NewsNow E-Edition March 26 2026 by newsnow Niagara

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Grimsby may opt for six-councillor model

While nobody knows what Province will do, council wanted to have some say, “if” mandated

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

It’s a freight train coming down the tracks Grimsby council does not want to arrive, but arrive it will.

That freight train is named Premier Doug Ford and it will be carrying his government’s plan for Niagara Region governance.

In a preemptive move, so they can hopefully have some level of

impact on what comes down the pipe, council approved several motions Monday based on what Ford may dictate.

Among the motions dealt with, council:

• voted to agree with Niagara Region’s Feb. 26 motion to implement a regional governance review;

• defeated a motion to - if man-

dated by the province to reduce council size - opt for a six-councillor format elected at-large;

• approved a motion to - if mandated by the province to reduce council size to six-councillors format while maintaining the ward structure, and;

• to forward the results of their debate to Ford and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob

Flack.

Much of council’s discussion focused on the lack of lowering costs, which has been hung out as a carrot for that change; the forced speed of the process; the reduction in representation for residents, and; the inevitability of change with no real plan.

No matter what change Ford may consider, Coun. Nick DiFlavio said he should check the calendar.

“It’s not a good timeline,” said DiFlavio, noting he realizes the Province has the power to decide.

“I know they can make it. I don’t think it’s one they should make.”

As were others, Mayor Jeff Jordan noted he is resigned to Ford doing what he wants.

“That’s not the decision we get to make any longer. It (the motions approved) certainly clarifies that we’re not happy with the Province making the decision for us, but it’s out of our control right now.”

Earlier, DiFlavio had railed against the push for major changes just for change’s sake.

“I know there is pressure to do something, but I don’t support any reduction in council size. I don’t think this really addresses any of the challenges (we’re) dealing with,” said DiFlavio.

“From a cost perspective, councils are a very small part of the overall budget. Even if you remove two councillors in Grimsby, the savings are marginal.”

GOVERNANCE

From Page 1

While he sees the touted cost reductions as a smokescreen, DiFlavio said the Province’s governance push is fully off target from their initial stated goal - to help speed housing development.

“There’s increasing pressure from the Province on the Region for things like homelessness, dealing with social issues that have never been a regional concern before, so the Province is talking about efficiency, but municipalities like Grimsby and Niagara Region are being asked to do more with less,” said DiFlavio.

“It was all supposed to be about housing. There’s no connection between reducing the number of councillors and housing. There’s no argument you can make that says reducing two councillors in the municipality of Grimsby is going to increase housing. Housing delays are tied to servicing capabilities, financing and approvals. It has to do with the interest rate and the market. It has nothing to do with the number of councillors.”

He added that, with a reduction in councillors, representation will be negatively impacted with little or no savings as, typically, councillors see a pay increase due to added workload after a change and there is added staff time on the administrative end.

To make his point, DiFlavio said Grimsby had a population of 8,000 when he grew up, with eight councillors. In the 90s, the population doubled, eight councillors.

“The pop has doubled since then, over 32,000 and we still have 8 councillors. The number of people being represented by each councillor has quadrupled in my lifetime,” said DiFlavio,

“There are real structure questions we should be tackling, this isn’t one of them.”

Coun. Reg Freake agreed, somewhat.

“I think the train has left the station. I think Queen’s Park is going to do something. We need to be seen as doing something, no matter how little it might be or we might lose more than we hoped for,” said Freake, noting he supported a six-councillor at-

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large structure during a ward boundary review in the last term but it was not approved.

Coun. Jacob Baradziej said he, too, supported the six councillor, atlarge, model.

Coun. Lianne Vardy, while noting fingers can’t always be pointing at Niagara Region for problems, pointed her finger at Region.

We can’t always say, ‘It’s the other guy’s problem’ It’s all about the region.’ I’m one for thinking it’s a lot about the Region, but we can’t just say, ‘it’s a regional problem. It’s not our problem’,” said Vardy.

