NewsNow E-Edition August 3 2023

> Submit an item to CCWN 55th anniversary time capsule /Pg 5

> Grimsby launches one-time grant program Pg 4 > Easton’s golf event gives out proceeds Page 6 > Region seeks committee members Pg 10

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Vol. 12

Issue 14

www.wn3.ca

100% Niagara West owned & operated

Proudly serving Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Winona

Circ: 29,006

Summer fun

What better way to spend a Monday in July than learning to swim? Under the watchful eye of coach/lifeguard Avery Gilbert at the Jordan Lions Pool are Noella Hacking, 5, left, and Eleanor Crawford, 5. McDonald – Photo

Lincoln sets priorities, still seeks provincial answers

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

A set of priorities for Lincoln was approved Monday at Committee of the Whole, but a key component of any future planning strategy is still missing, says CAO Mike Kirkopoulos.

While council approved strategic priorities for the current term, Kirkopoulos noted - during later discussions regarding an audit report – the mu-

nicipality still needs details on the province’s “make us whole” statement made with regards to the impact of new planning policies.

In the short-term, the new priorities will help steer council through the next phase of its current path.

“Our priority plan acts as a roadmap regarding council’s expectations and what will be accomplished through this term of council,” said

Kirkopoulos.

“Ultimately, council’s priorities guide the investment of resources and corporate initiatives. The new plan will anchor our priorities in three key areas building on the previous three key areas.”

The three pillars are:

• Welcoming and Connected Community

• Vibrant and Prosperous Community

• Responsible and Resilient Community

These three areas, will be implemented to:

• Inform the draft budget directions and annual budgets approved by Council and these annual budgets in turn inform the strategic initiatives that will advance Council’s priorities within the departmental plans.

• Guide municipal decision-making.

• Guide service areas in the development of work plans that align

to achieving Council’s priorities.

• Monitor progress towards desired outcomes.

“We will focus on things like community engagement, inclusivity, governance, community spaces and connectivity, the Town’s transportation network, economic prosperity and tourism, agricultural excellence, promoting a healthy and safe community, environmental, heritage and smart

growth stewardship, and last but not least, sustainable financial management,” said Kirkopoulos.

“As we roll this out to the community, we will build on each of these. It will guide decision-making and ultimately investment in what matters most to our community.”

The initiative was approved unanimously.

During a subsequent portion of the

See STRAT PLAN, Page 3

STRAT PLAN

From Page 1 meeting, Mayor Sandra Easton questioned if the volatile nature of today’s economy could hinder council’s chosen strategic direction.

“I just want to know, whether or not the movement we’re taking, the way we’re looking at the future is going to help us if we’re confronted again with unstable years, high inflation, a number of things that are coming at us?” Easton asked of Kirkopoulos.

Kirkopoulos noted that in the last 18 months the municipality has created some measures to anticipate economic uncertainty such as reserve thresholds and long-term borrowing limits.

“Those are all appro-

priate measures and add that level of rigor and oversight that I think council wants,” said Kirkopoulos.

He noted a series of complications seen during COVID’s run, cybersecurity and volatility in the development and planning sector of the Town’s business.

“We have construction projects coming in 50, 60 to 100 per cent more than were budgeted a few years ago,” said Kirkopoulos.

“Most recently the CAOs got together and we were looking at a recreation project in a neighbouring municipality that is almost double. What does that mean? How do we account for it?”

A key unknown, still comes from the provincial government and

legislative changes announced which did not come with any follow through on how impacts of those changes would be dealt with by municipalities, he added.

“The legislative changes are going to impact us. I think the scope of that impact is something that we need to get some further analysis on,” said Kirkopoulos.

“The Province continued to say they are going to make us whole. I have yet to see what ‘make us whole’ means, and how that is going to occur.”

“As you look at roads projects...development activity, those things are coming back and we’re hoping for stability in terms of interest rates and confidence.”

