NewsNow E-Edition June 18 2026

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Grimsby BIA picks up tab for $22K IC complaint

By MIke Williscraft

NewsNow

The tab for Town of Grimsby’s Integrity Commissioner-related expenses came in at just over $45,000 for the last year.

In an annual report to council, Grimsby Integrity Commissioner Michael Maynard noted just two complaints had been received in

the operating period from May 7, 2025 to May 6, 2026 - down considerably over prior years.

Maynard noted the costs included a complaint which was billed directly to Grimsby Business Improvement Area - a conflict of interest complaint levied against the then-chair of the GBIA Board, Simon Duong. Duong is also chair of Happening in

Green thumb gardener

Grimsby, which gets a major contribution from the GBIA. Maynard found there was no conflict.

“Following the investigation, it was determined that no contravention had occurred. As this matter related to a Local Board member, the costs of the investigation were invoiced separately to the Board,” said Maynard in the report.

Chris Corsini makes a purchase at WomEnchant Chorus’ plant sale fundraiser hosted at Grimsby’s Trinity United Church. Gerri Penrose, left, helped with the purchase.

A review of the GBIA’s minutes shows the board agreed to pay Duong’s $22,000 in IC expenses by passing the cost on to GBIA members, downtown businesses.

“Member (Daniel) Vandersteen explained that the Board is proposing a temporary $22,515 levy amendment to be sent to Council

IC COST

From Page 1 for approval to cover the cost of Integrity Commissioner invoices without reallocating money previously allocated for other purposes. This amount would be raised via a proportional levy increase for all Grimsby Downtown BIA members,” reads the March 2026 GBIA minutes.

Maynard, who has been Grimsby’s IC since April 2021 outlined the general role of his duties.

“As you know, the IC’s role is to help Members of Council (“Members”) ensure that they are performing their functions in accordance with the Town’s Code of Conduct (the “Code”) and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act (the “MCIA”),” Maynard noted.

“Upon request, I am available to educate and provide advice to Members on matters governing their ethical behaviour and compliance with those requirements. My office and I are also

responsible for assessing and investigating complaints received from Council, staff and members of the public respecting alleged breaches of the Code or the MCIA.”

In addition to formal complaints, Maynard was also contacted for advice and general inquiries.

“During this operating period, we received and responded to three Requests for Advice. We always welcome the opportunity to provide advice to Members to assist them in carrying out their duties ethically. We accordingly thank Members for continuing to seek out advice,” he said.

“Four inquiries were received and responded to during this operating period. The inquiries varied in nature, but none resulted in the filing of a formal or informal complaint.”

The exact cost for the year totalled $45,773.49. This total includes the costs associated with the GBIA investigation.

Sippin’ in the sun

Smithville resident Trudy Schipper - with her granddaughters Abigale, 3, and Madison Wayne, 6 at Saturday’s West Lincoln Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee Lemonade stand fundraiser at West Lincoln Community Centre. Loree - Photo

NDFS dancers competing at Dance World Cup in Ireland

By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow

Five dancers with the Niagara Dance and Fitness Studio have earned their place to compete on the elite world stage.

Born to dance, Mia Ferrante, 16, Sophia Golini, 14, Madelyn Kempf, 16, Sophie Mancini, 17, and Charlotte Thompson, 14, will represent Team Canada at the 2026 Dance World Cup (DWC), July 8-18 in Dublin, Ireland.

They’ve auditioned nationally, won their spots and will now compete against dancers from 60 countries.

All five qualified through a rigorous series of regional and national competitions held throughout 2025. A panel of judges evaluated their performances and receiving word they would be part of Team Canada “was the best email ever.”

It represents the validation of years of intense training, rehearsal, resilience, team work and mental toughness to perform under immense pressure.

“They work so hard, they definitely deserve it,” said NDFS dance teacher Emily Basic. “I’ve known most of them since they were three years old, since they first put on their ballet slippers.”

And all five credit their incredible teachers and the leadership of NDFS owner Brenda Dykun.

“Brenda gives her dancers her all,” Basic said. “She has great pride in her Beamsville studio and she is

thrilled to see her studio represented on the world stage.”

Well known as the “Olympics of Dance,” the prestigious DWC is the largest all-genre dance competition in the world for children and young adults.

“It will be overwhelming at first to get on that big stage but they’ve prepared us well,” said Ferrante. “I remember looking up to the older girls and wanting to dance.”

Looking back to her early years of dancing, “I would never think I’d be on a world stage,” Golini said.

It took years of training and commitment. “When we were younger we didn’t know this was a possibility, Kempf said.

