It was not the kind of Valentine’s gift residents were hoping for, but Niagara Region set a 6.3 per cent tax increase for 2026 in place last week ending a marathon budget process.
Regional council had a forecast budget projection in January, but that proved insufficient and was sent back to the drawing board with a goal of finding $3 million more in cost cuts.
What ended up being approved was a reduced tax increase, but not quite as much as was hoped for by Niagara West’s elected officials.
“This was a very difficult budget from many levels. There has been and continues to be a lot of pressure on Regions across Ontario in the areas of long-term care, homelessness, policing, etc.,” said Lincoln Reg. Coun. Rob Foster.
“The general tax levy approved, 6.3 per cent increase translates into $137 for the average home in Niagara. The tax increase for Regional Departments came out at 1.21 per cent -- so, the main increases seen have been in areas the Region has little control over; including but not limited to policing. Roughly, combined with the Town’s (increase) of just under 5 per cent and the zero per cent for
See REGION, Page 3
A little help from a friend
Ella Fitzgerald, left, supports her life-long friend Victoria Moustakas during a wobbly skate in Grimsby’s community centre, just one of the activities at the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre as part of Family Day activities. For more coverage of Grimsby’s event, please turn to Page 17. Loree - Photo
REGION
From Page 1 education portion, it is likely the overall tax hit will be in the neighbourhood of 5 per cent.”
About $13 million is projected to be invested in road resurfacing, with service roads and others identified in Lincoln in the overall work list.
“Lincoln’s key and ongoing projects will continue, including King Street West reconstruction, water and sewer upgrades, etc. Other major projects, including downtown Vineland, were note approved but are in the queue for 2027 potential” said Foster.
“In my opinion, it was unfortunate the capital portion of the budget was cut early, as there are many needs for capital upgrades across Niagara. However, this means continued advocacy with the province on key initiatives.
Like Foster, West Lincoln Reg. Coun. Albert Witteveen
is not overjoyed by the tax increase set by regional council, but he noted the value of not cutting into services taxpayers value.
“No, I’m not happy with a 6.3 per cent increase. Our greatest budget pressures come from the costs of policing and the cost of inflation in wages,” said Witteveen.
“Water and wastewater need continued investment to maintain levels of service within our operating mandates. The question always is ‘what services do we cut as demands rise?’ We will again review our services and see what efficiencies can be found through attrition and technology.”
For Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan, he was happy to see Region reduce some of the developer incentives in this year’s budget.
“I think the developers are taking advantage of the incentives. That was reduced
by a few million which helped as part of $16.2 million in cuts from the initial budget increase proposed,” said Jordan.
“There was $12 million in cuts in the intial round and another $4 million in cuts from last week’s budget meeting.”
While Jordan lamented the need for such a sizable increase, he noted that earlier councils did not do any favours by pushing through succcessive zero increases pre-COVID.
“They put through zeros from 2016-2018. Even if they did two per cent, it would have been much less onerous on subsequent councils. You just never catch up,” said Jordan.
Despite the cuts, he said no Grimsby projects were deferred, so the downtown water/sewer pipe upgrade will proceed as well as the Casablanca reconstruction and the Main Street West repairs will proceed.
Public Notice:
NOTICE OF PASSING OF BY-LAW NOS. 2026-11 AND 2026-12
To designate properties as being a place of architectural, historical and/or contextual value or interest
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Town of Lincoln passed By-law Nos. 2026-11 and 2026-12 on the 2nd day of February, 2026, to designate the following properties pursuant to the provisions of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter O.18, Part IV, Section 29.
4881 King Street | Part Lot 161, Corporation Plan 3, Beamsville, Parts 1 to 3 on 30R-7905, in the Town of Lincoln.
2818 Prince William Street | Plan 41A, Lot 125 and Part of Martha Street. Concession 2, Part Lot 17, in the Town of Lincoln.
