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> Grimsby council antics: readers have their say /Pgs 11&15 > Grimsby rejects lawn sign bylaw tweak Pg 6 > Grimsby Seniors Choir resets for 2021 Pg 8 > Lincoln initiates Speak Up program Pg 13 Thursday, March 4, 2021 Vol. 9 Issue 46

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West Lincoln approves 5.68% budget increase By Tristan Marks NewsNow West Lincoln has approved its 2021 Capital and Operating budgets, coming in at a 5.68 per cent tax levy increase for the township’s portion of the bill. When blended with the Region’s levy, West Lincoln residents will see a 3.1 per cent increase to their tax bill, which works out to a $11.32 increase on the monthly tax bill for an average home assessed at $382,397.

Included in this budget are a number of key items, including: • $1.3 million of road rehabilitation projects covering 5 km of roads, which represents an increase of $165,000 from 2020 spending; • A $630,000 project to hard-top just under 4 km of road on Concession 5 between Abingdon Road and Westbrook Road which represents the first hard-topping of a road in over 10 years; • Additional volunteer See BUDGET, Page 3

Jordan improvement plan gets green light By Tristan Marks NewsNow Lincoln Council voted unanimously on Monday to proceed with a revised Jordan Village improvement plan budget after additional savings were found. Staff presented an updated municipal budget with a net $125,000 savings compared to a version proposed last month. Staff worked to cut $275,000 from the project budget for this year at the direction of council. Of this, $75,000 came from removing a number of

Silva soil cells from the final plan. The other $200,000 came from staff recommending council defer the purchase of maintenance equipment until the 2022 or 2023 budgets. However, this new budget included the amendment introduced by Coun. Paul MacPherson at the previous meeting to add more paver stones to the project design, which increased the budget by $150,000. During discussion, the councillors voiced their support for the See JORDAN, Page 5

Chuck Goldhang and wife Bonnie Hoyle, pictured in a previous vacation photo, are very appreciative of a string of people who made a big difference in his life after a health scare while clearing snow at his Beamsville home.

Appreciative resident thanks Lincoln staffer, EMS workers, WLMH team (Editor’s Note: Last week’s edition included a rare opinion piece on the front page. This week, another rarity, a Letter to the Editor on the front, from a very appreciative reader. Mr. Goldhang was the subject of a story last week after a Town of Lincoln operations employee stopped the plow he was operating to aid Mr. Goldhang who was in distress while shovelling snow.) Dear Editor, We live in a great community!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Steven Shorthouse for coming to my aid two weeks ago when he discovered me unconscious on my driveway. I have no recollection of what happened and would like everyone to know that I am doing very well. This last year has seen some trying times for all of us, but in the midst of it all, my wife and I can attest to the fact that good samaritans do exist.

I am retired but coincidentally, drive a snow plow, clearing the on/off ramps on the QEW! So, thanks, once again, to “my brother behind the plow”, the paramedics who assisted me, the excellent staff at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital and our wonderful neighbours on Frances Crescent. Things could have turned out very differently. Chuck Goldhang and Bonnie Hoyle Beamsville

Page 2 • News Now • Thursday, March 4, 2021

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BUDGET From Page 1 firefighter positions at Station #1 in Smithville; and A $75,300 hospital levy towards paying West Lincoln’s portion of the WLMH rebuild. The hospital levy represents the first of five annual deposits into the Township’s hospital reserves. Each year this levy will increase so that by 2025 the reserve fund will contain $8.1 million. The budget was approved in a 6-1 recorded vote at Monday’s special Council meeting, Coun. William Reilly provided the dissenting vote. Coun. Reilly voiced his concerns about how high the proposed levy increase was during discussion, noting how many West Lincoln residents

