> Niagara Region approves “exploratory conversations” re WLMH funding /Pg 3 >WLM Auxiliary hosts fundraising dinner Pg 6 > Big Brothers/Sisters event rolls on Pg 7 > “Coldest Night” participants walk streets Pg 8 Thursday, February 27, 2020 Vol. 8 Issue 44
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Grimsby considers historic tax increase By Mike Williscraft NewsNow Grimsby council has recommended an historic budget - complete with a 16.7 per cent increase on the local portion of residents’ tax bills - last week which included many firsts. Included among the firsts: • It could be the first time any council approved a budget with so high an increase; • It was the first time a council approved funding - $250,000 - for a door-to-door transportation system; • Council voted to hire permanent staff for communications and economic development for the first time; • After being obligated to a $2.5 million commitment to West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s rebuild initiative more than two decades ago, council implemented a funding formula for those funds as well as the
additional $9.5 million which will be also needed in the new funding formula for the WLMH rebuild; • Council voted to hire new staff for an economic development officer for the first time, and; • A record level of $350,000 - ramped up by an additional $250,000 from its $100,000 2019 level - has been earmarked to support costs for the Town’s legal battles on planning matters. Very little was reduced from the budget presentation which came to council which initially proposed an 18.46 per cent increase on the Town portion. The updated budget document will come to council at its regular meeting next Monday, March 2 to be ratified. In voicing his support for many of the budget items, Coun. Randy
West Lincoln
Fire reserve sparks debate By Tristan Marks NewsNow Printers ran dry with motion after motion as West Lincoln council debated the 2020 capital and administrative budget at its Monday meeting, Feb. 24. After some raised voices and admitted confusion, council passed an amended budget with a total levy of just over $7.5 million, a 6.69 per cent hike on the municipal portion, or $76 on
an average assessed home of $382,000. The township’s Administration/Finance/ Fire Committee had previously recommended a 7.79 per cent increase, but debate got that lowered slightly. Coun. William Reilly, who had voted in favour of the initial premotion, asked council to pull that specific item for the Council to consider, as he had See BUDGET, Page 5
Good to give
Vaine noted the increase sounded like a lot more than it really is, if one just looks at the percentage hit on the Town portion. He has repeatedly stated the proposed percentage based on the combined property tax bill was much more modest. As noted, the Town portion increase is 16.7 per cent, while the overall combined increase - including Region and school board impacts - is 8.1 per cent or $352 on a home with an average assessment of $444,000. At several points in the threehour-plus meeting Coun. Lianne Vardy questioned council’s need to adopt all the items suggested in the budget outline. Vaine actually offered a motion to add another $40,000 item to revive the Town’s support of the Grimsby Gateway tourism kiosk, an initiative
George Prins knows the importance of giving. He has donated blood 200 times as of Feb. 14. Prins is pictured here with his grandson, Elijah Oliveira. For more on this story, see Page 13. Marks - Photo
which was cut by the Grimsby Economic Development Advisory Committee. The budget does include a $7,000 spend for some sponsorship at Gateway, but the reduction in support could prove catastrophic, according to project management. “I keep coming back to what we can afford,” said Vardy, noting there was no prioritization done in the document. “Everything in the budget is great, wonderful things. When I consider what is most important, this is not it. We have to make some reductions somewhere.” Other than a couple of minor items which were deferred to 2021’s budget, there were no changes. Vardy noted her concerns regarding the record-level tax increase See TAXES, Page 2
Page 2 • News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020
TAXES
From Page 1 come just prior to an MPAC property evaluation adjustment which is expected to push tax bills considerably higher - unless council opts to reconfigure the taxation formula to offset some of any impact. “This is the kind of thing that is going to drive people from their homes. I think shaving off six per cent is something we can do,” said Vardy to no avail. Vaine disagreed. “I think the overall budget is great. The Town has been starved,” said Vaine. To set the table for the budget discussions, CAO Harry Schlange noted many shortcomings in the decisionmaking of previous councils. Among his comments, his said council missed an opportunity in 2010 to address a gap in infrastructure funding which other municipalities in Niagara did do. “The Town did not take advantage of that in 2010,” said Schlange, noting previous councils depleted reserves more than they should have as he noted a chart showing the decline. “That line (on the chart) should have been going the opposite way.” Citing several factors, Schlange said, “This is the time to invest.” WLMH INVESTMENT Council’s plan to generate its $12 million portion of funds for the WLMH includes $200,000 increments being added to the budget for four years. After the fourth year, $800,000 will be included. “Estimated annual debt service of $800,000 per year starting in 2024 for 20 years (will be includ-
ed),” reads the budget proposal. When the initial rebuild project was put in place in 2000, the projected cost was $25 million with $12.5 million (50 per cent) being the Niagara West requirement. Now in 2020, the projected cost is $200 million for WLMH with $60 million being the Niagara West requirement (30 per cent). TRANSIT With an expenditure of $250,000, council opted into Niagara Region-run inter-municipal transportation plan. Lincoln and Pelham councils have eliminated their local transit systems to implement on-demand services, which includes door-todoor service. After Vardy noted concern with adding to Grimsby dollars flowing to the Region and suggesting the item be deferred to see what direction Lincoln and Pelham take on transit, Schlange made an unusual move to engage council in the debate. Schlange said he looked at previous Grimsby reports which suggested spending as much as $1 million on a transit proposal and told council now is the time “to get in on the ground floor and shape the program.” “Thank you for your opinion,” said Vardy, adding she was supportive of the concept, but a wait-and-see attitude could be beneficial. “We have the opportunity to wait and see what other municipalities are doing,” she said. Coun. Reg Freake agreed noting council should be looking for a way to cut back from the initially proposed 18.6 per cent budget increase. “This is one of the
