Catharines St., Smithville
905-957-0235
www.smithvillehearingclinic.com
Karrinna Bourne-Cadman
Owner of Smithville Hearing Clinic
News Now • Thursday, April 22, 2021 • Page 9
Grimsby celebrates Earth Day with Goose Chase sions to complete around the Town. To participate, download the free Goose Chase app from the App Store or Google play and then enter game code B5KLK6 into it. Families may participate together as a team as they work through the scavenger hunt missions. Submit video, pic-
ture or text evidence to complete Goose Chase missions. As with last year, there will be prizes for the top three teams. Prizes are gift cards to the Grimsby business of the winners’ choice. • First place earns $100 • Second place earns $50 • Third place earns
$25 Check out the Town of Grimsby Facebook page for photos of teams completing their challenges around town. Event organizers ask that participants play safe and follow all COVID regulations. Submitted photos may be used by the Town for promotional purposes.
Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage
SHOP LOCAL SINCE 1989 Home Office
bilko@rgcmail.com www.bilko.ca
905-562-3000
3915 21st Street, Jordan
pick up some litter, and leave the bag at the top of the path when they are done. Please bring your own gloves, though,” said Sharpe. Sharpe added a similar effort he made at the Pumphouse trail bore fruit. “This past weekend I left a box of garbage bags at the pumphouse trail and, when I came back from my walk, a Good Samaritan had filled up a bag, left it there, and already gone home. So, a thank you to that anonymous person last weekend and a future thank you.”
Established in 2000
Interior and Exterior Call Anne
2019
BEST WEST DIAMOND AWARD
905-945-3782
www.glennspaintingservices.
THANK YOU TO OUR OUTSTANDING
VOLUNTEERS! VOLUNTEERS BUILD RESILIENT COMMUNITIES AT HOME COMMUNITY HOSPICE SERVICES SERVING WEST NIAGARA FOR OVER 35 YEARS!
We Pay Top $$ For Scrap Vehicles Used Auto & Truck Parts 9530 Silver St., Caistor Centre 905-957-8111 www.plazek.com
R.C.L Branch 612 Beamsville
Authentic Beer Battered Fish & Chips Friday, April 23th
1 piece for $11, 2 pieces for $15, tax included. Served with Coleslaw and dinner roll. Just drive in and you will be served from your car. Cash only please. Serving hours are 4:30-6:30 p.m. Order online through: menu@beamsvillelegion.ca Please visit our website: www.beamsvillelegion.ca 5545 Regional Rd. 81, Beamsville, Ont.
Bilkszto
Sales Representative
Glenn’s Painting Services
40-mile Creek clean-up Sun. The Friends of the Forty are looking for individuals to help tidy up the 40-mile Creek on Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon. Their area of focus for this effort will be the path behind Re/ Max that leads down to the train tracks bridge. Coun. Dave Sharpe, who helped organize the clean-up as a member of the Friends, said this is a “totally individual clean-up.” “We, the ‘Friends of the Forty’, leave a box of garbage bags at the top of the path on the landing behind Re/Max. Volunteers can come, grab a bag,
Larry
“BILKO”
Bus. 905-563-3330
IN THE
Looking for something fun to do this week? Celebrate Earth Day by taking part in the second annual Grimsby Goose Chase Challenge for fun and prizes. The event, which runs from April 16 to 25, gives participants a number of COVIDsafe, family-friendly scavenger hunt mis-
www.rosecottagevolunteers.com 289-566-9588 4289 Hixon St, Beamsville, ON
NOW OPEN
Page 10 • NewsNow • Thursday, April 22, 2021
OPEN DAILY 11 am 8 pm
Our hicken C r e t t Bu e for! i d o t is
Contact Us: 424 South Service, Road, Niagara Gateway Centre, Grimsby Tel: 905-309-3344 • www.maisonmumbai.com lassi
Refreshing Yogurt Beverages
Mumbai Frankie
Our Take on Tasty Burritos!
