> COVID-19 vaccination clinics set to roll out innoculations /Pg 5 > Golf, anyone? Disc golf that is Pg 4 > Administrative request sets off Grimsby councillor Pg 6 > Jordan museum “wait” almost over Pg 8 Thursday, March 18, 2021 Vol. 9 Issue 46
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Sign ‘ball’ back in resident’s court By Mike Williscraft NewsNow While those involved in council’s Grimsby 5 have bemoaned legal fees at several points, it appears they better reload the Town’s litigation coffers. On the heels of spending in excess of $8,000 for Coun. Randy Vaine’s complaint about phone calls Mayor Jeff Jordan made regarding confidential emails which found their way to the home of Coun. Kevin Ritchie, now the Town has escalated the ongoing advocacy lawn sign situation to another level. Main Street East resident John Smees arrived home last week to find a letter had been handdelivered by Henry Boese, Grimsby’s coordinator of municipal law enforcement and property standards.
The letter, states in part, that Smees’ sign, which reads, “Who speaks for the people of Ward 3?” be removed by March 19 under threat of “further action may be taken by the Town.” What started out as a citizen being concerned over his Ward 3 representation by Coun. John Dunstall and Vaine could now escalate to a Charter of Rights and Freedoms law suit. “I have had a lot of calls of support,” said Smees on Saturday. Smees used to have two signs on his lawn. While the council concern sign remains, his “Heritage not Condos” sign was destroyed by vandals. The situation started messy with Boese incorrectly reporting to town See SIGN, Page 3
Main Street East resident John Smees with his advocacy sign, which has been placed on his front lawn for about three months. The Town has threatened “further action” if not removed by Friday.
Region’s vaccine rollout a bumpy road By Mike Williscraft NewsNow Many are relieved to see vaccines going into arms and appointments being set as the battle against COVID-19 rages on. While Niagara’s health department announced locations for vaccine clinics around the region last week, a couple of clinic locations have left some scratching their heads. While Lincoln’s clinic will be at the Fleming Centre and West Lincoln’s will be at its community centre, Grimsby’s will be at the YMCA in the east end of town. Reg. Coun. Wayne Fertich tried repeatedly to get some details from Niagara’s medical officer of health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, but information was at a premium.
Of concern to Fertich is the use of a facility not central to the community and the reasons for which he was told the decision was made. Fertich maintains either the Peach King Centre or Grimsby Activity Centre would have been far more suitable locations, central, lots of parking. “The YMCA is at the most eastern part of Grimsby and completely out the convenient part of Grimsby. This selection is extremely POOR and should not have been even considered,” Fertich wrote to Hirji in an email before the clinic locations were publicly announced. Fertich said in an interview that the PKC was the recommendation which the Town put forward. However, at some point, Hirji received different information than was provided to either Fertich or Mayor Jeff Jordan.
“Selection of vaccination sites has been based on many criteria which includes accessibility, but also the size of clinic we can offer (larger clinic means more people can get vaccinated more quickly), parking availability, and HVAC system (we need to carefully control temperature and humidity within narrow bands or the vaccine will become spoiled),” noted Hirji in an email to Fertich, adding his department worked with the Town’s Emergency Management Committee to arrive at a decision. However, Jordan, who chairs the committee, said the matter did not come up there. Further, Hirji provided information which was used to form a decision which was wholly erroneous, noted Fertich. While capacity was an issue, Hirji noted, “As well, CLINICS, Page 2
Page 2 • NewsNow • Thursday, March 18, 2021
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From Page 1 since the Activity Centre does not have a dedicated parking lot but shares it with other businesses, we cannot guarantee sufficient parking that we would need for the many residents who would come for vaccinations, as well as the large number of staff we would need to operate a clinic efficiently.” In fact, the activity centre does have 70 dedicated parking spots. At PKC, Hirji listed issues with capacity, as well as temperature and humidity control as reasons it was not suitable. “On balance, the YMCA offers the best option to deliver the maximum number of vaccinations to the residents of Grimsby. Our analysis is that the vast majority of Grimsby residents live within 15 minutes of the YMCA
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and getting to the clinic should no be a significant challenge,” wrote Hirji. Fertich asked Hirji to clarify some of the information he provided including what the planned capacity - the number of vaccine stations - is planned, as well as who provided the incorrect information. No further information was provided by Hirji. Fertich noted a series of details which make the activity centre a better option to no avail. “I don’t believe your Emergency Committee has made the right decision for the residents of Grimsby,” wrote Fertich. “You must reconsider the other options because I think you have been led down the wrong path...I also don’t believe that the Grimsby Emergency Committee agreed to the YMCA.”
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SIGN
News Now • Thursday, March 18, 2021 • Page 3
From Page 1 clerk, Sarah Kim that a complaint had been received about an “election” sign. Once it was realized it was not an election sign, the matter shifted from Kim’s plate to the correct person who oversees the bylaw department, director of planning Antonietta Minichillo. During debate at the March 1 meeting, council was told an education campaign was underway to let residents know such signs were in violation of the town’s bylaws. When it was noted by Coun. Dorothy Bothwell that the town’s bylaws were in contravention with Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it did little to sway the majority of council. When a similar matter arose in Barrie in
May 2019, the municipality clarified that a sign must be on a property owner’s land, not on the municipal road allowance. Smees sign is set back from the road and on his land. As well, in Peterborough in 1993 the Supreme Court found a municipal bylaw prohibiting all postering on public property as an infringement of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Both these cases were cited by Coun. Dorothy Bothwell during the council debate to no avail. Now, under threat of further action, Smees said he, too, may issue a legal challenge. Since NewsNow initially broke this story, many residents have stepped up to offer financial support of a legal challenge and at
least two lawyers have offered their services in support of fighting the Town on this issue. Smees said, while he is concerned with what is happening over a simple lawn sign done to draw attention to representation issues, he said his true concern goes beyond that. “My real concern is for the people of the Town,” said Smees, noting there have been many issues where actions taken and conduct displayed by five councillors have been detrimental to the community. In this case, with Dunstall, Vaine, and Councillors Dave Kadwell, Kevin Ritchie and Dave Sharpe voting against an adjustment of the bylaw to allow for advocacy signs, it makes all lawn signs illegal under the town bylaws.
