Juggling in a storm of bubbles was no mean feat for Nick Vargas of ServiceMaster Restoration Services, but he soldiered on during Saturday’s Smithville Santa Claus Parade. For full coverage, please turn to pages 14-15. McDonaldPhotos
By Jessica Barton For NewsNow
As the holidays grow closer, families in the community are in need of support and local businesses and charities are stepping up to help them.
Grimsby Benevolent Fund (GBF) is one of those organizations, which is working with Giant Tiger for its Angel Tree and Hamper programs.
Andy Daniels, owner of Giant Tiger, says the Angel Tree program identifies gifts which are used to fill the hampers that go out to the numerous families in the community who need a little extra magic this time of year.
“We work with Stacy (Elia, GBF’s chief execu-
tive officer) and Ashley (Marr, director of programs) with items needed for families which GBF has supplied us and that’s what’s on the angels. So if customers want to buy a gift for the angel, they can grab one of these gifts or donate at the register,”
Daniels said.
However, it does not have to be an item purchased in the store, and anything requested or needed could be brought in from other locations and left under the tree, as everything will eventually find a home.
“We collect it and when they’re ready, we put it all together and ship it off to GBF.” said Daniels.
The store has been participating in this program for more than 20 years, with Daniels continuing the program through his six years in town.
Collection at Giant Tiger runs until Monday, Dec. 8, but last-minute donations will be accepted and moved to GBF.
Daniels said this program has always had great support.
“Thank you to the community for helping Giant Tiger help families in need,” he said.
The store is located at 36 Main Street W. in Grimsby.
Santa, syrup & sausages
(Above) Greg Hilvers, left, shares a festive breakfast with Station 1 Smithville firefighters Jake Carruthers, Olivia Drake and Tim Kitson.
(Left) Kelsey Nelson pours syrup on pancakes for her daughter, Genesis, 2.
(Bottom Left) Davian Forrester and Tanita Reszler spend some quality time together at Smithville United Church’s breakfast with Santa on Saturday morning.
Loree - Photos
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
Niagara Power Inc.’s chair, Chris Atkinson, had a simple message for why the repeated request is out of bounds at Grimsby council on Monday.
“What is missing from this entire discussion is who regulates us as a corporate entity. It is the Ontario Energy Board who has that responsibility, not the shareholders, or any council or subset of council, such as a committee,” said Atkinson.
A motion for another legal opinion over who ensures compliance with the Shareholders’ Agreement was requested.
While disconnect between what some members of council want, and what the Corporations Act requires, so far, a minority on council continue to push for utility’s officials to make reports to Finance.
“Getting a regular update is not a big deal and it does not mean we are looking to sell the utility. It just means we want to know how things are going,” said Coun. Lianne Vardy, noting she would like to see things move ahead “collaboratively”.
“That’s why I am here tonight,” said
Atkinson.
Coun. Veronica Charrois said she just wanted information.
Atkinson said after the meeting that any information Charrois would want or need is readily available to her at shareholder meetings, the proper forum for such content.
Coun. Delight Davoli again referenced the Finance Committee’s terms of reference, which charge the committee with overseeing the Town’s investments and risks.
As has been stated many times in the past - and council has a legal opinion on this matter already, municipal terms of reference do note supercede provincial law.
Coun. Nick DiFlavio noted that comparing hydro investments with others the Town has is “false”.
Coun. Jacob Baradziej noted not consulting the hydro holdings when the terms of reference were struck was an oversight since they don’t comply.
Davoli, Charrois and Councillors Don Howe and Jennifer Korstanje supported the motion while Mayor Jeff Jordan and Councillors Reg Freake, DiFlavio, Vardy and Baradziej voted against.
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By Jessica Barton For NewsNow
The ever-popular Fantasy of Trees - hosted by the Rotary Club of Grimsby - kicked off its 26th season last Thursday at the Grimsby Museum.
The event - which runs until Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. and includes a silent auction that runs online - has a total of 32 decorated trees this year for raffles and auction.
As the largest fundraiser the Rotary Club hosts, all proceeds raised through raffles and auctions go back to the community.
