NewsNow E-Edition January 29 2026

BUY CANADIAN

Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan clipped the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the newly renovated Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre on Saturday morning. After more than a year-and-a-half of construction and $36 million, the new community centre now in-

cludes a host of new amenities. Members of Grimsby council, MPP Sam Oosterhoff, MP Dean Allison, CAO Sarah Kim and director of recreation services Sarah Sweeney were also on hand to support Jordan with the ribbon cutting. Loree - Photo

Grimsby’s revamped arena officially open to public

By Evan Loree For NewsNow

The wait is over.

After almost 19 months of construction, the newly renovated Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre is officially open.

A large crowd of about 300 people filled the community cen-

tre’s new gymnasium Saturday morning to witness elected officials and project leaders cut the ribbon for the new space’s grand opening.

“It’s an amazing, really amazing, facility. Grimsby finally has a true community centre, now,” Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan said.

“It just adds so much to the vitality of Grimsby,” he added.

The renovations include a new double gym with an overlooking walking track on the second floor, fitness studios, multi-use rooms, a new concession stand and parking upgrades.

“There’s something here for everyone,” Jordan said. There was much excitement amongst the ribbon-cutting attendees.

Husband and wife duo Rino and Patricia Barghout described the new facilities as “marvellous.” The Grimsby couple has See PEACH KING, Page 14

Additional charges in April 2024 Smithville homicide

A lengthy series of additional charges have been laid in connection with the April 26, 2024 death of Cathy Prosje of Smithville.

Last Tuesday, Jan. 20, 44-year-old Joseph Villneff of West Lincoln was charged with the following criminal offences:

• Secretly record person for a sexual purpose – voyeurism (five Counts);

• Make child sexual abuse and exploitation material (seven counts);

• Sexual assault under 16 years of age (four counts);

• Sexual interference (four counts);

• Unlawfully possess child sexual abuse and exploitation material (three counts)

• Access child sexual abuse and exploitation material, and;

• Making child sexual abuse and exploitation material available.

Villneff remains in custody and was scheduled to attend court yesterday (Wednesday, Jan. 28) in St Catharines.

On April 26, 2024, the Niagara Regional Police’s Homicide Unit began an investigation into Prosje’s death.

Villneff was subsequently charged with first-degree murder in the homicide.

As a continuation of the investigation, detectives with the Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE) became involved in the investigation. In December 2024. ICE detectives charged Villneff with possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material and voyeurism.

The investigation remained ongoing, and in September 2025 additional child sexual abuse and exploitation material was located.

may be other victims and request that anyone with information related to this incident contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009535.

Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-2228477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest. The Niagara Regional Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet and conducts investigations in partnership with Ontario police services and international agencies. This initiative is made possible through funding from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Breakfast is served

Cristalle Miller brought her kids - Bradley Miller, 2, left, and Kylie Miller, 4, out to Beamsville Lions’ monthly pancake breakfast at the Lincoln Centre on Jan. 18. The Club’s next breakfast is set for Feb. 15 from 9 a.m.-Noon.

(Below) Henry Von Bargen helps to serve an appreciative Bob Franks, left. Loree - Photos

HAT TRICK HOCKEY

Week 13 (Standing as of Jan. 24th, 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: Roland Steele

• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Jordan Flowers,Grimsby: Cam Kalanchoe

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Judge & Jester, Grimsby: Banjamin Riley

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire, Grimsby: Jim Bradt

• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza Grimsby: Susan Culp

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Memphis BBQ., Winona: Colin Palmer

• 2 Tickets to a Grimsby Peach Kings game, Grimsby: Julie Schilte Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings

Smithville bypass PIC planned

Niagara Region continues with the Smithville downtown bypass for Hwy. 20 with a public information session on Feb. 12.