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Even the Save & Rebuild WLMH as well as Save The Woodlot signs can now be construed as illegal - if a complaint is filed. Many who have contacted the NewsNow office have noted that Coun. Sharpe is now in violation of the Town’s bylaws with his antilockdown sign which has been on his front yard. However, the Town had not received a complaint about that sign. Local residents have contacted the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, who may get involved to defend the Charter of Rights and Freedoms contravention. Smees said he had not decided if he would take in the sign this Friday or not, but either way he said he would fight on against the Town.
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Disc golf course to come to Wellandport Community Centre By Tristan Marks NewsNow Put away the golf clubs, folks. West Lincoln’s newest course will only need frisbee discs. Township Council approved a recommendation to partner up with Smithville Christian High School (SCHS) to design and build a new disc golf course at the Welland-
port Community Centre park grounds. Although Council voted to endorse the project at Monday’s Public Works Committee of the Whole, the project will only move forward pending the approval of an application made to the Canadian Healthy Communities Initiative for the full $75,000 project cost.
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If funded, SCHS students will work with Township Staff to design and build the nine pole course. Disc golf resembles its well-known counterpart in most respects, except that players use frisbee discs instead of balls and clubs, and aim for chain nets affixed atop poles instead of holes. SCHS director of communications Marlene Bergsma said this project provides an accessible way for West Lincoln residents to enjoy the outdoors and benefit from exercise. “People of all income levels can easily grab a disc and play,” Bergsma said. “It can also be intergenerational, with people of all ages playing together.” In addition to benefiting the community as a whole, Bergsma said this partnership would help SCHS’s students benefit from ‘partnership based learning’ by taking part in designing and developing the project. “This gives students first-hand experience in improving their community,” Bergsma said. “It shows them that this is what good citizenship looks like.”
Councillors responded positively to the proposal and voted unanimously to support it. However, some concerns were brought up during discussion. Coun. William Reilly noted that any final course concept would need to ensure safety around the community centre’s roadway and Welland River boat launch. Furthermore, Coun. Shelley Bradaric and Coun. Cheryl Ganann requested that some care be put into ensuring that the course be accessible enough to disabled residents and the seniors. SCHS facilities manager Fred Breukelman said these factors are expected and that it would be “a good challenge for the students” tasked with incorporating them into their design concepts. Furthermore, director of public works & recreation Mike DiPaola said that staff will work with and direct the SCHS over the course of the design process. “Students will have a conceptual role, but the township has the final say,” DiPaola said. “It’s our opportunity to mentor and educate the kids.”
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Vaccine sign-ups open day of the week, rotating through different communities. Clinics will be open from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on March 18-19, and then from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. for clinics March 20 and beyond. First dates for clinics in each community in Niagara West include: • March 27 – Grimsby, Niagara West YMCA • April 1 – West Lincoln, Community Centre • April 2 – Lincoln, Seniors Centre Each area has its own clinic, except St. Catharines residents who must travel to Thorold to get their shots. Niagara transit operators will be providing free transit fare to residents to and from their COVID-19 vaccination appointments as of this past Monday.
To receive the free fare, Niagara West riders are required to show the NRT OnDemand driver a vaccination appointment confirmation (e-mail or other format) to board and proof of vaccination for the return trip. This process applies for appointments for both the first and second dose. Residents will need the following at their appointment: • The confirmation number or QR code from the provincial booking portal. Consider printing out this page or saving a screen shot to a mobile device; • Their health card; • To wear a loose fitting top or t-shirt; • A mask; • To arrive no more than five minutes prior to their appointment time.
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The provincial COVID-19 vaccine registration portal is now open. Anyone turning 80 or older in 2021 and wishes to make an appointment - or an individual entrusted to make an appointment on their behalf - can now book an appointment either online at Ontario.ca/ bookvaccine or by calling 1-888-999-6488. Individuals will need to have a green photo health (OHIP) card as both numbers on the front and back of the card are required. Expired cards will be accepted. Anyone still with a red and white health card, or who needs assistance with booking, call 1-888999-6488. Niagara Region Public Health will have at least one clinic running every
Page 6 • NewsNow • Thursday, March 18, 2021
Dysfunction on display
Simple request evolves into bullying accusation (Editor’s Note: The following started as an email update from Grimsby clerk Sarah Kim to all members of council, plus CAO Harry Schlange and recreation director Sarah Sweeney. Then a request to resolve a schedule conflict sets off what follows - just a glimpse of the rest of the iceberg which is hidden below the surface of what the public sees in council’s open sessions.) From: Sarah Kim Sent: March 9, 2021 7:25 PM To: Dave Kadwell; Dave Sharpe; Dorothy Bothwell; Jeff A. Jordan; John Dunstall; Kevin Ritchie; Lianne Vardy; Randy Vaine; Reg Freake Cc: Harry Schlange Subject: Ward Boundary and Council Structure Review PHASE 2 Hello All, I would like to confirm that we will be starting our PHASE 2 of the ward boundary and council structure review. I did want to send the dates in advance so you can mark your calendars. I will send notification if the dates change, but at this time it is as follows: • Consultation period (online survey) will be between Monday March 22 – Monday April 19. • 1st Phase 2 Public Meeting will be on Wednesday March 31st 6:30pm-8:00pm. • 2nd Phase 2 Public Meeting will be on Thursday April 15th 6:30pm-8:00pm. • We are targeting the Monday May 17th COTW/Council meeting for the Final Council Presentation. Thank you. Sarah Kim Town Clerk From Coun. Bothwell To clerk Sarah Kim CC’d to all Wednesday, March 10 - 8:37 p.m. Hi Sarah, Just to note, the March 31 public meeting date conflicts, again, with the Grimsby Green Committee’s scheduled meeting (which was set at the March 2 meeting). Thanks, Dorothy