Queens Real Estate Inc. Brokerage is new to this area; however, our realtors have many years of professional experience & expertise to share with our community & beyond.

Our mission is to provide competent, caring & positive results for our clients without lofty promises. This means no harassment, no empty promises, no undervaluing of your property. We will always provide current and accurate market conditions that are applicable to where you are intending to buy or sell. We are proficient in trading: Residential Properties, Farms, Waterfront, Commercial, Investments & Condos. What sets Queens Real Estate Inc. Brokerage apart from others?

We treat every consumer with personal attention. That translates to answered or returned calls quickly by the person you are intending to call. A compact team of realtors ensures quick and effective results when you need assistance in the acquisition or sale of property.

You can find us volunteering within our community, golfing, helping on local farms, we also walk our dogs, so if you see us, please stop, and say hello, you will know us buy our T-shirts or hats with the crown.

If you would like to get some information about the value of your property without commitment or harassing calls, please feel free to call us directly.

Thank you.

Grimsby launches new grant program

The Town of Grimsby has launched a new one-time pilot grant to assist non-profit and charitable organizations seeking to enhance the well-being of Grimsby residents through community-based projects.

The Grimsby Community Development Grant Program is available for eligible projects for the 2023/2024 period only. Grant funding available is 30

per cent of the project budget to a maximum of $100,000.

Applications are open until Friday, Sept. 29, 2023.

For more details on the grant, visit: www.grimsby.ca/communitydevelopmentgrant

Email: communitydevelopmentgrant@grimsby.ca for questions and inquiries

Benchlands Blanc Party comes to Jordan

VINELAND NURSERIES The Original Since 1976 cOMpETITIVE pRIcINg

Weekend Hours: Sat. Aug. 5 ~ 9 -4; Sun. Aug. 6 ~ 9 - 4; Mon. Aug. 7 ~ 10-4

Come over and visit us this Long Weekend Large Selection of Almost Everything • Large Array Of Japanese Maples Over A 100 Varieties • Hydrangeas • Hostas • Daylilies • plate Hibiscus and Much, Much More! Summer Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am-5 pm; Saturday & Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Main Street Jordan will be the place to be Saturday, Aug. 12 for the inaugural Benchlands Blanc Party.

Town of Lincoln and Inn on The Twenty are partner-

ing for the event.

picnic) or $114.50 pp when ordering a Boutique Picnic. The event runs from 5:30-11 p.m. and includes wine and live music. For tickets/ more details visit: niagarabenchlands.ca CERTIFIED ARBORIST AVAILABLE FOR YOUR TREE PLANTING/ PRUNING QUESTIONS & NEEDS.

4540 MARTIN RD., VINELAND STATION (Just West of Victoria Ave.) 905-562-4836

Community Care readies 55th anniversary time capsule

To commemorate 55 years of serving area residents in need, Community Care of West Niagara is creating a time capsule.

The CCWN team is calling upon the residents of Lincoln to share any memories or artifacts relevant to the agency that can be placed in a time capsule, which will reside in the walls of the newly renovated Beamsville location at 4309 Central Ave.

There are various community members, stakeholders, local businesses and agencies which have been involved with CCWN’s operations from the very beginning.

Many hold cherished memories.

Through a time capsule and the collection of these memories and artifacts, CCWN will honor its heritage and the long-lasting commitment it has made - and continues to make - while serving the Lincoln community.

Examples of what CCWN is collecting for the time capsule:

• Newspaper clippings (1967-present)

• Photographs

• Letters/notes

• Invitations to past events

• CCWN Memorabilia

• Local grocer flyers

A maximum of 55 items will be selected in honour of our 55 years of service to the community. The artifacts will be cho-

sen by a committee of stakeholders vested in community and CCWN’s history. Due to the length of storage time, we will not be able to accept perishable items. Selected items will not be returned, as this time capsule will not be opened until 45 years from now at CCWN’s 100th year anniversary.