Punjabi Chick Peas
Call 905-304-3344 to order • Order online @: masionmumbai.com or
Our Lassi’s consist of yogurt, water and typically some spices and/or fruit. Add Kulfi (Indian ice cream) $2.00 Skip the Dishes Door Dash
News Now • Thursday, April 22, 2021 • Page 11
Long-time volunteer now in need of help By Mike Willscraft NewsNow It’s National Volunteer Week from April 18-24. For a man like Grimsby’s Adrian Thorp, who gave decades of service to Grimsby Town Youth Soccer Association and countless hours along the way, he may very well normally be in the process of organizing a “thank you” event or something similar for his beloved organization. Adrian retired from volunteering a few years ago due to deteriorating health issues, issues which now have him and his family at a point of significant need. “Five years ago my Dad began to lose his ability to move and the doctors haven’t been able to figure out why. The most comparable disease they have mentioned is ALS, though they still say it’s not that,” says Dawn Katchanoski, Adrian’s daughter, who has started a gofundme page to help generate funds to help cover costs of a wheelchair accessible vehicle, about $35,000. About $13,000 has been raised so far. Many in the community would also know Adrian’s wife, Marion, who had to retire from her long-time job at Grimsby Benevolent Fund just over a year ago to stay home to care for him. The family home was also sold in favour of a more accessible bungalow. “We’ve managed to renovate and to bring
a hospital bed into the home to make transferring easier,” said Dawn. The family has a personal support worker come in three times a day to help with the daily routine, but Dawn notes her parents would never ask for
support. “My parents will never ask for help but they are the first to help anyone who needs it. For over 25 years my Mom served the community through the GBF; my Dad through the Grimsby Soccer
Club. My hope is to be able to finally help them and raise money for a conversion vehicle that I know will forever change their lives.” If interested in supporting the campaign, go to: https://gofund.me/795e79f9
paperwork solutions plus Can help you manage your paperwork
• Personal Income Tax Preparation • Small Business Bookkeeping
Text: 905-975-8020
Email: carolgallino48@gmail.com • Phone: 905-945-0922
YOUNG MCNAMARA Barristers • Solictors • Notaries J. Christopher Young
Specializing in Family Law, Real Estate, Corporate and Wills & Estates
Main Office
18 Albert St. E., Thorold, ON L2V 1P1 T: 905-227-3777 • F: 905-227-5988 E: youngmcnamara@hotmail.com Grimsby T: 289-205-1265 • F: 905-227-5988
905.945.4161 www.grimsbyford.com
Proud grandpa Adrian Thorp opens a Christmas cracker with his granddaughter, five-year-old Halle Katchanoski.
Service you can count on!
Call for a FREE Estimate www.CharroisHeating.com
FOOD, FUN & SPIRITS
30 Main St. West, Grimsby
36 Main St. West, Grimsby
HAT TRICK HOCKEY Week Twelve
Be sure to look online at: wn3.ca to see the full standings, but here are some of the leaders and lucky random draw winners: • $10 gift certificate courtesy of Teddy’s Food, Fun & Spirits, Joshua Hodgkins • $10 gift certificate courtesy of Cole’s Florist, Isobel Berberick • $10 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire Grimsby, Audie Leenaars • Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Benny Weirsma • $10 Gift Card courtesy of Tim Hortons Grimsby, Anne Scott Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings. © NHLPA. Officially Licensed Product of the NHLPA. NHLPA, National Hockey League Players’ Association and the NHLPA logo are trademarks of the NHLPA
Top Standings
1. Kucharuk, Pete 831 2. Torkelson, Andy 806 3. Heinen, Eric 803 4. Devries, John 797 5. Hall, Connor Madelyn 797 6. Kusy, Dianne 787 7. Bailey, Mickey 784 8. Schilte, Tate 783 9. Grant, Daniel 776 10. Nixon, Sean 776
11. Stuive, Alex .............775 12. JDOG ......................774 13. Ruzylo, Rick 773 14. Bos, John 773 15. Hall, Howie 772 16. Bosiljevac, Natalie 771 17. Goulet, Mark 771 18. Bos, Charlie 769 19. Marshall, K.769 20. Jaskolka, Jonathan 768