From Coun. Vaine To Coun Bothwell CC’d to all Wednesday, March 10 - 8:57 PM We can reschedule the Green Committee, I think that the Ward Boundaries report is far more important and there is plenty of time to reschedule the Green Committee meeting. Randy... Randy Vaine Deputy Mayor Town Councillor - Ward 3 Town of Grimsby Town Liason for 2022 Canada Games Past Chair of Parks, Recreation & Culture Committee From Coun. Bothwell To Coun. Vaine CC’d to all Wednesday, March 10 - 9:09 p.m hank you Randy. T As A/Chair of the Grimsby Green, I directed my email to the Clerk to advise. d From Coun. Vaine To Coun Bothwell CC’d to all Thursday, March 11 -1 6:42 PM Thank you Dorothy, but as A/Deputy Mayor, a fellow Councillor / Peer, as Co- Founding and Co-Creator of the Green Committee, I am more than welcome to advise the clerk of my position on your request just like any other member of council who will be impacted by not having the opportunity to deal with an important issue which I again created through my motion to have a review of our Council. In my opinion, your response to me was quite arrogant and rude and trying to bully me. I have gone to great lengths to try to work with you and as I have stated before, I have nothing against you but in my opinion you try to come across as better than everyone else, you are not, you are part of a team of nine equals, Jeff has certain minor extra duties, that’s it. The Green Committee which Sarah Sweeney and I created was intended to be run by residents and get their input and Councillors were only to be Liasons, nothing more. Instead of assuming that everything you say is important to everyone, like I advised recently try working
with others as part of a team. By the way, Titles and Control do not define me, I have had many roles and positions in the past so please spare me with titles. Have a good night. Randy... From Coun. Bothwell To Coun. Vaine CC’d to all Friday, March 12 - 12:22 p.m. andy, R To be clear, I was advising the Clerk as to a possible conflict with the GG meeting, which was not in the Town’s Event Calendar (it has since been added), understanding that it would need to be changed as a result. I was asked to act as Chair as both yourself and Councillor Sharpe were not willing to attend Chambers to Chair in person under COVID restrictions and you have recently vacated your position on GG, having not attended any of the meetings to date. I look forward to one of our community members on GG taking on the role of Chair as we look at holding nominations at the next meeting. I did not ask the Clerk, or imply, that the Ward Boundary meeting should be rescheduled. Your inference, tone and personal attack against me in this email exchange is disrespectful and harassing and is not appropriate under our Council Code of Conduct: 4.1 (i) In all respects, members shall: Refrain from making disparaging comments about another Member or unfounded accusations about the motives of another Member. Dorothy From Coun. Vaine To Coun Bothwell CC’d to all Sunday, March 14 - 8:49 p.m. Dorothy, Some of the signs that someone is acting in a bullying manner are things like challenging people with the same action they stated about you, making personal attacks and threatening without basis, hmmm. The best defense to unsubstantiated comments is proving the truth. I have nothing personal against you but you seem to. Have a good evening. I am done with this conversation, I have a life. Randy...
News Now • Thursday, March 18, 2021 • Page 7
THANK YOU for keeping our community and each other safe.
Reflecting on a year of COVID-19: courage, care & compassion. Grimsby Music Shop owner Jon Acheson, here strumming as he tunes a guitar, is one of the organizers behind the upcoming Grimsby Battle of the Bands. These concerts will take place monthly from May to September. Marks - Photo
Grimsby Battle of the Bands starts May By Tristan Marks NewsNow The call has gone out to all local rockers, singers, sultans of swing and more to compete at the Grimsby Battle of the Bands. Grimsby Music and the Woolverton have collaborated to bring a live community concert every third Thursday of the month from May to September. The Woolverton is located at 13 Mountain St., where the Syndicate Restaurant used to be. Members of the West Niagara community can come to perform and listen to live music from 4 to 7 p.m. at an outdoor stage prepared at the Woolverton parking lot located at 13 Mountain St. Event producer and Grimsby Music Shop owner Jon Acheson said these monthly events will be half competition and half community concert, with the latter portion open to anyone looking to perform. “It’s not just a competition, it’s an opportunity for the community to jam,” he said. “We want this to be inclusive, and it’ll be open to anyone from
the local area.” A line up of local musicians and bands of all ages will open each concert before moving on to the competition portion of the night. Acheson emphasized that this portion is open to anyone who wants to sign up. “Even if you’re eight years old, as long as you have a song you want to perform you can sign up,” he said. “With the COVID pandemic, there haven’t been many chances for musicians to play live. It’s important to have events like this, because it’s jams like this that let you start performing in front of an audience.” He added that the competition portion will be a bit more regulated, for fairness sake. “We want to make sure everyone competing has a chance, it wouldn’t be fair if a group of students had to go up against an experienced band, right?” Competitors in the Battle of the Bands portion of the monthly concerts will be playing for a cash prize and the privilege of presenting a cheque for
$1,500 in their name towards the WLMH rebuild, courtesy of Harley Valentine of the Woolverton. Over the course of five months, this will mean the hospital will receive $7,500. The contest will be decided by a panel of judges. Although the list of judges isstill to be determined, Woolverton community facilitator Marilyn McCrea said it will be made up of three members drawn from community partners. Acheson said that the concert dates were picked to line up with the Grimsby Farmers’ Market. On those Thursdays, market-goers can easily walk over to the stage. Audience members are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and social distancing rules will be in effect. The stage itself will be 20 feet by 20 feet, giving performers plenty of room to play at a safe distance from each other. To perform as a competitor or for the opening line up, visit grimsbymusicshop. com. A sign-up link will be posted next month.
