Issuu

> WLMH Foundation wraps up record Trees of Healthy Wishes campaign /Pg 9-11 > Trillium grant helps CCWN with $60K grant Pg 5 > Lincoln OP review survey now open Pg 8 > Grimsby’s Julia Verrall off to racquetball nationals Pg 19 Thursday, January 18, 2024 Vol. 12 Issue 36

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“Aggressive” driver causes QEW chaos By Mike Williscraft NewsNow An “aggressive” driver sent two vehicles into the QEW’s Fort Erie bound ditch just east of Tufford Road - a tanker truck rolling over - causing traffic chaos and significant environmental concerns Friday morning. “Around 8 a.m. this morning (Friday) is when a black Mercedes vehicle (was) driving aggressively. We are reviewing dashcams at this point. if you are that driver, or

you have information which can help us identify that driver, we will be following up. Please call Burlington OPP,” said Sgt. Kerry Schmidt, OPP’s media relations officer when reporting from the scene. “That vehicle cut in front of, or caused a collision with this white SUV, which then collided with the tractor trailer sending them both into the ditch.” A white SUV was run into the ditch, while the tanker

went through the ditch and rolled on the South Service Road just east of Tufford Road. Lincoln Fire dispersed a blanket of foam to prevent ignition of a fire as “probably 30 per cent” of the tanker’s 50,000 L capacity, “ has leaked into the ditch”. The QEW was closed for hours Friday before reopening in the afternoon and it was closed again Saturday for several hours to See SPILL, Page 3

Governance tune changes when camera on: Oosterhoff

Lincoln firefighters lay down a protective layer of foam to ensure spilled fuel from a tanker rollever last Friday morning does not ignite. The QEW was closed in both directions for a lengthy period Friday and again Monday morning to allow for clean up. Photo courtesy OPP Safety Division.

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow While mostly parochial views stated at last Wednesday’s first of two hearings into Niagara’s provincially mandated governance review surprised few, they did leave Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff scratching his head. During the full day of presentations before the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy, speakers comprised mainly politicians stated status quo was the way to go.

“As a whole, it was surprising to me that some of the people who had come to me one-onone and in private and said, ‘Oh, things have to change. We can’t move things forward. Things are taking too long.’ Then they get in front of a camera and all of a sudden everything is hunky dory and perfect. It was kind of mindboggling,” said Oosterhoff. I’m not going to throw them under the bus on an individual level, but it was kind of shocking. Over the last year, as rumours and conversations – the See REVIEW, Page 4

Page 2 • NewsNow • Thursday, January 18, 2024

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SPILL

From Page 1 allow for removal of remaining fuel. “They’re going to drill holes in this tanker truck and then start vacuuming out the remaining fuel before they can get the trailer removed,” said Schmidt. “There is still fuel in these ditches. Environmental crews are continuing to work on remediating it. It’s into the vineyards as well and with the snow and rain and weather that is coming tonight, it’s certainly going to cause some problems for clean up crews.” Indeed, residents north toward Lake Ontario got wind of the spilled fuel by late Friday.

News Now • Thursday, January 18, 2024 • Page 3 ditch water near the lake. Lincoln CAO Mike Kirkopoulos provided details on who residents can contact. Verico One Mortgage Corp. Royal LePage NRC Realty “I just consulted with the Ministry of the Environment, ST. HELEN CHURCH 4106 Mountain St., Beamsville ON. Conservation and Big Payout With Progressive Jackpot Parks (MECP). If resiThursday, Jan. 18 - 11 am in the Church Great Hall dents wish to report Jackpot $1,000 Hot Lunch - Sandwiches available at Noon adverse environmenFriday, Jan. 19 - 7:00 pm in the Church Great Hall Jackpot $1,700 Fresh baked Pizza available at 6 pm tal affects to their Also $$$ thousands $$$ in cash prizes every week property from the Admission Free - Tea and Coffee Free spill, they should call the MECP Spills Action Centre at 1-800268-6060,” said Kirkopoulos. Any health concerns should be directed to Niagara Health. Anyone with information on the black Mercedes involved or other pertinent details, can call 905-6812511 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 office (905) 309-8850 margo@mymortgageadvisor.ca 7 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby ON