Sponsored by: Grimsby Square Plaza
GRIMSBY
4 Locations to Serve You!
Family Owned & Operated
24 Main St. E. Grimsby 905-945-4478
7-63 Main St. West, Grimsby
1 Mountain Road Grimsby
147 Main St. East, Grimsby • 905-945-2219
Dr. Ches MacNeil
905-945-4875
drchesmacneil@gmail.com
Repair/Maintenance
Installation/Replacement
51 Red Haven Drive, Grimsby
Custom Duct Work
Phone: 289-442-6092
Page 12 • News Now • Thursday, April 22, 2021 obituarIES
FOR SALE
SALLY ANN DEWAR
Please call to place your Classified Ad
Circa 2007 - April 14, 2021
289-235-9500
289-687-9603
obituarIES
PRAYER
DON, Gertrude (Gertie)
Passed peacefully on April 12, 2021 at Shalom Manor, Grimsby in her 98th year. Beloved wife of the late Albert Don; mother of Henk (Mary), Rita Van Tuyl (Henk), and Marian Ball (Ted); grandmother of Matthew and Sheila, Jason and Jeff, and Tracy; great-grandmother of Lauren and Julia, Scott and Brennan, Matthew, Allison, Elle, Brooke, Hendrik and Heming. Sister of the late Bep Luyrink and Liny Hellingham. Special thanks to the staff at Mapleview in Shalom manor for their loving care and kindness. In lieu of donations or flowers, the family kindly requests that, in Gertie’s memory, you perform a random act of kindness. Online condolences at www. tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
VAN WEELDEN, James William
“For by grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) James William Van Weelden went to be with his Lord and Saviour, at McNally House Hospice in Grimsby on April 18, 2021, in his 99th year. Pastor Jim was the beloved husband of Adriana (nee De Wolf) for almost 70 years until she passed away in 2013. Dear father of Jeralyn Lodewyk Enns (David); Alan (Pamela); Patricia Nightingale (Bob); Susan; and Joel (Yvette). Loving Grandpa of 12 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 1 great, great granddaughter. Brother to Anna, Harold (Eileen) and Fran (Les). He is predeceased by his eldest son James, son-in-law Clarence, grandson Jeffrey, seven brothers (John, Henry, Peter, Bill, Ray, Ernie and an infant brother) and three sisters (Sylvia, Dorothy and Jean). A treasured pastor to many over a span of 76 years of active and retired ministry, James will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. The family wishes to thank the staff at Shalom Gardens and McNally House for their loving kindness and care. There will be no visitation in order to protect the safety of all of Rev. Van Weelden’s many family members and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held in accordance with COVID restrictions. It will be livestreamed by Mountainview Christian Reformed Church on Friday, April 23, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Private family interment at Queen’s Lawn Cemetery will take place prior to the service. If desired memorial contributions to McNally House Hospice would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com
BEEF
For your home Freezer. Locally raised, cut to your specifications. Call Shari May
Business Directory Call
Sally was born wild and free in Attiwapiskat. In 2010, Sharron and Paul Purdy of “Moosonee Puppy Rescue” chose her to save me. During the many loving and adventurous year we shared, her spirit was still wild and free. She is free once again. To my newfound dog walking friends, hug your dog everyday. Many thanks to Dr. Dalia Gough and staff at Grimsby Animal Hospital for years of compationate care. Special love to all of Sally’s girlfriends at Clovelly Kennels. Love is the answer, Dad and little sister Margaret See you soon
memoriam
LAWN CARE LAWN ROLLING AND AERATION Call Ken 905 957 5731.
Deborah Ann Hill
SUPPORT GROUP
April 20, 2010
Memoriam for Debbie Hill on this 11th anniversary with love and remembrance: No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why You are Forever remembered, Forever missed From Your loving family: Mom (Dorothy) and Keith, Dad (Keith senior) and Marilyn, Keith Junior, Linda and Logan, Bev, Kristen and Danielle APT. FOR RENT
LOOKING FOR ROOM TO RENT
2 bed apt. Very Clean quiet building. Parking, water, laundry included. Hydro/cable extra. Electric heat. $1850 monthly. Call or text 289-683-9595 HANDYMAN SERVICES
Retired gent. Neat and quiet. References. Small living space downtown Grimsby 905-5162437
RUBBISH & JUNK REMOVAL. Call Ken 905973-3235
Prayer to St. Jude May the sacred heart of Jesus Be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. O sacred heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, pray for us. Helper of the Hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day, by the eight day the prayer Will be answered. It has never Been known to fail. Publication must be promised. D.V
“Celebrate Recovery (CR)”, the Christian recovery program for all of life’s Hurts, Habits and Hang-ups takes place Weds. at 7 pm at Forestview Community Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby, On. All are welcome. Covid-19 social safety measures are in place & enforced. For further info., call 905-9459529 (Tracy) Join us!