AND TAKE NOTICE that any person or public body may appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal in respect of the By-law by filing with the Clerk of the Town of Lincoln not later than the 21st day of March, 2026, a notice of appeal to the by-law. A notice of appeal must:
i. Be made in writing;
ii. Must set out the reasons for the appeal; and
iii. Be accompanied by a fee of $1,100.00 in the form of a certified cheque, money order, or credit card payable to the Minister of Finance (This is the fee required by the Ontario Land Tribunal). An appellant may request a reduction of the filing fee to $400, if the appellant is a private citizen or eligible community group. The request for a reduction in the fee must be made at the time of filing the appeal.
Further information respecting the designation may be obtained by contacting Planning & Development at (905) 563-2799 or by email planningapplications@lincoln.ca
DATED at the Town of Lincoln on the 19th day of February 2026
Kirkelos | Town Clerk
The
tion
Lincoln Community Centre.
The new WLCC opened in 2018. The gym has never had its naming right sold off previoiusly. The request for proposals seeks three- to five-year offers from individuals, businesses, corporations or not-for-profit organizations are being sought - with emphasis being placed on a partnership compatibility and in direct connection to the West Lincoln community. The naming rights opportunity is intended to:
• Encourage investment in civic assets
• Provide a consistent funding stream for the facility
• Ensure fairness and transparency in the naming rights process
• Enhance the successful proponent’s marketing efforts and image
Submissions are being accepted until 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026.
Lincoln arena
Volunteer
Evan Loree
Lauren Gobo, 6, of Smithville carefully pours syrup over her pancakes at West Lincoln firefighters’ breakfast.
Photos By
firefighter Andre Watson serves Samantha MroczekStoner and daughter hot pancakes. (Below) Jack Fishleigh, 2, and dad Eric out skating on Family Day in Smithville.
West Lincoln skater Mia Dion, 15, gets some practice time at West Lincoln’s Family Day event.
Jack Amodeo, 5, celebrates a floor hockey goal.
Artist Cathy Lau draws friends and family Hunter Mark, 6; Isla, 8, and Maisie Lindley, 5; and Eden Mark, 8.
There are many reasons to LOVE our communities in Niagara West and we want to hear what you think! With Family Day approaching, this can also be as fun activity for parents to help their young ones explain what they LOVE about the community in which they live! But we want to hear from young and not-so-young alike.
Please take a few minutes to create a submission of up to 200 words. All submissions can be dropped off at our
The deadline for submission is Saturday, Feb. 21 at 5 p.m.
FORM 6
SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER Municipal Act, 2001
Ontario Regulation 181/03, Municipal Tax Sales Rules
ThE CORPORATION OF ThE TOwNShIP OF wEST LINCOLN
Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Township Council Chambers, 318 Canborough Street, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0.
The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the Township Council Chambers, 318 Canborough Street, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0.
Description of Lands:
ROLL NO. 26 02 010 003 12300 0000, 702 JOHN ST, CAISTOR CENTRE, PIN 46068-0099 LT, LT 7 W/S JOHN ST TP PL 26 CAISTOR; S/T EXECUTION 98-01123, IF ENFORCEABLE; WEST LINCOLN, FILE NAWL23-005
Minimum Tender Amount: $64,947.00
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $83,000.
• Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit of at least 20 per cent of the tender amount, which deposit shall be made by way of a certified cheque/bank draft/money order payable to the municipality.
• Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to, existing interests in favour of the Crown, environmental concerns or any other matters relating to the land(s) to be sold. Any existing Federal or Provincial Crown liens or executions will remain on title and may become the responsibility of the potential purchaser. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.
• This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchasers will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated taxes and any taxes that may be applicable, such as land transfer tax and HST.
• Effective January 1, 2023, in accordance with the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (SC 2022, c 10, s 235) (the “Act”), non-Canadians are now prohibited from purchasing residential property in Canada, directly or indirectly, pursuant with the terms as set out in the Act and Regulations under the Act.
• Any non-Canadian who contravenes the Act, or any person who knowingly assists in contravening the Act is liable to a fine of up to $10,000 and may be ordered that the property be sold, therefore it is highly recommended that any potential purchasers obtain independent legal advice to ensure they will not be in contravention of the Act.
