Aaaand they’re off!
More than 30,000 chocolate eggs were up for grabs at Grimsby’s Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park, sponsored by The Lynn Fee Team - and this group was ready to make a break for it. For more photos, please turn to Page 16. McDonald - Photo
Regional Chair will be appointed, with “strong chair” powers, to
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
Regional councillor positions in Niagara Region will be no more come this fall’s municipal election
after the provicial government announced its proposed governance changes with the Better Regional Governance Act last Thursday. While there were few points
elected officials seemed to agree on in this volatile process, the expectation of cost-savings not coming as a result was one of them.
Regardless, the provincial an-
nouncement of the changes still clung to that message.
“These changes would support lower costs for municipal taxpayers
GOVERNANCE, Page 3
From Page 1 and better alignment between regional decision-making and shared provincial-regional priorities,” stated the Province’s press release.
“The proposed legislation would also reduce the cost of government and support efficient decision-making in Niagara Region and Simcoe County by reducing the size of Simcoe County Council and Niagara Regional Council.”
Current legislation allowed the Province to appoint regional chairs in Niagara, Peel and York Regions, but that now appears to be a power in perpetuity as no date is affixed to that expanded power.
Additionally, the number of regions in which the Province will step in will rise to eight with Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Niagara, Peel, Waterloo and York, as well as the warden of Simcoe County all having top elected officials appointed.
“Regional chairs in the eight municipalities listed above would receive “strong chair” powers which mirror “strong mayor” powers, providing
more efficient, streamlined local decision-making, enabling them to deliver faster results for residents and support efforts to advance shared provincial-municipal priorities,” states the release.
With the elimination of Niagara’s regional councillor positions, the upper tier will now be comprised of mayors from the Region’s 12 member municipalities, plus the appointed warden.
A weighted voting framework, a point of intense debate, will also be devised and applied in Niagara Region.
All regions must review their council composition following the 2026 municipal election. Niagara Region would be exempt in 2026 and would return to regular reviews after the 2034 municipal election.
The group of eight mayors whichafter some flip flopping by a couple of them - opposed proposed changes offered by former Reg. Chair Bob Gale and banded together to develop their own messaging to Premier Doug Ford welcomed the announced changes but asked for more detail.
The mayors of Grimsby, West Lincoln, Port Colborne, Pelham, Thorold, Wainfleet, and the Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake released comment jointly saying the changes are “an important step forward, while calling on the Province to ensure that the final legislation reflects the madein-Niagara principles this coalition has championed since February.”
The group met last month and offered solutions and a road map for how a governance review should be conducted for Niagara Region.
Items already in motion as a result include:
• Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold, Grimsby, and Port Colborne have each passed resolutions to voluntarily reduce their local council sizes, demonstrating that Niagara’s municipalities can lead reform without waiting for direction from above;
• The group is actively championing publicly-owned Water and Wastewater Service Corporations and the transition of services such as regional roads, Social Services, Public Health, and EMS to locally-governed Public Service Boards, delivering
best value for money while keeping essential services close to the communities that depend on them, and;
• A comprehensive governance and service delivery review was initiated by Niagara Regional Council on February 26, 2026, with overwhelming support, proof that the appetite for made-in-Niagara reform runs deep across the region’s elected leadership.
Two sore points with the eight mayors are the appointed chair and the weighted voting.
Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan is not a fan of the appointed chair.
“I have serious concerns about an appointment of a regional chair with sweeping powers,” said Jordan.
In the release from the eight mayors, it is noted, “An appointed chair to veto bylaws and override elected mayors sits in tension with local accountability and with the weighted voting model the Province is simultaneously proposing.”
The eight mayors are seeking clarification on several key fronts from the weighted voting to absorbing any additional cost impacts.
If you’re looking to plan a dinner out Saturday, April 11, 1st Beamsville Scouts can help.
