>Starfish Nicaragua sells out at St. Andrews Anglican Pg 6 > New parking to help Smithvile United Pg. 5 > WL Chamber gets its hula on Pg. 9 > MURS process a problem: reader Pg. 15 Thursday, February 2, 2017 Vol. 5 Issue 39
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ARC peppered with passion, questions at GSS session By Mike Williscraft NewsNow Poor Grade 8 student retention, skepticism over enrollment projections and inquiries regarding the “fast track” timeline for school closings were recurring themes at last Thursday’s Accommodation Review Committee public meeting. The meeting - at Grimsby Secondary School - was the third and final in an ARC process which preceded by meetings for South Lincoln High School in November and Beamsville District Secondary School in December. About 220 people were on hand in GSS’s cafeteria. ARC facilitator Cam Hathaway went through a lengthy list of statistics and findings arrived at through research by District School Board of Niagara staff - much of which was challenged by many at the meeting. With a loss rate of 17.8 per cent of Grade 8 students going to post second-
ary schools other than public board options, Niagara West has the highest loss rate in Niagara Region, Hathaway told the crowd. Those in attendance urged the ARC committee, and by extension school board trustees, to think outside the box when it comes to possible solutions for all three Niagara West high schools. Several speakers suggested using the facilities for complementary uses such as employment centres, training facilities, medical centres and other ideas to maximize the space in the buildings. Hathaway said that while that would alleviate the unused space issue, it would not help with the inability to program classes for students due to low enrollment numbers. Speaker Robin Mahy touched on several major questions in her presentation, including: how can bus ride projections be done if the location for the new super school has not been set?; have See GSS, Page 2
Accommodation Review Committee facilitator Cam Hathaway sets the ground rules for last week’s pubic meeting at Grimsby Secondary School. Williscraft - Photo
Transit open house
Cost, timing key transit concerns A proposed transit system for Grimsby met with considerable opposition at a public meeting Monday night. Grimsby’s council chambers was near capacity for consultant Dennis Kar’s updated presentation detailing what the town could expect from launching its own transit system. The problem for some in the crowd, was not necessarily whether such a system should proceed, but the scope, cost and planning of it was challenged throughout the evening. “A lot of this sounds like justification,” said
resident Dave Sharpe. “We all know stats can be made to say anything we want. You (Kar) told us 84 per cent of residents are in favour of a transit system and 63 per cent support a $25 hike in taxes to pay for it.” “But the survey shows support drops to seven per cent if the tax hike is $100 per year. Are we looking at a seven per cent support rating if costs come in high?” A big part of the issue in nailing down specifics, noted Kar, is a lot of the possible revenue components of a transit system are specula-
tive at this point. He noted a provincial tire tax fund, a federal infrastructure fund, cost-sharing with neighbouring municipalities, Grimsby’s own development charges and other possibilities are major potential contributors which could limit financial exposure for taxpayers. At many points in the evening, Kar noted the decision to proceed is about the political will of council. “To add $50 in taxes annually to a house that pays $3,000 in taxes is not big,” said Kar. “But to go from a 63 per cent to seven
support level is big,” Sharpe rebutted. “It’s a political decision,” said Kar. Kar said the first year of operation would have service from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. MondayFriday, and 8:30 a.m.6:30 p.m. on Saturdays. No Sunday service is proposed. There would be two routes in Year I, eventually expanding to three routes, which could include connections to Lincoln and West Lincoln, in Year III-IV. To maintain 30-minute stop intervals at peak time, Kar said 4-5 busses would be needed See TRANSIT, Page 3
Page 2 • News Now • Thursday, February 2, 2017
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GSS From Page 1 studies been done to assess the impact of added travel time on families in terms of day care, students getting to jobs and afterschool activities? Most questions were received by the committee, but Hathaway did provide some feedback where the opportunity arose. With scores of questions being offered up, many questioned why the timeline of the ARC process is so tight. The findings of the public meeting was reviewed this past Monday in a public session at the school board office. The purpose of that meeting was to work through all the themes, questions and comments and assure that all bases were covered in the final report which the committee will forward to school board trustees. Cindy Toth, who was involved in the fight to save Park School from an announced closure asked if the rigid timeline was set for a specific reason.
“All the questions and comments made need to go directly to the trustees, not just the ARC. They need to know this is not just one or two people that think the proposed enrollment numbers need to be looked at,” said Toth. “Why does the DSBN need to maintain this timeline? Is the need to hold Monday’s date so the closure of SLHS can proceed this fall?” She said the timing should be set by the findings of the ARC, as opposed to being artificially set and ARC having to follow a set timing. Hathaway said the committee’s framework is mandated and they are following that direction. With the committee’s findings being made public Feb. 10 on the DSBN’s website and coming forward at the Feb. 28 school board meeting - which will be the last opportunity for public comment - Toth said the timeline is “too quick”. And with information such as that offered up by statistician Mary Jo
Clements, the consensus among the crowd was the whole process was premature. Clements noted that the proposed new capacity of a super school is 1,400, which represents a 40 per cent reduction of student spaces. “This capacity will only allow for one per cent growth in the west end,” Clements said, noting that much of the information offered at the meeting challenged enrollment projections on several fronts. “The phrase alternative facts comes to mind. Our elementary schools are over capacity. There are 13 new developments underway. I’m not against a new school. I just want a proper assessment done.” Grimsby Ald. Nick DiFlavio confirmed some of Clements sentiments noting up to one-third of the new condos in the Winston Road area are being bought by Grimsby residents, which will free up larger existing homes for families.