“We support 10 local charities with this event.” said Rotary president Joan Whitson.
Along with the nu-
Be advised that the Township of West Lincoln proposes to enact a bylaw to adopt the 2026 User Fees and Charges at the Council meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. This by-law will establish the user fees and charges for all user-pay services within the Township.
A draft of the proposed 2026 User Fees and Charges will be available Friday, December 12, 2025, by 4:30 p.m. on the Township’s website.
To view the meeting, attend in person at Council Chambers or watch online through the Township’s YouTube channel. If you wish to provide comments regarding the proposed 2026 User Fees and Charges at the meeting, advise the Chair during the “Request to Address an Item on the Agenda” section of the agenda. To provide comments virtually, contact the Legislative Services division at clerk@westlincoln.ca before 4:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting to request a Zoom link.
Members of the public who are unable to attend the meeting and wish to make submissions to Council regarding the proposed 2026 User Fees and Charges can do so by emailing written comments to the Legislative Services division before 4:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments submitted will be considered as public information and read into public record.
For further information, please contact: Katelyn Repovs, Director of Corporate Services/CFO krepovs@westlincoln.ca
merous beautiful trees available in the raffle, there are also wonderful prizes in the 24/7, online silent auction.
“A couple of highlights are, we got Toronto Maple Leafs pucks and sticks signed by Dave Keon and Wendel Clark for any hockey
fans.” said Whitson.
Kerry Vandermolen, Rotary’s event lead, who works along with her husband, Gerry, noted just how important this is to the town, community, and generations of families.
“We’ve had people say that ‘I used to come
here when I was a kid and now I’m bringing my children here’,” Vandermolen said.
Both Whitson and Vandermolen expressed their gratitude to both the event’s sponsors and the community for their continued support throughout the years.
The Fantasy of Trees is open from 10 am-8 pm Tuesdays to Fridays and 10 am-5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays at the Grimsby Museum.
The event is free to attend, with raffle tickets available for purchase. For more information, contact the Rotary Club of Grimsby through email at: info@fantasyoftrees.ca phone at 905-3790990, or website: www.fantasyoftrees.ca
It’s that time of year again.
Village of Hope will host its annual traditional turkey dinner on Thursday, Dec. 11 at Calvary Gospel Church, located at 4129 Hixon St. in Beamsville.
With food and preparation provided by Just Cooking Rustic Italian, this event will be one to remember.
Seniors and individuals seating will be at 4 p.m., with fami-
lies following at 5:30 p.m. “It will be an evening to look forward to with great food, great company and a gift for all attendees,” said Joe McCarthy, VoH’s executive director.
As well, VoH is working to provide Season of Hope hampers to all those registered families, children, singles, and seniors who need support this Christmas. Every dollar
ensures food on their tables, warmth for their homes, presents under their trees, and hope for the New Year. You can donate at: villageofhopeniagara.org.
For more information, you can contact Cheryl KeddyScott, CEO, cheryl@villageofhopeniagara.org or Joe McCarthy; joe@villageofhopeniagara.org
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Group Campfires with wine, cider or non-alcoholic beverages.
Family pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus Live Music
Sunday, Dec. 7 & 14
4 time slots. Filling up fast! Email: info@puddicombefarms.com
By Rosemary Addison
Todd Horton was a real presence, a sensitive, empathetic, and selfless man. He loved life, his family and his friends.
Todd loved music so much that he rocked the house, becoming known as the Maxell Tape Blown Away Guy, from a 1980’s commercial for Maxell audio cassettes.
Todd’s wife, Natalie, was determined to care for Todd at home. After only two days, Natalie and Todd realized that the care needed was too difficult.
Natalie thought that hospice was basically like a hospital. When Todd was admitted to McNally House, there was the smell
cookies. Staff and volunteers greeted her and Todd with warmth and genuine caring. Natalie reflects, “McNally is a house
ing from the kitchen, and warm hugs from people who really care.”
Natalie speaks highly about the care that Todd
questions, but they also took time to stay for a while and chat. The staff came to know Todd’s sense of humour, his interests and his love of reminiscing.
