Issuu

> Lincoln joins with other municipalities declaring climate crisis /Pg 6 > Lincoln gets $60K accessibility grant Pg 5 > Skateparks are closed Pg 8 > Spring Home Improvement ideas Pgs 12-15 Thursday, April 29, 2021 Vol. 9 Issue 51

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By Mike Williscraft NewsNow West Lincoln Memorial Hospital clicked by another vital milestone Monday with the three teams which qualified to bid on the build project being announced. Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) announced the three qualifying teams: • Amico Sacyr Alliance • EllisDon Infrastructure Healthcare • Pomerleau Healthcare Partners Teams were prequalified based on criteria identified in a request for qualifications process that began in November 2020. Selection criteria included design and construction capability, experience, qualified personnel and financial capacity to undertake a project of this size and scope. Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff is one of many very pleased to see this step in the

process completed “This is good news for the citizens of Niagara West who are eagerly awaiting the opening of this new hospital,” said Oosterhoff. “As we progress through these steps, the Government of Ontario remains committed to making sure this build is done in a timely way. I will not stop fighting for an expedited build until the doors open.” Bart DeVries, HHS’s director of redevelopment, explained what the “teams” on the announced roster means. “These teams will be invited to respond to the RFP (request for proposals) which will be posted in July. This is the stage where they submit a proposed design and guaranteed fixed price,” DeVries said. “The RFP closes in late November and we will evaluate the bids with Infrastructure

One of the conceptual renderings released to give some idea of the potential look for West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s new front entrance area. Full details on the renderings, future services and possible layouts are included in NewsNow #1 podcast: https://www.wn3.ca/category/podcast/ Ontario. From those steam ahead.” have three, high-qual- to design and build the bids, we will be able to DeVries added that, ity teams interested hospital, but also the select the successful because of the require- in this project. WLMH financing required unteam by next spring. ments of the WLMH is being tendered as a til they hand over the Preparing the bids and build, those seeking to design-build-finance keys once construction evaluating them both win the bid have a high model. This means is complete,” DeVries take time, but this pro- bar to meet. that teams will need said. See RFQ, Page 3 cess is still moving full “We are fortunate to to have the capacity

Grimsby bylaw change covers non-authorized bank signatures By Mike Williscraft NewsNow Another 5-4 vote at Grimsby council Monday night will allow for a town procedural bylaw change which backdates signatory processes to cover early April. At issue for the dissenting four members of council is the fact the

Town’s CAO Harry Schlange approved staff sign banking documents when they had no authority to do so. Another heated debate ensued with all sense of decorum going out the window with Coun. Dave Sharpe repeatedly cutting off Mayor Jeff Jordan and injecting many com-

ments while Coun. Lianne Vardy was speaking at another point. The core of the issue arose when several members of staff were terminated in succession leaving a shortage of council-approved signing authorities for the municipality. Melanie Steele, new interim director of finance/treasurer, submitted

a report to council to clear up “inconsistencies” with banking documents and signing authority designation. Up to March 31, she noted all practices were “reasonable and did ensure that the Town could continue to make payment for goods and See BACKDATE, Page 3

Page 2 • NewsNow • Thursday, April 29, 2021

Ready, Set, Go! The campaign to build and equip the new WLMH is underway! The campaign planning is complete and now it’s time to go! Excitement for the new WLMH has been growing since the release of the new building renders; they are subject to change. It’s great to imagine what the new hospital could look like in the future. The campaign team is excited to begin and Take it to the Finish…Building a Healthy Community.

Stay tuned by checking out wlmhfoundation.ca Sign up for the latest news and updates by emailing invest@wlmhfoundation.ca

News Now • Thursday, April 29, 2021 • Page 3

BACKDATE

From Page 1 services during this transitional period.” The plan of the process was to “make sure that our bylaws agree to what is on file at the bank and as well as what all staff are doing on a day to day basis.” Steele noted that a legal opinion was obtained prior to the report being submitted and that “retroactive application of this bylaw is appropriate.” The fundamental process of staff changing bank documents without council approved authority to do so did not sit well with four members of council. “On March 31 when the staff person signed these banking resolutions and changed the names, they did not have the authority to do so. I don’t know who di-

