Richard Sayej of Team Lincoln was among those who helped open proceedings for Big Brothers Big Sisters Niagara’s 2026 Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser. The event continued with a full day on Saturday as well at St. Catharines’ Parkway Social lanes. For more details, please turn to Page 4. Loree - Photo
Approved motion halts Gale’s march to regional amalgamation
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
While recognizing the genie was out of the bottle, Niagara Regional council censured its regional chair and attempted to put up guardrails for a review process for municipal amalgamation at a special meeting last Thursday.
Reg. Chair Bob Gale was called out repeatedly and often during a three-hour special meeting for a series of what councillors deemed horribly off-base actions when he circulated a letter to mayors only on Feb.
19 calling for their views on municipal amalgamation by Monday, March 3.
In a sign of foreshadowing of how things would go, Gale was cut off at the meeting’s start while making opening remarks.
“I think we at least all agree that things are not working as efficiently as possible and it’s unsustainable and unfair to be bringing 25 per cent tax in-
creases over four years and a 2.7 billion backlog on infrastructure on the backs of the hard-working people of Niagara,” said Gale.
“There are many creative solutions I have heard to address….”
At that point, Fort Erie Redekop jumped in.
“You’re supposed to be
the chair of this meeting. You’re not supposed to be taking a position with respect to the matters on the agenda. You’re clearly taking a position here,” said Redekop.
“I am going to continue on. If you would like to challenge me, go ahead,” See REGION, Page 3
From Page 1 said Gale.
“Well, I’d like to challenge, if you are ruling that my order is out of order, I’m challenging your decision,” said Redekop.
“I’m ruling that your order is out of order,” Gale responded, and he referred the issue to the clerk, Ann-Marie Norio, who called a vote.
Council voted the chair was out of order and the debate among regional council members continued.
However, that did not stop Gale from reading his presentation notes.
Later, when questioned by St. Catharines Reg. Coun. Laura Ip, Gale sidestepped her question to read from his comments.
Ip cited a litany of information she sourced through Google searches and put a ‘yes or no’ question to Gale asking if he would take the time to educate himself and his staff on the amalgamation issue which could have a “deleterious effect on hundreds of thousands of people for generations.”
Reading from a document, Gale spoke about past amalgamation studies.
Gale was stopped by Ip when she interrupted to say he was not answering her yes or no question .
“This is you stating an opinion,” said Ip.
“You’re asking for information behind it. I am not going to get into a debate. I am going to go on with this,” said Gale, before reading on.
In an approved motion, council noted Gale had not received any directive from Premier Doug Ford or Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Robert Flack; that no data could be shown that cost savings would result from any amalgamation; impacts of amalgama-
tion would span generations, and; that Ford has stated any change would have to have approval of a majority of Niagara’s mayors and that as much as 70-80 per cent of the population would agree.
The actions approved in that motion included:
1) A governance review would be initiated to address duplication and seek improved efficiencies - with public consultation;
2) Gale must stop any further action and use of staff and regional resources with regard to the amalgamation matter, and;
3) The resolution be forwarded to Ford and Flack.
Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton was the only Niagara West elected official to opposed #1 and #2 - all others
- West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann, and Reg. Coun. Albert Witteveen; Lincoln Reg. Coun. Rob Foster, and; Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan and Reg. Coun. Michelle Seaborn - voted to support those initiatives.
There were many comments directed at Gale about information in his Feb. 26 letter, including from Foster, who pointed out the elephant which has been in every budget room in recent years.
“I think it would have enhanced the letter to talk about policing. In the time frame that was mentioned, policing went up nearly 30 per cent…and there is nearly 14 per cent, from what I am hearing, being lined up for next year. That’s not sustainable,” said Foster.
“The province needs to be involved and talking about this. I will say, actually, I am quite proud of Niagara Region departments last year. They came in at just over one per cent,” Foster added, noting staff were ‘given guidance’ to target 3.5 per cent.
Foster also noted it is fi-
nancial shortcomings on the part of the Province which has Niagara Region paying for items which are not under its purview, but needs must be filled.
“Besides the fundamental infrastructure needs, we as local governments are funding areas that are outside of our jurisdiction, which I support, as they require investments to ensure these provincial facilities are built. We are investing in hospitals. We are putting money into incentives,” said Foster.
“These are not our responsibilities but we have made them our responsibilities. We are paying an awful lot of funds to do these things.”
He agreed that change is needed, but he noted the process leading to it needs to be fact-based and leading to a common sense solution.
“The future can’t be done with vague notions, biased opinions, lack of public input and questionable motives. There is no simple solution and much more work is required to even get to the stage where there is a plan around governance that makes sense,” said Foster.
Foster asked that his colleagues not fall down the cost-savings rabbit hole using Hamilton as an example.
