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Thursday, April 3, 2025 Vol. 13

Major Refrigeration puts name on Peach King Centre

By Evan Loree For NewsNow

The Peach King Centre in Grimsby is getting a major upgrade, and a new name to boot.

Town of Grimsby hosted a reveal

Playoff drama

Monday at the Peach King Centre which will now be known as the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre. It has been named for Major Refrigeration Ltd., a Grimsby-based refrigeration service provider, which has committed $500,000 in donations to the centre’s renovations over 10 years.

“We’re proud and humbled,” Hicks said.

Company co-founders Marty Hicks and Jordan Hughes were onsite for the unveiling.

He and Hughes started Major Refrigeration in 2012 after Hicks moved from Dunnville.

THE FRIDGE, Page 3

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

With three series victories in their pockets, the Grimsby Peach Kings are moving on to a family foe after sweeping Dundas Blues in four straight games to get to New Hamburg Firebirds.

While the opposition is all too familiar - the Firebirds knocked the Peach Kings out last year 4-1 - the confines for their home games will provide a first - the Fleming Centre in Beamsville.

“As far as I know, it will mark the first time the Peach Kings have played a home playoff game anywhere other than Grimsby,” said team co-owner Simon Duong.

The series schedule is set:

Game 1 - Fri., April 4 7:30 p.m. @ NH

Game 2 - Sat. April 5 7:30 p.m. @ PK

Game 3 - Mon. April 7, 7:30 p.m. @ NH

Game 4 - Thurs. April 10, 7:30 p.m. @ PK

It was bedlam at the Peach King Centre when Hunter Zoccoli scored the overtime winner at the 2:59 mark of overtime in Game 2 against Dundas. The win kept the Peach Kings on track for a sweep of the Blues.

(If Necessary)

Game 5 - Sat. April 12, 7:30 @ NH

Game 6 - Sun. April 13, 5:30 @ PK

Game 7 - Tue. April 15, 7:30 p.m. @ NH Coach Dave Brownridge said the club

Page 6

The Fridge?

From Page 1

“We came a long way from two guys and a van,” he said.

Hicks said the company has grown steadily to a workforce of 150 and 120 vehicles.

Hughes said it felt “awesome” to see their company name on the community centre after working to grow the company from its humble beginnings.

Mayor Jeff Jordan said Major Refrigeration’s sponsorship shows there’s a desire to give back.

He was also “proud” of council for spending the extra money on the renovations, which upgrade the centre from the oldest in the region to the newest.

“It’s going to be en-

VINELAND NURSERIES

joyed by the community for decades to come,” Jordan said.

Construction on the project began in May 2024, and is scheduled to wrap up in Fall 2025.

Jordan said the project is on schedule and on budget.

Some of the features include a double gymnasium, an indoor walking track, a fitness cen-

tre, concession area and enhanced parking. The total cost of the project is about $36.7 million with a large chunk - $16 million - coming from a provincial infrastructure grant. The Town debentured $11.1 million and the remaining $9.5 million is funded through development charges and town reserve funds.

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20 Varieties Available (Very Early

Flowering Fragrant Deciduous Shrubs)

Major Refrigeration founders Marty Hicks, left and Jordan Hughes, right, secured the naming rights for the new Peach King Centre. They flank Mayor Jeff Jordan at Monday’s announcement. Loree - Photo

from the council table as on Monday night’s meeting, she enters the Niagara West Rid ing race as the ac

Joyful Easter Dining

Special Olympics duo bring home hardware

Joanne McDonald For NewsNow

Canadian power house athletes Ewen Barclay and Carter Simpson have made a triumphant return home after winning multiple medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

Proud members of Team Canada, speed skater Ewen was on the podium with a gold and two bronze medals. Alpine skier Carter competed high in the Italian Alps winning two bronze medals.

“It was a fantastic experience for Ewen and for us,” said her mom Diane Barclay. And it was a busy week for the 1,500 athletes from 102 countries.

Wednesday was the qualifying heats.

Thursday, Ewen skated to a gold medal in the 1,500m race.

Friday, she skated the finals, winning bronze in both the 500m, and the 1,000m, where she had a personal best time.

Ewen was chosen to be the flag bearer and proudly led Team Canada in the Parade of Athletes.

