NewsNow E-Edition May 28 2026

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Smithville’s Legion Villa set to expand Pg 6 > Support your fave business in Best In The West

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Grimsby’s Derek Muir invested into Order of Canada

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

Grimsby’s Derek Muir finally got a Christmas present from 2024 - and it was worth every second of the wait.

On May 15, Muir’s investiture into the Order of Canada was conducted at Rideau Hall in Ottawa with Governor General Mary Simon presiding over the ceremony, her final such ceremony as her term expires next month.

“It was a small ceremony, with 14 appointees so I had the opportunity to chat with most of them before the ceremony and at lunch afterwards,” said Muir, a scientist renowned for his groundbreaking Arctic contamination research.

He was first notifed of the honour in November 2024. In all, 14 people were decorated with the Order during the ceremony.

“Many were from Inuit and First Nations communities in northern Canada and the Arctic so issues such as climate change, increasing frequency of forest fires, and impacts of developing the oil sands came up,” noted Muir.

“There were also a couple of former hockey players, Ted Nolan and Jim

Grimsby scientist Derek Muir receives his Order of Canada medal from Governor General Mary Simon, officiating her final such ceremony at the position as her term ends next month. Her aide-de-camp helps fix the clasp.

Kyte, who were being honoured for their volunteer work and advocacy, and I had extended conversations with both. Ted Nolan coached the Buffalo Sabres and mentioned that he had friends in Grimsby.

Jim Kyte was the first deaf player in the NHL - when

we spoke he asked me to stand facing him as he was lip reading.”

The ceremony itself had a unique characteristic with Simon being the first Indigenous person to hold the Governor General position.

“It was very moving to

see the Governor General greet the Inuit and First Nations appointees, many of whom she must have known for a long time. Lots of hugs,” said Muir.

Muir got his share of hugs, too, with his wife, Nicole, and three family members being allowed to attend.

“My granddaughter, Chloe Muir, whose going into her second year at McGill University, was there. I was particularly happy that she was able to attend and see the ceremonial side of government,” said Muir, who

See MUIR, Page 3

MUIR

From Page 1 also attended McGill.

“The Governor General’s staff were very friendly and the ceremony went smoothly. We heard that it was the third ceremonial event of the week at Rideau Hall.

Muir got into his research scientist position which would lead him to the Arctic when he joined the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Winnipeg in 1977.

“I was studying marine mammals as a chemist, measuring contaminants in the water and biota there as well,” Muir said.

“The basis for my Order of Canada started there. At the same time, there was a lot of interest in the dew line, military

sites and PCBs. They were just in the process of starting a cleanup then, in the 70s and 80s. I was in the right position at the right time to be asked to analyze samples from one community. They wanted to study it to see what the level of PCBs and other contaminants was in their traditional food – with an emphasis more on fish, tissues and even traditional use of blubber.”

DR. DEREK MUIR

to document that higher levels of PCBs in the Inuit was due to their traditional diet. It turned out it was not contaminated from military use, that was small, it was really from long-range transport,” said Muir.

“PCBs were used in the urban areas of Europe and North America, a small amount, but significant, was moving through the atmosphere and depositing in the ocean.”

His findings bore important results which, eventually, paved the way for international environmental guidelines.

“There were issues and we were the first

“The problem in the Arctic is you’re seeing it (contamination) in the people’s healthy foods, their traditional foods. It’s been addressed over the years, so this is old

VINELAND NURSERIES

news now. These were early results that I was involved with in 1988,” Muir said.

“The nice coincident was Mary Simon was the head of the Inuit Circumpolar Council then – which includes Inuit from Canada, Greenland and Alaska. She was was one of the people receiving these results.”

It was Simon who got the ball rolling internationally.

“She suggested a global agreement to reduce this sort of thing which acknowledges the long-range transport contaminating Indigenous People’s food. There was a movement and Canada was one of the leads in it to develop an agreement, the Stockholm Convention.”

Lincoln’s Meet The Fleet impresses young/old alike

and Violet Glazier,

simulator at Lincoln’s

(Top Left) Emma Elliot, 3, was hyped up behind the wheel of a Kubota utility vehicle.