“The cost of governance in Hamilton is more than all put together here in Niagara. So, there are no cost savings that are coming into play with these things, absolutely none. If we go and reconstitute ourselves into a variety of areas, there are going to be new commissioners. There’s going to be CAOs that are going to be paid a lot more money. There’s going to be levels of directors and all this type of thing. Let’s just keep in mind, this is not a panacea that is coming on. I think we need to be doing a lot more study,” said Foster.
Easton said, while noting a review must be “thoughtful”, she backs a four-city model for Niagara, going so far as to say, “A single tier would be very helpful. It would be much less complicated.”
However, even in support of amalgamation, Easton said Gale went too far with his letter and recognized the packed gallery as one example of process which his opening salvo sidesteppedpublic input.
“This is just a little bit…It’s too much, too soon. I express that to you with the best of intentions, Mr. Chair.
“These people are not here because they like to stand out in the cold. They are here because they seriously want to be heard. They want to have input and they know all the ways to ensure that that happens.”
No delegations were permitted on the matter last Thursday and, with only 10 days of turnaround between the letter being circulated and the demand for response, no public meetings could be held.
Easton also contradicted the vast majority of councillors who said cost-savings in an amalgamation process is a loss leader.
“We also have an equal responsibility to understand the change that also comes with behavioural change and our ability to increase accountability. That has to be sustained because there are excellent ways to go about this, and there will be savings. There will be savings, however, if no one is paying attention to the ongoing methodology of how that change will be managed, how it will be supervised and how it will be reported, then we are just wasting our time. We might as well stay right where we are,” said Easton.
Easton noted that consultation was important to her council.
“They talked about the importance of engagement. They asked for more consultation, more communication of what this process will look like, and I support their comments,” said Easton, who noted her colleagues should be wary of misinformation during the process.
While Ganann did not speak to the matter, Jordan said Grimsby is ready to roll up its sleeves and get to work - with a moment of levity.
“It’s interesting following Niagara-on-the-Lake (Mayor Gary Zalepa) because the first town meeting in Upper Canada was actually in Grimsby - April 5, 1790, four years before NOTL,” said Jordan - to considerable laughter in the room.
“I was happy that our regional councillors who were left out (of Gale’s letter circulation) were able to speak tonight. Like others have said, collaboration is where we start at the Region.”
“We support efficiencies in Grimsby. We are the smallest geographically, so adding a lot of space may not make sense for us. We’re going to look at the numbers. We’re going to look at how we can do it most efficiently for the residents of Grimsby.”
Witteveen summed up much of the conversation about how things should roll out.
“We need to come up with a meaningful plan that should be based on data driven business cases. I support that we examine our current service delivery models to find the most efficiencies that would reduce costs to our residents without compromising important services. A well thought out plan with strong deliverables is the approach we must take. (We should) not hurry and figure it out as we go,” said Witteveen.
More than 400 participants came out to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Niagara (BBBS) last week for the Tim Hortons Bowl for Kids’ Sake.
BBBS supports at-risk youth in the community by pairing them with a volunteer mentor who shares skills, guidance and friendship with the child.
The annual bowling fundraiser is one of the Niagara chapter’s longest-running and popular fundraisers, attracting bowlers from across the region.
“It looks different, but this is one of our longest-standing events,” said BBBS executive director Erin Graybiel.
Greybiel said about 100 teams participated in this year’s bowl. It kicked off last Wednesday afternoon at Parkway Social in St. Catharines.
Teams formed by some of the region’s municipalities, businesses, service organiztion participated either Wednesday or Saturday.
Total funds raised this year were not finalized, but the goal this year was $100,000 after more than $90,000 was raised last year.
Graybiel was optimistic it could beat the previous record.
Big Brother Donald Cruikshank spoke alongside his mentee, Johnny Liu, 12, before bowlers rolled their first strike.
Cruikshank and Liu have been matched for a little more than two years, and bond over a love of sports and movies.
As part of the program, the two friends have been in Santa Claus Parades, gone to IceDogs games and seen wrestling matches in Toronto.
His previous mentee was the first in his family to graduate from High School, he said.
The fundraiser is open until March 17.
To donate, go to the charity’s website: niagara.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/
The Knights of Columbus Council 4917 - Grimsby will be hosting a bottle drive on Saturday, March 21.
The event has proven very successful in the past.
The crew will be set up at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grimsby, 135 Liv-
ingston Ave. from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. All recyclable bottles and cans - beer, liquor and wine included - can be dropped off.
All proceeds will to help the variety of local charities which the Knights of Columbus supports.
We’re building the first small modular reactors in the G7 and first large scale nuclear facilities in 30 years.
That’s how we protect Ontario.