News Now • Thursday, March 4, 2021 • Page 3 and businesses have felt the pinch during the ongoing COVID pandemic. “We have to be cognizant of the impact COVID has had on our residents,” Reilly said. “Every little bit counts, especially for people who are out of work.” Later during discussions, Reilly also asked if it was possible to remove the Urban Services Area tax from the levy, as Ward 3 residents were being “penalized twice” for living within the borders of Smithville. The Urban Services Area tax was created when the Township first amalgamated in the 1970s, when Smithville was the only area requiring sidewalk and street light maintenance. “A lot has changed in the past 50 years,” said Reilly after the

meeting. “I really struggled to accept why the residents of Ward 3 are still expected to pay two taxes, while also being forced to costshare with the other two wards with their related costs, while the other two wards are exempt from contributing to Ward 3.” He added that despite being exempt from the Urban Services Area tax, Wards 1 and 2 now contain plenty of street lights and regularly maintained sidewalks like Ward 3. Coun. Cheryl Gannan concurred with Reilly’s point during the budget discussion. “We do receive complaints from Ward 3 residents asking why they have to pay extra,” she said. Mayor Dave Bylsma did not allow Reilly to introduce an amend-

ment to remove the Urban Services Area tax, saying that he already put forth a motion that was defeated during budget discussions last month. However, Reilly said after the meeting that his previous motion was to direct staff to report back on the details and logistics of removing the tax, not to amend the budget to have it removed. However, many of the other Councillors said they were pleased with the budget, a sentiment that was shared by Mayor Bylsma. “I’m really pleased with the work and negotiations that our staff and Council put in to this budget,” Bylsma said. “It responds to a most challenging year and reflects a balance between service and affordability.”

WL facilities open with COVID restrictions in place With the Niagara Region now moved back to a Red Zone as of Monday, the Township of West Lincoln will resume some of its municipal services and facilities, with safety restrictions in place. The Twp. will continue to offer access to select services, by appointment only, at the Twp. Municipal Office, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. Face covering and screening protocols, are in place. The West Lincoln Community Centre will modify existing programming to meet the new maximum capacity requirement of 10 participants for the entire facility. The walking track will be open for walking Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. only. Use of the track will also be by appointment only, in one-hour time slots. Members of the public who are not in registered programs or have scheduled appointments will not be permitted into the facility so that capacities are maintained and controlled. No game play or scrimmages are allowed at this time, however, skill development and training can continue. Ice users are encouraged to reach out to their organization for additional information. Library branches will be open during regular hours by scheduled appointment only for browsing, computer use, and curbside delivery. All inperson programming has been cancelled.

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Page 4 • News Now • Thursday, March 4, 2021

Grimsby 5 infighting not helpful

The Town of Lincoln is excited to share the Spring 2021 edition of Play Lincoln, a publication that highlights opportunities for you to get active and engage in and with the spaces, places and faces that make Lincoln a wonderful place to grow, prosper and belong. It is your guide to community activities, programming, schedules and events!

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Lately I have been agonizing over the streak of nastiness that has taken over about a quarter of North America’s population, and perhaps people in the rest of the world as well. In addition to fake news and lies about almost everything this mindset seems determined to oppose every move to make life easier for other people. Reminds me of the quote from Shakespeare’s The Tempest. “Hell is empty. All the devils are here.” There seems to be mischief afoot almost everywhere, even here in Grimsby. Back in the 1970s, I covered town council meetings for the St. Catharines Standard. At that time, the town hall was the old Alexander house where the Museum is today. Sitting in on those meetings was an

A Small Drop of Ink By Dorothy Turcotte interesting experience. In the years that I took on that job, I felt that I respected all of the participants except one who put up an unrelenting battle against the mayor at that time. Meetings were orderly. Of course there were disagreements, but they seemed to be handled without much rancor. There was a laugh or two, as well. On one occasion when the mayor did not agree with a lengthy account of something, he jumped up and said “Haberdash! That’s a lot of haberdash!” That earned a few chuckles and a cartoon in the next week’s newspaper. It’s distressing to read about the time being