Coun. Delight Davoli said the matter is not simply about reducing council to six, rather, the standing committee structure should also be a major consideration as fewer councillors means more work on those committees.

As well, with council scratching their collective heads on many issues in this forced process, so, too, is the general public, Davoli said.

“I think the public is quite confused by a lot of things,” said Davoli. Coun. Jennifer Korstanje said she

wanted more time to consult with residents, especially since few realized such an important direction as the structure of council would be decided that night.

Calling the eight-councillor format a “successful model”, Coun. Don Howe said the process pushed by the Province is nothing more than the school yard tactics of a “bully”.

“We have had training three times on scams and whatnot. What’s the first thing they tell you about? Look out if it shows a sense of urgency,” said Howe pointing to the forced nature of the process.

“Oh, then I better delete this one’. You feel like you’re bullied. If we go to 6, I’ll support the six, but I won’t support at-large. You’ve got to stick with the wards.”

Coun. Veronica Charrios agreed with others, the process is a red herring.

“None of this is a cost savings,” said Charrois, noting the savings by dropping two councillors would be about $48,000.

“For $48,000, you get a whole lot of service.”

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Beamsville & District Lions

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 4th, 2026

Beamsville Lions Club Park at 5100 Fly Road

Age 10-12 years • 11:00 am Come out and enjoy a family Easter day.

• Meet the Easter Bunny! Live Entertainment from 9-11 a.m. “Meet the Easter Bunny” Egg Hunt Schedule Under 4 years • 9:30 am Age 4-6 years • 10:00 am Age 7-9 years • 10:30 am

• Over 15,000 eggs to be hunted!

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Walker Industries buys former Grimsby biodigester

Walker Industries Holdings Ltd. has purchased the former Grimsby biodigester from Miller Waste Systems.

Now the facility is known as Escarpment Renewables.

The sale agreement also includes Maryland Farms in Pickering. Both are organic waste-to-energy facilities and pre-processing assets.

This marks a significant milestone for both Walker and Miller Waste following a decades-long relationship and builds on the strong legacies of both as industry leaders in sustainable waste management solutions.

Ontario is a leader in finding ways to create energy from household and municipal waste which helps power homes and bring a renewable energy source to communities.

This acquisition reinforces Walker’s commitment to leadership in recovering organic resources and to advancing production of renewable energy.

The new assets are a strong strategic fit within the Walker portfolio, expanding its current capabilities into anaerobic digestion.

Walker is a leader in offering sustainable fertilizer and soil amendment solutions and will now also offer nutrient-rich digestate to the agricultural sector.

By integrating these

capabilities, Walker is expanding its position in delivering sustainable solutions and creating greater longterm value for customers and communities.

“Walker and Miller have shared common values for decades, with a strong commitment to doing the right thing for our people, our communities, and the environment” said Geordie Walker, president and CEO of Walker.

“This acquisition represents an important milestone for Walker as we expand into a new channel of organics managements and renewable energy production. I am excited to strengthen our ability to deliver sustainable waste management solutions that benefit our customers, support our communities, and help advance a circular economy.”

For Miller Waste Systems, this transaction reflects a disciplined strategic decision to ensure these specialized organics and renewable energy assets are positioned for

long-term growth and continued operational excellence.

As a proudly Canadian, family-owned company, Miller remains deeply committed to integrated waste management, resource recovery, and diversion across the communities it serves.

“Miller Waste is a trusted leader in providing and operating integrated waste management, resource recovery and diversion solutions. This transaction allows Miller to focus on its core lines of business while ensuring these specific facilities continue to thrive under the experienced stewardship of Walker. We have valued our long-standing relationship, built on mutual respect and shared values, with Walker over many years,” said Joe Johnson, president, Miller Waste.

“With Walker, we are confident these assets are well-positioned for continued and sustainable success for employees, customers, communities and the environment”.

The former Grimsby biodigester on Sobye Road has been acquired by Walker Industries.

EllisDon tweaks WLMH parking access

As of Tuesday, March 24, West Lincoln Memorial Hospital will have a little more on-site parking.