$4,489
$1,246
16.7%
4.68%
$172
8.09%
$352
A slide from Grimsby’s budget presentation with updated values. items we have to look at for a possible cut,” said Freake. “It’s something we’ve been talking about for a year. It’s time to get on with it,” said Vaine. When the conversation turned to a transit survey conducted last year, it was noted that 96 per cent of taxpayers wanted a transit service if it was free and that support constantly dropped dramatically as proposed fees were suggested. The proposal includes a $1 per ride fee, with Niagara Region subsidizing the remainder. Coun. Dorothy Bothwell noted that Town of Lincoln’s ULinc program came in with an end cost of $132/ride as all said and done, so opting into the regional program makes sense. Mayor Jeff Jordan also noted the Town needs to have a transit program in play to tie in with GO Transit initiatives. “This is one time I can say it is good the previous council didn’t jump in,” said Jordan. “Now is a good spot to jump in. There is security in numbers; coupling with GO, pointto-point transit and it will move the Town of Grimsby forward. We cannot afford not to do this.” Council approved of budget items on a line-
by-line basis. On transit, a recorded vote was called with only Vardy dissenting. STAFF HIRES Hiring new staff for communications positions also went to a recorded vote with Freake, Vardy and Bothwell opposing, while Vaine, Coun. Dave Sharpe, Coun. John Dunstall, Coun. Kevin Ritchie, Coun. Dave Kadwell and Jordan voting in favour. Staff for economic development ($95,000), communications ($117,000), a park specialist ($80,000) and a recreation programmer ($84,000) will also be added in 2020. The park specialist was a recommended hire in a Town report 30 years ago, but was part of past council’s ignoring of needs, said Vaine. STUDY FUNDING The budget includes funding for several studies and resources for a variety of issues. Council has planned: • $50,000 for an Irish Grove Woodlot study; • $100,000 for a downtown parking study; • $100,000 for a Grimsby Beach Land Use Planning Study, and; • $100,000 for a Main Street East Cultural Heritage Landscape Study. The latter set off another debate among
councillors who argued about the scope and terms of reference for the heritage study. Confusion set in when Coun. Sharpe suggested the downtown parking study could be merged with the second phase of the Main Street street study. Coun. Bothwell explained the two studies will be very different: the parking study would be a land use analysis under the Planning Act, while the Main Street study will be a historic and culturaloriented study under the Ontario Heritage Act. Vaine questioned spending any funds on the Main Street study at all. “Do we need to spend the $100,000 for this study?” asked Vaine, “Plus we have the Grimsby Beach one.” Dunstall lamented the current council’s decision to kill the hospital corridor land use planning study launched by the previous council. “To allow for expanded facilities to support the hospital on Main East was the plan for the corridor study,” noted Dunstall. Vardy noted all members of council ran in the 2018 election with responsible development planning as part of their platform. She noted she and Kadwell
had participated in a meeting with a large group of concerned citizens and committed to supporting the Main Street heritage study. Coun. Ritchie said the proposal of what is to be done did not have enough specifics, citing a series of items he had “looked up” under a definition of a secondary plan. Bothwell explained to Ritchie all the language he said he wanted was already in the Town’s Official Plan. “That is why I say refer to the Official Plan,” said Bothwell. “It is all in the Official Plan as part of the process.” When Ritchie contested the name of the proposal should be the Main Street East Study, as it as offered in the budget report, Bothwell noted that title was incorrect and needed to be changed to the working title used in all previous discussions, Main Street East Cultural Heritage Landscape or Heritage Conservation District Study. Kadwell confirmed what Vardy had said. “It’s important to look at what we have and how we want it to look in the future, so I will be supporting the study,” said Kadwell. Minutes later, while a recorded vote was being conducted, Kadwell actually voted against the study proposal. After a couple of other councillors had voted giving Freake a chance to explain to Kadwell he had voted against something he said he was going to support - Kadwell changed his vote. The final tally on the recorded vote to support the heritage study was: Bothwell, Freake, Kadwell, Sharpe, Vardy and Jordan in favour. Ritchie, Vaine and Dunstall against.
News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • Page 3
Region to start WLMH funding considerations By Mike Williscraft NewsNow On occasion, getting a political ball rolling can be the biggest challenge for any major initiative. Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton is hoping that proves true after getting Niagara Region staff to start “exploratory conversations” regarding potential funding opportunities for West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. Regional council approved a motion put forward by Easton at its Feb. 20 meeting which could prove key to reaching the current $60 million local fundraising goal for the proposed WLMH rebuild which has a price tag set at $200 million. The motion reads: “That staff from Niagara Region BE DIRECTED to begin to formally discuss and engage in exploratory conversations with staff from all three West Niagara municipalities respecting a new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital to determine next steps and any potential options for consideration pertaining to funding opportunities from Niagara Region.”
Easton noted the motion also received full support from Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan, West Lincoln Mayor Dave Bylsma, Lincoln Reg. Coun. Rob Foster and West Lincoln Reg. Coun. Albert Witteveen. Grimsby Reg. Coun. Wayne Fertich was on vacation. “The rebuilding of the hospital is a pivotal issue facing West Niagara, and one that all three local area councils have endorsed as being a priority for our communities. There is a role for the Region to play in the rebuilding of the hospital, and my hope is that staff from the respective municipalities will come together to discuss how we can move this priority project forward,” said Easton after the meeting. WLMH Action Committee cochair Tony Joosse is also hoping Niagara Region comes through. “Niagara Region needs to invest in our hospitals throughout the region. They have in the past with St. Catharines. Now it is our time in Niagara West, the fastest growing part of Niagara,” said Joosse.