Week 18 Continued
819. Warren, Marry-Ann 976
820. Malone, Tom 976
821. M, Herbie 976
822. Emond, Amanda 975
823. Soos, John 974
824. JMM 974
825. Girl, Honey 974
826. Pohl, Juergen 974
827. Baarda, Manley 973
828. Dave, Ronrel 973
829. Hoekstra, Evan 973
830. Pugsley, Jim 973
831. Heywood, Sean 972
832. A, Julianna 972
833. Finn the Win 972
834. Kucharuk, Nicole 971
835. McGregor, Kasen 971
836. Martin, Jeffrey 971
837. Memory, Murdochs971
838. Vallorani, Andrea 971
839. Hoeskstra, Liam 971
840. Szarko, Janel 970
841. Duncan, Keith 970
842. DeVries, Brayden 970
843. MacMullan, Bonnig 970
844. Lecinski, Doug 970
845. Fuller, Brandon 970
846. the Masons 969
847. DiBattista, Al 969
848. Young, Landon 969
849. McClurkin, Lori 968
850. Lady, Dragon 968
851. Heinen, Elsie 968
852, Shawna & Sloane 967
853. Verardo, Dino 965
854. Big, E 965
855. Turl, Bre 964
856. Clem 964
857. Savage, Ryder “RyDawg 964
858. Roorda, Brooke 963
859. Puddi 963
860. Morrell, Ross 963
861. Bezemer, Jodie 962
862. V, Sam 961
863. Wiebe, River 961
864. Fiorino, Sam 960
865. Waning, Sara 960
866. Riley, Zachary 959
867. Droughan, Zoe 959
868. Andreatta, Anne 958
869. Droughan, Jake 958
870. Myer 958
871. Later, Jeremy 958
872. Kiers, Ryker 957
873. Stratford, Gail 956
874. D’Onofrio, Kate 956
875. Oswald, Dave 956
876. B, Jeff 956
877. Allchin, Jim 955
878. Lecinski, Diana 955
879. Scooter .................... 955
880. Pryer, Jim 955
881. Reile, Alexander 954
882. Oddi, Lin 953
883. Agius, Theresa ...... 953
884. Bos, Charlie 953
885. Bosiljeval, Jane 953
886. Louws, Fred 952
887. Longboat, Jenn .... 950
888. Howard, Larry 950
889. Quider, Sally 949
890. Van Beek, John 949
891. Ireland, Doug ......... 949
892. Heczko, Jason 949
893. Feddema, Connor949
894. Marshall, Kathy 948
895. Gillard, Rita ............ 948
896. Gitch 948
897. Heczko, Amanda 947
898. Young, Abby 947
899. DeVries, Ethan...... 947
900. Lats78 947
901. Schrock, Nichole 946
902. Gelderman, Noah 946
903. Davoli, Tony 945
904. DeVries, Kyle 944
905. Duffy 12 944
906. Kovacs, Nancy 943
907. Fernred, Dave 942
908. Penny, Money 941
909. Scotney, Paula 941
910. Zdriluk, Ron 941
911. Riley, Benjamin 941
912. Bos, Max 941
913. Reile, Lily 940
914. Battgirl 938
915. Oxford, Bill 938
916. Beaulieu, Levite 938
917. Susnyar, Patricia 938
918. Wiebe, Joan 937
919. DellaValle, Adam 935
920. Jackson, Aaron Cam935
921. Bos, Bella 935
922. Holodniuk, Alana 933
923. Parry, Rich 932
924. Rienties, Sherry 932
925. Devries, Ryan 928
926. Henke 928
927. Campbell, Tammy 924
928. Hornung, Mike 923
929. Ritz, Samantha 922
930. Hodgkins, Greg “Hodge” 921
931. Sloss, Myiah 920 932. Tyce 919
933. Lats#9 919
934. Leclerc, Kathy 919
935. Head, Dylan “ 918
936. Ball, Matthew 918
937. McLellan, Pete 918
938. van den Bogerd, Amy 915
939. Batten, Kelly 912
940. VanderBeek, Jeannine 909
941. Kurgan, Grant ........ 909
942. Kyky 908
943. Walters, Dawson 905
944. Meins, Kerri 905
945. Nemett, Maggie ... 899
946. Waite, Rick 898
947. Anello, Rebecca 895
948. Carter, Stan 894
949. Reid, Dave 892
950. Scholtens, Anko 892
951. Mielko, Jim 891
952. Vanbrederode, Tina 890
953. Papiez, Renee 887
954. Hensen, Isaac 880
955. Chicken, Peter 871
956. Downie, Megan 870
957. Haines, Henry 862
958. Halliday, Brad 813
Ontario Regulation 181/03, Municipal Tax Sales Rules
Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land(s) described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Township Council Chambers, 318 Canborough Street, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0.
The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the Township Council Chambers, 318 Canborough Street, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0.
