NewsNow E-Edition April 6 2023

> West Lincoln approves detailed, 30-year transportation plan /Pg 15

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Vol. 11

Issue 49

www.wn3.ca

100% Niagara West owned & operated

Proudly serving Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Winona

Circ: 29,006

West Lincoln approves 6.5% 2023 budget hike

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

West Lincoln’s budget rollercoaster completed its up-and-down ride with council approving a 6.5 per cent tax increase last Monday, March 26.

What started out as a proposed increase in the nine per cent ballpark at preliminary budget sessions had been whittled down to 5.48 per cent going into Monday’s meeting, but some adjustments bumped it back up to where is landed at 6.5 per cent.

Among the decisions was to go with lump sum pay increases - as opposed to phasing in over four years - for the township’s elected officials.

Just in time for Easter

Short-term accommodations

Council opted to increase its pay 30 per cent - to $30,000 for councillors which is a “38% increase to the amount included in the 2023 draft budget” as stated in the remuneration report, and $53,344 for the mayor, an increase of just

under $16,000.

Coun. Mike Rehner, who has been on council for nearly two decades, said the increase was long overdue.

“There was one small pay increase back in 2007 and that’s it in 20 years. We want to be fair to staff, but we need to be fair to council, too,” said Rehner.

“Previous councils have talked about it, but nobody wanted to do it. I am proud of this council. We’ve been short-changed for a long time. We’ve got more pressure than ever, more meetings than ever, more deadlines than ever and people want us to take the same pay? It was something that needed to be rectified.”

The impact on an average assessed home of $386,000 (2016 assessed value) is $99.54 annually - which includes $8.07 annual levy impact of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital contribution.

See WL BUDGET, Page 3

Lincoln PIC opens door to licensing plan

By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow

The Town of Lincoln is developing a licensing and application framework to regulate the operations of short-term accommo-

dations (STAs) in the municipality.

“Council passed a motion last year to go down this route asking us to look at licensing and regulations,” Paul Di Ianni, director, eco-

nomic development and communications said Tuesday.

It will allow for a balance of permitting private citizens to become part-time innkeepers, while provid-

ing a framework that recognizes impacts to the neighbours and general community.

There has been a large increase in the number of STAs across the province.

“Lincoln mirrors what we’ve been seeing,” Di Ianni said. As well Lincoln bylaw officers have received complaints around issues of noise and parking.

Feedback from an open house held last week will now go to Bylaw, Planning and Economic Development and Tourism staff to prepare a

See PIC, Page 5

Ray Jones, left, had a lucky spin winning one of 50 draws Friday at the Smithville Legion Branch 393 Turkey Roll. Ken Hunter kept the fun and the wheel spinning all night. The Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary prepared beef on a bun for the crowd. McDonald - Photo

WL BUDGET

From Page 1

The overall budget itself includes $5.2 million in capital and special projects and $21 million in operating expenditures.

“Fiscal responsibility is our top priority when we enter budget deliberations. Inflation has been difficult for many West Lincoln individuals and families, and we understand the weight of our obligation to manage tax payer dollars wisely,” said Mayor Cheryl Ganann.

“Council and staff worked hard to trim the 2023 budget, to keep increases as minimal as possible while ensuring that we are meeting the needs of our community.”

Included in the approved 2023 budget was the first installment ($17,500) of the McNally House Hospice request for $70,000 in finan-

cial assistance, to facilitate the expansion of its facility.

Other key investments include:

West Lincoln’s 2023 budget provides funding for enhanced service levels while also continuing to build reserves and supporting investments in Township infrastructure. The following projects are included in the Capital Budget:

• $1.2 million towards hard topping Vaughan Rd., from Caistor Gainsborough Rd. to Wellandport Rd.;

• $1.37 million in road resurfacing projects;

• $1.25 million for the Pearson bridge rehabilitation;

• $615,000 for a tanker replacement at Station #2, and;

• $260,000 to replace the lights at the Leisureplex ball diamonds with new energy efficient LED lights.

The Vaughn Road project

was a good example of how tricky setting a budget can be for a municipality these days, said Rehner.