RFQ

From Page 1 “This model narrows the field of teams who have the capacity to meet the requirements.” A key part of the build process actually has nothing to do

rected them to do so, but the document that is a legal document at the bank was signed without council’s corporate resolution being passed,” said Coun. Dorothy Bothwell. CAO Harry Schlange offered council a mea culpa on the matter. “When you ask who directed the staff to look into this it was myself. I am fully responsible and accountable,” said Schlange, adding that he chose two staff as signatories “to avoid any emergencies or risks in the operations.” After legal counsel John Mascarin told council there was nothing in the Municipal Act to preclude council from backdating its bylaw but later in the meeting acknowledge an issue could arise. “I suppose someone could

with building, noted Andrew Smith, chair of the WLMH build fundraising committee. He noted the builder must have the ability to fund the entire build as interim payments for construction are not part of the process.

come back and say, ‘Hey, those were the correct signing authorities. You didn’t have the resolution of council at the time’, so there could be question.” The debate included many heated moments including Sharpe cutting off the mayor at several points and continuing to talk over others. At one point, while Jordan attempted to encourage debate, Sharpe continue to jump in, offering, “Mayor Jordan, stop cutting me off. I’m speaking. Mayor Jordan, stop it,” Sharpe said. “That’s your first warning,” answered Jordan, who noted a special meeting in early April - if the CAO had communicated with the mayor it would have negated the entire matter. The motion to backdate the bylaw was approved 5-4.

“The fundraising campaign team is pleased to hear that the successful teams have been prequalified to design, build and finance the new hospital,” said Smith. “Our campaign planning is complete and

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News Now • Thursday, April 29, 2021 • Page 5

Construction time in Lincoln

Two weeks ago, Lincoln director of public works Dave Graham presented council with a quarterly update. “Our goal was to get all our projected tender for later this tear,” he said. Most projects are tendered and ready to start, others will be tendered in the next two months and some, like the construction work at Nineteenth St. in Jordan Village pictured here, have already begun. Marks - Photo

Your turn is coming soon.

Lincoln gets $60k aiding accessibility Town of Lincoln will receive $60,000 funding through the Province of Ontario’s Inclusive Community Grant Program (ICGP) - the maximum for which a municipality can apply. The ICGP funds projects in small urban or rural communities (with a population of less than 30,000) that will make moderate changes to the built environment and public spaces, so that they can become more inclusive and supportive of older adults and people with disabilities. The grant is in addition to the $200,000 approved in Lincoln’s 2021 capital budget process. The Town has identified 44 accessibil-

ity upgrades across 10 municipal facilities that will better enhance use for residents of varying abilities. These include visual, audible and physical accessibility enhancements such as: •Visual strobe fire alarm systems • Automatic door systems • Accessible parking – lot line painting • Barrier-free parking signage • Wall-mounted fixtures • Service counter upgrades • Ramps and curbs, and •Washroom call station– 1 facility. Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton said the support recieved from the ICGP is appreciated.

“This is welcome news for Lincoln, and we look forward to making adjustments to our community facilities that will improve accessibility for our residents,” said Easton. “On behalf of Lincoln council, I would like tothank the Minister of Seniors and Accessibility and the provincial government for recognizing the growing need in our community to create more spaces that are inclusive and accessible for everyone.” With the news that the funding has been allocated to the Town of Lincoln, staff are currently developing a plan to incorporate these changes by March 2022.

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Lincoln Council declares a ‘climate crisis’ By Tristan Marks NewsNow A new motion passed by Lincoln Council has added the Town to a growing list of municipalities in Canada and abroad who have declared a ‘climate crisis’. The motion, which was considered at last week’s Council meetIS ing, was originally ILEin“YOUR SM troduced by Coun. JD Pachereva through a notice of motion at the March 29 Council meeting. The motion was passed unanimously with the following resolution: “THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Town of Lincoln immediately declare a Climate Crisis and for the purposes of recognizing the urgent need to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change and