Description of Lands:
ROLL NO. 26 02 010 003 12300 0000, 702 JOHN ST, CAISTOR CENTRE, PIN 46068-0099 LT, LT 7 W/S JOHN ST TP PL 26 CAISTOR; S/T EXECUTION 98-01123, IF ENFORCEABLE; WEST LINCOLN, FILE NAWL23-005
Minimum Tender Amount: $64,947.00
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $83,000.
• Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit of at least 20 per cent of the tender amount, which deposit shall be made by way of a certified cheque/bank draft/money order payable to the municipality.
• Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to, existing interests in favour of the Crown, environmental concerns or any other matters relating to the land(s) to be sold. Any existing Federal or Provincial Crown liens or executions will remain on title and may become the responsibility of the potential purchaser. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.
• This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchasers will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated taxes and any taxes that may be applicable, such as land transfer tax and HST.
• Effective January 1, 2023, in accordance with the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (SC 2022, c 10, s 235) (the “Act”), non-Canadians are now prohibited from purchasing residential property in Canada, directly or indirectly, pursuant with the terms as set out in the Act and Regulations under the Act.
• Any non-Canadian who contravenes the Act, or any person who knowingly assists in contravening the Act is liable to a fine of up to $10,000 and may be ordered that the property be sold, therefore it is highly recommended that any potential purchasers obtain independent legal advice to ensure they will not be in contravention of the Act.
• It is the sole responsibility of the tenderers to investigate into the details of what constitutes a non-Canadian, residential property, any exceptions or exclusions, or any other matters or determinations relating to the Act. The municipality accepts no responsibility whatsoever in ensuring that any potential purchasers comply with the Act.
• Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) applies to the purchase price for a transfer of residential property located in Ontario which contains at least one and not more than six single family residences if any one of the transferees is a non-resident of Canada, foreign entity or taxable trustee.
• The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser.
• A copy of the prescribed form of tender is available on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
For further information regarding this sale, please visit: www.westlincoln.ca or you may contact: Sarah Petrina, Property Tax & Payroll Coordinator 318 Canborough St., P.O. Box 400, Smithville ON L0R 2A0 Tel: (905) 957-3346 Ext. 6718, Email: spetrina@westlincoln.ca
Call ’em as they see ’em
It was a packed house at the Lincoln Centre for 1st Beamsville Scouts first ever bingo night. All funds raised will support the groups’ Switzerland adventure in July 2026. The Scouts will also host its third annual all-youcan-eat Pasta Dinner on April 11, 2026. More details to follow. Here, Gary McBlain, left, and Angelo Ranucci call the numbers.
Twp. of West Lincoln is not wasting any time to take the pulse of residents when it comes to possible municipal amalgamation. At its meeting Monday, council voted to direct staff to plan a public meeting to gain input by the end of March and report back to council with a report.
“Given the amount of public interest in my online poll, I thought I’d bring this forward to council for a high-level public feedback opportunity so the public can have a chance to share their point of view,” said Coun. William Reilly, who made the motion.
“Time is of the essence so things will unfold quickly and we hope to give every resident the opportunity to weigh in. It’s time to speak up while we still have a voice to be heard.”
No details were set as of press time, but will be published as soon as available.
Big Payout With
“Were it left to me to decide if we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
Thomas Jefferson, 1787
(Couldn’t we use more of that thinking south of the border right now)
We are about to complete our 14th year of serving our dedicated readers and advertisers in Niagara West! That seems hard to believe, but it’s true. Just like every stitch of content you read in our pages. We’ve tried to shoot photos at every community event, expose serious stories which were very much in the public’s interest, and let all know the goings on for our great services club and community groups. Real. Honest. Accurate. No hiding. No keyboard jockeys. By helping us out with a voluntary subscription you can support our weekly goal! Is NewsNow’s independent, accurate voice in the community of value to you? Would you like to support NewsNow in its efforts? This is your opportunity.
Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week –receive your copy of NewsNow! That will NOT change!!!!
One Year - $50 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 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 consideration!
That’s how we protect Ontario.
As Canada stares down economic uncertainty, we’re ready with a plan to protect Ontario. We’re building the first small modular reactors in the G7, and the first large-scale nuclear facilities in decades. Creating 150,000 new jobs.
Thanks to a great response! NewsNow has not skipped a beat to deliver for our community.
Our carriers go door-to-door in Grimsby, Beamsville, Vineland, Jordan & Smithville.
There are just a few routes vacant, so if you happened to miss your copy - or if you live in a rural area - we have planned a large list of helpful outlets to allow for quick and convenient pick ups.
Puddicombe
Sobeys
West
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
The Town of Grimsby is converting on its team approach to economic development to realize significant commercial/ industrial growth and job creation.
That is the message Mayor Jeff Jordan and Grimsby Economic Development Advisory Committee chair, Coun. Reg Freake delivered to attendees at the Mayor’s Breakfast last Thursday, Feb. 26.