The goal of the project is to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

Top Standings

1.Zdriluk, Jacob 1073

2.Klages, Keith 1037

3.Stuive, Cindy 1036

4.DeVries, Mark 1034

5.Couch, Jesse 1033

6.Heinen, Eric 1031

7.Simmons, Cam .. 1027

8.Dunda, Riley 1024

9.Johnson, Debbie 1024

10.Heywood, Kevin 1022

11.Kurpis, Steve 1021

12.Mous, Brent 1019

13.Jacobsen, Sean 1018

14.Van Roon, Jim 1017

15.VanderHeide, Clarence1013

16.Poz, Cindy 1012

17.Kraan, Alisha .....1012

18.Klages, Robert 1012

19.Shantz, Kate & Briar1009

20.McIntosh, Megan 1009

Sponsored by:

The project team will examine a full range of alternatives and identify a preferred strategy for addressing the project needs and produce an environmental study report with a recommended strategy.

The first PIC is set for Feb. 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at West Lincoln Community Centre, Community Rooms 2 and 3.

The PIC will be held in person and will provide information about Phase 1 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process.

Zoi Ouzas

DESPITE THE WINTER STORMS-

STATELY 2.5 STOREY GEORGIANSTYLE HISTORICAL HOME

The "Helen Gibson House" located on large property in the heart of the downtown core below the escarpment among other character homes. Beautifully updated throughout! This designated Heritage Calling all historians. It will take only one visit for you to fall in love with this rare offering.

BRIGHT & SPACIOUS 2-BEDROOM CORNER UNIT

MAGNIFICENT 3100 SQFT “MODEL HOME" HOME WITH OPEN CONCEPT DESIGN, HIGH-END FINISHES

4 bedroom, 5 bathrooms & beautifully finished top-tobottom! Large principal rooms, gleaming hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen w/butler's pantry, great room with fireplace, main floor office overlooking the backyard oasis w/in-ground pool. No expense was spared in this stately home! $1,479,900

LUXURIOUS APARTMENT CONDO LOCATED IN PRESTIGIOUS “GRIMSBY BY THE LAKE”

RAISED RANCH ON TREE-LINED STREET IN FABULOUS NEIGHBOURHOOD 3-bedroom, 2 full-bath home with bright, spacious living room, large kitchen with sliding doors to deck. Enjoy the 1.5-car garage, walk-out from lower-level to fully-fenced, private back yard.

We’re Ready!

Thanks to a great response! NewsNow has not skipped a beat to deliver for our community.

We are now having our carriers go door-to-door in Grimsby, Beamsville, Vineland, Jordan & Smithville.

There are just a few routes vacant, so if you happened to miss your copy - or if you live in a rural area - we have planned a large list of helpful outlets to allow for quick and convenient pick ups.

Grimsby

Puddicombe

West Lincoln

West

Beamsville

Tea/chocolate fun at the Manor

Nelles Manor Museum is offering a unique tea and coffee pairing event on Saturday, Feb. 7 with team sommelier Katie Cyr.

Participants can enjoy an afternoon in the Georgian-style manor with two of life’s greatest pleasures: tea and chocolate. The event will be educational and interactive by involving the art of pairing tea with locally sourced chocolate from Madam Bonbon Chocolates.

Space is limited for the event, which starts at 1 p.m.. Tickets are $60pp.

To book you space, email: info@nellesmanor.ca

ROADS

The Study

Notice of Study Commencement and Public Information Centre #1

Schedule ‘C’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

Smithville Downtown Bypass (Highway 20 / Regional Road 20) in the Township of West Lincoln

Niagara Region, through their consultant WSP Canada Inc., has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) Study (the Study) to examine a potential Highway 20 (Regional Road 20) bypass around downtown Smithville in the Township of West Lincoln. The Study Area surrounds Downtown Smithville, as shown in the key plan on the right.

