NewsNow E-Edition July 9 2026

BUY CANADIAN

Proudly serving Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Winona

Canada Day power outages affect thousands last week

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

When it rained it poured power outages across Niagara West last week.

About 6 p.m. on Canada Day intense rain and high wind blew across Niagara West taking with it much of the day’s celebrations.

In a 10-minute span, Grimsby saw major outages due to trees falling on lines on Mountain, Woolverton and Winston roads.

While Grimsby’s downtown core had its power restored by about 8 p.m., much of the town was without well past midnight.

“On the evening of July 1, 2026, severe winds See OUTAGE, Page 3

Grimsby GO construction finally gets underway

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

While Grimsby residents could see it coming down the tracks for year, Grimsby GO is finally pulling into the station.

Tuesday afternoon, July 7, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria was in town for the official groundbreaking on the Grimsby GO station.

“Grimsby GO is a game-changer for Niagara; it will get people where they’re going faster and safely, sup-

port good-paying jobs during construction and unlock increased service on the Lakeshore West line,” said Sarkaria.

The Grimsby stop on the GO line has long been part of the provincial government’s strategy to combat gridlock, decrease travel times and support increased GO service to Niagara.

New with the Grimsby stop will be a standardized design for the station to help reduce construction costs and speed up timelines.

See GRIMSBY GO, Page 12

Winning form

Linda Petrina was one of many who took part in West Lincoln’s cornhole tournament on Canada Day - before the rain and high winds devastated the Leisureplex Park. For more details, please turn to Page 14 - Photo courtesy Township of West Lincoln

OUTAGE

From Page 1 caused trees to fall onto Grimsby Power distribution lines at seven locations, including three major feeder trunks, resulting in widespread outages affecting more than 4,700 customers, including a significant outage on Mountain Road,” said Remy Fernandes, president and CEO of Grimsby Power.

“Grimsby Power began receiving outage reports and automated system alarms at approximately 5:58 p.m. and immediately deployed crews to respond, supported by two external tree-removal contractors.”

Grimsby Fire Department also supported the responses.

“At approximately 6:40 p.m., a weather-related transmission outage at Hydro One’s Beamsville Transformer Station (TS) interrupted service to an additional 5,298 customers. Through a series of system reconfigurations and by transferring load from the Beamsville TS to the Niagara West Municipal Transformer Station, Grimsby

Power began restoring service at approximately 10:30 p.m. and restored power to the vast majority of affected customers by 12:05 a.m. on July 2. The remaining localized outages were addressed after crews removed fallen trees and repaired damaged equipment, with all but a small number of customers restored by approximately 1:25 a.m.,” said Fernandes.

For much of Lincoln and West Lincoln power restoration was more of a waiting game as Niagara Peninsula Energy customers were waiting on Hydro One to conduct repairs.

“The issue was on the transmission side. We lost supply from the transmission lines, which are owned by Hydro One. Unfortunately, we had to wait for them to complete the repairs. The outages in Lincoln and West Lincoln lasted about seven hours on average, although customers were restored in stages so that time varies a little bit, said Ethan Fahey, NPEI’s communications specialist.

VINELAND NURSERIES

Grimsby Canada Day event smokin’ hot but fun

They didn’t know it when they planned it, but Grimsby’s Canada Day baked in the sun and avoided the evening’s power outage drama.

The event was hosted by Grimsby Museum staff and volunteers in Coronation Park this year due to ongoing renovations at the museum.

The heat was intense - with many kids enjoying a dip in the Lions Pool before or after working their way through exhibits, activities and snack booths.

Even in the shade the day was extremely hot, but with activities running 11 a.m.-3 p.m., all was wrapped and put away before the power outages came about 6 p.m.

Autumn Borbeley spins a prize wheel while Arya Gerritsen waits to see where it lands.

Beamsville Legion kicks off 100th anniversary

The Royal Canadian Legions of Niagara West will join their colleagues across the country this month to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Legion’s founding.