(Left) Two-year-old Levi leads mom Ainsley and dad Paul Gauthier from one truck to the next while motoring around to check out all the vehicles on display at Lincoln’s Touch a Truck on Saturday.

(Right) Four-year-old twins Mackenzie and Trystan Savoie take a snack break in the wheel well of a tractor.

closely

Noah

er

5, and

Photos By Evan Loree

The scarcity of affordable housing is considered to be at a crisis level across Niagara.

For those aged 55 and older, affordable housing choices are even more limited,

The senior affordable housing situation is no different in West Niagara. For example, the wait-time for seniors hoping to make their home at Legion Villa, an independent, non-profit, affordable housing complex in Smithville, currently exceeds eight years. Legion Villa is well-established in West Niagara, having operated two independent living seniors’ buildings for over 40 years, providing affordable and well-maintained rental units for seniors on fixed and moderate incomes.

An expansion for the facility - a

six-storey, 52-unit apartment building, situated between their existing two buildings - is in the works.

“The benefits of the Legion Villa approach to senior living goes far beyond affordable shelter,” said Nancy Neville, of the Legion Villa Project Development Team and volunteer board member, “We know that ‘living well’ involves so much more than a roof over our heads.”

Initial planning is complete with a construction start later this year hoped at a cost of $25 million. A combination of federal/community support is required with a fundraising campaign set to launch very soon to raise 10 per cent - $2.5 million - for the affordable housing facility. Soon, www.legionvillaniagara.ca will have more details when it’s live.

Spring Open House

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 Friday May 29 Saturday May 30 1:00pm - 4:00pm 11:30am - 4:00pm Open House 10:30am - 11:30am Walk for Alzheimers Join us for a wine and paint afternoon. Spots are limited, please RSVP with Danielle at 905-309-0055.

Beautifully updated throughout w/open concept design. Set on large property w/manicured grounds. 2 paved driveways, inground saltwater heated pool, hot tub & large attached 2.5 car garage w/mancave. Nothing to do but move in & enjoy your very own resort lifestyle at home! $1,099,000

NEARLY NEW EXECUTIVE PREMIUM END UNIT TOWNHOME

3 BRs, 2.5 baths & approximately 1700 SqFt.. Stunning open-concept design with high ceilings, large gourmet kitchen with island & abundant cabinetry. Spacious primary bedroom suite with elegant on suite bath, walk-in closet & private balcony. in the heart of town near schools, parks & conveniences!

Spacious

PROPERTY

BATH

3

our Clients are Saying... What our Clients are Saying... LAKESIDE LIVING JUST AROUND THE CORNER FROM THE WATERFRONT!

in Stoney Creek's Most Desirable east-end neighbourhoods! Nestled at the end of quiet culde-sac and backing onto parkland. Beautifully finished topto-bottom with pride of ownership evident throughout. Move in ready! $599,900

“Zoi Ouzas and her team from Remax Garden City are very knowledgeable and professional when it comes to selling a

Definitely recommend them for your realtor needs.” ~Tom Z.

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!

Name:

Address: Phone:

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

Notice

of

Public Information Centre #1

Municipal Class

Environmental Assessment

Grimsby (Baker Road) Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

Town of Grimsby

The Study

Niagara Region is undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for the expansion of the Grimsby (Baker Road) Wastewater Treatment Plant to service future growth. The Baker Road Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at 160 Lake Street in Grimsby, and receives influent wastewater from Grimsby, Lincoln, and West Lincoln.

Expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant to 47.3 megaliters per day, as recommended by the 2021 Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan Update, presents an opportunity to support the anticipated growth within the service area. The conclusion of this Municipal Class Environmental Assessment study will contribute to the wastewater system’s long-term sustainability and address immediate needs, intermediate goals, and long-term growth.

The Process

This study is being completed as a Schedule “C” project in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, amended in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2023 and 2024), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This study will cover Phases 1-4 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process.

Upon completion of this study, an Environmental Study Report documenting the planning and decision-making process will be submitted to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks and made available for public review for a period of 30 days.