CCWN will be accepting submissions until Aug. 31. Artifacts can be dropped off during CCWN’s busi-

ness hours at either one of its two locations:

• 4309 Central Ave., Beamsville – 8:30 am4:30 pm, Monday-Friday;

• 3831 Victoria Ave., Vineland – 1-4:30 pm, Tuesday-Thursday.

If you do not have a physical item for the time capsule but would like to share a memory or thought about CCWN, please write your memory or thought down and submit via email to: outreach@communitycarewn.ca

Elm Street Café

Open Soon For Dinner!

Starting August 10th

Indulge in a culinary journey like no other at Elm Street Café Grill. We are thrilled to introduce our newly launched menus, a fusion of classical and contemporary American dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Paired with an exceptional selection of affordable wines from Niagara Vineyards and beyond, your dining experience is set to reach new heights.

You already love us for breakfast and lunch, and now it’s time to join us for dinner!

Mayor’s golf raises $60,000 for local charities

Join Us! Art Studio Tours

Summer: August 12th & 13th

Fall: Sept 30th & Oct 1st

Studios Open from 10am to 5pm

Proceeds from Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton’s 2023 Charity Golf Tournament were handed out out last week. This year, 156 golfers generated more than $93,000 gross, with $60,000 going to recipients after expenses. On hand for the presentation were: (back, L to R) Nicole, Village of Hope; Joanne Serkeyn, Rotary Club of LIncoln; Lorraine Hulley, Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers; Lynda O’Donnell, Community Care West Niagara; Wally Wyshniowsky, Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers; Stewart, Community Care West Niagara; Andrea Chambers, Mayor’s Office; Oksana Fisher, Niagara Childrens Centre; Erin Graybiel, BBBS; Bryan Rose, Niagara Community Foundation, and; Serena, CONVOS Youth Zone. Seated: Lance Wright, Cave Springs Camp; Mayor Easton, and; Amanda Di Zio, Gillian’s Place. Download

Nelles Manor hosts special holiday event on Monday

Anyone looking for a holiday afternoon activity next Monday may want to consider adding Nelles Manor to their itinerary.

The Manor will host “Kindred Spirits, An Afternoon with Jane Austen & Friends” starting at 2 p.m.

“Come and experience Georgian parlour life on the lawn of a 225-year-old Upper Canada Manor. You will be taken back to a time when friends and family would gather and present their talents and news, music, poetry, and letters,” said Manor museum manager Kate Pyatt.

The event is donation only. Nelles Manor Museum is located at 126 Main St. W, in Grimsby.

Cooking demo at WL market

The West Lincoln Farmers’ Market will be holding a free cooking demonstration on Tuesday, Aug. 15, from 4:305:30 p.m.

Attendees will learn from local farmer Marianne Neufeld as she shops the market for fresh seasonal ingredients then prepares a delicious meal. Free samples will be available following the demonstration.

The market is hosted outside the West Lincoln Community Centre, at 177 West St., in Smithville, from 3-7 p.m., every Tuesday.

Names drawn from Town history

Have you ever wondered how streets get their names?

Often, names are chosen by the developer of the neighbourhood. Such was the case of Robinson Street which was named by and for the builder/developer, Beverley Robinson Nelles in 1900.

BR Nelles, as he was often referred to, was, in turn, named for Sir John Beverley Robinson, Chief Justice of Canada from 1829 to 1862. This venerable gentleman was not just a lawyer but took an active part in politics at all levels.

As the grandson of Abraham Nelles, youngest brother of Col. Robert Nelles, BR Nelles came into a good bit of property in Grimsby. His father, Henry, had

A Small Drop of Ink

By Dorothy Turcotte

inherited Abraham’s spacious property by Lake Ontario. Named “Lake Lodge”, the house later became Lake Lodge School for Boys, a prestigious private school which attracted students from all around the world.