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to deepen the Town’s commitment to protecting its economy, ecosystems, and community from climate change; and 1. THAT the Town of Lincoln, officially declare a climate crisis for the purposes of joining a national and international movement consisting ofYaBgrowing M USINESlist S”of 509 municipalities in Canada and 1918 municipalities in 34 countries; and 2. THAT our CAO and staff be directed to work with other Local Area Municipalities and across Ontario to make our climate change initiatives permanent; and 3. THAT Council acknowledges that the climate change crisis poses a real serious threat and comprehensive changes and investments will be required to adapt to the impacts of climate change, mitigate climate

risk, and prepare for our climate future.” The motion also notes that it is “not intended to invoke the Town of Lincoln’s Emergency Response Plan.” Pachereva explained that this motion “raises the profile of environmental issues” and sets the stage for the Town to introduce climate initiatives on its own and in concert with other municipalities. This follows from Lincoln’s Corporate Climate Adaptation Plan, which was adopted last month and sets a number of goals for the Town to work towards. The first goal, to “integrate climate change considerations into Town strategies, plans, policies, procedures, operations & services,” begins with declaring this emergency. However, Coun. Mike

Mikolic noted that what a “climate crisis” is was ill-defined by the motion. “What is the climate crisis written in this motion?” Mikolic asked. “I don’t know that it’s clearly defined in the ‘whereas’ section.” However, CAO Mike Kirkopoulos said, despite the lack of a formal definition, the motion “highlights in fairly great depth what is a climate crisis.” Likewise, Coun. Adam Russel asked what exactly the resolution commits the Town to, particularly through point three. Pachereva answered that the resolution describes a process not a financial commitment. “It’s very strategic and granular items will fall out of it, but you need a strategic framework,” Pachereva said.

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Notice of Study Completion Prudhomme Creek Erosion and Flood Control Works and a Road Stormwater Outlet Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Schedule ‘B’) (i.e. requiring an individual/comprehensive EA approval before being able to proceed), or that conditions be imposed (e.g. require further studies), only on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests on other grounds will not be considered. Requests should include the requester contact information and full name.

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The Town of Lincoln has competed a study to determine the best option for addressing existing flooding and erosion issues associated with Prudhomme Creek and to determine the best option for accommodating stormwater flows from Rittenhouse Road to Prudhomme Creek. This study was conducted as part of the design process in accordance with Section A.2.9 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This project followed Schedule B as defined by the Municipal Engineers Association’s guidelines set out in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011, 2018 and 2020.

Study Recommendation: Through an extensive evaluation process that included public engagement with local residents and other stakeholders, the study recommends the installation of two 1500 mm concrete box culverts within the existing stream channel over a distance of approximately 50 m. The culverts will extend from the south side of Rittenhouse Road where a 90 degree concrete wing wall will be installed, under the roadway to an area north of the dwellings located at 3521 and 3523 Rittenhouse Road.

Comments: Interested persons may provide written comments to our project team by May 13, 2021. All comments and concerns should be sent directly to Walter Neubauer, Manager of Engineering at the Town of Lincoln. In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for an order requiring a higher level of study

@TownofLincolnON

Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested (request for conditions or a request for an individual/comprehensive environmental assessment), how an order may prevent, mitigate or remedy potential adverse impacts on Aboriginal and treaty rights, and any information in support of the statements in the request. This will ensure that the ministry is able to efficiently begin reviewing the request. The request should be sent in writing or by email to: Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks 777 Bay Street, 5th Floor Toronto ON M7A 2J3 minister.mecp@ontario.ca

Director, Environmental Assessment Branch Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks 135 St. Clair Ave. W, 1st Floor Toronto ON, M4V 1P5 EABDirector@ontario.ca

Requests should also be copied to Walter Neubauer at the Town of Lincoln by mail or by e-mail. Please visit the ministry’s website for more information on requests for orders under section 16 of the Environmental Assessment Act at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/class-environmentalassessments-part-ii-order All personal information included in your request – such as name, address, telephone number and property location – is collected, under the authority of section 30 of the Environmental Assessment Act and is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public. As this information is collected for the purpose of a public record, the protection of personal information provided in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) does not apply (s.37). Personal information you submit will become part of a public record that is available to the general public unless you request that your personal information remain confidential.

