NewsNow E-Edition May 21 2026

BUY CANADIAN

Proudly serving Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Winona

Review leads to new Grimsby BIA policy

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

A new policy to restrict what members can say and speak to was approved at last week’s (May 13) Grimsby Downtown Business Improvement Area Board.

The policy, which board members say brings the BIA in line with town policies ignores that the organization is not set up like any other town-connected body.

Business owner Shane Weaver tried to address issues with the policy when it came up on the agenda

but was told he would have to wait until near the end of the meeting to speak the delegation policy.

“You have to wait until New Business,” said BIA chair Simon Duong.

Ultimately, when Weaver and others addressed the issue at that point, they were told the matter could not be changed or deferred because it was already approved.

Weaver did attempt to get a couple of pre-emptive comments in, though, noting there was nothing on the agenda noting this new policy was to be approved at Wednesday’s

board meeting.

“There is no motion on the agenda for this to be approved today,” said Weaver.

“It says introduction and review of finalized delegation policy,” said BIA treasurer Daniel Vandersteen.

“Introduction and review,” noted Weaver.

“A review is a motion,” claimed Vandersteen.

At that point, Duong cut off discussion and called the vote. The motion was approved.

The restrictions in the five-page policy

Time to call it

Lawn bowlers Bill Coyne (left), Bill Hedley and Wilfred Oldfield bemoan the rain that washed out the Grimsby Lawn Bowling Club’s open house Saturday afternoon - opting to call it a day when it showed no signs of letting up. Loree - Photo

are considerable and limit what delegations can address - as noted by Weaver and former town councillor John Dunstall, who was also in attendance as a downtown property owner. For example, what delegations cannot address, include:

• Any matter that has been decided by the Board within the previous six (6) months , unless the request includes new information that was not previously available;

• Litigation, potential litigation, or matters subject to solicitor-client privilege ;

• Matters outside the jurisdiction and mandate of the GDBIA;

• Previous meeting minutes;

• Closed session items or matters properly considered in closed session;

• Integrity Commissioner reports;

• Any matter that has been previously delegated to the Board, unless the delegate provides new information, and;

• Any matter that the Chair or Board determines is not appropriate for delegation under the Board’s rules of procedure, public conduct requirements, or applicable law.

When New Business rolled around, Weaver’s first question was, “Why the urgency?”

“To do this in the last six months of your term I think that looks extremely bad.”

Weaver also noted the final wording of the policy did not take the advice of the clerk’s office, which typically uses non-restrictive language to allow for flexibility.

Lincoln Avenue construction

held up by Indigenous issue

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

Completion of the extensive overhaul of Lincoln Avenue in Beamsville is being held up due to a “pending resolution of outstanding archaeological and Indigenous engagement”, said Lincoln CAO Mike Kirkopoulos.

“This pause reflects the Town’s ongoing efforts over an extended period to advance the project in good faith with all partners, and the growing need to reach a clear and workable resolution that allows the project to move forward responsibly. The Town is increasingly concerned about the continued impacts this situation is having on project timelines, costs, and service delivery. We must also recognize and respect the financial implications for taxpayers. As a result, the Town has made the difficult decision to pause the project at this time,” said Kirkopoulos.

“This pause will allow the Town and its project partners to continue coordination and work toward a clear path forward in accordance with provincial requirements and best practices.”

The delay in finishing the work has been a considerable source of frustration for Town officials and residents in the area.

“This is not the outcome we had hoped for, and we recognize the impact this decision will have on residents and businesses. However, under the current circumstances, we do not see a viable path forward until the outstanding matters can be addressed in a mutually acceptable and coordinated manner,” said Kirkopoulos.

“We appreciate the community’s patience as we work towards a resolution that balances the need to respect the history of First Nations’ peoples in Niagara while being cognizant of taxpayer dollars.”

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Beamsville Lions wrap breakfast program run

By Evan Loree For NewsNow

After a successful 2025-2026 run, Beamsville Lions wrapped up its monthly breakfast program last week.

The service club or ganizes a breakfast on the third Sunday of every month at the Lincoln Centre in Beamsville.

It charges $15 per plate for adults and $7 per plate for children ages six and 12.

The club has run them every month since October, except in December.

All proceeds are used to support chari ties across Niagara.

The CFUW Grimsby and District Chapter

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Open to women who graduated from a Secondary School in West Niagara and are going into their second year or higher of university or college. Consideration also given to applications from mature students who have settled for the long term in West Niagara.