VEHICLES WANTED CARS, trucks, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289686-5059.
Wanted - Scrap Cars and Trucks Cash paid Same day pick up Lampman Salvage
Used Auto Parts For Sale
905-957-2193
Got a Story to Tell? Call 289-235-9500
289-235-9500
Leave It 2 Me Roofing & Painting
PHIL NIEMI
OWNER/CRAFTSMAN
Call for a Quote! (289) 668-2728 leave.it@inbox.com
MERRITT
FUNERAL HOME 287 STATION ST., SMITHVILLE
“Serving Families For 4 Generations Since 1921” Director: Thomas C. Merritt CANADIAN - INDEPENDENT GROUP OF FUNERAL HOMES
905-957-7031
www.merritt-fh.com
Stan Macievich
Blue Ribbon Painting
In business locally for over 25 years
High Quality Craftsmanship expert residential painting
905-945-1543
Frank Veldman
(owner)
286 Main Street W., Grimsby On L3M 1S4 Cell: 905.325.1266
Bathrooms Basements • Sheds Decks • Trim Work • Drywall
SEAN D. HEELEY Barrister & Solicitor
SZPIECH, ELLIS, SKIBINSKI, SHIPTON
Wills, Family, Real Estate 107 Griffin Street South, Smithville, Ontario L0R 2A0
905-957-7898
414 Main St. East, Hamilton
905-524-2454 sheeley@sesslaw.ca
News Now • Thursday, April 22, 2021 • Page 13
4th Annual
Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive
“What a newspaper needs in its news, in its headlines, and on its editorial page is terseness, humor, descriptive power, satire, originality, good literary style, clever condensation, and accuracy, accuracy, accuracy! Joseph Pulitzer Dear Reader,
I think NewsNow delivers on the above quote from the fellow for whom the Pulitzer Prize is named. Without NewsNow, Niagara West readers have no understanding of the impact of Grimsby’s biodigester project or council shenanigans. There would be very little knowledge of the lengthy and serious issues which have plagued West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in recent years - although the corner seems to be turned of late. More recently, nobody would be aware of the $12 million in cost overruns for a super school which has not even seen its construction start. And this is nothing to say of the countless items of community support our team rolls out every week. These next few months will be make or break. If you can, and choose to do so, please consider supporting NewsNow.
Based on the excellent feedback from previous years’ volunteer pay subscription drive, we are launching Year 4! Is NewsNow’s independent, accurate voice in the community of value to you? Would you like to support NewsNow in its efforts? This is your opportunity.
If yes, we have set up an infrastructure to allow for a Volunteer Pay System
Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week – receive your copy of NewsNow. That will NOT change!!!!
Subscriptions: 3 Months - $15 suggested • One Year - $40 suggested
We will back HST out of each payment to make things as simple as possible. You can pay by cheque (bring into the office or mail), credit card (call Catherine or Rose at 289-235-9500) or e-transfer (send to: subscriptions@wn3.ca - make security answer - newsnow ) For more information, please do not hesitate to call, email or drop in. All inquiries are welcome!! Thanks very much for your time and have a safe and healthy year!
1 Mountain Street, L3M 3J6, Grimsby • 289-235-9500
Mike Williscraft Publisher
Page 14 • News Now • Thursday, April 22, 2021
100% Niagara owned & operated Our Team: Publisher - Mike Williscraft mike@wn3.ca 289-442-4244 General Manager - Catherine Bratton Reporter - Tristan Marks Sales Consultant - Erica Huisman, Rose Bayer Graphics - Donna Wisnoski NewsNow is owned & operated by 1602207 Ontario Ltd.
Office Location 1 Mountain Street, Grimsby, ON, L3M 3J6 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848 NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday delivered to homes in West Niagara & Winona, 26,529.
Making Easter special
Lincoln Park residents were unable to see family members for Easter due to the province-wide lockdown. To brighten spirits and spread Easter joy, Lincoln Park staff gave each resident a pot of daffodils and specially-made cupcakes. Here Danielle Catterall (Left) gives Agnes Ardel some colourful flowers.