BR Nelles was one of Grimsby’s early developers, laying out and selling lots along Robinson Street and Maple Avenue. He died in 1901, shortly after creating the street with his name. Robinson Street in Grimsby in the early 1900s was probably the longest street in town. It extended from the base of the escarpment to the railway tracks. Then,

before the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth Way, it continued north from the tracks to Hand’s Pond.

Margaret Gibson used to say that, at the south end, there were faint track marks visible only after a snowfall, indicating that at one time it was part of an early road up the escarpment. Access to “the mountain” was not always as straightforward as it is today. We may never know that exact route.

Robinson Street was well-known for its neighbourhood known as The Hollow, Grimsby’s steamy side. Yes, at one time The Hollow was home to a bootlegger and even a prostitute. Even 100 years ago, Grimsby had something for everyone.

VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION: HOW

Region seeks committee applicants

Niagara Region is seeking community members to join a number of its committees.

Serving on a committee is a great way to give valuable insight, get involved and play a key role in the future of your community. Learn about the work of each committee and the skills needed to apply:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee

• Licensing Appeals Committee

• Niagara Road 12 Landfill Site Public Liaison Committee

Regional Council has approved a Code of Conduct for members of the public on Niagara Region advisory committees. Members of the public appoint-

ed to Regional advisory committees must acknowledge that they have read and understand their obligations as a committee member under this Code of Conduct.

Members of the public interested in applying for a committee can complete the online application form. Application forms can also be printed and delivered to Niagara Region headquarters at 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold or mailed /emailed to:

Ms. Ann-Marie Norio Regional Clerk Niagara Region

1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 ann-marie.norio@niagararegion.ca

Application deadline Tues., Aug. 8 at 4 p.m.

ST. HELEN CHURCH

4106 Mountain St., Beamsville ON

Big Payout With Progressive Jackpot

Thursday, Aug. 3 - 11 am in the Church Great Hall

Jackpot $400 Hot Lunch - Sandwiches available at Noon

Friday, Aug. 4 - 7 pm in the Church Great Hall

Jackpot $2,300 Fresh baked Pizza available at 6 pm

Also $$$ thousands $$$ in cash prizes every week Admission Free - Tea and Coffee Free

905-957-8111

KOORNNEEF, Carol (Jacoba Wilhelmina) nee Los

Carol went into the arms of Jesus at Shalom Manor on July 26, 2023 at the age of 80, surrounded by her loving family. Survived by her loving husband, Art Koornneef, of 61 years. Lovingly remembered by Jim & Joyce, Kathleen, Kim & Peter, Sonya & Patrick, Trevor & Fiona, 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Cherished sister of Trix and Henry Vanderstoep, Ellie and Larry DeYoung, John and Maria Los, Jack and Julie Los. Predeceased by her brother Fred Los, and sister Yvonne Los. Special thanks to the staff at Shalom Manor for your loving care. Visitation will be at Mountainview CRC from 5-9 pm Friday July 28. Celebration of Life is at Mountainview CRC on Saturday July 29th at 11 am. A private family interment will take place before the service. For those unable to make the celebration of life you can view live stream by clicking on the livestream tab at wwwmountainviewcrc.org. If you wish to make a donation in memory of Carol, the family requests donation to be made to Shalom Manor or McNally House. Notes of sympathy and condolence may be left at: www.donaldvbrown.ca.

APT.

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Adult. 1,000 sq ft, 1 BD basement suite. Private entrance, F/P, in-suite laundry, heated travertine stone tile floor & hardwood. Lots of closet space, Landlord upstairs. $1,650/ mth ALL INCLUSIVE. No Pets. Grimsby, built beyond code.

Call Diane Bryer (905 339-7078’

APT. FOR RENT

Modern, 1500 sq ft, raised basement suite in rural Smithville, on Main highway close to town. 2 bdrms and laundry. Suitable for quiet, mature adult or working person. References required. $1,700/month. Available Oct. 1/23 or earlier. Outdoor smoking, small pets, utilities and appliances negotiable for possible rent revision. Call Mark, 905643-2066.