Public Health keeps you informed. For COVID-19 vaccine information visit niagararegion.ca/covid-vaccine

wasted on infighting when there are so many important issues to deal with. The two groups within today’s Grimsby council have become polarized, just like the Republicans and Democrats across the border. The Five seem determined to block everything worthwhile that The Four want to do. Perhaps they think that that will win votes in the next election. It more likely will result in political oblivion. The pandemic has taught many people some valuable lessons in life. One of them is that things work out better when people work together. It’s unfortunate that some of our council is ignoring this great opportunity to make Grimsby a better place. We really are still a small town at heart, with no desire to become a city.

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News Now • Thursday, March 4, 2021 • Page 5

JORDAN

equipment will be for maintaining the Village grounds, and thus won’t need to be purchased until the project concludes. This list included an outdoor vacuum for litter control, a scrubber vehicle for cleaning road pavers and other surfaces and lawn care equipment among others. Despite these concerns, Council approved the budget amendments and proceeded with the project with a unanimous vote, save for Coun. Mike Mikolic who declared a conflict. The total project budget moving forward is estimated to be $10.8 million, which the town will tender after a project bidder is chosen. The project will be completed over three phases. Phase 1 will take place over 2021 and includes construction on Nineteenth

St. and 21st St. Phase 2 will take place over 2022 and possibly 2023, focussing on the improvements for Main St. Lastly, any further works, such as for parking lots, will be wrapped up during Phase 3 in 2023. In comments after the meeting, CAO Mike Kirkopoulos said he anticipates that the project will begin moving in the next few months, after “repairing the pre-qualification documents and exercise for prospective bidders and of course also finishing our tendering documents.” “This will take us the next month or two, and then we want to be ready to hit the construction window as soon as possible,” Kirkopoulos said. “Shovels in the ground/ site mobilization begin, I would hope, in late spring, early summer.”

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T:11"

From Page 1 new project budget and thanked the Staff for combing through it one final time. “I am very excited to get to the starting line,” said Coun. MacPherson. However, Mayor Sandra Easton suggested reallocating the savings back into the project since the savings were small compared to its overall budget. Couns. JD Pachereva and Lynn Timmers also voiced some concerns about deciding to defer the equipment purchases to a later year. “Two-hundred thousand dollars on $10 million is a drop in the bucket,” Pachereva said. Coun. Timmers asked what equipment these costs were for. Director of Public Works David Graham explained that this

Page 6 • News Now • Thursday, March 4, 2021

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Grimsby council rejects sign proposal protecting freedom of expression 5-4 By Mike Williscraft NewsNow After a resident was threatened with a fine for a lawn sign questioning his Ward 3 representation, Grimsby Coun. Lianne Vardy sought to remedy Charter of Rights and Freedoms concerns on Monday night. Vardy’s Notice of Motion to bring in a bylaw to “sever and repeal” part of the town’s sign bylaw was rejected in a 5-4 vote of council. The issue started when Main Street East resident John Smees posted a sign on his lawn which read, “Who speaks for the people of Ward 3?” Smees was told it was an election sign and he faced a fine if it was not removed. Since then, it was determined it was not an election sign and town bylaw officials have initiated a program of “education” since. Smees said last week it have been

a little more than that, since he has found a Town bylaw vehicle parked in front of his home. On Monday, Coun. Dorothy Bothwell suggested a friendly amendment to Vardy’s motion, noting measures taken in Port Hope to deal with Charter concerns and to allow “private advocacy signs”. In Grimsby, these would include Save & Rebuild WLMH and Save The Woodlot-style signs. Coun. Kevin Ritchie called the amended motion too wordy, and said he wanted staff input. Vardy’s Notice of Motion was Feb. 16, but staff had no report or details for council to consider. While several key policies, such as the Code of Conduct – which came right to council and was approved 5-4 – have been pushed through, Coun. Dave Sharpe asked “please stop doing that”, to Vardy and Bothwell.