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have a viable tax base to handle this,” said Dykstra. “It comes down to priorities,” said Kar. Resident Michael Rozender suggested to the crowd that a door-to-door, ontime delivery system would be more cost effective than a transit system for Grimsby. “This Town has a reputation for coming up with great sounding projects, then they get costlier and costlier. An Uber-style system can be done for a small fraction of the cost of busses and provide much more reliable door-to-door service.” Kar told those on hand that all feedback would be compiled and be presented to town council. If approved by council, a pilot project could be initiated Spring 2018. PRE-ORDER YOUR PICK-UP/DELIVERY TIME!
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at a cost of $400,000 per vehicle. Resident Brian Merritt told Kar Grimsby has an opportunity to be a trail blazer by avoiding the traditional diesel powered busses and going with something more environmentally friendly. Kar agreed, saying there are a lot of options available, but that would be part of the decision-making process down the line. For Sharpe, it was less about the style of vehicle, but the ultimate decision of buying busses or contracting an operator, one of the alternative plans Kar had outlined. “The Town would assume extra risk for long-term savings
but we don’t know if we’ll have a long-term commitment to this. I think we need baby steps. We need to do this without exposing us to a really big financial hole,” said Sharpe. Kar said, history has shown, that once a transit system is in place, ridership expands and interest grows. Ald. Carolyn Mullins, who was in the gallery for the meeting, suggested better timing may help the process. “If we held off until 2021 when GO transit has started, that would increase demand. Public transit is a great idea but it is very expensive,” said Mullins. Resident Joanne Dykstra said she does not support a tax increase for transit under any circumstance. “Our town does not
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For Local Community Events and Non Profit Groups
West Niagara service clubs, organizations and non-profit groups are welcome to submit meeting dates, fundraising information and invitations to the public in News Now’s Around Town feature. This service is provided free of charge and is done on a space availability basis.
UPCOMING EVENTS Smithville Legion Br. 393 Feb. 2017 Events. Mon – Fri., Free Pool 2 – 5 PM, Mon., Cribbage 2 – 4 PM, Tues., Free Pool 12 – 10 PM, Tuesday, Dart League 7 PM, Thurs., Euchre 2 – 4 PM, Thurs. 9th & 23rd , Bingo 6 PM, Friday 20th, Progressive Euchre 7 PM, Sunday 26th, Breakfast, 8 AM – 12 PM. Sunday Feb 5th, Super Bowl Pot Luck Party, 6 PM. . Hall rental available. You do not have to be a legion member to participate, 172 St. Catharines St. P – 905-957-3935 Euchre Party Beamsville WI. Monday February 6, 2017 at Lincoln Centre, 7:30 PM. 1st and 2nd prizes, Door prize, refreshments provided Grimsby Toastmasters welcomes you as our guest to our next meeting Monday, February 6th. We meet at Grimsby Secondary School, 5 Boulton Ave. from 7pm – 8:45pm. Come and learn about developing your communication and leadership skills. www.grimsbytoastmasters.org Attention Trivia Buffs: Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers and Station 1 Coffee House are hosting a Trivia Night on Thursday, February 9, 7:00 - 9:00 pm. $25 ticket gets you food, prizes and silent auction. Limited seats available so call 905-309-5071 to register or join a team! Create a “Button Heart” Valentine craft at the Erland Lee Museum (552 Ridge Rd., Stoney Creek) on Sat., Feb. 11th from 10 am to noon! A perfect parent or grandparent & child quality time opportunity! Cost is $20.00 per twosome. Limited space so please pre-register at 905-662-2691 or erlandleemuseum@fwio. on.ca Trivia Night, Reserve a whole table or we can put you on a team. $15 per person. Saturday Feb 11th. Door open at 6:30 PM, Trivia starts at 7:00 PM. Wine, Beer and pop available for purchase. Trinity United Church 100 Main St. W., Grimsby. Call 905-945-2249 for tickets Sweet Heart Book and Bake Sale. February 11th from 10AM to 2PM at Smithville branch of West Lincoln Public Library. Friends of West Lincoln Public Library are holding their annual Sweet Heart Book and Bake Sale to raise money for the library. Monthly Vegan Supper Club, Monday Feb. 13, 6:30 pm will be held at the Lincoln Pioneer Seventh-day Adventist Church, 452 Mud
Street, Grassie (just east of the tracks). Join us for a full course meal, handouts and health talks. Cost is $15/person, $25/2 family members. To Register, call 905-945-0898 ext. 1. or email caroleminnick@outlook.com VALENTINES DAY DINNER - All inclusive Ham & Scalloped Potatoes. St. Albans Church, Ontario St. Beamsville, February 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. Adults $14 p.p. - 5 to 10 yrs of age $5 - family $35 = [2 adults & 2 children (5 to 10)] - $5 for extra child - children under 5 eat free. Bring your valentine for dinner with us, all are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there! Wheelchair accessible. Grimsby Seniors Club, Valentine’s Day Luncheon. Tues., Feb. 14 at 12:00 noon in the Livingston Activity Centre. Entertainment provided by The Lincoln Leapers, a dynamic jump rope team. Lunch served by “The Best Little Menu”. Tickets available at the centre office. Members $17.00, non-members $22.00. 905309-2075 Serenade to Sinatra’s Love Songs, featuring George Brasovan’s Trio in St. John’s Parish Hall, Jordan. Sun. Feb. 19 - 2 p.m. Tickets $20. Contact Joyce Richardson, 905 562- 7461. Soup & Chili Cook-Off. Family Day, Feb. 20, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 320 Station St., Smithville - John Calvin School Gymnasium For more details visit: smithvillecanrc.ca The Beamsville Branch of the Women’s Institute (WI) is celebrating 120 years in Canada. Information about the WI, with heritage crafts, will be displayed on Craft Day Feb. 21 at the Fleming Centre, Room D upstairs, from 10a.m. to 2p.m. An elevator is available. Create Maple Leaf coasters as a souvenir of Canada’s 150 years of Confederation. Free but PLEASE PREREGISTER for the craft project. Contact Barb at bstones@cogeco.ca, or 905 563-7274. If you’d like to stay for the entire time, bring a bag lunch. Tea, coffee, & “goodies” are provided. “Tunisian Crochet” also known as Afghan Stitch will be presented on Sat., Mar. 11th from 10 am to noon at the Erland Lee Museum (552 Ridge Rd., Stoney Creek). Cost of $20.00 includes all supplies. Please pre-register at 905662-2691 or erlandleemuseum@fwio.on.ca GROUPS & CLUBS Grapevine Grans, a member of the Stephen
Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign, meet the 4th Thursday of each month at the First Baptist Church, Beamsville at 7 pm . Phone Marion @9059450957 for more info. Community Meditation Circle: novice or experienced, join us for a free meditation circle every Tues. from 6.45-8pm at the Beamsville Public Library. SUNDAY NIGHTS in FEBRUARY - Laughter & Life Lessons with Ken Davis: Ken Davis is a master story teller & motivational speaker who serves up life changing truth in a feast of laughter & poignant wisdom. Because Ken knows what human fallibility is all about, he communicates with gut level honesty, driving home humorous insights that cut to the heart of living fully alive. Engaging video presentations will be hosted at Smithville Christian Reformed Church (6522 Smithville Rd), every Sunday night in Feb., beginning at 7:30pm. Hope to see you - we can all gain from some laughter & some wisdom built on His truth! BINGO, BINGO, at the Grimsby Seniors Club, 18 Livingston Ave. Grimsby, Livingston Activity Centre, every Wednesday 7:00-9:00 pm. 905-309-2075. Bingo - every Thursday, 11 a.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 612 Beamsville, 5545 Regional Rd. 81. Win big with the progressive jackpot as well as $1,000 in prizes every week. Admission is free. The cost is $10 for a threestrip book and there will be special games, baller games and other cards available. Daubers can be purchased on site. The Legion is licensed and light refreshments on hand. Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers is looking for some Ambassador Volunteers in office type work in fields like Marketing, Public Relations, Web Mastering, Social Media, Office Clerk, Branding, Promotions, Event Planning etc…If you wish to help (no minimum) please contact 905-309-5071 or info.rcvv@gmail.com The Fort Teens to Youth Assistance Program reaches out to youth that desires any assistance with social and academic struggles, problem or questions. Call for Schedules 905309-3678 PROBUS Club of Grimsby is a men’s club
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which meets every third Tuesday of each month at 9:30am in the auditorium of the Peach Kings. Probus is a national and international association of retired business, professional, tradesmen and semi-retired individuals to make and maintain friendships, connect to their local community and world community through programs of speakers and special events. New Members Welcome. For further information please contact John at 905-9451646 or email grimsbyprobus@gmail.com. The Grimsby Auxiliary Marine Rescue Unit is looking for people who are interested in becoming Search and Rescue volunteers. If interested please email us at general@gamru.com Give a gift to yourself this new year – develop your public speaking and leadership skills. Grimsby Toastmasters meets the 1st and 3rd Monday at 7 pm. Guests are free to visit us at Grimsby Secondary School, Room 104. www. grimsbytoastmasters.org Self Awareness and Higher Consciousness Meeting, every other Sunday starting Jan 8th, 2017. Held at Conversations Cafe in Beamsville, downstairs, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cost: $10.00 to cover room rental and donation to Convos Youth Group. higherconsciousness2@gmail.com. Winona Seniors Centre, Activities six days a week. Snooker Line dancing, shuffle board, bid-euchre, zumba, cribbage & bridge. 1239 Hwy. 8, Stoney Creek. 905-643-4565. Drivers & servers needed to help deliver meals to elderly and/or disabled clients. Two hours once a week at noon, 905-522-0053. Sweat Equity — The Grimsby Homebuilding Co-operative Aug. 13 - Nov. 6. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of this unique housing development inGrimsby, telling the story of the 80 families who built one of the largest cooperative housing neighbourhoods in Ontario. Grimsby Museum 6 Murray St., Grimsby P (905) 945-5292 Grimsby Mens Hockey. Looking for players Sunday non contact league. For more info, please call Jim @ 289-921-8256 Tops Club Inc. (taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Meeting at St. Albans Church, 4321 Ont. St., Beamsville (back entrance and parking). Meeting each Thursday 6 PM – 8 PM
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(L to R) Andrew Tuck, Theresa Vellenga, and Gary Bayes were just a few of the players who turned out for a crokinole night at Smithvilled United Church Jan. 21.
Renovated parking to alleviate pressures for Smithville United A deal to replace lost parking spots lost during Niagara Region’s overhaul of downtown Smithville is great news for congregation at Smithville United Church. The Church, located on West Street, just west of the downtown core, expected to lose 9-10 on-street parking spots as part of Niagara Region’s work in Smithville last year, said church board chair Dennis McPhail. But with the agreement with the Township of West Lincoln and Niagara Region, in the end, the church will net about a dozen parking spaces.
McPhail noted the revamped parking will go over part of the former land where the church manse, which burned down, once stood and on the east side of the current driveway. “It will definitely be an upgrade. We started talking about this back when the region said we would lose those spots,” said McPhail. “We see this as very positive thing. Our church is used by a lot of community groups for events and different projects. This helps us help them, help the downtown core and it helps us, too, at the same time.”