Seriously.... Ok all you hopscotch experts out there, you should watch out this summer when you are skipping down neighbourhood sidewalks. Niagara Regional Police may show up to tell you your scribblings constitute “mischief” - a federal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. All that should be said is, “More power to Sophie Krouse.” It is hard to believe officials at Royal Bank in Grimsby felt it necessary to call the Town’s bylaw department which, in turn, called in the NRP to get this Grimsby Secondary student in line. How dare she call out one of the biggest banks - and other banks in town, too, not just RBC - for what Krouse says is a hypocritical policy of claiming to be a “green” corporation while funneling billions of dollars into fossil fuel endeavours. Krouse and her parents should be very proud. She did her research, did everything right, and got a reaction from her “target” - a good goal from any demonstration. RBC should be calling to talk about the issue, not getting her busted for speaking up for something she believes in. M.W.
Experts great, until they’re fired Well, I can honestly say I would rather have a tooth ripped out at the dentist than suffer through a nearly four-and-a-half hour Grimsby Council meeting. Unfortunately, I had the pleasure of experiencing both just hours apart Monday night. I will spare you, good reader all the truly gory details. It was harsh. There was shouting emotional scarring... typical, really. And the dentist was a tough go, too. But seriously ladies and germs, council was another show and what council lacked in entertainment value, Grimsby’s bylaw department made up for in spades. While some meetings drag on for no apparent reason, there was lots of reason last night. We learned the bylaw forcing the mayor to pay a $1,300 tab for a phone call me made looking into how private emails made their way to Coun. Kevin Ritchie’s house is not enforceable. And, just for the record and as Ritchie noted 5-6 times Monday night, yes, Integrity Commissioner (IC) Charles Harnick did find the mayor brought up closed session information in asking “the individual” about the emails, but Harnick also noted the matter was “trivial and without consequence”. Without doubt, and go back and watch the tape, that frosted the cookie of the Grimsby Five. That was a punch to the gut. The knockout blow for The Five came shortly after Harnick returned a finding that Coun. Reg Freake was not in conflict of interest when he spoke to and voted on the Main Street West heritage study issue. What was a knockout left
MIKE WILLISCRAFT hook that proved the end. Only problem there was Harnick’s decision did not put an end to the council shenanigans, it proved his own demise. It was confirmed at Monday’s council meeting that Harnick has been dismissed from his IC duties with Town of Grimsby in favour of Michael Maynard of ADR Chambers, who is to take over for the remainder of council’s term - or until Coun. Randy Vaine et al decide they know better than someone of the ilk of a former Solicitor General for the Province of Ontario and fire the new IC. too. It is a pretty thin veil which Vaine and the others hide behind, maintaining the importance of “expert” opinion. It is only good enough for them if they happen to agree and their track record of flouting experts has quickly become part of the legendary bassackwards resume The Five have built. And speaking of track records, Grimsby’s CAO was part of the mix Monday, although the main debate is still to come as Notices of Motion were put forward by both Coun. Reg Freake and Coun. Dorothy Bothwell. Freake is looking for an independent, third-party performance appraisal for
CAO Harry Schlange. Bothwell’s NoM addressed a potential serious situation - that one of the recent dismissals of Town staff may not have been permissible, “Therefore, be it resolved that the Clerk engage the Town’s counsel to render a legal opinion as to whether the termination and removal of this officer by the CAO was authorized at law.” In following up with Bothwell after the meeting, she noted, “As the appointment and removal of statutory officers can only be done via by-law pursuant to Section 5 (3) of the Municipal Act; and the authority to appoint and remove statutory officers resides solely with Council as there is no legislated authority to delegate that power to a municipal officer, including the CAO; and we did not pass a bylaw on this matter. This Notice of Motion seeks clarification on whether the CAO acted within the scope of his delegation under the Municipal Act.” So, the beat goes on people. ****** I would like to draw your attention to the offering from Deb Dueck of Conversations Cafe. We all know this COVID thing stinks. We also need to recognize there are no winners in this thing. Nobody has the right answers. Sure, we could have stayed locked down since Christmas. Case numbers would be down, but suicides, homelessness and bankruptcies would have skyrocketed. Deb displays the balance needed by all in a classy, humble way very much in keeping with her character, for those lucky enough to know her. I am happy to call her a friend.