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News Now • Thursday, March 4, 2021 • Page 7

Easter EGGTRAVAGANZA An event for all ages where guests enjoy the experience of multiple activities, but each activity is at a different destination on the estate. Guests will enjoy a group walk escorted by one of our chocolatiers to 4 different estate destinations while taking part in a Fun Festival Day. *Maximum group size 15 guests/group, 4 groups/time slot 1) Professional Spring photo taken with the Easter Bunny done by Bryan from Village Studio (5x7 photo) and a goodie bag given to each child 2) Estate Wild Ride with Darcey Duck!! 3) Barbecue Lunch 4) Spring take-home craft At each stop there will be a food and beverage paring for adults and kids!

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Page 8 • News Now • Thursday, March 4, 2021

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Grimsby Srs Choir back in the swing After a year-long hiatus, the Grimsby Seniors Choir is back and looking for Grimsby residents of all ages who want to let their voices be heard as part of a new project. ‘Grimsby Sings’ is a new virtual project that looks to gather singers from all over the Town to help spread some good vibes. Grimsby Seniors

Choir conductor submit an audition as Jenn McKillop said well as links to con2020 this event will debut ducting videos and auBEST Grimsby’s “first ever dio recording for home WEST Upgrade your virtual choir.” practice. Heating & Cooling 2019 “We’ve been silent There will also be BEST System today and as a choir since March six rehearsals that will WEST 2020 and our mem- take place via Zoom save up to Get your HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING 2017/2018 bers have been miss- video calls. These re$1200 per year Furnace BEST HEATING SPECIALIST ing getting together hearsal sessions will be tu ned up WEST on utilities TSSA Member today! and singing,” McKillop recorded and available naturallygas04@gmail.com said. online for those who 2015/2016 2015 BEST “This project is our miss a session. WEST response to COVID Of course, what NATURALLY GAS LTD. www.naturallygasltd.com •905-945-8493 and what we’ve been makes this project feeling all this time.” special is that it is open Speaking of feeling, to virtually the whole Town of Grimsby Grimsby Sings will fo- Town. cus on making a cover Planning Department “Anyone of at least Town of Grimsby of the hit song Feeling singing age and up can Notice of Public MeetingPlanning Department Good as sung by Mi- sign up,” McKillop said. Notice of Public Meeting chael Bublé. “In fact, we’re hop“We’re hoping it will ing this project can be Applications have been received by the Town of Grimsby bring some good vibes a sort of follow-up to for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law to the whole town,” our inter-generational Amendment, for the lands known as 4 Windward Drive. McKillop explained. project from 2019, so Those looking to reg- any of the kids who • The proposed development Phase 1 will consist ister can email Grims- sang with us are espeof the construction of a new 19 storey apartment bySings@outlook.com cially encouraged to building with 212 dwelling units, ground floor retail/ or call 905-945-2777. join us again.” restaurant commercial space, and a new hotel with A device that can reThose looking to conference and banquet facilities on the footprint of cord video as well as take part in Grimsby the existing surface parking lot on the subject lands. 4 4Windward WindwardDrive Drive internet access is re- Sings have until March quired. to sign • Phase 2 will have involve thereceived demolition ofTown the existing hotel, the construction of a new storeyBy-law Applications been by the of Grimsby for and an Official Plan Amendment, and12 a Zoning Amendment, for the lands 17 known as 4up. Windward After signing up, “We’re ready to Drive. apartment building with 208 dwelling units and ground floor retail commercial space. • The proposed development Phase 1 will consist of the construction of a new 19 storey apartmentregistrants building withwill 212 receive dwelling units, floor McKillop singground again,” retail/restaurant commercial space, and apark newarea hotel is with conference andlocated banquetimmediately facilities on the footprint of the on existing parking lot on the • An approximately 1,500 square metre outdoor proposed to be instruction howsurface to beamed. lands. adjacent to subject Winston Road in front of the building that comprises Phase 2. IN THE

IN THE

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IN THE

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•

Phase 2 will involve the demolition of the existing hotel, and the construction of a new 12 storey apartment building with 208 dwelling units and ground

•

An approximately 1,500 square metre outdoor park area is proposed to be located immediately adjacent to Winston Road in front of the building that

• A total of 909 spaces will be contained within three levels of underground parking. floorparking retail commercial space.