The Study will build on the recommendations of the Niagara Region’s 2017 Transportation Master Plan (TMP) and the Township of West Lincoln’s Smithville Master Community Plan (MCP), which recommended that the Region and Township explore the routing of a bypass either on the north side or south side of Downtown Smithville, conduct a sub-area analysis to understand local traffic impacts, and identify required infrastructure and operational improvements. The main objective of the Study is to identify and evaluate alignment options for a Highway 20 Regional Road 20 bypass around Downtown Smithville. In addition, a critical goal of the project is to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

The Study Process

Niagara Region has planned this project according to Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act, under Schedule ‘C’ of the Municipal Engineer’s Association’s Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (2023). The Study will address phases 1 to 4 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process (the Process) requirements.

The project team will examine a full range of alternatives and identify a preferred strategy for addressing the project needs. When the Study is complete, an Environmental Study Report will be prepared to document the project planning and decision-making, which will be made available for a 30-day public review period. A Notice of Completion will be issued at that stage.

You Are Invited to Participate

Consultation with the public, Indigenous Communities, regulatory agencies, and other interested parties is important to the success of the Study. To facilitate this, three Public Information Centres (PICs) are planned to gather input on potential alternative solutions and designs and to discuss concerns and issues with the project team.

The first Public Information Centre is scheduled for: Date: February 12, 2026 Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: West Lincoln Community Centre, Community Rooms #2 and #3. 177 West St, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0

Public Information Centre #1 will be held in person and will provide information about Phase 1 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process, including displays with background information on the Study, project timelines, and existing conditions. Feedback from the public on travel preferences, patterns, and accessibility across Smithville will also be collected to identify problems or opportunities. There will be a presentation at 5:30 p.m., but those interested may drop in anytime from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Public Information Centre #1 materials will also be available on the project webpage.

Stay Connected

As the Study progresses and more information becomes available, it will be posted on the project webpage: niagararegion.ca/projects/smithville-downtown-bypass.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the Study, or wish to be added to the email list for receiving notices, please contact one of the project team members below. All comments will become part of the Study documentation.

Amy Shanks, MCIP, RPP

Project Manager, Transportation Planning Niagara Region 905-980-6000 ext. 3532

Amy.Shanks@niagararegion.ca

Jay Goldberg, P.Eng., PMP Senior Project Manager, Transportation Planning WSP Canada Inc. 289-835-2489

Jay.Goldberg@wsp.com

If you require any accommodations for a disability in order to attend and participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Please contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca.

All personal information included in your request such as name, address, telephone number and property location are collected under the authority of section 30 of the Environmental Assessment Act and is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public. Any personal information submitted will be collected, used, and disclosed, where applicable, by members of Regional staff according to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Any information you share will only be used for the intended purpose for which it was provided. For questions or comments about privacy practices, or for more information about the administration of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act in Niagara Region programs see: niagararegion.ca/government/foi.

This notice was issued the week of January 29, 2026

PEACH KING

From Page 1 been working out at the Peach King Centre for the last 25 years through the town’s Happy Hearts program.

“It’s nice to have this indoor track as well,” Patricia said.

The construction project came in under budget, Jordan said, after being approved for $36.7 million, of which $16 million came from a provincial grant.

Jordan and the other officials cut the ribbon after speeches from Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Grimsby recreational services director Sarah Sweeney and consulting architect Kevin Van Hartingsveldt.

The centre was then opened to the public for free drop-in activities for the rest of the afternoon.

Grimsby residents Trudy Fong and Shelley Bourdeau were among the visiting public and could be found taking a spin around the new walking track after lunch.

Both gave their approval for the centre’s facelift, with Bourdeau suggesting it might be useful to the Take a Hike Grimsby Group, a hiking club she runs.

Though the members meet in the parking lot of the Lions Community Pool every Thursday at 7 p.m., Bourdeau said the walking track might be a useful

backup for the club when the weather is too inclement.

With construction complete, the Grimsby Seniors Club will be moving from the Livingston Activity Centre to the new building.

Adrienne Brown, who teaches watercolour painting with the seniors club, said there have been some challenges getting club members on board with the move.