“Businesses will invest where leadership is accessible and supportive. Where approvals move efficiently. Where partnerships are real, not performative. Where economic growth is intentional — not accidental,” said Freake.
“Our EcDev (economic development) team at Town Hall is aligned, strategically focused, and results driven. Not studydriven. Not talk-driven. They are results-driven. Strategy is about making clear choices and then rallying people around those choices. That’s the approach we have taken in Grimsby’s economic development.”
And ensuring a well-rounded approach, beyond simply numbers, is a winning formula said Jordan.
“In today’s economy, businesses are not just choosing infrastructure – they’re choosing communities. They’re choosing
places where employees want to live, where families feel safe, and where talent chooses to stay,” said Jordan.
“Grimsby offers that balance. We combine small-town character with strategic access to major markets – direct QEW access, proximity to Hamilton’s airport, and easy connections to the GTA and U.S. border. We are close to leading institutions like Brock University, Niagara College, and McMaster University – supporting a skilled and adaptable workforce.”
The process in place does seem to be working, as Freake
noted.
“At the Anatolia Business Park, a short walk west of here, the soil will soon be moving on a 36-acre site. Next year, construction will begin on a 650,000 SF facility — bringing 500 new jobs to our community,” said Freake.
“That’s serious employment. That’s tax assessment growth. That’s long-term economic impact. That’s new, sustainable revenue that helps relieve pressure on residential taxpayers. A couple of miles down the road, east of here, is the Grimsby Innovation Park — the redevelopment of the former NRB site which is near completion.
Another major site is also in the works.”
An additional 150,000 square feet of industrial space fronting the South Service Road is now moving through the building permit process — repurposing our employment lands and positioning Grimsby for even more job creation. Yes, another 300 jobs, promising more new tax revenue and many economic spin-offs.”
Key note speaker Mary Rowe, CEO and president of the Canadian Urban Institute, told those on hand that while tending to all aspects of economic development is good for a community, focusing on a healthy downtown core is vital to a community’s well being.
Passed away at John Noble Home, Brantford, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late Stanley (2013). Loved mother of Randy Gunning and his wife Marnie of Brantford and the late Richard Gunning (2003). Cherished grandmother of Alicia (Jason) and Graeme (Kelly) and great-grandmother of Mia and Hailey. Missed also by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by several siblings. Visitation at STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from noon until time of Service of Remembrance at 1 p.m. Reception to follow. Private burial will take place prior to the service at Queen’s Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Alzheimer Society would be sincerely appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com
StRUggLINg WItH HURtS, HANg-UPS OR HABItS? “Celebrate Recovery (CR)” 12 step Christian Recovery for Healing, Help and Hope. ALL WELCOME! Wednesdays at 7 pm. Forestview Community Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby. For info. or help, CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca 905945-9529
CARS, tRUCKS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.
fEEL BEttER, LOOK BEttER, LIVE BEttER. I share wellness solutions, premium products, and a flexible Arbonne business. Learn more: website: celestinalacivita. arbonne.com Email: celestina.lacivita@ gmail.com
HOUSE ClEANING CLEANINg LAdy AVAILABLE, experienced, reliable, and insured. Call Cindy for a consultation. 289440-1861.
LOOKINg fOR A POLISH CLEANINg LAdy in Beamsville. Call Pat at 905-330-0897
Passed away at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in his 90th year. Beloved husband of the late Nan (Nancy) Ross (2016). Loved father of Scott, Kevin (Laurie) and Julie. Cherished grandfather of Skyler and Sydney-Jewel Goudswaard. He lost his twin brother, John, in 2011. Bill retired as a teacher from Mohawk College after 30 years, lived over 50 years in Grimsby and spent the last 70 years perfecting his golf game playing at Kingsville, Fonthill and Sawmill golf courses (with one hole in one). He was never without cat companionship with Tiger, Marm, Ozzie, Tipper and Teddie, Moe and Millie beside him over the years while he read a steady stream of spy and action novels. Private cremation has taken place. If desired, memorial contributions to the COPD Foundation, Ontario SPCA & Human Society and Donkey Sanctuary of Canada would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755). www.smithsfh.com
Eavestrough
Gutter Guard
Soffit
gREy ROCK MASONRy Chimney & Porch Repairs, Interlock Restorations, Parging Call: 905-512-9565 info@greyrockmasonry.com
SPECIALIzEd IN CARPENtRy - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring, Power Washing, Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485
Fascia 30 years experience! Mike 905-598-5355
It is with great sadness we announce that Brian Stouck, age 82, has passed away peacefully on February 8th, 2026.
Brian was born on November 21st, 1943, the second son of Winnifred and Henry Stouck. Younger brother to David and older brother to Roger.
Brian grew up in Beamsville and continued to live on the family farmstead through his entire life.