Public Information Centre #1 Details

Niagara Region encourages the public to participate in this planning process. The virtual Public Information Centre will introduce the study, gather input and feedback from the local community on the problems and opportunities to be addressed, present the existing conditions of the study area as well as the alternative solutions, their evaluation, and the recommended solution.

Public Information Centre #1 will be held in an online format. To view the presentation and additional information materials, please visit the project website below beginning on Monday, May 11 at 9 a.m. until Thursday, June 11 and click the presentation link.

niagararegion.ca/projects/grimsby-wastewater-treatment-plant

If you have any questions or comments about the study or if you would like to be added to the project mailing list, contact staff:

Kevin Kortekaas, C.Tech Senior Project Manager Niagara Region 3501 Schmon Pkwy., PO Box 1042 Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 905-980-6000 ext. 3778 kevin.kortekaas@niagararegion.ca

Rina Kurian, P.Eng., PMP Project Manager

R.V. Anderson Associates Limited 43 Church St., Suite 104 St. Catharines, ON L2R 7E1 416-497-8600 ext. 1429 rkurian@rvanderson.com

Any personal information submitted will be collected, used and disclosed, where applicable, by members of Regional staff according to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Any information you share will only be used for the intended purpose for which it was provided. For questions or comments about privacy practices, or for more information about the administration of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act in Niagara Region programs see niagararegion.ca/government/foi

If you require any accommodations in order to participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Please contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-980-6000, ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca

This notice was first issued on May 7, 2026.

A Best ‘nom’ can help your fave business

The window for voting for this year’s Best In The West Business Awards is now openuntil Monday, June 8.

Now in its 14th year, the awards recognize the best businesses, service clubs and organizations which Niagara West has to offer.

There is no cost.

NewsNow readers can simply fill out the nomination form with their favourites - on Page 8 of this edition - and drop it off at the newspaper office at 45 Main St. W., Grimsby. There is a mail slot for after hours drops.

“Last year we allowed readers to email in scanned or photographed forms, too, which was very successful in getting new submissions. We log all entries, not allowing any duplicates, to ensure fairness in the voting process,” said Mike Williscraft, NewsNow publisher.

Notice of Study Commencement Smithville Gravity Sewer Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

Town of Grimsby

Niagara Region has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) Study to identify the preferred Smithville sewer alignment to convey flows from the Smithville sewage pumping station forcemain to the Grimsby (Baker Road) Wastewater Treatment Plant. This study will also examine the required capacity and sizing for the proposed Smithville sewer to support growth within the West Lincoln and Grimsby areas.

This study is being completed as a Schedule ‘B’ Class EA, satisfying Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) Municipal Class EA process (October 2000, amended in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2023 and 2024), which is a planning process approved under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. This study will define the problems and opportunities associated with the site, develop and evaluate alternative strategies, determine the most feasible solution, and identify methods to avoid or minimize impacts on the community and natural environment.

Niagara Region encourages the public and stakeholders to actively participate in this planning process. A Public Information Centre will be planned for later in 2026 to present details about the study and the process used to decide on possible solutions, and to allow you the opportunity to share your comments and concerns. For more information, visit the project webpage at niagararegion.ca/projects/smithville-trunk-sewer/

Upon completion of the study, a Project File Report documenting the study process will be prepared and made available for public review and comment. If you have any questions or if you would like to be added to the project mailing list, please contact a Project Manager below. Comments are welcome throughout the duration of the project and will be considered and documented accordingly.

Darynne Hagen

P.Eng., Project Manager

Baker Rd. Wastewater Treatment Plant

Termination of Smithville Sewage Pumping Station Forcemain Study Area

Water and Wastewater Engineering

Niagara Region

3501 Schmon Pkwy., PO Box 1042 Thorold, ON L2V 4T7

365-855-3581

Darynne.Hagen@niagararegion.ca

Matt Fisher

P.Eng., Project Manager

GEI Consultants

1266 South Service Road, Unit C31 Stoney Creek, ON L8E 5R9 416-312-2858

MFisher@geiconsultants.com

Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public meetings will be collected, used and disclosed by members of Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The written submissions including names, contact information and reports of the public meeting will be made available. Questions should be referred to the Privacy Office at 905-980-6000, ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca.