News Now • Thursday, April 22, 2021 • Page 15
Third-time lockdown not so much of a charm (Editor’s Note: Many recognize the current third lockdown was needed, but make no mistake, there are many casualties being amassed of a different sort. Some of those are local businesses, crushed under financial inevitability, others succumb to the mental strain. In losing Conversations Cafe, all of Niagara West will feel the pinch as another business closes its doors AND all the youth they help on an ongoing basis will lose a significant support system in their lives. When it was learned the cafe has closed its doors indefinitely, co-owner Deborah Dueck was contacted to see if there was any way we could help. This was her response - from the heart) Hi Mike!! How great to hear from you - thank you for much encouragement. Hard enough at the best of times, eh? Hope you are managing ok...think of you guys every so often and understand how difficult it is for you as a sole proprietor. I hope you are able to keep going as well! It’s been so difficult - you spend years trying to build up a new business, and last year we hit a mark where we were going to make it. Now all we’ve done since then is turn people away, allow only 10 people to sit in here (from the same family) and build a deck that we are not allowed to use, plexiglass/sanitization costs, screening every customer etc. Everyone is in the same boat but it’s been ridiculously difficult. Closing twice was manageable...this time is really difficult. Thankfully we are able to give away all the food - so many people need it and it’s so great to not have to throw it away. It’s been difficult on the staff - and I think they are all thankful I’m closing while these numbers are high. I could stay open, but I don’t want to force anyone to work who is afraid,
and this time around everyone is petrified, thus the main reason to close. I really hope we don’t lose May-July - our ice cream season gets us through most of the year, and we already lost Christmas. I’ll never recoup the losses, but was hoping to have a good patio season. Time will tell. I don’t want to permanently close, but honestly not sure what’ s going to happen. I understand the health crisis, and reasons for restrictions, and people’s health are of first priority. It just feels a little targeted and unfair in who gets to be open and who doesn’t. The only reason we haven’t permanently closed yet, is because of our youth! We have EXPLODED this year people are still, for the most part, continuing to support us financially; I have a great director working with me; drop in’s were FULL five days a week, but due to restrictions we’ve
had to cap it at eight. It’s been brutal turning kids away. And again telling them they are not allowed to be here. We are keeping in touch with them through social media five days/week; bringing boxes to their homes (with games, recipes, links for support, etc) and connecting with their care-givers. That has been amazing. Meeting at their homes one-on-one, and knowing more of the needs has been great - but, of course, we cannot do that any more with the stay-athome order. They keep calling to ask when we’ll be open - even for outdoor sports, but we can’t do that either. Their mental health and suicide issues are HUGE, but thankfully we’ve been able to keep in constant contact: so thankful for that. They know they are not alone and very loved! Saying all that, our community/customers have been amazing.
I can’t believe the messages (like yours) that have come in - I can’t tell you how encouraging that has been! I’ll try my best, just hoping this doesn’t continue and we can’t be shut down again - this would be the last time, so hoping things will clear up. Saying all that, we are not health care or front line. We have no worries/concerns compared to those working in the trenches with COVID - so thankful for them. I can’t imagine how difficult THAT is. We just sell coffee, lol! Thanks, Mike - just venting with another owner of a small business. Thanks for listening!! I imagine you are struggling as well - love your work and hope you are able to continue on and make a living as well!!! Let me know if you ever need anything, Hopefully see you soon, and so great to hear from you, Stay well, Deb
Macleans poll dips should raise alarm: reader Dear Editor, This year again Macleans is reporting on Canada’s best communities to live in. In 2019 Lincoln was ranked 21st because of its character, affordability and other positive features. This year they fell to the 156th place, while neighbour Grimsby fell from 2nd to the 239th. Lincoln is getting too expensive. Since 2019 we have seen big changes. The aggressive approach Lincoln is taking to grow its tax base is benefiting the town, but not its residents, who are negatively being effected by it. The larger a community grows the more expensive it becomes to live in. We have seen this picture
with Hamilton and Toronto. That’s why so many people from the GTA are fleeing to Niagara. Macleans also sees this and reflects this in its report. Our small town atmosphere is changing, because of the multiple development projects currently under way. The large developments are rewarded by the town with millions of dollars of incentives at the courtesy of the taxpayer. Our small town is becoming much more crowded than it used to be. A big negative is that Lincoln’s budget since 2018 has exploded and our town has become much more expensive to live in. We have seen a significant increase in the Town’s staff levels,
who are rewarded with overly generous wages and wage increases. This resulted in a disproportionately high payroll on the towns yearly budget to be carried by a relatively small population of around 25,000 residents. Related to this growing government the town largely increased its fleet of cars and trucks and recently replaced it with brand new vehicles at a cost of millions of dollars. Every year we are faced with never letting up tax increases to pay for these unjustifiable high salaries on our property taxes. It is impossible to, with a good conscience, justify the town’s outlandish spending, especially now where civil
servants are enriched over the backs of those who carry the burden of the pandemic. Maclean’s decision to free fall Lincoln’s ranking was based on the town’s skyrocketing spending and the incredible increased value of the average residential property. Lincoln is on its way to become another Niagara on-the-Lake, which is now so expensive that residents are forced to move out. The Town of Lincoln must put a stop to new developments and adapt a more prudent spending behaviour. Don’t turn our town into another Hamilton or Toronto. Rob Janssen Lincoln
We Are Here To Help We are Niagara’s Lawyers since 1882.