“A new temporary patient and visitor parking lot at WLMH will be made available as of 8 a.m. on March 24 on the west of the site where the Alexander Globe Building used to be located,” said Wendy Stewart, Hamilton Health Sciences communications advisor.

“The west site sidewalk will be opened, as well.”

Readers can find a site map on Page 22.

“This parking area is temporary while we continue to update the hospital site. We kindly ask that caution be used when accessing or walking through this area,” Stewart said, adding there is also regular, off-site parking for WLMH available at 147 Main St. East – the former Cole’s Florist site

“We thank everyone for their patience while this work is underway.”

BEAMSVILLE LEGION

R.C.L. Branch 612

5545 King St., Beamsville 905-563-4612

Good Friday (April 3rd) FISH & CHIPS

LegaSeat program takes

Meals includes, Haddock fillet (6-8 ounce), homemade coleslaw, homemade tartar sauce, fresh bun and a generous portion of fries.

v1 piece meal $17.00 includes H.S.T.

v2 piece meal $22.00 includes H.S.T.

Live entertainment featuring the band“On Tap” from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Ken Brunaccioni, alongside his family and business, recently got involved with West Lincoln Community Centre’s LegaSeat Sponsorship program.

When Ken saw the name plaque on their arena seat for the first time, he was overwhelmed.

“I think it’s a great program,” he said. “It is a reminder that you are part of this great community and long after you may have moved on, that reminder is still here.”

and

Food served from 4:00 pm - 6:15 pm CRIBBAGE

1:30 - 4:30 pm (Every Friday) EUCHRE

Ken moved to the area in 1999 with his wife, Lynne, whose family roots in the community run deep.

LegaSeat.

part of this community and I love living in the area.”

With the program, individuals, groups, and local businesses can have their name, or the name of a loved one, engraved permanently on a seat in the arena.

2:00 - 5:00 pm (Every Saturday)

HAT TRICK HOCKEY

Week 21 (Standing as of March 22nd, 2026)

Be sure to look online at: wn3.ca to see the full standings, but here are some of the leaders and lucky random draw winners:

• $15 Gift Card, courtesy of Tim Hortons, Grimsby: Kasen McGregor

• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Jordan Flowers,Grimsby: Alex Bratt

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Judge & Jester, Grimsby: Roxy Willema

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire, Grimsby: Kyle Dore

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

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Memphis BBQ., Winona: Keith Klages

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

Top Standings

1. Zdriluk, Jacob 1380

2. Dunda, Riley 1379

3. Heinen, Eric 1371

4. Baer, David 1368

5. Klages, Keith 1363

6. Kurpis, Steve 1361

7. Heywood, Kevin 1356

8. Mous, Brent 1356

9. Poz, Cindy 1349

10. Couch, Jesse 1348

11. McIntosh, Megan 1345

12. DeVries, Mark 1345

13. Hurtubise, Alison 1344

14. Rohner, Griffin 1343

15. Stuive, Cindy .......... 1342

16. Campbell, Matt 1341

17. Kemp, Blair 1340

18. Jacobsen, Sean 1336

19. Waite, Tori 1336

20. Simmons, Cam 1336

This year marks an exciting milestone: 10 years of Ken, Lynne and their son Nick successfully running their well-loved food cart and food trailer, and three years at the helm of the concession stand - Dog Got It - at the community centre.

Ken has always spoken warmly about his connection to West Lincoln, saying, “I enjoy being

If interested, contact Vanessa Hoffman, supervisor, parks & recreation, at 905-957-3346 ext. 5132 or vhoffman@westlincoln.ca to get started.

Saturday, April 11th

9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH PARISH HALL 156 Main Street West, Grimsby

Donations of books gratefully accepted and can be dropped off Friday, April 10, 1-5 pm at St. Andrew’s Hall

All proceeds fund scholarships for post secondary education

Ken Brunaccioni,

his

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You are invited to a Public Meeting – Building Fee Review

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Grimsby will hold a Public Meeting.

