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CELEBRATING SUCCESS IN LINCOLN OVER THE PAST DECADE

Sho’aríshon Park

Bench Condos

EarlyOn Child and Family Centre

Message from Mayor Sandra Easton

As this term of Council and my tenure as Mayor of Lincoln comes to a close, I am proud to say that the Town of Lincoln is in a strong position financially, we are growing thoughtfully, and we are delivering real results for our residents.

Over the past decade, Lincoln has seen meaningful growth in both jobs and businesses.

These numbers tell an important story. They tell us that Lincoln is not just a great place to live; it is a place where businesses want to invest, grow, and succeed.

And that doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because we have:

» Invested in infrastructure

» Supported economic development

» Streamlined processes

» And created an environment where businesses feel confident putting down roots

I am proud of what we have accomplished together, protecting Lincoln’s character, supporting our local economy, managing growth responsibly, and investing in the future. Despite limited resources, we have remained thoughtful, practical, and focused on what matters most.

Lincoln’s future is bright because of its people. I am deeply grateful to those who have supported me, challenged me, and engaged in thoughtful and respectful dialogue. It has been an honour to serve, and I will always be proud to stand with Lincoln.

Message from Chief Administrative Officer, Michael Kirkopoulos

Lincoln continues to demonstrate strong confidence from the private sector, with several major investments taking shape across our community. Projects such as the new, rebuilt facility by Moyer’s Apple Products, the planned hotel development on Ontario Street, and the expansion of Inn on the Twenty in Jordan Village by Vintage Hotels reflect meaningful, long-term commitments to our local economy.

These investments the result of deliberate, sustained efforts by the Town to build a supportive environment for business. By prioritizing infrastructure, maintaining reliable services, and advancing clear, forward-looking plans, we are sending a consistent message: Lincoln is open for business.

Market conditions also play a role in shaping the pace of development. While municipalities can enable growth through planning and approvals, the timing of projects is ultimately influenced by broader economic factors.

Every municipality faces an infrastructure deficit. Roads, facilities, parks, and services all require ongoing investment. The question is not whether to invest, but how. In Lincoln, we have made a conscious choice – to invest responsibly, and to invest with purpose. That has meant taking on debt at times, but doing so in a way that is strategic, sustainable, and tied directly to building a better community.

Despite current economic headwinds, we continue to see steady progress. Projects are advancing, investment is being maintained, and confidence in Lincoln remains strong — positioning our community well for continued growth and opportunity.

New mayor will have big shoes to fill in Lincoln

With this being the last Lincoln Progress Magazine with Sandra Easton as Town of Lincoln’s mayor, it seems prudent to reflect on the municipality’s past and look ahead as well.

Lincoln has been fortunate to have the right mayor for the time going back to my arrival in Niagara in 1995.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Mayor Ray Konkle was at the helm then. Ray was (and STILL is) a mayor for the people driven by a deep passion for all things Lincoln - which was still a relative new handle for the municipality back in the 90s.

There were some very, very tough events which happened in town under Ray’s watch and he stood tall and weathered those difficult storms. I gained immense respect for him during those times.

Then came Bill Hodgson, who served as mayor from 2003-2014. He was school board trustee prior to that. Bill was a quiet, steady rudder of The Good Ship Lincoln. He brought in a series of reforms

which formed a base for the redevelopment and updating of much of the Town’s aging infrastructure.

That kind of work is not seen by many, much of it is underground, so it does not have much cachet but it makes the Town go.

That legwork done during Hodgson’s years set the table for the progressive nature and mindset of one Sandra Easton. Sandra has done a lot of very good things for the Town of Lincoln.

Some may argue too much, but if there was not a yin to the mayor’s yang, there would not be local politics then, would there.

Just a few of the key projects: the new Jordan Museum; redone Main Street Jordan; Rotary Park, Ashby Park and Charles Daley Park; the Youth Skills Studio, and; supporting the long development plan of Prudhomme’s Landing.

This fall, there will a new mayor for the Town of Lincoln with a white page, a clean slate, if you will. All that is left for them will be to fill in the page as well as their predecessors.

Grimsby Hyundai earns 2025 Hyundai President’s Award of Merit

Grimsby Hyundai has been honoured as a recipient of the 2025 Hyundai Auto Canada President’s Award of Merit, a prestigious recognition awarded to only 15 out of 225 dealerships across Canada.

Grimsby Hyundai has consistently demonstrated excellence in sales, service, parts, and guest satisfaction, earning this distinction for nine consecutive years.

Nestled along the scenic Niagara

Escarpment—offering a beautiful test drive route—Grimsby Hyundai stands out with its commitment to being “Worth the Drive. Worth the Difference.”

