Issuu

> Could Grimsby become the Carolinian capital of Canada? /Pg 6 > Don’t let fear rule during COVID Pg 4 > Opinion: Heritage needs teeth in LPAT process Pg 5 > Birding great source of stress relief Pg 9 Thursday, February 18, 2021 Vol. 9 Issue 44

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With Niagara in Grey

Vaccine roll out even more key By Mike Williscraft NewsNow With Niagara Region being the only one left in Grey-Lockdown mode of 28 regions in Ontario to see an upgrade in the COVID response framework this week, many have turned their attention to the rollout of longanticipated vaccines. The good news on that front, says Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, is long-term care homes in Niagara have been covered off. “Niagara’s LongTerm-Care homes all received their first rounds of vaccinations in January, while many across the province did not wrap up their

first rounds until the middle of February. In fact, Niagara’s LTC homes received their vaccinations before 14 other public health units across the province even received vaccines,” noted Oosterhoff. “The next phase of vaccination will include all seniors over the age of 80.” To get there, though, Niagara is in need of replenished vaccine supplies after some doses were rerouted to areas deemed more in need based on input from medical officials. “Ultimately, though, vaccine distribution is not a political decision, See VACCINE, Page 3

Great day for a walk

Any day is a great day for a walk, and seeking out a few species of birds, too, says local birder Laurie Stacey. Residents can drive out to 50 Point or Beamer conservation areas, or just to their neighbourhood park for a quick escape with a purpose. See story Page 9.

Small step for West Lincoln a big step for future planning By Tristan Marks NewsNow Last Thursday’s virtual public meeting for West Lincoln’s urban boundary expansion was another small step in a very big process. Consultants rolled out two possible concepts for expanding Smithville’s urban boundaries and gave a general update on the Smithville Community Master Plan. The information was released as part of the first Public Information Centre (PIC) for Phase 1 of the study,

and was a follow up to a preliminary stakeholder meeting held in 2019. Consultants also gave an update to the accompanying sub-watershed study, and answered questions regarding the entire presentation from members of the public. Consultant Karl Grueneis began the PIC with an update of the purpose of the study, that the current trends of growth in Smithville indicate that the Township will have to expand its urban borders.

“Right now, there’s not enough land to sustain that growth,” Grueneis said. To that end, the study’s purpose is to develop a phased plan to expand Smithville’s borders to allow for more residential and employment zones, while also preserving the prime agricultural land surrounding the community. Grueneis also said that the two concepts took into consideration input from residents and other stakeholders from the preliminary 2019 public meeting. He pointed to

survey data from that night that found that residents wanted Smithville of the future to maintain its character as a quiet, central urban area, one that avoids sprawl and high rises. Both concepts worked around the same map of Smithville that expanded its urban borders to Young St. in the North, South Grimsby Road 6 in the West, North Creek in the South, and some areas to the East. Each concept presented a different layout for resi-

dential/mixed use lands and employment lands, the key differences in the arrangements coming from which of two potential truck by-pass routes the Township could go with. The first option, which assumes a bypass route along the North end of Smithville, suggests expanding existing employment lands along the North and the East of the urban area, while placing new land for residential housing and community facilities in See PLANNING, Page 3

Page 2 • News Now • Thursday, February 18, 2021

Public Notice Notice of Virtual Public Information Centre:

Prudhomme Creek Erosion and Flood Control Works and Rittenhouse Road Stormwater Outlet Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Schedule ‘B’) The Study:

Comments:

The Town of Lincoln is completing a SITE LOCATION 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 is being conducted as part of the design CONTRACT process in accordance # 2020016PW RITTENHOUSE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION with Section A.2.9 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

Comments and information regarding the study are being collected to assist us in meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. This material will be maintained on file for use during the project and may be included in project documentation. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become a part of the public record.