It was bittersweet as they walked with the memory of Jordan Stevenson, a Canadian team member and speed skating athlete who passed away unexpectedly just three days before he was to leave Canada for the games. The speed skating team pinned Jordan’s personal goals card to their la-

pels ensuring he was with them in spirit as they marched into the opening ceremony.

For Ewen, carrying the flag while keeping Jordan’s memory close was a moment of immense significance.

“During training camps Ewen and Jordan became really good friends,” Diane said.

It unnerved her and it was hard to make sense that, “It’s okay to be happy and sad at the same time.”

When Ewen won the 1,500m gold medal she blew a kiss to the sky. “That was for Jordan Stevenson,” Diane said.

“It meant even more to her to win that race. It was the race she wanted to win and she was very proud of herself.”

“We are so grateful that Special Olympics has given her this opportunity.”

Carter had an equally spectacular week.

“It was amazing, exhilarating,” said Carter’s mom AnnLiz Simpson. The magnitude of the event “really hit us when we attended opening ceremonies and watched Team Canada march into the stadium,” AnnLiz said.

Carter was pumped as the entire Alpine team headed for Sestriere high in the Italian Alps. He earned a bronze in Super G.

In his third event, Carter skiied in fog so thick and snow so dense, spectators couldn’t see past the first two gates.

Spring Maintenance in Lincoln

Hydrant Flushing is performed annually in the spring for the general maintenance of the water distribution system and covers the Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan serviced areas. You may experience temporary low-water pressure during flushing and/or cloudy or discoloured water conditions after flushing is completed. Running your taps with cold water for about 10 minutes will typically clear any cloudiness or discolouration.

Hydrant Flushing Street Sweeping

Street Sweeping is performed twice a year, in Spring and Fall. The Town is divided into nine sections which will take approximately six weeks to complete, weather permitting. Rural areas will commence mid-April, weather permitting and will continue until completed.

If you have any questions, please contact the Town at 905-563-2799 ext. 234 or publicworks@lincoln.ca.

EWEN BARCLAY

Carter Simpson raises triumphant fists on the slopes.

It’s reFUNd TIME!

PLAYOFFS

From Page 1 is clicking on all cylinders at the right time of year.

“All the games we had against Dundas all year were very tight. The boys played well. We’ve been strong defensively all year and gotten stronger as the season has gone on,” said Brownridge, who started at Peach King coach in 1999.

“(Goaltender) Tucker Adams got in a zone. He was seeing everything and kept nearly everything out.”

Giving up only four goals in the fourgame sweep against a high-power offence puts the club’s play as high as Brownridge has seen during his

tenure.

“Four goals? That’s right up in there in all my championship seasons,” said Brownridge, who has coached the organization to four provincial titles.

In New Hamburg, Brownridge is familiar with the team and their coaching.

“They’re a good team. They have had some players turned over from last year, as we all do. They were the winners last year, but we’re ready for them.”

Key to success in the next round will be capitalizing when opportunities present themselves.

Recalling one season his club played 37 playoff games before getting to the final, he said getting the added rest after a sweep can help during a run.

It is also not lost on Brownridge that the club will have to now play its home games out of Beamsville’s Fleming Centre as the Peach King Centre is closed so expansion work can be completed.

“It’s beyond tough for us. I hope they are working hard on getting the project done so we’re ready for fall,” said Brownridge.

“We’ve had glorious chances but we’ve not put in. I’ve told the guys to get around the net and be cognizant of where their stick is and bare down when they get the chances,” said Brownridge.

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GREY ROCK MASONRY INC.

Window closing for HHS input

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

In recent months, Hamilton Health Sciences has been gathering input a variety of ways to help the organization chart a course for the future.

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“It’s time for the organization to set a new strategic direction,” said Calyn Pettit, HHS’s director, communications and marketing, after noting their current plan is nearly 10 years old.

“A lot has changed.”

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In February, HHS published an ad in NewsNow inviting Niagara West residents to take a survey as part of its input process. The survey will be live until midnight tomorrow, April 4, at: hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/strategy

Local polticians, community leaders, staff and others have been part of special input sessions as well, but the online survey is the only way for the general public to comment and give input.

SIDING I SOFFIT I FASCIA WINDOWS I DOORS I TRIM

“It’s been a very engaged and exhaustive process,” said Pettit, who noted her team has been “heartened” to see the engagement of the community - and added the report on the strategy input should go to the HHS board in late April or early May.