To apply, go to https://cfuwgrimsby.com/scholarships

The deadline for applicati on is May 31st

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For the second year in a row, Jacob Zdriluk of Beamsville, centre, won this year’s Hat Trick Hockey contest. He was presented with this $2,500 first prize by sponsors Catherine Williscraft, NewsNow’s general manager and Teddy’s Sports Bar owner Simon Duong. Jacob said he did not have a system, simply attributing his win to some very good luck. Jacob opted to take the cash payout, foregoing a trip to a Stanley Cup finals game.

Photos By Evan Loree

BEST in the WEST!

BUSINESS AWARDS

Please take a few moments to note your favourite people, businesses, snacks or service in Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln or Winona. You can vote for your faves in dozens of categories, or just a few which you really love. The results of your survey winners will be published in July/Aug.. Please include your name and address on the form so we know who is voting and nominating, one ballot per person. There is no fee to submit your votes. Drop your entries at NewsNow, 45 Main St. W., Grimsby OR scan/email to BITW@wn3.ca during regular business hours: 10-4 Monday-Thursday or through the mail slot at the front door. Originals Only!

Best in The West Customer Service Award

The lifeblood of any business, large or small, is customer service. To recognize this precious resource, NewsNow is initiating a special category as part of its Best In The West readership survey.

Please take a few minutes to nominate someone with whom you had a great customer experience!!

In 200 words or less, please tell us how someone went the extra mile, was very pleasant to deal with (either during a one-time visit or over many years) and why you think this person would be worthy of Niagara West’s Best Customer Service Employee Award. NewsNow will publish the winner and the nominator will receive a $100 gift certificate for any restaurant or retailer in Niagara West. Drop your submission off at our Grimsby office, 45 Main St. W. or email it: mike@wn3.ca

MAY 23

FL E ET MEE T THE

Fleming Centre

5020 Serena Dr., Beamsville Main parking lot (south side) 10am – 2pm

Celebrate National Public Works Week with us & discover how Public Works enhances the quality of life for all:

/// Meet Public Works trucks & equipment

/// Family-friendly activities & games

/// Coffee provided by Tim Hortons

/// Beamsville Lions Club food truck – food & drinks available for purchase

Gibson St. Trail step replacement in works

Work is progressing for a potential rebuilding of stairs along Grimsby’s Gibson Street Trail, say Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) officials.

“An initial professional site assessment has already been completed, and a detailed geotechnical and slope stability assessment is now underway. This work will help us better understand the site conditions, including the location and depth of stable bedrock, and inform appropriate long-term options for restoring connectivity through the area,” said Sofia Zavarella, NPCA manager, communications and public relations.

“While there is understandable interest in replacing the stairs quickly, the current slope conditions mean

that a simple replacement would not address the underlying stability concerns or long-term risk at the site. Our objective is to identify a solution that is safe, sustainable, and appropriate for the area over the long term.”

Rob Foster, NPCA board chair, said process needs to be followed but work is being expedited as much as possible.

“Both Beamer and the trail system are incredibly important to the NPCA and Bruce Trail and Town of Grimsby. The situation we are facing is and was unexpected, but a reality now. We plan to have whatever is next as soon as possible,” said Foster. “And yes, this means it needs to be done right, particularly due to the importance to the community.”

Spring Open House

Friday May 29

Check us out at Meet the Fleet and join in on the fun! SCAN TO REGISTER

SATURDAY RIDE WITH US OR 11AM 1PM

The Age-Friendly and Active Community Advisory Committee Presents: MAY 23

Join us for a wine and paint afternoon. Spots are limited, please RSVP with Danielle at 905-309-0055.

Saturday May 30 1:00pm - 4:00pm 11:30am - 4:00pm Open House 10:30am - 11:30am Walk for Alzheimers

Join us for a walk as we raise awareness and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Light refreshments to follow. Scan the QR code below to learn more.

265 Main St. East Grimsby

Get ’em while they’re hot!

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.

Grimsby

Puddicombe

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West Lincoln

ROADS

2026 Annual Strengthening and Resurfacing Program

Niagara Region is advising the public about upcoming road work and related disruptions that will be taking place over the coming months on the following Regional roads as part of the Annual Road Strengthening and Resurfacing program. In some cases construction start times are still to be determined. Follow niagararegion.ca for more information including closure start dates and up to date detour routes.