At the Lincoln Centre 4361 Ontario Street in Beamsville, the group will host its third annual pasta dinner - in support of fundraising for this summer’s planned trip to a jamboree in Switzerland. From 5-7 p.m., dinners will be served up at a cost of $20 for 13-plus, ages 6-12 $10 and kids five years and under are free. Tickets include pasta, salad and a drink.
Journey,
and Alizabeth
came all the way from Brantford for West Lincoln’s annual Easter egg hunt.
Volunteer Jasmine Poirier holds a bunny still so Edison, 6, and sister Alexis Chastney,
can introduce themselves during West Lincoln’s Easter Egg Hunt event on Good Friday morning.
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Enjoy deals, giveaways & a great start to the season!
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The theme for a public art sculpture to be installed at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH) has been selected.
The horse was selected as the central theme for its strong symbolic meaning, representing independence, endurance, and nobility - qualities which resonate with both the history and spirit of the region. The concept also acknowledges Grimsby’s longstanding connections to agriculture and local traditions, including horse racing.
The theme was chosen following input from community members, and a
steering committee comprised of representatives from the Grimsby arts community, Hamilton Health Sciences, and EllisDon (general contractor for the new hospital).
Artist Brandon Vickerd will create a sculpture inspired by the form of a horse— symbolizing the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
“I’ve spent several months in the area talking to community members and studying the fabric of
Grimsby to help decide on a piece that speaks to its history and unique geography,” said Vickerd.
“The sculpture will reflect the important role the agriculture sector has played in shaping the community.”
“I’m very pleased that the horse theme was chosen,” said Dr. Joan Bellaire, chief of family medicine for HHS and medical director of WLMH.
“It reflects both the character of the com-
munity and values, such as graceful endurance and balance. We’re excited to see the final sculpture become part of the hospital’s welcoming courtyard.”
The sculpture will be fabricated using stainless steel and bronze sourced from suppliers in southern Ontario. Installation is anticipated for this summer, and with proper maintenance the artwork is expected to last for generations.
That’s how we protect Ontario.
As Canada stares down economic uncertainty, we’re ready with a plan to protect Ontario. We’re building the first small modular reactors in the G7, and the first large-scale nuclear facilities in decades. Creating 150,000 new jobs.
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tions Thursday, April 2. Results from the one-day enforcement initiative include:
• 48 vehicles inspected;
A joint enforcement initiative - among Town of Lincoln, Niagara Region, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Ministry of Transportation (MTO), and the Halton Regional Police Service netted a host of infrac-
• 26 (54%) vehicles placed out of service; •38 charges issued, and;
• Four license plates removed.
West Lincoln’s Age Friendly Advisory Committee will welcome Bill Young, a volunteer research team lead for the Niagara Peninsula Branch, Ontario Ancestors, to its meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, May 1.
The presentation will cover the benefits of journaling, noting the many ways it can be helpful to write about one’s life and family history memories. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
Age Friendly Advisory Committee meetings are held in the council chambers located at the town hall, 318 Canborough St. in Smithville.
Local youngsters scrambled for more than 30,000 colourful eggs Friday at Centennial Park in Grimsby during the annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by The Lynn Fee Team, ReMax Escarpment in support of Village of Hope Niagara. The park was hopping for the family day with happy kids, a bbq and lots of chocolate and prizes to take home.
Kiss
Stan Pockaj serves up lunch to Darwin Agnew, 9. The Van Helsdingen family, Calamus Estate Winery, donated all the event food.
to a friend across the
From its humble beginnings, Grimsby Public Art Gallery’s (GPAG) Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair continues to grow as it approaches its 47th year.
Wayzgoose was founded by the gallery’s first director, Bill Poole. What began as a small gathering of roughly 300 attendees has grown into a highly anticipated annual event, now welcoming 2,000-2,500 visitors each year from across Ontario, Quebec, and the northeastern U.S.
This year’s event runs Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at GPAG, 18 Carnegie Lane, in Grimsby.