Beamsville Legion Branch #612 will kick off local celebrations this Sunday, July 12, from 1-7 p.m. Branch #163 Pipe Band will open the event at 1 p.m. with Lincoln Concert Band taking over at 2:30 p.m and DJ Perry from 4-7 p.m. Burgers, sausage and hot dogs

will be on the barbecue all day and a 100th anniversary cake has been donated by Beamsville Bakery.

West Niagara Community Care (WNCC) will have a booth set up with free will donations netting a barbecued item. In addition to WNCC, McNally House, Village of Hope and Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers will also have booths set up.

Grimsby Branch #127 and Smithville Legion Branch #393 will celebrate the following weekend.

AMONG THE TOP 1% OF RE/MAX REALTORS

STATELY 4 BEDROOM CENTURY HOME BUILT IN 1906 LOCATED IN THE DOWNTOWN CORE

4 BR, 3 bath home on large property (100’x178’) with manicured grounds, picket fence, spectacular rose gardens, numerous cherry trees, large barn with loft & 2 PC bath. Fabulous summer kitchen with double French doors opening at poolside. Separate (50’x100’) lot (included in asking price) adjacent to the north side of this property offering future opportunities! $1,774,900

NEARLY NEW EXECUTIVE PREMIUM END UNIT TOWNHOME

3 BRs, 2.5 baths & approximately 1700 SqFt.. Stunning open-concept design with high ceilings, large gourmet kitchen with island & abundant cabinetry. Spacious primary bedroom suite with elegant on suite bath, walk-in closet & private balcony. in the heart of town near schools, parks & conveniences! $659,900

Backing onto fabulous community parkland! Beautifully finished top-tobottom! Large primary suite with 4PC ensuite bath, walk-in closet & escarpment views. Wonderful kitchen with appliances, sliding door leads to backyard oasis with expansive, covered deck and park views.Steps to park, hospital & conveniences. This gracious home is

FABULOUS WATERFRONT LIIVING!

Located in most sought-after Lakefront cul-de-sac. Spacious 4bedroom home on large property overlooking lake & Toronto skyline. Beautifully updated throughout in recent years. Gourmet kitchen, 2.5 baths, large

CHARMING 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH CHARACTER HOME NEAR THE LAKE

Beautifully updated and located on fabulous property with extensive perennial gardens. Only steps away from Lake Ontario and Murray park! Designer gourmet kitchen with large island. Bright and sunny rooms throughout. Gas fireplace in main floor family room. Spacious 4-season sunroom. C/air, appliances. Large verandah welcomes you to this gracious home! $749,900

Rain, power outage don’t dampen spirits

It was a hot time in Charles Daley Park Wednesday as the Canada Day crowd enjoyed all the fun, food and a dip into Lake Ontario.

Niagara was under an orange heat warning with temperatures around 33-37 C with a humidex of 47.

Despite a power outage at about 6 p.m. which cleared much of the crowd,

many returned.

“The evening, when the sun and blue sky were out, the fireworks went on, people all came back and there were line ups at the food trucks there,” said Lincoln CAO Mike Kirkopoulos. “Normally we have in excess of 5,000 people attend. This year, we were probably slightly over half that.”

treats hit the spot for (L-R) Jamie Johnstone; Sophia, 3; Victoria Stratford; Katlin Johnstone, and Liam, 5, Wednesday during Canada Day celebrations at Charles Daley Park.

Photos By Joanne McDonald

The Canada Day crowd kept cool in the lake at Charles Daley Park. Niagara was under an orange heat warning with temperatures around 33-37 C with a humidex of 47.

A mainstay at the annual Canada Day, Beamsville & District Lions Club members: Front (L-R) servers John Tutecky, John Burton, and Tom Boric; cooks, Nino Di

and

NRP seeks survey input for future

The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) is asking community members to help shape the future of community safety by participating in a new Community Safety Survey aimed at identifying community priorities and opportunities to strengthen policing and public safety across Niagara.

The survey is part of the Service’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and will help inform implementation of the NRPS 2026–2029 Strategic Plan.

“Community safety is strongest

when it’s shaped by the people who live here,” said Chief Bill Fordy.

“This survey is an opportunity for community members to tell us what’s working and where they have concerns or see opportunities for improvement. Their feedback will help guide our priorities and ensure that we are focused on the issues that matter most to our communities.”