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Page 8 • NewsNow • Thursday, March 18, 2021
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“Wait almost over” for Museum “The wait is almost over.” Such was the tagline of a video the Lincoln Museum posted to its Facebook page last week. While the video shows a timelapse of the buildings contruction, ending with some shots of the semi-finished interior, there is no opening date for Lincoln residents to mark off on their calendar just yet. Cultural development coordinator Jasmine Proteau said that while the Town has not announced when grand opening will take place, the tentative plan was for “Spring this year”. “We’re keeping quite a close watch on [the rebuild] and we’re in close talks wth the project manager at all times,” she said.
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Proteau added that, in the meantime, all the artifacts and materials are finally packed up and ready for the move from Beamsville to Jordan. The Lincoln Museum will have four opening exhibits, two permanent and two temporary. The Museum’s permanent exhibits will be a historical Fraktur watercolour painting gallery and ‘Our Story’ and exhibit about the history of Lincoln. The opening temporary exhibits will be ‘Belonging’, which will showcase “the peoples and communities who have called Lincoln “home” through the ages,” Proteau said, and ‘Common Ground’ which will feature the archeological finds made at the site during construction.
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News Now • Thursday, March 18, 2021 • Page 9
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Completion Bridgeport Sewage Pumping Station Upgrades Schedule ‘B’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Town of Lincoln Niagara Region has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) study for upgrading the existing Bridgeport Sewage Pumping Station (SPS), located at 4168 Bridgeport Dr. in the Town of Lincoln. The study evaluated potential options for upgrading the Bridgeport SPS. The study was undertaken as a Municipal Class EA Schedule ‘B’ in accordance with the Municipal Class EA process (October 2000, amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015). This study was conducted based on the recommendations of the 2016 Niagara Region Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan (Master Plan) to improve the Bridgeport wastewater catchment area. The Master Plan recommended that the Bridgeport SPS be upgraded to increase the existing capacity to accommodate additional growth in the surrounding area in the Town of Lincoln to the planning year of 2041.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Bridgeport SPS services the Jordan Station Village and the area slightly south of the village. It conveys wastewater to a series of downstream sewage pumping stations and ultimately to the Baker Road Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) for treatment.
Through an extensive evaluation process that included public engagement with local residents and agencies, the Town of Lincoln and Niagara Region, the study recommends upgrading the existing SPS and expand to the east side, with extended fence line as the preferred sanitary servicing solution. Following the review, interested persons should provide written comments to the project team within a 45-calendar day review period beginning on March 19, 2021 and ending on May 2, 2021. Any interested person may provide written comments to our project team by May 2, 2021. All comments and concerns should be sent directly to Cameron DiPietro at Niagara Region. In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for an order requiring a higher level of study (i.e. requiring an individual/ comprehensive EA approval before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g. require further studies), only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal treaty rights. Requests on other grounds will not be considered. Requests should include the requester contact information and full name for the Ministry. Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested (request for additional conditions or a request for an individual/ comprehensive environmental assessment), how an order may prevent, mitigate or remedy those potential adverse impacts, and any information in support of the statements in the request. This will ensure that the Ministry is able to efficiently begin reviewing the request. The request should be sent in writing to both contacts by email: Minister of the Environment, Director, Environmental Assessment Conservation and Parks Branch Ministry of Environment, 777 Bay St., 5th Floor Toronto, Conservation and Parks ON M7A 2J3 135 St. Clair Ave. W, 1st Floor Toronto, minister.mecp@ontario.ca ON M4V 1P5 EABDirector@ontario.ca
niagararegion.ca
Requests should also be sent to Niagara Region by mail or email. The EA Project File Report is available for public review at niagararegion.ca/ projects. If you wish to review the report in hard copy, comment on or to be involved in this study, please contact one of the project team contacts: Cameron DiPietro, P.Eng Project Manager, Engineering Water and Wastewater Services Niagara Region 3501 Schmon Pkwy., PO Box 1042 Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 905-980-6000 ext. 3531 Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215 Fax: 905-685-5205 cameron.dipietro@niagararegion.ca
Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public meetings will be collected, used and disclosed by members of Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The written submissions including names, contact information and reports of the public meeting will be made available. Questions should be referred to the Privacy Office at 905-980-6000 ext. 3779 or FOI@ niagararegion.ca. 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.
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Mina Yousif, M.Eng., P.Eng Project Manager CIMA+ 500 – 5935 Airport Rd. Mississauga, ON L4V 1W5 416-605-3202 Fax: 905-695-0525 mina.yousif@cima.ca
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Page 10 • NewsNow • Thursday, March 18, 2021
Dean Allison
nd...
beyo a and iagar
Member of Parliament for Niagara West
N
Contact Dean’s office
To participate in an exciting new virtual community choir project called...
for inquiries & assistance with: Federal Programs Legislation and Regulations Immigration and Citizenship Veteran’s Affairs Income Security Programs CPP, OAS, GIC Canada Revenue Agency Commemorative Certificates
With Choir Director...
Bringing Unity to the Community Through Song
Jennifer McKillop
Constituency Office 4994 King Street, Box 880 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 905.563.7900
Toll Free 1.877.563.7900
Brought to you by: The Grimsby Seniors Choir
info@deanallison.ca | www.deanallison.ca
Contact GrimsbySings@outlook.com for more information
Current Projects:
2021 Award Nominations
Grimsby is full of amazing people. Make sure they are recognized by completing a nomination by March 25th.
Grimsby Outdoor Pickleball
Pickleball courts are coming to Grimsby! Share your thoughts on how you would like to use them before March 25th.
Council Structure & Ward Boundary Review Comment on draft options for new ward boundaries starting March 24th or attend an upcoming pubic meeting.
To participate in an alternate format, please contact us @ 905-945-9634
Niagara Region is undertaking a review of the Woodland By-law.