“Initially, there was quite an upset,” she said.

Brown explained the club has been meeting at the Livingston Centre for about 60 years and runs 20 different programs, each with its own leaders and

Mayor Jeff Jordan addresses a crowd of about 300 who attended the grand re-opening of the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre.

unique needs.

But she said town staff had worked closely with club members to address those concerns.

“There’s not really much dissent anymore,” she said.

Grimsby dad Steve Cordeiro was excited to see the changes.

Cordeiro’s five-year-old son Marcus plays hockey at the community centre and, while the ice at the Peach King Centre has always been good and so too have the staff and instructors, the other facilities onsite have been mediocre.

After watching his son test out some of the new equipment, he said he may put him in the lacrosse league as well.

Patricia and Rino Barghout are excited about the renovations after working out at the Peach King Centre for 25 years.

West Lincoln to stream minor hockey games

West Lincoln will use LiveBarn, an online subscription-based service, to showcase minor hockey games played at the West Lincoln Community Centre.

This new service will improve the minor hockey experience in West Lincoln, particularly for those who cannot attend games in person, as it will allow community members to subscribe to watch games remotely.

“With streaming available at our arena, fans near and far can cheer on players and be part of the action no matter where they are. This is a win for team spirit and a great step forward for growing sport and recreation in our community.”

LiveBarn is a subscription service that allows viewers to watch events Live or On De-

“We’re proud to support local athletes and their families by making minor hockey more accessible than ever,” said Mayor Cheryl Ganann.

mand for 30 days. Subscription allows watching of streams from any LiveBarn-installed venue across the U.S. or Canada.

The cost for a basic plan is $27.95 per month, which allows viewing from one device - or $20.95 per month for a year.

West Lincoln users are encouraged to use the Township’s promo code twla-rena to receive a 10 per cent discount. Existing subscribers can update

their profile to the West Lincoln venue’s promo code.

“Adding a streaming service to our arena is about more than modernization, it’s about connection. Whether it’s a parent working late, a grandparent out of town or a sibling away at school, this upgrade helps ensure no one misses these memorable moments on the ice,” says Cynthia Summers, director, community and protective services.

Window closes Saturday to comment on WL CIP

The window to provide feed- • Municipal Fee Grant Pro- Top-Up Grant

Thursdays: CATCH THE ACE GRIMSBY

Jan 29 Kick-off Party/Ticket Sales Start

Feb 5 First Draw (Lic. # RAF1528211)

Friday: Jan 30 Karaoke – Tom Beamer

Feb 6 Live Band – MJD

Feb 13 Live Band – Public House

Saturdays: 3pm MEAT DRAW (Lic. # M785974)

9pm DJ Dance Party CATCH THE ACE

Build your gift list for DIY enthusiasts

Rising prices have pushed people to look for new ways to save money.

The do-it-yourself approach to home repairs has long been seen as a potential avenue to save money, and holiday shoppers can consider DIY when shopping for loved ones this year.

A new Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of the DIY Network found that 73 per cent of Canadian homeowners have done a renovation project themselves in the past. With so many home-

owners tackling projects around the home on their own, DIYrelated products may be just what’s needed to hammer down the perfect gift. The following are some potential home improvement presents for DIY enthusiasts.

• Magnetic wristband: Keeping items close at hand takes on new meaning when one utilizes a magnetic wristband. The BinyaTools Magnetic Wristband is just one of the versions of this handy tool that’s ideal for wrangling

screws, nails, washers, and any other ferrous items. It’s also a great option for crafters and jewelry makers.

• Painting essentials kit: Painting is an easy and effective way to transform a room. For those DIYers who have yet to compile all of their painting gear, local home improvement retailers often package kits that include a dropcloth, assorted roller sizes, brushes, a paint tray, and even painter’s tape to get

See DIY, Page 18

HOME IMPROVEMENT

DIY

From Page 17 started on projects.