This Notice first issued April 13, 2021

Page 8 • NewsNow • Thursday, April 29, 2021 NOTICE OF PASSING OF AN INTERIM CONTROL BY-LAW THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF GRIMSBY File Number: 26Z-16-2001 TAkE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Grimsby passed By-law No. 20-05 on the 3rd day of February 2020, under Section 38 of the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, as amended. AND TAkE NOTICE that Interim Control By-law No. 20-05 was in effect for a period of one year from the date of passing, and has been extended by Council for an additional one-year period on the 6th day of April 2021 in accordance with Section 38 of the Planning Act, or repealed by Council at an earlier date. THE PURPOSE AND EFFECT of Interim Control By-law No. 20-05 is to restrict the use of land, buildings or structures to existing uses and provide the Town with the opportunity to undertake a comprehensive land use planning study of the Grimsby Beach area. THE LANDS EFFECTED BY By-law No. 20-05 are shown hereunder and as part of Schedule A of the By-law. A copy of By-law No. 20-05 is available on the Town’s website at https://www.grimsby.ca/planningnotices/

Parks open, skateparks closed Considerable confusion reigned supreme over the weekend for parents and youth alike over protocols regarding Niagara West skateparks. Many youth populated Grimsby’s Skatepark, while others were upset being turned away from Lincoln’s with some, along with parents, thinking the facilities were open. West Lincoln’s skatepark is also closed. “We know that these are challenging times for many of our youth in the community, and that they really look forward to using the skate park and other outdoor

amenities as the warmer weather arrives,” said Sarah Sweeney, Grimsby’s director of parks, recreation and culture. “Staff have posted signs in many of these locations, and will continue to follow up with concerns as best we can. Our By-law team will also be visiting these sites with the intention of providing education and awareness. We recognize that it can be confusing to hear that parks are open, but some of the amenities within are not. We are asking everyone to please not use these closed ame-

For more information regarding this matter, please contact: Town of Grimsby, Planning Department, P.O. Box 159, 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, Ontario. L3M 4G3 Telephone: (905)-945-9634 Email: planning@grimsby.ca

Dean Allison Member of Parliament for Niagara West Contact Dean’s office for inquiries & assistance with: Federal Programs Legislation and Regulations Immigration and Citizenship Veteran’s Affairs Income Security Programs CPP, OAS, GIC Canada Revenue Agency Commemorative Certificates Constituency Office 4994 King Street, Box 880 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 905.563.7900

Toll Free 1.877.563.7900 info@deanallison.ca | www.deanallison.ca

While municipal parks are now open - after a reversal of provincial COVID-19 safety protocols - amenities within them are not. Marks - Photo

nities at this time. As soon as the amenities are able to open once again, we will be sure to communicate that update right away.” Under the current restrictions the following outdoor recreational amenities are required to be closed: skate parks, sports fields, tennis/pickleball courts, and basketball courts. Picnic sites are also listed as closed. Parks, playgrounds, trails and benches are permitted to be open. Town of Lincoln had similar issues, but for the immediate short-term, the facility is closed for other reasons. The skatepark and pump track at Rotary Park will be closed from April 26 to June 30 for construction activities. The Town and the contractor realize how important these elements are to the community and apologize in advance for any inconvenience. For more information on this project visit: speakuplincoln.ca/rotary-park

THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF GRIMSBY 160 LIVINGSTON AVENUE, GRIMSBY, ON L3M 4G3 905-945-9634

2021 INTERIM TAX BILLING

SECOND INSTALLMENT DUE MAY 7, 2021 The 2021 Interim tax bills have been mailed to interested parties as shown on the Assessment Roll. Please contact the tax office at 905-945-9634 if you have not received your tax bill. Failure to receive a bill does not excuse the payment of taxes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently not accepting tax payments at Town Hall; however, tax payments can be deposited in the Town Mail slot at the front entrance of Town Hall. Cheque payments only. Payments can be made at most financial institutions or by telephone and internet banking. Installments can also be paid by postdated cheques provided the taxes are paid by the regular due dates. No credit card payments are accepted at Town Hall. Please visit our website at www.grimsby.ca for further details on credit card payments. Please ensure that your payment reaches us on or before the due date. The taxpayer is responsible for the late arrival of payment. Penalties of 1¼% are added on the first day of default and on the first day of each month following. Penalties cannot be waived. Melanie Steele, MBA, CPA, CA Interim Director of Finance/Treasurer

News Now • Thursday, April 29, 2021 • Page 9

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Endless kindness, support and great hugs are hallmarks of my Mom, who is an going example of courage and toughness from which I draw inspiration every day!