ROAD

ESC

For More Information: Visit our new public engagement site: SpeakUpLincoln.ca Or contact one of the project team members listed below:

VICTORIA AVENUE

LEA

KLE

ALE

GLE

KIN

AZA

RITTENHOUSE

Mr. Matt Kernahan, MCIP, RPP, Senior Planner, Upper Canada Consultants 3-30 Hannover Drive, St. Catharines, ON L2W 1A3 matt@ucc.com | 905-688-9400 ext. 504 .

TOWNSHIP OF LINCOLN

CULVERT LOCATION

1964

The study commenced in September 2020 and progress to date has included an assessment of the existing environment and the evaluation of alternatives for addressing the flooding and erosion issues associated with Prudhomme Creek and stormwater management needs associated with the reconstructed Rittenhouse Road.

Mr. Walter Neubauer, CET, Manager of Engineering Services, Town of Lincoln 4800 South Service Road, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B1 wneubauer@lincoln.ca | 905-563-8205 ext. 278

Public Information Centre (PIC): The Public Information Centre will present information on: • A review of the project need and opportunity • A review of the background studies and assessment of the existing environment • A review of the alternative solutions considered • A review of the preferred alternative for addressing flood and erosion issues associated with Prudhomme Creek and stormwater management needs associated with the reconstruction of Rittenhouse Road • Please note that the main purpose of the PIC is to address flood and erosion issues associated with Prudhomme Creek, and not the Rittenhouse Road reconstruction project itself.

Virtual Public Information Centre (PIC):

FEB

6:30 - 8 p.m. | Presentation at 6:30 p.m., questions to follow Please email lcrowley@lincoln.ca or call 905-563-2799 ext. 234 to register. Instructions will be provided to registered participants.

The Town has launched a new engagement platform,

SpeakUpLincoln.ca.

Here, we will share information and welcome your feedback on corporate initiatives that have an impact on our community. We want to hear from you, and this digital platform allows you to share your thoughts when it’s most convenient for you. Please take a look and see what’s happening in Lincoln!

News Now • Thursday, February 18, 2021 • Page 3

PLANNING

From Page 1 the South. The second concept, on the other hand, assumes a by-pass route to the South which was originally identified by a road study conducted by the Niagara Region in the 1970s. In this option residential/community land would go along Smithville’s expanded northern corridor, and employment land would be placed along the by-pass route to the South-East. This second option would see more room for medium-density housing and employment land than the first, while sacrificing space for higher-density housing and potential community facilities. Both concepts for an expanded Smithville considered data

VACCINE

From Page 1 but one that is based on the risk analysis and recommendations of the Ontario COVID-19 Vaccination task force, and their ethical framework,” s aid Oosterhoff.

gathered by a simultaneous subwatershed study, which considered how the different land use arrangements would affect a number of factors, such as floodplains, important waterways and drainage routes. The master plan study also considered Smithville’s water and wastewater capabilities and how such infrastructure would need to be expanded with new pumps and sewers. After these presentations, viewers of the PIC had a chance to submit questions to be answered by the consultants who were present. These questions focused on different aspects of the master plan study, giving the presenters a chance to clarify in further detail. One question in particular asked about how data was gath-

Vaccine shipments from Pfizer were reduced after they retooled to be able to expand production. Last week, corporate executives said the plan to meet all delivery deadlines and hope to ex-

WEST LINCOLN BUy LOCAL

ered for the traffic component of the study, which found that Smithville’s roads were at 50 per cent on average capacity during rush hour periods, seeing as the roads saw much less use since 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. Consultant Steve Wever explained that this part of the study used and extrapolated data gathered from before 2020, while incorporating some ride data from the Niagara Regional Transit OnDemand pilot program. Following this presentation, West Lincoln residents can give feedback on the master plan study while learning more about it by visiting the plansmithville. ca website. There, feedback on this first PIC can be submitted up until Feb. 25. A second follow-up PIC will take place in May 2021.

ceed them if possible. Pfizer is set to deliver 2.8 million more shots between April and June than originally planned with another 6.2 million shots coming between July and August. “With the prom-

West Lincoln’s small and locally owned businesses are woven into the fabric of our community. You can help your community get through this difficult time by supporting local stores, restaurants and services. Be sure to observe all Niagara Public Health guidelines and stay safe.

ise of millions of vaccines coming through in March, Ontario has ramped up capacity and will be in a good place to distribute these vaccines in a rapid and timely fashion,” note Oosterhoff.