• Rolling work bench: People serious about projects will need a place to store all the tools

they have collected. A rolling work bench has drawers to store tools and a wooden top on which smaller tasks can be tackled. Roll it where needed.

• Hearing protection: Drills, sanders and other power tools can be noisy. DIYers will want to protect their hearing, and a set of workshop earmuffs can be a thoughtful gift. Some even come with Bluetooth technology to offer both hearing protection and the ability to listen to tunes while working.

• Headlamp: DIYers need both hands to tackle jobs effectively, which can make holding a flashlight to illuminate the area challenging. Hands-free lighting is possible with an LED headlamp. The light is easily focused where the user is looking.

• Laser measuring tape: A smart measuring tape utilizes a laser to increase measuring size, calculate distances and ensure that every home improvement project lines up.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Kitchen, bathrooms most costly renos

According to Architectural Digest, kitchens and bathrooms require the most labor-intensive renovations, which contributes significantly to the high costs of such projects.

Labour cost percentages in construction are between 20 and 40 per cent of the total budget of a given project. The final

cost of any renovation project will depend on a host of variables unique to each home, including the square footage of the room being remodeled and the materials homeowners choose. However, homeowners looking for less costly renovations may want to consider revamping their dining rooms and closets, each of which

are projects that can make a difference and tend to require a less significant financial commitment than projects like kitchen and bath remodels.

OBITUARIES

McCullough, Evelyn May

March 25, 1949 - January 2, 2026

Evelyn May McCullough (nee Griffiths) passed away peacefully on January 2nd with her husband by her side after a valiant and courageous battle. Evelyn leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was a loving wife to Mike McCullough for 50 years, a devoted mother to Charlene (Eric), Larry (Tammie) and Lisa (Reg), a cherished Mama to Alex (Ella), Matthew, Nick, Olivia and bonus Mama to Tyler, Mackenzie and Colin. Evelyn’s heart seemed to grow with every generation and her newest love was her sweet great-grandson Roland. She will be deeply missed by her family and the many friends whose lives she touched. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we are forever grateful for the love she gave so freely and the memories that will continue to guide and comfort us.

WATSON, James (Keith) 1937 – 2026

Passed away peacefully at Henley House, St. Catharines, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Keith is predeceased by his beloved wife, Anne Watson.

A proud native of Manitoulin Island, Keith moved to Hamilton as a youth before settling in Grimsby 61 years ago. A man of quiet strength and sharp wit, he loved coaching soccer and playing hockey and baseball. He was a devoted father to Greg (Kimberly) and Kristin (Richard), and a cherished Papa to James (Melissa), Carter (Alix), and Oliver.

Cremation has taken place. A private family celebration of Keith’s life will be held in the spring. If desired, donations in Keith’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com

OBITUARIES

Leonard, dianne

January 9, 1947 - January 21, 2026

Dianne was born in Beamsville Ontario, on January 9, 1947, arriving during a winter blizzard to Morley and Muriel Davis. The first of three children, she grew up in St. Ann’s and enjoyed a beautiful childhood filled with time spent outdoors, surrounded by nature. She passed peacefully from this life on a cold night, January 21, 2026.

Dianne attended teachers’ college and became a physical education teacher, where she was known for her passion and creativity in fostering engaging learning environments. Her teaching career paused with the birth of her first child, Jennifer. Over the next twelve years, Sarah, Natalie, Becky, and Joel joined the family. Her children were her greatest joy, and she mothered them with fierce love, devotion, and unwavering commitment.

Though her life included seasons of struggle, it was also rich with beauty and grace. Dianne was overjoyed to welcome Thom, Jim, Matthew, and Kim into the family as her children married. She then was lovingly referred to as “Momma D.” Her heart then expanded even further with the arrival of her 17 grandchildren: Andrew, Isaac, Sarah, Norah, Tessa, Aidan, Ally, Kyshawn, Devante, DK, Nate, Jake, Micah, Zach, Harleigh, Priya, and Raine. She was also the proud great grandmother to Ayla and a new little one expected in June. Dianne created a world of safety, laughter, and fun for all who knew her.