First Response Envinronmental was checking out ditch water near Lake Ontario early Saturday. “Last night my son arrived home from Stratford. He came in saying it smells like a gas leak outside. The whole area smelled like fuel,” said Nancy Elliott, who lives on Lakeside Drive. Elliott was one of many residents who

contacted NewsNow seeking information about what to do regarding their soil and water. As of Saturday, Elliott said no direction had been given, although an environmental tech company was spotted testing

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Page 4 • NewsNow • Thursday, January 18, 2024 came to shove, they Given Niagara has said, ‘No, everything is had back-to-back years From Page 1 working great’.” with the highest tax inmill that has been going “Well, that’s not creases of any region in on – they were saying something’s got to give what you told me three Ontario, Oosterhoff said he had hoped for a more and then, when push months ago.”

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the kitchen here in our region- especially when you have 126 politicians more in the Region of Niagara than there are in the Province of Ontario - 13 CAOs, 13 building officers, 12 library CEOs, 12 fire chiefs. All the duplication and associated red tape that come out of that, just from a planning perspective, I thought there would be more appetite,” said Oosterhoff. He did say Niagara West’s mayors made cohesive presentations. “I actually think that the West Niagara mayors were the strongest as a cohesive whole,” said Oosterhoff. Niagara West’s mayors suggested more leadership is needed from the provincial level if any governance changes are to come. West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann made it clear her municipality supports “the existing governance model... If it is the will of this standing committee to suggest that changes in Niagara should be made and if the Provincial government in turn decides to do so, then we feel strongly that we would best serve our residents by being aligned with our neighbours, the Town of

Grimsby and the Town of Lincoln, that is to say, the creation of a multicity model with West Niagara becoming one of those cities.” Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton said there has already been considerable effort to share services citing water and solid waste management, the escarpment crossing file, and even the shared fairgrounds as examples. “However, we recognize that there is more work to be done. The current Niagara and regional governance structure presents some challenges in efficiently delivering services and addressing the growing need for housing in our communities,” Easton said. As did Easton, Jordan was looking for provincial leadership. “As we move forward, we seek your direction on what sort of model ideally makes sense,” he said. “Our municipality is on the cusp of a transformative chapter, and with your direction, we will build a legacy of excellence that future generations will be proud of. Once again, we need more assistance and guidance from senior levels of government, including provincial support.”

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News Now • Thursday, January 18, 2024 • Page 5

CCWN to get new walk-in Community Care of West Niagara (CCWN) is the grateful recipient of a $60,000 capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to cover the cost of a new walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer. The project was completed in December 2023 and will contribute to the economic well-being of the community by enhancing food services and making them accessible to all, improving the financial stability of the economically vulnerable in the community. “Food banks are a crucial and valued part of any community, especially here in Niagara West,” said MPP Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff. “Countless people rely on their services every day – this funding will help CCWN continue supporting those who need it most.” CCWN accepts perishable and non-perishable food donations to support the increasing number of Lincoln residents requesting assistance. This initiative was greatly need-

ed as the previous equipment was roughly 25 years old and CCWN has been investing increasingly in necessary repairs to the units. As a food bank, CCWN relies heavily on its refrigeration equipment to safely store food products and maintain quality. With the rising cost of food products, an unstable housing market, and overall inflation, the need for food banks is higher than ever before. CCWN provides relief to households experiencing financial difficulties and aims to offset the costs associated with feeding themselves or their families. “We are very grateful for the funding provided by the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Carole Fuhrer, executive director of CCWN. “This generous $60,000 contribution allowed us to purchase a new walk-in cooler and walkin freezer. We are very thankful as this investment strengthens our capacity to serve the everincreasing number of Lincoln residents facing food insecurity.”

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Animal Health Care Spay & Neuter Emergency Care General Surgery Dentistry Diagnostics

The Town of Lincoln is undertaking a review of its Official Plan (OP). This plan will guide the growth and development for the Town to 2051 and ultimately conform with the recently adopted Niagara Region Official Plan and updates to Provincial policies, while remaining aligned with the council priorities. The Official Plan is an overarching land use planning document for the

entire Town. It implements the community’s overall vision for growth and development. The Official Plan addresses such issues as housing, the natural environment, heritage preservation, employment needs, agriculture, commercial services, and more. To complete the survey, go to: speakuplincoln.ca and click “View Project”.