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Page 4 • News Now • Thursday, February 18, 2021

An Emotional Pandemic

By Flavio Iammarino For NewsNow At this present moment we are living under a dark cloud which I call FEAR. When we speak of fear it means there is an absence of courage, and what fuels courage is FAITH. With faith we can focus and believe that all is possible – health, love, peace and joy, without worrying about how these things are going to come to us. Fear is brought on by focusing on what is bad, what can go wrong, and what can bring sadness, loss, sickness or death. The way this pandemic is being handled actually has created a new pandemic that I refer to as an Emotional Pandemic – and there is no vaccine that can fix it. Through my many years of counselling clients I have learned that the mind has the power to either accept or reject something. Example: The mind has the power to accept or reject pain, either physical or emotional pain. And the mind has the power to accept or reject feelings of fear. In order for us to move on in a healthy way, first we must distance ourselves from all negative people and situations and turn off all media

positive effect on our well-being. that delivers negative information, If you have young children in your and promotes fear, doom and gloom. life it is important to remember that Instead we must remain in faith. the way they respond to situations Connect with people that are either positive or negative is deterpositive and proactive instead of people who are negative and reactive. mined by the way their parents, family members, teachers, and role models People who are proactive focus their respond. thoughts on positive possibilities. It is beneficial to include positive If the people closest to the child practises into your respond with fear, the Even if it’s by phone, child will also learn this daily lifestyle like meditation or prayer; email or on social reaction and they will eating the right foods media, connect with respond with fear as well. and taking the right If courage and strength vitamins that nourish people that are happy, are projected, the child passionate, loving, will also be strong and your body and mind; laugh more – it’s good courageous. If you are a caring and who for your spirit; get lots or someone that believe in possibilities... parent of rest – sleep is very interacts with children important; and be more aware; also and you are feeling afraid, keep the listen to the words that you speak – if fear to yourself. they are negative then change them Teach the children around you to be to positive. positive, proactive and strong because We are social beings and although if they learn to be reactive instead of there are restrictions in place that proactive it will have a negative lastprevent us from doing many things, ing effect on them. You must underwe can still use our mind to stay posi- stand that whatever emotions and tive, happy, heathy and connected feelings that you project your children with others. will automatically pick them up. Some Pick up the phone and talk to a rela- people believe that if their children tive, family member or friend – hearare afraid, they will be cautious and ing a friendly voice has an immediate protected, but this is not true.

Public Health keeps you informed. For COVID-19 vaccine information visit niagararegion.ca/covid-vaccine

We must understand that negative emotions harm the physical body and being afraid is a negative emotion. What protects us is the learning from our experiences. Be aware of your actions, words, and behaviours because your children are learning from your every move. Teach them to be proactive and live a life of joy, strength, health and peace – a life where anything is possible. Many of us are going stir crazy and juggling many emotions during these strange times but remember that ultimately you are responsible for your thoughts, words, actions, and feelings. Even if it’s by phone, email or on social media, connect with people that are happy, passionate, loving, caring and who believe in possibilities – they will keep you in the right mindset and contribute to your own emotional wellbeing in a positive way. But if you are struggling emotionally or having a dark day dealing with this pandemic you are not alone. If you feel sad, depressed, anxious or suicidal and need help please call Flavio Iammarino at 905-684-1717. (Flavio Iammarino is a Behavioural Therapist with a Ph.D. in Behavioural Science and practices Clinical Hypnosis)

T:5"