The survey is live until Aug. 7. https://www.niagarapolice.ca/ community/community-safetysurvey/

GRIMSBY GO

From Page 1

The new station will include one platform, 220 parking spaces, a bus loop and pickup/drop-off areas.

“Today’s milestone announcement is yet another sign that this government and Premier Ford know that Niagara matters - and that

we are putting our money where our mouth is - in tangible infrastructure investments that will help improve people’s lives for years to come,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff.

“The start of construction on the Grimsby GO Station marks a significant milestone for our community

and for the future of transportation across Niagara,” said Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan.

Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay said the construction start is “imminent” and with completion in early 2027 and “we’ll see first passengers board this time next year.”

Grimsby Museum hosts craft event

Handmade goods and treats will be the order of the day when Grimsby Museum hosts its second annual Vintage & Creative Market in Coronation Park on July 18.

Visitors can spend a part of their day exploring a variety of handmade goods from local vendors and unique second-hand finds. While there, stop by the museum’s craft tent with the kids

to create something special and enjoy live music throughout the day.

“Whether you’re shopping for a one-ofa-kind treasure or simply looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you there,” said Maddy Gordon, Grimsby Museum’s events coordinator.

The event runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ROBERT JAMES, Sales Representative Office: 905-945.1234

Email: robertjames@royallepage.ca

PAUL LEWIS SETTIMI

West Lincoln Canada Day blew away many

The skies were threatening much of the day and when the rain and wind came it was a force to behold at West Lincoln’s Canada Day event at Leisureplex Park.

“I’ve never been in the middle of anything like that before,” said West Lincoln Coun. William Reilly.

“They started evacuating about 5-10 minutes before the wind hit. I don’t think anyone was expecting the wind. It was more about the rain and lightning seen in the distance.”

That wind blew away tents, knocked over tables, porta-potties, equipment and left a chaotic scene in its wake.

Nobody was injured, but the day came to an abrupt end, said Reilly.

BEFORE AFTER

OBITUARIES

thorp, Adrian William

January 10, 1950 - June 30, 2026

cordner, William

June 15th, 1946 - July 4th, 2026

With heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Bill. Reunited with his beloved late wife and high school sweetheart, Elaine. Loving and very proud father of Denise Roberts (Leo D’Ambrosio) and David Cordner (Linda Li). Bill was a proud grandfather to Jonathan (Gagan) Roberts, Lauren Roberts, Liam and Logan Cordner. Predeceased by his brother Thomas Cordner.

Bill passed away just a few weeks after his surprise 80th birthday, where he celebrated with loving friends and family.

Friends and family are invited to share their memories and pay their respects on Friday, July 10, 2026 at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 7:009:00 p.m., where the Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the Funeral Home. Burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please think of donating to Bob Kemp Hospice or WLMH Foundations. www.smithsfh.com

barghout, rino Mahmoud april 26, 1930 - July 4th, 2026

Died peacefully in his 96th year in Grimsby, Ontario.

Born in Egypt, Rino lived and worked in Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, The U.S. and Canada.

A world traveller, Rino spoke five languages and could make jokes in them all. Beloved husband for 38 years of Patricia, father to Rob and Nadia, Grandpa to Colleen, Aiden, Lucas and Justine.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