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Winter Maintenance of Municipal Roadways Parking and Snow Removal Residents are reminded that Section 170 (12) of The Highway Traffic Act prohibits the parking or standing of vehicles on any roadway in such a manner as to interfere with the clearing of snow from the roadway. Any vehicle parked or standing in such a manner as to interfere with municipal snow clearing operations may be ticketed or towed away.

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Vehicles towed may be moved or taken, and placed or stored in a suitable place, and all costs and charges for removing, care and storage thereof, if any, are a lien upon the vehicle. Depositing of Snow on Roadway Residents are also reminded that Section 181 of The Highway Traffic Act prohibits any person from depositing snow or ice on a roadway. Please co-operate with the Town’s Public Works Department by keeping your vehicle off the street when it appears that snow clearing will be done, and by refraining from depositing snow and ice on the roadway. Your co-operation in helping the Public Works Department keep our maintenance operations efficient and our roadways safe this winter is greatly appreciated. Brandon Wartman Director Public Works

News Now • Thursday, January 18, 2024 • Page 7

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Page 8 • NewsNow • Thursday, January 18, 2024

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COMMUNITY CHORAL WORKSHOP NIAGARA FALLS CULTURAL WALL OF FAME

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Creative kids

Leah Kamps left, Naomi Cnossen were two of many kids who participated in one of Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre’s workshops - “Studio Saturday, Peg Dolls - on Saturday afternoon. For details on other programs, email: BLabrie@lincoln.ca

Thank You West Niagara!

We were touched by your response and generosity during our annual giving campaign. Your support ensures that members of our community will spend their last days surrounded by compassion, comfort, and peace. If you did not have an opportunity to support our campaign, McNally House would be grateful for your donation at any time. Wishing you all the best in 2024!

148 Central Ave., Grimsby, ON L3M 4Z3 Charitable Registration Number: 82883 4077 RR0001

Please contact us at 905-309-4013 or visit us online at www.mcnallyhousehospice.com

News Now • Thursday, January 18, 2024 • Page 9

Trees of HEALTHY WISHES

Thank you for supporting the

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital

The community’s generosity has been overwhelming, raising a record amount of $320,000 for this campaign. Anonymous

To live long enough to see the completion of the New West Lincoln Memorial Hospital

Roger & Diane Bain

Jim & Elizabeth Church

Celebrating the birth of our great grandson James Gordon Spiering born Sept 3/23. Congratulations to parents Garrett and Grayson Spiering

To Family and Friends - A Happy Holiday Season. Many thanks to the doctors and nurses who are there for us in the emergency department and ALL workers at the hospital. They are our angels. Looking forward to the New Hospital. Wishing health and happiness to all in 2024

Don, Gloria & Jason Dawe

Anne Chemerika

EllisDon - Tom Wibberley & Max Murray

In loving memory of Rick Chemerika, still missed everyday by Anne, Jennifer, Eric, Cody and families

Wishing everyone happy holidays

DeWitt Family

In loving memory of Fred DeWitt, always in our hearts. Wishing health, love and joy to our family and friends at Christmas and throughout the New Year

Wishing the residents of West Niagara a healthy and prosperous New Year for 2024

Sponsors Anonymous Roger & Diane Bain Esther & Bart Brooks and Family Cla-Val Canada Stanley & Mary Dinga Joan Etherington Futuristic & Custom Machining Angelo Georgakakos and Family Dr. Jon & Karen Ginsburg John & Jo-Anne Holbourne

Konkle Plumbing & Heating Inc. Ted & Karen Konkle Dr. Andy Lam D & A McMaster Gary Sexton Financial Focus Ed & Estelle Sobkowich Graham & Pearl Sweeting Mrs. June H. Wilkinson Winona Concrete and Pipe Products Limited Christine Zych

Page 10 • NewsNow • Thursday, January 18, 2024

West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation Holiday Greetings

Joan Etherington All the best for 2024

Kathleen Gallagher Derry & Judy Hails

Happy 2024 to the wonderful staff in mammography & ultrasound who were very thoughtful & kind