The event is FREE for everyone to attend.
Today, Wayzgoose is
internationally recognized within the book arts community and is considered one of the longest-running events of its kind in Canada.
Visitors can expect:
• Live demonstrations from skilled artisans showcasing traditional techniques like letterpress printing, bookbinding, paper making, and calligraphy;
• Opportunities to purchase unique, handmade works directly from artists, and;
• Meaningful interaction with creators, offering insight into the craft and process behind book arts.
A unique and cherished tradition of the event is the annual Wayzgoose Anthology – a limited-edition,
hand-bound collection of original works contributed by participating artists. This collectible piece not only serves as a lasting keepsake but also helps support the ongoing event.
The term “Wayzgoose” itself has historic roots, referring to traditional printers’ gatherings that celebrated craftsmanship and community – something today’s event still embodies.
Wayzgoose continues to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community – connecting generations of artists and visitors through the enduring art of the handmade book.
Hours: Mon. & Wed. 9-5 pm; Tues. & Thurs. 9-8 Fri. and Sat. 9-2 pm; Sun. Closed
APR 25 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fleming Centre
5020 Serena Dr., Beamsville
Get your Free and Pay What You Can native trees and shrubs starting at 10:30 a.m.
First come, first served. Many species to choose from. You can have more than one.
Children and Parents: Participate in the Turtle Parade!
The Green Herons Environmental group will open EcoFest with a parade of Giant Turtle puppets at 10 a.m. Colour a turtle picture and join in the fun!
Email ontariogreenca@gmail.com for details.
Get gardening advice, enjoy hands-on activities for kids and meet local green groups.
Hosted by Ontariogreen in partnership with the Town of Lincoln, and with: Benchlands Citizen Group | Rotary Club of Lincoln | Lincoln Pelham Public Library | The Green Herons | Landcare Niagara
Tucked away off Victoria Avenue in the quiet hamlet of Vineland lies Heritage Village, a vibrant community of 750 seniors. Twice a week, an average of 30 residents ranging in age from 60-90 gather in the clubhouse forming one of the Peninsula’s largest fitness groups. There, they stretch, bend, and flex to upbeat music, sharing plenty of laughter along the way. For them, exercise is more than just staying active. It’s a pathway to better health, new friendships, and cherished time with old friends. Included in this group - known as The Heritage Village Happy Gang - are fitness trainer Don Pennell and fitness and yoga instructor ‘Sam’ Nordby.
Week 23 (Standing as of April 5th, 2026)
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:
• $15 Gift Card, courtesy of Tim Hortons, Grimsby: Claire Battersby
• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Jordan Flowers,Grimsby: Paul Kucharuk
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Judge & Jester, Grimsby: Robert Havens
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire, Grimsby: Kelly Batten
• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza Grimsby: Barrett Brooks
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Memphis BBQ., Winona: Josh Reilly
• 2 Tickets to a Grimsby Peach Kings game, Grimsby: Tori Waite Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings
1. Dunda, Riley 1515
2. Zdriluk, Jacob 1509
3. Baer, David 1503
4. Kurpis, Steve 1497
5. Heinen, Eric 1495
6. Mous, Brent 1492
7. Klages, Keith 1490
8. Waite, Tori................ 1485
9. Jacobsen, Sean 1483
10. Heywood, Kevin 1483
11. Hurtubise, Alison 1483
12. Rohner, Griffin 1479
13. Kemp, Blair 1477
14. Couch, Jesse 1476
15. Attema, Sophia 1473
16. Emond, Shaun 1472
17. Jensen, Sid 1469
18. Fozard, Draj ........... 1469
19. DeVries, Mark 1469
20. Campbell, Matt 1467 Top Standings
Thanks to a great response! NewsNow has not skipped a beat to deliver for our community.
Our carriers go door-to-door in Grimsby, Beamsville, Vineland, Jordan & Smithville.