This notice was first issued on May 24, 2026

ROADS

Notice of Study Commencement and Public Information Centre #1 Niagara Region Transportation Plan 2051

Transportation Master Plan Study

The Study

Niagara Region is developing a comprehensive Transportation Master Plan that sets a long-term vision for transportation to 2051 and beyond. The plan will build on the Region’s previous Transportation Master Plan approved in 2017 and reflect updated growth forecasts and transportation needs. It will address connectivity, active transportation, transit, goods movement, and supporting infrastructure and services. The plan will also guide improvements to the Region’s transportation system to ensure it is safe, affordable, accessible, efficient, sustainable and able to support future growth.

The Process

The study is being completed in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process. It will complete Phases One and Two of this process, which focus on identifying transportation needs and evaluating alternative solutions. The Transportation Master Plan will follow Approach #1 for Master Plans under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process.

Public Information Centre #1

St. Catharines

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Seymour-Hannah

Sports and Entertainment Centre, Meridian Room

240 St. Paul Street West, L2S 2E7

Welland Wednesday, June 10, 2026

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Welland Community Centre, Activity Room

145 Lincoln Street, L3B 6E1

Get Involved

Public input is encouraged. You can attend Public Information Centre #1 in-person, or review the materials online starting June 9, 2026, and submit comments at niagararegion.ca/projects/transportation-masterplan-update. Comments on Public Information Centre #1 materials will be accepted until June 30, 2026. Additional Public Information Centres will be held later in the study. To receive updates, join the study mailing list by emailing tmp@niagararegion.ca

If you have questions or comments, or if you wish to be added to the email list, please contact:

Amy Shanks, MCIP, RPP

Project Manager, Transportation Planning, Niagara Region 905-980-6000 ext. 3532 tmp@niagararegion.ca

Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public meetings will be collected, used, and disclosed by members of Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The written submissions, including names, contact information, and reports of the public meeting, will be made available. Questions should be referred to the Privacy Office at 905-980-6000 ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca.

If you require any accommodations for a disability in order to attend and participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Please contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca

Notice first issued on May 27, 2025.

HOME

IMPROVEMENT

Rethinking, repurposing your interior space

Homeowners do not need to get hung up on room labels as they explore ways to reinvent their spaces. Just because a floor plan labels a space as a formal dining room doesn’t mean the area has to remain that way.

Repurposing rooms in a home comes down to aligning the space a person has with their lifestyle needs. Here are a few ways to rethink interior spaces and make a switch to improve utility.

• Identify unused or underused rooms. Take note of spaces that are cleaned but rarely used. For many people, this is a dining room or a guest suite. Either of these rooms

can be transformed into something new.

• Invest in multipurpose furniture. Even people short on space can transform their homes. Replacing a traditional bed with a murphy bed or a daybed can make a room more suitable for a home office or yoga studio, but still provide a space for the occasional houseguest to sleep. A pull-down shelf desk in a bedroom or even a walk-in closet can turn an area into a compact home workstation.

• Claim dead space. The area under the stairs or another small spot often is used to collect junk. Instead, it can be turned into a built-in wine

rack, a reading nook for kids or even a pet sanctuary with just a few modifications. Analyze areas around the home that seem like they don’t serve a purpose, and then figure out a way to make them more functional.

• Establish room zones. Some people simply cannot transform an entire room into something else. Visual partitioning makes it possible to create rooms within rooms. An area rug can be used to define a border of a space. Open bookshelves can serve as a wall to separate a sleeping area from a lounging spot. Lighting can add dimension

See INTERIOR, Page 18

HOME IMPROVEMENT

INTERIOR

From Page 17 to areas in a space. A pendant light over a crafting or work table can be used to define the space.