She also leaves behind her dear sister Brenda and her brother Richard.

We are deeply grateful for the many friends who walked alongside Dianne throughout her life, especially her beloved “birthday bunch,” who stood by her through both joyful and challenging times.

At the center of Dianne’s life was her love for Jesus. Her faith was deep and steady, and she lived by the words, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.”

While we are heartbroken by the loss of our mother, we are comforted knowing she is now at rest. During this dark season, we have been blessed by remarkable kindness. Our sincere thanks to EMS, Lori, Justin, Alex, Tanya, and Kristin for their compassionate care, and heartfelt gratitude to Honsberger Estate Winery for their generosity and support.

The family will gather privately on Tuesday. Friends and extended family are warmly invited to join us for light refreshments and casual conversation at Honsberger Estate Winery (4060 Jordan Road, Jordan, ON) on Tuesday, January 27, from 5:00–8:00 p.m.

Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

or re-

we pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.

& Junk remoVal. Call Ken 905-973-3235

Grimsby - 1-bedroom apartment, walk to town, all inclusive $1500.00 adults only contact marktherealestateguy1@gmail. com

briGht & spacious one bedroom basement apartment in Grimsby. Full bathroom, all utilities included. (Heat, hydro, water) in suite laundry. Steps from the lake. A Minutes from the highway. $1700 per month. 647-9911496

spacious, Quiet, 2 bdrm, Adult, 50+ building, close to town, $1795 per month. Available March 1, First and last. Credit check. Hydro and Internet extra. 905-719-9229

CELEBRATE RECOVERY struGGlinG with hurts, hanGups 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 905945-9529

HOME IMPROVEMENT

specialized in carpentry - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring, Power Washing, Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485

CARD OF THANKS

The family of the late RobeRta Pocklington

wish to express their appreciation to:

The coordinator and personal service workers of March of Dimes and Ontario Health at Home; The nurses from Saint Elizabeth Health Care

The coordinators and personal service workers at OntarioHealth@Home

The medical and support staff at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Units D&E

The first responders of Niagara Region; and The staff and congregation of Trinity United Church, Grimsby

7th Annual

Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive

“Were it left to me to decide if we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”

Thomas Jefferson, 1787

(Couldn’t we use more of that thinking south of the border right now)

We are about to complete our 13th year of serving our dedicated readers and advertisers in Niagara West! That seems hard to believe, but it’s true. Just like every stitch of content you read in our pages. We’ve tried to shoot photos at every community event, expose serious stories which were very much in the public’s interest, and let all know the goings on for our great services club and community groups. If you’re looking to social media for information, good luck. It’s a cesspool of misinformation. In short, if it moves, we’re on it! And we still have a lot to do. By helping us out with a voluntary subscription you can support that goal

Is NewsNow’s independent, accurate voice in the community of value to you? Would you like to support NewsNow in its efforts? This is your opportunity.

Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week –receive your copy of NewsNow - whether that be with Canada Post or if we have our own carrier force. That will NOT change!!!!

Subscriptions:

One Year - $50 suggested

We will back HST out of each payment to make things as simple as possible. You can pay by cheque (bring into the office or mail), credit card (call Catherine at 289-235-9500) or e-transfer (send to: subscriptions@wn3.ca - make security answer - newsnow )

For more information, please do not hesitate to call, email or drop in. All inquiries are welcome!!

Thanks very much for your time and wishes of good health to you all!

45 Main

Complete Basements

MERRITT

287 STATION ST., SMITHVILLE

“Serving Families Since 1921”

Managing Director: M. Andrew Gauthier Funeral Director: Tom C. Merritt

905-957-7031 www.merritt-fh.com

100% Niagara owned & operated

Our Team:

Publisher - Mike Williscraft mike@wn3.ca

289-442-4244

General Manager - Catherine Williscraft

Sales Consultant - Erica Huisman Graphics - Donna Wisnoski

NewsNow is owned & operated by 1602207 Ontario Ltd.