“The Vaughn Road quote came in surprisingly high, more than 50 per cent higher than when we did Concession 5 just two years ago. It was the same scope and length,” said Rehner.

“We were told costs have gone up. Sure, but they haven’t gone up 50 per cent.”

Rehner noted that staff got into the detail of the project and found some efficiencies which allowed the project to be trimmed back to create $200,000 in savings.

Rehner praised staff as a whole for preparing a responsible budget.

“Donna (DeFilippis, West Lincoln’s director of finance) and staff did a lot of great work to get it down to a manageable amount.”

Opening your First Home Savings Account; Timing is everything!

The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a new registered savings plan, designed to help first-home buyers save for a downpayment. It was introduced in the 2022 Federal Budget, with a planned rollout date of April 1st, but full details have yet to be provided.

Here’s what we do know:

To open a FHSA, you must be a Canadian resident, 18 years or older, and considered a first-time homebuyer - meaning, you have not owned a home in the current year or in the previous 4 years.You can contribute up to $8,000 annually to your FHSA, up to a lifetime maximum of $40,000, or $80,000 per couple.

Any contributions you make to your FHSA are tax-deductible. The value of that taxdeduction depends on your marginal tax rate; The higher your income, the greater the tax-savings.

The maximum period that your FHSA can be kept open is 15 years. So, if you are in the early stages of your career, and you do not plan to buy a home immediately, then you may want to hold off on opening a FHSA until your career takes off, and you are earning more.

I will continue to keep you updated as more details become available. Just know that, with the addition of this new First Home Savings Account to the established RSP Home Buyers Plan, now is a great time to save for your first home!

Sending the brightest of Easter wishes, with gratitude and goodwill!

Nuran Acikel is living her dream of owning a bakery since she opened Nurish Kitchen in early February in downtown Grimsby.

Williscraft - Photo

Grimsby is a long way from Madrid, Spain, but it is a trip Nuran Acikel is happy she made.

Acikel and her family decided to move to Canada to give their children better educational opportunities.

Six years ago, they chose Grimsby as their home. Once settled, Acikel got busy with her baking passion as a regular participant in area farmers’ markets.

Quickly, she built a following and, in late 2021, she started looking for a location to open a bakery.

“It took a long time, but we got a great spot,” said Acikel of her

Main Street location.

Her regulars are glad she found a location.

“I had a lady come in last week and say ‘I’m glad I found you. You have ruined baklava for me from anywhere else. I need some,” said Acikel with a smile.

She brings a unique Turkish flare to baklava and other items featured on her array of treats.

German style donuts, cakes, Turkish bagels, apple cookies and macarons are just a few items off the

treat menu. But aside from seating in the cafe, Acikel can also cater special events with a range of salads, chicken-stuffed buns, hummus, borek sticks (rolled dough leaves with feta, parsley filling), and much more.

“The response from the community has been great. They are really glad we’re here,” said Acikel.

“They like the shop. They say it’s like visiting their aunty’s house.”

The shop, at 7 Main St. E. (just west of Judge & Jester) is open 9-5, Mon.-Fri; 10-5, Sat. and Sun, and closed Mondays.

PIC

From Page 1 draft document for Council to review. Comments from the public included:

• the need for a different consideration

between urban and rural accommodations, with the latter having flexibility;

• removal of the ‘Principle resident requirement in the bylaw’ as not all op-

erators live at the residence;

• not allowing STAs in all apartment types, i.e. high rises

• allowability of STAs in accessory buildings, particularly in the rural areas.

“The idea is if we develop licensing regulations we can provide provisions to ensure our STA operators are providing a high degree of standard,” Di Ianni said.

A second open house will be held this summer for further public comment. Di Ianni expects a short term accommodation bylaw will be approved by the end of the year.

A commercial vehicle inspection blitz netted significant results for local law enfocement.

The Town of Lincoln, Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) partnered on the project.

The focus of this initiative was to identify commercial vehicles that officers believed were intentionally bypassing the Vineland truck inspection station on the QEW at Vineland.

Officers were strategically positioned across the com-

munity to intercept such vehicles and to conduct in-depth vehicular inspections to ensure compliance with road safety standards, as legislated by the Province of Ontario.