Ontario needs teeth in planning appeals A Small Drop of Ink By Dorothy Turcotte -lated by Toronto-based men who had invested interests in development; therefore they always found in favour of the developer. This in spite of the fact that OMB always declared itself to be independent. Having personally been involved in two OMB cases, I can assure you that that is not true. Even with massive evidence against the wisdom of the development, in each case the final decision gave a green light to the developer. The municipality (i.e. the taxpayers) got stuck with the legal and other expenses. The local folks who were going to be left to live with the aftermath did not get so much as an

apology or even a handshake. We can expect the same sort of dealings from LPAT. At one time decisions could be appealed to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. However, that option was cancelled in 2009. So when LPAT gives permission for Main Street East development to go ahead, that’s it. If ever there was a time for peaceful but emphatic protest, this is it. Before the switch from OMB to LPAT, many municipalities sent protests to the provincial government, demanding the abolishment of the OMB. Grimsby council at the time declined to forward a letter of protest. It seemed that those protests worked, if only the government hadn’t changed at that particular time! Tell Doug Ford what you think.

Dean Allison Member of Parliament for Niagara West Contact Dean’s office

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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 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

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In 2018, those of us interested in local heritage were encouraged by the dissolution of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) by the then Liberal government. There had been complaints against the OMB for many years, and it seemed that at last those grievances were about to be heard. Then Doug Ford replaced OMB with the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) which is basically the same thing but with reduced powers and limited scope. So much for the future of the heritage ambience of Grimsby. The OMB was originally established in 1906 as the Ontario Railway and Municipal Board to deal with railway land issues. It became the OMB in 1932. Over the years, there were many complaints that the OMB was popu-

News Now • Thursday, February 18, 2021 • Page 5

Page 6 • News Now • Thursday, February 18, 2021

Carolinian forest expansion “natural” for Grimsby

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highway signage and Carolinian plantings along the QEW leading into Grimsby, so Carolinian species “are the first thing motorists would see, hopefully getting some people to come take a look.” Jordan also said he wants to see the Grimsby’s trail system improved making connections from the lake front to the Forty Creek trail up to the Bruce Trail to Elm Tree Road and beyond. He said there is even a potential for the town to extend its escarpment trail westward to connect to the City of Hamilton’s newly renovated Dofasco 2000 trail, which would make for an interregional network of trails across the Niagara escarpment area of the Carolinian life zone. Jordan said bringing people to Grimsby’s Carolinian heritage through improving its trail system is “something the Town is definitely interested in.” “If there’s one thing the pandemic has shown us is that people want more outdoor activity.”

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goal is a win-win for And because of the the entire communaturally approprinity, giving credit to ate soil and climate, Holbourne for “plant- Vardy said Grimsby ing the seed” for her is a natural for such a motion. project. “There’s no down“The beauty of this side to this,” she said, is that the whole adding that the Town town can particicould benefit becom- pate,” Vardy said. ing a centre for eco“There’s just so tourism while premany things we can serving and repairing do with this.” its natural heritage. Vardy suggested Mayor Jeff Jorlocal nurseries could dan said this motion choose to promote could represent an Carolinian species important path for among their prodGrimsby. ucts, perhaps even “I really, truly feel sponsor beautificathat native species tion efforts. School are the future,” Jorand extracurricular dan said. groups could also “Getting stakehold- provide outdoor ers involved is an lessons on Niagara’s important starting natural heritage while point.” exploring trails to As identify someone “If there’s one thing varieties “very the pandemic has of Caropassionlinian shown us is that trees. ate about CarolinJorpeople want more ian fordan said outdoor activity,” est,” JoreducaGrimsby Mayor tion and dan said a lot of Jeff Jordan outreach potential should lies in the fact that be an important part Niagara is the “small- of making Grimsby est, yet most diverse” the Carolinian Capital. Holbourne also part of the Carolinian sees a lot of potential life zone. “Part of that reason for different directions the town can is that there are a lot take. of species that grow Among his suggesnaturally in Niagara,” tions are appropriate he explained.