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The long and the short of TFSA’s and RRSP’s Life used to be so simple. We needed to save for retirement so we opened an RRSP and contributed as much as we could spare each year. Then 2009 came along and the federal government introduced something called a tax free savings account. Now what were we to do? In a utopian world, we would contribute the maximum amount we are allowed to both. If you’ve a lot of income, are childless, and without a mortgage or any debts, that’s good advice. But the rest of us are going to have to choose. We need to think about which account, TFSA or RRSP, to focus on first. Think of both accounts as umbrellas that shelter you from the rain of taxes. When you contribute to an RRSP, you put your money under an umbrella. The contribution we can deduct from our taxable income. The investments grow free of tax as long as they stay under the RRSP umbrella. Take the money out from under the umbrella and it
becomes taxable income. When you contribute to a TFSA, you put your money under an umbrella. The contribution we cannot deduct from our taxable income. The investments grow free of tax as long as they stay under the TFSA umbrella. Take the money out from under the umbrella and it does not become taxable income. No tax ever! How awesome is that. So shouldn’t we love TFSA’s more? You can see that the difference has to do with taxes. If your marginal tax rate (meaning your tax savings as a % of your taxable income) is the same going into an RRSP as it is when you withdraw from the RRSP, then TFSA’s and RRSP’s work out equally well. If your marginal tax rate is higher at the time of contributing to the RRSP then at the time when you withdraw, the RRSP wins. Conversely, if your marginal tax rate is lower at the time of contributing to the RRSP then when you withdraw, the TFSA wins. What does that mean for
most of us? It depends. Upon your income today and where you see it in the future. For example, if your income is the same this year and you expect it to stay the same into the future, then contribute to a TFSA first. If your income is under $45,000 this year and you expect it to increase substantially by the time you retire, contribute to a TFSA and switch over to an RRSP once your annual income goes over $45,000. Talk about forecasting the future. What is my marginal tax rate now and what will it be when I retire? Will OAS still be clawed back for higher income earners? When I retire will I still be able to split my pension with my spouse? Let us help you understand how these specifically apply to your life. We sell advice, not products. Delight Davoli is a Chartered Professional Accountant, a Chartered Financial Planner and a Registered Retirement Consultant with Southcott Davoli
Starfish sells out The hall at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church was filled to capacity for Saturday night’s Starfish Nicaragua Soup Supper fundraiser. “The event went great. We could not have done it without support from many local restaurants who supplied soup and bread for the meal.” said organizer Peter CarrLocke said, who added the final tally on funds raised had not been completed.
Peter Carr-Locke and Sandy Zulauf in the soup kitchen for the Soup Supper fund raising event for Starfish Nicaragua - Education in Nicaragua event.
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Valentine’s surprise for special someone With Valentine’s Day approaching, here are a couple of tasty ideas to prepare something special, but not difficult to prepare for your special someone! BROCCOLI LASAGNE AU GRATIN INGREDIENTS • 5 cups fresh broccoli florets (2 bunches) • 24 oz jar best quality spaghetti sauce • 8 lasagna noodles, cooked (or fresh pasta) • 2 cups ricotta cheese • 2 eggs, slightly beaten • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
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DIRECTIONS Parboil broccoli florets for 1 minute in boiling, salted water. Drain and set aside. Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce in a 9x13 pan. Cover with four lasagna noodles. Mix together broccoli, ricotta cheese and eggs. Spread half of this mixture over noodles. Top with 1/2 remaining spaghetti sauce, 1/2 the mozzarella and 1/2 the parmesan. Repeat layers
once. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. NOTE: serve with a Caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete dinner. CLASSY CHICKEN INGREDIENTS • 3 chicken breasts, skinned and boned • 1/4 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp oil • 10 oz pkg frozen asparagus or broccoli (or fresh) • 10 oz can cream of chicken soup • 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 1 tsp curry powder • 1 tsp lemon juice • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese DIRECTIONS Cut chicken into bite size pieces and
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sprinkle with pepper. Saute chicken in oil over medium heat until opaque, about six minutes. Drain. Cook asparagus or broccoli until tender crisp; drain and arrange in bottom of buttered casserole. Place chicken on top. Mix together, in a bowl, soup, mayonnaise, curry and lemon juice. Pour over chicken and top with grated cheddar cheese. Bake at 350, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes. NOTE: a mixed garden salad and a French baguette would round this meal out.
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11. Thomas, Robert ... 763 12. Stuive, Alex ........... 763 13. Poz, Cindy ............. 755 14. Poz, Rick ................ 754 15. Fozard, Micheal .... 751 16. Allington, Piers ..... 750 17. Pagliacci, Linda ..... 748 18. Emerson, Cam ..... 748 19. O’Toole, Bernie ... 747 20. Schilte, Kaia .......... 747
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Dear Editor, I have watched the YouTube video of the Council meeting of Jan. 23. As you know, I was in attendance and experienced the whole sordid, embarrassing mess. Council showed no respect for Coun. Bylsma and his concerns about very real, and very important issues with the MURS. Bylsma , and the West Lincoln community, deserve answers to the pertinent questions he asked about the MURS project. Why was he put off at the last Planning Committee and told to ask his questions at the next Council meeting, and then at Council meeting, told that it was not the meeting at which to ask the questions? Coun. Trombetta lacked common courtesy when he chided Coun. Bylsma for not attending the subcommittee meetings, when it’s not Bylsma’s responsibility to attend these meetings. Coun. Trombetta is shirking his responsibility as chair of that committee to ascertain that records of the meeting are presented to council for approval in a timely manner. I suggest that you investigate immediately whether Coun. Bylsma is correct about the quorum and, if he is, this situation must immediately be corrected. Coun. Bylsma is asking questions to which we, the people of the township need answers if this township is going to carry on with community support for the MURS project. Transparency is the key word. Most of the public is confused by the conceptual drawing sent to residents and published in the paper, because there is no place on that mailing where the word CONCEPTUAL is mentioned: Although the