Love, Mike

For this Mother’s Day take the opportunity to show some love for a deserving Mom with a touching message for all the world to see. With NewsNow’s May 6 edition, a special feature will be published dedicated to Mothers in Niagara West. For $39 plus HST, you can let everyone know how you feel with your special Message For Mom! Send your 30-word message & a photo (optional) to: catherine@wn3.ca You can call 289-235-9500 to arrange payment by credit card or e-transfer.

News Now • Thursday, April 29, 2021 • Page 11

Fuss over trees essential At last week’s Grimsby Historical Society Archives ZOOM meeting, our speaker was Liz Bennelan of Vineland. For many years, Liz was active in Oakville in the development of a Natural Heritage System. This began with a tree planting project in her own neighbourhood with six friends helping her to replace trees that had been cut down due to development. In the end, 7600 acres of Oakville land had been developed into urban forest for passive recreational enjoyment and 17,000 native trees planted. The Oakville group consisting of volunteers, representatives of the city and the region had many successes in saving trees. For example, the Bronte oak considered to be 250 years old was saved for posterity by collecting the acorns and preserving them. Some

A Small Drop of Ink By Dorothy Turcotte of the acorns were given to residents who wanted oak trees on their property, some were traded to other communities or given away as prizes. To promote their activities, the group held a Mayor’s Heritage Tree Hunt to identify heritage trees in the community, a photo contest and more. Now that she lives in Niagara, Liz is working with the Region to create something similar here. It is badly needed. Environmentalists consider that urban areas should have 30% forest to protect wildlife and precious water resources. Niagara has only 17%. Lincoln and West Lincoln have even less – 14%. Developers say, “What’s the fuss? They’re just trees. And they’re in

the way of the stuff we want to build.” What’s the fuss? Besides being beautiful, as if that wasn’t enough, trees absorb carbon dioxide and create oxygen, an essential exchange for all of us. We need the oxygen to breathe: we are harmed by the excessive carbon dioxide created by our overuse of fossil fuels. The Great Creator of this planet was thinking of us with love and consideration. Trees also provide protection for wildlife, and for us, too. That’s why it is important to preserve The Woodlot and other precious trees on private and public lands. If you are concerned and want to help, get in touch with Regional Rep. Wayne Fertich (905719-6697) or Mayor Jeff Jordan (905-979-0662) or Liz (905-562-3819) ontariogreen@gmail.com.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The Town of Grimsby’s Economic Development Advisory Committee (GEDAC) and Economic Development Officer are in final preparation for the launch of our first Business Retention BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION INITIATIVE & Expansion (BR&E) initiative with local businesses. BR&E is an economic development initiative, connecting the Town of Grimsby with existing businesses to better understand and respond to local needs.

The goal of the program is to support local businesses so that they can grow, create jobs, and stay in Grimsby. Objectives of the program involve developing and activating an action plan to encourage business development opportunities, investment, and job creation, and collecting critical business and market data to support the economic development planning efforts of the Town now and into the future. Local Grimsby businesses are invited and encouraged to participate in a business sector specific survey process and ongoing dialogue providing critical information to the development of a supporting Economic Development action plan. Over the next few weeks information for business survey preregistration will be shared in local newspapers, social media, and on the Town of Grimsby website.

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Preregistration, survey completion, and continuing dialogue between local businesses and the Town’s Economic Development team will occur on our “Let’s Talk Business” portal, which will be launched soon on the Town of Grimsby website. We encourage all local businesses to register, participate in the survey, and join the conversation to continue to improve our business environment in Grimsby.

