NewsNow E-Edition August 21 2025 by newsnow Niagara

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Grimsby council approves 2027 pay increase

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

When the new Grimsby town council is installed after the 2026 municipal election its new members will have a sizeable pay increase compared to their predecessors.

Grimsby council voted 7-2 to implement a new pay and expenses package and, under a separate vote, created a new $1,000 per year health expense benefit. All will take effect for the new council voted in during the Oct. 26, 2026 municipal election.

The mayor’s position, which currently pays $52,650, will rise 9.4 per cent to $57,589. Indexed 2 per cent for cost of living (COLA) the pay will be $58,741 for 2026.

For councillor positions, which currently pay $23,775, the rate will rise to $28,643 - a 20.5 per cent increase - with the 2026 pay rated for COLA being $29,216.

The new health benefit expense item was recommended by a third party consultant who provided council with a remuneration review.

Some on council thought the added health expense unnecessary, while Coun. Lianne Vardy believed it should be given with no accountability.

Vardy noted one municipality she was aware of offereed a similar expense and, if not used, matched the set amount which was then paid into a TFSA or a similar type of investment

See PAY, Page 6

Max effort

Jackson Porter, left, nearly collides with teammate Finn Fowler as each chases a fly ball during an U9 Rep Grimsby Coyotes baseball practice last month at the Oakes Road ballpark. Loree - Photo

Improv classses for kids offered for first time

If you have a performer in your family, Linda Kash is someone you may want them to meet.

Kash will be offering a unique program to develop the improvisation skills of kids at the Grimsby Pumphouse this fall.

“Improv builds confidence, trust, listening skills and new friendships,” says Kash.

“It is foundational for young actors and creatives aliketons of fun and no experience necessary.”

Some may recall Kash as “The Philly Cream Cheese Angel.” She is also a Second City alumni who brings 40 years of Improv experience to town.

“I am thrilled to be opening a new branch of my acting school PAPA - 18 years and counting - in Grimsby. I’ll be bringing big city training to a smaller community,” she said.

This fall she’ll offer improv

Kids are put through their paces during one of Linda Kash’s improve classes.

to kids and teens with plans to expand to an adult improv program early in 2026.

The kids’ program runs from Sept. 9 and runs through Oct. 7 with sessions from 4-5 p.m. for

kids 6-12 and from 5-6 p.m. for teens 13-17. The cost is $125 per per paarticipant

Space is limited, said Kash, and some high school volunteer hour opportunities are available.

Kash began her career at the Second City Theatre in Toronto, where she performed, directed and conducted workshops . She has appeared in and directed several plays, films and television shows throughout Canada, Europe, Russia, New Zealand and the U,S. including Seinfeld, Fargo and Best in Show.

Linda has also co-created several shows for TV including “Go Girl!” and “The Joe Blow Show” for The Comedy Network, which she also directed. More recent directorial projects include Colin Mochrie in “HYPROV” for Just For Laughs.

If you’re an adult cycling enthusiast, the Fleming Centre in Beamsville will be the place to be this Saturday, Aug 23.

The Rotary Club of Lincoln will host Bike The Benchlands - a multi-leg trek for cyclists. Participants, who will be covering four different routes spanning 20-100 km, will be raising funds for this year’s beneficiary of proceeds - the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre. Cost is $105 pp. Registration opens and is available at the

Fleming Centre starting at 7 a.m. The self-guided tours run until 5 p.m. Register at: bikethebenchlands.ca From 1-5 p.m., Roll In Rotary takes over Rotary Park at the Fleming Centre.

There will be demos and shows, temporary tattoos, Plasma Peach Car Races, a decoration station for anything with wheels and a Mario Kart themed Wheels and Heels Parade from 2:15-2:45 p.m. - complete with Peach, Mario and Luigi.

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for that council member with the logic being it saved time and money with no tracking or administration.

“Make it quick and simple. It would be a lot easier. They (any council member) could spend as they choose,” said Vardy.

Coun. Don Howe thought the opposite.