Letter features such as: library and museum, arena, playground, multi-use rooms, gymnasium, splash pad, skateboard park, outdoor walking trails, greenhouse and bandshell are all clearly listed, but the indoor walking track and a senior centre is absent from the list. Coun. Bylsma was treated as a child trying to break the rules, while it appears to me that he is the only one who is really attempting to do what is right for our township. The concept of council voting “only” on spending $23.6 million, not on the concepts presented in the proposal, was not the way the vote was brought across to the public in October 2016. It is not the way that council members are speaking about the project either. I have had correspondence with some members of council and the CAO about the greenhouse and only one said that the greenhouse was not officially in the plan. Of course I heard a variety of uses for it - from educational, growing trees, flowers, plants, food for community care - but no actual logical reason for building it were given, not even from the chair of the subcommittee. I have been studying the reports on the MURS as presented on the website, and that presented me with more questions; such as: • How much funding have the Campaign Coaches been hired to raise - costing close to $200,000? I have read as much as 50 per cent, and as low as $1 million in the reports. • How/when did the “50 percent before we begin fundraising” decision get changed? Is it simply because that was for the
original $14 million project, as suggested by the CAO at the January Budget meeting? I have been studying the survey produced in July 2016 and I am sorry to say that again Mr. Carter disappoints me. He has several times reiterated that the people of this township who attended the Open Houses want all the amenities listed as the shown in the conceptual plan. What he fails to mention is that only 42 people attended the three Open Houses, and only 10 of them wanted the library, eight a seniors centre, six an indoor walking track, four a youth centre, two a banquet hall, two a new arena, and two a gymnasium. I have perused Appendix H, report RFI 35-2015 and there I found that only 15.85 per cent of the 391 respondents were in support of this project while 84.14 per cent were against it. Why were the concerns of 84 per cent of the residents not attended to? This project must be supported by the whole community and when you ignore the 84 per cent of the citizens, and forge ahead with a project that will bind future councils for years to come, and raise the taxes in the community by at least 3.5 per cent in Year I, 5.1 per cent in Year II, and 5 per cent in Year III just to pay for what You Want, surely you are able to realize that this is a 13.6% tax increase which will be compounded with additional increases far into the future. Is this the legacy you wish to leave to future generations?” I wish to thank NewsNow for attending the Jan. 23 council meeting and bringing these concerns to the public. Nellie DeHaan Smithville
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News Now • Thursday, February 2, 2017 • Page 9
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Adriana Rintjema Nywening, left, West Lincoln Chamber president Rob Wood and West Lincoln Coun. Joann Chechalk, right, face some stern questions from police detective Wayne Schilstra as they get ready for the West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s murder mystery dinner.
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and playing the part of the police detective. The evening includes a threecourse Hawaiian theme dinner, wine and lots of laughs, said Schilstra, noting it would make a great Valentine’s gift. The cost is $69, $59 for Chamber members. Seating is limited, so call 905-515-8066 to reserve your tickets.
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Page 10 • News Now • Thursday, February 2, 2017
Mishap at Clausen’s sends one to hospital
A Grimsby man was injured Monday morning, Jan. 30, in a mishap at Clausen’s Towing. Niagara Regional Police investigation revealed
that the driver inadvertently reversed the vehicle through a closed overhead bay door of the business and struck an employee working in-
side. The employee was taken to an area hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The Ministry of Labor also attended to investi-
gate. Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police at (905) 688-4111 ext.4330.
NIAGARA
2041
Fostering an Environment for Economic Prosperity
Get Involved in Niagara’s Future: Attend Public Information Centre #4 In the next 25 years, Niagara is expected to grow, bringing a possible 168,000 new residents and 79,000 new jobs to the Region. This anticipated growth results in a population level of 610,000 and an employment level of 264,000 by year 2041.
Niagara Region is making sure we’re prepared for this growth through four projects that will help us plan where and how that growth will occur, and how it will be accommodated. This Public Information Centre will focus on one of the four projects.
H OW W E G O : The Transportation Master Plan will look at how we currently travel in and around Niagara and how we can improve our transportation systems, including options for walking, cycling and public transit, to better serve Niagara’s future needs.
Get involved: The Transportation Master Plan is nearing completion. Since the last PICs held in November/December of 2016, the Project Team has developed preliminary recommendations for Niagara Region’s transportation system. Find out how the transportation system is being improved and what benefits there are to the networks (walking, cycling, transit, road), to economic efficiency and to the overall transportation experience. Residents are invited to attend a Public Information Centre in their community to learn more about these recommendations and to have your voice heard. Feb. 21, 2017
Feb. 22, 2017
March 1, 2017
March 2, 2017
Welland Civic Square Community Room 60 East Main St. 5:30 - 8 p.m. Presentation at 6:30 p.m.
St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre Irene Locke Program Room 425 Carlton St. 5:30 - 8 p.m. Presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Grimsby Town Hall Council Chambers 160 Livingston Ave. 5:30 - 8 p.m. Presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Niagara Falls Gale Centre Memorial Room 5152 Thorold Stone Rd. 5:30 - 8 p.m. Presentation at 6:30 p.m.
If you require any accommodations for a disability in order to access the project documents, contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or 1-800-263-7215 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca to make the appropriate arrangements.
niagararegion.ca/2041
News Now • Thursday, February 2, 2017 • Page 11
Council’s priorities on MURS misguided: reader Dear Editor, Thank you for your front page article on West Lincoln Council’s MURS (mulit-use recreation centre) Plan. Perhaps this note will add more to your report. Contrary to what Mayor Joyner said (An investment in the future, Grimsby Lincoln News) he and Township Council are leading the municipality down a path that will lead us into a dim financial future for West Lincoln by ignoring the financial aspects of the MURS. It is inconceivable that Council consider a huge expense on leisure over that of the health and financial welfare of everyone. Mayor Joyner did not tell us in his article that the interest on the debentures will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars; he ignored maintenance costs and the fact that the shortfall in fundraising will be paid by the taxpayer. He did not mention that the bribery fund
K.T
Letter (Community Impact Fund from NRWF) is not a secure source of money. Mayor Joyner’s statement “will be the focal point for West Lincoln for generations to come” should refer to a financial management disaster. It is fascinating how a project that was rejected at $14 million because of a lack of money six months ago is now being accepted at $23.6 million and then we see new and larger features popping up and being touted to the community by the mayor. Money used for the MURS would pave the many gravel roads (134 km) in the township, the largest source of airborne particles, and provide other important necessities. For example, considering the number of homes, the gravel condition on Range Road 1 is pathetic.