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Page 12 • NewsNow • Thursday, April 29, 2021

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Though planted perennials require less maintenance than annuals, they are not completely maintenance-free. Certain care is needed to help perennials thrive, and that starts with the soil. Most perennials grow ideally in well drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The ideal time for planting is during the spring or fall. Perennials come as container-grown perennials,

which already have been established in the soil. Bare-root perennials are just roots that are often packed in peat moss. In order to plant bare-root perennials, soak the roots in water for several minutes before gently planting in the ground. Perennials should be watered deeply, especially during the first growing season. Care along the way can include deadhead-

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ing spent flowers so that plants can use their energy on seed production and reblooming. Perennials should be divided when they grow large, every three to four years when the plants are not in bloom. A thick layer of mulch can help perennials to overwinter successfully. Perennials planted in containers will need to be transplanted into the garden before it gets cold because most containers cannot thoroughly insulate perennial roots. Apart from these strategies, perennials pretty much take care of themselves. As long as sunlight requirements match plant needs, they should thrive.

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Knowing how much water and fertilizer to apply and when to apply it can make a big difference in the appearance and health of a lawn. That’s because a well-fed and watered lawn will develop a better root system, which makes the lawn less vulnerable to stressors like drought, mowing, foot traffic, and heat. There is no magic formula governing when to fertilize a lawn. The type of grass and how well-established a lawn is must be considered. Keep in mind that overfeeding a lawn will not make it grow any better and actually can damage the turf. Several small applications of fertilizer during the lawn’s most active

growing period may be helpful or an annual application (late spring for warm-season grass or fall for cool-season grass) may be all that is needed. The right watering schedule and techniques can help a lawn thrive. A lawn that has

a grayish cast or appears dull green is telling an owner that it needs water. Another test is to step on the lawn. If footprints disappear quickly, the grass blades have enough moisture to spring back. Water the lawn in the

morning before 10 a.m. when it’s cooler and the winds tend to be calm so that the water can soak in. For those who must water at night, do so in early evening so that the water can dry before nightfall and will not contribute to disease.

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News Now • Thursday, April 29, 2021 • Page 13

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Page 14 • NewsNow • Thursday, April 29, 2021

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News Now • Thursday, April 29, 2021 • Page 15

INTERIORS

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Three questions before starting DIY projects No two homeowners are the same, but the following three questions can help homeowners determine if DIY is their best option. Can I afford to DIY? Home improvement projects are costly for a variety of reasons. Materials can be costly, but so are the tools and labor necessary to do the job right. Homeowners may not have the tools necessary to complete complicated projects. Projects that are minor in scope and don’t require the use of potentially costly specialty tools may be better suited for weekend warriors. Do I have the time? Homeowners must determine how much time they have to com-

plete a project before deciding to do it themselves. No one wants to spend months staring at an unfinished renovation project. Homeowners who are already pressed for time may not be able to complete projects in a timely fashion, which can make homes less comfortable and even less safe.

Can I pull this off? It is imperative that homeowners considering the DIY option honestly assess their skills. A lack of experience does not necessarily mean a homeowner cannot succeed at a project, but in such instances, it may be best to start with something small and straightforward.

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Page 16 • News Now • Thursday, April 29, 2021 LEGAL NOTICE

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289-235-9500 obituarIES

Clausen, Ruth Dianne nee Lee

Passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton on Monday, March 29, 2021 at the age of 74. Daughter of the late William and Dorothy (nee Reise) Lee. Mother of Chris Clausen (Laura), Mark Clausen (Tricia) and Cindy Blekaitis (John). Grandmother of Jessica, Cassandra, Aubrey, Beatrice, Athena, Thor, Victoria and Elizabeth. Great grandmother of Emilily and another on the way. Sister of Shirley, the late Lillian, Bill, Linda, Bob, Jim, Joan, the late Donna and George. Private cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ruth to the Good Shepherd Centre of Hamilton would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com

COWLEY, Sherry Lynne

Unexpectedly, at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 46 years of age. Loving Mom of Abigail Cercone and Cloe Cowley. Dear daughter of Lynne and John Snowball. Dear sister of Tim and aunt of Jackson & William. In honouring Sherry’s wishes a private family service has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca APT. FOR RENT

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All claims against the Estate of Elinor Marilynn Holowachuk, late of Grimsby, Ontario, who died March 29, 2021, must be filed with the undersigned on or before October 6, 2021. Thereafter, the estate will be distributed having regard only to those claims then filed. Dated: April 20, 2021 Michele Holowachuk, Estate Trustee, c/o 276 Barton Street, Stoney Creek, Ontario L8E 2K6 memoriam