The dealership, along with its adjoining collision centre, proudly employs 73 full- and part-time team members dedicated to serving the community.

“We take pride in delivering a dealership experience that’s as friendly as it is professional,” says Mario Bruno, General Manager.

“Our team is dedicated to providing five-star service, ensuring every visit— whether for sales, service, parts, or collision—is effortless and enjoyable.”

Beyond exceptional service, Grimsby Hyundai is also pet-friendly—with Tucker, the dealership’s adorable mascot, often greeting guests.

A Strong Commitment to Community

Since opening its doors in 2012, Grimsby Hyundai has actively supported numerous local initiatives, including the Rotary Festival of Trees, West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, McNally House, Grimsby Benevolent Fund, West Lincoln Food Share, Grimsby Chamber of Commerce, Grimsby Public Library, Grimsby Public Art Gallery, and various local sports teams.

Mario Bruno and his family have been proud members of the Grimsby community for over 34 years. In 2024, Mario was recognized with the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Rotary Club of Grimsby for his contributions to the town.

With award-winning service and a deep commitment to giving back, Grimsby Hyundai continues to set the standard for excellence.

Grimsby Hyundai continues to set the standard for excellence.

Grimsby Hyundai’s mascot, Tucker.

The team at Grimsby Hyundai celebrates their ninth consecutive President’s Award of Merit recognition.

BROKERS Ralph Musitano / Torrin Fee / Rocco Mastromattei REALTORS ® Stephanie McIvor / Lynn Fee / Tracey Cerisano / Wendy Murray-Nicholson

A Decade of Consistent Growth in Lincoln

Nestled in the heart of the Niagara Benchlands, Lincoln is a vibrant, thriving community we’re proud to call home. Our vision — a Place to Grow, a Place to Prosper, a Place to Belong — isn’t just a slogan, it’s our way of life.

Over the past decade, we have Instilled a climate of probusiness mentality at Town Hall, including a concierge type service for businesses looking to locate or expand in Lincoln. We have done this by:

» Developing Pro-business policies such as our support for tourism, mainly the new DMO and the Niagara Benchlands brand

» Implementing a more digitized process for planning applications and permitting

» Expediting the planning process

» Collaborating with the Lincoln Chamber and our local Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA

» Enhancing communication with our business community through roundtables, digital newsletters, and buy local campaigns

» Launching our Work in Lincoln initiative which included job boards, job fairs, and other workforce development initiatives

Overall, Lincoln is a great place to do business, and we will continue to create a climate of investment, job creation and economic growth.

Permits & Construction

Pedal, Pour & Play: An Ebike spin around Benchland wine country

Where the hills roll gently toward the horizon and the vineyards catch the afternoon light, the Niagara Benchlands offer a kind of every day magic — the kind locals sometimes forget is theirs.

Ebike the Bench Wine Tours, now en tering its third season, encourages West Niagara residents to reconnect with that magic, exploring familiar roads and hid den corners by ebike in a way that feels both effortless and new.

From its home base — a creatively transformed 40‑foot shipping container affectionately called The Ship — at Vine land Estates Winery, this small but spir ited company welcomes riders every day from May through October. Guided and self‑guided routes invite locals to wander, pause, sip, and savour at their own pace.

With a fleet of 15 premium Specialized Ebikes, riders can glide over the region’s rolling terrain, stop at beloved wineries, and take in views they may have passed countless times — but with fresh eyes.

Whether you’re looking for a full day of freedom on two wheels or hoping to join one of the guided routes, ebike the Bench offers an easy, welcoming way to explore the region. Every adult — regardless of ex perience, comfort level, or physical ability

The

— can enjoy the ride, thanks to the smooth support of the ebikes and the relaxed pace of each outing. Feel free to stock up on wine and food offerings The e bike pan niers hold up to nine bottles of wine!

Locals can rent an ebike for the day or choose a curated tour, each designed to reveal favourite wineries, quiet backroads and the kind of views that make you fall in love with home again.

A lifelong cyclist with a passion for

wellness, founder Marilyn Bellows imag ined something more heartfelt than a typical wine tour — something active, accessible, and rooted in the place she calls home.

“I wanted to create a way for people right here in the community to connect with the land and with each other,” she explains. “Ebikes make that possible. They’re easy to use, fun to ride, and they turn a casual outing into a memory.”

As more Canadians seek meaningful experiences close to home, her vision resonates deeply. “We have everything you’re looking for is right here in your own backyard!”