The purpose and effect of the proposed official plan amendment is to permit an increase in height comprises Phase 2. from 12 storeys to 19 andspaces an increase in maximum density from 3 times the lot • A total of storeys, 909 parking will be contained withinpermitted three levels of underground parking. area The to 4.73 timesand theeffect lot area. purpose of the proposed official plan amendment is to permit an increase in height from 12 storeys to 19 storeys, and an increase in maximum permitted density from 3 times the lot area to 4.73 times the lot area.

The purpose and effect of the proposed zoning amendment is to change the current zoning from ND Neighbourhood to Mixed zoning Use High Density with performance standards The purpose andDevelopment effect of the proposed amendment is tomodified change the current zoning from NDto Neighbourhood Development to Mixed Use High Density parking, front yard, minimum side yard, minimum yard exterior and maximum building with minimum modified performance standards exterior to parking, minimum front yard,rear minimum side yard, minimum rear yard and maximum building height to allow the height to allowdevelopment. the proposed development. proposed Public Meeting Scheduled for:

March 8, 2021 Public Meeting Date: Scheduled for: VIA ZOOM Date: March 8, 2021 Time: 6:00 p.m. VIA ZOOM If you Time: 6:00 p.m.“The Public Meeting will be available at: https://vimeo.com/grimsbycouncilchambers.PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL QUALITY RESIDENTIAL PAINTING, would like to appear as a delegation and speak to the application, please register with Nancy “The Public Meeting will be available at: https://vimeo.com/ RENOVATIONS AND CLEANING SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. th Simon, nsimon@grimsby.ca on or March 2021. Please grimsbycouncilchambers. If you would like tobefore appear as 5a ,delegation andnote: only those who 22 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION, register to speak as a delegation will be provided the Zoom link.” speak to the application, please register with Nancy Simon, nsimon@grimsby. RENOVATIONS AND ROOFING. WORKING AT HEIGHTS CERTIFIED. ca on or before March 5th, 2021. Please note: only those who register to speak as a delegation will be provided the Zoom link.”

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Additional information regarding these applications including information about appeal rights, is available on the Town’s website at, at Town Hall during normal business hours (8:30regarding to 4:30), orthese you may contact: Additional information applications including information about appeal rights, is 289 455 3741 | Northerntouchpainting@outlook.com Town of Grimsby, Planning Department, available on the Town’s website at, at Town Hall during normal business hours (8:30 to 4:30), or you 28 Elizabeth Street Grimsby, Ontario P.O. Box 159, 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, Ontario. L3M 4G3. may contact: • Painting • Residential Renovations • Drywall • Vinyl Wallpaper Telephone: (905) 945-9634, Fax: (905) 945-1010, Town of Grimsby, Planning Department, • Insulation • Interior • Exterior Cleaning • Power Washing Email: planning@grimsby.ca P.O. Box 159, 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, Ontario. L3M 4G3.

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News Now • Thursday, March 4, 2021 • Page 9

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Page 10 • News Now • Thursday, March 4, 2021

4th Annual

Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive

“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.

If yes, we have set up an infrastructure to allow for a Volunteer Pay System

Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week – receive your copy of NewsNow. That will NOT change!!!!