Natalie was particularly touched by being able to stay overnight with Todd.
They had been married for 46 years, rarely apart. Those last precious nights of being able to stay together and to hold Todd while he died, were such a gift.
Care was also provided for Natalie and their daughters, Kristen and Rachel. They could talk about anything in an atmosphere of compassion and trust and were treated
through weekly bereavement support and knows that she can call any time she feels the need.
Todd loved McNally House, and because of this, Natalie wants to share as much about McNally as she can. McNally is a house. McNally is home.
“How can you not love this place? This place is amazing.”
Government funding covers only 44% of our operating costs. Each year, more than $1.8 million must be raised to ensure our hospice residents and programs remain available to our community.
This season of giving, your donation makes that possible. Visit:
will be closed from 4:30-7:30 p.m. for
There will be similar road closures along Ontario Street, Clark Street
Parade-goers can bring non-perishable food items and giftcards to donate to firefighters, who will be collecting donations for the Grimsby Benevolent Fund along the
Christmas market Saturday afternoon. Loree - Photo
Week 5 (Standing as of Nov. 30th, 2025)
Be sure to look online at: wn3.ca to see the full standings, but here are some of the leaders and lucky random draw winners:
• $15 Gift Card, courtesy of Tim Hortons, Grimsby: Kirk Campbell
• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Jordan Flowers,Grimsby: Scott Griffin
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Judge & Jester, Grimsby: Carter Young
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire, Grimsby: Ryan DeVries
• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Grimsby: MJ Prevost
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Memphis BBQ., Winona: Lisa Rienties
• 2 Tickets to a Grimsby Peach Kings game, Grimsby: Mike Barbisan Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings
© NHLPA. Officially Licensed Product of the NHLPA. NHLPA, National Hockey League Players’ Association and the NHLPA logo are trademarks of the
Top Standings
1. Kraan, Alisha 517
2. Zdriluk, Jacob 511
3. Redding, Jeff 507
4. Van Roon, Jim 505
5. Chesla, Karen 503
6. Ritz, Jon 502
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10. Fiorantis, Philip499
11. Couch, Jesse 498
12. Fozard, Draj 498
13. Stuive, Cindy 497
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A huge crowd lined the 1.5 km route for the 35th annual West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade Saturday in Smithville.
Floats, performers and community groups marched to the 2025 theme of ‘Harmony’ celebrating unity, peace and togetherness.
Photos By Joanne McDonald
$2,100
Amelie Plate, 8, and mom Joy Turnbull get their tickets for a handmade quilt to be raffled at St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Smithville. St. Lukes hosted its annual bake sale and craft market on Saturday. Loree - Photo
“Because of GBF, We are able to leave a little something extra under the tree for our children. Without your generosity, the magic of the season would pass our family by.”
Mom and Dad of two children.
When you give to our Christmas Hamper Program, you are making sure a neighbour in need has something to look forward to this holiday season. Neighbours like a mom and dad who struggle to provide for their two children after paying for rent,
food and utilities. Knowing people close by care for our family gives us strength when days are so difficult.
Parade Route Starts at Peach King Centre & heads east to Ontario Street
Road Closure Main Street between Kerman Ave. and Christie St. will be closed from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Make sure to bring Food Donations/Gift Cards for the Firefighters Food Drive. They will be accepting donations along Main Street!
Letters to Santa Letters will be picked up along the parade route
“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
(Couldn’t we use more of that thinking south of the border right now)
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!!!!
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!
45 Main Street West, L3M 1R3, Grimsby • 289-235-9500
Mike Williscraft Publisher
Melodies, bobbles & treats at Smithville Christmas market
Emese Zaduban conducts members of the Smithville Christian High School choir in a selection of Christmas carols at Smithville’s Christmas Maket on Saturday at the West Lincoln Community Centre. Loree - Photos
Dear Editor,
The praise has been heavy for MPP Sam Oosterhoff for doing his job as our voice at Queen’s Park and advocating for a new hospital.
A new hospital is a great collective achievement however, we can’t expect a new building to solve the pre-existing problems in our healthcare system: unsafe nurse to patient ratios, long waits in the ED, and overcrowded wards as the additional nine beds won’t end hallway medicine.