(Left-Right) Barb Van Geest, Jo Nichol, Ev Page and Iris Rapko were among Rose Cottage’s first volunteers who stayed with the organization for many years before retiring. They had a reunion of sorts at last week’s Friday in February event at the Forty Public House in support of the Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers. Marks - Photo
Fridays in February wraps this week Last week’s Fridays in February event at the Forty Public House marks the second-tolast in the weekly charity concert series. The beneficiary for that week was the Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers (RCVV), who came out en masse to
support the event and enjoy the live music of Chris Saylor. RCVV executive director Sherry Cain was thankful for the support. “We do not yet have a number from the Forty, however, there was a lot of generous
donations throughout the night from supporters and community members attending the event,” she said. Fridays in February wraps up on Feb. 28 with a concert from B.J. Frid in support of the Grimsby Benevolent Fund.
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Page 4 • News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020 To let us know about your community event, email to: catherine@wn3.ca or call 289-235-9500
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 Prime Time Seniors’ lunch and program at St Ann’s Community Church, 5425, Twenty Mile Rd, Smithville. Wed., March 4, 11:30-1:30 Meal provided. Free will offering. Please join us. Meaningful Conversations hosted by the Baha’i community. Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Livingston Activity Centre. March 4 Overcoming our Differences. March 11 - Finding Purpose in our Lives Pre-Teen Dance for Students in Grades 4 to 8, Fri., March 6, 7-10 pm. Peach King Arena, Grimsby. $10. at the door MUSIC: by DJ Maurice of RJM Sounds. Door Prize: and Four Dance Prizes. Profit To: Renovate MacKids Paediatric Cancer Ward - Teen Lounge. World Day of Prayer Friday, March 6, 2 p.m. hosted by St. Helen Church, 4106 Mountain St. in Beamsville. Focus this year is on women of Zimbabwe. Global event is led by women of all denominations together in hope, faith, justice, solidarity and respect. Refreshments to follow. All are welcome to attend. ‘SoulSaysYou’ Sara Weiss and Gerard Petcshe – SunRob Golfi_NewsNowSPEC.pdf day March 8 will be leading 1
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spiritual worship through music at 11 am at the Jordan Station United Church, 4105 Bridgeport Drive, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0 phone (905) 562-4454 - ALL ARE WELCOME St. Patrick’s Day Community Luncheon March 13 from 11:30am to 1pm, at the Lincoln Centre (4361 Central ave. Beamsville) $10/person. Irish stew, dessert, tea and coffee. Info: Gord 905-4015812 St-Patrick’s Day event in profit of Rose cottage Visiting Volunteers March 17th at Smoke and Moonshine restaurant in Beamsville. Half price appetizers from 3 to 6pm and Entertainment by Olearia from 5:30pm to 9pm. Silent auction, $5 tap wine and beer. Receive a coupon for a FREE of beignets with a $10 donation to Rose Cottage. Ham & Turkey Roll at St. Helen’s Church, Saturday March 28 at 4106 Mountain St. in Beamsville. Come out to win big! Doors open at 6 p.m., roll begins at 7 p.m. Event is fully licensed and admission is free. Prizes include lottery draws: 1st prize - $1500, 2nd prize - $500 and 3rd prize $200 2019-03-05 12:21 PM 2020 Workshop series -
Acrylics presented by Anne More March 28. All workshops sponsored by the Lakeside Pumphouse Artists’ Association. Session from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Registration fee $50 for LPAA members, $55 for non-members. Info: grimsbylpaa.org Giant CFUW Book Sale Sat. April 18 9-1 at the Livingston activity Centre. Donations gracefully accepted Fri. April 17 9am to 5pm. Info 905945-2433. Proceed to scholarship fund. REVOLVING EVENTS Beamsville Toastmasters Want to know how to speak courageously? Looking to enhance your leadership skills? We can help! Join us every Thurs. 7 pm at Beamsville District Secondary School in Wing #2, Room 117, 4317 Central Ave., Beamsville. Next meeting Feb 20. Contact Lydia @ 289241-4705. Thursday at ten at the Livingston activity center. Every Thursday, new topic. Feb 27 “Travel - Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand”- Earl Clint Mar 5 “The Good Shepherd and Youth Services”- L. Hill-Finnamore Mar 12 “Ellen Osler Home - Dundas” - M. Ward, Salvation Army Mar 19
“Stress and Meditation” - Karen Cummings Mar 26 “Black History - Soldiers in WWI” -D. Ford Apr 2 Bus Trip, Cambridge - “Kinky Boots” Apr 9 “McFarland House - Then and Now a Part of Niagara’s Story” Alzheimer’s Men’s Support & Social Group for caregivers whose wives are living with dementia. The meeting is held every second Tuesday of each month at the Peach king Centre 162 Livingston avenue Grimsby (PKCBoardroom on the 2nd floor). Next meeting March 10. info call 905-687-3914 or 905329-2302 Tops Chapter ON4657 (real people, real weight loss) weekly meetings on Thursday nights (next meeting Feb 20), weigh in is at 6-6:45pm with a meeting to follow. St. Alban’s Church, 4341 Ontario St, Beamsville. New members are always welcome, 1st meeting free. Check out tops. org or email topsON4657@ gmail.com. The Soroptimist Club of Stoney Creek-Niagara, meets on the second Monday of each month at Stoney Creek’s Municipal Building at 777 Hwy. 8 at 6:30 p.m. We are a global volunteer network of women working to
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improve the lives of women & girls. See you March 9. Call Marg. @ 905-628-3198 St. Helen Bingo - Progressive Jackpot Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Beamsville Legion: $1,400 and Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at St. Helen Church: $2,500. Also, thousands of dollars in cash prizes every week. Admission is free. Hot food is available. Info: 905562-7427 Grimsby Legion Branch 127 Friday night Entertainment 8:30-12pm, various bands, karaoke, etc. Meat Draws -3:00pm Saturdays, Saturday Night Dance – 9pm1am, Sunday, 12-6pm, NFL Football on the Big Screen, Kitchen open, Everyone is welcome to all events. Smithville Legion Jan. events. Weekly: Mon – Sun Free Pool Open to Close. Tues. Cribbage 2-4 pm. Thurs. Euchre 2-4 pm. Sun. Kiwanis Bingo 8-9pm... Friday February 21st Progressive Euchre 7pm. Sat. February 22nd Candy Bar Bingo 10am Thurs. February 27th Chicken and Pasta Dinner 5:30pm.$12 General Public $10 Members and Seniors, $8 Veterans and Kids 10 and under. Interested in becoming a member? See a bar steward for more details! 905-957-3935