For the West Niagara community, if they would like to provide more detailed feedback beyond the survey close date the email address is strategy@hhsc.ca.”

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has shared their valuable insights to help shape the future of Hamilton Health Sciences,” said Pettit.

NOTICE TO CLIENTS OF ARTHUR D. FLEMING BARRISTER & SOLICITOR

ARTHUR (A.D.) FLEMING WILL BE RETIRING FROM THE PRACTICE OF LAW ON JUNE 30, 2025.

MR. FLEMING’S PRACTICE IS BEING TRANSFERRED TO MR. ERIC TEICHGRAF. MR. TEICHGRAF WILL BE MAINTAINING MR. FLEMING’S EXISTING OFFICE AND PHONE NUMBER WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO BE SUITE 201, 4413 ONTARIO STREET, BEAMSVILLE, AND 905-563-7000, RESPECTIVELY. MR. TEICHGRAF’S OFFICE WILL RETAIN POSSESSION OF ALL WILLS, POWERS OF ATTORNEY AND CORPORATE MINUTE BOOKS.

SHOULD YOU WISH TO PICK UP YOUR ORIGINAL WILLS, POWERS OF ATTORNEY AND CORPORATE MINUTE BOOKS, PLEASE CONTACT MR. FLEMING OR HIS LEGAL ASSISTANT, KIM, BY PHONE AT 905-563-7000 BEFORE APRIL 30, 2025, TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS.

Form 6

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER

Municipal Act, 2001

Ontario Regulation 181/03, Municipal Tax Sale Rules

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER

The Corporation of the Town of Grimsby

Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on May 7, 2025, at the Grimsby Town Hall, Municipal Office, 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby Ontario.

The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the Grimsby Town Hall, Municipal Office, 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby.

Description of Land:

Roll No. 26 15 020 023 15200 0000; HYSERT RD, GRIMSBY; PIN 46044-0058 (LT); PT LT 21-22 CON 5 NORTH GRIMSBY PT 30 30R768; GRIMSBY; File No. 23-100

According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $ 25,000 Minimum tender amount: $ 8,933.44

Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit of at least 20 per cent of the tender amount, which deposit shall be made by way of a certified cheque/bank draft/ money order payable to the municipality.

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. The assessed value, according to the last returned assessment roll, may or may not be representative of the current market value of the property.

Pursuant to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, S.C. 2022, c. 10, s. 235 (the “Act”), effective January 1, 2023, it is prohibited for a non-Canadian to purchase, directly or indirectly, any residential property, as those terms are defined in the legislation. Contraventions of the Act are punishable by a fine, and offending purchasers may be ordered to sell the residential property.

The municipality assumes no responsibility whatsoever for ensuring bidders/tenderers comply with the Act, and makes no representations regarding same. Prospective bidders/tenderers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Act and are advised to seek legal advice before participating in this sale.

Transfers of properties that contain at least one and not more than six single family residences and are transferred to non-residents of Canada or foreign entities, are subject to the Province’s Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST).

This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated taxes and any taxes that may be applicable, such as a land transfer tax and HST.

The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser.

A copy of the prescribed form of tender is available on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender, visit: www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or if no internet access available, contact: Tony Del Monaco, CPA, CMA Director of Finance / Treasurer

The Corporation of the Town of Grimsby 160 Livingston Avenue Grimsby ON L3M 0J5

905-945-9634 ext. 2024

tdelmonaco@grimsby.ca www.grimsby.ca

Police seek suspects BUY CANADIAN

Niagara Regional Police are asking for help from the public in identifying two persons of interest in a theft at Real Canadian Superstore in Grimsby on Friday, Feb. 28.

The suspects, shown in the photo, attended the store and stole $678 worth of groceries.

The female suspect: dark skinned, 45 years old, approx. 5’5, 150 lbs, short black hair in a bun, black jacket, green shirt, black pants, black sneakers with white side line.

The male suspect: white, 45 years old, approx 5’10, 200 lbs, black winter hat, black hoodie with Nike logo on the chest, tattoos on the neck and hands, red pants, black shoes. Call the NRP at 905-688-4111 with information regarding incident #25-21966.

TOWN OF GRIMSBY PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Notice of Public Meeting

Applications have been received by the Town of Grimsby for a Zoning By-law Amendment for the lands known as 556-564 Kemp Road East. The public meeting has been rescheduled for April 23, 2025.