While “Sammy” is being lauded for his role in the hospital build, we can’t ignore how this supposed champion of healthcare has been simultaneously voting against funding the programs and people that make this hospital more than infrastructure.
He voted for Bill 124 that capped nurses’ wages during a pandemic. When found unconstitutional, Ford’s government used our tax dollars to fight nurses in court and still had to compen-
sate nurses with back pay.
“people” of healthcare: reader
drinking water can be given to for-profit corporations.
Despite the research that supports safe nurseto-patient ratios as the best way to improve patient care and support the retention of nurses, Sam happily voted against Bill 192 which would have seen Ontario adopt safe staffing as BC and Nova Scotia have done.
Statistics show that around 35 out of every 100 nurses under 35 left the profession in 2022, and this rate has been increasing since 2013 because of the poor working conditions perpetuated by this Conservative government.
Nurses aren’t asking for it to be easy to do their jobs. They are asking for it to be possible to do their jobs.
With Sam supporting Bill 60 that was rammed through last month, it is going to be easier to evict renters and the job of maintaining safe
Has Walkerton taught us nothing? These are short-sighted policies that will lead to more citizens needing care at WLMH.
So, as you are waiting too long in the shiny new hospital for a nurse to answer your call bell or give you your medication, take a moment to enjoy the facade of our new facility.
Are you still waiting? Are nurses still quitting due to unsafe workloads? Is the Conservative government still giving more of your tax dollars to private companies instead of bolstering the existing system?
Yes?
Then Sam Oosterhoff needs to do the difficult part of his job, vote for the people and not just the building, so that the new WLMH is not just a nice place to wait for underfunded care.
Alison Tuzi Grimsby
Dear Editor,
Former BIA Chair Mike Williscraft said something the current BIA board has refused to acknowledge: The reserve fund was supposed to be protected for promotions during construction.
Rather than safeguarding it, the current board went on a spending spree and drained the account.
In one example, the BIA committed $30,000 in 2024 and another $30,000 in 2025 to the Happening Festival with no sponsorship agreement, no memorandum of understanding and no paper trail that
justifies spending $10,000 above the established $20,000 title sponsorship level - all discussed at last month’s AGM. That unexplained amount totals $20,000 across two years and downtown merchants still have no clear answers.
This is levy money. Money that is taken from businesses in order to support the downtown. The board is on record stating it cannot provide any sponsorship agreement with the Happening Festival Committee.
To make matters worse, the BIA budget did not even identify the
Dear Editor,
Mike, you and your entire NewsNow team delivered a fantastic magazine outlining our great new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.
Thank you for many years of excellent media support for WLMH
Thanks to Hamilton Health Sciences, our great staff, donors, provincial, regional and local governments and our entire community for delivering a modern and expanded WLMH taking us
into the future.
Niagara West residents - pat yourself on the back!
Let the new WLMH be the example for all great things in the future.
Still enjoying the celebrations of what happens when a community rallies around a local cause and never, ever gives up!
Thank you all, Tony Joosse
Co-chair
Save & ReBuild Committee
Happening Festival by name. It was placed under a general “Events” category, which made a $30,000 payout look like routine programming instead of a major single expense. Only in the following budget was it finally itemized, long after the money was already spent.
The BIA did not become independent of the Town until this summer. Until then, the Town held operational oversight responsibilities. Independence from the Town does not mean the BIA can act without documentation or financial safeguards. Freedom from municipal structure should not translate into freedom from financial responsibility.
What makes this even harder to accept is that the BIA is preparing to fund the Happening Festival
again in 2026, right in the middle of the most disruptive construction year in decades, and the event will not even be within the BIA boundary. Downtown merchants will be paying for a festival that is not downtown while also paying the price of construction, reduced access and lost revenue.
The BIA has already reached out to the Town for help before a shovel has even gone into the ground, which reveals exactly how exposed downtown businesses were left after the reserve was drained.
Downtown merchants deserve accountability for how their money is being spent as well as clear answers that have been missing for far too long.