BUDGET
From Page 1 come across new information which led him to reconsider. Among his concerns, Reilly highlighted a $76,000 fire reserve item, which he noted seemed to go “by many names” in the budget report including “fire truck reserve, fire equipment reserve” and so on. He said this would be “confusing for council”. Reilly also said that he wanted another opportunity to consider lowering the tax levy. “Can more be done?” he asked. Coun. Mike Rehner voiced his support for Reilly’s suggestion, saying the proposed levy increase was “by far the highest I’ve ever seen.” He said such a large increase comes at a time where residents, especially those on fixed incomes, are concerned about paying for the community centre. “We’ve been taxing them pretty heavily over
these past few years,” said Rehner. “We need to slow down and smell the roses.” “There’s $250,000 in the budget for MURS staff, but not an inch for tar and chipping roads,” he added. Coun. Jason Trombetta picked up on Rehner’s point on the road maintenance. He pointed out that road upgrades were in the Township’s strategic plan, but not in the budget. “This just shows that the strategic plan isn’t working,” said Trombetta, who called for a council to either work the strategic plan or change it to something which would get support. After debate, council considered deferring the $76,000 fire reserve item and a part-time administrative fire department position to 2021. Mayor Dave Bylsma warned against this option, saying that deferring these items would already set West Lincoln
for a five per cent levy tax increase next year due to other deferrals already in place. Bylsma also made the argument that West Lincoln’s taxes are not only the lowest in the Region, but are actually decreasing relative to other municipalities. He specifically named Grimsby, and noted their council is considering a tax hike of more than 16 per cent. Coun. Chris Coady echoed the mayor’s concerns, adding council has done too much deferring in the past. “We might have closer to 18 per cent when we go up for re-election at the end of this term,” warned Coady. Coun. Cheryl Ganann was skeptical of this line of reasoning. “The five per cent is not five percent, it’s actually closer to three per cent,” said Ganann. “Three per cent going forward is not a good thing, but it’s better than five per cent.” “We also need to deal
with this year,” she added. Coun. Reilly introduced a motion to amend the budget to remove the fire reserve item and the part-time position from the budget and defer it for next year. A recorded vote of 4-3 carried the motion with Ganann, Rehner, Reilly and Trombetta voting for, and Coady, Jonker and Bylsma against. Council then voted on the amended budget with a tax levy increase of 6.18 per cent compared to 7.79. However, this budget was rejected in a recorded vote of 4-3. Ganann, Reilly and Bylsma voted for the motion, but Coady, Jonker, Rehner and Trombetta voted against. Mayor Bylsma said he was confused why councillors “flip-flopped” their vote after passing the amendment. Coun. Trombetta defended his decision by saying he wanted the money freed up through the amendment put into
News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • Page 5
paving roads. He also accused the mayor of pushing the motion through without allowing any discussion or questions. Coun. Coady interrupted him out of turn saying that the mayor actually did allow comment, which prompted a back-and-forth between the councillors and the mayor. As debate returned to order, Jonker corroborated Coady’s point that Bylsma did allow for discussion. Coady also defended his decision to vote against the budget. “What we passed here tonight is not what we passed the other night,” he said. Jonker was able to solve the confusion on how to proceed after council voted down its budget by introducing a motion to reconsider it. He said that he had an amendment to Reilly’s amendment that he wanted to introduce. The amendment involved bringing the
part-time fire administrator position back into the budget, leaving the $76,000 reserve item deferred to 2021. It was during the process of printing off this series of motions that the council chamber’s printer ran out of ink. Jonker’s amendment passed, leaving council to reconsider a final tax increase of 6.69 per cent. The final recorded vote passed this amended budget 5-2. Only Rehner and Trombetta voted against the motion. Later, during council remarks, Bylsma thanked and commended the councillors for coming together in the end. “I know things got a little hairy, but we pulled together and pulled this off,” said Bylsma. Trombetta also returned his regards to the mayor for leading the council through the confusion, noting, “You did a good job keeping things going,” said Trombetta to the mayor.
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.
Ta k i ng re gis t rat io nf MARCH BR o r: EAK
BEAMSVILLE March Break 14-17 Weeke nds March 28 GRIMSBY March Break 18-21 Nights March 30
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/
AND TAkE NOTICE that Interim Control By-law No. 2005 will be in effect for a period of one year from the date of passing, and may be extended by Council for an additional one-year period 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 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
Page 6 • News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020 905.945.4161 www.grimsbyford.com
FOOD, FUN & SPIRITS
Auxiliary cooks up a good time
36 Main St. West, Grimsby
30 Main St. West, Grimsby
(Bottom Right) WLM Auxiliary volunteer Sheila Clark prepares some creme brulee dessert for guests at the organization’s lasagna dinner last Friday at Mountainview Reformed Church in Grimsby. (Bottom Left) WLM Auxiliary volunteer Agnes Hyma pours some hot coffee.