There are just a few routes vacant, so if you happened to miss your copy - or if you live in a rural area - we have planned a large list of helpful outlets to allow for quick and convenient pick ups.
Puddicombe
Sobeys
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May 14, 1941 - April 1, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Barbara Kathleen Reid. Reunited with the love of her life William Reid (2020). Born May 14, 1941 in London England to Elizabeth and Charles Sheldon she was the eldest of five children. The family emigrated to Canada in 1957 where she met and married William and they settled in Grimsby. Dearly missing her are her children Dave (Iris), Steve (Rene), Lisa (Wes) and Coleen (Matt). Also brokenhearted are her grandchildren Avalon, Alexis, Josh, Jesse and Alexandria. She also leaves her sisters Patricia (Peter), Sheila (Doug) and brothers Allen (1963) and Ken (Wilma). Barbara was a talented seamstress and knitter. She donated her many creations to the Senior Centre in Grimsby. Her knitted slippers will be forever cherished. A private celebration of life will be held in her honour.
Our beloved mother, Mary-Ann Zabransky, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026 at the age of 77. Born in Grimsby to Francis and Michael Ivanski, Mary-Ann will be remembered for her loving spirit and devotion to her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mary-Ann was raised in the fruit belt of Grimsby, surrounded by her mother’s cherry orchards. Her love of the outdoors continued throughout her life, as she spent summers away from home camping at Byng Park.
Mary-Ann loved her community where she spent her life and her career as an elementary school teacher in the Hamilton Catholic School board for many years, a role she cherished until her retirement. Her sense of giving showed throughout her life and will be greatly missed.
Mary-Ann was the beloved wife of the late Friedrich Zabransky (Jan. 11, 2026). Loved mother of Lisa Chapman (Ryan), Susan Bajus (Josh) and Peter Bajus (Tracy), Richard Zabransky (Michelle), the late Andrew Zabransky, Jason Zabransky (Carole). A proud and cherished grandmother to numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by her many relatives and friends.
Walter Gordon Johnson “Wally” Tarling, passed away peacefully at Niagara Long Term Care Residence on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in his 96th year. Survived by his loving wife Irene, and daughters Kathy Dawson (Mark) and Sue Nadeau (Ken Bryce). He was predeceased by son Ken Tarling (Tina) in 2023. Cherished grandfather to Chris Poos (Tina), Alena Dawson (Dave Luciani), Chelsea Wyatt (Corey), Jenn Agnello (Nick), Lindsey Tarling, Kevin Tarling and 10 great grandchildren. Wally worked for Nortel for many years, installing central offices and building telephone networks across Canada. The Tarling family moved to Grimsby in 1969, and Wally spent many happy years at Twenty Valley Golf Club, where he was a lifetime member. He was active in the local sporting community, coaching and refereeing hockey, teaching power skating, assisting with the Grimsby Secondary School Hockey Team and was a former member of the Grimsby Curling Club for many years. Wally will be fondly missed, remembered by his many friends for his jokes, wicked sense of humour and love of story telling. Special thanks to the staff at Niagara Long Term Care and especially to Chris Poos, who has been an invaluable support to Wally and Irene for many years, and who made Wally’s stay at NLTC a warm and caring time. At Wally’s request, a private family service was entrusted to Stonehouse -Whitcomb Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life is planned for later this summer. Memorial donations to GBF Community Services would be appreciated. www.smithsfh.com
KEEPER REQUIRED Experienced bookkeeper sought for a local church. Looking for a motivated, detailoriented individual with good communication skills to join our team. An ability to work and meet deadlines independently is necessary. 20-24 hours per month. Duties include: accounts
Passed away at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in her 101st year. Beloved wife of the late Andries Arie “Andy” Vanderlinden (2016). Loved mother of Lia Vanderlinden and Leo Vanderlinden (Brenda). Cherished grandmother of Trevor (Christiane) and Todd (Christina) and great-grandmother of Thomas, Laurent and Catherine. Survived also by many nieces and nephews in Canada and Holland. Predeceased by her seven siblings and their spouses. Lien was a member of the Grimsby Lawn Bowling Club, Grimsby Seniors, 25 year member of the Grimsby Seniors Choir, Winona Women’s Institute and a volunteer with West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary. Private cremation has taken place. If desired, memorial contributions to McNally House Hospice or West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755). www.smithsfh.com
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The best thing about the provincial government’s Better Regional Governance Act announcement is it is now in the past and Niagara officials can start to put pieces of this puzzle together in some attempt to position the Region for the future.