Town of Fort Erie

Thompson Road (Regional Road 21) from Bowen Road (Regional Road 21) to Niagara Boulevard

Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times

Garrison Road (Regional Road 3) from Rosehill Road to Helena St (Regional Road 122)

Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times

Bowen Road (Regional Road 21) from Ridgemount Road to QEW Ramp West Side Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times

Bowen Road (Regional Road 21) from Petit Road to QEW Ramp East Side Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times

City of Niagara Falls

Thorold Stone Road (Regional Road 57) from Drummond Road to Stanley Avenue (Regional Road 102)

Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times, night work

Lundy’s Lane (Regional Road 20) from Kalar Road to Montrose Road (Regional Road 98)

Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times; night work

Township of Wainfleet

Forks Road (Regional Road 23) from Feeder Road to Port Colborne/Wainfleet limit

Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times

Marshagan Road (Regional Road 7) from Concession 6 Road to Regional Road 45

Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times

Town of Lincoln

Fly Road (Regional Road 73) from Mountain Street (Regional Road 18) to Grimsby/Lincoln limit

Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times

North Service Road (Regional Road 39) from Thirty Road N to Sann Road N

Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times

Town of Grimsby

Mud Street East (Regional Road 73) from Thirty Road (Regional Road 14) to Grimsby/ Lincoln limit

Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times

Main Street (Regional Road 81) from Casablanca Boulevard (Regional Road 10) to Oakes Street

Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times

City of Thorold

Merrittville Hwy (Regional Road 50) from 2929 Merrittville Hwy to 2745 Merrittville Hwy

Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times

Township of West Lincoln

Highway 20 (Regional Road 20) at South Grimsby Road 8

Impact: Single-lane closures; longer than normal wait times; extension of right hand turning lane

The anticipated hours of operation during construction will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless noted otherwise, weather permitting.

Businesses and residents will have access during the closures but may be directed to take an alternate route to get to their destination. Emergency services will also have access if required. Follow Municipal511.ca for real-time information on Regional road closures and construction updates. Municipal 511 shares road information that connects directly to Google Maps and Waze and assists Niagara Region, Local Area Municipalities, and MTO to better coordinate local construction projects in order to minimize traffic disruption.

Project contacts:

Stephanie Huppunen, C.E.T.

Manager, Capital Projects – Transportation Engineering

Stephanie.huppunen@niagararegion.ca

Niagara Region Dispatch

905-984-3690

Your co-operation and patience are appreciated while we undertake this important work.

Lisa De Angelis, Commissioner of Public

Works,

Niagara Region

Alzheimers walk set for Lincoln Park

Anyone planning to get some fresh air with a walk May 30 may want to put their effort to even better use by participating in Aspira Lincoln Park’s (ALP) Walk For Alzheimers.

The fundraising event will run from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

“The walk is open to the public; anyone is welcome to join,” said Danielle Rastovac, ALP sales advisor, who added registration can be done online, but there will be a check-in station starting at 10 a.m.

to ensure all are signed in so they will receive a certificate following the walk.

“We will have a couple varying lengths of walks happening; some residents will be walking laps in the parking lot (shortest distance),” said Rastovac, with a 1-km route also being set up.

The starting point for all activities will be at Lincoln Park’s parking lot, 265 Main St. E., Grimsby. For more details, call 905-309-0055 ext. 246.

ROADS

Notice to Residents – Road Closure

Sixteen Mile Creek Slope Stabilization

Regional Road 77 (Fourth Avenue), Town of Lincoln

Project Description

Niagara Region will be undertaking slope stabilization at Sixteen Mile Creek on Fourth Avenue in the Town of Lincoln. This is required to address ongoing erosion at the culvert, which has resulted in pavement cracking and guide rail displacement. The project will stabilize the slopes and restore the roadway to ensure long-term safety and reliability for road users.

Road Closure

Fourth Avenue will be fully closed at Sixteen Mile Creek from Tuesday, May 19 to Friday, September 19, 2026. Dates are subject to change. Businesses in the area will be open. All traffic in the construction area, including residents, businesses and emergency services, will be required to follow the posted detour routes.

Detour

Eastbound traffic:

South on Jordan Road, east on King Street, north on Seventh Street Louth.

Westbound traffic:

South on Seventh Street Louth, west on King Street, and north on Jordan Road.

Information and Updates

Visit niagararegion.ca or municipal511.ca for realtime information on road closures and construction updates.

What to Expect

Detour route

During construction, expect noise, dust and increased construction traffic in the area. Working hours will typically be between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday to Friday, with occasional work outside these hours, if required.

Safety

This work involves heavy equipment, excavation and restricted work zones. Please obey all posted signage and barriers and keep a safe distance from the construction area.