Subscriptions: 3 Months - $15 suggested • One Year - $40 suggested

We will back HST out of each payment to make things as simple as possible. You can pay by cheque (bring into the office or mail), credit card (call Catherine or Rose at 289-235-9500) or e-transfer (send to: subscriptions@wn3.ca - make security answer - newsnow ) For more information, please do not hesitate to call, email or drop in. All inquiries are welcome!! Thanks very much for your time and Happy New Year to all,

1 Mountain Street, L3M 3J6, Grimsby • 289-235-9500

Mike Williscraft Publisher

News Now • Thursday, March 4, 2021 • Page 11

MPP contacted re council conduct Mayor Jordan speaks up Dear Editor, I have been following your editorials with growing interest and dismay. We moved to Grimsby almost two years ago and have been eager to understand and become more involved in the local issues facing Grimsby. The “Grimsby 5” appear to be a major obstacle to council governance going forward. I contacted Sam Oosterhoff with my concerns, as municipal governments are an extension of provincial responsibilities. I did ask him to look into the matter on be-

half of the residents of Grimsby and perhaps reign in the discourse so that council can be productive and constructive going forward. Hopefully his politics will not prevent him from effective action. On another issue, I was quite taken by the future vision for downtown Grimsby. It occurred to me that the eastern side of Christie South and the parking areas behind the CIBC toward the LCBO should also be included in the renewal plan. That area is reminiscent of the attractive area behind the down-

Reader wants “do-over” Dear Editor, We, the townspeople, would love to see how the five (inmates) run the asylum. My wife and myself are residents of Ward 3 and are deeply ashamed of how both of our Ward 3 representatives have been acquitting themselves. How did we ever put these two “gentlemen “ (ha! ha!) in as our representatives? We wish we could vote them out forthwith. Sanjoy & Ann Acharya

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town area of Niagara on the Lake. Shops and restaurant/bars could be future attractions if attention is given to the area. The one way option for Ontario Street makes total sense, as left hand turns on to Main Street are quite dangerous to both vehicle traffic and pedestrians. In addition, we were very supportive of the expansion of the sidewalk safety zone between Ontario and Christie. The north parking is unnecessary and should be permanently pedestrian friendly. While welcomed, the changes made last year should have been made much earlier to help the downtown businesses. Thank you for your ongoing efforts to educate the residents of Grimsby. Complacency and ignorance are very dangerous and the residents have to become more involved in local governance. Paul Leece

for the people of Grimsby Dear Editor, We, like others in Grimsby, sat through the entire idiotic display of just how far down the toilet the G5 have taken our Town’s Council. There was one, stellar, moment in the 5 hours of attacks on the mayor and our Integrity Commissioner, by Ward 1 Coun. Kevin Ritchie, backed by his gang, Ward 3 Coun. Randy Vaine, Ward 4 Coun.

(the ever-wordy) Dave Sharpe and the other two who sit back and let the fur fly and vote in lock step with Ritchie. During this marathon of ignorance and venom, one voice of reason and integrity was heard: that of Mayor Jeff Jordan who halted proceedings to offer his thoughts on who he is at council, and what he stands for: Honesty, Integrity, Transparency

and to stand up for the People Of Grimsby. His words were spoken without malice toward anyone else in the room, or in the greater public which the G5 can’t seem to mirror. Those were his words, from the heart, on his position and responsibilities. Thank You Mayor Jordan, and the three who have our backs in Town. Bud Hightower

Gofundme suggested to support mayor Dear Editor, I am a proud Grimsby resident who has become disgusted and embarrassed by the actions and behaviour of some of our elected officials. As a citizen of Grimsby I understand there is little I can do to initiate change until our next municipal election I would like to propose (if it is legal to do so) that a Gofundme account be set up to offset and hopefully cover the costs that

have been so maliciously charged to the Mayor (Though we are not friends, I know who Jeff Jordan is and I would guess he knows who I am as I have lived in town for 45 years). It is my hope that the creation of and support for this fund will send a clear message to the “G5” that we, the citizens of Grimsby, do not approve of their actions or behaviour. My hope is that the fund is so well supported that excess funds

are indeed raised. Any excess funds collected to cover the fee inappropriately levelled on the Mayor will be donated to The Grimsby Fund which is held in The Niagara Community Foundation. As a result, donated funds would benefit the citizens of Grimsby in perpetuity. My wife and I are willing to kick off the fund with a donation of $200. Sincerely, Ron Bruch