Brian was the first ever Grape Prince for the 4H club, in 1959.
As a young man, Brian’s passion and hobby was to fix vehicles which lead him to pursue a career in mechanics, so he would never have to work a day in his life. He took immense pride in his craft, solving problems with precision and care and was a mentor to many young apprentices over the years. His advice was sought by many, and his calm presence was a source of comfort to all who knew him. He believed in building not just cars, but also relationships and memories that stand the test of time. He was the epitome of hard work, dedication, wisdom and integrity.
Brian was known for his in-depth story telling, historic details, photography (he always wrote notes on the back of every photo), his admiration for Elvis Presley and he always carried a garage pen in his pocket, often saying “a short pencil is better than a long memory.”
Brian’s kindness, generosity, and love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
He was an active member of the Beamsville Baptist Church his entire life.
He is survived by his cherished wife Shirley, married nearly 50 years, and their three children, Lynda (Michael), Daniel, Erin (Andrew) and his Grandchildren, Lincoln, Kate, Malcolm, Carson and Vera.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Winnifred & Henry Stouck, Uncle Carson & Aunt Orra Stouck, and Uncle Fred & Aunt Edith Hollis. A visitation was held at at Tallman Funeral Home, 3277 King Street, Vineland on Thursday, February 12.
Private burial has taken place with immediate family, which preceded a Celebration of Life.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to McNally House Hospice.
Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
Dear Editor,
1930February 27,
Don peacefully passed away at home on Friday, February 27 in his 96th year surrounded by his loving wife Elsie of 71 years and his sons Donald Carl (Lee) and Joseph Brett (d. Helene) Proud Pa/Grumpa to Heather Wilson (Jake), Alanna Wilson (Adam) and Connor Wilson. Cherished Great Grandfather to Damon James Turl.
A special thank you to Patricia Wilson for her loving assistance and care.
Don is predeceased by his parents George Washington Wilson and Laureen Ethel May Wilson, his twin brother Ron Wilson and his sisters Marilyn Whiteside and Leona.
Don started work at a young age with a paper route in Toronto and didn’t stop till the year before his passing. His many and varied business ventures included but are not limited to, welding, scrap metal, sales, structural steel installation and estimating, a model airplane company (Easy Built Models) and in his later years, a Bass and Balsa Wood Supply Company.
Don had several interests outside of work. He was an avid golfer and in the winter had a passion for curling. Later in life after he visited the Herschell Carousel Museum, he began carving wooden carousel horses. He completed several projects including 2 large horses that were made into rocking horses that his grandchildren rode frequently.
Don will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews, his family and friends. He has left behind a lasting legacy and a significant mark on this world.
At Don’s request, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum or to Diabetes Canada. Notes of sympathy and condolence may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca.
Good on you for your position on the proposed regional amalgamation.
Looks like there is a fox in the henhouse and his name is Bob Gale. To quote Reg. Chair Gale, ‘Potential cost savings a key reason the time is now for amalgamation’.
Where is the data?
And the timeline for a response from each of the local municipality’s mayor’s? Ten days? Get serious.
Gale is trying to pull a fast one, trying to gain more power and money for the larger centres - not to mention I’m sure there will be a big pay raise for him if this bum rush gets pushed through. The big cities will gain, and the smaller towns will all lose.
Inquiring minds need to know, and Reg. Chair Gale needs to slow this whole charade down and start presenting some facts and perform due diligence, instead of trying to bulldoze this amalgamation down the Niagara municipality’s collective throats! By the way, it’s been said before, Reg. Chair Bob Gale is not an elected official.
Now this clown is back to playing games. Hopefully Premier Ford will correct a wrong and jettison this fool.
Bart Brooks, Grimsby
Most curious is Mayor Easton’s support of amalgamating the municipalities, Is it coincidental that the Town of Lincoln has a substantial debt level of $52 million?
Dear Editor,
In Ontario, taxpayers pay four kinds of taxesfederal, provincial, municipal (property) and regional taxes. Of these, I feel, municipal taxes are most beneficial.
Most taxpayers don’t know how much regional tax they’re paying because it’s buried in their property taxes!
I found out that 64 per cent of your Grimsby property taxes are for regional taxes and the lion’s share of that amount are for the police services and councillor’s salaries and benefits. Staggering.
To Mayor Jordan’s
point, the police services could be done by the Town of Grimsby.
Yes, costs of some regional roads are of a regional nature so the relevant municipalities would, fairly, bear those costs based on area and population.
The point I want to stress is that the validity of services of a regional government should be examined very carefully.
In conclusion, how many of Mr. Gale’s remarks are made in defence of his well-paid regional chair position?