from? Lack of action by Council, in contravention of the Municipal Act, seriously erodes the public confidence in local government. Except for Coun. Dave Bylsma, shame on Mayor Joyner and West Lincoln Council for putting the personal interests of a few - such as a walking track, a greenhouse and entertainment - before that of the health and financial welfare of all of the municipal residents. Coun. Bylsma, at the Jan. 16 meeting, attempted to clarify the difference between what was accepted by Council and what the mayor was bragging about in his article and published subsequent to the MURS approval. It seems the ‘insiders’ are escalating the project and costs before construction even starts. This sounds like a very shady deal to me. Ed Engel Caistor Centre
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As pointed out in other letters in the newspapers, council has done nothing to investigate noise compliance, surfacing gravel roads, and overlooked the narrowing of roads by guard rails and the unnecessary destruction of trees caused by NRWF. Money to remedy these problems will be spent on recreational and entertainment facilities that will benefit mainly the urban residents. Are the sidewalks and country roads so poor that an outdoor walking track is needed? Will the greenhouse compensate for the seven thousand trees that were allowed to be cut down by the Road Use Agreement? “Basic infrastructure like roads and sewers are also critically important,” said the mayor. Where are the plans to accomplish this and where are the millions of dollars required going to come
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Passed away at McNally House, on Friday, January 27, 2017, in his 77th year. Beloved husband of Darlene (nee Huculok) for over 52 years. Much loved father of Alana McNiel and her husband Matthew of Baltimore, and Blake McElroy and his wife Jena of Grimsby. Cherished grampa of Evan, Shawn, Sinead and Shawna. He will be dearly missed. As per Barney’s wishes, cremation has taken place. If desired, memorial contributions to McNally House would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www. smithsfh.com
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delivery available. All sizes including custom split box springs, orthopedic 20 year set starting $240. 30 year tight-top sets starting $340. Deluxe, no-flip Pillowtop & “Crown” series, Eurotop sets from $390. New waterbeds, futons, end of line discontinued items available. 905-847-2020 905-681-9496 905-563-6903
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BUWALDA, Hermina (Bongers) Passed away peacefully January 23, 2017 at the age of 89. Now in the arms of Jesus which she longed for and reunited with loved ones that have passed. Predeceased by her husband, Louw and her six siblings. Survived by one sister and many nieces and nephews in The Netherlands. Lovely remembered by her 5 children and 12 grandchildren, Marianne - Shannon Vanrooy; Joyce Needham (Bob) - Corey, Curtis, Christopher, Cara; Lawrence - Nathan, Zachary, Jacob; Dorothy Deshane (Steve) - Patrick Elyn), Nickolas (Becca), Cole, Stephanie and special pet Sophie; Trish (Jim). An honourable mention to Dorothy for all she did for our mother over the years. She was her voice when she was no longer able to be that for herself. Also her long time friend Thea who spent quality time with our mother to the end. A Celebration of Life will be held at Smithville United Church on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 11 a.m. “The Lord is my Shepherd” ... Psalm 23, In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society, Smithville United Church, or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
PET SITTING
Local nursery requires a 2 truck drivers, one with an AZ License and one with a DZ license. Driving is seasonal. No winter driving. Deliveries are within Ontario and the northeast US. Must have clean abstract, professional appearance and be customer friendly. Will be required to assist in unloading truck. Maintenance work in winter. Welding, carpentry, plumbing, tractor and equipment maintenance skills are an asset. This is a full time position. Rates are hourly and competitive. Resumes, together with abstract can be dropped off between the hours of 8:00 a.m-4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon on Fridays at:
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(We thank you for your application, however only those considered will be notified).
HOUSE MONITORING Carrier for 1 day Need some extra money but can’t commit permanently? Would you like to try out a one time Newspaper route to see if your child is responsible enough to have a permanent one? Newsnow is looking for temporary carrier for 1 day on Thursday, Feb. 16th. Here are the areas that need coverage.