• Look at utility areas. Unless you are a do-it-yourselfer or have a hobby that takes up much of the garage or basement, utility areas are major spots in a home to consider repurposing. A garage can be turned into a home gym, kids’ play area or even a hobby shop. Modular flooring and insulated walls can make the room comfortable. Attic lofts are the ultimate quiet zones, and can be serene spots for reading, meditating or doing homework. An unfinished basement can be converted into a finished space to serve many different purposes. From media rooms to a teen lounge to a hobby cave, the opportunities are endless. A good rule of thumb before converting any room is to give it a test run. Move in a piece of furniture and test how it works with its intended function. Assess lighting, noise and foot traffic for a week, and then move ahead with changes if the result is positive.

Test runs are always recommended before physical changes are set as part of your renovation.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Budget-friendly home exterior renos

Though there might not be an “average cost” of a renovation project, homeowners can expect to spend thousands of dollars on projects that are not very small in scale.

However, there are many budget-friendly ways homeowners can tend to the exterior of their properties.

• Power washing: Power washing won’t break the bank but it can revive the look of a home. Power washing removes dirt and grime from the siding of a home and a power washing can be used to clean porches, walkways and patios as well. Several local outlets rent power washers and most hardware stores sell

the units, too.

• Furnished front porch: A furnished front porch can serve as a welcome sign to neighbors and provide a great place to relax with a morning cup of coffee and a good book. Homeowners with a small porch won’t need to bust their budgets to upgrade their front porch furnishings. Some small chairs with bright cushions, a small table and a rug underfoot can revamp an entryway at low cost.

• Window box installation: Installing window box planters is another cost-effective way to brighten up a home’s exterior. Homeowners can hang window boxes outside windows

on the front of their homes and then fill them with brightly colored flowers to add an inviting pop of color to their home exteriors.

arnold, Keven

Born in Hinckley, England on April 1, 1949, Keven passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Grimsby, surrounded by his family.

Keven was the loving husband of the late Mary Elizabeth (“Liz”) and is survived by his two sons, Darren and Duane; his daughters-inlaw, Kathy and Bridgette; his six grandchildren, Sarah, Amy, Breanne, Gabby, Declan, and Izzy; and his two great-grandchildren, Eliza and Arthur.

Growing up in Leicestershire, England, Keven developed a lifelong love of football, cricket, and music, and it was there that he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. After moving to Canada in 1974, he established himself as a hardworking machinist, soccer coach, referee, and loyal friend to many.

Keven loved spending time outdoors at the family trailer on Lake Erie, especially enjoying fishing and relaxing with family and friends. His regular meetups with friends at Tim Hortons meant the world to him. Above all else, Keven was a devoted supporter of his family and a very proud Grandad and Papa. Private cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life gathering in his honor will be held at the Judge and Jester in Grimsby on Sunday, June 7, from 1:00–4:00 p.m.

SCHOL, Barbara Frances Elizabeth

On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Albright Manor, Beamsville. Wife and best friend of Jake Schol. Sister of Joanne Richardson. Mother of Cathy (Gilbert) Smith and Glen. Grandmother of Alex (Helen) Smith, Brandon (Janet) Smith. Great grandmother of Alannah, Dustin, Damian, and Adrian. Survived by extended family - Lindsay, Jacqueline (Bob), many nieces and nephews plus great neighbours!

Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

OBITUARIES

vermeulen, Frederik Pieter December 9, 1929 netherlands may 19, 2026, Canada

Dearly loved father, grandfather and Dearly loved father, grandfather and great grandfather, Frederik Pieter Vermeulen passed away in the comfort of his home on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 in his 97th year.

In May 1952, Fred (Frits) emigrated to Canada as the oldest of nine children. Together with the next two eldest brothers and their parents, they made the brave decision to move to Canada. They settled and built a home in Winona where the family continued to grow. Dad could fix and build anything. He was a long-time employee of Stelco. At the end of his career, he played an important role in project management with the construction of Lake Erie Works Stelco which took them to live for more than 30 years in Port Dover. Dad was an artist who enjoyed painting. Our family has many of his paintings in our homes. He also had a keen interest in photography, including through his later years with a digital camera and using his computer. When we were young, he had a dark room and coloured black and white photos (before colour photos were available). Dad was a life long learner with boundless curiousity. He subscribed and read National Geographic for decades - reading each one from cover to cover. He tackled learning how to use a computer and an iPad, and expanded his library through the internet to the world. He loved to look up everyone’s address on Google Earth. Together with their family and friends, mom and dad made many great memories with camping adventures, canoeing (with Omer Stringer), hiking, playing tennis and sailing to name just a few.