Applications have been received by the Town of Grimsby for a Zoning By-law Amendment for the lands known as 556-564 Kemp Road East The public meeting has been rescheduled for April 23, 2025.

The proposed development is to amend the current site-specific zoning to remove the exclude use(s) of weddings and special events on the subject lands. Additionally, the application seeks to define winery as an agricultural related use.

The proposed development is to amend the current site-specific zoning to remove the excluded uses of weddings and special events on the subject lands. Additionally, the application seeks to define winery as an agricultural related use

Concept Plan shows the subject land of the proposed amendment.

Concept Plan shows the subject land of the proposed amendment. The purpose and effect of the proposed zoning by-law amendment is to remove the following from site specific zoning of by-law 18-67, “333”:

• The excluded use(s) of “wedding and Special events”.

• The lot, building, and structure exceptions of the use “winery” as an on-farm diversified use limited to 2% of the farm parcel up to a maximum size of 1 hectare.

The amendment proposes to add the following uses:

• To permit winery as agricultural related use

• Wine Sales and Hospitality/Wine Tasting as on-farm diversified use limited to 2% of the farm parcel up to a maximum size of 1 hectare.

The public meeting will be held as follows:

Concept Plan

Subject Lands

The purpose and effect of the proposed zoning by-law amendment is to remove the following from site specific zoning of by-law 18-67, “333”:

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

• The exclude use(s) of “wedding and Special events”.

Time: 5:00 p.m.

• The lot, building, and structure exceptions of the use “winery” as an on-farm diversified use limited to 2% of the farm parcel up to a maximum size of 1 hectare.

Location: Council Chambers (160 Livingston Avenue) and via Zoom

The amendment proposes to add the following uses:

• To permit winery as agricultural related use

If you do not wish to speak, our meetings will be livestreamed at https://www.grimsby.ca/livestream/.

• Wine Sales and Hospitality/Wine Tasting as on-farm diversified use limited to 2% of the farm parcel up to a maximum size of 1 hectare.

The public meeting will be held as follows:

Additional information regarding the applications, including information about appeal rights, is available on the Town’s website at www.grimsby.ca/currentplanningapplications, at Town Hall during normal business hours (8:30 to 4:30), or you may contact: Town of Grimsby, Planning Department 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, Ontario L3M 0J5 Telephone: (905) 945-9634, Fax: (905) 945-5010

Date: Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: Council Chambers (160 Livingston Avenue) and via Zoom

Email: planning@grimsby.ca

An information report regarding the application will be available on the meeting agenda on the Town’s website at www.grimsby.ca. Following a staff review of these applications, a staff recommendation report will be presented at a subsequent meeting of the Planning & Development Committee.

If you do not wish to speak, our meetings will be livestreamed at https://www.grimsby.ca/livestream/

Town of Grimsby

The proposed development is required to fulfill a condition of Consent Application B08-24, being “That a Zoning By-law Amendment, which at minimum, implements the sole permitted use on the retained lands be Agricultural Purposes Only (APO), and site-specific zoning for the minimum lot area and minimum lot frontage, be submitted and approved by the Town of Grimsby.”

File Number: 26Z-16-2502

TOWN OF GRIMSBY PLANNING DEPARTMENT Notice of Public Meeting

The location plan included within this notice shows the affected lands, being the lands to be severed shown in purple, and lands to be retained shown in blue and green, as determined by Consent Application B08-24. The lands to be retained shown in blue are located within the Niagara Escarpment Development Control Area (NEDCA) and are subject to Development Permit DP-2025-00042. The lands to be retained shown in green are subject to the Town’s Zoning By-law 14-45, as amended.

Applications have been received by the Town of Grimsby for a Zoning By-law Amendment for the lands known as 129 Mountain Road.

The purpose and effect of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment will be to rezone the portion of the subject lands zoned Specialty Crop (SC) to Specialty Crop with site-specific provisions (SC-XX) permitting agricultural uses only, accessory buildings, minimum lot frontage of 134.65 metres, and minimum lot area of 15.4 hectares

Location Plan

The Public Meeting will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Location: Council Chambers (160 Livingston Avenue) and via Zoom

The Public Meeting will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Time: 5:00 p.m.