GRIMSBY
Route 21 - Rembrandt/Bayview 80 Homes Route 23 - Glengrove/ Woodened/ Birchpark 101 Homes Route 57 - 541 Winston Rd. 1 87 Homes Route 111 - 515 Winston Rd. 2 141 Homes Route 112 - Lakelawn #8 72 Homes Route 114 - Lakelawn #7 38 Homes Route 113 - Lake Street/
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News Now • Thursday, February 2, 2017 • Page 13
Is there a remedy for wind turbine issues?: writer Dear Editor, The Goderich Superior Court room was filled to capacity when Shawn and Trish Drennan (of Ashfield Twp.)went to Court on Jan. 19 to reverse the negative impact that the 140 Industrial Wind Turbine Project (K2), two transformer stations and several transmission lines have on their family, home and their Heritage Farm operation. They put a compelling and sensible case together and spoke with passion and the strength of truth behind their words. One comment was that some felt they were witnessing an important step in this fight. I heard, from a lawyer,…“that a lawyer could not have done a better job in arguing the case”. Most felt the judge really got it and it was in no small part because of the time, work, expense and personal sacrifice (the Drennans) have given to their case to put the facts on the table. Shawn, “presented himself”, and told the court that the government has created an impossible barrier when he has to prove “Serious Harm to human health” at an Environmental Review Tribunal (ERT), when the turbines have not been installed or in operation yet. The ERT appeals and Divisional Court Hearings occur prior to the IWTs becoming operational. The Divisional Court also confirmed that the ERT’s lack the jurisdiction to determine the validity of Sec-
Letter tion 47.5 of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and its constitutionality. In addition, to date, there appears to be no definition for the term “Serious Harm” even after all the ERT’s, judicial reviews and divisional court cases here in Ontario. Shawn declared that the many witnesses who have come forward to testify that they have been harmed by turbines all over this province have not been given the gravity and respect they deserve for putting their testimony forward. Shawn told the hearing that the government and K2 knew the turbines will harm people even before wind project proposals and permits went ahead. The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) lobbied the government to remove infra- and low-frequency sound regulations and testing when the Green Energy Act was written and this requirement was subsequently removed. If Judge Raikes had asked, at least half or more of the people in the court room that day could have stood up and said, “I am the evidence of harm from Industrial Wind Turbines (IWTs).” Shawn told the hearing that the difference between then, (ERT Hearings prior to operation) and now (May 29 2015), is that now the switch has been turned on, and the IWT’s are operation-
al and we are being harmed. Judge Raikes challenged K2 and the MOE to tell him what remedy the Drennans have besides more time in court. We all watched them try to answer to no avail because, as was pointed out, the only remedy right now is to move away. “Most people do not want to move away to begin with but do so to regain health. They are often penalized yet again when they have to lower the sales price to even get the home sold.” When Judge Raikes looked at the K2 lawyer, the judge tried to paraphrase what the lawyer had just said to him, “ So, the Drennans went to the ERT and Divisional Court, have complained to MOE, and still have no remedy. So it’s tough luck for them? The lawyer replied, “Yes”, which drew gasps of disbelief from the full gallery of people who attended. When it came time to argue about who should be named as defendants in the Charter Challenge; K2 and /or govt., it was interesting to watch the judge see both parties try to throw each other under the bus. Those in attendance are waiting to hear Judge Raikes decision and keep their fingers crossed that Shawn and Trish can move forward in finding a remedy for the harm they have experienced. This hearing has implications for property owners and people
living within at least a 10 km radius of a turbine project here in Ontario. Thank you, on behalf of a whole lot of us in Ontario.
General Repairs • All Makes & Models
Dave Hemingway Reporter The Landowner, with files from Lorrie Gillis
Geoff Copeland Class “A” Technician 905-563-0788 4962 Union St., Beamsville
GRIMSBY SOCCER REGISTRATION Registration is now open at www.gtysc.com
ON-LINE REGISTRATION ONLY IN 2017 Space may be limited, so register early. Rates go up $25.00 on May 1st
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Birth Certificate required for players registering with our Club for the first time
New/Returning Coaches or Match Officials: More details at www.gtysc.com
“The go to football leauge for youth in the Niagra Region” All Certified Safety Protocols Strictly Enforced
Registration Saturday, February 4 - West Lincoln Arena, Smithville All registration times are 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Divisions: Atom Born 2007-2009 PeeWee Born 2005-2006 Bantam Born 2003-2004 For ages 6-7 Tyke Born 2010-2011
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Additional Registration - Most Tuesdays 7pm at Niagara Falls Office On-Line Registration Available - Visit www.footballniagara.com All inquiries should be made to: info@footballniagara.com
Page 14 • News Now • Thursday, February 2, 2017
100% Niagara owned & operated Our Team: Publisher - Mike Williscraft mike@wn3.ca 289-442-4244 General Manager - Catherine Bratton Sales Manager - Tom Haire Sales Consultant - Erica Huisman, Jen Wilkinson, Graphics - Donna Wisnoski, Dorothy Deak NewsNow is owned & operated by 1602207 Ontario Ltd. Office Locations Grimsby Office Beamsville Office 49 Main St. W., P.O Box 614 Grimsby, ON, L3M 1R3 Beamsville, ON, L0R 1B0 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848 NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday delivered to homes in West Niagara & Winona, 26,111.
Free thrower
Hudson Mielko was the winner of the 11-year-old boys division of the Knights of Columbus Council 4917 free throw competition on Saturday at Blessed Trinity. Other winners were: 9yo boys, Nicholas Nyimbili, Our Lady of Fatima; 9yo girls, Brooke Stempski, Lakeview; 10yo boys, Sam Gatto, Our Lady of Fatima; 10yo girls, Claire Chisholm, St. John; 11yo girls, Lola Dysart, Caistor Central; 12yo boys, Luka Vukojev, Smith School; 12yo girls, Samantha Ferguson, St. Martin; 13yo boys, Lucas Cino, Our Lady of Fatima; 13yo girls, Ava Mrmak. Caistor Central. Submitted Photo
Differing opinion welcomed This is one of those weeks when I laugh out loud when people ask something like, “How do you come up with an idea of what to write about each week?” Holy mackerel, man! Have you been paying attention to anything that is going on, at any level of society? I can’t get beyond Main Street Grimsby without finding a host of topics. Take the nut bar putting out that whacked “newsletter” in town over the last couple of weeks. Believe me, there is lots of room to make a joke about the confusion between the trash edition and the “offering” made by some on Grimsby council last month. No joke, not a hint of one. After speaking with the 20 or so outraged residents who have brought it into my office, I have opted not to give this “publication” an ounce of ink. Clearly attention is the goal. It won’t come from me, and that is all I have to say on the matter. Turning the page, I want to quickly touch on the serious array of matters at hand in our communities. I got a quick email and sent a reply to which I did not get an answer yet - and that’s ok - about concerns a Grimsby official has with the accuracy of some of my council stories. Case in point is the CoGen unit, which sits on the town’s front lawn. The note said I was deficient in my reporting as I had not noted that the $100,000 cost of the noise attenuation wall would be necessary even if the CoGen unit was not there. It was noted that it would be needed for the outdoor ice rink all on its own. Now, I have heard much discussion about all that over many years, and I don’t recall that distinction
MIKE WILLISCRAFT at all, but I’ve made mistakes before. I will certainly look into that and correct or get the proper information out to the public as required. Absolutely no issue and glad to do it. My issue with what has been happening with much of what has transpired in recent years with Grimsby and the last couple of years in West Lincoln is the amount of information that is brushed under the rug or attempts are made to control every last bit of information that comes down the pipe. Was I mistaken in the coverage, I will certainly find out. But I also have a question hung out to several town officials asking for clarification on a recent piece of propaganda put out by some members of council, I assume, so they can set the record straight on matters they believe have been incorrectly communicated to the public. The major point there had a statement that the vaunted biodigester now has “an anticipated $1M annual return on investment”. Now, at the Mayor’s Breakfast way back when, hydro officials outlined numbers which stated the project would have gross revenues of about $1.3 million and a net profit of about $320,000 annually.