“I have a problem with the health account,” said Howe. “This is a parttime job. I don’t know of many where you can get that type of coverage in a part-time job. I don’t agree with it.”

Coun. Nick DiFlavio agreed with Howe that conference costs should also be limited, adding voting for a pay increase is always tricky.

“People who step up for this role, are not people who are doing it for financial compensation,” said DiFlavio, adding, “It’s difficult to vote for a pay increase for yourself. What we’re doing, if we vote in favour of it, to be clear, is voting for a pay increase for the next council.”

For the consultant’s report, 13 comparator municipalities were as-

sessed, which had a range of five to nine council members, as well as St. Catharines and Welland, which have 12.

Coun. Jacob Baradziej said the size of council should be reduced to offset the added cost.

“I think we should fund the difference, which is roughly $50,000, by reducing council,” Baradziej said.

This was shot down by Mayor Jeff Jordan. “Historically, councils that had reduced numbers, the net cost to the taxpayers was exactly the same because each councillor was remunerated the amount to reflect their increased responsibility,” said Jordan.

Coun. Delight Davoli said she tracked her hours for a six-month stretch finding she average 15-20 hours per week throughout. While noting a pay increase is merited, she noted the compensation should be reviewed once every council term. Davoli also asked that the pay be considered a base rate, which should include at least two sub-committee positions. This item is to come back to council in a staff report.

Improv for kids & teens

This fall: Improvisation classes for kids and teens at The Pumphouse with Linda Kash (Second City alum, the original Kraft Philly Angel)!

Five Tuesdays, Sept 9 - Oct 7, 2025

4pm - 5pm (kid 6-12) 5pm - 6pm (teens 13-18)

The Pumphouse

447 Elizabeth St, Grimsby, ON L3M 3C2 at The Pumphouse, Grimsby with Linda Kash

This fall: Improvisation classes for kids and teens at The Pumphouse with Linda Kash (Second City alum, the original Kraft Philly Angel)!

447 Elizabeth St, Grimsby, ON L3M 3C2 at The Pumphouse, Grimsby with Linda Kash

Improv for kids & teens

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Roasted red pepper and tomato bisque

By Chef Jan-Willem Stulp For NewsNow

This week, we are working through another part of our garden harvest, although when I planned the order of the recipes, I was not anticipating the heat Ontario has witnessed this summer.

Peppers are growing well, some of my basil is the best I’ve seen in years, and the eggplants are yielding well.

I’m growing hops, too, more out of curiosity than a pressing need to brew beer, and the hops are dominating the tomato garden.

My tomatoes, though (and many gardeners share this) are not ripening prolifically. By now, I usually have baskets full every other day, but this year the ripening has been sparser, and more sporadic.

I’ve done some research, and it seems, that tomatoes don’t ripen well above about 27-28 Celcius. They don’t go bad, they just remain green.

So, I’m anticipating that as the weather cools, we’ll catch up with a bumper crop of tomatoes.

If you haven’t had many ripe tomatoes, don’t despair; the next few weeks should set you up perfectly to make this editions’ feature recipe; roasted red

pepper and tomato bisque, with herb and caramelized Shallot compote.

This recipe is a favourite among our staff and clients at the Grand Oak, and is regularly in our soup lineup. Shallots will be ready for cooking by now, if you grow your own, and if not, they are readily available at most farm markets or grocery stores.

As always, focus on local. It’s almost always better. I’ve put together two recipes, one for the bisque and the other for the garnish;.

I love the way the flavours play on one another, and the textures of the bisque vs compote but, if you’re in a hurry or don’t feel like spending time on that, a drizzle of good olive oil or heavy cream would certainly give visual appeal and flavour.

Compote INGREDIENTS

• 2 shallots, peeled, sliced

1/4 inch thick

• cooking oil (I use Sunflower; olive oil will give a dominant flavour)

• fine salt, pepper

• minced, fresh Herbs; good options are thyme, rosemary, parsley, chives, basil, savoury

In a thick-bottomed frying pan, put a 1/4 inch of oil, and turn to medium heat.