You are invited to a Public Meeting – Building Fee Review

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Grimsby will hold a Public Meeting.

THE PURPOSE of the Public Meeting is to obtain public comments on a proposed increase to the Town of Grimsby’s existing building permit fees, and is being held pursuant to Section 7 of the Building Code Act, 1992.

A REPORT outlining the changes and the rationale for the increases will be available to the public at the Public Meeting and online at https://www.grimsby.ca/ at no cost.

THE PROPOSED fee increase of 19% is scheduled to be considered by Council on April 27, 2026.

A REPORT outlining the changes and the rationale for the increases will be available to the public at the Public Meeting and online at https://www.grimsby.ca/ at no cost.

THE PROPOSED fee increase of 19% is scheduled to be considered by Council on April 27, 2026.

ANY PERSON may attend the Public Meeting and make oral and/or written submissions either in support of or in opposition to the proposed fee increase.

THE PROPOSED fee increase of 19% is scheduled to be considered by Council on April 27, 2026.

ANY PERSON may attend the Public Meeting and make oral and/or written submissions either in support of or in opposition to the proposed fee increase.

IF YOU WISH to be notified of the adoption of the proposed fee increase, you must make a written request to the Clerk of the Town of Grimsby at clerks@grimsby.ca

ANY PERSON may attend the Public Meeting and make oral and/or written submissions either in support of or in opposition to the proposed fee increase.

IF YOU WISH to be notified of the adoption of the proposed fee increase, you must make a written request to the Clerk of the Town of Grimsby at clerks@grimsby.ca.

The Public Meeting will be held as follows:

IF YOU WISH to be notified of the adoption of the proposed fee increase, you must make a written request to the Clerk of the Town of Grimsby at clerks@grimsby.ca.

IF YOU WISH to be notified of the adoption of the proposed fee increase, you must make a written request to the Clerk of the Town of Grimsby at clerks@grimsby.ca

Date: 2026-04-01

The Public Meeting will be held as follows:

Date: 2026-04-01

The Public Meeting will be held as follows:

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Date: 2026-04-01

April 1, 2026

Location: Council Chambers (160 Livingston Avenue) and via Zoom

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: Council Chambers (160 Livingston Avenue) and via Zoom

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: Council Chambers (160 Livingston Avenue) and via Zoom

The meeting can be attended in-person or via Zoom. If you wish to appear as a delegation at the meeting via Zoom, please register with clerks@grimsby.ca. Note only those individuals that register will be given the Zoom link.

For more information about this matter, including information about appeal rights, please visit the Town’s website at www.grimsby.ca, at Town Hall during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), or you may contact:

Town of Grimsby, Building Department

160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, Ontario L3M 0J5

Telephone: (905) 945-9634, Fax: (905) 945-5010

Town of Grimsby, Building Department 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, Ontario L3M 0J5 Telephone: (905) 945-9634, Fax: (905) 945-5010

Town of Grimsby, Building Department

Email: clerks@grimsby.ca

160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, Ontario L3M 0J5 Telephone: (905) 945-9634, Fax: (905) 945-5010

Following the April 1, 2026 Public Meeting, a staff recommendation report will be available at Town Hall and on the Town’s website at www.grimsby.ca. Following a staff review of this report, a staff recommendation report will be presented at a subsequent meeting of Town Council

Email: clerks@grimsby.ca

High-ROI outdoor living components

A professionally designed landscape can increase a home’s value by anywhere from 15-20 percent.

Some projects can yield a return on investment of even more - even recuperating the entire

scape? Here are some projects to consider:

• Natural stone patios: A high-

ROI

From Page 17 can range from 55200 per cent, depending on the location and comparable homes in the area. High-value versions include built-in grills, weather-resistant cabinetry, and stone

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They help extend the usability of outdoor spaces during various seasons.

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Gardening and mental health

Gardening and strong mental health seemingly go hand-in-hand.

Gardening also helps a person connect to the current moment and not be caught up in their mind.