The statistics from the recent initiative include:

• More than 150 passenger and commercial vehicles re-directed to the Vineland Truck Inspection Station

• 65 vehicles were comprehensively

inspected

• 24 vehicles removed from the highway after significant safety concerns were identified

• 95 Provincial Offence Notices (tickets) were issued for various offences including: careless driving, distracted driving, speeding, improper licence, improper tires, improper brakes, and insecure load

• Three sets of licence plates seized

Lions Easter Egg hunt set for Saturday

When the Easter Bunny is set to make his appearance at Beamsville Lions Easter Egg Hunt, one knows spring is close behind.

Saturday, April 8, the Beamsville Lions are set to present their popular annual event at Lions Club Park at 5100 Fly Road.

“We’re looking forward to another great year,” said Lions organizer Frank Arsenault.

“We’ve got excellent support from sponsors Tim Hortons Beamsville, Central Fabricating and Christie’s Dairy and we’ll have more than 15,000 chocolate eggs up for grabs.”

Entertainment runs from 9-11 a.m. with the Under-4 age category getting the hunting started at 9:30 a.m. Other age groups are 4-6 (10 a.m.), 7-9 (10:30 a.m.) and 10-12 (11 a.m.)

“We’ll have some ‘special eggs’ hidden as well and there will be lots of prizes up for grabs, so it will be lots of fun,” said Arsenault, who noted the event is free, but the Lions welcome any cash donations or non-perishable food donations as well.

Town of Grimsby Planning Department

You Are Invited To A Public Open House

Applications have been received by the Town of Grimsby for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for the lands known as 264 Main Street East.

The proposed development consists of adding 15.6 metres on frontage on Main Street East and 839 square metres from adjacent lands (through a future Consent application) to the west to expand the existing parking lot area of the subject lands. The subject lands currently consist of 29 parking spaces, with the additional land increase creating a total of 47 parking spaces, one loading space, and two-way vehicular access around the existing commercial building on the subject lands. No changes to the existing building footprint are proposed.

The purpose and effect of the proposed Official Plan Amendment is to redesignate the portion of the adjacent lands to be acquired by the subject lands from “Low Density Residential” to “Neighbourhood Commercial Area” designation, in order to permit the expansion of the parking lot.

The purpose and effect of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is to rezone a portion of the adjacent lands to be acquired from ‘Main-Street’ (MS.15) zone to ‘Neighbourhood Commercial’ (NC) zone, with Site Specific Policy 215,

and to add a site specific provision to the ‘Main-Street’ zone on the remainder of the adjacent lands, in order to facilitate the creation of an additional parking lot area.

The Town of Grimsby will be hosting a Public Open House to explain the proposed development. An open house meeting is typically held shortly after the Town receives a development application, at the beginning of the review process. Town Staff have not reviewed the application yet, and are still awaiting comments and analysis from other departments and agencies, as well as comments from the public. Therefore, there have been no decisions made about the proposed development yet.

The purpose of the open house meeting is for Town Staff and the applicant to: inform you about the proposed development; inform you about planning process to follow; answer your questions; and hear your comments.

The open house meeting will be held as follows:

Date: April 26, 2023

Time: 7 p.m.

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

This 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 are livestreamed at https://www.grimsby.ca/livestream/

Additional information regarding the applications, including 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, Email: planning@grimsby.ca

Dr. Jamieson’s time in Grimsby not as planned

Some stories that come out of war times are full of heroism and excitement.

Others are just sad.

For example, the story of Dr. Leonard Jamieson, who came to Grimsby in 1917 to set up practice.

A Small Drop of Ink

By Dorothy Turcotte

Grimsby his permanent home, as he opened an office on Ontario Street, and purchased land on Main Street at Robinson with the intention of building a family home.

However, Grimsby was only his home for a year and four months,

for patriotism got the best of him.

At his own expense, he travelled to England to join the Royal Army Medical Corps. and the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.

He was put in charge of a hospital in Jerusalem, and saw action on both the East and West Banks of the Jordan River.