Page 12 • News Now • Thursday, March 4, 2021 obituarIES

ANNIVERSARY

SCHMOCKER, Peter

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289-235-9500 obituarIES

REILLY, Peter Vincent

(Captain, Burlington Fire Department)

Peacefully at his residence with his children at his side, on Saturday, February 27, 2021, Peter Reilly in his 60th year. Beloved Son of Vyvyan and Russell Reilly. Loving father of Shaughn, Kyra and Zack, Quinn, and Kael. Dear brother of Michael (Jane), Edwin (Jane), Matthew (Anne Marie), Therese (Tom) Kelly, and Patrick (Jennifer). Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Peter was a graduate of St. Thomas More High School, Hamilton and the University of Western Ontario, King’s College. He became a Firefighter with the Etobicoke Fire Department before joining the Burlington Fire Department in 1989, where over a 30 year service he rose to the rank of Captain in 2009, where he was highly respected by his peers. He dedicated many hours to volunteering with St. Joseph Catholic Church, Grimsby, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Juravinski Hospital, Canadian Cancer Society, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School, Grimsby, coaching hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and football in the Grimsby area. One thing very evident in Peter’s life was his devout Catholic Faith through which he derived much of his strength. A special mention to Fr. Rico Passero, and Lt. Col. Fr. Ed Jankowski of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Grimsby, for their friendship and spiritual guidance. This faith ingrained in him a peaceful kindness which he shared with all. The family is grateful for the care provided to Peter by St. Elizabeth Nurses, Dr. Sebastien Hotte and the Oncology Team at Juravinski Hospital.. A Funeral Mass was offered at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Grimsby on Thursday, March 4th at 11 a.m Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Ancaster. The family would appreciate any donations in Peter’s honour be made to McMaster Children’s Hospital, Child Life Services Dept., or Juravinski Cancer Centre. Online condolences to www.dermodys.com Peter’s life was full, and much of his happiness during life was at the Reilly family cottage at Beckley Beach, Lake Erie. A devoted proud father, his greatest gift was his four children.

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April 3, 1944 – February 24, 2021 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter at the age of 76 after a brief illness. Peter is a graduate of McMaster University and for over 40 years, Peter owned and operated a successful import, export company buying and selling meat from around the world. His true passion and hobby was working with exotic woods making charcuterie and cutting boards, photography and of course all the stories and jokes. Peter is survived by his son Andrew, his wife Marlene and stepchildren Vicki Breen, Mark Morais, Sheri Ramsden and their children: Jennifer, Dylan, Nathan, Calvin, Sydney, Owen and Grace. Thank you to the many friends and family for your support during this very difficult time. Peter volunteered for West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary. Our family would appreciate any donations made in his memory to go to West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary to help us with the new build, 169 Main Street East, Grimsby, Ontario L3M 1P3. Online condolences and donations may be made on Peter’s tribute page found at EssentialsNiagara.com.

60th Wedding Anniversary The Kellys

We are truly blessed in having family, friends and neighbours who thoughtfully sent us their best regards, gifts and good wishes on our 60th wedding anniversary. This is a wonderful community where we decided to live a great many years ago.

Thank you all again, Lucy & Peter

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SUPPORT GROUP “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!