Nearly all forms of exercise, gardening included, can lighten mood and lower levels of stress and anxiety. Also, routines, such as spending

A study published in 2018 in the journal Clinical Medicine found that exposure to plants and green space, and particularly to gardening, is beneficial to both physical and mental health. Working with the soil and plants can help relax the mind and have a grounding affect on the gardener, as gardening can help to reduce stress, anxiety and even built-up anger.

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a certain portion of the day weeding or tending to gardening needs, creates a soothing rhythm to ease stress.

OBITUARIES

CAMPBELL, Mary

On Sunday, March 15th, 2026 we lost our little angel here on earth to heaven. Mary Campbell was born March 30, 1934 in St. Catharines Ontario, just shy of her 92nd birthday after a beautifully lived life. She was a special woman whose “golden heart” touched everyone fortunate enough to know her and whose warmth, generosity, joyful spirit and selflessness above all, were often served up at her “magical” kitchen table and made the world feel a brighter place. She was a Christian woman with a strong faith and belief in God.

Her immediate family included her spouse, Neil (Campbell), father, Vincent (Marino) and mother Catherine (nee Testa), brothers, John, Angelo and Sammy (Marino): all of whom are predeceased. Surviving are her three daughters, Debbie, Ginny and Judy along with five grandchildren and ten precious great grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held on Monday, March 30th with visitation at 10:30 am followed by a service at 11:30am in the chapel at Tallman Funeral Homes Ltd., 3277 King St., Vineland with reception to follow that at the Fireside Room next door.

Your life was such a sweet blessing to all of us and your memory a treasure.

She always had a softness with great empathy toward the Homeless and the Needy so to honour this, if so desired, donations to either a local shelter of your choice or to ‘Bridges Niagara” Immigrant and Refugee Services are suggestions.

To view the Live Stream Memorial Service, please visit Mary’s obituary page at: tallmanfuneralhomes.ca.

Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

OBITUARIES

Edward JamEs, Low dec. 29, 1939 - mar. 23, 2026

On the morning of Monday, March 23rd, at home with his wife by his side, our loving husband, father, and papa, Ed, was called home to his Lord and Saviour. Predeceased by his loving parents, Edward and Lillian Low, and devoted sisters Elizabeth and Margaret. Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Heather, of nearly 63 years, his dearly loved children, Lisa and Harold Antonides, Trevor and Marjorie Low, and Craig and Jade Low. Also left behind to miss him are his cherished grandchildren, Ara and her fiancé Stewart Millar, and Joshua Antonides, Tanner and Emma Low, Kapri and Khye Low, and Ari and Tia Leclerc.

Ed and Heather have made Beamsville their home for over 50 years. Ed was a dedicated elementary school teacher and coach for the Niagara District Catholic School Board for 35 years, and was actively involved in all aspects of Beamsville Minor Sports. They have remained lifelong, faithful members of the First Baptist Church of Beamsville.

Ed and Heather were blessed with many wonderful retirement years together. Ed took up photography, became a wonderful baker, a gourmet cook, and perfected the art of winemaking. They enjoyed many wonderful trips together, but most importantly, treasured their time spent with family and friends. Being with his grandchildren and making memories with them brought him great joy.

The family would like to thank Dr. James Woodland, and the team of the Beamsville Medical Centre, for their care, compassion, and friendship. We would also like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, as well as his Home Care nurse, Amanda.

A visitation at Tallman Funeral Homes at 3277 King Street in Vineland will be held Monday, March 30th, from 3-5pm and 6-8 pm. The funeral service will be at Tallman’s on Tuesday, March 31st, at 11 am, followed by a lunch reception in the Fireside Room.

If you wish to make a donation, please consider making it out to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in Grimsby.

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15b

Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

Barry H. Moore

October 20, 1949February 22, 2026

With heartfelt gratitude, the family of Barry Moore would like to thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of support from friends, colleagues, the staff of Grandview Lodge, and the community during this difficult time.