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• $10 gift certificate courtesy of Teddy’s Food, Fun & Spirits, Eric Heinen • $10 Gift Card courtesy of Tim Hortons Grimsby, Cody Gratton • $10 gift certificate courtesy of Cole’s Florist, Allison Brand • Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Amici’s Pizza, Ben Roller • Two 60-minute massages, courtesy of Ontario College, Jose Parry • Peach Kings Prize Pack (4 tickets, snacks for a home game), John Jackson • $10 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire Grimsby, Gary Dandridge Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings. © NHLPA. Officially Licensed Product of the NHLPA. NHLPA, National Hockey League Players’ Association and the NHLPA logo are trademarks of the NHLPA
Top Standings
1. Thibault, Dave ........1190 2. Shaw, Dustin ..........1159 3. Crunch....................1155 4. Kralt, Peter ............1152 5. Dore, Jim ................1149 6. Thibault, Quintyn ..1146 7. Kusy, Wally .............1145 8. Zuidersma, John ....1145 9. Lecinski, Gene .......1144
Guests at the lasagna dinner (L-R) Marie McNiven, Linda Barrett, Bev Lougheed and Kathy Senior share some laughs. Marks - Photos
10. Grant, Robert .....1143 11. Bailey, Mickey ......1143 12. Graham, Dave .....1141 13. Nash, Dana ..........1138 14. Snowden, Kyle.....1137 15. Shaw, Diana..........1137 16. Granny, Pryde .....1136 17. Woodworth, Don1136 18. Houtby, Ron ........1135
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Fantasy friends
The Rotary Club of Grimsby divided up more than $20,000 raised through its Fantasy of Trees event, presenting funds to a number of charities earlier this month. Present were (L-R) Jim Howden, Jim Noordemeer, Amanda Pyper, Matha Kralt, Alan Smith, Margaret Andrewes, Dave Vandersteen, Sue Shipley, Jodi Healy, France Vallencourt, Marilyn Cornwell, Little Sister, Nicole Regehr Big Sister Erica Maritinello with Little Sister, Barbara Jackson, Marie McNiven, Werner Unger, Sherry Cain, Colleen Laverdiere, Wally Wyshniowsky, Janet Oaks and Bill Thompson.
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The Bowl for Kids Sake kicked off last Saturday with Big Brother Big Sisters (BBBS) of North & West Niagara running glow-in-the-dark bowling at Parkway Social in St. Catharines. The event is not over yet. There is still room for six more teams for Saturday, Feb. 29 at 6 p.m. Registration costs $60PP. For more information or to register visit: bbbsmentors.ca
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The MNP Debt team (L-R) Justin Zottl, Bethany Zottl, Janice Banbury, Rachel Alraun, Andrew Alraun, Linda Barnsley, Jon Barnsley, Bonnie Gagnon played at last weekend’s Bowling for Kids Sake event. Big Brothers Big Sister can still squeeze in some teams for next weekend.
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Page 8 • News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020
Response far from cold at ‘Coldest Night’ of the Year Participants volunteers and donors flocked to this year’s Coldest Night of the Year walk. The event, which was hosted by the Niagara Region YWCA at Mountainview Christian Reformed Church last Saturday, had over 200 walkers and raised just under its goal of $50,000 by the end of the night. These proceeds will go to support the YWCA’s West Niagara Affordable Housing Program. The organization will continue to accept donations online through to March 31. Those interested in giving their support can visit cnoy.org/location/westniagara.
Dave McClung submits his pledge and signs up to walk with the help of Sharon Rizzuto. (Above) 10 km walkers (L-R) Carly Davidson, Jayme Cunningham, Jessica McCourt, Josh Jarvis and Russell Friesen represented UNIFOR 199 at the event. (Left) Bob Franks and John Lampman (right) of the Grimsby District Lions Club were in charge of the event closing chili cook-off. Story and Photos By Tristan Marks
Walkers for the 10 km route kickstart the evening from the event’s starting line. There were also 2 km and 5 km walks available later that night.
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News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • Page 9
Show up at town hall March 2: writer Dear Editor: Thanks to our Grimsby council’s budget deliberations on Feb. 18, we can get a sense of the way democracy is going to fare in the new Committee of the Whole system. In two words: not well. Grimsby’s 2020 budget was introduced by three senior staff members: CAO Harry Schlange; chief financial officer Steve Grunninger; and Rec, Parks, and Culture director Sarah Sweeney. Each presented budget items which, for the most part, were immediately considered with a yea or nay vote. Unlike previous years, there was no substantial back and forth between department personnel and councillors asking for insight into any particular spending request. So, it continued, until consideration of funding of the Welcome Centre tourist information kiosk. Suddenly, discussion with depth; options other than those presented by staff, were being explored. Still, this debate was a pale substitute for budget preparation discussion of previous years. There seemed to be no contribution from standing committees. There was no time for consolidating department budgets into a preliminary budget; let alone, time for an initial priority setting session by the Committee of the Whole. Instead, Grimsby gets one night of budget consideration and then immediate passage. For the first time, Grimsby residents had no opportunity for input into the preparation of the department budgets, for the setting of priorities, or for even a bit of time to mull over these choices. The implication of council’s embrace of the Committee of the Whole
LETTER approach to governance in Grimsby is now clear: Nothing to see here. Move along. Move along. Council abdicated its responsibility to openly, publicly and transparently arrive at its budget decisions. Grimsby’s budget is now essentially crafted in the back rooms of town hall. Staff, in its new role as “Team Grimsby,” now develops and is the filter for information, rightly introduced and considered by elected officials. Do you remember voting to allow town staff to decide things for you, without your input? CAO Schlange noted the budget document brings “aspirations to implementation”. As Grimsby residents, we should ask whose aspirations? The metrics cited by staff are cockeyed. A budget unveiled 45 days early, but with no meaningful input by residents, and formed from staff’s interpretation of “Council’s Strategic Priorities and Resolutions (requests)” is not democracy in action. Where exactly was the “community engagement” trumpeted by CAO Schlange. “Several meetings, some off site”, were held by staff of the various departments to develop the budget. Do you remember an invite? Me either. And this budget, approved by the Committee of the Whole, is the model for how democracy is going to unfold in Grimsby, now and in the future? Really? Now is the time for residents of Grimsby to stop telling me you totally agree with my letters to the editor, and council deserved the rant I gave them on Feb. 3, 2020. It’s time for you to make phone calls, write emails (phone numbers and addresses available at