OBITUARIES

OIKAWA, Victor

Victor Oikawa, age 80, died on Friday July 28, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born May 24, 1943, in Tashmi B.C. He was a graduate of Waterloo Lutheran University. Following his training he began his career in education, teaching at Saltfleet High School in Stoney Creek, On. A passion for athletics and coaching led to a career long involvement in track and field, cross country, and football. He married Maryann Dunda in 1971, together they had three children. Victor was a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, enjoying hiking, backpacking, and cycling. Some of his favorite times were to watch his grandchildren play their sports, cheering and coaching from the sidelines. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Maryann; three children Darcy, Matthew, and Meaghan; five grandchildren a sister (Sue) and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers at the Hamilton General Hospital I.C.U. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755.

www.smithsfh.com

VAUGHN, Ralph Merritt

Ralph Merritt Vaughan passed surrounded by family, on July 26th, 2023, at the Westbury Long Term Care Residence in Etobicoke, Ontario. He was 81 years old. Ralph is survived by his brother, Stanley Vaughan; his children, Terry Vaughan (Janet), Lisa Vaughan (Kevin), Rebecca Carriere (Reese); and his grandchildren, Victoria, Cecily, Jack, Finnegan, Minnow, and Plum. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Merritt Vaughan; his sister, Beverly Beres; Marlene Stewart, Shelley Vaughan, and Ryan Carriere. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merritt Funeral Home. An event to celebrate Ralph’s life will be announced at a later date. Donations to a Toronto Dementia Research Alliance would be appreciated by the family and if desired can be made through the funeral home, (905)957-7031.

Rodney MeRRitt

1970 - 1987

Remembering Our Nephew Rod

We hold so many memories

Of a very special boy, Each and every one of them Is full of laughter and of joy. The young man he was becoming Was taken from this place, We miss his voice, his twinkling eyes And the smile on his face. God has given many blessings

One beyond compare, Our nephew oh so special A young man truly rare.

Forever In Our Hearts

With Love ~ Cathy & Joe

included. Laundry fa cilities avail. 1 parking space. Quiet building., Suitable for mature person. References required. Available August 1 905-9452848

griMSby, Immaculate 2 bedroom. Renovated, clean, quiet building. Access to backyard on the lake. Balcony with Lakeview. 20 linear feet of closet, walk-in pantry and linen closet. Laundry/parking included. Heat+ Hydro extra. Ideal for seniors. $2300/month 289-683-9595

tions, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring. Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-4391485

rubbiSH & JunK reMoVAl. Call Ken 905-973-3235

MASONRY

MASter MASon: chimney repair, stucco, parging, brick restoration, stone, all cement finish work. Professional, reliable, excellent referrals. Estimates. Evan 905921-5226

TREE SERVICE

Fully Insured

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CELEBRATE RECOVERY

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“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

HELP WANTED

WholesaleFloral Sales Rep

P.Ravensbergen&SonsLtdis activelyrecruitingforthe positionofSalesRep/Account managertodevelopand manageAccountsforbothour CanadianandUSwholesale customers.Thesuccessful applicantwillhaveaworking knowledgeofthefloral industryandwillingtolearn thesystemsrequiredto ensurethatourcustomers aresatisfied. *Wewillonlycontactthose applicantsselectedfor aninterview*

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HEATING/COOLING

Residential. Licensed Gas Technician. HVAC, Plumbing, Installation, Service. Heating, Cooling, Gas Lines. Clogged Drains. Honest, Reasonably Priced.

Free quotes. Call Blake 365-889-7838

6th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive

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.

“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!

Mike Williscraft Publisher

100% Niagara owned & operated

Our Team:

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mike@wn3.ca

289-442-4244

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

There’s the door Google/Meta

So Mark Zuckerberg and his band of merry Meta men are taking their marbles and going home when it comes to online news content providing content for their social media venues - namely Facebook and Instagram.