Are our history books wrong? Years ago, I read the books 1421 and 1434 by Gavin Menzies, and 1491 by Charles C. Mann. All three books deal with Chinese exploration long before Prince Henry the Navigator, Cabot, Champlain and Columbus. Now it is exciting that a friend who is a native of Nova Scotia has loaned me Island of the Seven Cities by Paul Chiasson about the ruins of a Chinese settlement on Cape Breton Island. According to orthodox scientists, this is nonsense. However, Chiasson’s research and firsthand knowledge of the area provides very convincing evidence that someone was on Cape Breton Island long before the French or the English, and had at least one large permanent settlement there. Early European navigators returned home with stories
A Small Drop of Ink By Dorothy Turcotte of an island with seven cities and even Christian churches. Of course these were always written off as myths, but they may be true. One navigator clarified the location of the amazing island by recording the exact latitude (they hadn’t figured out exact longitude then) – that of Cape Breton Island. The Mik’Maq of Cape Breton have always been different from other First Nations people. Perhaps the reason is their distant contact with the Chinese. It seems that their traditional clothing, their written language and the designs of their fabrics and artwork show a definite Chinese influence. For a long time there
have been stories of Zheng He’s huge fleet of ships which roamed the oceans in the early 1400s. There is proof that they travelled afar in the fact that a Chinese junk was discovered in a sandbank on the Sacramento River in California, and there are reports of other Chinese ships along that coastline. Skeptics may laugh at the idea, but every year we are learning more about our planet that we never knew. We are in a new Renaissance, a coming alive to previously obscure knowledge. It’s important to keep an open mind to information like this, and encourage scholars and scientists to investigate, rather than just scoffing. This is not fake news, and needs to be taken seriously.
Niagara Region’s Tree and Forest Conservation By-law (30-2008) News Now • Thursday, March 18, 2021 • Page 11 has been protecting woodlands in Niagara since 1981. The last update to the by-law occurred in 2008.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The purpose of this review is to ensure consistent service delivery and application of the by-law across Niagara.
Niagara Region Woodland Have Your Say on By-law Review The review will consider: Niagara Region is undertaking a review of the Woodland By-law. Regional Incentive Programs • Changes to provincial legislation Niagara Region’s Tree and Forest Conservation By-law (30-2008)
• Alignment between the by-law and the current Niagara Region has you been protecting woodlands in offers Niagara since 1981. The to last Did know that Niagara Region incentive programs Official Plan policies update to the by-law occurred in 2008. help businesses createpractices jobs, build affordable housing, protect our • Best management The purposeand of this reviewour is communities? to ensure consistent service delivery environment improve • Opportunities for enhancements and efficiencies in andadministration application of and the by-law across Niagara. enforcement These programs are an important part of growing Niagara’s economy, The review will consider: Public Consultation but we need to make sure they’re hitting the mark. We’re reviewing Your input is important. You are invited to attend a Public • Changes to provincial these programs right now, legislation and we want your input. Visit Information Centre (PIC) to learn more about the by-law and the • Alignment between the be by-law and the current Region niagararegion.ca and search “incentive review” to Niagara giveto usthe your review process. There will an opportunity to speak project Official Plan policies team, and provide comments and input on the by-law. feedback through a brief online survey, and register to attend a short /niagararegion • Bestinformation management practices virtual session. There will be four Public Information Centres (PIC) held in Niagara • Opportunities for enhancements and efficiencies in @niagalocations: raregion The PICs will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. at the following niagararegion.ca administration and enforcement Virtual Information • Tuesday, March 24 atSession Wellandport Community Centre, Wednesday, MarchRd., 24 –West 6:30 Lincoln p.m. Public 5024 Consultation Canborough Pre-registration online Your input is important. You are invited to attend a Public • Wednesday, March 25 isatrequired Niagara Region headquarters Information Centre (PIC) to learn more about the by-law and the (cafeteria), 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold review process. There willGale be an opportunity to be speak to theRd., project The session will be hosted using Zoom and can accessed • Monday, March 30 at Centre, 5152 Thorold Stone team, and provide comments and input on the by-law. Niagara through yourFalls smartphone, tablet, computer, or by phone through /niagararegion • Tuesday, March 31 atonline Vale Health and Wellness Centre, teleconference. Register at niagararegion.ca There will be four Public Information Centres (PIC) held in Niagara 550 Elizabeth St., Port Colborne @niagalocations: raregion The PICs will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. at the following niagararegion.ca IfContact are unable to attend, you can alsoCommunity contact theCentre, project team by •you Tuesday, March 24 at Wellandport calling 905-980-6000 5024 Canboroughext. Rd.,3357. West Lincoln woodlandreview@niagararegion.ca • Wednesday, March 25 at Niagara Region headquarters public feedback willBrock be collected via aninonline (cafeteria), 1815 Sir Isaac Way, Thorold IfAdditional you require any accommodations for a disability order survey to attend that will be linked to the project webpage. • Monday, March 30 at Gale Centre, 5152 Thorold Stone Rd., and participate in meetings or events, contact the Niagara Region’s Niagara Falls Accessibility Coordinator at 905-685-4225 ext. 3252 or to If •you requireMarch any accommodations forand a disability inCentre, order Tuesday, 31 at Vale Health Wellness accessibility@niagararegion.ca attend and participate in meetings or events, contact the 550 Elizabeth St., Port Colborne Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public accessibility@niagararegion.ca. Contact meetings will be collected, used and disclosed by members woodlandreview@niagararegion.ca Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public of Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the meetings will be collected, disclosed by members of Additional public feedback used will beand collected via an online survey Municipal Freedom ofRegional Information and Protectionwith of Privacy Act Regional Council and staff in accordance the that will be linked to the project webpage. (MFIPPA). Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of The including names, contact including information Privacy Actsubmissions (MFIPPA). The written submissions If youwritten require any accommodations for a disability in order names, toand reports of the public and meeting will of bethe made available. Questions contactand information public meeting will be attend participate inreports meetings or events, contact the made available. Questions should be referred to the Privacy Accessibility Advisory Coordinator 3252 or or should be referred to the Privacy Office at at 905-980-6000 905-980-6000 ext. 3779 Office at 905-980-6000 ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca. accessibility@niagararegion.ca. FOI@niagararegion.ca Social icon
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Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public meetings will be collected, used and disclosed by members of /niagararegion Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the @niagaofraregion Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection niagararegion.ca Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The written submissions including names, contact information and reports of the public meeting will be made available. Questions should be referred to the Privacy BEST Call for personalized in home, WEST Office at 905-980-6000 ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca. no cost estimates. Social icon
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Page 12 • News Now • Thursday, March 18 2021 card of thanks
help wanted
Thank you to our family and friends for making our 60th Anniversary very special! The phone calls, cards, and many surprises were much appreciated. Ross and Barb Pyett
Poultry Technician
IN MEMORIAM
Please call to place your Classified Ad
289-235-9500
Full-time and part-time, daytime hours Catching and vaccinating poultry
No experience experience necessary, necessary, we No we will will train. train. Fast paced, Face paced, hand-eye hand-eye co-ordination co-ordination needed. needed. Must have transportation to Grimsby. Starting rate rate $20 $12 per per hour hour while training Starting training Apply by email to: cicen@vaxxine.com
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CLAYTON JARVIS 1932- 2019
Uncle & Godfather Well, Uncle Clayton, another year has passed, And what a year we’ve seen. Although we wish that you were here, We’re glad you haven’t been. You’re whistling a tune in the sunlight, A smile upon your face. You’re reaping rewards that you deserve, In such a beautiful place. Love ya You’re safe from ills and worries, In that place of peace and love. Uncle Clayton You’re watching over each of us, From Heaven up above. -Always will. You’re resting with the angels, Cath & Joe Free from illness and pain. We’ll keep you tucked inside our hearts, Until we meet again.