grimsby.ca), and attend the council meeting on March 2, 2020. Let them know what you think. As a community, we need to tell council open democracy is essential to the people of Grimsby. We didn’t vote for, and were not consulted, on the change to this faulty Committee of the Whole. They say, “you get the government you deserve”. If you do nothing, then, you deserve what you get. Stacy McNeill Grimsby
New WL Chamber exec
The WL Chamber of Commerce confirmed its 2020 board at its AGM last Thursday. The new board includes (Back, L-R) Lou Stranges, treasurer; Rob Wood, president; Ron Smith; Paul Robertson, vice-president; (Front, L-R) Cheryl Gannan; Jennifer Ahlsted; Melanie Felvus; Alejandra Wichartz; Elizabeth Cervi; Justin Van Hoffen; and Harold Jonker, board liaison. Absent was Melissa Vandenbrink. Submitted Photo
3rd Annual
Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive
“The newspaper is a greater treasure to the people than uncounted millions of gold.” - Henry Ward Beecher Dear Reader,
It is that time of year, again, for us to humbly seek your support. Over the last several weeks, many readers have ventured in our door asking if it was time to renew their volunteer pay subscriptions. It is that time. To be extremely clear, everyone who chooses to should be and continue to receive their weekly edition of NewsNow regardless of any contribution made to support our LOCAL, independent community Newspaper. NewsNow has continued to not only survive but grow slowly in the face of corporate competition and limited digital media pressure and we look forward to serving our dedicated readers and advertisers in the decade to come and long beyond!
Based on the excellent feedback from last year’s volunteer pay subscription drive, we are launching Year 3! 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!!!! The one thing we have adjusted is the suggested amound - but any amount is greatly appreciated - for the suggested donation amount after the vast majority who supported us said, “Why so cheap?” For that reason:
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 Happy New Year to all,
1 Mountain Street, L3M 3J6, Grimsby • 289-235-9500
Mike Williscraft Publisher
Page 10 • News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020
Grimsby Scouts celebrate Scout week with free community skate The 1st North Grimsby Scouting group wrapped up Scout/Guide in Grimsby with a free community skate at the Peach King Centre last Sunday. The scouting group boasts over 60 youth participants, who learn about outdoor adventure, community involvement and environmental
(Left) Beaver scout Thomas Boyd laces up to go skating on the Peach King Arena rink last Sunday.
awareness. They are mentored by 15 adult scouters. “We’re happy to support youth leadership along the Canadian Path,” said group administrator Lori Laird. She also gave a shout out to Grimsby Legion Branch 127 which sponsors the scouting group.
(Below) (L-R) Margaret Lee, Terri Boulman, Lori Laird, Charlie Staples and Jack Laird from 1st North Grimsby Scouting Group were on hand for the free community skate sponsored by the group. Marks - Photos
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Livingston Activity Activity Centre Livingston Show Dates & Curtain Centre Times 18 Livingston Livingston Ave. Grimsby 18 Ave. Grimsby April 23-25by Grimsby7:30 pm Sponsored Seniors Club
Sponsored Seniors Club April 26 by Grimsby2:00 pm Tickets Senior Club Members Show Dates Tickets & Curtain Times April 23-25 7:30 pm (Please pick up at Office) Senior Club Members Non-Members April 23-25 7:30 pm$12 April 26 pm atGroups (Please 2:00 pick-up Office)of 20 or more
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News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • Page 11
With Thanks & Appreciation It is well worth noting that a project of this size and scope of the West Lincoln Community Centre is not completed by a few people. This facility is called a community centre because it is built by the community. I’d like to acknowledge Councils past and present for their commitment to the creation of this cultural hub. With grateful enthusiasm, West Lincoln commends both the willing contributors and the team that worked fervently to coordinate this community support. Dave Bylsma Mayor Township of West Lincoln
T: 905-957-3346 F: 905-957-3219 www.westlincoln.ca
318 Canborough St. P.O. Box 400 Smithville, ON L0R 2A0
Page 12 • News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020
classifieds 289-235-9500 takin’ care of business sports business HELP WANTED
Part-time Servers required. Will Train.
Please call to place your Classified Ad OBITUARY
Aita Herdman (nee Jaks)
It is with profound sadness that the family announces that Aita Herdman passed away at Albright Manor on Sunday February 23, following a brief battle with cancer. Aita was in her 82nd year and is survived by her husband of over 62 years, Bruce, her children, Patricia, Bruce Jr. (Sarah), Linda (Julian) and Karl (Kelly). She will be lovingly remembered by her nine grandchildren: Aita, Helen, Laura, Daniel, Evelyn, Natalie, Lucas, Nicholas, and Kelsey; and five great grandchildren. Family and friends will always remember her as a loving, fun and caring person who enjoyed gatherings, celebrations, arts and crafts and travel. As a young child, Aita and her mother fled the Russian invaders of her native Estonia in 1944 and lived for several years in Sweden before immigrating to Canada in 1951. A gifted artist, Aita studied oil and watercolour painting at Pennsylvania’s Delaware Valley School of Art, California’s Diablo Valley School of Art and the Dundas Valley School of Art in Dundas, Ontario. In 1991 she earned her degree in fine arts from Mohawk College. Special thanks to Dr. Jessica Graham and the compassionate staff of Albright Manor for the care they provided. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Gathering will take place at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY on Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. with Tributes at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Dundas Valley School of Art would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
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SUPPORT GROUP Alzheimer’s Men’s Support & Social Group for caregivers whose wives are living with dementia. The meeting is held every second Tuesday of each month at the Peach king Centre 162 Livingston Avenue Grimsby (PKC- Boardroom on the 2nd floor). Next meeting Feb. 11. info call 905-687-3914 or 905-329-2302 CR - Celebrate Recovery, a Christ Centred 12 step Recovery Program for any Hurt, Hang-up, or Habit. Every Wed. at 7pm. Confidential and Anonymous. 132 Lake St, Grimsby. All welcome. Info: CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca
HANDYMAN SERVICES RUBBISH AND JUNK REMOVAL. Call Ken 905-957-5731.