• It is the sole responsibility of the tenderers to investigate into the details of what constitutes a non-Canadian, residential property, any exceptions or exclusions, or any other matters or determinations relating to the Act. The municipality accepts no responsibility whatsoever in ensuring that any potential purchasers comply with the Act.
• Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) applies to the purchase price for a transfer of residential property located in Ontario which contains at least one and not more than six single family residences if any one of the transferees is a non-resident of Canada, foreign entity or taxable trustee.
• The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser.
• A copy of the prescribed form of tender is available on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
For further information regarding this sale, please visit: www.westlincoln.ca or you may contact: Sarah Petrina, Property Tax & Payroll Coordinator 318 Canborough St., P.O. Box 400, Smithville ON L0R 2A0 Tel: (905) 957-3346 Ext. 6718, Email: spetrina@westlincoln.ca
MARCH BREAK CAMP
HAT TRICK HOCKEY
Week 16 (Standing as of Feb. 10th, 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: Jenn Longboat
• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Jordan Flowers,Grimsby: Don Goulet
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Judge & Jester, Grimsby: Alicia Smithson
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire, Grimsby: Korri Meins
• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Grimsby: Marueen Poole
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Memphis BBQ., Winona: Sally Quider
• 2 Tickets to a Grimsby Peach Kings game, Grimsby: Kian Marleau Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings
Top Standings
21. Shantz, Kate & Briar 1107
22. Klages, Robert 1106
23. Dearman, Travis 1106
24. Olejarz, Michelle 1103
25. Stephenson, Will 1102
26. Ciszec, Fred ............ 1101
27. Campbell, Matt 1100
28. Hurtubise, Alison 1099
29. Moore, Michelle 1097
30. Moore, Douglas 1097
31. Karkkainen, Paul 1094
32. Redding, Jeff 1094
33. Herale, Kevin 1094
34. Cain, Trisha 1094
35. Seibel, Ken ............ 1093
36. Rohner, Griffin ..... 1093
37. Murray, Nick 1093
38. Fretz, Kai 1092
39. Hockey, Briana ‘Dr Hockey’ 1092
40. Mous, Lauren 1092
Our plan to protect Ontario is diversifying our trade
As Canada stares down economic uncertainty, we’re ready with a plan to protect Ontario. Diversifying our trade will connect our province to new markets.
That’s how we protect Ontario.
T:9.786"
Tell us “Why I Love My Community”
If you’ve been thinking about your ‘Why I Love My Community’ submission, you have until Saturday at 5 p.m. to enter.
From all entries to the popular NewsNow reader contest, three will be randomly chosen with winners receiving a gift certificate for their favourite West Niagara shop or restaurant valued at
$100, $75 or $50. Submissions should include an address, phone number and email. Readers can add art or a photo if they choose.
Enter by emailingmike@wn3.ca - or drop entries at NewsNow’s office at 45 Main St. W. in Grimsby. There is a mailslot for anyone coming by outside of regular hours.
SpytkowSky, Myroslava Anna
Passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late Carl Spytkowsky (2022). Loved mother of Nadia Kulakowsky (Jan), Stephanie Larock (Blaine), the late Natalie Sirko (2025)(Steven) and Roman Spytkowsky (Patricia). Cherished grandmother of her eight grandchildren Adrian (Amanda), Matthew (Laurie), Melanie (Sean), Roman (Alicia), Stefan, Adelia, Ariana, Aliya and six great-grandchildren Lukas, Sam, Remy, Gordon, William and Henry. “Mama”, “Baba” and affectionately known as “Babio” will be sadly missed. Dear aunt of Gregory Shean (Natalie). Dear sister of the late Walter Shean (Jeanette) and Boris Shean (Marilyn) and sister-in-law of the late Michael Syptkowsky (late Stella). Visitation at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. with Panachyda at 7:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held at St. George’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 19 Ontario Street, Grimsby on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 10 a.m. Interment to follow at Queen’s Lawn Cemetery. Donations and memorial contributions to Unite With Ukraine or to St. George’s Church would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
www.smithsfh.com
APT. FOR RENT
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cars, trucks, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.