And now Thompson is teaching some of those younger dancers. “I see their passion and excitement to come to dance class.”

Dance has evolved exponentially over the years and the NDFS dancers heading to Ireland are incredibly versatile and accomplished.

Mancini will be performing a solo, a mix of jazz and ballet. She brought home gold to the Beamsville studio last year representing Canada at the 2025 Dance World Cup in Burgos, Spain. Competing as part of the National Dance Team, her team successfully captured a gold medal on the world stage. The spectacular medieval city in northern Spain hosted 8,500 dancers from more than 50 countries.

This year’s 10-day event will be hosted at The Convention Cen-

tre Dublin bringing together more than 11,500 talented young dancers from more than 60 countries.

“I’m so excited. They get to experience this as a group. They’re close friends and it’s great to see them have this bonding experience and share this memory,” said Basic.

The NDFS dancers spoke of the commitment and sacrifices made by their families throughout many years of dancing.

“I remember when I got the ticket I was thrilled, but my mom was thrilled even more. She remembers me stepping into my first dance class,” said Thompson. “And now I’m going to Ireland.”

Planning, scheduling and fundraising to offset costs, the support of families has been critical to the dancers’ careers and visions. “As much as we sacrifice, our parents also have to drive us and support us financially,” said Golini.

“As much as we’re committed,

our parents have made the same commitment,” said Ferrante.

It’s been a busy schedule of training at their home studio, learning the choreography for the DWC in Toronto and practicing in Milton.

The weekend before the team’s July 6 and 7 departure from Pearson Airport, “everyone from across Canada will come to Toronto and rehearse together for the showstopper which will include dancers from across the country,” said Thompson.

Competition styles feature a large variety of genres, including classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, lyrical, acrobatics and street dance.

The stage performances will be adjudicated by an international panel of 40 world-class dance experts and registered adjudicators.

The NDFS dancers are packing their bags and taking their love of dance, heart and soul, to the world stage.

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Smithville dancer ready for Dance World Cup

When dancers from around the world assemble in Ireland July 8-16 for the Dance World Cup, Smithville’s Brianna Costa will be part of Team Canada.

In Ireland, Brianna will compete in the Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Jazz categories.

To get there, Brianna, 12, puts in a lot of work.

“I train four days a week to maintain and strengthen my technique, flexibility, and performance abilities,” she said, adding she appreciates the community’s supportincluding at a June 13 barbecue at

Smithville Foodland.

A fan of volleyball and drawingaway from dance - Brianna is also an International Ambassador for the Umbrella Project, which helps promote positive mindsets and she serves as a mentor and role model for dancers of all ages.

“The 2026 Dance World Cup in Ireland marks a significant milestone in Brianna’s dance career and serves as an inspiration to other young athletes and performers; demonstrating the value of passion, determination, and hard work,” said her father, Rick.

Notice of Public iNformatioN ceNtre 2 for road Safety actioN PlaN

The Township of West Lincoln (West Lincoln) has initiated the development of a Road Safety Action Plan. The Study aims to guide long-term mobility safety policy and investment decisions to ultimately reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities across both urban and rural areas of West Lincoln while supporting Township’s broader strategic infrastructure goals and road network priorities. West Lincoln has engaged LEA Consulting Ltd. to undertake the Study.

Public information centre 2

On thursday, June 25, 2026, a Public Information Centre (PIC) will be held to share the preliminary future directions for the Road Safety Study and Action Plan. The project team will present the proposed emphasis areas, related safety and risk-reduction strategies, examples of draft action plans, the project timeline, and a summary of the work completed to date.

The purpose of PIC #2 is to provide an update on the project, including a summary of feedback from PIC #1, key insights from stakeholder consultation, and results from two (2) road safety surveys conducted in late fall 2025. PIC #2 will also share findings from the pilot project, outline road safety and strategic directions for 13 emphasis areas, and present examples of draft action plans for priority areas. In addition, the session will introduce initial recommendations for implementing and monitoring safety mitigation projects in West Lincoln and provide an overview of next steps in the study process.

The Project Team is seeking public and stakeholder input on road safety concerns for roads under the jurisdiction of West Lincoln. This feedback will help guide future road safety action plans and recommendations for implementing the proposed safety countermeasures.

All interested parties, residents and stakeholders are invited to attend the Public Information Centre and provide comments on the information shared. Members of the Project Team will be available to answer questions and receive comments. Please provide comments on the PIC #2 presentation materials on June 25, 2026, during PIC and final comments by July 10, 2026.