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WANTED CABINETMAKER We are a small but busy company specializing in custom carpentry and cabinetmaking. We are looking for an experienced cabinetmaker to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong attention to learn and transition into a leadership role. Required Skills: Have related experience in cabinet manufacturing assembly and/or installation. Have experience with woodworking machinery and hand tools. Work well both independently and as a team. Able to read and interpret blueprints and drawing. Be able to assemble cabinets and install hardware as per specifications. Be willing to work flexible hours. Dan Parker Cabinetry 905-563-6124 Got a story to tell? Call NewsNow 289-235-9500
VEHICLES WANTED
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CARS, trucks, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.
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HELP WANTED Town of Grimsby Community Member Appointments to Boards and Committees The Council of the Town of Grimsby is seeking individuals interested in serving on the following Boards and Committees to December 31, 2022. Board/Committee
Number of Appointments 1
Grimsby Public Library Board
Qualifications 1) Applicants must be 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, a resident of Grimsby and not employed by the library or the Town of Grimsby. Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Application forms for the above position can be obtained from the Grimsby Public Library or completed online at https://www. grimsby.ca/apply/. Deadline for a submission is 4:30 p.m., Friday March 13, 2020. Sarah Kim Town Clerk (905) 945-9634 160 Livingston Avenue Grimsby, Ontario L3M 4G3 skim@grimsby.ca The Town of Grimsby welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
PUBLIC NOTICE THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF GRIMSBY 160 LIVINGSTON AVENUE, GRIMSBY, ON L3M 4G3 905.945-9634 2O2O INTERIM TAX BILLING FIRST INSTALLMENT DUE MARCH 6, 2020
The 2020 lnterim 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. Payments can be made at most financial institutions or by telephone and internet banking. lnstallments can also be paid by postdated cheques províded the taxes are paid by the regular due dates. No credit card payments are accepted at Town Hall. Please visit our websíte at www.grimsby.ca for further details on credit card payments. A night depository is available at the front entrance of Town Hall for cheque payments only. 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 1-1/4% are added on the first day of default and on the first day of each month following. Penalties cannot be waived. S. Gruninger, CPA, CGA Director of Corporate Services/Town Treasurer
News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • Page 13
Business Directory Our Business Directory is an economical way to promote your business or service, call 289-235-9500
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Long time blood donor gives 200th time George Prins has been helping to save lives by sharing his own for the past half century. A veteran donor for 50 years, Prins gave blood for the 200th time at the Livingston Activity Centre on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Prins, a Grimsby resident, said he first gave blood while attending high school.
Originally, his motivations were less altruistic. “It was ‘hey, let’s get out of class’ and then in college I found out the clinic would give me free donuts,” said Prins. However, Prins added that he saw the need to continue giving blood over the course of his life.
PHIL NIEMI
Call for a Quote! (289) 668-2728 leave.it@inbox.com
O- blood types are especially needed. Anyone interested in donating can do so at these upcoming times and places in West Niagara: March 13 at the Beamsville Legion, March 14 at the Livingston Activity Centre in Grimsby and March 23 at the Lincoln Senior Centre in Beamsville.
Fridays In February Concert Series
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Giving blood also took on a personal urgency. Prins’ daughter recently had to be the recipient of blood transfusions herself. Canadian Blood Services estimates that half of all Canadians will either need blood or know someone who needs it. At the time of writing, donors of A-, B- and
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Feb. 7
Feb. 14
Feb. 21
Feb.28
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Live On Stage
• Event runs 6:30-11 • Draws 7:45 • Concert 8-11 pm Admission is FREE! Each night organizations may run Draws to Door Prizes to Silent Auctions. A portion of proceeds from in-house drink & dinner promotions will also be donated to that night’s organization
Live Music Fan?
Date Night?
Group Supporter?
Lots of reason to come out, have a great time & raise some money for great causes!
Sponsored By: Sunday Service 10:30 am at Carnegie Hall 25 Adelaide Street, Grimsby
United Pentecostal Church of Grimsby
Page 14 • News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020
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 Locations Grimsby Office Beamsville Office 1 Mountain Street, P.O Box 614 Grimsby, ON, L3M 3J6 Beamsville, ON, L0R 1B0 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848 NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday delivered to homes in West Niagara & Winona, 26,529.
Women’s Institute support
(L-R) Margaret Allan, Robin Norris, Sylvia House and Judith Phillips gathered around Nicole Regehr (centre), director of development & violence prevention program for Gillian’s Place, a multi-support local community service for women who have experienced abuse. The Beamsville WI Branch supported the work of Gillian’s Place with a $200 contribution.