If you do not wish to speak, our meetings will be livestreamed at https://www.grimsby.ca/livestream/

Location: Council Chambers (160 Livingston Avenue) and via Zoom

The meeting can be attended in-person or via Zoom. If you wish to appear as a delegation at the meeting via Zoom, please register with planning@grimsby.ca. Note only those individuals that register will be given the Zoom link. If you do not wish to speak, our meetings will be livestreamed at https://www.grimsby.ca/livestream/.

Additional information regarding the application, including information about appeal rights, is available on the Town’s website at www.grimsby.ca/currentplanningapplications, at Town Hall during normal business hours (8:30am to 4:30pm), or you may contact:

Town of Grimsby, Planning Department 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, Ontario, L3M 0J5

Telephone: (905) 945-9634

Email: planning@grimsby.ca

Telephone: (905) 945-9634, Fax: (905) 945-5010

Email: planning@grimsby.ca

Jordan to call for NRP operational review upate at Region

Yes, 33 new officers will be on the streets in Niagara, but Niagara Regional Police officials are not committing to adding to the complement at 8 Districtwhich covers Niagara West.

In its 2025 budget, Niagara Region committed to a 13 per cent

increase for the police budget to $213 million. The new officers were part of that budget.

“I supported the budget based on the Niagara West getting a portion of those new officers,” said Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan.

At this point in time, however, department

GBF Community Services’ Easter Program

officials are not making any commitments.

Manager of communications, Stephanie Sabourin, said an operational review will be done before any deployment is determined.

She added that no timeline has been set for that review to go to the police board.

“When the report is submitted, I am going to request we get an

update on the results at regional council,” said Jordan.

“It’s clear we need a heightened police presence, especially given the fact we’ve had several serious incidents of late like the home invasion on Winston Road and the theft at Harmony Jewellers.”

“I understand the need for the review but nothing it will show will change our needs.”

HAT TRICK HOCKEY

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Teddy’s Food, Fun & Spirits, Antonio Hewson

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Jordan Flowers, Tom McClurkin

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Judge & Jester, Brad Troup

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire, Joseph Aquilina

• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Ralph Davis

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Memphis BBQ, Brian Riley

Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings.

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Lincoln earns top marks for improvement projects

The Town of Lincoln earned top marks for its Jordan Village Improvement Project and the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre’s Courtyard Improvements at the 2025 Niagara Biennial Design Awards - each taking grand prizes.

The recognition highlights the exceptional design, creativity, and impact of these transformative projects, which have elevated the heart of Jordan Village and enriched the experience at the Lincoln Museum.

The Niagara Biennial Design Awards honour the best in design excellence within the Niagara Region,

celebrating projects that prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and livability while contributing to the local economy.

“The Jordan Village and Museum projects reflect a long-term vision to make Lincoln an even more vibrant place to grow, prosper and belong,” said Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton.

“These award-winning projects are helping us preserve our heritage while creating new opportunities for economic growth, tourism, and community engagement. We are proud of what has been accomplished so far, and we’re excited

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The Jordan Village revitalization project was completed in October 2024. It features sustainable design elements, improved pedestrian pathways, cycling facilities, and a new pedestrian square, all of which have strengthened Jordan Village’s infrastructure while fostering a more connected and accessible environment. These improvements have played a key role in

enhancing the area’s appeal as a tourism destination within the Niagara Benchlands. Similarly, the newly completed courtyard at the Lincoln Museum was recognized for its dynamic design and ability to connect the community to the museum’s rich history. The space, which features a play area inspired by Canadian Fraktur, serves as a welcoming public gathering place for visitors of all ages.

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Getting Ready ...Again!

First, thanks again to the nearly 200 helpers who delivered NewsNow for us during the November/December Canada Post strike.

In May, just two months away, there is a likelihood of another work stoppage as negotiations have gone nowhere. So, to all those who helped before, we will be reaching out to confirm if you will be interested in helping out again.

As well, we are looking to fill out all our carrier routes with an eye to setting up a permanent delivery system.

This does not mean anyone who helps out in May needs to be permanent themselves. No doubt we will need dozen of carriers to help in the short-term while we seek permanent ones. Simply, papers will get delivered to your home every Wednesday morning for delivery by Thursdays at 7 p.m. Carriers may also receive our ClubWest Magazine or other special publications - for which they will be paid extra. Flyers could also be part of the mix, but first things first. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. Please email catherine@wn3.ca to get on the list or if you have any more questions.