Robert Harrison 2023 has been a powerful reminder of the incredible impact our community can have on the future of health care in West Niagara. The generosity we have experienced towards the Trees of Healthy Wishes campaign has been truly inspiring! It is our honour to announce that your support has raised a record-breaking $320,000! We are in awe of this unwavering support. Thank you! As we move into 2024, the Foundation will continually work with the community to provide the local share funding for the construction of the new WLMH. As well, a significant portion of the local share is provision for equipment to enable the work of WLMH’s skilled health care teams. As we continue to gratefully receive donations from across West Niagara, the Foundation will remain good stewards of your generosity. The Foundation celebrates the community and expresses sincere gratitude for helping make West Lincoln Memorial Hospital the beacon of hope and healing it is today. Again, thank you for investing in life. We invite you to visit our website at www.wlmhfoundation.ca to stay informed about what is happening at the Foundation. You may also enjoy watching the construction as it unfolds on the live webcam at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_19IErgIK28 With gratitude and wishing you a 2024 full of health, happiness and prosperity.

Always in our thoughts and hearts wife and mother Joan and daughter Joanne

Anna Hildebrand

Art & Val Fleming - In memory Good will to all

Kathleen Johnson

In loving memory of Bob and Ata

Kearse Family

In memory of Pauline & Andy Alma

Geraldine Kelter

In loving memory of Joe Kelter and Viola Fishleigh

Katy & Barry Koepke

Wishing all of our family a very healthy and happy New Year! Love you all!

Adrian & Kathy Koornneef

Merry Christmas and may the Lord be with us all

Diane Love Kevin Antonides Chair WLMH Foundation

Pamela Ellens Executive Director, WLMH Foundation

WINONA CONCRETE AND PIPE PRODUCTS LIMITED West Lincoln Memorial Hospital is vital to our community and participating in the Trees of Healthy Wishes Campaign is an honour for our organization. Our gifts directly impact the healthcare available to our friends, family and neighbours. We wish our community a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Wishing my friend Debbie a speedy recovery

John & Josephine Lumley Special thanks to the care givers at WLMH

Sam Or & David Mak

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2024

News Now • Thursday, January 18, 2024 • Page 11

Dennis & Bernadette Martin In memory of Stan and Frances Mosakoski and Estelle Martin

Lillian McDonald

Happy Holidays to everyone

Jim & Gay McIlwain

Thank you to the staff of WLMH for your excellent patient care. May you be blessed with a New Year full of joy and peace

Maria & Piera Palmieri

In loving memory of Libero Palmieri & Gemma Poole. Holiday blessings to all our family, friends & neighbours

Community Spotlight ~ EllisDon EllisDon has been, without question, an amazing community partner of the WLMH Foundation. The staff of EllisDon have been incredibly supportive and we’d like to share some of what the Foundation has experienced throughout the building project in 2023. • In June, 2023 EllisDon hosted a great golf tournament at Peninsula Lakes Golf Club raising an amazing $62,000 for the Maternal and Newborn Care program. “Thank you to the dedicated leadership of EllisDon for supporting our West Lincoln Memorial Hospital through their golf tournament. It was a day to celebrate as many of the participants in the tournament are directly involved in bringing our community’s dream into reality by building our new hospital,” states Kevin Antonides, Chair, WLMH Foundation. • In November, 2023, they provided a structural beam at WLMH Foundation so we could invite the community to leave their mark before it was hoisted into the new WLMH. Many of the community came to sign the beam! Here’s an image of the beam being placed into the building.

Stan & Linda Popp In memory of Joshua Ronaldson

Gordon Riding Best of wishes

Suzanne & Steve Rilett

Dad, remembering you yesterday, today and always

Sharon Rizzuto

A Blessed Christmas to all and good health for 2024!

• In December, 2023, EllisDon and United Rentals partnered in an initiative for our Star is Born program. They raised $12,000 so that newborns and moms could receive enhanced Welcome to the World packages. An extra little sprinkling of love and joy is appreciated!

Mel & Joyce Robertson

We wish at this time, to give our love & thanks to all our dear family - our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, yes all 9 of them

Joan Tweedle

In memory of Lorne & France Tweedle, Donald & Marion Tweedle, Gerald Tweedle, Smith & Arlene McDougall and Paul & Maryanne McDougall

Fred & Dianne Usher All the best in 2024

Peter & Joan Wiebe Happy & Healthy 2024

EllisDon has been tremendous at keeping our new build project on target for Spring 2025. They continue to work at completing the building envelope system including vapour barrier, insulation, curtainwalls, and more. It is anticipated that all framing in Levels 1 to 3 will be completed this quarter on the west side. It’s great to see the progress of construction! Did you happen to notice the festive spirit of EllisDon when they lit up the crane over the holidays in support of the Trees of Healthy Wishes campaign? “We are very pleased and excited to be working in Grimsby on the WLMH new hospital. It’s been a great experience working on this project and we enjoy being part of a project that has been long awaited by this community,” stated Tom Wibberley, EllisDon Superintendent. Max Murray, Senior Project Manager – EllisDon added, “The communities in which we build, become like home.” Thank you to the staff of EllisDon for your spirit of generosity and working wholeheartedly on the new WLMH.