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News Now • Thursday, March 4, 2021 • Page 13

NRT OnDemand pilot “a success so far” By Tristan Marks NewsNow After a successful year with plenty of ridership, despite the COVID pandemic, Niagara Regional Transit (NRT) will look to renew its OnDemand program for 2021. The NRT OnDemand service was well received in West Niagara, with close to half of all rides originating and/or terminating in Grimsby according to data listed in the report. Niagara Region program manager of transit services Robert Salewytsch said the way West Niagara residents embraced the OnDemand program shows that it truly fills a need in the area. “Grimsby alone was averaging 110 rides

per day,” he said. “For all intents and purposes, this has been a success so far, despite the pandemic,” he continued. Last month, transit services sent their report on the pilot project to the Niagara Regional Council’s public works meeting, where councillors indicated they would support renewing the program. Salewytsch noted that, although the transit service did not track statistics beyond locations and times of ride requests, user-given ratings averaged 4.5 stars out of five. Furthermore, he said that while there were peak times for rides, service use was mostly equal through the day.

“What we don’t know is if this is typical use or if this is because more people are working from home during the pandemic,” Salewytsch said. One thing was constant through out the year. “We saw nothing but continuous growth,” Salewytsch said. “It was exciting to see.” With the region on board to continue offering on demand services, the NRT will contact its lower-tier municipal partners to confirm if they will remain onboard. Moving forward, Salewytsch also said that the transit service will look into implementing more advertising and outreach in the Spring

FORT reno show debuts Sunday Tune in Sunday at 8 p.m. - March 7 - to catch the premier of the FORT episode of Holmes Family Effect. Popular TV personality Mike Holmes, his daughter Sherry and son Michael, were all in Smithville last summer to tape the episode. COVID caused a series of delays in getting the program on the air, meaning the newly-renovated location had to stay under wraps - until now.

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Lincoln unveils new site for residents to Speak Up The Town of Lincoln has developed a new digital communication and engagement platform called Speak Up Lincoln, Speak Up Lincoln aims to enhance existing engagement opportunities and provide a place where residents can get updates and provide input on important Town projects and initiatives. The online engagement hub provides a centralized location for information and opportunities to share

to help keep the momentum moving forward. He said the NRT will also approach organizations like the Grimsby DIA once again, and even the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. “We are open to any sort of opportunity with local businesses,” Salewytsch said. Additionally, as of last month, children ages 12 and under can ride with the NRT for free, although they must be accompanied by an adult. This includes rides with NRT OnDemand. This new fee structure is part of the transit service’s process towards unifying transit systems across the Niagara Region.

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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: • $10 gift certificate courtesy of Teddy’s Food, Fun & Spirits, John Smith Main • $10 gift certificate courtesy of Cole’s Florist, Rick Selby • $10 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire Grimsby, Don Tweedle • Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Sal Badali • $10 Gift Card courtesy of Tim Hortons Grimsby, John Sciamonte Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings. © NHLPA. Officially Licensed Product of the NHLPA. NHLPA, National Hockey League Players’ Association and the NHLPA logo are trademarks of the NHLPA

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YOUNG MCNAMARA Barristers • Solictors • Notaries J. Christopher Young

Specializing in Family Law, Real Estate, Corporate and Wills & Estates

Main Office

18 Albert St. E., Thorold, ON L2V 1P1 T: 905-227-3777 • F: 905-227-5988 E: youngmcnamara@hotmail.com Grimsby T: 289-205-1265 • F: 905-227-5988

1. Devries, John ............428 2. Heinen, Eric ..............426 3. Grant, Danny ............422 4. Nash, Rick .................420 5. Mastronardi, Jessica.420 6. Jaskolka, Jonathan ....419 7. Macklin, Barry ..........416 8. Schilte, Frank “the tank” ..415 9. Gaulton, FJK .............414 10. Mason, Jim...............414

11. Schilte, Tate .............414 12. Bos, Trevor ..............414 13. Emerson, Chanansa ..411 14. Olejarz, Theresa.....410 15. Herale, Lauren .......410 16. Fuller, Brandon.......410 17. Nash, Geoff ............408 18. Fielding, Don ..........408 19. Klinger .....................408 20. Strad ........................407