In July 1918, he was on sick leave in Cairo, and checked

in to an officers’ summer camp on the shore of the Mediterranean. After lunch, he went for a swim, probably unaware of the dangerous currents in that part of the Mediterranean. His body was found later in the day by two soldiers who didn’t recognize him because he had just arrived at their camp that morning.

Grimsby Kinettes’ Easter Egg Hunt set for Food Friday, 10 a.m.

Grimsby Kinettes are set to host their annual Easter Egg this Friday, April 7, at the Centennial Park rose garden.

The event - orginally hosted by the Grimsby Kinsmen Club - was taken over by the Kinettes as part of a transition when the Kinsmen folder last year.

This year’s event - sponsored by The Lynn Fee Team - will start at 10 a.m.

The hunt is divided into various age categories which run in a staggered start. A cash barbecue, with refreshments available, will also be part of the fun for anyone looking for a snack.

The event is free for all, but cash donations are being accepted for the Kinettes’ main charity, Cystic Fibrosis and, this year, McNally House Hospice.

Non-perishable food donations will also be gathered for Grimsby Benevolent Fund.

HAT TRICK HOCKEY

Week Twenty-One

$15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire Grimsby. Virgil Nose

• Large. 3-Item Pizza. Pick-Up Only. courtesy of Gino’s Pizza. Lucas D’Onofrio

• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Tim Hortons Grimsby. John Mataseje Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings

©

Top Standings

1. Heywood, Kevin 1578

2. Heinen, Stella 1571

3. Torkelson, Andy ..... 1569

4. Mous, Brent 1557

5. Allison, Mike 1556

6. Grant, Donald ....... 1556

7. Schilte, Julie 1556

8. Stuive, Alex 1553

9. Olejarz, Theresa 1538

10. Van Roon, Jim ...... 1536

11. Loser Joe 1533

12. Morrison, Michael 1530

13. Noise, Virgil ......... 1529

14. Heinen, Lauren 1526

15. Fuller, Rory 1526

16. O’Toole, Bernie .. 1523

17. Havens, Robert 1523

18. Minor, Craig 1523

19. Hand, Bev 1522

20. Della Valle, Basil .. 1522 Sponsored by:

Town of Grimsby Planning Department

You are invited to a Public Meeting

Applications have been received by the Town of Grimsby for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for the lands known as 9 Windward Drive.

The proposed development consists of a 10 storey mixed-use building with 2 storeys of underground parking with a total gross floor area of 16,186 sq. m. (14,260 sq. m. residential, and 1,926 sq. m. employment). There are a total of 121 residential units proposed. A mix of underground and surface parking would be provided, accommodating 250 parking spaces and 57 bicycle parking spaces.

The purpose and effect of the proposed Official Plan amendment is to permit residential uses within the Employment Overlay.

The purpose and effect of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is to rezone the subject lands from the current Neighbourhood Development (ND-213) Zone with Site Specific Policy 213 to Mixed Use High Density Residential Zone with Site Specific Policy (MHD-xx).

The open house meeting will be held as follows:

Date: April 26, 2023 Time: 5:30 p.m.

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

This 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 are livestreamed at https://www.grimsby.ca/livestream/

Additional information regarding the applications, including 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, Email: planning@grimsby.ca

• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Teddy’s Food. Fun & Spirits. Gary Abrahams

• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Cole’s Florist. Kaia Schilte

•

ST. HELEN CHURCH

4106 Mountain St., Beamsville ON

Big Payout With Progressive Jackpot

Thursday, March 6 - 11 am in the Church Great Hall

Jackpot $1,200 Hot Lunch - Sandwiches available at Noon

health program

Friday, March 31 - 7 pm in the Church Great Hall

Jackpot $1,500 Fresh baked Pizza available at 6 pm

bingo cancelled good friday

Also $$$ thousands $$$ in cash prizes every week

Admission Free - Tea and Coffee Free

GRIMSBY LEGION

233 Elizabeth St., Grimsby • 905-945-8421

Facebook: Grimsby Legion

entertAinMent

Good Friday

Fish & chips

By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow

The West Lincoln community’s response to a matching fundraising campaign has shown local residents struggling with mental health issues they are not alone.