Gord Edgar, Grimsby
100% Niagara owned & operated
Our Team:
Publisher - Mike Williscraft
mike@wn3.ca
289-442-4244
General Manager - Catherine Williscraft
Sales Consultant - Erica Huisman
Graphics - Donna Wisnoski
NewsNow is owned & operated by 1602207 Ontario Ltd. Office Location
45 Main St. West, Grimsby, ON, L3M 1R3 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848
NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday & delivered to all homes & businesses in Niagara West, 29,006
Back in the day when I had the luxury of having a press right in the back of the building in which I was working, I could step out and tell the foreman I needed an hour or two more so to either hold the press or change the order of printing so we could go later.
Those days are LONG gone.
So when I heard this morning eight Niagara mayors were going to meet late this afternoon to map our correspondence which would be directed to the Province of Ontario regarding this amalgamation shmozzle there was not much I could in terms of getting details to you, good reader.
But here is what we know:
The mayors of Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland - along with Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton - have already stated, and often, they want to see at least a four-city amalgamated Niagara.
Hence, they were either not invited or not attending the meeting of the other eight mayors which was set up for today.
The plan calls for that group to offer a collective opinion which will be forwarded to Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack and Premier Doug Ford.
The direction or commentary in that letter is not known as the meeting has not started by the time we head to press.
Each municipality does intend to file its own letter with the Reg. Chair Bob Gale as he requested. Side note, Port Colborne Reg. Coun. Vance Badawey crushed it at the meeting not letting Gale off the hook for making the letters public.
“Any correspondence received by the regional chair that’s to be forwarded to members of regional council - is forwarded to members of regional council and clerk(and) is placed on the agenda as correspondence with an expectation to receive as information,” said Badawey.
We’ll see how that goes. M.W.
If you don’t care what happens to your municipality, forgive me, this Gale force cyclone pushing amalgamation is going to run on for a while.
Yes, there will be other topics covered in this space, but it is likely none will be more important to the longterm impacts of Niagara West and the region as a whole.
Here we go....
After last week’s special regional council meeting, it is clear that the vast majority of Niagara’s elected officials thought as virtually all I spoke to the last couple of weeks - Reg. Chair Bob Gale was WAY out of line firing off a unilateral missive to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack suggesting Niagara needs to be amalgamated - among other things.
Many errors were noted in Gale’s process, namely, no input before he addressed the issue, no circulation to all of Niagara Region’s council members (mayors only), no data to support his position - the capper - only 10 days for mayors to respond stating their position, so he could then forward a report to Flack.
There was not a soul in the room who spoke out opposing good governance and being responsible to taxpayers with a streamlined and efficient system; pure motherhood.
There was lots that council members took exception with, like telling half the story with tax increases, or
even less, as Lincoln Reg. Coun. Rob Foster outlined at the meeting just as he did for last week’s NewsNow story.
He cited the extremely high impacts of the regional police budget, the guidelines for which are prescribed by the Province, and the fact the Region has stepped up to contribute to key, major projects - such as West Lincoln Memorial Hospital - which are not regional responsibilities at all, but needed to happen.
Foster was bang on. If Region stepped out of WLMH or other hospital projects around the Region, they may not have happened at all. Then where would we be?
That goes to a theme from this space a few weeks ago - you cannot demand your government (various levels) give you all the amenities, services and facilities you want and then turn around and complain your taxes are too high.
On policing, at the very least, it should be separated out on the tax bill so taxpayers would see the impact
plainly or blow up regional policing and each municipality can contract a police service back if they think they can do it better.
In the crossfire of Thursday’s debate some stellar comments came out. If you have never watched a regional council meeting online, I highly recommend you watch this whole thing. Having seen an absolute ton of meetings over the years, I can tell you, residents of Niagara are very well served by those around that horseshoe and comments from elected officials from across the region were concise and on point.
Take Pelham Mayor Marv Junkin; he summarized the whole thing and painted a portrait of successful direction in a couple of sentences. He said he was open to changes to reduce elected positions; moving jurisdiction over water and waste water systems from both the upper and lower tiers to a third-party provider; implementing significant cultural change in management philosophy at the Region of Niagara, and; the absorption of the Region’s roads department into local municipalities.
“While none of these changes is, by itself, a silver bullet, collectively they would lead to reduced government, cost savings, and an end to overlapping authority jurisdictions while respecting residents’ preferences for control over the local affairs,” said Junkin.
That’s money right there.
Dear Editor,
First of all if anyone says amalgamation will cut taxes, that is the first big lie, history has shown that to be untrue but it almost always ends lowering local services and giving less local input.
Amalgamation in this case is about control and gaining access to local tax bases by the Region.
The Ontario Government wants control over all of the province; the Premier is trying to micro-manage all aspects. He is doing this in health care, trying to do this in land protection by consolidating conservation agencies while reducing local input, taking over school boards and considering eliminating local trustees. It’s true
we have lots of “politicians” in Niagara, but this allows diversity of input and ideas like having several persons representing our community of Grimsby and our local concerns, we are better for it.