It is with heavy hearts, and with so much love, that we share the passing of Adrian Thorp. Adrian leaves behind the love of his life, Marion, his devoted wife of 46 years. Together they built a life full of love and memories, while raising five children: Karl (Tanya), Tracy (Chris), Stuart (Carly), Dean (Yvonne), and Dawn (Daniel). He will be deeply missed by his 12 grandchildren: Danielle, Anthony, Zachary, Taylor, Victoria (Sam), Mya, Nolan, Evan, Vivian, Maddison, Sadie, and Halle, who all held a very special place in his heart. Adrian is survived by his brother Aubrey and his sister Penny (Brian). He is reunited with his parents, John and Heather, and with his brother Chris, who sadly passed away on the very same day one year ago. The love Adrian had for his family was immeasurable. He was happiest with the simple things in life - a good curry, a cup of instant coffee, preferably with a splash of scotch, and the people he loved nearby. His cheeky, bright smile could light up a room, and it will never be forgotten. Adrian was a proud and devoted member of the Grimsby community. Through his many volunteer activities around town, and especially through his years with the Grimsby soccer community, he gave his time, energy, and heart generously. He built friendships, supported others, and left a lasting mark on the community he was so happy to be part of. He shared a very special bond with his dear group of friends, affectionately known as “The Gang”. Their friendship, laughter, stories, and years of memories were an important and cherished part of his life. He had a way of leaving an impression on everyone who knew him. Whether through his humour, his smile, his love for family, or his quiet appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, Adrian will be remembered with great affection and missed more than words can say. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many PSWs who supported Adrian over the past few years, and to the incredible staff at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital for their compassion and care. We are grateful that, in the end, he passed peacefully. As “The Gang” would say, “You’ll never walk alone.” A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 16th, 2026 from 1-3pm at Peninsula Ridge Winery, The Coach House, 5600 King Street West, Lincoln, Ontario. Please join the family in sharing a memory and celebrating Adrian’s life. If desired, memorial donations to the Grimsby Benevolent Fund or the GTYSC (Grimsby Soccer Club), would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com

Ron Hewitt

August 10, 1945 –July 11, 2013

Life goes on, and days go by, but love and memories never die.

I miss you, Love always, Nancy

th

CLEANUP/REMOVAL

rearrange Furniture, heavy item help, junk removal, shed/garage cleanup, windows, pressure wash. Call Chris 289407-2325 Licensed and Insured

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Struggling with hurtS, hang-upS or habitS? “Celebrate Recovery (CR)” 12 step Christian Recovery for Healing, Help and Hope. All Welcome! Wed. at 7 pm. Forestview Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby. For info. or help, CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca 905945-9529

With love & gratitude, we celebrate our parents

Edward & JEnny LymburnEr on their diamond 60th anniversary, July 9, 2026

Six Decades Two Hearts One Beautiful Life Always, your children and grandchildren xo

gARAgE SALE

July 11th

8 am-3pm 4158 bridgeport Drive, JorDan Station

Quality tools, gardening gear, kitchen &office goods furniture, guitar & FREE stuff too. Moving so it must all go.

grimSby Sat. July 11, 7 a.m. 15 north Service rd. A large variety of items incl. Furniture, tools & toys

$$ CASH PAID $$

Do your Spring Cleaning now! i pay it for all your old hockey mags, books, hockey news, programs, ticket stubs and cards. tim 905-510-3658beamsville.

CARS

cars, Trucks, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059

HOME IMPROVEMENT

cooling/heaTing: licensed/insured • Air Conditioning • Installation, Service Maintenance • Gas Lines • Local Free Quotes • References upon request. call blake 365-889-7838

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

• Roofing • Siding

• Eavestrough • Soffit

• Gutter Guard • Fascia 30 years experience! Mike 905-598-5355

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

lpJ concreTe conTracTor. regular concrete, colour concrete, stamped concrete, exposed aggregate driveways, porches, patios, stairs, sidewalks, garage Floors, leaky basement. repairs as well. serving niagara area for over 30 years. call 905-651-9462

masTer mason: chimney repair, stucco, parging, brick restoration, stone, all cement finish work. Professional, reliable, excellent referrals. Estimates. Evan 905921-5226

grey rock masonry chimney & porch repairs, interlock restorations, parging call: 905-512-9565 info@greyrockmasonry.com

PERSONALS

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. Only your initials shall appear at the bottom.

C.E. I would like to thank all my friends and family that have been praying for Diane. Your prayers have been answered.