Project Contacts

Alex Villella, C.E.T.

Project Manager, Niagara Region 905-980-6000 ext. 3063

alex.villella@niagararegion.ca

This notice was first issued May 4, 2026.

DOWIE, Katherine Anne

September 7, 1951-May 13, 2026

Katherine Anne Dowie – Passed away peacefully at Millenium Trail Manor, Niagara Falls, Ontario on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, age 74.

Beloved sister of David Dowie and Elaine Stewart.

Predeceased by parents Douglas and Catherine and brother Douglas (Brian).

Survived by Sister-in-law Jennifer Dowie. Also survived by nieces Catrina Dowie, Cassandra Dowie, Shauna Dowie, Rosalie Cox (nee Allen), Casey Chartier (nee Allen), Allison Stewart and nephew Stephen Stewart.

Also survived by many, many cousins, second cousins and their families.

The family would like to thank the Millenium Trail Manor staff for the care and compassion she received.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday May 22, 2026 at Tallman Funeral Home, 3277 King Street, Vineland, Ontario, followed by a reception.

Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

Wallace, Constance Patricia

Passed away peacefully at the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital on Monday, May 11, 2026, two months shy of her 90th birthday.

Connie was the mother of Robert, George (Jeanny), David, Tim and Ted (Anna). Spouse of George (2015). Survived by five grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.

Predeceased by her mother Eva, father Peter, sister Zonie and brother Robert.

Thank-you to Dr. Amanda Lee for her compassionate care.

A private family visitation was held on Tuesday, May 12 at 9:30 am Tallman Funeral Homes 3277 King St. Vineland.

Cremation has taken place.

If desired, donations to West Lincoln Memorial Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

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In Memory of John Blazenko (1933-2019)

The gardens and playgrounds you created still get put to good use all these years later!

The footprints you left behind help lead us towards the correct path of destiny!

The door to our hearts for your spirit and memories to enter will always remain open for you!

One day though, we will all be happy to knock on your door and reunite with you! Rest in Peace!

Frank van Buuren 56 August 31, 1962 - May 22, 2018

Beloved Frank*

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Grimsby BIA needs to get Old Yeller-ed

If we’re going to open the door to late-term major policy changes - as Grimsby Business Improvement Area Board has opted to do - I have a suggestion.

The older set may recall the ending of Old Yeller.

The poor old pooch was a champ, but was struck with a disease (rabies) and had to be put down.

I’m afraid that is what now needs to be done with Grimsby’s BIA.

But let’s stick to last week. Weaver’s point on the delegation policy - aside from being extremely restrictivewas why was the whole thing rushed when it was only on the agenda as being introduced and reviewed at that meeting.

I must say I laughed out loud when I heard one board member proclaim, “A review is a vote.” No need to comment on the ridiculousness of that point, so I’ll just let it ruminate with you, good reader.

No go

I have not written about the BIA for a long time. Not that there have not been issues. Simply, I have written it off as a lost cause.

Last week’s meeting was a perfect microcosm of mismanagement, no ability to self-govern and a level of disrespect to its “members heretofore never seen.

As you will note from the Page 1 story, the Grimsby BIA introduced and approved a new delegation policy which gives total control to limit who gets to comment on the board’s dealings and decisions and what topics they are permitted to cover.

kind in that space, you pay an extra levy - on top of property taxes - purely because of your location. Such businesses have never been considered as the general public, unlike at Town council or committee meetings, as Dunstall explained to board members.

I was glad he spoke up as businessman Shane Weaver is typically the only person who speaks up on behalf of businesses who are not pleased by this board’s poor decisions and management.

Then, when discussion about why the “may” (as recommended by the town clerk to provide flexibility of implementation) was not used in the wording, a decent debate opened up in the New Business portion of the meeting.

Trina Inglis looks out at the empty green where she and her fellow Grimsby Lawn Bowling Club members were hoping to play during Saturday’s open house, but it got rained out. The lawn bowling season got started Wednesday, May 18 at 1 p.m. For any inquiries, call 289-775-3946. Loree - Photo

Gibson St. stair issue in works, honest

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority officials should be believed when they say a solution to the staircase problem with the Gibson Street Trail is being dealt with in an expeditious manner.

It stinks that process and red tape will hold things up at a prime time for the trail’s use, but there is a process to follow and, for safety for all, it must be that way. M.W.

Without getting too deep into the many levels of hypocrisy and mismanagement on this matter, it is important note something which clearly shows hell has, indeed, frozen over; I agree with John Dunstall.

