> CCWN launches new after-school Snack Attack program /Pg 6 > Giant Tiger hosts Angel Tree program Pg 4 > Lincoln lights up for Christmas Pg 5 > Holiday decorating ideas Pg 11 Thursday, December 3, 2020 Vol. 9 Issue 33
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WLMH gets 24/3.5 ORs, rebuild to RFQ By Mike Williscraft NewsNow Last week marked another giant step forward for West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s rebuild process and a step back on the adminstrative side with limited hours for obstetrics services announced. On the rebuild side, the news could not be better with Infrastructure Ontario moving to the RFQ (request for qualifications) level. This means companies with design and construction experience - and the financial capacity to carry such a major project - apply to be added to a short list of qualified bidders. Those on that short
list will be invited to submit RFPs (request for proposals) next summer when the final draft design is ready. “This is great news for the continued progress towards the new hospital the residents of Grimsby and West Niagara deserve,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff. “Because of the tireless efforts of so many within the hospital and broader community, the new hospital has moved forward rapidly, and I am confident we will see shovels in the ground as soon as possible.” At this point, says Tony Joosse, co-chair of the WLMH Action Committee, everything is on target for a
Spring 2022 construction start. However, getting to this point has not been without hitting some major bumps in the road. Case in point, WLMH’s operating room and obstetrics issues continue as a shortage of nurses has not been solved over the last couple of years. While the ORs and OBS services did partially return in September any expansion of services was put off until January. Now, Hamilton Health Sciences has announced Jan. 12 will mark the start of 24/3.5 availability. “Our great OBS Department will be open for business Tuesdays, 7 a.m. until Fridays at 3 p.m.,” said Joosse.
As noted in a NewsNow story in October, this will force Lincoln Community Midwives program to relocate to St. Catharines. The organization had given notice to HHS officials at that time stating that unless 24/7 care OR service returned to WLMH by January, they would have to move. Still, the process moves along ever so slowly. “Saturday marked the second anniversary of Premier Doug Ford, Health Minister Christine Elliott, Infrastructure Minister Monte McNaughton and our MPP Sam Oosterhoff’s announcement we are building a new WLMH See RFQ, Page 3
Santa to arrive in Grimsby right on time Saturday
No fudging the numbers here
Fudge virtuouso Chris Alexander of Alexander’s Fudge guides West Lincoln Coun. Cheryl Ganann through his selection of charity assortments. Alexander sold special Christmas boxes on Saturday, with 100 per cent of $1,250 in proceeds going to West Lincoln Community Care. Gaeta Farms in Grassie played host to Chris, giving him the space for that day. His goal was $750. Marks - Photo
By Tristan Marks NewsNow The road leading to the man in red will start at Peach King Arena this Saturday as Grimsby’s Santa Claus Parade takes a 2020 twist. With a theme of “Holiday of Hope”, this year’s event will include 10 different display areas taking participants on a tour of town from western to eastern perimeters and finishing up in the downtown core. As well, the event will include a special scavenger hunt requiring participants to ob-
serve a designated letter at each display area which will spell a secret password. “It will add a little fun to the adventure,” said Trevor Ruzylo of Grimsby’s recreation services department and event coordinator. Participants will use the letters from each display to decipher a password at: christmasingrimsby.ca/ puzzle There they can see photos which were also at each display. These will help all figure out a Christmas song lyric which will serve as their See ENTRY, Page 2