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Such ecological in Grimsby- several territories of woods species of magnolia once stretched from flower. Additionally, the eastern Canada all lifezone is home to the way south to the several species of bird, Carolinas in the U.S. butterfly, Many old remSixty-five per cent reptile, nants of of Ontario’s rare mammal and these ancient for- plants are found in more ests still the life zone, and that deexist in 40 per cent cannot pend on the ecoGrimsby with two be found anywhere system Caroprime else. linian examples being the Irish Wood- plants provide. John Holbourne, lot on Hunter Road a co-founder of the and the Niagara Esoriginal Friends of carpment. the Forty, a group of The most unique citizens dedicated feature of the Carolinian life zones is the to maintaining and promoting Grimsby’s number of rare spenatural heritage, said cies found in them. the town could play According to Carolinian Canada, an an important role in helping rehabilitate organization dediand spread these cated to spreading species that once awareness on the covered much more life zone, the region boasts fully one-third of the area. “It’ll take a long of the rare, threatened and endangered time for Carolinian species found in all of species to migrate because they don’t Canada. have connections,” Sixty-five per cent he said after the of Ontario’s rare meeting. “Important plants are found in corridors tend to be the life zone, and waterways like our 40 per cent cannot Forty Creek. That has be found anywhere the potential to be a else. Some examples North-South connecof these include the tion from the escarppawpaw tree, tulip ment to the lake.” trees, flowering dogVardy said the end wood and- especially

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By Tristan Marks NewsNow With some careful planning and an eye to detail, the Town of Grimsby has an opportunity to become an ecological hub and be recognized as the Carolinian Capital of Canada. That is the hope of Coun. Lianne Vardy who, set a potential process in motion at the Jan. 18 town council meeting. Vardy’s motion calls for a number of steps, including: • embarking on an ambitious plan of Carolinian tree planting; • ensuring all town replacement trees are of the Carolinian variety and; • incorporating Carolinian species as part of site plan landscape requirements/approvals. “We know the town already plants trees. This motion just means committing to planting Carolinian species,” Vardy said, pointing out that such species are “already natural to our environment.” The term “Carolinian” refers to a forest region characterized primarily by the predominance of deciduous trees.

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This enables the driver to have more control even when roads are slippery. Many auto service centers will then align and balance tires after they have been rotated. At this time the mechanic will likely check brakes as well, since it is easy to see and reach them when the tires are off. However, the tire rotation pattern that is best for a particular vehicle depends on the type of tire being used. Individuals can consult with professional mechanics about the proper way to rotate tires. Many tire manufacturers or automotive stores that have sold

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On February 9, 2021, at home with his wife of 48 years, Louise; Phil quietly closed his eyes for his final rest. Born in Ottawa in 1932 and a Grimsby resident since 1948 he will be fondly remembered by everyone he knew, for his engaging manner and ever ready smile. In addition to Louise, he leaves behind his children: Karen Hatton (Garth), Micheal Belanger (predeceased), Linda Belanger, Sandy Belanger (Tom Smith), Chris Frostad (Susan), Scott Frostad (Katie), Geoff Frostad, and Colin Frostad (Lisa). Phil will also be greatly missed by his sister Lois Milne (Don, predeceased) his 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. As a local entrepreneur, Phil owned and operated over a dozen businesses in the Niagara region. From gas/service stations to restaurants to car washes, he turned engaging with the public into a passion and an art form. In retirement he enjoyed golf as a vehicle to cultivate a new audience of close friends and relationships that he cherished deeply. He would admit, however, that the game itself was merely an exercise in honing his skill at “handling disappointment”. We love and remember his array of quips, and bits of wisdom and his knack of giving everyone a warm welcome! Cremation has taken place. If desired, memorial contributions to GBF Community Services or Trinity United Church in Grimsby 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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Birding a nice mental break for all By Mike Williscraft NewsNow A walk at Biggar Lagoon may be for the birds, but it’s also for area residents. With few activities available during these COVID-19 times, a simple walk can be a very good thing, not just for exercise, but also for a mental break, says birder Laurie Stacey. “These days you just need to dress warm and have a pair of binoculars,” said Stacey, who got into birding about five years ago. In 2020, her goal was to top the 150-species