We are truly grateful for the phone calls, floral tributes, messages, food deliveries, and donations made in Barry’s memory. Seeing so many people come together to celebrate his life brought great comfort and reminded us how many lives he touched.

We hope that when you think of Barry, it brings a smile to your face–and that his kindness and warmth continue to live on through all of us.

Sincerely, Lois, Steven, Amy & families

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PART-TIME BOOKKEEPER REQUIRED

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West Niagara teens off to OHL Cup

By Evan Loree For NewsNow

Niagara is sending some of its best young hockey talent to Toronto next week for the annual U16 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Cup.

The week-long tournament features 25 of the best hockey teams in Ontario and the U.S. at Scotiabank Pond in North York starting Monday, March 30.

The final takes place 2 p.m. on April 4 at Mattamy Athletic Centre, Toronto.

ville, left winger Evan Hoven of Beamsville, goalie Michael Matakovic of Grimsby and defenceman Evan Shaver of Smithvilleis it’s an exciting feeling.

“There’s a lot of great teams in the tournament, teams that have beaten us before,” Hoven, 15, said.

“We all just have to play our best.”

Bertrand, 15, was trusting the advice of head coach Jason Glenney.

After qualifying for the event with an upset victory against the Ajax-Pickering Raiders at the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) Championship in Peterborough on March 14, the Niagara North Stars have a chance to compete for the OHL trophy.

Though their victory secured them a spot in the Cup, the Niagara North Stars lost their bid for the OMHA title with a loss to the York-Simcoe Express in the semi-finals.

Only the top four teams from the OMHA get into the OHL Cup.

The consensus for Niagara West players taking partright winger Joshua Bertrand of Beams-

“We play no one,” Bertrand said, paraphrasing Glenney. “Everyone else plays us.”

As the last line of defence, Matakovic is taking the strategy of shutting out the pressure.

“Focus on the game and try not to think about it. Just do my job and focus on the next shot,” said Matakovic.

Shaver, 16, said he also plays some lacrosse when he’s not on the ice.

In both sports, he plays defence.

Including tournaments, the squad has a record of 42 wins, 14 losses and 3 ties.

The Stars play their first game against Toronto’s Jr. Canadiens, who play in the GTHL, Noon on March 30.

100% Niagara owned & operated

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289-442-4244

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Parking added

After a story in the March 19 edition of NewsNow regarding concerns about parking and access to West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s emergency entrance, an adjustment has been made to improve the parking capacity. Contractor EllisDon has opened - as of March 24 - the land on the southwest side of the hospital property - the former location of the Globe Building - for new patient and visitor parking with a parking pay station also set up there.

Despite a hot oven, governance plan will be half-baked

When I say I don’t care what Premier Doug Ford chooses to do with Niagara governance, it is not that I don’t care about the after effects; it’s that I don’t fret about his actions.

Doug’s gonna do what Doug’s gonna do - an effect which has Billy Bishop turning over in his grave.

At Monday’s Grimsby council meeting there was the usual mix of comment - from sound reasoning to things that you go, “hmm?!”

First, while Coun. Nick DiFlavio has done some questionable things during this term, he absolutely cooked on Monday. He rants a lot. This one was on point.

Paraphrasing: none of the provincial government’s initial stated reasoning for spurring regional reform - to help speed and streamline development processes to get a move on for housing development - will get any kind of a boost from amalgamation or diddling with council sizes.

Correct. Whether it be Region or local council tables, cutting a few elected bodies will do zero for the root of budget issues. In fact, it will likely cost more in the end and compound budget issues, so there’s that.

If the Province stepped up on issues like homelessness - and other issues - instead of downloading responsibilities to local municipalities, local coffers would be in much better shape. Also correct.

The core issue at the start was to look at creating a better administrative sys-

tem, but what it devolved into was a grudge match between Ford and Niagara.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing buddied up with the three urban mayors and Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton, Ford waved his magic wand to directly intervene in Niagara’s elected process to name Bob Gale as regional chair and a faux made-in-Niagara plan was rolled out with no prior discussion.