Graphic courtesy of Bill Davies
Grimsby 5 back wrong horse The lack of decorum and etiquette among the Grimsby 5 is quickly becoming the stuff of legend. They simply keep trundling on, bulldozing as they meander their way through their term as elected officials. There have been many instances where logic was chucked out the window at town hall in favour of sticking it to one person or another who are not part of the pack at the Grimsby council table. On the sacrificing block was arguably the most effective councillor Grimsby has in Dorothy Bothwell. Bothwell has been able to be effective because her bailiwick is planning and her level of understanding and comprehension is far superior to all others in that domain. Because of that, others almost have to defer to her knowledge. In other areas, it is pretty much fair game when Coun. Reg Freake or Coun. Lianne Vardy - and often Mayor Jeff Jordan - speak up, their opinions are either shot down in a blaze of glory, or simply disregarded entirely. Last Tuesday’s situation with Coun. John Dunstall ascending to the thrown of Grimsby’s Heritage Committee chairman was entirely laughable if it was not so sad. Of all people to leverage into the chair, being all high and mighty about Dunstall’s credentials in the heritage field is laughable - unless you count being Second Mate to Michael Seaman, Grimsby’s former director of planning who captained the previous Heritage Advisory Committee into oblivion counting as experience. Yes, Dunstall accessed a regional program to rebuild the facade of a building he owns downtown - and it looks great, by the way - when I asked several members of the Grimsby Historical Society,
MIKE WILLISCRAFT Grimsby Archives and those with heritage interests about Dunstall’s involvement...let’s just say there was a lot of eye rolling and leave it at that. But, regardless of who the person was that the Grimsby 5 installed as the new chair of GHAC, the manner in which they conducted themselves was just plain wrong. The committee held a meeting, had nominations, a vote was conducted and the committee chose Bothwell over Dunstall. So, licking his wounds, Dunstall waited until his four compatriats were all perched around the council table before he piped up that he was still interested in being chair of the committee - this although Bothwell’s appointment was sitting right in there in minutes waiting to be approved by council. No doubt, the Grimsby 5 saw this as an opportunity to get back at Bothwell, who regularly runs circles around the others on planning issues. An example of that came later that night when it seemed the Grimsby 5 had their sights set on the Main Street East heritage study. Coun. Kevin Ritchie could not seem to get that a heritage study is different than a land use study (such as a Secondary Plan Study) and was citing several points he “looked up”.
After explaining all the things he wanted to see as part of the study - a $100,000 budget item - Bothwell, as she had done previously, referred all councillors to the Town’s Official Plan which already cited all the items Ritchie said he wanted. That little ditty pretty much sums up how things are going these days. You have a group that is putting in the work, understanding the issues and trying to move the town ahead, while you have another group (the five forming a majority) who would rather settle cheap personal vendettas and scuttle well-meaning initiatives in favour of whatever their flavour of the month is. Now, it is hard to believe I am burining this much space on a chairmanship of a subcommittee while we have a 16.7 per cent tax increase coming up at council this Monday night. The reason I went this route, though, is the two are connected. The subversive tactics repeatedly shown by the group popped up throughout the budget process. The couple of minor deferrals from the original budget proposal were purely for optics. The 5 would have passed the entire document with little or no debate... in my best Donald Trump impression voice, “It was a perfect budget.” Even the most elementary action was not considered. One employed by previous councils was starting new hires half- or more than halfway through the year so they get started, but at 50 per cent of the budget impact. Nope, full speed ahead. Aside from wanton disregard for taxpayers, it seemed they wanted to get the large hit in place just in time to get rolled up in the pending MPAC reassessment hit. It should be an interesting council meeting on Monday.
News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020 • Page 15
Council should reconsider GHAC stance: reader LETTER
e ur at e O s d th o ot t ’s ro ack 40 b 19
Free concert March 10 at Mountainview
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citizen volunteers of the GHAC for this insult to their cause and hope they will not be too disheartened to continue. I believe this undemocratic ouster of Coun. Bothwell is a thinly disguised tactic in the hope of marginalizing the most qualified person on council for the job. It is my sincere hope that at least one of the dissenting councillors recants to join with Mayor Jordan, Councillors Bothwell, Vardy and Freake in reinstating the best person for the job. Our town’s character and small-town feel cannot be left to a person with Coun. Dunstall’s record of subversion, inaction and lack of pertinent knowledge. Ron Schroder Co-Founder SaveMainStreet.ca
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Dear Editor, Guess who was a I viewed the recorded member of the GHAC at stream with great dis- lenge both the Town & that time? may of last week’s lat- the LJM Condominium’s Yes, you guessed it, est edition of the Town 15-storey surprise ap- Coun. Dunstall. Council Meeting, in par- proval at the OMB withIf you watched the folticular Councillors Dun- out professional consul- lowing debate on the install and Vaine’s asser- tants to aid her. clusion of a Main Street tion that Coun. Bothwell I personally attended East Heritage Study in was “inexperienced” this hearing and heard the Town’s 2020 budin matters of heritage the presiding chairman get, you saw it passed, and therefore should compliment her on her but who voted against be replaced by Coun. thoroughness and grasp it? Dunstall as chairman of of the entire OMB apAnswer: the new the Grimsby Heritage peal process. chairman of the HeriAdvisory Committee I would like to hear tage Advisory Commit(GHAC). from Councillors Dun- tee – Coun. Dunstall. As I recall Ms. Both- stall and Vaine as to exDoes this sound well - as a private citi- actly what qualifications like the person the zen - attended regular she lacks in comparison citizens of Grimsby council and committee to either and especially would choose to lead meetings for years prior Coun. Dunstall’s. a group of citizen volto her successful camunteers who are obviin the communiARTWORK PROOF -Many January 16, 2020 paign and election to ty will remember when ously passionate and council, always equally fully required engaged in helpCoun. Dunstall, along and/or Please CAREFULLY PROOFREAD and E-MAIL your approval and usually better preing preserve the distinct with then-Coun. changes to info@minicucci.ca in order to proceedBerry with printing. pared than any to de- spearheaded a vote heritage and small town bate the legal issues of to disband the GHAC. feel of Grimsby? development. Not to any sane memexcuse at the time News Now had - Banner Ad ( AsTheir per Rob Golfi ad size shownber 100% actual size) She also the courof this community. was that “personnel” age to personally chal- were the problem. My sympathies to the
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Page 16 • News Now • Thursday, February 27, 2020
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