DIRECTIONS

Once your oil shimmers, carefully lay the shallots in the oil; the idea is that it doesn’t caramelize right away, so keep the temperature low.

Let the shallots go translucent, and just stir them around regularly.

Once most of the moisture is gone, you’ll notice slow caramelization beginning. I only take this to a golden stage, as I prefer the texture that way.

Remove from the heat, and allow to cool, then stir in your herbs, and season

with salt and pepper to taste; reserve for garnishing, but stir before using. This will keep for a week in your fridge, and is a great topping for chicken, fish and rice dishes as well. Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Bisque INGREDIENTS

• 6 large, ripe tomatoes, cored, quartered

• 2 each; small red onion, ribs celery, carrots, all diced

• 2 red peppers, whole

• 1 sweet potato, peeled, diced

• 3 cloves of garlic

• seasonings, fresh herbs

• oil

DIRECTIONS

In a bowl, toss the tomatoes with salt, pepper, herbs (we used thyme and rosemary) and the garlic cloves in some oil and place on a sheet pan or roasting pan.

Place in a preheated 350F oven, until caramelized, (about 1/2 hour, but check regularly) In the same bowl, toss the diced onions, celery and carrots, with salt, pepper and oil.

Put this in another pan, place in the same oven, until lightly browned and fragrant. While this is roasting, take your two peppers and remove any stickers. Char the peppers on your barbecue or sideburner until the skin is completely charred, but keep turning

them so they don’t burn.

Once blackened, pack in a small bowl and cover with plastic to continue cooking in their own steam. They’ll be easy to peel when cool, and have a delightful aroma. Discard the peel and seeds; I usually strain the seeds out and pour the liquid into the soup base. Combine the roasted vegetables with the tomatoes, sweet potato, peppers and any liquids, in a thickbottomed pot.

Barely cover with water, and do a light seasoning with salt and pepper.

Simmer until the sweet potato is soft, then add some olive oil and puree this together. This is when you adjust your final seasoning. You could add balsamic vinegar for an interesting result, as an aside. We normally serve this hot using the compote as garnish, and pass fresh bread for dipping and/ or cleaning the plate. But chilled, this soup is also a great appetizer, served in small cups for an alfresco meal, or a light, refreshing hors d’oeuvre.

Either way, have fun experimenting, and enjoy the tomato harvest!

Bon Appetit!

(Chef Stulp and his wife Jane operate Grand Oak Culinary Market in Vineland.)

Water infrastructure got a major boost in Grimsby and Lincoln with two grants being announced last week.

Lincoln will receive $41 million from the Ontario government to build new irrigation pipelines, part of a $135 million provincial investment in Niagara and Leamington’s water infrastructure.

Grimsby will receive $7.14 million to go to a three-year

project to help to prevent overflowing into basement facilities and discharge into the natural environment.

Overall, the project will provide reliable water access to hundreds of farms, greenhouses, wineries, and tender fruit producers, enhancing crop yields, improving drought resilience, and supporting longterm sustainability.

“A lot of local farmers have been working on this for a long time. George Schenck really led the charge all the way back in 2012 and many others have helped with bringing this issue up over the years. It wouldn’t have happened without those local farmers - especially in the tender fruit and greenhouse sector,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff.

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7th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive

“Were it left to me to decide if we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”

Thomas Jefferson, 1787

We are about to complete our 13th year of serving our dedicated readers and advertisers in Niagara West! That seems hard to believe, but it’s true. Just like every stitch of content you read in our pages. We’ve tried to shoot photos at every community event, expose serious stories which were very much in the public’s interest, and let all know the goings on for our great services club and community groups. If you’re looking to social media for information, good luck. It’s a cesspool of misinformation. In short, if it moves, we’re on it! And we still have a lot to do. By helping us out with a voluntary subscription you can support that goal

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.

Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week –receive your copy of NewsNow - whether that be with Canada Post or if we have our own carrier force. 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 wishes of good health to you all!