PIC #2 will be held as a drop-in style open house as follows:

Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. West Lincoln Community Centre, 177 West St, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0

Presentation materials will be made available online on the study website www.westlincoln.ca/road-safety following the event for individuals who cannot attend.

contact us

For further information about this Study, including ongoing updates, please visit the study website at www.westlincoln.ca/road-safety. If you would like to be added to the study mailing list and be kept informed of future consultation events or submit questions or comments at any time during the Study, please contact one of the Project Team members below:

contact:

Mike DiPaola

Dewan Karim, P.Eng, PTOE Director, Infrastructure Consultant Project Manager

Township of West Lincoln LEA Consulting Ltd.

905-957-3346 ext.5142

mdipaola@westlincoln.ca

647-518-4087

DKarim@lea.ca

Rev. Andrew Macpherson during May 31’s covenanting service at Smithville United Church.

Rev. Andrew Macpherson was welcomed into the fold at Smithville United Church with a covenanting service on Sunday, May 31.

Important to Rev. Andrew is meditation on the Word of God with congregants as well as providing pastoral care to anyone in need. Two new programs that will begin in September are a Faith Study and an

engaging Bible study program.

Rev. Macpherson enjoys sporting events and loves to weave his travels and experiences into the life of his community of faith.

The church will host the Wesley WalkCase for Kids, a walka-thon in and around its cemetery - on Sunday, June 28. Start time is 11:30 a.m. This is the 35th year for the event, rain or shine.

Angie Day, holding baby Henry, helps daughter Hazel, 4, try on a bullet proof vest at Saturday’s Touch-a-Truck event at West Lincoln Community Centre. Township and emergency services vehicles were on hand as well as an ice cream truck as part of the educational day. Angie’s daughter, Lucie, also helped out. Loree - Photo

Notice of Intention to Designate

TAKE NOTICE THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Grimsby intends to designate 346 Main Street West to be of cultural heritage value or interest under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act:

346 Main Street West

THE REASON for the proposed designation is to recognize the architectural value of the building in context of its contribution to the heritage character of the Town of Grimsby.

The property is associated with the Woolverton family, a prominent family that contributed directly to the success and prosperity of the Town. The c. 1842-1844 historic dwelling was constructed by Charles Woolverton, a well-known and respected fruit farmer within the Town of Grimsby. Charles also contributed to the construction of the Woolverton Baptist Church (19 Elm Street). Charles was a leading agriculturalist in Grimsby Township, planting one of the first peach orchards.

The historic dwelling would have been an early example of the Gothic Revival style and because of this required skilled craftsmanship to undertake the new and innovative style of construction. This dwelling shows a high degree of technical achievement, and the property has direct associations with Grimsby’s long and important history with farming.

FURTHER INFORMATION can be found at: https://www.grimsby.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/heritage-properties.aspx

ANY PERSON may within thirty days of the publication of this notice, send by registered mail, or deliver to the Town Clerk of the Corporation of the Town of Grimsby his or her objection to the proposed designation, together with a statement of the reasons for the objection and all relevant facts.

FURTHER INFORMATION respecting the proposed designation is available from the municipality by contacting Bianca Verrecchia, Heritage Planner: Email: bverrecchia@grimsby.ca

Phone: (905)945-9634 Ext. 2122

THIS NOTICE PUBLISHED on the 18th of June 2026.

Victoria Steele, Town Clerk Town of Grimsby 160 Livingston Avenue Grimsby, ON, L3M 4X1

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June 26th

8th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive

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

We are about to complete our 14th 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. Real. Honest. Accurate. No hiding. No keyboard jockeys. By helping us out with a voluntary subscription you can support our weekly 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! That will NOT change!!!!

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Finesse fiddling

St. Catharines resident William Perry runs his bow across the strings of his violin at Saturday’s Niagara Olde Tyme Fiddlers performance at Nelles Manor Museum on Saturday.

(Right) Karen Bridges, right, and Lauren Brock take in the tunes on a sunny Saturday.

Loree - Photos

Prepare now and be road trip-ready

Vehicle breakdowns can derail a road trip quite quickly. Breakdowns can be costly and are always inconvenient.

According to CAA, tire-related issues consistently rank among the top reasons for roadside assistance calls. CAA data also shows battery-related issues account for a significant portion of roadside calls. Here are some key areas to address when preparing a vehicle for a road trip.

• Tires, tires, tires: Incorrect tire pressure can affect fuel efficiency and handling. Ensure tires are inflated to the correct PSI as indicated in the driver’s side door jamb or in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Inspect the tread depth on all tires to ensure it is adequate, and also

INSURED MOTORISTS RIGHTS IN ONTARIO

Do I Have the Right to Select the Shop That Will Repair My Vehicle?

Yes. By law, as the owner of the vehicle damaged in an accident, you have the right to choose the shop to repair your vehicle.