Shane Weaver, Owner Griffin MMA
Dear Editor, I just received a copy of your magazine celebrating the opening of the new WLMH.
Congratulations on a magnificent job.
Your effort in keeping the public up to date on the issues and the
twists and turns that occurred during our almost 30-year struggle to get a new hospital was a major factor in reaching our goal.
We are very grateful for all you have done. Cheers, Gary Benson
289-235-9500
Marjorie Dyball (nee Hill) It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce her peaceful passing on Saturday, November 22, 2025 in her 88th year, with her family by her side. Survived by her husband, the love of her life, always by her side, best friend and soul mate for over 70 years. Gordon, Sister Diane (Ches), Daughter Julie (Brad) and Son Scott (Julie). Predeceased by her Father William, Mother Mabel and Sister Isobel (Don). Will be missed by many family and friends. Special thanks to Paul, Jocelyn and the crew from Frontline Tours for their unbelievable care for her and dad on their casino bus trips, which they both enjoyed immensely. In lieu of flowers, donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation or McNally House would be greatly appreciated. Cremation has occurred. A Celebration of Life will take place in the Fireside Room at Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St., Vineland on Saturday, December 6 from 2-4pm. Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
CarS, truCkS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. we pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.
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It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Betty Lou Field, on November 30 at the age of 82, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.
She is predeceased by her husband William (2016). Beloved mother of Lisa (Rudy d), Kim (Mauro), and Jackie (Rob).
Proud grandmother of Nicole (Rob), Jessica Nico), Isabella, Gracie, DJ, Massimo, and Santino.
She is survived by her sister Beverlee Smith. Predeceased by her parents Charles and Hattie Dancer, and her brothers Robert and David Dancer.
After retiring from the Royal Bank, she enjoyed doing word searches and reading, along with watching her favourite shows, talking with her friends at the Legion Villa, and having lunch with friends.
Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at St. Peter’s Hospital, West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, and the Walker Cancer Clinic.
Visitation to take place at Merritt Funeral Home, Smithville, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 216 Station Street, Smithville, on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
If desired, memorial donations to St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Smithville, can be made by contacting Merritt Funeral Home (905) 957-7031.
Norman Brown turns 90 on Sunday, Dec. 7. His children are having a come-and-go tea that day to celebrate the occasion at
Vineland Missionary Church 3874 Victoria Ave., Vineland 2 - 4 p.m.
Hope to see you all there!
PS Shhhh, it’s a surprise!
august 4, 1931november 24, 2025
It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of Gino Francavilla, dear husband, father, brother and Papa/Gigi, at the age of 94, on November 24, 2025.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years Helen, daughter Laurie (Steven), son Larry, sister Rita, sister-in-law Pearl, grandchildren Melissa (Jon), Jay (Pam), Carly (John), great grandchildren Marshall, Nolan, Brooklyn, Bryson, Ethan and Arabella, along with many nieces and nephews. He is reunited in heaven with his parents Anna and Frank, brother Armando, brother-in-law Mickey, great-granddaughter Kinsley and many lifetime friends.
Born in St. Catharines, Gino was proud to be one of the original Facer Street boys who attended St. Joseph Catholic School. Gino lived on Facer Street until he married Helen at 24 years of age. Gino was an incredible bowler, becoming the youngest Canadian Singles 5-pin Bowling Champion in Canada at the age of 18 in 1950, receiving two gold medals for his success. He lived a life of service to others through the Knights of Columbus, generously giving his time and talents to help others. Known for his love of music, Gino would perform for anyone who would listen. He loved many musical instruments, but the harmonica was his favourite. He continued to play despite his dementia, serenading his fellow residents just one week before he died. Gino was known as a joyful, fun-loving man with a kind heart.
Our family wishes to thank the incredible staff at Linhaven Long Term Care for their dedicated, affectionate care of Gino during his final months. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Helen Roman Catholic Church in his name.
A mass in his honour will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025 beginning at 11am at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church located at 4106 Mountain Road in Beamsville.