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OBITUARIES

BEATON, Karen (nee Curtis)

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of Karen Beaton (née Curtis) at the age of 71 on March 22, 2025.

Karen is now reunited with the love of her life, (Edward) Jerry Beaton, as well as her beloved parents, John and Mildred Curtis. She was a devoted mother to Chrysta and Patsy and an extremely proud grandmother to Abby and the rest of her grandchildren Melissa, Thomas, Karolina, and Madi. She shared a special bond with Austen, whom she cared for deeply. Karen will also be fondly remembered and missed greatly by her brother, John Curtis, and his sons Daniel and Ryan. She will be profoundly missed by her many friends, especially Linda and her beloved WEDA girls.

Karen’s mission in life was to bring beauty to the world, not only through her incredible creativity but also through her boundless kindness. With an infectious laugh and a heart full of generosity, she touched the lives of so many, always going out of her way to make others feel loved and valued. A gifted and artistic soul, she found joy in refinishing furniture and gardening, transforming spaces with warmth and care—just as she did with the people around her.

Born in Hamilton and raised in Stoney Creek, Karen built a life filled with love, friendship, and creativity. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

A celebration of her life will take place at a later date.

She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

On line condolences can be made to: www.canadiancremation.com

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June 15, 1932 - march 5, 2025

After many years of battling cancer, Jelle went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on March 5, 2025. He went peacefully with a final kiss from his wife Marion. He will be lovingly remembered by his caring wife of seven years, Marion; his children: John (Teresa) and Paul; his grandchildren: Josiah and David (Erin); his great grandchildren: Wiley, Andrew and Tyrion; as well as many relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Nelle and his second beloved wife Elizabeth. Born in the Netherlands, Jelle always held on to his Dutch heritage, even though he called Canada home. His fondness for Dutch food was well known. As a faithful Christian, he enjoyed serving people through his strength as a salesman. When delivering Dutch delicacies, he always took time to give snoopjes (candy) to the children who ran to his van. In his store, the Dutch Shop, he would show the same hospitality, which is now his legacy in Grimsby, Ontario. After becoming a realtor he made sure that the families he helped were in a home that would be perfect and affordable for them. In his final years he continued to have a strong faith, enjoying the old hymns and singing along. He was proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, never being shy to say how much he loved them. He also dearly loved his wife, Marion who has brought so much joy in his life in the last seven years. A celebration of life will be held on April 12, 2025 at Immanuel Baptist Church, 605 Vine Street, St. Catharines at 12:00pm. Visitation to take place one hour prior at 11:00am. A light lunch will be served afterwards.

On-line tributes may be made at: www.hulseandenglish.com.

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Passed away at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in his 94th year. Beloved husband of Shirley for over 71 years. Loved father of Ross (Donna) Riding and the late Lynn Riding (January/2025). Cherished grandfather of Adrienne Riding (Simon) and Valerie Ebbers (Steve) and great-grandfather of Ethan. Predeceased by his parents Eileen and Tom Riding, brothers Ray (late Joan) and Ted (Linda) and sisters-in-law Blanche Storey, Jacqueline Hill, Dianne Caton and Marjorie Thompson. Gord worked for Honeywell for 42 years. He was named the Ontario Barbershopper of the Year in 1973. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Choir, Charter Member of the Grimsby Probus Club, Grimsby Rec and Parks, Grimsby Lakeside Pumphouse Artists and Twenty Valley Golf Club. He also loved curling and playing cards. Cremation and a private family service has been held. A Celebration of Life for both Gord and Lynn will be held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church hall, 156 Main Street West, Grimsby, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. If desired, memorial contributions to McNally House Hospice or West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755.

www.smithsfh.com

hillberg, randal William (randy)

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

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Passed away at his home in Beamsville, on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the age of 68. Loved husband of Michelle (nee Clairmont). Loving father of Kyle Hilberg (Sarah) and cherished grandfather of McKenzie. Son of Harold and the late Elizabeth Hilberg and brother of Diane Hysert (Jonathan) and Jeff Hilberg (Susan). Randy will also be dearly missed by many other family members and friends. Cremation has taken place with a celebration of life at a later date. If desired, memorial donations to the Humane Society of Greater Niagara would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, Grimsby, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com

OBITUARIES

wenzl, Anna

With deep regrets we announce the passing of Anna Wenzl on March 26, 2025, at Lanark Lifestyles Retirement Residence, Perth, Ontario. She lived a long and full life, mostly in the Grimsby area. She was born on March 1, 1929, in Croatia to Johann and Anna Wenzel.