HOSTS: Don & Connor Wilson 7 to 11 Every Welcome - Solo Duos & more

Friday, April 14 open Mic night

1 pc. $13 • 2 pc. 17 includes fries, coleslaw & bun Also serving: chicken Fingers Onion Rings • Fries

Kitchen open Thursday and Friday 4-7.

Watch Sunday Sports on Big Screen

Grimsby Legion supports YoUr Local community

*** Lowest Drink Prices in town ***

Earlier this year RE/MAX Escarpment broker Wayne Schilstra offered to match up to $25,000, donations towards the mental health counselling program provided through West Lincoln Community Care.

The community more than met the challenge and

WLCC has received just over $54,000 to help meet local needs that are growing, and under pressure with long wait lists, affordability and accessibility.

“Everyone in the community understands the needs and reached out with generous support,” said Sharlene Volpatti, WLCC manager of client services and food bank.

“We want to thank Wayne for his generosity and support of the program. The campaign was a great idea and Wayne is a blessing to West Lincoln Community Care,” Volpatti said.

“We were all blown away by the support,” said Schilstra. “It was a great success. We set out to match the $25,000 and the community supported the campaign.”

The counselling program was launched one year ago. Volpatti said there was a need in the community with three-year wait lists for help with mental health.

On hand for the campaign results presentation were (L to R) RE/MAX Escarpment broker Wayne Schilstra; Sharlene Volpatti, WLCC manager; Steph Melo, client services administrator, and; Angela Kingma, psychotherapist/owner of Arms Open Counselling. McDonald - Photo

sessions at no cost to individuals who qualify for the program.

With the pandemic, Kingma said the rates of burnout, anxiety and depression are at record levels with struggles related to the economy, relationships and day-to-day living.

those numbers have quadrupled to 20 per cent. Depression numbers have doubled. One in seven Canadians now experience anxiety while one in five suffer from some form of depression.”

5249 King Street, Beamsville, ON 905-563-4787 www.ericwaytire.com

WLCC partnered with Angela Kingma, psychotherapist and clinical director/owner of Arms Open Counselling in Smithville to offer

“It’s essential there is no wait list. Not having to say no is the biggest impact,” Kingma said of the fundraising campaign that will allow the counselling service to continue.

“Before the pandemic began anxiety was experienced by five to seven per cent of people. Mid and post pandemic

“Some clients come for help as they feel there is nobody else in their lives that will truly listen, without judgement.” The counselling allows people to truly talk about what is going on in their lives.

For more information call West Lincoln Community Care at 905-9575882; email wlcc@bellnet.ca or visit the website, westlincolncc.com

“The CT scanner has been a big game-changer for our ER. It allows us to access important imaging quickly for our patients. This has helped us avoid not only lengthy waits for transfer to Hamilton Hospitals for imaging but also the loss of essential staff for several hours while they accompany patients for these transfers.”

Dr. Danielle Louise Charbonneau MD CCFP(EM)(FPA) Site lead Anesthesia and ER Physician WLMH

Please call to place your classified ad 289-235-9500

OBITUARY

Pollard, Virginia Helen (nee Marshall)

Passed away at St. Catharines General Hospital, on Sunday, April 2, 2023, in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late Robert Pollard (2015). Loved mother of Allen Pollard (Laurie), Ann Swallow (Jeff) and Tom Pollard (Chris). Cherished grandmother of Cody, Jenna, Jessica, Adam and Noah and great-grandmother of Serra, Arnae, Josh, James and Sophie. Predeceased by her parents Jennie and Harry Marshall and by her siblings Jean Laxton and Victor, Ron and Frank Marshall. As a nursing pioneer, Virginia worked on the front line, went on to teach at Humber Collage and to obtain a Masters of Nursing. Private cremation and interment at St. Andrew’s Church, Grimsby will take place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com

St. Andrew’s Anglican Church

A lively, forward-looking Anglican Church in Grimsby Urgently Seeking Office Administrator

12 hours a week

Must be organized, compassionate and empathetic

Send resume: info@standrewsgrimsby.com

HANDYMAN SERVICES

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Struggling WitH HurtS, Hang-uPS or HabitS?

“Celebrate Recovery (CR)” 12 step Christian Recovery for Healing, Help and Hope. ALL WELCOME!