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-3621144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca
Passed away at Albright Manor in Beamsville, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 in her 96th year. Beloved wife of the late William (Bill) Latka (2017). She was the loving mother of Louise Tebworth (late David) and Donna Reil (Rick). Cherished grandmother of many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews. Dear sister of the late William, Arnold, Bernard and Lorne Prevost, Pearl Morris and Theresa MacPherson and sister-in-law of John Latka (late Lorna) and the late Eleanor Pilon (late Harvey). Special thanks to all the staff at Albright Manor for their constant care and compassion. Visitation took place at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 2-5 p.m. with Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 135 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11 a.m. Burial at Queen’s Lawn Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions to Albright Manor would be sincerely appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com
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On a stormy Halloween, Baby-Joan Beverly Norris joined our coven. Born October 31, 2025, at 2:32 a.m., weighing
Community Carol Service
December 14 at 3 pm
Lessons & Carols Service
December 21 at 10 am
Children’s Christmas Service
Christmas Eve at 4 pm
Christmas Communion Services
Christmas Eve at 7 & 9 pm
Christmas Day Service 10 am
St-Andrew’s Anglican Church
154 Main Street West, Grimsby 905-945-8894
info@standrewsgrimsby.com
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(L to R) BakersElaine Powell, Barb Cosby and Marilyn Hunter - helped supply the baked goods for St. Luke’s Anglican Church’s Christmas market on Saturday.
(Right) Michele McLean and Berna Kennedy admire a crafter’s handmade bracelet at St. Luke’s. The event included baked goods and crafts. LoreePhotos
I had planned to get to a rosy, cheery column this week but there are a few things which should not wait another week.
The ongoing waste of time that is Grimsby Finance Committee’s attempts to draw Niagara Power and Grimsby Power into directly reporting to the committee has to stop.
A fifth attempt, could have been sixth, I’ve lost count, to do just that was fired off Monday with yet another legal opinion sought. Council needs to lead on such matters and be financially responsible to taxpayers, which means stop blowing money. If council won’t stop, why should Grimsby BIA?
To couch comments in seemingly innocent banter such as Coun. Veronica Charrois did, basically, “I just want the information,” is silly.
Of course the information should be available to council - as shareholders of the NPI and GPI. Nobody ever said otherwise.
As confirmed with NPI president Chris Atkinson, any and all information is available to all members of council at shareholder meetings. All they have to do is ask.
The matter at hand is the forum in which this information is released. Corporate information is not and should not be rolled out at a municipal finance committee. That is exactly what the Corporations Act is for - to deal with governance and
reporting responsibilities for corporations.
Last time I looked, NPI and GPI were corporations.
Full stop.
That is all anyone should need to know. The rest is all some bizarre form of theatrics and to what I end I do not profess to know.
It is a colossal waste of council’s time, energy and money. Move on for Pete’s sake!
When some residents saw this year’s tax increase roll out just under five per cent, many asked me why they could not keep the house in better order - especially in an election year when things are usually extra tight.
Overall, they have run an “ok” show, but they have wasted too much time on sideshows again and again and again. Yes, better than the G5, but marginally, and that is unfortunate.
On a similar plain is Grimsby’s BIA. I am not going to waste any ink on the affairs of the BIA. I have said my piece.
We did get a couple of letters this week, which
note some of the ongoing issues there and there are many more who feel the same and have even more concern but, as I have noted in the past, they have not wanted to speak out due to reprisal concerns. So the fact two business owners have spoken up should not be lost.
On a brighter note, I would like to thank the scores of people who have taken the time to stop in the office, call, text and email all kinds of support and thankyous regarding our One Team. One Dream. Realized. Magazine.
I started planning that back in February and went full speed on it since midAugust right after we finished up on our Best In The West program.
It was three months of intensity, worked around keeping the regular paper going so, yes, it was a lot for our small team to take on but all of us know it was worth every second.
When you put so much time and effort into something you hope is good, you think is good (but don’t want to assume) and then you hear people love it; that makes it all worthwhile. I actually did run a couple of letters this week, which I would not normally do, but the response was so overwhelming, it seemed appropriate.
We have a couple of hundred extras in our office as we anticipated some wanting extras. You are welcome to them. Just stop in.