Office Location

45 Main St. West, Grimsby, ON, L3M 1R3 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848

NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday & delivered to all homes & businesses in Niagara West, 29,006

Upgraded arena circle now complete

I’m not really sure when the scales tipped in favour of Taj Mahal community centres, but the Niagara West circle is now complete.

Frosty fun

Mom Jill McDowall with one-year-old daughter Clara (left) and daughter Ellie, 6, at the top of the St. John Catholic Elementary School snow hill during some weekend fun. Loree - Photo

All letters welcome

All Letters to the Editor are welcome, no matter the opinion, but a couple of reminders.

I am more than pleased to print differing opinions on any topic, but a couple of things must be noted. Letters need to be factually correct. We’re talking facts here, not opinion. Opinion can vary in a ton of ways, but facts are facts.

I had one letter hammering a 45/47-oriented column a couple of weeks ago which claimed all felony charges against him were dropped. They weren’t. He was convicted on 34 felony charges. As well, I got a letter that was 1,200 words. That is a full page of text, no headline. Whether it’s a council decision, a planning matter or an issue related to our friends south of the border, feel free to submit your letters - mike@wn3.ca - but try to target 300 words to improve chances of getting it published. M.W.

And that is no poor reflection on Grimsby council for stepping up with a $36 million renovation for the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre - also thanks to a $16 million provincial grant - rather they are just keeping up with the Jones’.

For me, on a social level, it would seem as though the dawn of video games altered the psyche of society on a broad and even indirect scale.

It opened up a feeling of “I need to be entertained”; as opposed to “I will find something to do to entertain myself.”

Maybe that’s a boomer thing - with an expectation of bang for their buck? Not sure, but when you look back even 15-20 years, only the biggest communities had what is now common in the smallest of towns.

Smithville was living proof of this a decade ago when there was so much head-scratching behaviour surrounding their consideration of a new community centre complex it was laughable - if you didn’t live in West Lincoln.

They had a plan, then scrapped it because it was too expensive. They rebooted the process and came back with a proposal that was nearly double

what had been scrapped as too costly....and it got approved.

It will take 15-20 years for West Lincoln to grow into its community centre - just in time for it to need a facelift.

Grimsby is a different animal all together. Part of the need in town is gymnasium space. This is driven by one aspect of the ongoing mismanagement which District School Board of Niagara has displayed for decades.

Grimsby and DSBN used to have a reciprocal use agreement whereby Town groups had use of school board facilities and the Town took care of maintenance on sports fields and such in return. It worked charmingly for a very long time.

One of the many boneheaded decisions made by DSBN was scrapping that agreement and charging Grimsby Basketball Association, baseball and soccer groups for use of their facilities. Of course, taxpayers, who already

paid for all of it once, were asked to pay again when the groups had to pass on these new user costs. A real burn was DSBN charging for use of the Nelles Public School gym for which the Town forked out a huge chunk, too.

Now, many of these groups can use the new gymnasium space at the PKC. No, it won’t be free, but at least we won’t have to double pay DSBN anymore. Their indoor space can sit empty for all I care.

So I am very glad to see a great, dividable gym space in Grimsby’s new build. It now has all the toys - as does Smithville’s and the Fleming Centre in Beamsville.

All three cost a ton. They are a long cry from old arenas they replaced.

If you have lived in the area 20 years, think back for a second. Do you remember being in the Centennial Arena in Beamsville or Smithville Arena? How about the original Peach King Arena?

All of those simple arena complexes are gone or on their way out as municipalities endeavour to entertain their taxpayers with multi-use entertainment centres.

They’re beautiful and they will be well-used, but when you are complaining about high taxes and the “affordability” of today’s economy, these bells and whistles are what pushes the bounds of one’s pocket book.