Fair midway ticket presale open

West Niagara Fair (WNF) will kick off the busiest month ever for the fairgrounds Sept. 5-7.

The fair will run 4-11 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday, and; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Of course, the highly popular demo derbies will return, but a host of new features will also be part of the mix, said Stacey Leppert, WNF ambassador.

Admission is $10 for adults, kids (6-12) $5 and free for kids five and under. There is lots of free parking onsite.

The all-day midway ride pre-sale is underway with tickets costing $35 each. These are only available until Sept. 4 - after that the cost is $45 at the fair. Tickets, which do not include cost of admission to the fair, can be picked up at the fairground’s Community Hall at 7402 Mud St. in Grassie. The office is open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

As well, Leppert noted that volunteers are still needed to help out at the fair. If interested, sign up at: westniagarafair.ca/site/volunteer2025

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Admission Free - Tea and Coffee Free

Mike Williscraft Publisher

(Couldn’t we use more of that thinking south of the border right now)

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We offer a variety of free employment services including resumes, interview skills and local job postings on our job board. Walk in or call us today to get a team of employment experts on your side.

tree sale is open to Lincoln residents only. Identification with proof of residency such as a driver’s license or recent utility bill will be required upon pickup. Orders with billing addresses that are not located in the Town of Lincoln will be cancelled. Orders close when trees/rain barrels are sold out, or on September 29th, 2025 (No day-of sales; no wait-list – first come, first serve.)

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Mahy, Basil James “Jim”

June 23, 1926 - august 12, 2025

Jim went home to be with the Lord in his 100th year, on Tuesday August 12, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Jean Mahy (2014). Loved father of Mary Tompkins and her late husband Miles and his late son Cameron Mahy, who is survived by his wife Robin. Cherished Grandfather of Kerri Evershed (Adam) and Julie Sharpe (Dave) and remembered fondly by his greatgrandchildren William, Logan, Stacey and Arthur. He will be missed by his nieces, nephews and many friends, especially Ray and Anna Marie Gillard who he spoke with every night. Thank you to the staff at the United Mennonite Home for their care and support. Visitation took place at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Monday August 18, 2025, and on Tuesday August 19, 2025 from 10 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Interment at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to New Life Community Church or the Grimsby Life Centre, and would be appreciated by the family. On-line condolences at www.smithsfh.com

He is now at perfect peace in the presence of his Lord.

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OBITUARIES

cocks, David Eugene

We are saddened to announce that Eugene passed away peacefully at home on August 4 after a long illness.

Dear husband of Ferne (Piper). Father of Susan (d. 1966), Greg, and Rhonda (Art). Grandfather of Justin (Tiffany), Mackenzie (Jamie), and Bethany. Great-grandfather of Michael, Mason, Calla, Bellamy, and Raven.

Leaves behind his sisters Sharon (David) Hysert and Donna (Sandro) DelRe. Nephews Marcus, Warren (Amy), Brendan (Myca), and niece Alana (Ryan).

Eugene taught Grade 7 and 8 Math for 34 years: 22 at Jacob Beam, Beamsville; 1 year at Park, Grimsby; and retired 11 years later from Caistor Central. Former students came to visit after retirement right to the end.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Merritt Funeral Home, Smithville.

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OBITUARIES IN MEMORIUM

BAILEY, Vera Ilene

Vera Bailey, who left this world peacefully on July 22, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by her family and so much love.

Vera was born on March 9, 1932, on Manitoulin Island to Norman and Inez (Dinsmore) Kelly and grew up in Meldrum Bay. She was the heart of our family and a true pillar of strength, living life on her own terms.

Vera was a force - stubborn, kind, outspoken, opinionated, and full of love for everyone she encountered. She had a deep love for people and was always willing to lend a hand and help others at every opportunity.