Wednesdays at 7 pm. Forestview Community Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby. For info. or help, CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca 905-945-9529

GAS GUY

Residential. Licensed Gas Technician. HVAC, Plumbing, Handyman Installation, Service. Heating, Cooling, Gas Lines. Clogged Drains. Honest, Reasonably Priced. Free quotes. Call Blake 365-889-7838

LAWN ROLLING & AERATION

front & backyard Call Ken 905957-5731.

GARAGE FOR RENT

Downtown Grimsby. Storage only. No heat, no hydro. 25 x 15. $125/month 905945-1040

LOST & FOUND

found - In Feb. Designere Sunglasses. Hixon St., Beamsville. Call 905-563-7175.

ROOFING

roofing Over 25 years of experience. Shingles and Flat Roof warranty. Call Ken 905-973-3235

VEHICLES WANTED

carS, truckS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059

Please contact 905-309-0090

SPecialized in carPentry - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring. Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485

rubbiSH & Junk reMoVal. Call Ken 905-973-3235

TREE SERVICES

6th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive

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

Joseph Pulitzer

Dear Reader,

Here we are, against all odds, in our 11th year of publishing. Our little paper that started in the basement of our house has flourished into what you are reading today. We’ve had ups and downs, two printing plant closures, sale of our distribution company, a world-wide pandemic and... we are still here. Because of you, good reader - as well as our loyal and dedicated advertising base - through ensuring great response via your intense readership as well as your generous subscriptions. We truly appreciate your support!

Based on the excellent feedback from previous years’ volunteer pay subscription drives, we have launched Year 6!

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 refined the infrastructure for our Volunteer Pay System

Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week – receive your copy of NewsNow. Whether you live in a single-detached home, apartment, condo or at a business, NewsNow is now everywhere –29,000-plus circulation strong. That will NOT change!!!!

Subscriptions: One Year - $50 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 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 we wish good health to you all!

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

Mike Williscraft Publisher

100% Niagara owned & operated

Our Team:

Publisher - Mike Williscraft mike@wn3.ca

289-442-4244

General Manager - Catherine Williscraft

Sales Consultant - Erica Huisman

Graphics - Donna Wisnoski

NewsNow is owned & operated by 1602207 Ontario Ltd.

Office Location

1 Mountain Street, Grimsby, ON, L3M 3J6 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848

NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday & delivered to all homes & businesses in Niagara West, 29,006

West Lincoln council getting things done

The best thing about this gig is I never know what each day may bring - sometimes that’s good, sometimes not so much.

We get a lot of odd questions in the office, too, ranging from basic touristy stuff to how do I book a ride on Niagara’s OnDemand service to which grocery store has the best produce (when the roadside stands are not in operation).

I also get people coming in regularly asking me if I know commercial locations for business start ups. This seems to be pretty close to a monthly thing in recent years, working on averages.

I mention this because it was great to have a chance to pop down to see Nuran Acikel at Nurish Kitchen - Grimsby’s latest retail opening. More than a year ago, her husband, Yildrim, came in to see asking if I knew of a spot for his wife’s bakery.

This inquiry, combined with an ongoing comment of “I cannot believe a town the size of Grimsby does not have a bakery downtown.”

West Lincoln transportation plan

On the facing page (Page 15) is an overview of what Twp, of West Lincoln council approved at its meeting on March 27. There was a comprehensive series of studies outlined but the most impactful would be future plans to deal with the municipality’s roadways. With growing populations and traffic pressure, the 30-year plan calls for some roads to be expanded to three-lane options to improve traffic flow and groundwork to be laid for a possible connection to an escarpment crossing - should that project ever come on line. Full details have been uploaded to PlanSmithville.ca

Grimsby had one a few years ago, and it was very popular. Then it moved from a small, bakery-only location to expand into a full restaurant and that didn’t go so well and it closed.

So I knew there was an interest. Whenever I heard something was coming up, I let Yildrim know the par-

township’s finances, sometimes too much so, but a great budget defender).

Second, I have always been of the mind that increases for elected officials are needed to keep pace with times, but I also think they should be approved for the start of the next term of council.

ticulars. Nothing worked out until they came upon 7 Main St. East, which many would know as the longtime Amici’s Pizza location.