This year, ebike the Bench expands its offerings with a new Adventure Series — hands‑on experiences that go beyond the bike, including the paddle and pour ‘kayaking/canoeing excursions to the only winery on the lake, stained glass workshops, and more.

Over 20 local wineries and small busi nesses have partnered to bring these experiences to life. They also offer per sonalized and curated experiences for corporate workshops and events.

To book or learn more, visit: ebench.com email: info@ebikethebench.com or phone: 289‑690‑2263

Guided Tours

Custom Packages

Tailored

Marilyn Bellows, owner of Ebike The Bench Wine Tours.

Robert Foster

Niagara Region | Councillor, Town of Lincoln

These days, Lincoln remains a happening place. The ongoing infrastructure needs to handle new development has been key for my role over the past years at the Region While construction can be a pain, long overdue improvements have finally been made, with more to come

It has been a pleasure serving our Town the past 8 years as the Regional Councillor No matter who is doing what in the next term of Council for Lincoln, a new focus is required for the long term of our community, focusing on needs and ensuring fiscal sustainability as a top priority.

I am pleased to be serving for our community in the following roles at Niagara Region:

• Chair, Corporate Services

• Member: Planning, Public Works, Audit, Procedural by-law & Waste Management

• Chair and Board member, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA)

• Niagara’s representative for SWIFT, south western Ontario’s broadband project (905) 563 7219

robert.foster@niagararegion.ca

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• Specializing in Dwarf & Unusual Evergreens, Japanese Maples, Rhododendrons, Bamboos

• A Gallery of Rare & Unusual Trees, Shrubs & Perennials

• Large array of plants for your landscape needs

• Many Specimen Plants Celebrating 50 years of plant expertise

Investments in Infrastructure Over the Last Three Terms of Council

The Town continues to make strategic investments in infrastructure and public spaces that are delivering farreaching benefits across the community. These initiatives are enhancing connectivity, safety, and overall quality of life, while also helping to position Lincoln for continued growth and investment. Some of these projects include:

Transportation projects: Jordan Village Improvement Project, Greenlane, Ontario Street, Aberdeen Road

Parks: Sho’aríshon Park, Rotary Park, Angelina Macri Prokich Park, Ashby Drive Park

Together, these projects are not only improving how residents move through and experience the community, but also creating vibrant, welcoming spaces that support recreation and connection. Importantly, these public investments are helping to drive private sector confidence.

Recent developments, such as the expansion of Inn on the Twenty in Jordan Village, highlight how the Town’s commitment to infrastructure and placemaking can directly support and attract further economic activity.

Keeping Residential Property Taxes Affordable Through Grants and

The Town of Lincoln continues to advocate and collaborate with partners at all levels of government to help improve housing affordability for all residents, creating a greater range of housing stock to meet all needs. Here is a snapshot of residential units and types of housing stock over the past decade.

More than simply a boutique

As you pass any of the facades of Donna’s Fashions three retail shops, one is immediately drawn to her marvelous window displays of elegant clothing.

When customers walk inside, an array of unique quality clothes and accessories are always on display and you’re greeted with a warm smile by an experienced salesperson ready to help with your shopping.

“Our employees are more than just advisers; they are talented stylists with lots of knowledge about our clothes and can help you build a wardrobe that will fit your body shape and needs,” says shop owner Donna Butler.

Picking up a few outfits to try on won’t be hard as the styles that Donna offers are timeless and fashionable.

It’s when you put it on and feel the quality and tailoring that you realize the pricing is on point.

“I always strive to bring the most value to the tag,” says Donna.

As well, Donna only brings highquality designer clothing, such as Montreal designer brands; Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman and Uchuu.

The majority of her inventory is Canadian.

Donna is passionate when it comes

to purchasing quality Canadian collections.

“I recognize the importance of buying local and I think lots of people in our area do too,” she says. Donna’s mission is to dress her clientele with style and elegance for high-end events or even just for a visit to the grocery store.

She herself takes pride in always being well put together with gorgeous garments.

Visit the Grimsby location and discover how Donna’s Fashion can upgrade your wardrobe with a few pieces which are sure to bring you many compliments.

While there, be sure to pick up your own Donna’s Fashions loyalty card, too!

Donna’s Fashion is proud to carry Canadian Designer Brands

DONNA BUTLER

Customers valued at Mountaineer Movers

When Mountaineer Movers celebrated 41 years of business in 2019, the team looked back into its past to remind themselves of the history the company has drawn from.

In 1951, Harry Mans immigrated to Canada from Holland with his family.

Harry’s first job was to work on the farm that sponsored them when they came to Canada.