Fred is predeceased by his much-loved wife Ann (March 2022) of 68 years. He is survived by his children Nina Vermeulen (Darwin Brooker), Fred Vermeulen (Mary Jo Hind), Lia Swanson (Jim); grandchildren Nick (Sherry), Leah, Matt, Alex (Scott), Kees (Jess), Jim (Lydia) and Mike; great grandchildren Justin, Sebastian, Lucas, Reya and Owen. He is predeceased by his brothers Cor (late Maaike), Albert (late Anke) and Peter (Corrie). He is survived by his siblings Betty (late Henry), Dirk (Wilma), Henny (late Brian), Len (Sue), Christa (late Jack) and his sister-in-law Audrey (late Gerald). He was a beloved cousin, brother-in-law and uncle to many in Canada and The Netherlands.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. where the Service of Remembrance will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 2 p.m. If desired, memorial contributions to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

www.smithsfh.com

kent, Clyde

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Clyde Kent on April 22, 2026 at McNally House Hospice. He brought joy to all who knew him. We will miss him.

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE

Saturday May 30, 8 am-12 pm

Rain date Sat., June 6

Furniture, tools, small appliances, kids stuff and so much more! 4515 Spring Creek Road, Vineland Ont 2 WEEkEND

Fri, Sat., May 22, 23 and May 29, 30 9 AM to 5 PM 4083 Cave Spring Rd., Beamsville

ANTIqUES, VINTAGE, 100+ canning jars. farm items, horse items, hardware, tools, household, garden. Saturday, May 30 9 am-3 pm

Furniture, glassware, snow blower Lots of Items!!!! 4021 Bush Crescent, Beamsville

$$ CASH PAID $$ DO YOUR SPRING CLEANING NOW! I pay it for all your old hockey mags, books, hockey news, programs, ticket stubs and cards. Tim 905510-3658 - Beamsville

CELEBRATE RECOVERY STRUGGLING WITh hURTS, hANG-UPS OR hABITS? “Celebrate Recovery (CR)” 12 step Christian Recovery for Healing, Help and Hope. All Welcome! Wed. at 7 pm. Forestview Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby. For info. or help, CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca 905945-9529

CARS

PLOTS FOR RENT

Tired of over paying for vegetables at the grocery store? Time to look at growing your own!! Plots are available at Christ Our Saviour Lutheran Church. 905-9458931

CARS, TRUCkS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905386-6181 or 289-6865059.

RUBBISh & JUNk REMOVAL. Call Ken 905973-3235

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

Waterview Farms: Greenhouse Worker 4925 Martin Rd. N., Vineland Station, ON L0R 2E0

Seasonal Full-Time September to December 2026. $17.60/hour - 40 to 60 hours/week.

Hours each week vary depending on weather and crop readiness.

Will train employees for Soil preparation, filling pots, planting, pinching plants, weeding, irrigating, packaging and harvesting and preparing for shipping plants. Inside and outside work in all weather conditions. Spanish speaking skills an asset. Own transportation required. Applicants must be reliable, willing and able to perform the physical job duties.

Send resume and cover letter to Ron at: rons@waterviewfarms.com

Looking for heLp with garden maintenance 1 day a week in the Winona area. $25 per hour. 905-643-3172

HOME IMPROVEMENT

grey rock masonry chimney & porch repairs, interlock restorations, parging call: 905-512-9565 info@greyrockmasonry.com

brick and concreTe repairs. We build it right. We fix it right. Locally Owned. Call Adrian 289-788-5919

LpJ concreTe conTracTor. regular concrete, colour concrete, stamped concrete, exposed aggregate driveways, porches, patios, stairs, sidewalks, garage floors, Leaky basement. repairs as well. serving niagara area for over 30 years. call 905-651-9462

masTer mason: chimney repair, stucco, parging, brick restoration, stone, all cement finish work. Professional, reliable, excellent referrals. Estimates. Evan 905-921-5226