Strong in her faith, Vera was devoted to her church, her friends, and especially her family. On July 20, 1949, she married the love of her life, Leonard Bailey (predeceased), in the Meldrum Bay United Church. Together, they shared over 70 years of love and partnership - a bond built on deep respect and enduring love. Vera and Leonard are now reunited in heaven.

She will be deeply missed by her three children: Michael Bailey (Debbie), Karen Pow (Bill), and Mark Bailey (Susan); her eight grandchildren: Adam (Vicki), Julie, Melissa (Jeff), Scott (Ashlea), Tanya (Andrew), Mat (Jen), Alana, and Dayna (Dan); and her twelve great-grandchildren. Vera was also a loving aunt and friend, and she was predeceased by her brother Calvin (Mildred) and her sister Norma.

Vera was a long-time member of Meldrum Bay United Church, the United Church Women (UCW), Fifty United Church, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She spent her life caring for others and raising her family, and in later years worked at Robinson’s Department Store.

We’ve shared countless memories with Vera over the years - trips to Meldrum Bay, noisy family gatherings, her famously terrible driving, hours spent baking in her kitchen, and summer trips to Sauble Beach. Whether watching Wheel of Fortune, knitting, quilting, sewing, dancing, sharing stories and long chats, singing in the car, or going to McDonald’s after church, Vera made every moment special just by being herself.

Her love, strength, and spirit made us who we are. Though she may be gone, we will carry her with us - in our choices, our traditions, and in the stories we’ll keep telling.

A special thank you to Deer Park Villa and suites in Grimsby for the love, support, and care you gave Vera over the past six years. She formed many special bonds and meaningful relationships with the wonderful people who work there, and our family is deeply grateful for the kindness and compassion you showed her.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held on September 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Fifty United Church, 1455 Highway 8, Stoney Creek. Vera will be laid to rest at a later date in Meldrum Bay, Manitoulin Island.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fifty United Church in Winona or Meldrum Bay United Church on Manitoulin Island.

Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com

Linda Nagels

November 21, 1944August 22, 2011

nicK eLia renoVaTions

Over 40 years of experience in painting, flooring, basic plumbing, landscaping, deck and fences. Certified home inspector. Free estimates 905-7416695, 905-730-1387

nickanthonyelia@gmail. com. www.nickelia renovations.com

It’s been 14 years since our beloved Linda Nagels left us, and not a day goes by without thoughts of her kindness, laughter, and love.

Linda was known for her outgoing spirit, her generous heart, and a sense of humour that could light up any room. She had a rare ability to make others feel welcomed, seen, and cared for. Her devotion to her husband, Derek, was unwavering, and their bond stood as a quiet example of love and loyalty.

She was a loving mother to her three children. With her oldest son Craig, she would spend time laughing. Her daughter Melanie was not just a daughter, but a best friend—confidante and companion. And with her youngest, Jason, she shared something beautiful and unique, a connection filled with music, humour, and an unspoken understanding that only they seemed to share.

She adored her grandchildren, Sophie and Caleb. Though she never met her youngest granddaughter, Vivi, we often say Vivi is a “mini Linda”—feisty, funny, and full of life. We know in our hearts that they would have shared a beautiful bond, and she would have absolutely loved her step-granddaughter Chloe and Melanie’s husband, John. She would have embraced them with her signature kindness and wit.

We miss her deeply. We carry her memory forward with every laugh, every story, and every act of kindness. Until we see her again, we hold her in our hearts.

Fourteen Years Gone, Forever in Our Hearts

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Base pay/committee work need to be part of mix

It’s a funny thing about councils reviewing their remuneration packages...I’ve been covering councils of all shapes and sizes going back to Ashfield Twp. - my first from my Goderich Signal-Star days - to Regional Municipality of OttawaCarleton to our local councils in Niagara West.

Working the “room”

Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff - and MP Dean Allison - hosted their annual summer barbecues at Jordan Lions Park, on Saturday. Constituents Tim and Rose Lattanzi were among those to get a chat in with Oosterhoff.

Fall fair season kicks off

This week kicks off the fall fair season with the Winona Peach Festival being the big draw.