Look for Qualified Collision and Refinish Centres. Look for signs that indicate repair technician training and certification. Membership in professional trade and Better Business Bureau indicate that the shop is keeping up with the latest repair procedures.

Most collision shops guarantee their collision repairs. Come in and ask us about ours.

Do I Need More Than One Estimate?

No. Select your repair facility that you feel comfortable with, and then notify your insurance company to make arrangements to inspect the damage.

Notify Your Insurance Company. Before authorizing any repairs notify your insurance company and inform them where your vehicle has been inspected.

look for any tire damage like cracks, embedded objects or bulges. While you’re checking the tires, make sure the spare is inflated and in good condition.

• Battery life: Many automotive centers offer free battery testing. If the battery is between three and five years old, consider having it checked or replaced. Use a wire brush to clean battery terminals of corrosion.

• Under the hood: If a road trip is close to the next oil change, do it before leaving. Ensure that all coolant levels are correct, and that the brake fluid isn’t low. Transmission fluid and power steering fluid also should be checked. Refill the wiper fluid reservoir to main-

tain visibility on the trip.

• Belts and hoses: Inspect the belts for cracks and fraying. Check the hoses for leaks and bulges.

• Brakes: Brakes are the primary safety system. If the brakes squeal, grind or pulse when you are braking, they may need to be replaced. The same can be said if a visual brake pad inspection indicates the pads are thinning.

• Essentials kit: Even with the best preparation, unexpected issues can happen on road trips. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a kit stocked with jumper cables, a portable air compressor to fill tires, first-aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, basic tools, flares, water, and non-perishable snacks.

OBITUARIES

lough, Norma

Norma Lough (December 30, 1937 to May 29, 2026). A Celebration of Life for Norma will be held on Saturday June 20th, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at Providence Christian Reformed Church, 4845 King Street, Beamsville. Luncheon and fellowship to follow.

meikle, Betty (nee Hurst)

Passed away peacefully at United Mennonite Home, on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in her 100th year. Predeceased by her husband George Meikle (2016). Dear mother of the late Sharon Ripley (John) and Terry Meikle. Remembered by grandchildren Sarah (David), Kelly, Mallory (Ken) and the late Scott (Maria). Great-grandmother of Amelia, Andrew, Blake and Charlie. Predeceased by her parents Lena and Delos Hurst and by her brothers Herbert (late Dianna), Don (Margaret) and Glen (late Vickie). Remembered also by many nieces and nephews. Betty was a lifetime worshipper at St. Andrew’s Church, where she devoted much of her life as a Sunday School Teacher and was recognized with the Order of Niagara, the highest honour in the Diocese. Betty was a thoughtful woman, always helping others and putting their needs above her own. She was a compassionate caregiver and all around loving person, selflessly caring for her mother, siblings and husband in their declining years. She will be greatly missed. Visitation at STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 156 Main Street West, Grimsby, on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. Burial at St. Andrew’s Churchyard Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to St. Andrew’s Anglican Church or The War Amps Key Tag Service. www.smithsfh.com

Vermeer 65th Wedding Anniversary

On June 23, 1961, Dick & Mary Vermeer (nee Bouwhuis) were married in Fruitland, Ontario. Congratulations Mom & Dad, (Great) Oma & (Great) Opa! Much love from Annette & Chris, Karen & Kevin, Mark & Annette, 10 grandchildren & spouses, and 12 great-grandchildren. “The Lord bless you and keep you.” ~ Numbers 6:24

Dr.

Lee D Billing June 10, 2019

A Life Well Lived

Lee lived with warmth, kindness, and a quiet strength that touched everyone around him. Though he is no longer here, the love he shared will stay with us — always.

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Grimsby BIA

needs to be more up front

Future firefighter?

Malia Koroll, 5, imagines cruising to a service call as she “steers” a West Lincoln firetruck - with her stuffed duckat Saturday’s Touch-A-Truck event in Smithville at West Lincoln Community Centre. Loree - photo

New logo a no go

Short answer: yikes!

Short question: Is the proposed new Grimsby logo any good?

As you will see, on the facing pages, the proposed logo has some challenges. For starters, what the heck is it? I get that a diagram was presented with a detailed explanation of each element, but here’s the thing about ANY decent logo: they don’t need explanation. Graphics 101 - simple wins the day.

Grimsby councillors danced through every raindrop they could - trying to avoid hurting the feelings of the consultants. It was near impossible to do that.

That said, several councillors agreed the consultants’ verbal and written reports meshed well with Grimsby’s themes, but something got lost in translation from taking the feedback and getting a logo on paper (or a computer screen for the younger set). It was sent to staff for some sort of reboot, and needed to be.