“As our family got older, Harry saw the need for his family to work together. The family started delivering mail routes, then newspaper routes and soon flowers as well,” as Sarah Mans-Keddie recalls her late mother, Wendy Mans-Keddie, telling her.

“One day Harry saw an advertisement for a moving business that was up for sale. After some careful deliberation, he purchased the business name, Mountaineer Movers. Thus, the ‘family’ business began!”

The family’s consideration of their customers is what sets them apart.

“As a family, we understand and realize that moving can be one of the MOST stressful times in a person’s life,” says Sarah.

“We strive to remember that we are servicing a wide variety of people and demographics and they are confronting a major change in their lives. They are leaving a place they have called home for a new and unfamiliar place that will soon become their new haven.”

Sarah’s father, Andrew, who has over 40 years of experience, does all in-home estimates as well as Tom Ensign, an employee of several years, with Sarah overseeing the office administration.

“We would not be a moving company without our movers – our ‘guys’. These men make Mountaineer a continuing success,” notes Sarah.

The company’s philosophy

is simple, she noted, success is honesty.

“All in all – trust your instincts and treat all those around you, whether they are family, customers, or employees with respect, dignity and encouragement. This is our philosophy on running a successful and prosperous business,” says Andrew.

Andrew Keddie (holding Lola), with his daughter Sarah Mans-Keddie (holding Abby), late wife Wendy Mans-Keddie.

Growing a Strong Tourism & Visitor Economy

The Town, in collaboration with its partners, continues to make signiﬁcant strides in strengthening Lincoln’s proﬁle as a premier destination while supporting sustainable tourism and economic growth. Recent accomplishments highlight a coordinated approach to branding, partnerships, and investment attraction:

» Launch of a new destination brand, Niagara Benchlands, positioning Lincoln and the surrounding area as an international destination

» Establishment of a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) with the City of St. Catharines, including its ﬁrst Annual General Meeting earlier this year

» Recognition of the DMO with awards from the Economic Development Association of Canada and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario

» Pearl Morissette earning its second Michelin Star—an exceptional culinary achievement elevating the region’s global reputation

» Signiﬁcant investment in accommodations, including a new Hampton by Hilton and the expansion of Inn on the Twenty in Jordan Village

These milestones collectively reinforce Lincoln’s growing reputation as a vibrant, high-quality destination to live, work, and visit.

Town of Lincoln

Experience the charm of the Niagara Benchlands alongside the stories preserved at the LINCOLN MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTRE.

Enjoy the outdoors

Comfortable cover that keeps your space bright, cool, and ready, no matter how quickly the weather shifts.

Enjoy the outdoors the weather isn’t perfect.

Comfortable cover that keeps your space bright, cool, and ready, no matter how quickly the weather shifts.

Comfortable cover that keeps your space bright, cool, and ready, no matter how quickly the weather shifts. See What’s Possible for Your Backyard

Comfortable cover that keeps your space bright, cool, and ready, no matter how quickly the weather shifts.

VanAm pergolas, patio covers, and sunrooms filter harsh heat and UV while letting natural light pour through.

Create a space that feels cool, calm, and comfortable—whether the sun is blazing or the weather suddenly turns.

Built off-site so there’s no construction mess in your yard. Less cleanup + quick install = more time to enjoy the season!

See What’s Possible for Your Backyard vanamoutdoors.ca

All Our Services Are Free

Visiting Volunteers: 1:1 support and companionship for clients and caregivers in their home, hospital, or Long-Term Care.

Bereavement Support: (various locations in West Niagara): Grief support with others who understand. Call to register.

Legacy Program: Everyone has a story to tell. Our Legacy volunteers help clients create their life stories, resulting in a book to share with family and friends.

Essential Care Package Delivery Program: Care packages of soup, bread, treats provided by community partners and essential items are delivered monthly by our dedicated volunteers. Volunteers make sure everyone is ok and during the visit and connect the client to additional community resources as needed.

LINCOLN VOTES26

2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION

GET INVOLVED AND MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT!

THE 2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTION IS YOUR CHANCE TO HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY

Whether you’re thinking of running for ofﬁce or planning to vote, your participation matters. Local decisions affect your daily life, from roads and parks to services and growth.

THINKING OF RUNNING?

FIND MY WARD

Ward boundaries have changed. Check your ward at the Town’s Community Map.

For full details and updates, visit: lincoln.ca/ council-administration/ municipalelection

Nominations open May 1, 2026 and close August 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

If you’re passionate about local issues and committed to public service, consider putting your name forward. Serving on Council is a rewarding way to contribute your voice and leadership. Certiﬁed candidates will be announced August 24, 2026.