Keith G. Warner

Sept. 22, 1943 - May 3, 2020 Silent thoughts of times together Hold memories that will last forever Gone are the day we used to share But in my heart you are always there For those you love don’t go away They walk beside you everyday

Loved and sadly missed, Jim & Liz

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News Now • Thursday, April 29, 2021 • Page 17

4th Annual

Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive

“What a newspaper needs in its news, in its headlines, and on its editorial page is terseness, humor, descriptive power, satire, originality, good literary style, clever condensation, and accuracy, accuracy, accuracy! Joseph Pulitzer Dear Reader,

I think NewsNow delivers on the above quote from the fellow for whom the Pulitzer Prize is named. Without NewsNow, Niagara West readers have no understanding of the impact of Grimsby’s biodigester project or council shenanigans. There would be very little knowledge of the lengthy and serious issues which have plagued West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in recent years - although the corner seems to be turned of late. More recently, nobody would be aware of the $12 million in cost overruns for a super school which has not even seen its construction start. And this is nothing to say of the countless items of community support our team rolls out every week. These next few months will be make or break. If you can, and choose to do so, please consider supporting NewsNow.

Based on the excellent feedback from previous years’ volunteer pay subscription drive, we are launching Year 4! Is NewsNow’s independent, accurate voice in the community of value to you? Would you like to support NewsNow in its efforts? This is your opportunity.

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

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

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

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

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

Mike Williscraft Publisher

Page 18 • News Now • Thursday, April 29, 2021

100% Niagara owned & operated Our Team: Publisher - Mike Williscraft mike@wn3.ca 289-442-4244 General Manager - Catherine Bratton Reporter - Tristan Marks Sales Consultant - Erica Huisman, Rose Bayer Graphics - Donna Wisnoski NewsNow is owned & operated by 1602207 Ontario Ltd.

Office Location 1 Mountain Street, Grimsby, ON, L3M 3J6 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848 NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday delivered to homes in West Niagara & Winona, 26,529.

Clean up hitters

Children from Holly’s Hobby Home Childcare celebrated Earth Day by cleaning up Senator Gibson School yard last week and took in a lesson on littering. (L to R) Grayden High, 5, Nova Cottingham, 2, and brothers Jaxon, 5, and Jakob King, 3, were all part of the team.

No ordinary Monday In the community newspaper game, it’s nice when people get it. Some don’t. The mandate of a dedicated community newspaper is to serve the interests of readers in its coverage area. Period. Anything outside of that is for dailies and broadcast media. Digital doesn’t really come into it as it has no true boundary or focus. It is even more nice when not only do some get it, but they feel the urge to act. These days that may mean create a petition, or protest big bank policies, but it can also mean a very generous human being can walk into our office, introduce himself and let me know he is going to donate what is required to help someone featured in last week’s edition improve his quality of life immensely. That is exactly how it went down when Blair McKeil was in our office on Monday to chat briefly and ask for contact information for the Thorp family. In the end, Mr. McKeil cut a cheque for $20,000 to help the Thorps get a wheelchair accessible van. And that, good reader, is why we are here. M.W.

Admin issue? Just change the bylaw It’s a good thing for Town of Grimsby legal counsel John Mascarin that he served up an opinion deemed passable by the Grimsby 5 on Monday night or he could have found himself on the lawyer scrap heap like the last guy with whom they disagreed. Nope, Monday was another night which will undoubtedly come up in the run up to the 2022 election as another 5-4 vote ushered in what was described as a retroactive signatory policy stretched far enough back to cover actions taken with the Town’s bank by staff who had no authority to do so. Mascarin told council backdating operational policy to cover the butt of CAO Harry Schlange who admitted he approved the action did not constitute “backdating” and was consistent with council members’ fiduciary duties. There was no debate about what happened. When the plug was pulled on several key staff, official signatories for the Town were in short supply. Schlange said he accepted full responsibility for approving staff signing documents which were then approved by the bank while they were not approved by council as signatories. His falling on the sword was considerably hollow since he has the unquestioned loyalty of five members of council who, on Monday, changed another plank in the process of how the Town has always operated - council approves all signatories but now the CAO approves them - AND retroactively dated bylaw approval to cover the time when “bank documents were inappropriately signed”. The latter comment was made by Coun. Dorothy Bothwell. Much of the debate was a complete waste of council’s and viewers’ time since there was no way on God’s green