We’ll see what happens in Round 2. M.W.

The point of this is not to re-litigate the conflict of interest matter with former Grimsby BIA chair Simon Duong, who also chairs the Happening in Grimsby committee. The integrity commissioner found no conflict, good, move on.

What matters there is that even the possibility of conflict should never have arisen - and the BIA forking out $22,000 to cover the complaint cost - while not even communicating the added cost to downtown businesses (save for a brief mention in meeting minutes) is another matter, but still serious as it speaks to the lack of communication the board has displayed on an all-tooconsistent basis.

Years ago, one person wanted to be chair of the DIA (so named at the time) and president of the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber board, which had all topflight business people at that time, all threatened to resign. They said a choice had to be made, one position or another but not both. They wanted to avoid any possible conflict before it happened.

At that time, the only connection between the two was some simple administrative tasks were done by the Chamber for the DIA with a small stipend being paid for the service.

In this current circumstance, BIA has escalated its support for the Hap-

pening over the years from $8,000 to $20,000 to help with a reboot after COVID, and has been $30,000 per year while Duong was chair of the BIA. That in itself is not a conflict, but there is a series of ins and outs to that - as can be the casewhich made the question worth asking. In fact, the proponent of the IC complaint was told Ontario’s Ombudsman was a better venue to follow through on some of those other “ins and outs”.

So, will the BIA be picking up the tab for that, too?

Again, if they choose to, I understand, but they should be up front about the discussion, give “members” notice and put it all out there. They should not sneak through a vote and hope nobody notices.

* * * * * *

Now, enough of that and on to some fun stuff. Well, for me it’s fun stuff.

Thanks to the many people I spoke to at Mohawk Raceway last Saturday night and called, emailed

and texted after Perfect Thought turned in a stellar mile - good enough for a third-place finish in the Fan Hanover Stake.

While you may think third is not so great, consider the mile turned in by the winner, Dua Lipa, was a stake, track and Canadian record for three-yearold pacing fillies. In fact, Perfect Thought’s time, finished one length back, equalled the previous Canadian record, so she is in elite company.

Hopefully, that sets her up for a great summer. I must say, it was pretty cool being part of the atmosphere that night. I have been going to the track since the $1 million North America Cup, also raced that night, was at the now defunct Greenwood Raceway.

As I noted last week, to have a horse that competes at that level is a goal of everyone in the game and to have a horse that turns in a top flight effort is even more cool, surreal even.

I’ve had some people ask what is next for her as they want to follow her exploits this summer. Short answer, I am not sure. I didn’t want to bug the trainer for a few days because you want to see how she comes out of the race, so I won’t be asking that question until later in the week.

She will be chasing those two great fillies, though, so I hope she catches them a time or two.

New Grimsby logo hammered at council

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

The results from Grimsby’s search for a new logo ended at Monday’s council meeting - sort of.

Consultants from Scott Thornley & Associates presented a new logo but it got thoroughly panned by council, which resulted in a referral back to staff to look for options.

“This is the result of all of our engagement sessions and all of our research,” said STC senior designer Regan O’Connell.

Council agreed with the written overview which they said recognized Grimsby’s unique qualities, but had many concerns with the disconnect to the resulting art.

“The verbal content of your presentation, I agree with. The logo, it’s difficult to look at. I don’t know how to describe it. I have taught art history. The Group of Seven’s work was famously described

A breakdown of what is represented in the proposed Grimsby logo as presented to council on Monday night.

as the contents of a drunkard’s stomach,” said Coun. Nick DiFlavio, who noted he was disappointed there were no initial drafts for review and input to which feedback could have been given.

“I don’t want to disrespect your work, but it’s all over the place. It doesn’t have a lot of focus. When you try to be everything, you’re not really being anything.”

Coun. Lianne Vardy agreed.

“The actual logo, I don’t care for. I don’t

think we’re there yet,” said Vardy.

While it was noted the logo has many elements, it was what is missing - in the opinion of Coun. Jennifer Korstanje - that is her issue.

“I don’t see the community in it. If we can’t see ourselves in it, there’s that disconnect to it,” said Korstanje.

For Don Howe, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and he said he would go to bat for the proposed design.

“I quite like it. It’s

similar to walking into an art gallery, you ask the artist, and then it comes together. That, to me, the story in it, is in the make up of it. I’d be willing to defend it, said Howe.

“Any type of art is up to perception. There’s some people that would just like to have a stick man. There are people that would think beyond it.”

Council voted to refer the proposed logo back to staff to look for options on how to deal with the issue.