So if the profitability of this project has more than doubled from its original $3.5 and pushed the project to be close to two years overdue by the time it produces clean methane to drive the generator, that is big news. And this news I would glad to report!! I’ve said this at several points in this long and painful process: the biodigester could be a good thing, but the process and administration of the project has left a great deal to be desired. Nothing I have seen would indicate this project will ever be close to a balanced budget but now, out of the blue, it is being purported that profits will be nearly triple that of original projections. So, as I have done in the past, I offer free space to the good folks at Niagara Power and the Town of Grimsby to explain this phenomenon. I will send the specs, they can send a newsletter as they published already, or something with charts and graphics for stupid people like me to understand. I want light shone on the true facts of all these matters, whether it be Grimsby’s issues or West Lincoln’s MURS matters. In West Lincoln, residents voted for those folks on council. They get what they get and that council is hell bent on stuffing that MURS through in time to have it be a shiny beacon of hope by the time the next municipal election rolls around in Fall 2018. Again, the process and being straightforward and honest with the electorate would be a start. I work with the material and information I have. If someone thinks its wrong, please give me new or current information with which to work. I will do so happily.
News Now • Thursday, February 2, 2017 • Page 15
WL council should embrace “healthier” growth: reader Dear Editor, The Jan. 17 issue of Niagara West News (Niagara This Week) stated that, according to Doug Joyner, the passing of the MURS plan was West Lincoln Council’s greatest achievement. Many of the township’s rural residents would disagree and would instead call it a cynical betrayal of rural West Lincoln. The newspaper article states that the MURS will be financed by loans, development charges, property taxes, reserves and fundraising. It fails to mention that the mayor is also counting on getting $7.8 million dollars over 20 years from the wind company to help pay for it. Many rural residents feel that this money is “blood money”, intended to compensate the community for hardship caused during the installation and operation of the industrial wind turbines. There have already been many complaints of intolerable noise, disrupted sleep, sullied well water, dirty electricity, damaged health, deteriorating roads, butchered trees and degraded landscapes. Most council members either absolve themselves of responsibility for these issues, blaming the Green Energy
Letter Act, or insinuate that constituents appealing for help are activists, wing nuts or imagining their troubles. In the end, you did what politicians so often do when faced with a matter they don’t want to do anything about. You set up a committee. Predictably, the council has so far stonewalled this committee at every turn, and refused to set aside any money to mitigate problems caused by industrial wind turbines in rural West Lincoln. Meanwhile, you had no hesitation in budgeting $216,000 to pay a consultant to oversee fundraising for the MURS. Left with no help from the township, frustrated rural residents did their own fundraising to pay for sound equipment so the wind company can be held accountable and provides information and support to people affected by the turbines. The mayor says that a new MURS is needed to attract new people to Smithville and that it will “make this community a sustainable, walk-able, cycle-able community”. Some planners would say the mayor is wrong: that while sports are-
nas and cultural centres may attract some visitors, they are not sufficient to persuade people to live and work in a town. The amenities that most people want are good neighbourhood schools and pleasant, pedestrian friendly public places. There is already talk of closing schools in Smithville, and although some progress has been made in beautifying Smithville’s downtown, it still needs a lot of help. With its dingy concrete walls, rusted railings and asphalted road allowances, St Catherine Street looks more like freeway than a pleasant, interesting, safe public space. Its historic buildings and street trees have mostly been destroyed and replaced by ugly, uninspired buildings and bleak parking lots. It won’t be automatically transformed by a MURS. Build it, and they won’t necessarily come. In Pelham, they get this. The revitalization of downtown Fenwick should be an object lesson. The streets were rebuilt, power lines buried, and new brick sidewalks, decorative street lamps, planters and benches installed. A substantial part of the cost of refurbishing the downtown, making it more pedestrian
friendly and celebrating its history, was covered by a $2.7 million dollar federal grant. Property owners were encouraged to upgrade their buildings by revitalization grants. They did not build a new arena. They seem to get it in the old town of Oakville as well. Despite being a much more affluent community than Smithville, they did not demolish their old arena, built in 1950. Instead, they put their arena on their Heritage Register, designated it and will be refurbishing it in 2017. Rural West Lincoln
residents might be less angry and more supportive of the mayor’s plans for Smithville if they could see that they would get some benefit where they live from the hefty tax increase the MURS will require, and if the wind company’s blood money wasn’t being pre-empted to support growth in Smithville rather than help mitigate the impact of the wind turbines on the people who live closest to them. West Lincoln council should remember that their obsession with building anew is inextricably linked to
the abandonment of the old. This is already evident in Wellandport and Bismark, where I see too many blighted, derelict buildings, broken and heaving sidewalks, crumbling asphalt, overgrown weeds, litter and broken glass. If we continue to neglect our old neighbourhoods and communities, those who can will leave. It is time to embrace a healthier kind of growth, one that values existing places more than those which are only imagined. Naomi Brusse Wellandport
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