The rest of it is much ado about right next to nothing.
Cadence Hendle, 9, left, snuggles up to sister Ellie, 6, and cousin Mackenzie Fredson, 3, as they try to warm up under a blanket before heading out into the wilds of Beamsville Lions Easter Egg Hunt at Lions Park on Saturday morning. Loree - Photo
Yes, regional councillors will be removed and the council table will be comprised of only mayors representing their 12 membermunicipalities and a regional chair hand-picked by the province.
As has been stated many times in this space over the years, that is a windowdressing component and will have no affect on reducing regional budget issues and - in fact - reduces representation of the taxpayer. It looks nice, making the “there’s far too many politicians in Niagara” people happy.
With mayors now taking 100 per cent of the workload at Region, you can be sure all would want and will deserve a sizeable pay raise which will quickly eat up a good chunk of any savings found through eliminating councillors.
What this does is magnify the crucial need to elect a capable mayor because if you elect a lemon of a candidate you are toast for regional representation for a LONG four-year term.
The main issue for me evolves around the regional chair position and his/her
eventual powers - which will be considerable.
Something, too, which has been stated many times in this space is the provincial government should not be sticking its beak into municipal politics by nominating its own regional chair. I get they have the power.
The provincial government can do pretty much whatever they want. The question is, should they?
Think about it this way:
Prime Minister Mark Carney decides he wants to nominate the country’s premiers so he can build “better alignment between provincial decision-making and shared federal-provincial priorities.”
That is the language used by the Province in explaining the need for changes with this new legislation converted to the nationalprovincial level.
The point is, Premier Doug Ford’s government is provincial level. If he does not like the structure of things, that is one fact. But handpicking people, who don’t even need to be elected to
be chosen, is just horrible for democracy and appropriate representation for taxpayers.
Then, to turn around and give that hand-picked person “strong chair” powers - including veto power - is a slap in the face to every Niagara resident.
Amalgamation was used as the threat of a hammer to make what was announced last week remotely palatable to anyone.
The milk toast comments in support of the proposed changes from smart people are maybe most shocking. Not one critical view - and I don’t mean negative, I mean a step-back, objective view of things - of the situation was mentioned.
Tying this to population growth and how the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is looking to support Niagara in delivering a plan for the future is utter hogwash.
Support? The rug has been pulled out from under the taxpayer, burned and the ashes scattered at Beamer’s Point.
And it just didn’t need to be. It was noted a few weeks ago, the Province could have handled this in winning fashion by simply announcing it wanted regional councillors eliminated for this fall’s election and a formal governance review to be initiated WITH a deadline for a meaningful action plan.
The nominated regional chair notion should be scrapped - no question - the rest can all be worked out.
West Lincoln Community Care’s food bank was happy to be on the receiving end of the community’s generosity shown through donations at Smithvile Foodland last month. “With the help of our supportive community and amazing cashiers at Foodland we raised over $10,000 just in time to support those in need for Easter,” said store owner Mike McQueen. On hand for the presentation were (L to R) Scott Young, Colette Smillie, Smithville Foodland owner Mike McQueen, WLCC executive director Sharlene Volpatti, Daryl Donato and Sara Beemer. Williscraft - Photo