That sounds pretty much like politics these days.

Whatever Ford does, it’s going to suck, and residents in Niagara will have to muddle along and attempt to make the best of it in his decision’s wake.

As has been stated in this space before, what has he got to lose. The PCs have only Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff in Niagara, despite running some very strong candidates in the last go-round at a time when the Ford government was strong in the polls. That tells me it could be a very long time, unless a bluechip candidate of some sort comes out of the blue, before the

PCs pick up a second Riding in the region.

He could go full nuclear and ruin the area with onetier. All that would mean to him is Oosterhoff might win by 10 per cent instead of the 25 per cent he won with in 2025 and Ford would still have one MPP in Niagara.

What it means for residents is, you’re going to lose.

I have heard from many in Lincoln in recent weeks who already think they have been shorted on representation by Mayor Sandra Easton putting her support behind a four-city model for the region - if a mandate comes down - with no such consideration on an election platform - and her council not even challenging her on that position on behalf of residents.

Grimsby, for all its faults this term, has delivered on quickly assessing the situation, getting some data/ reports prepared and having a full debate on the matters at hand on Monday.

The reality of the situation is what needs to be dealt with - upper and lower tier duplication (a point made by Easton weeks ago) - is the only measure which would directly go to simplifying and speeding processes for developers. The rest of the issues thrown on the fire are all paper tigers.

It’s too bad it has come to this as a proper end goal could have been achieved through well-reasoned planning with full local buy-in. What we’re going to get will be half-baked and offbase, assuredly.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Progressive direction already set; where’s the fire, premier?

Dear Editor,

There are tons of things Doug Ford has done which many would deem “questionable”.

Usually, you can sort of see a bit of a reason behind what he does but it’s often hidden by his bull-in-a-China-shop approach.

This Niagara governance issue has me baffled though.

There is not one proponent who thinks an amalgamation would save a dime, so why is it still mentioned by Ford? It should be off the table.

Then you look at his obsession with the number of elected

WLMH entrance access plan missed mark: writer Letters

Dear Editor, Your article about the entrance difficulties to the new WLMH was well written, but understates the difficulty.

With a minimal amount of snow/ice on the ground, this entrance becomes virtually impassable to someone with reduced mobility.

After a recent echocardiogram, a most helpful nurse/technician pushed me in a chair to the entrance.

When I showed her the location of my van, she declared that

officials in Niagara. Sure, there’s lots. So, go ahead and chop regional councillors from the table and leave only mayors. Will that help next year at budget time when the NRP needs a 22 per cent increase its budget or some crazy number?

But, if you want, go ahead, chop them.

When the axe goes looking to local councils that’s where my confusion is magnified. Again,

no positive financial impact, quite likely even more expensive in the end, AND less representation for the taxpayer.

Same as Region, the number of councillors has nothing to do with cost savings or inefficiencies in the process.

If you want to streamline processes for development approvals and such great, Niagara Region approved that direction Feb. 26 and the eight smaller town mayors already agreed too, so what’s the problem with taking their lead?

Stephen Owen, Grimsby

I would never make it and proceeded to wheel me past all obstacles, the entire distance.

I was most fortunate to have her generous

assistance as she shivered in her hospital scrubs. Many are left at the door to fend for themselves.

In my opinion, the plans to complete this

entrance should be escalated to a high priority or a team of volunteers with all terrain chairs be available at all times.

Geoff Curtis, Grimsby

Gale owed apology: reader

Dear Editor,

I didn’t know there was an antiracism association in Niagara until I read your article on Bob Gale’s resignation.

The NRARA must have very little to do given the way it went after Gale for owning a signed copy of Mein Kampf.

Not that he had to give one, but I thought Gale’s explanation was reasonable. He’s an historian and a

collector. No racism there. But still, the anti-racism association seems to have had already judged him even before the explanation, because they demanded both in succession.

You would think that his explanation would mitigate the need for an apology. In my mind, the one who is owed an apology is Bob Gale by the meddling NRARA.

John Van Dyk, Vineland