As someone who hasn’t looked at Insta more than a handful of times - and that was only because I had to for DIA dealings a few years ago - and has only gone on Facebook a half-dozen times since bailing on that gong show in January, I could care less about them.

Social media is an albatross around the neck of all society. The problem is, those who have been raised on it and never weaned from it believe it is as important as oxygen.

Cool kids

One-year-old Dawson Martin checks out the splash pad at the Jordan Lions Pool with big sister Everly Martin, 5. McDonald- Photo

Clock ticks on provincial clarifications

It has been many months since the provincial government outlined major changes to planning policies which have major impacts on municipalities.

Key questions jumped out at local officials right off the bat - aspects related to development charges and affordable housing very significant among them. Initially, the provincial government’s reaction was “what, there’s a problem?”

A couple of weeks later that evolved to a blanket, but unspecified as to how “we’ll make municipalities whole” stance regardless of individual circumstances.

That sounds warm and fuzzy and, at the time, brought some level of calm, but that was many months ago and, as Lincoln CAO Mike Kirkopoulos noted at a Monday meeting, no answers have materialized as yet. The clock ticks on. M.W.

All that baggage is a side issue to the ramblings which will follow here.

The issue this week deals with the federal government’s 100-percent-correct initiative to force social media giants to pay for the content which drives millions through their sites via news media links.

The feds approved the Online News Act, which stipulates tech giants are to enter into agreements which compensate Canadian news outlets for content shared via their various platforms.

It’s pretty simple, really, but dealing with the Zuck’s of the world - who

are simply too big for society’s good - is tough because they control so much in the digital space it is unnerving.

An example is, Meta officials have said they would include weather warnings as news items, thereby not being permitted to be circulated. Of course a weather warning is newsworthy, but the warning itself is not news until it is reported, but that is the power of the flex Meta and Google hold.

Similar initiatives have been rolled out or are in the planning stages in other countries as well, in particular in Australia where the battle with media has been intense.

There, similar threats were made but the social media giants came back to the bargaining table after first cutting story links in 2021.

Google and Facebook developed more than 30 different agreements with major media outlets which now appears on

their platform again.

Metaberg has already run a test of limiting news links for up to five per cent of its users, but says now it will proceed with ending news access entirely over the next few weeks.

In reality, what that means is anyone seeking real news will simply have to go directly to a news source’s site. The problem for some - both media outlets and news consumers - may be paywalls.

Media want to get paid for their newsgathering efforts and consumers, largely, have been used to getting their info free for so long the entitlement has grown exponentially.

When that issue is compounded by people who genuinely believe that they “get their news from social media” when it is really just a bunch of keyboard jockeys punching out something they heard fifth-hand, the false information highway will only get more crowded.

Google made $4.7 billion from news sites in 2018. That was the most recent targeted number I could find, so we’re not talking chump change here.

This should be a fee-forservice scenario and the feds are right to put this legislation in place and boot Meta and Google out the door if needed.

Canada - and all the nation’s media - would be better for it.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

“Farm Gate” provides meals made with care

By Ben Baldasero

For

NewsNow

For those who may be tired of food from chain grocery stores, Farm Gate To Your Plate is a delicious, local, alternative.

Farm Gate opened in 2007, after owners Andy and Lisa Sproston sold their Grimsby escarpment farm.

Andy ran and managed the store along with a small team, including the couple’s daughter, Emily.

Andy died from COVID-19 complications in January 2022, while the store was closed down. It re-opened last September with Lisa returning to help out.

Farm Gate is dedicated to providing fresh, GMO-free, pro-

Biz Beat

duce and ready made meals to all customers.

“We’re a certified kitchen”, says Lisa.

“We prepare things such as sandwiches, homemade pies, and ready meals.”

They also provide an assortment of home-

made jams, salads, soups, and a selection of organic meat.

“After selling the farm, we kept in touch with other people with the same farming ethics as us to provide meat,” explains Lisa.