notice
SUPPORT GROUP
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice to JOHN BURNS 4422 TIMOTHY LANE, BEAMSVILLE, ONTARIO L0R 1B1 This is the final notice the unit, contents, all chattels will be sold or otherwise disposed on MAY 15TH, 2021. Contact landlord to prevent disposal.
Business Directory
HANDYMAN SERVICES RUBBISH AND JUNK REMOVAL. Call Ken 905-973-3235
VEHICLES WANTED CARS, trucks, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289686-5059.
Wanted - Scrap Cars and Trucks Cash paid Same day pick up Lampman Salvage
Used Auto Parts For Sale
905-957-2193
“Celebrate Recovery (CR)”, the Christian recovery program for all of life’s Hurts, Habits and Hang-ups takes place Weds. at 7 pm at Forestview Community Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby, On. All are welcome. Covid-19 social safety measures are in place & enforced. For further info., call 905-945-9529 (Tracy) Join us!
Call 289-235-9500
SEAN D. HEELEY Barrister & Solicitor
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obituarIES obituaries
VanGEEST, Izak Johannes
October 5, 1926 - March 13, 2021 “I lift mine eyes to hills, where does my help come from? It comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121: 1 Resting in the assurance of God’s love and grace, Izak Johannes VanGeest, passed away at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby on March 13, 2021. Izak, in his 95th year, was the beloved husband of Bonnie (née Kingma, formerly VanderVliet) for almost 60 years. Dear step father of Al (Rita Bruinius) VanderVliet and dear father of Maria (Peter) Bulthuis; Johanna (Andrew†) Jorritsma; John (Marg VanderSteen); Janet (Art) Piersma; Isaac (Sylvia Colyn); Peter (Judy Doppenberg); and Andrew (Sandra Batenburg). Opa will be fondly remembered by 28 grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren and 1 great, great, grandchild. They will miss his happy smile, his tight hugs, and his desire for them to serve the Lord. He is also survived by his brother Jan, and nieces and nephews in the Netherlands and Canada. He had a deep love for his family and his church and a commitment to living out his calling to serve God in all aspects of his life. As his family, we are thankful for the deep, tender care he provided for mom. Predeceased by his first wife Corrie (née Joosse) VanGeest; his son-in-law Andrew Jorritsma; his daughter Cora Matthews, and granddaughter Correen Matthews; and great grandson Jessie Price. He came to Canada in 1951, settling in Grimsby and working in agriculture. He eventually owned his own farm and with hard work and support from his wife, children and friends, he built a greenhouse business. He took great pride in his work and being able to provide employment for many people including many family members. He was a founding board member of John Knox Christian School (now Cairn Christian School) and served as deacon and elder in Mountainview Christian Reformed Church. In retirement he chose to drive for the Canadian Cancer Society for many years. He loved to travel with Bonnie in their motorhome, always planning their route to allow for Sunday worship. The family wishes to thank Dr. Omid Liaghati for his nerve pain management, and family care physician Heather Roelfsema. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Izak to the Alzheimer Society would be sincerely appreciated. Due to Covid restrictions visitation will be limited to family on Tuesday. Similarly, there will be a private interment at Queen’s Lawn Cemetery on Friday, March 19 before the celebration of Izak’s life at 1 pm at Mountainview Christian Reformed Church. 290 Main Street East, Grimsby with Pastor Fred Vanderberg officiating. The celebration of his life will be live streamed at www.MountainviewCRC. org\livestream. In accordance with provincial regulations, there is a limit to the number of visitors who may attend at one time. Please RSVP in advance for the celebration service on Izak’s tribute page at www.smithsfh.com. All visitors are asked to follow current protocols and remain a safe social distance from others. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755.
News Now • Thursday, March 18, 2021 • Page 13
4th Annual
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“What a newspaper needs in its news, in its headlines, and on its editorial page is terseness, humor, descriptive power, satire, originality, good literary style, clever condensation, and accuracy, accuracy, accuracy! Joseph Pulitzer Dear Reader,
I think NewsNow delivers on the above quote from the fellow for whom the Pulitzer Prize is named. Without NewsNow, Niagara West readers have no understanding of the impact of Grimsby’s biodigester project or council shenanigans. There would be very little knowledge of the lengthy and serious issues which have plagued West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in recent years - although the corner seems to be turned of late. More recently, nobody would be aware of the $12 million in cost overruns for a super school which has not even seen its construction start. And this is nothing to say of the countless items of community support out team rolls out every week. These next few months will be make or break. If you can, and choose to do so, please consider supporting NewsNow.