Duna Handyman

Professional Painting flooring and a lot more. Removing popcorn ceiling and replacing with California knockdown or smooth ceiling. Most of your home needs. dunajozef6@gmail. com. 905-730-1387

LANDSCAPING

Licensed & insured Raking • Pruning • Trimming • Mulch • Weeding • Edging • Fertilizing • Seeding. Reliable, affordable service. Serving Grimsby & Beamsville. Call or text Chris: 289.407.2325

HOME IMPROVEMENT speciaLized in carpenTry - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring, Power Washing, Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485

cooLing/heaTing: Licensed/insured • Air Conditioning • Installation, Service Maintenance • Gas Lines • Local Free Quotes • References upon request. call blake 365-889-7838

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

• Roofing • Siding

Eavestrough • Soffit • Gutter Guard • Fascia 30 years experience! Mike 905-598-5355

T&g Landscaping Lawn Maintenance, Sod and Lawn Work, Top Seeding Aerating & Fertilizing, Fences and Decks, Snowplowing, Fire wood for sale. Leaky Basement. frank Tirimacco 905-651-4410 tgland@hotmail.com

garden cLean-up, garden design, Garden edging and mulching. trees/bushes trim and cut. Clean gutters and evesdrop. Pressure washing. 289-668-9160

ron’s Tree & shrub service Removal, pruning, stump grinding, shrub care. Call Ron 905-563-4593

LaWn roLLing & aeraTion.

The Board of Directors and Administraion of GBF Community Services cordially invites you to join our Annual General Meeting.

DATE & TIME: Thursday, June 4, 2026 @ 6:00PM

LOCATION: St. Andrews Parish Hall, 7 St. Andrews, Grimsby, ON Pre-register by sending an email to stacy@gbfgrimsby.com

Light refreshments provided

100% Niagara owned & operated

Our Team:

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Safety first

Switzer-Carty bus drivers Sherry Lemche, left, and Nicole Devries represented the school bus company to talk safety with visitors to Lincoln’s Meet the Fleet event hosted at the Fleming Centre on Saturday. Loree - Photo

Letters to the editor welcome

Letters to the editor are a very good gauge of what the public is feeling - the real public, not the online trolls who don’t have the parts to put their name on their opinion. We welcome them. Always. That noted, I cannot always get all of them in, but I always try to show balance in the opinion voiced with the opinion printed. It should be noted, ZERO letters opposing The Woolverton project were received, not even a “I just don’t like the height” version. That suggests most of the negative opinion comes from a handful of self-interest motivatedmeaning election candidates - who throw out the interests of the Town for their own gain. Most realize, council had no option and did the right thing for the municipality. Unfortunate, but that is the political fish bowl Grimsby lives in these days. M.W.

Social media restrictions/guardrails long overdue

Most people seem to think our society is on a very negative and bad road to an uncertain future.

Much of the reason for that is the mental conditioning shaped by social media.

If you have been paying attention to some of these court cases which are finally getting in front of judges all around the world, the verifiable truth about our social media giants and the algorithms they employ to addict customers is getting a bright light shone on it.

As well as data, most people know directly of someone - young or old - who has been the victim of online bullying. Some of these instances have led to tragic deaths. Those are cases the public is aware of but how many tens of thousands on the planet suffer in silence?

We see the damage.

We hear about tragedy, yet nothing happens.

In the late 80s, the lightbulb went on for society that smoking was bad for one’s health. In 1989 advertising for smoking was banned to curb marketing a positive image about something that killed people.

Alcohol, more socially acceptable than smoking, but nonetheless an addictive potion that has lots of adverse effects. Society recognizes that and puts a minimum age on legal alcohol consumption so kids have - in theory - a fighting chance to make up their own mind on whether they choose to drink as adults.

I don’t want to ignore reality there. Lots of kids drink

and smoke much earlier than is legal, but at least they know society does not unabashedly open the floodgate and say, “go ahead, drink all you want.”

Yet, social media, cell phones, and the internet in general have continued unfettered and been allowed to reshape entire generations who hold onto their phone like it’s an oxygen tank - vital to their existence.