Town Talks

Page 12 • NewsNow • Thursday, January 18, 2024

Official Plan Review Panel Talks

Town Talks

We invite you to attend Town Talks, a panel discussion series regarding Grimsby’s Official Plan review.

Town Talks is a panel discussion series that features professionals speaking about Housing and Affordability, Work and Workplaces, and Neighbourhoods. Official Plan Review Panel Talks We invite youThese to attend Town Talks, panel discussion series regarding Grimsby’s Plan events aim toaengage you about three key topics thatOfficial will be review. covered in the Official Plan review. These discussions will include a

period where can askprofessionals questions and share yourHousing views. and Town Talks isquestion a panel discussion series you that features speaking about Affordability, Work and Workplaces, and Neighbourhoods. Let’s talk about the future of:

These events aim to engage you about three key topics that will be covered in the Official Plan review. These discussions will include a question period where you can ask questions and share Housing and Affordability your views.

January 24 at 6pm at Town Hall (160 Livingston Avenue)

Let’s talk about the future of:

Work and Workplaces • Housing and Affordability 6 at 6pm at Southward January 24 at 6pmFebruary at Town Hall (160 Livingston Avenue) Community Park Building (84 Mud Street West)

• Work and Workplaces February 6 at 6pm at Southward Community Park Building Neighbourhoods (84 Mud Street West)

February 8 at 6pm at the Peach King Centre • Neighbourhoods (162 Livingstone Avenue) February 8 at 6pm at the Peach King Centre This panel discussion will include a community mapping activity (162 Livingston Avenue) This panel discussion will include a community mapping activity

Visit letstalkgrimsby.ca/officialplan to learn more!

News Now • Thursday, January 18, 2024 • Page 13

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Page 16 • NewsNow • Thursday, January 18, 2024

OBITUARIES

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289-235-9500 OBITUARIES

ADAM, Sylvia

Passed away peacefully January 10th 2024 at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in her 94th year. Wife of Michael Adam (predeceased 2018) Survived by son Paul (Kathy), grandchildren Derek (Renee) and Stephanie (Andrew) and great granddaughter Morgan Sylvia was the first woman to serve on Clinton Township council (1968), and served on the Land Division Committee as well as Committee of Adjustment. She enjoyed many years at the cottage in Tobermory as well as spending many winters in Panama City Beach, Florida. She was an avid gardener as well. Cremation has taken place, interment at a later date. Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

In Celebration of

Gordon (Buster) Madill

(October 28, 1944 to January 14 ,2024) Madill, Gordon (Buster) Fredrick, passed away peacefully on January 14th 2024 in his 80th year. Gord is survived by his beloved wife Rita (Crechiola) his children, Robert (Selma Djuick) and Paula (Jason Shortt), his cherished grandchildren Raimond, Cameron, Matthew (Madill), Morgan and Chloe (Shortt) and by his brother, Bob (Betty-Anne) Madill, Sister, Joan Barty. He will be missed by many loved in-laws, nieces and nephews. Gordon worked many hours at Firestone as an electrician, following in his Father’s footsteps and he spent many years on the board of directors for the credit union (Industrial Family). He loved coaching his children’s teams, helping family and neighbors with one project or another and he was known around the neighborhood for his LOUD whistle, and combination of socks and sandals. The family would like to thank Dr El-Houssein for her dedication, relentless pursuit to heal and especially her warmth and compassion in treating Gord. Thanks to the nurses, OT/PT and staff at West Lincoln Memorial, and the Hamilton General Hospital , and Nurse Julie for always finding a vein. To the Angels at McNally House (Nurses, PSW’s ,staff and volunteers) the family is especially grateful for surrounding Gord with love, compassion and joy during his final days. Following Gordon’s wishes, Cremation has already taken place. Visitation is at Tallman Funeral Home (3277 King St., Vineland) on January 21, 2024 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm Funeral service will be held in the Chapel on January 22nd at 11 am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the West Lincoln Memorial hospital or McNally House Hospice. Online condolences at www. tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