Van Bergeyk, geraldine 1966-2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Geraldine Van Bergeyk. Geraldine went home to Jesus on February 12, 2026.
Geraldine was born to John and Grace Van Bergeyk and became sister to Larry and Gilbert on June 26, 1966.
At a time when Down syndrome children were often institutionalized, John and Grace chose, in spite of the challenges, to bring their daughter home and to devote themselves to Geraldine, providing her with unconditional love. She was a gift from God.
Through the years Geraldine was involved and enjoyed various activities through Community Living and the Friendship Club. Both of these organizations were a blessing to her, providing an avenue for her self-expression and social needs.
Geraldine did not express herself in the traditional sense, but she was kind, funny, gentle and creative. She enjoyed painting, ceramics, swimming, outings to various musical events in the community. She loved her jewellery and getting her nails done.
Geraldine is reunited with her dad, John Van Bergeyk (she was the apple of his eye — his “Dena”), and her nephew Adam Van Bergeyk, in Heaven.
griffin, William Donald
Passed away at Tilbury Manor Long-Term Care Home, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in his 93rd year. Beloved husband of the late Barbara Griffin (2020). Loving father of Lisa Griffin, Robert (Sharon), David and the late Billy (2022) (Tammy). Cherished grandfather of Matthew (Alyssa), Tommy, Jennifer, Lauren (Lukas), Jamie (Nathan), Kayla, Zoe, Liam and Shane. Proud great-grandfather of Nova and Mira. As per Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place. If desired, expressions of sympathy to the Alzheimer’s Society would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905945-2755.
www.smithsfh.com
Kratofil, lawrence
“larry”
Surrounded by his loving family, Larry passed away peacefully at McNally House Hospice on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the age of 70. He will be forever loved by Connie, his wife and best friend of 45 years; his children, Madison Kratofil (Peter MacLeod) and Brandon Kratofil (Emma Chappell), of whom he was deeply proud; and his cherished grandchildren, Lauren and Chloe, who held a very special place in his heart.
RECOVERY
struggLing With hurts, hang-ups or haBits?
“Celebrate Recovery (CR)” 12 step Christian Recovery for Healing, Help and Hope. ALL WELCOME! Wednesdays at 7 pm. Forestview Community Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby. For info. or help, CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca 905-9459529
ruBBish & Junk remoVaL. Call Ken 905-973-3235 CELEBRATE
Left behind to mourn her passing, beloved daughter of Grace Van Bergeyk; beloved sister to Larry (Nelly) Van Bergeyk and Gil (Michelly) Van Bergeyk. Aunt to Tonia (Daucette and children), Sophie (Nate) Hawkins and children, Leah (Jake) Johnstone and children, Grace (Mitch) Dobbie and children, and Cory Van Bergeyk.
Visitation will take place at Merritt Funeral Home, Smithville on Wednesday, February 18, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Lane Cemetery, St. Anns.
Special thank you to the wonderful staff at Community Living in Beamsville, especially to Breanne and Jill. Thank you for all the love, exceptional care and support you provided to Geraldine and to all of us, her family.
Jesus loves me,This I know For the Bible tells me so, Little ones to Him belong They are weak but He is strong
A long-time resident of Grimsby, Larry will be remembered for his generosity and easygoing personality. He was never happier than when he was in the kitchen; his cookies, soups, and baked goods were how he shared his love with family and friends. Larry also gave his time generously, including building sets for the Peninsula Players Community Theatre Company.
The family sincerely thanks all of the medical professionals who supported Larry, including Dr. Lalani, Dr. Margeson, Erica, and the dedicated staff and volunteers at McNally House Hospice. Cremation has taken place in accordance with Larry’s wishes. Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the Juravinski Cancer Centre or McNally House Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com got
(Above) Kyrylo Dovzhenko plays ping pong with 12-year-old Booker Cruise.
(Right) Tamilla Usein helps niece Meryem Alimova, 5, with her skates.