plateu to set a another birdpersonal best, ing hot spot. which she did. “It’s a great “I’ve been reason for a to 50 Point family walk, Conservation although I many times, probably drive but Confedthem crazy eration Park because we is great, too,” have different said Stacey, LAURIE STACEY goals,” said adding BeamStacey. ers Conservation Area is “It clears your mind

because you focus elsewhere. You don’t worry about not being able to visit family, those kinds of things. You don’t have to go far, you can look for birds right in your neighbourhood.” “There is a lot to see right here. It is so good for your mental health, it reminds you of the simple things.

News Now • Thursday, February 18, 2021 • Page 9

Laurie Stacey snapped this northern mockingbird at Confederation Park in Stoney Creek.

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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 Locations Grimsby Office Beamsville Office 1 Mountain Street, P.O Box 614 Grimsby, ON, L3M 3J6 Beamsville, ON, L0R 1B0 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848 NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday delivered to homes in West Niagara & Winona, 26,529.

Early Bird Winner

Rosa Kiers of Smithville was the winner of the Hat Trick Hockey early bird prize - a $200 gift certificate for the Judge & Jester Pub in Grimsby, courtesy of contest and prize sponsor Dr. Ches MacNeil, left. Rosa’s mom Melanie provided “limo” service so Rosa could pick up her prize last week. Marks - Photo

Tough week just par for the course In a week anticipated by many to include a “get out of jail” pass, it didn’t. Without getting in the why’s and wherefore’s of how Niagara ended up in Grey-Lockdown of the province’s COVID-19 response framework, let’s just say it was not what many wanted and in many cases, needed. As an information source and key marketing tool for Niagara West businesses, NewsNow’s staff speaks with readers and business operators every day. The mood was very dark last week. People are straight up exhausted. Stress, lack of social interaction, monotony, lack of physical exercise...all those things have just about everyone cooked. That is why a call was made to Flavio (see Page 4) and Bruce MacKenzie (who provided a connection to birder Laura Stacey) to let people know it’s ok to be down, but play close attention to bouncing back, strong. We’re with ya! M.W.

Great feedback on drawings, keep it coming Considering it is the dead of winter, there’s a lot going on. Not all good things, like community events and such... miss those. Normally this time of year we would be raising the flag on registrations for the annual Grimsby Kinsmen Mini-Putt event. Nope, not this year. Much of this week was fielding comments from last week’s roll out of the visioning exercise we did through Grimsby DIA. I say we because, as you may or may not know, I am president of the DIA board of directors in my spare time. The story that went with the drawings last week was kept to simple nuts and bolts to allow the renderings to speak for themselves. Judging by the responses, they certainly did that. Some background, which I left for this week, is mainly centred on more administrative matters for any project which unfolds in the downtown. The board fully recognizes, as many do, what the impact of COVID is. I certainly hear about it every single day. So, there’s that. Then, the community is waiting in anticipation to see how the Century Condo project unfolds. This will be very good for downtown when it is built out, but the process to get there will cause some strife in the core as construction progresses. Towards the backend of that project, Main Street is scheduled to be torn up in 2023 for sewer and water line upgrades. Put all those in an economic recipe and you need some positive planning to ensure things come out functional and reset for the next century in Grimsby’s history. It cannot be stressed enough, nothing in that plan is locked in. It is all ideas, pure blue sky stuff, which

MIKE WILLISCRAFT is part of the reason it was ideal for the DIA to take on the role of peeling off a project like that. Town councils really cannot do those kinds of things. They are subject to a whole lot of checks and balances on those kinds of projects. For that reason, such visioning would take several months and I bet it would have cost 10 times more - at least. DIA budgeted $3,000 for that work and stuck to that budget. To date, I am ballparking at about 30 comments received. They have not all been archived for a report yet, but they will be. Somewhat predictably, the only negative comments which have come in focused on town council. Lack of trust, concern over motive and direction, that kind of thing. Once it was explained this was a DIA visioning exercise - the very start of any planning process - all was well and the focus turned to elements of the project, which I encourage you to check out if you missed them. Go to: wn3.ca Click on Past Editions, Feb. 11 edition, then click through to Pages 8-9. Feel free to send any thoughts to me at: mike@wn3.ca Another key area - and on this I am no expert - but I understand from various