Based on the excellent feedback from previous years’ volunteer pay subscription drive, we are launching Year 4! 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.
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Page 14 • News Now • Thursday, March 18, 2021
100% Niagara owned & operated Our Team: Publisher - Mike Williscraft mike@wn3.ca 289-442-4244 General Manager - Catherine Bratton Reporter - Tristan Marks Sales Consultant - Erica Huisman, Rose Bayer Graphics - Donna Wisnoski NewsNow is owned & operated by 1602207 Ontario Ltd. Office Locations Grimsby Office Beamsville Office 1 Mountain Street, P.O Box 614 Grimsby, ON, L3M 3J6 Beamsville, ON, L0R 1B0 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848 NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday delivered to homes in West Niagara & Winona, 26,529.
Sign of the times
Mark Kossek of Grimsby has made his feelings about his council representation mobile. After Town of Grimsby’s bylaw department informed one Main Street East resident his lawn sign broke local bylaws, Kossek opted for a magnetic sign to avoid any fray while making his thoughts clear.
Miscommunication at the least It’s true, locating Grimsby’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the east-end YMCA makes little sense but, for that matter, having everyone in St. Catharines make the trek out to Brock University doesn’t ring any bells either. While the bottom line is good news - the vaccines will get rolling - more questions about administration and communication arise, both at Niagara’s health department and the Town of Grimsby. Medical officer of health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, who has been communication challenged with his regional council, and the Town of Grimsby, which has had its own ongoing communications issues, appear to have merged some inaccurate information which paved a path to the YMCA. Hirji claimed his info came from the Emergency Management Committee. Yet, the matter was not dealt with at the committee. Who? How? It is small potatoes compared to the vaccination issue at hand, but systemic of deeper, insidious issues which will have to be dealt with sooner than later. M.W.
Heat about to get turned up? It looks as though Grimsby council - or at least five members of the council - are about to usher in some sort of unholy municipal trinity targeting local government. We have Charter of Rights and Freedoms violations where a national organization may or may not be about to step in to lend a hand. We have a bylaw department apparently prepared to levy a fine against a resident for an advocacy sign which simply asks a question. And we have a citizens’ group - dubbed the “130262 Alliance” - prepared to do what it needs to do in order to get the provincial government to introduce “recall” legislation to allow residents who are upset with their representation to have some level of recourse other than waiting until the next election. The latter is something that has been brewing since the last council let an economic disaster in the Town’s biodigester project fester unchallenged for years on its way to burning about $18.5 million before it was sold off to recoup some of those funds. More on this later. If you have not been playing along, you may wonder, what the heck kind of name is the 130262 Alliance? In a slightly different format, that is the $1,302.62 which the Grimsby 5 have told Mayor Jeff Jordan to pay after he made a call to find out what may have happened when private emails ended up in the lap of Coun. Kevin Ritchie. For members of this group, that was a last straw. While that was just one of a lengthy list of issues related to the five members of council as a group, The 5 also continue to perform rather
MIKE WILLISCRAFT regrettably as individuals on an all-too-regular basis. The whole charade of the Integrity Commissioner complaints is something that won’t stop any time soon. The tax dollar meter on councillor-to-councillor complaints - the vast majority of which were found to be of no substance - has cleared $40,000. In tax terms, it’s nearly half of a percentage point, merely so some of these characters can attempt to massage their bruised egos. When I think back on some of the silly claims filed, I would be shocked to find Coun. Dave Kadwell had not filed one when Coun. Lianne Vardy let a comment slip out after Kadwell flipped his vote on the Main Street East heritage study issue. Vardy was wrong, admitted it right after, but it was easy to see Kadwell was not pleased. In a normal world, that would have been written off to councillor repartee. Not these days. File a complaint. Rack up more bills. Maybe you get a hollow win. Maybe it falls flat. Either way, it further divides council and costs the taxpayers money. That whole process was not meant to be a political tool to intimidate and pressure. It was meant to be an adjudication process. It used to be councillors,
or aldermen in Grimsby, could duke it out around the council table, then adjourn to the Judge & Jester or some other place of choice to socialize and work through issues. Grimsby council reminds me of an anecdote once told about the stellar Boston Red Sox teams of the late 1970s and early 80s. The teams were loaded with talent, yet were intensely dysfunctional as a unit and never put it together to achieve goals which less talented teams managed to do. “The team gets off a plane and 25 players go off in 25 different cabs.” Grimsby council wouldn’t get in nine different cabs, one for each member of council. There would be no need because chances are slim to none you would even get them on the same plane. You would have four on one flight and five on another. So, the Grimsby 5 want a fight because someone called into question their representation in Ward 3 - Coun. John Dunstall and Coun. Randy Vaine. If the Canadian Civil Liberties group comes to town, they’re going to get it. I only hope the issue manages to get wider attention as a result, not so it causes anyone embarrassment, but so the provincial government will sit up and take note when it is going through its government accountability review and seriously consider a recall process for municipal politicians and how that may be applied. That alone could have saved Grimsby taxpayers over $9 million when its energy company sold off shares in its fibre optics company to feed the biodigester losses. Grimsby’s situation has only disintegrated further since that point.