John was at last week’s BIA meeting and spoke to the matter of the BIA grouping business owners as the general public in terms of who can speak at meetings.

Most understand, BIA “members” pay a considerable amount to be in the BIA. BIAs are geographic areas. If you operate a business of any

I feel bad saying this, but I include myself in the silent group. I hear from many who don’t want to get blackballed. I listen, give advice and then wait for the next business owner to walk in.

There is a plethora of issues this board has just dug itself deeper and deeper going right back to the start when they were hellbent on ridding themselves of the support from the Town of Grimsby. They wanted full autonomy so they did not have to listen or heed anything town officials told them. But Town staff still have to attend meetings to keep suitable minutes as that was something the board could not manage on its own.

The only problem was, BIA chair Simon Duong would not allow questions or comments when the matter was up for REVIEW - and board passed the new policy off the bat. Both Town liaisons - Mayor Jeff Jordan and Coun. Delight Davoli - noted this policy brought the BIA in line with Town policies, something this board never wanted and, in fact, ran away from for twoplus years. It is also wrong.

BIA “members” should not be treated as general public taxpayers. They pay a premium which should afford them additional benefits and a more flexible environment.

This board has not been able to find its way to anything resembling that - despite all the back-patting at the end of the meeting. For that reason, the board should be disbanded and the Town itself should take over management of the core - as it does for Grimsbyon-the-lake.

POLICY

From Page 1

“The clerk had sent a lot of recommendations with ‘may’, included in the wording,” noted Weaver.

“If you look at our policy, it’s ‘this is not allowed. This is not allowed. Basically, what you’re doing with this policy is you’re starting to treat each and every merchant in this downtown core as just public people. They are the merchants who support this BIA and now we’re just considered public people.

“That is wrong. This BIA board should be representing the merchants of Grimsby, not just your businesses, everybody’s business.”

BIA board member Mark Wood told Weaver there were other avenues to make inquiries, such as direct questions for board members of staff.

Weaver said he attempted to use that option in the past but got no responses.

Dunstall agreed with Weaver’s comment that the BIA’s new policy melds “members’ of the association with the general public.

“I’m a little confused because if I go to a Town meeting, I consider myself a member of the public. If I go to a committee meeting, I consider myself a member of the public. When I come here, I don’t consider myself a member of the public. I consider myself a member of the BIA because I contribute to the BIA,” said Dunstall.

“I’m not a member of the

public. He (pointing to Weaver) is not a member of the public. He’s part of the BIA, so there’s terminology there saying ‘a member of the public’. If a member of the public comes in and wants to raise a question, they can, because they are a member of the public, but he (Weaver) has a point.”

Vandersteen noted the board has an option to waive its policy.

“Ultimately, it is the chair’s discretion who talks at meetings,” Vandersteen said.

Duong, as board chair, said the new policy was needed to bring the BIA in line with Town policies.

“We have to govern this board similar to the Town because we are a department of the Town. Whether we like it or not, we have to make us somewhat standard. Other boards come after us, they can dictate what they want. We are trying to get our governance in line with the Town,” said Duong.

This same BIA board spent more than its first two years of a four-year term doing all it could to distance itself from the Town of Grimsby, its policies and systems, including separating its accounting.

For Weaver, he said he was just trying to get the board to recognize their actions are restrictive and not in the best interests of its members.

“I’m not saying everyone shares my view. I’m offering the other side of it. There are people who are not happy with

how the BIA is doing things and spending money. They’re not, but you know what? People don’t want to come here at 9 o’clock on a Wednesday….” said Weaver before being cut off by Duong.

“My number is everywhere,” said Duong, noting people can call him at any time, adding that other board members can be contacted for information.

“I understand that. It just looks like you guys are just jamming things through without an open discussion with the merchants of downtown. I used to get emails with the agendas. No more emails with agendas. Now I have to go online, which I understand might be the policy,” said Weaver, who noted he had filed an extensive Integrity Commissioner complaint against the board and its chair, Duong, relating to a possible conflict of interest.

The IC found there was not conflict on Duong’s part, but noted many of the concerns raised needed to be directed toward Ontario’s Ombudsman for propery jurisdiction.

“I had an entire complaint about the integrity of this board that’s going to the Ombudsman,” noted Weaver.

After a lengthy discussion, Weaver suggested the matter be deferred and Duong asked, “maybe we take this off and consult?”

It was noted the board had already approved the policy before any discussion was permitted.