MIKE WILLISCRAFT earth The Five would ever call out their boy for any kind of a significant procedural error or even a minor error in judgement - if you want to call it that. When council was caught in a whirlpool of silly “debate” - Mayor Jeff Jordan attempted to clarify how the matter came up, noting the CAO could have avoided the entire situation at the end of March by contacting him to arrange for a special meeting of council. This action could have avoided the staff actions at the bank, initial reactionary motions, the need for another staff report and Monday’s waste of oxygen. Not only did The Five not appreciate the mayor laying bare the non-sensical nature of the entire scenario, but it seemed to particularly frost the cookies of Coun. Dave Sharpe. Now, Sharpe had not had a good week even before Monday came. He encased himself in some sort of cone of silence - until nearly 1 a.m. Monday night after I inquired about his comments published in the St. Catharines Standard. Sharpe was quoted as saying, “The selection committee, who brought Schlange to council, was made up of three of the councillors who so avidly oppose him now. (They) reduced over 70 applicants to a short list of

only two candidates, which included Schlange. After the interviews, council decided to hire Schlange and the vote was not a five-four vote.” Further, in an email to me, he noted “three of the four committee members who selected him for an interview immediately started to oppose him and they have been hanging on to that opposition since 2019.” What Sharpe did not say - as he danced the line on confidential information - was three hiring committee members supported Schlange’s hiring. Rather, they only selected him for an interview. Multiple candidates to council was not the hiring committee’s initial plan. The five approved a motion so the choice came to full council - similar to how using a Committee of the Whole process allows the same group to control pretty much every step of every process the Town now endures. Once the choice was at the council table, it was game over. Another major point from the same story, Coun. Dave Kadwell’s unequivocal, black and white denial of any prior personal connection to Schlange. “Kadwell denied this claim, and said though they are both from St. Catharines they never knew each.” I sent Dave a note, with all the details of our faceto-face discussions in 2019 about how he knew Schlange for many years with Schlange playing on a football team with his older brother back in the day. Kadwell did reply with a very grey comment, not denying anything, but he did ask for his comment to be confidential. Wanting to see if he demands a clarification or retraction, I will honour that even though it was not pre-agreed. But make no mistake, that published comment is 100 per cent wrong.

News Now • Thursday, April 29, 2021 • Page 19

Thorp family feeling the community’s love Dear Editor, Just a quick note but a huge thank you for your article today in NewsNow for our family. Dawn saw first-hand what we were struggling with last year when she and Halle lived with us for the year and helped out. She also knew we could ask for help for

Biz support appreciated Dear Editor, I appreciated your editorial and support for (Conversations) Cafe. I know Deb greatly appreciates your support. You are doing a great job especially during these hard times. Keep it up. Abe and I have done business for years and have always been supportive of our town and businesses. I am grateful for your support. Ethel Dueck

others but never for ourselves! Seeing Adrian go day after day from bed to chair and back to bed was heartbreaking. COVID did not help, but not being able to get him in the car was

devastating as life basically stopped. We are overwhelmed by the generosity, support and help we are receiving and feel fortunate to have family, friends and our community offering to help

us at this time. Thank you for being there once again even though we are not wearing the GTYSC or GBF hats! Stay well and keep safe. Regards, Marion and Adrian Thorp

Reader calls out RBC’s actions Dear Editor, Good for you, Mike, for highlighting Sophie Krouse’s RBC protest on your Page 1 because it was an embarrassing example of small-town and small-minded thinking and heavy handed intimidation of someone trying to make a significant social statement. So shame on the bank staffer, first of all, who invoked the bank’s safety protocol ‘to protect the well-being of everyone’ in response to a young teenager’s obviously harmless oneperson protest and then condoned

their people going out and tearing down Ms. Krouse’s signs. Shame, too, on the Town for defending its police response, for then trivializing Ms. Krouse’s protest as ‘mischief under the Criminal Code’ and sending a street-sweeper. And shame, lastly, on all those bank share-holders who will blithely read the report and take comfort from the fact that their investments in oil are being protected by the establishment authorities. Harry Kort, Beamsville

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