Yes, I said it, fall is coming to us, quickly. Monday and Tuesday were actually, dare I say it, cool. The last couple of editions we’ve had information on Grimsby Benevolent Fund’s Back to School program. All the signs are there.

Back in the day, Grimsby’s Festival at The Forty used to the kick off with Peach Fest, then Lincoln’s fair, then Smithville’s, then Binbrook...it was a whole circuit.

Now the schedule has been downsized here and there, but the events which remain are classics and should not be missed. M.W.

Any time the pay packages of council have come up for review only one time in my recollection did a council ever vote a pay increase down.

Simply, once someone sticks their neck out to get it on an agenda - whether it be via an internal staff report is requested or a council feels the need to be a little more arms length and pays for a third party review - councils serve up all the required platitudes, then pass the raise.

That was pretty much how things rolled out Aug. 11 at Grimsby council. I apologize, good reader, for not having that story ready last week but while in the midst of putting out our biggest edition ever with our salute to our Best In The West reader survey winners, I simply could not get to it and still make deadline.

Council passed a 9.4 per cent pay hike for the mayor’s position and for councillors a 20.5 per cent increase. Those are good size chunks.

When one deals with any council regularly, it becomes quickly apparent who does their home-

work and who mails it in. It also becomes obvious which council members cost a municipality a ton in wasted staff time and council itself.

As far as the process goes, Grimsby did it right - third party report, approved for next term of council. I have seen councils vote themselves raises effective immediately, one time retroactive to six months previous. None of those shenanigans took place here.

Generally, pay increases should not be begrudged.

Most council members earn their stipend, some definitely more than others. Those overachievers are the ones you want.

These elected officials are - almost without exception - there for the right reason, to make their municipality a better place. If you think someone is there for the pay cheque or aspires to some sort of status, vote for them at your peril because it will come back to bite your butt. Guaranteed.

When talking about council pay and who earns what, Grimsby can always come up with one or several outliers when it comes to circumstances. It is an innate gift they somehow have which cannot be explained but pops up on the radar with shocking regularity.

Coun. Delight Davoli touched on it when she asked about having staff report back on the feasibility of including participation on “at least” two of the Town’s sub-committees to qualify for the base pay package.

NOTE TO COUNCIL: do not get into the concept of base pay and paying extra for committee work because you will be in for a world of hurt with people who want the pay cheque wanting on all the committees they can schedule but there will be no way to know if they will put in any work. Because of that it could weaken the Town considerably.

Grimsby needs that threshold of two committees due to antics of council members who throw hissy fits if they don’t get a committee they want or a chair position they want - yes, I’m talking to you Mr. Dunstall. When councillors bail on their responsibilities because of childish behaviour - and resign their positions - why should get the same rate of pay as someone who serves the taxpayer appropriately and well? They shouldn’t.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

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Salute to “Best” businesses appreciated: reader

Dear Editor, I just wanted to drop a note to you about the edition you put out last week.

Wow! That was impressive. It was great to see all the very best businesses and organizations recognized for all they do in the community with your Best In The West awards.

Being a retired small business owner, I know it is no picnic to run your own business and it has surely not gotten any easier in the last several years.

Kudos to those who persevere and continue to serve our community. They should know

they are appreciated.

What I appreciated about that edition, and your paper on a weekly basis, is every one of those businesses and stories were all local. Many were people I know or have met. Many I have used their services or bought merchandise at their shop.

For me, that is what’s key as a reader. It took me a good hour to go through all the pages to see what everyone was up to and who had won what.

It is the same for the stories - all local and interesting. That is the very reason your publication is a “must-read” in our

house. If we miss an issue we would feel like we have missed out - especially with your weekly editiorial. That’s a can’t-miss.

No wonder you have survived where so many others have failed. You provide consistent and relevant content for readers which must help the advertisers because I read every page.

And businesses must appreciate that readership, too.

Keep up the great work. I look forward to Best in The West 2027 already.

Stephen Owen Grimsby