She is predeceased by her husband, Koloman (Karl) and several brothers. She is survived by her son, Berno Wenzl (Sheri) and family and her daughter Sylvia Allen (Paul) and family. She will be greatly missed by her five grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Anna is also survived by her sister Rose Riffert of Holland Marsh.

Everyone who knew Anna would agree that she was a strong, independent woman. She survived WW II, travelling by foot across Austria and Yugoslavia to reunite with her family. As a refugee in Austria she met and married Koloman. They emigrated to Sweden in 1948 and then to Canada in 1951, initially settling in Grimsby. She lived in Picton, Ontario and Shilo, Manitoba before coming back to Grimsby in 1969.

She loved her garden and provided surplus produce to her neighbours. They became close friends, chatting on the front step and playing cards, mostly cribbage. She was famous for her apple pies and provided the whole family with her homemade jam.

After her husband passed in 2003, she lived alone on Lakeview Avenue, with much support from her family and neighbours.

In 2021 Anna moved to Lanark Lifestyles in Perth to be closer to her immediate family.

A Celebration of Life will take place in the spring in Grimsby. Arrangements are in the care of Blair & Son Funeral Home, Perth.

Duna

ANNIvERSARY

Geert & Hinke Draaistra

Celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary on March 28/25

OPEN HOUSE

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Strategize first, invite second

Reckless.

That is the word I would choose to describe a blind, wide open motion/suggestion to invite the provincial government - of any political stripe - to put a regional governance review back on the table with no Made In Niagara solution offered first.

On with the show

A police officer, played by Adam Topolinsky, gets Connie, played by Lori Bruni, under control when he was called to the scene of a ‘rowdy’ bridge game in Peninsula Players’ Exit Laughing. Shows run at Trinity United Chruch in Grimsby on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. until April 12, and Sundays at 2 p.m. until April 13. Tickets can be purchased online at: peninsulaplayersgrimsby.ca/box-office/ Loree - Photo

So it shall be written, so it shall be done

So, the Peach King Centre has a new name - the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre.

Will it heretofore be nicknamed “The Fridge”? Who knows?

But one thing is for certain, that building and that Peach Kings name has come a long way from the ancient barn which once stood where Shoppers Drug Mart/Royal Bank now sit. That relic, which once housed Montreal Canadiens training camps, will have been reinvented as a state-of-theart facility with just about every amenity imaginable. Crazy to think about for long-time residents. Just another arena for newbies moving here from larger urban centres where arenas have evolved into community hot spots for a host of activities. In Grimsby, those activities will take place at the Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre. M.W.

It was surprising to see Grimsby Coun. Jacob Baradziej do just that by bringing a motion to the table on Monday night to request Premier Doug Ford’s government re-open a regional review.

The motion, seconded by Coun. Nick DiFlavio, read, in part:

“THAT Council sends a resolution to the province, in particular the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for the province of Ontario, asking for a full review of the Governance Model and the provincial committee overseeing the study on regional governance in Niagara, to find efficiencies for the long-term fiscal sustainability of the Region.”

Now, it was surprising to see a carte blanche invitation at all, but not necessarily unexpected from a rookie councillor, but it was far more concerning when Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton made a similar play a little over a month ago when Lincoln put out a release noting the mayor was asking Ford to step into Niagara once again. I certainly get the intent, but the mayor knows better.

This is not to say Niaga-

ra’s municipal structure is all hunky dory - far from it.

However, when one considers some of the structural options floated about in the two previous, serious, regional review processes, Niagara West as a whole would not be better off with any of those models.

Having been through regional restructuring in Ottawa-Carleton in the mid-90s before coming to Grimsby I can 100% guarantee one-tier government proved a disaster for outlying communities.

I ran papers in Barrhaven, which is Nepean below the Greenbelt there; Manotick and Osgoode. This is quite similar to Niagara West’s Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln.