800 - 80 King Street, St. Catharines, ON L2R 6Z1
| 905.228.7001 |
www.lbwlawyers.com
BUY LOCAL
&
W
LOCAL
AR
Hours: Mon/Tues/Wed. 7 am-6 pm Thurs: 7 am-6 pm • Fri. 7 am-6 pm Sat: 7 am-6 pm • Closed Sun
1.29lb $ ¢ ENGLISH CUCUMBER ........... 99 ea $ RED, YELLOW OR ORANGE PEPPERS 1.99lb $ ¢ GALA OR GOLDEN DELICIOUS APPLES 99 lb $ CORN ON THE COB .... 3.99ea FROZEN $ DICED ONION ........................... 2.49ea FROZEN $ CALIFORNIA MIX ................... 3.99ea FROZEN $ SLICED PEACHES ................... 7.99ea FROZEN $ HASH BROWN PATTIES 3.49ea HOT HOUSE TOMATOES .........
Fresh
$
LOCALLY gROWN hYDROPONIC LOCALLY gROWN
Pkg of 5
ASS’T VARIETY MUFFINS Pkg of 6 .......... $5.29ea STORE bAkED
ASS’T SAUSAGE ROLLS Pkg of 6 ..............$7.29ea STORE bAkED
ASS’T STRUDEL STRAWS Pkg of 6 ......... $2.99ea STORE bAkED
Whole or Half
1
$ 99
1 kg.
DELI:
BLACK FOREST HAM 100 gram .......... $1.32 hIghLANDS
/lb
MOZZARELLA CHEESE 100 gram .............. $2.15 SALERNO
4.39 KG.
FISH:
SQUID RING 550 gram .......................... $7.49ea FROZEN
HADDOCK FILLET 400 gram .................$6.49ea FROZEN
CAFE:
ROASTBEEF ON A BUN WITH COLESLAW........................................ $5.99ea
1 kg.
THURSDAY ONLY:
VEAL PARMIGIANNI ON A BUN .... $7.99ea
SATURDAY ONLY:
1 kg.
PORKETTA ON A BUN APPLE BUTTER, $ COLESLAW, POP OR WATER .................
3-1/2 lb.
FRESH GRAIN FED
VEAL STEW OR VEAL CUTLET 15.41 kg.
6
$ 99
lb.
5 LB. BOX FROZEN SEASONED HIGHLANDS NATURALLY SMOKED 4 OR 6 OZ. 5 LB. BOX ASS’T
$
BURGERS
22
HOT DOGS
50
ea.
CANADA gR AA OR hIghER FROZEN VACCUUM PACkED
$ $
STRIPLOIN............. ......
905-662-8396
!
BAKERY:
PORKLOIN
LOCALLY gROWN
MERS
!
(Highland & Tapleytown Rd.)
LOCALLY gROWN
T
432 Highland Rd. E., Stoney Creek
E S UP P OR
F
9 lb
Page 16 • NewsNow • Thursday, April 22, 2021
18
9.99
MANY MORE IN-STORE SPECIALS
Specials effective Thursday, April 22nd - Wednesday, April 28th, 2021
00
lb
ea.
7.99ea
FRESH JUMBO
CHICKEN WINGS 8.80 kg.
3
$ 99
lb.
OLIEBOLLEN
AND APPLE FRITTERS EVERY SATURDAY
www.highlandcountrymarkets.com