LANDSCAPING

licensed & insured Raking

• Pruning • Trimming

• Mulch • Weeding

• Edging • Fertilizing • Seeding. Reliable, affordable service. Serving Grimsby & Beamsville. Call or text

Chris: 289.407.2325

ron’s Tree & shrub service Removal, pruning, stump grinding, shrub care. Call Ron 905-563-4593

garden clean-up, garden design, Garden edging and mulching. trees/bushes trim and cut. Clean gutters and evesdrop. Pressure washing. 289-668-9160

T&g landscaping

Lawn Maintenance, Sod and Lawn Work, Top Seeding Aerating & Fertilizing, Fences and Decks, Snowplowing, Fire wood for sale. Leaky Basement. Frank Tirimacco 905-651-4410

tgland@hotmail.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

Garden tourist

Chris Mack was just one of the many visitors at Sue Dodds’ home on St. Andrews Avenue as part of Grimsby Garden Club’s Garden Tour event hosted at eight homes on Saturday.

Canada Day whirlwind

By far, last week’s Canada Day events were the most odd for us to cover in decades, maybe ever.

Yes, we all experienced the intense heat. That really did make it difficult to enjoy. It’s likely there are some who don’t mind ending a day medium rare, but from those spoken to ‘day of’ visits to the events were half - or quarterof the usual times.

Grimsby’s was just plain hot. There was little to no air circulation in Coronation Park.

Charles Daley Park’s amphitheatre is much like that. It can be like being in a bowl of soup down there. Then good ol’ windy West Lincoln...boy, did they get it. They were expecting a rain storm with lightning showing on the horizon before it hit, but wind? Yikes! It took everything out. Event workers and volunteers need to be commended for getting all that cleaned up. M.W.

GO will pull into Grimsby in a year’s time

A couple of tidbits of clarification before we get started this week....

We had a call from Beamsville resident Helen Kotrus regarding last week’s article about the former Beamsville Pressed Brick and Terra Cotta Company. She noted that her home, located at the corner of Greenlane and Durham Roads in Beamsville was the original house, built in 1876 by brick company owner William Tallman. A second neighbouring house (mentioned in the article) was also built by Tallman as a show building for the brick works’ products.

Helen estimated that second house, which was destroyed in a fire in 1986, was built during the mid to late 1880s.

As well, in our June 25 edition, it should have been noted Lincoln Lions played host to their annual Lincoln Soapbox Derby. Thanks to race director and Lincoln Lions president Gord Gerrie for clarifying that.

As expected, I did get several responses to last week’s piece suggesting the powers that be step on the gas and get the Bartlett extension through the Niagara Escarpment done sooner than later.

The vast majority agreed and those who opposed almost uniformly used the build up in the area as the key reason why an escarpment crossing should go elsewhere.

That is exactly what the powers at town hall wanted when zoning was changed

to allow office space instead of a gas station on the southwest corner and and seniors homes on the north corners.

True, those features are not ideal but that does not take away from the fact Bartlett is still - far and away - the best choice. It really is not close.

Now, you will see Letters To The Editor next week on this issue. With all the Canada Day coverage needed - and the GO announcement popping up on less than a day’s notice definitely dominated this week. I just wanted to touch on this topic since it is such a major safety issue in the two biggest downtowns in Niagara West. This matter should not be on anyone’s backburner again, ever.

So, about this Grimsby GO station....

I know Grimsby was always going to fall into line behind the completion of Stoney Creek’s Confederation, which opened in late October last year.

For something that was known, in terms of timing for well over 10 years, get-

ting to this week’s construction launch seems like a very long wait. But, just nine months after Stoney Creek’s launch, it’s arriving right on time.

There have been a couple of major setbacks which the Grimsby GO has overcome to get to this point.

Initially, the station was to go between the tracks and the South Service Road. The design was done and ready to be approved when someone figured out measurements taken were wrong and busses would not be able to navigate the projected internal driveway. That frosted more than a few cookies at Metrolinx let me tell you.

That necessitated a full review of the layout and resulted in the station being relocated on the parcel of properties collected for this project on the south side of the tracks.

That was a major change. Then, in 2018, Metrolinx put a full stop on the project noting they wanted to seek private funding for the construction of the stationa new strategy for Metrolinx at the time.

That set off a whole process of request for proposals and approval processes which added a couple of years to the the overall timeline.

It has been a haul-anda-half, good reader, to get to this point - but it’s close. Passengers will be able to board next summer. As Johnny Cash said, “You can hear the train a comin’, it’s rolling ‘round the bend.”

Photos By Evan Loree