Town staff there are various strong possibilities to fund much of any work in the core in a manner which has little impact on the tax levy. Without getting too deep in the weeds on that - but recognizing appropriate spending on any project is a major factor - park-land-inlieu funding, COVID revitalized grants and development charges are three potential funding sources for various components. To get to those a proper study of the downtown needs to be completed to ensure all is done with maximum benefit for both residents and businesses. This whole exercise was something that gives business operators something to possibly look forward to because there is right next to nothing going on in a positive way these days. What was confusion and desperation seems to have turned to resignation of whatever will be will be - with a shout out to the late Doris Day (que sera sera). Even with what the climate is, a great example of the potential and business viability which Grimsby possesses is exemplified with what is developing at what were vacant locations. The former Found consignment shop is being redone as we speak and leases were signed for two other Main Street locations last week. That is pretty cool. It’s also another example why a proposed rezoning of Main Street in the core would have been a horrible idea. Grimsby has something great, which needs to be preserved in its business core just like its heritage features. Proper planning can lead to a great marriage of past and future and that visioning exercise, hopefully, will get the creativity juices flowing.

News Now • Thursday, February 18, 2021 • Page 11

SLHS good enough for elementary students, renovating current sites worthwhile: reader Dear Editor, Much has already been written about the proposed new High School to be built on the border between Grimsby and Beamsville. As a former student of GDSS and retired teacher of BDSS I would like to make a few additional comments. The present Covid-19 pandemic has taught us that the virus is spread from person to person. It is for this reason we must practice social distancing. The pandemic has shown us that the most severe outbreaks occur in areas of high density populations such as Toronto, Peel, Montreal..... etc. We are told to avoid large gatherings at all costs. Yet, the NDSB proposes a facility that will house some 1500 young people plus numerous staff. If we are learning anything from the present pandemic, would it not be wiser to spread this large student population over the three areas of Smithville, Beamsville and Grimsby? The DSBN states the existing three highschools are too old and require extensive reno-

LETTERS vations. It budgeted $42.5 million for the new building, $8.7 for site preparation which, in the meantime, has ballooned to $17 and if a theatre will be added, another $6.8 million. Add it all up and we reach a grand total of $66.3 million. Being quite familiar with the existing three schools, I am certain if only a third of this amount were spent on their renovations, they would serve us well for many more years to come. The Smithville High School was closed a couple of years ago. Yet, today it is used as an elementary school. Not good enough for students from Grade 9-12, but good enough for those from Grade 1-8? A highschool is often the heart of a community. Most people will form an emotional attachment and, as they age, will look back on their highschool days with a sense of pride and nostalgia. They will always connect their highschool to the town in which it was located. They will always

respond to the question, “Where did you attend High School?” with the answer, “Beamsville, Grimsby, or Smithville.” How will they respond when they graduate from a school located halfway between Beamsville and Grimsby, and several kilometers removed from Smithville? One more thing! We want a theatre in the new school! Great idea! I, too, want a theatre, but in the new school?? I have heard rumours that when the Beamsville school closes, the Town of Lincoln may perhaps purchase the property. If that should happen why not establish a theatre there? Depending on how the Town renovates the building, there are at least three choices. The simplest, easiest, and most cost effective would be to use the Team Teaching Room in Wing two. It would be perfect for a small, intimate theatre. The other two choices would be either the gymnasium in wing one or the one in wing two, either of which would require many more renovations! We often accuse

those in authority of not planning for the future. Lincoln Council, I know many of you are graduates of our beloved BDSS! Here is your chance to plan for a future in which a theatre could play an important role in our community! John van der Beek Smithville

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