Built into that use are these good old algorithms, feeding a stream of whatever each individual kid is into - and in some cases what the Facebooks, Tik Toks and Instagrams of the world want them to be into.

A pre-teen does one search about skin creams and every item under the sun, portrayed to make her more beautiful, gets sent her way.

Conspiracy search? No problem. That is a massive rabbit hole to go down. Many do, including some of my friends, and that is all they see on their feeds.

I have no patience for it. I logged out of Twitter three years ago and have not been

back. I logged out of Facebook four years ago. I have logged in rarely to harvest a message here and there, but only 4-5 times a year - and I don’t miss it one bit.

Finally, cell phones have been banned from classrooms. Leave it to school boards - the babysitters for many these days - to implement a government edict which requires students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 to keep their phones away and on silent mode when at school, while students in Grades 7-12 can only access their phones during lunch breaks and between classes.

Use is permitted with special permission.

That won’t stop some of the parents who bubblewrap their kids. I heard this week parents of a Kindergarten kid, so five years old, was given a dummy phone to be turned over to their teacher and put in a box for the day, while keeping a live cell phone concealed so the parents could communicate with the kid all day.

I’ll let you unpack how ridiculous that is, good reader.

The mind warp perpetuated by social media on society is the key to much of the “anxiety” which grips hundreds of thousands these days. That impact, combined with “kids can’t experience any kind of adversity like keeping score in an elementary school soccer game” set puts them behind the eight ball when they find out there is no bubble wrap in the real world. Age restrictions and guardrails were needed 15 years ago.

‘Review’ of NewsNow’s Grimsby BIA story leads to vote

Dear Editor, We just moved into a condo at Grimsby-on-the-lake last fall, so we are very new to town.

We don’t know the personalities and we don’t know the politics behind what seems to be going on, but my wife and I voted last week - after reading your story about the Grimsby BIA’s new policy that muzzles its members right before an election.

We voted, because we ‘reviewed’ the contents of your story, which, according to the BIA person quoted, means you

Letters

automatically take a vote.

When I read that comment out loud at our dinner table last week my wife and I looked at each other and then busted out laughing.

Seriously? That’s the best you have to justify introducing a brand new piece of administrative process and stuff it straight through?

Later, I saw your comments about folding the BIA in favour of the Town taking over. I am sure

the Town would not want that because the additional taxes on downtown businesses would be lost, but that sure seems like the tip of a very ugly iceberg. I could go on, but why bother? If people can’t comment on decisions that organization has made or question their decisionmaking, there does not seem to be any way to affect change or even get their attenion - not very hospitable for a smalltown group that is supposed to represent business interests.

David

Reesor

New

Resident to Grimsby

Will Grimsby change? It already has: reader

Dear Editor,

There’s been growing concern about the new high-rise going up near the foot of the escarpment on Mountain Street.

People are worried about the density in such a tight area, along with parking, crowding, and its impact on the escarpment skyline.

That concern makes sense. Once those views are gone, they’re gone.

But Grimsby has been changing for a long time.

There was a time when the town had more going on locally and felt more connected day to day. Canada Coach Lines buses ran hourly along Hwy. 8, so you didn’t always need a car just to get around. Parking downtown wasn’t the constant

issue it is now.

We had a movie theatre in town and two bowling alleys that also had food counters and were real social spots.

Those were places people actually went to, not just occasional outings.

There was rollerblading, a supervised drop-in centre for teenagers and programs like boxing out of the Scout Hut at Coronation Park. The local high school also had concerts and events that brought things into the community.

All of that is gone. People are driving to Hamilton or St. Catharines for entertainment, recreation, even simple things to do.

Downtown traffic is now a real issue and parking is a nightmare.

So while attention is focused on one building and its impact on the view and immediate area, the bigger picture is that Grimsby has changed a lot. It has become more of a commuter town than a place where everyday community life happens.

That said, I do think Grimsby is still full of people who care about this town and want to see it do well. Growth will happen, but it needs to be planned carefully and thoughtfully, with attention to infrastructure, parking, livability and what makes a town feel like a town in the first place.

I hope future planning decisions reflect that balance.

Laura Wilson Grimsby