We may at times elect individuals whom we consider “idiots” but they are our idiots. Despite what the province thinks, lots of representation is much better than little or no representation.
If we are amalgamated into the Region, we will be run by somebody elses “idiots” as St. Catharines and Niagara Falls will decide the priorities of our Town by the volume of their representatives.
Now we will have few if any representatives to represent us and all our local concerns; and any we will have will want increased pay for what will be a full time job.
It has been stated that the current system is inefficient, maybe the problem is the Region not the local communities, the Region alone has had total tax increases of almost 23 per cent in only three years.
None of the local communities have had those types of increases. The Regional Chair needs to look inward not outward. Perhaps the Region should “heal thyself” before destroying the work of others.
Bill Thompson, Grimsby
Dear Editor, I am writing to express my strong support for Mayor Jordan’s position on the proposed amalgamation of the Niagara municipalities.
He hits the nail on the head when he points out that past amalgamations in Hamilton and Toronto did not result in the promised savings. In fact, residents in those cities experienced higher taxes and increased costs instead.
Beyond the financial concerns, I personally have apprehension about losing our smalltown identity and history. Our community’s character, local traditions, and close-knit spirit are not eas-
Dear Editor,
The proposal for amalgamation for the region of Niagara suggests that it will produce improvements in operating cost efficiencies.
In reality it is a calculated redistribution of power, influence, and of course salaries within the regional power base. Municipal amalgamation rarely, if ever, results in increased efficiencies at reduced cost!
Processes by their very nature require monitoring continuously for effectiveness, and if not carefully audited to monitor their impacts, can frequently become a morass of procedures and policies which actually reduce efficiencies!
Rather than throwing the “ amal-
gamation grenade” into Niagara, I suggest a team of regional and municipal leaders look at introducing an independent audit of existing policies and procedures focused on rationalization, adaptation of proven technical and administrative systems, with the dual objectives of reducing cost and enhancing process improvement.
Having spent many years introducing such changes into a wide variety of industrial, commercial and retail industries, with a high success record, I speak from experience, not theoretical concept.
Incidentally this letter is not ‘touting for business’ I am long retired and quite content to remain so!
Brian Merritt, Grimsby
In any governance plan, Region should go: writer
Dear Editor,
There is only one question to be asked?
Which model best serves the current and future interests of the people of Grimsby?
There are three choices: status quo of two-tier representation; multi-city model with Grimsby being amalgamated with its two westend neighbours, PROVIDED that the Region is de-amalgamated, or; a one-tier Niagara model, eliminating the 12 municipalities.
municipal transit, poor road maintenance and staff wages that are more than twice the rate what the municipalities pay, for the same work. There are also twice as many Region staff per capita than what Grimsby has.
So let’s take the silliest choices off the table. For a choice to be better, the new choice has to: provide more services; provide better service quality; or lower taxes.
ily preserved within a larger, centralized municipal structure. Once that identity is diluted, it cannot simply be restored.
Jordan also raises valid concerns about the financial condition of some of the municipalities that would be included in a forced merger. It is reasonable to question whether such an arrangement would place additional burdens on communities that have managed their finances responsibly.
I was very pleased to read his clear and thoughtful position in the Feb. 26 edition of NewsNow. It is encouraging to see leadership that prioritizes both fiscal responsibility and the preservation of our community’s unique character.
Paul Morrison, Grimsby
Before we look ahead, a quick review of why, in 1970, the 26 municipalities were reduced to 12 and the overarching Region of Niagara was formed.
Back 55 years ago, 245,000 people were packaged in Niagara to provide efficiencies in planning, uniformity in managing expected post-war high growth of industry, and taking on critical infrastructure such as roads and water/sewer.
Unfortunately, those premises haven’t born themselves out.
Niagara’s population is now only 550,000 which is at the low end of growth in Ontario, manufacturing has evacuated the peninsula and key roads like Mid-Pen Corridor and even the Bartlett Road extension couldn’t be brought to fruition.
What has grown is the Region’s massive employment of 4,200 staff, useless inter-
One Niagara in no way answers the call on more, better, cheaper.
All amalgamation would do is raise all municipal wages to the highest rate at the Region. Everything would be centrally planned and administered from Thorold. This leaves the first two options.
When faced with this issue 55 years ago, the naysayers biggest issue was loss of Town Identity. I would say that the neighbourhoods of Crystal Beach, Stoney Creek, Virgil remain alive and vibrant despite being part of a bigger plan.
I’m open to either of the first two, but looking forward, getting rid of the Region and being part of an amalgamation of three similarly minded towns is worthy of exploration. We would be 90,000 strong, larger than Niagara Falls.
Rob Hattin, Grimsby