Stenzel, Ruth

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of our mother Erika Ruth Stenzel on Sunday January 14, 2024, in her 93rd year peacefully at her residence at Albright Manor in Beamsville. Predeceased by her husband of 61 years Helmuth (2015). Loving mother to her three boys Robert (Nancy), Randy (Tammy), and Michael (Tina). She will be greatly missed by her eight grandchildren, Trisha, Andrew, Brittany, Monica, Mariah, Amber, Dalhia, and Kendra, along with nine great-grandchildren, Jayden, Sebastian, Luna, Chloe, Lincoln, Ethan, Lily, Milo, and Audrina. Lovingly remembered as sister-in-law to Alex (Irma), Herbert (Rosemarie) & nieces and nephew Christine, Richard, Catherine, and Paula, all of whom she cared for dearly. Born in Tilsit, East Prussia, on February 12, 1931, to Johann and Maria Tolkendorf, she was an only child however she was like a sister to her close cousin Erika. She lost her mother when she was 8 years old, shortly before WW2, being raised by her father and many aunts. Throughout the war she was forced to move around until be evacuated back to Germany. She immigrated to Regina Saskatchewan, Canada in the early 50’s to be with and eventually marrying Helmuth. They owned many homes in Regina before taking a stab at farming for 3 years in Wakerton Ontario. While briefly working as a hairdresser in Regina she made a lifetime friend in Josie. She had a passion for gardening with a gifted green thumb, along with making her own dresses just like her mother had. They finally settled down in Beamsville where Helmuth built their forever home for just over 50 years. The family will honour her life with a brief visitation at Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King Street, Vineland on January 19th, 2024 from 10-11 a.m. followed directly by a funeral service in the chapel. An Interment at Mount Osborne will be held at a latter date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society, Heart and Stroke or to a charity of your choice, would be greatly appreciated. She is forever in our hearts, never to be forgotten. Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

News Now • Thursday, January 18, 2024 • Page 17

IN MEMORIAM

OBITUARIES

MacPHERSON, Donald Gerald February 24,1970 January 13, 2024

Sadly, yet with gratitude for his life, we announce that Don died at Juravinski Hospital, with his family by his side, on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the age of 53. Don was the cherished son of John (1987) and Marie (2022). Loving brother and brother-in-law of Kathleen (1999), Karen and Brian Chesla, Paul and Leslie, Michael and Diana, Marie and Chris Smith, Colleen and Michael Barliak, Dennis, Jim and Anna, Rob, Bill and his twin brother Ron and Jennifer. He was a very proud and loving uncle to Kendra, Gareth (Andrea), Ellen, Michaela (Darren), Michael, Adriana, Paula, John, Connor, Martene, Eddie and Maggie and loving great uncle to Ben and Lisa. Don loved spending time with family and friends. He had many close friends whose friendships he treasured. He loved to talk, was a great story teller with a good sense of humour, reminiscing fond memories and discussing sports and the news of the day. He was passionate about sports, playing rugby, hockey and golf. He loved his Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Toronto Maple Leafs and Tennessee Titans. Visitation at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905945-2755) on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 135 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions to GBF Community Services would be appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com

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HOLY SPIRIT, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you ever, and in spite of all material illusion, I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer three consecutive days. After three days the favour requested will be granted, even if it may be difficult. This prayer must be published after your favour is granted, without mentioning the favour. A special thanks to St. Rita, St. Jude, Sacred Heart, Blessed Virgin Mary and all the angels and saints. Especially to Saint Rita of Cascia. Only your initials shall appear at the bottom. C.E.

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Sad spill

According to the OPP about 30 per cent of a tanker truck’s 50,000 L capacity spilled onto lands on the south side of Lincoln’s South Service Road just east of Tufford Road early Friday. Photo courtesy OPP Safety Division.