“All of our chicken comes from an organic farm, and our pork and beef comes from a Fenwick farm-

Transforming backyards

All winter long we crave the warmth of the sun, and then by about this time each summer, we’re working hard to avoid its harmful effects. That’s particularly true in our backyards, where too much direct sunlight can transform an idyllic oasis into a spot too hot to enjoy at certain parts of the day.

Every solution has its challenges, from umbrellas that blow away during storms to awnings that cast a permanent shadow and have to be taken down each fall.

The ideal solution is a Natural Light Patio Cover, available from VanAm Outdoor Living.

All that’s left to enjoy is the sunlight, the perfect solution for any backyard. Natural Light Patio Covers use Acrylite panels, made from 100% acrylic guaranteed not to fade or discolour for 30 years. They can be configured to work in any setting, attached to homes, to cover decks and patios, or built as standalone covers detached from the house. They are permanent structures that stay in place

Looking to get more enjoyment and use out of your Natural Light Patio Cover? A Three Season

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er who feeds them on GMO free grain, so it’s the same sort of thing we used to do on the farm. We always try to source as locally as possible.”

Lisa has enjoyed being in the store with Emily, and reconnecting with familiar faces.

“I got sidestepped away from the business for 7-8 years, so I’m glad to get back in touch with old customers. It’s nice to see that, after Andy passed away, so many customers who were here when the original farm started are still here to support the girls,” she says.

Farm Gate is located at 33 Elm St., Grimsby. It’s open Tues.-Fri., 105; Sat. 10-4. For details, call 289-527-1860.

− Natural Light Patio Covers from VanAm Outdoors

Sunroom is what you want! Our Eze-breeze sliding-panel windows will turn your Patio Cover into a unique and elegant enclosure whether integrated with an existing deck or patio, placed in your garden as a self standing structure or as an addition to your home.

These vinyl, glazed panels have the transparency of glass but are cheaper and lighter. The windows are fully screened allowing fresh air in while keeping insects out. Closed in cooler weather to keep it more comfortable.

Homeowners have two primary choices; aluminum or wood.

Aluminum structures come in white, sandalwood or brown. Each order is custom-made to fit perfectly with an existing deck or patio.

The other option reflects VanAm’s expertise as a homebuilder and renovation contractor.

“We also offer the covers built into beautiful Timberlite pergolas,” says Ken Blokker, director of sales. They are made with Douglas fir timbers and can be stained in a variety of colours to suit any backyard decor. “The timbers are absolutely beautiful, and the Natural Light Cover transforms the pergola into the perfect place to relax all summer long.”

519-614-0461 (CallOnly)

www.vanamconstruction.com

VanAm Outdoor Living has a sterling reputation across Southern Ontario for building homes and doing renovations and backyard projects of all kinds.

Owner Dave VanAmerongen is based in

Grimsby, while Blokker lives in London and works with customers across Southwestern Ontario.

“I’ve been installing Natural Light Patio Covers for many years, serving customers in and around London,” Blokker says. “Now that I’ve teamed up with VanAm, I can offer a wider selection of solutions for every backyard set-up.”

In addition to the 30-year warranty on the Acrylite panels, there is a lifetime guarantee on the structures themselves, 10 year hail damage warranty, along with a one-year

While not inexpensive, a Natural Light Patio Cover or Timberlite Pergola is an investment, adding value to your home.

“People really can’t believe it until they’re standing under the cover, with so much light filtering through but not feeling the heat of the sun on their skin,” Blokker says. “By filtering the sunshine, we give people the best of the sun without any of the downside. It transforms

There’s plenty of time to get a Natural Light Patio Cover to enjoy this summer. There’s a turnaround time of 4-6 weeks for aluminum structures, and a little bit longer for Timberlite options.

Call us today to enjoy your backyard all summer long.

Lisa Sproston of Farm Gate To Your Plate with one of their popular quiches. Williscraft - Photo