Niagara has many issues. The creation of larger, more disconnected administrative layers has been proven ineffective time and time again. It’s the same reason there has been some talk going back to last fall about dissolving huge school boards and going back to more local

administrative bodies - the closer decision-makers are to those areas they oversee the more accountable their practices and handling of precious tax dollars is. That is not rocket science. The needs are simplified because there are fewer issues in a smaller pond. That does not mean there are no issues, but those which arise can be handled more directly and efficiently in terms of time and money.

If Lincoln, Grimsby and West Lincoln officials think they should be one municipality in Niagara, then that should be the pitch.

It has been noted in this space several times in recent years that Niagara could evolve into a series of utility commissions and such to deal with water/ wastewater and other utilities to maintain a larger group to pay for that expensive infrastructure. That does not mean any lower-tier municipalities would have to merge, though. Policing has been on everyone’s mind of late. In Ottawa, there was consideration of maintaining contracted OPP services for outlying communities. They decided against that and went with one huge force to the detriment of outlying towns. By contracting, you get what you pay for, so even now it may be an option to consider.

The point is, think first, develop a strategy. Then, if you have buy in from the public, issue an invite. NOT before.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Dear Editor,

The Region’s Vision Zero Road Safety Initiative has commendable objectives.

However, I must say I was very surprised reading in NewsNow of the Region’s latest proposed wide ranging changes to traffic operations on Main Street/ Livingston Avenue in the Town of Grimsby.

By way of back-

ground I have spent my entire career in the field of transportation planning, most recently as a director of transportation planning. I developed neighbourhood transportation plans, school zone safety plans, and main streets master plans among many other initiatives.

I can honestly say that from what I have read and know about this

Letter

issue, the Region’s current approach appears ill-conceived. Some points to consider:

• A traffic operations change this vast should have been vetted with the local residents, and business/community stakeholders beforehand. Community input is absolutely es-

sential to this process, to craft a solution that makes sense and has broad support.

• At the political level, it appears this was tabled to Grimsby Councillors as an information item. Any plan this significant should require Grimsby Council’s endorsement after being vetted by the community.

• As several of your readers and our lo-

Speed cameras: “a blatant money grab”

Dear Editor,

Seems like the speed camera issue in Niagara has resurfaced with the Region doubling down with expansion of the automated speed enforcement (ASE) program.

In order to meet the required reasonableness standard to implement an ASE Program and setting speed limits at extraordinarily low levels such as 40 km/h on a main collector road, the prerequisite is strong publicly available data that demonstrates a serious safety issue that requires attention at spe-

cific locations.

The camera location at Park School is particularly incredible given that there has been pedestrian operated traffic light in place together with a school crossing guard and the former speed limit of 50 kph has done its job to ensure complete safety for decades.

Where is specific and objective safety data from each loction where cameras have been installed that would justify the lowering of the speed limit and installation of cameras? Without the answers and transparency

provided by location specific safety data, one can only speculate as to the true motive for implementing an ASE program.

The best-case scenario then becomes the program is simply a blatant money grab disguised as kiddie safety virtue signalling.

A much darker scenario is putting in place the infrastructure for additional vehicle restriction schemes such as 15-minute “climate zones” or worse still, are we are being desensitized for an eventual “urban surveillance network”?

cal Councillors have already pointed out, this plan appears as a hodge podge of uncoordinated elements that will most surely confuse motorists and increase the infraction tally. This is not the intent of the Vision Zero Road Safety Initiative.

• Even worse, as presented it is very likely to cause car and truck traffic, courier and delivery vehicles and through traffic to seek alternate local streets that are simply faster to travel with less chance of enforcement. This has the very real risk of creating more safety issues than solving.

ning Department been consulted?

Fred Rauscher, Grimsby

• It’s not clear to me how the details of this particular wide ranging Vision Zero Road Safety initiative fits with the bigger picture for Grimsby e.g. how does it co-ordinate with other important local planning objectives?

Has the Grimsby Plan-

I have seen nothing regarding this particular initiative except the articles in NewsNow. It appears to be a technical exercise rigidly applied. I suspect the reason people are writing in and saying this is a crazy idea - and councillors are left scratching their collective heads –is because they’ve been left out of the process. The solution, quite frankly, should be obvious to those who plan such projects. Define the local problem, develop alternative solutions, have meaningful engagement with the community and stakeholders, and bring forward a thoughtful and co-ordinated range of solutions that demonstrates community support and can be defended. It’s not too late – send this one back to the drawing board!

Michael Laspa, Grimsby