Key information post fuel spill Having dealt with - unfortunately - quite a few environmental disasters such as Friday’s significant fuel spill in Lincoln, it seems important to reiterate key contact numbers for agencies involved. As noted by Town of Lincoln officials, Ministry of Environment has “the conn” on the environmental situation, but - if need be - the municipality will make connections for people. With any concerns, call MECP Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060. Any health concerns should be directed to Niagara Health. On the criminal side, anyone with information on the black Mercedes involved or other pertinent details, can call Burlington OPP, 905-681-2511. M.W.

A change of tune It really is not surprising Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff saw some changes of political heart from many presenters at last week’s governance review committee hearing in St. Catharines - the first of two such sessions. Nobody wants to see their municipality dissolve - or lose any power or sway - on their watch. Nobody. Now, some understand change could help many of the cumbersome processes in Niagara, others just don’t seem to care. Niagara West officials have been responsive - if not overly cautious - of going down the evolution route. Yes, some services have been shared such as fire as one major one. But there is plenty of other opportunity just sitting there waiting to happen. Before we get to that, let’s look at the regional scale - something of which there seemed to be precious little last week. Virtually all the speakers address immediately local issues in their comments. That is the low hanging fruit in a discussion about possible amalgamations so those points of view are easy to understand. What surprised me was - if removing process and needless administration why would there not have been more serious discussion about dissolving the Region of Niagara? Now, over the years, when an issue has particu-

MIKE WILLISCRAFT larly frosted some elected official’s cookies, it has not been uncommon to hear. “That’s it, let’s get rid of the Region.” Then cooler heads prevail and all move on. I don’t have a particular axe to grind with Niagara Region as an administrative body but I have had a unique opportunity to see how it works with many of Niagara’s municipalities through my years as editorial director of what was - at the time - Canada’s largest community newspaper. Having dealt with St. Catharines, Niagara-onthe-Lake, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Port Colborne and Thorold intensely at different times, I know their frustrations with the Region from different issues over a period of years. Generally, most battles could have been settled if the lower tier had more control. Certainly for Niagara West, it would make sense to see Niagara Region dissolved, its major services reset to be run by utility

commissions (as one example) and other services downloaded along with any appropriate provincial funding - to local municipalities. Having seen a lot of tax spending ineptness, it should not come as a shock to anyone the best spend tax dollar is the one closest to the lowest common denominator. The higher up the food chain you go, the less accountable administrations become. If any reader out there in NewsNow land is surprised by that I would be shocked. So, in a discussion about possible governance review - with an eye to maximizing processes for housing starts - that kind of change should absolutely be on the table. Maybe in Round 2 of the governance committee’s review meeting other speakers less politically inclined may suggest such a possibility. If anything were to be done, that is where I would start. Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln are on a good path to sharing services and I think that will continue to evolve - as it should - but I also think each Niagara West municipality is being fiscally responsible to their taxpayers. There are a lot of wants out here, and those should be balanced with need. The lower tiers are the ones which should over see those expenditures.

News Now • Thursday, January 18, 2024 • Page 19

Racquetballer nationals bound By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow Local athlete Julia Verrall is heading to the national racquetball championships this month. Grimsby’s top junior girl, Verrall will be competing at the Eastern Nationals Championships in Burlington, January 19-21 and then on to the Racquetball Canada Nationals, May 20-25 in Calgary. “Julia is amazing and has the potential to be a champion,” her coach Tammy Gray said Saturday at the Peach King Centre. A Grimsby resident, Verrall, 15, has been playing since she was 10 years old. She loves the challenge of the sport and is on the Peach King courts two to three times a week, between school and work commitments. Saturday was an open day for local residents to come out to try the sport. “It’s a lot of fun,” says Gray. Fast paced, inclusive and adaptable for skill levels, “it hits the cardio levels and stress levels.” “You get totally immersed. You don’t

think about the rest of your day. It’s good for your physical and mental health.” Racquetball is an all-round workout, challenging handto-eye coordination and agility with lots of running and calorie burning. Racquetball Canada is the national sport organization for the sport. As a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, its mission is to coordinate and encourage the advancement of racquetball from the grassroots to the elite level across Canada. In Grimsby, the junior program runs Tuesdays, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 10-11 a.m.; adults Tuesdays, 5:45 p.m.; and open play every Thursday night at 6 p.m. Plans for expansion at PKC, expected to start construction this spring, don’t include replacing the two racquetball courts. “We have kids who are potential national champions,” Gray said. “It’s good to diversify sports offered in the community.” For details, contact the rec department at the Town of Grimsby.

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