The Hildebrands (L to R), Mercy, 5; dad Andrew; Finley, 6; mom Emma, and, Miko, 8, were out for a spin around the ice.
Fatima Tariq, 4, was one excited camper anticipating the taste of cotton candy.
Photos By Evan Loree
Katie Canella.
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Quality time
The Township of West Lincoln’s Family Day activities drew a great crowd for a host of activities at the community centre. Among those getting in some skating time were: Back (L to R) Ethan, 11, and Jacob Poletto 9 with Joseph Moushili, 11. Front (L to R) Leah Sills, 3, Ryan Poletto, 7, and Jaxson Pilgrum, 8. Loree - Photo
Public meeting worthwhile of your time
Yes, there was an Official Plan strategy meeting for Grimsby last week.
These meetings, generally, draw crickets. They are technical, super dry and few residents in any community consider giving their time to avail themselves of the information rolled out during OP planning - despite how vital it is.
There are legit reasonswhich span virtually all municipalities when it comes to a lack of public interestthat residents don’t invest in administrative processes.
Namely, taxpayers believe they really have little or no say in matters where politicians of any level are involved - and that is even when a politician is attentive and involved.
There is no issue more frustrating for taxpayers than planning - specifically development, when it comes to things that residents get worked up about.
There are tons of examples - from weed-grow ops getting located near residential areas and schools to subdivisions enveloping great agriculture land (despite the Greenbelt legislation) to horribly over-sized homes a la 30 Viking Drive being plunked in the middle of established neighbourhoods to condo complexes so horribly out of place that they could forever scar a traditional rural landscape as in the case of 5805 King St. in Beamsville.
Grimsby has been facing these issues for nearly 20 years when Grimsby-on-the-
Lake started getting built up. Lincoln is still early on in the pain stage of dense and high development. West Lincoln will be another 10 or 15 years before they see some things happening which look completely foreign to the traditions of the municipality. Yes, there is big development coming, It will be rather traditional at first, but the age of hi-rises will come there, too.
The other thing which taxpayers generally are embittered by is tax hikes. As we all know, these come at all levels and annuallyalmost without exception.
On rare occasions, and with considerable financial stress in subsequent years, some municipalities put through zero increase budgets - as noted by Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan when addressing the Niagara Region budget this week.
When there is not at least a cost-of-living increase put through, you fall behind in the reality of keeping up with costs.
Sooner or later, a council down the line will pay
the price of one council’s grandstanding. Yes, reserves could be drawn on to keep an increase down or to zero, but that damages a municipality’s financial outlook, too, when expensive projects come along for which no reserve was planned - or it was spent.
These public meetings are important. This Thursday, Feb. 19, there is such an event - Vision Vineland: Planning for a Thriving Central Business District, at Lincoln’s Rittenhouse Library Branch, 4080 John Charles Blvd., from 6-8 p.m.
Now, Jordan/Vineland I would describe as traditionally more active than most communities. I would not be shocked to see 100 or more turn out for that event. Typically, not including staff, such discussions might draw 15-20 people - and usually the same active folks which each community includes.
It is easy to sit at my desk and suggest to people how important it is for residents to check out these meetings - or at least make themselves aware of the subject matter. We’re all busy, some more than others, but that does not take away from the impacts residents may feel from a blow they didn’t see coming because processes were ignored.
I have always adhered to the adage, ‘if you want to be able to complain about something, you should have been part of the process when it was reviewed. If you cry first, maybe the milk doesn’t get spilled.
MIKE WILLISCRAFT
Delivered via Canada Post
Ace caught
Tino Cipans, President Royal Canadian Legion Grimsby Branch 127, presents Franca Taylor with a cheque for $826. Franca is the first weekly winner for the Catch The Ace progressive lottery draw benefitting McNally House Hospice in Grimsby. Franca shared that she has a special connection with McNally House. In 2008, the year McNally House opened, Franca and her family had the unfortunate need for hospice care for a family member. She said that she felt compelled to contribute to this campaign as a way of giving back. Helping with the presentation was the Ace of Spades (Lee Wilson).