News Now • Thursday, March 18, 2021 • Page 15
White washing the DSBN’s mismanagement: reader LETTERS sake of taxpayers. It is a rampant problem all over the public sector and all governments. Starting with the Trudeau Government, where corruption, incompetence and mismanagement are getting a free pass. Accountability is a very rare commodity in the public sector. Niagara taxpayers are contributing a lot of their taxes to the DSBN. It is shameful if the Ford Government lets the DSBN off the hook for wasting the $12.4 million of taxpayers’ money. This money should be absorbed by the DSBN and as such their budget should be revised to reflect their shortfall. This can not be put on the taxpayers’ tap again. The pandemic has affected many families in Niagara financially very hard. That’s why it is even more egregious that municipalities,
like Lincoln, are forcing taxpayers to contribute to the theatre for the new high school instead of on a voluntary basis through fundraising. It is the DSBN’s responsibility with our tax dollars to pay for this theatre and this should have been part of their planning when they started this high school project. It shows their lack of foresight and due diligence and now they want taxpayers to pick up the pieces. It is not for municipalities to make up for their failures. Most residents have no problem with a theatre for this new high school. However, it is the bad attitude in the public sector for not respecting our money that makes people upset. It is manipulative for governments, knowing very well the apathy and ignorance among a great part of the Canadian population, to use this to push their own agendas. Rob Janssen Lincoln
Recall suggestion has merit, says reader Dear Editor, I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Marcotte’s letter in the March 11, 2021 edition of your paper. I, along with many neighbours in Ward One, have been greatly disturbed by Councillor Ritchie’s gross behaviour and contempt for Mayor Jordan and the other members of the
Grown-Up 4. He, along with the other members of the Despicable 5, have run their course and a mechanism that residents can initiate - such as a “recall option” - would be the ideal method. Regardless of how the mechanism is implemented, I, along with many residents I have
spoken to, strongly believe that one is needed. Just think if there was something similar in place at this time, Councillors Vaine, Sharpe and Ritchie would be immediately voted out of council - their childish antics no longer permitted to continue. Councillors Kadwell and Dunstall, for all their
previous experience on council, have done nothing in order to prevent the chaos from ensuing. What a waste this council has been. I can’t wait for the next election. It cannot arrive soon enough. Barton D. Brooks Grimsby
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Dear Editor, Against the backdrop of the significant amount of tax dollars the DSBN is receiving from Niagara taxpayers, the Town of Lincoln has no business to give additional funds for this theatre. All this should be part of the responsibility of the DSBN. It is upsetting because overall taxpayers are dumped on with the rapid increase of the cost of living making it more challenging for many to meet their monthly household budgets. This while the DSBN has no problem squandering this very large amount of money and on top of that wants us to pick up part of the cost for this theatre. There has to be accountability and corresponding consequences for them to deal with and not putting these additional costs on our plates. We are not against that theatre, but against a process that takes taxpayers for granted. This is another public sector department where incompetence and mismanagement are not held accountable for the
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Call Anne 905-945-3782
www.glennspaintingservices.com
We Pay Top $$ For Scrap Vehicles Used Auto & Truck Parts 9530 Silver St., Caistor Centre 905-957-8111 www.plazek.com
Main St. Mortgage Services Ltd. Serving The Real Estate Community DIRECT - 905-520-2622
Bob Widdicombe TO: ________________ DATE: ______________________
______________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ NOTES:
Serving Niagara 24 Hours a day for the past 30 Years!
“The Money Doctors”
BUY LOcAL
& 432 Highland Rd. E., Stoney creek
E S UP P OR
LOCAL
AR
Hours: Mon/Tues/wed. 7 am-6 pm Thurs: 7 am-6 pm • Fri. 7 am-6 pm Sat: 7 am-6 pm • Closed Sun
MUTSU APPLES .........................................99 LOCALLY gROWN
gALA APPLES
.............................................
99
¢ ¢
lb lb
1.49lb $ cELERY ......................................................... 1.49ea $ cAnTALOUPE ..................................... 2.49ea FROZEN $ BUTTERnUT SQUASH ... 3.99ea jj. WILK (907 gram) $ ASSORTED PEROgiES ............. 2.99ea FROZEN $ wHOLE cRAnBERRiES 4.99ea FROZEN $ STEAk cUT FRiES ................. 7.99ea LOCALLY gROWN
HOT HOUSE TOMATOES .........
$
cut from canada Gr AA or Higher
BAkERY:
D’iTALiAnO BREAD ..................................$2.79ea ASS’T
SAUSAgE BUnS ..................................... $2.99ea D’ITALIANO
PRiME RiB ROAST
7
$ 99
1 kg.
STORE BAKED
APPLE TURnOVER Pkg. DELi:
/lb
hIghLANDS SMOKED
17.61 kg.
5.49 kg.
2
FROM OUR CAFé
lb.
$
$
$
SHRiMP Ring 284
gram ....................
BAY ScALLOP 400
gram ......................
FROZEN
cAFE;
5.49 7.99
$
HOT DOg On A BUn, FRiES, POP OR wATER ................. $5.99 THURSDAY ONLY:
VEAL PARMigiAnni On A BUn .... $7.99ea
SATURDAY ONLY:
PORkETTA On A BUn APPLE BUTTER, $ cOLESLAw, POP OR wATER .................
FROZEn
18
00
ea.
Re ad y t o E
at
$
2 kg.
$
18
7.99
MANY MORE IN-STORE SPECIALS
Specials effective Thursday, March 18th - Tuesday, March 24th, 2021
00
ea
7.99ea
FRESH JUMBO
BEEF BURgERS
HOT DOgS
BBQ ChICKEN.........
905-662-8396
gram ......
FiSH:
FROZEN
5 LB. BOX, nATURALLY SMOkED ALL BEEF OR REgULAR
$
3.49ea
SALERNO
5 lb.
$ 49
$
1.32 BOnELESS PORkLOin 100 gram .......... 1.54 MOZZARELLA cHEESE 100 gram ........ $2.06 BLAck FOREST HAM 100
1 kg.
BOnE in HAM
of 3 ................
hIghLANDS
.
HigHLAnDS nATURALLY SMOkED
!
MERS
!
(Highland & Tapleytown Rd.)
LOCALLY gROWN
T
W
F
9 lb
Page 16 • News Now • Thursday, March 18, 2021
cHickEn wingS ea.
8.80 kg.
3
$ 99
lb.
OLiEBOLLEn
AnD APPLE FRiTTERS EVERY SATURDAY
www.highlandcountrymarkets.com