Great to see that worked out. I waited until Nuran was settled in to time things up with a launch of “Biz Beat”. We’re going to be trying to give some of our small shops a little boost to help them get going. * * *

One of my favourite people to talk to in Niagara West is West Lincoln Coun. Mike Rehner.

Not only can you not be sure what you will hear, you cannot be sure how loud you will hear it. For those who don’t know the man, let’s say he is a ‘no bull” guy and on the “excitable” side.

When I saw West Lincoln councillors had approved pay increases of what the staff report said was 38 per cent, I cringed for a couple of reasons. My first reaction was, Mike’s not going to like that (he is a hawk when it comes to the

It never made any sense that someone sitting at the table would be allowed to vote themselves a raise. This came up as recently as 2019 when a new Grimsby council gave itself a raise.

When people run for council, they know what the remuneration is. Maybe the town should have a cost of living program as a starter, which could be waived by a council if they need to be extra frugal, but a baseline of process could be set without obligating future councils.

So I am not a fan of immediate raises for those passing them.

That said, in West Lincoln’s case, there had only been a $2,000 raise in 2007 and no other changes, which is highly unusual. Mike outlined all that and more when I asked about council’s decision to eat the whole expense by ramping up the full pay hike in the 2023. If they can do that, and keep their increase to 6.5 per cent with inflation the way it is, more power to them.

West Lincoln got some major things done with this year’s budget and kept costs down. Good work.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Delivered via Canada Post

West Lincoln infrastructure studies charting course for next 30 years

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

A series of major infrastructure planning studies covering key facets of infrastructure were approved by West Lincoln council March 26.

During the council meeting, Mike DiPaola, West Lincoln’s director of public works, noted the township put a urban boundary expansion and Master Community Plan in motion in 2019 and the studies approved last week are an evolution of those plans.

The Master Plans completed as part of the process were a sub-watershed study, a stormwater Master Plan, a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) and a Water and Wastewater Master Plan.

The TMP was outlined in detail by consultant Ed Stubbing, who outlined several new features and upgrades working with the expanded urban boundary plans and the proposed escarpment crossing.

“A new western link and a new eastern link will provide connections back to Regional Road 20 and also, potentially, to any future escarpment crossing. A new western and new collector route to the west and south are there to serve those land parcels that are to be developed,” said Stubbing.

Upgrading and new junctions are also needed to improve traffic flow.

Recommendations were also made for parking in the downtown core to “support the economic viability in the downtown core’.

“I recently noted the success of the OnDemand transit system was well received and something that we are promoting in the TMP as well,” said Stubbing, adding that new trails utilizing rail and hydro corridors would also add to the plan.

Additionally, the plan includes two new river crossings

- pedestrian and cyclist only

- “and therefore provide additional incentive to take those two modes to cross the river.”

Costs or projected road improvements recommended to be done in the next 10 years include at a total cost of $80$105 million:

• Springcreek Road Extension

- $16-$20 million

• South Grimsby Road 5 - $15$18 to upgrade it to a collector road

• Industrial Park Road - upgrade to three-line profile$23-$26 million

• The northern connector initially projected as a two-lane profile covered by the township, but if it is to be used as

a bypass, Niagara Region will cover the additional upgrade costs.

The 10- to 20-year projects recommended at a total cost of $45-$49 million are:

• Townline Road - $20 million to widen to a three-lane profile;

• Shurie, Port Davidson, Tober Road and the southern collector - $25-$30 million

In the 20-year-plus category, the western collector and South Grimsby Road 6 would come in at $27-$48 million in total said Stubbing.

A variety of possible funding sources may help pay for the work, including:

• Direct developer costs or cost-sharing agreements;

• Niagara Region and township development charges

•tax levy

• Provincial/regional grants

“It’s overwhelming and it’s a lot to receive in one night,” said Brian Treble, West Lincoln director of planning, but he noted this was all the background studied and reviewed as part of the creation of a major policy document.

During the meeting, in addition to transportation, council also reviewed water and wastewater plans, sub-watershed and storm water Master Plans.