NewsNow E-Edition December 7 2023 by newsnow Niagara

> Regional governance review session set for St. Catharines /Pg 15 > Submit your fave Christmas memory to NewsNow Pg 4 >South Shore Rescue crew honoured again Pg 5 > Jordan Fire hosts biggest turkey roll ever Pg 6 Thursday, December 7, 2023 Vol. 12 Issue 30

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Return engagement

Fresh on the heel of his Smithville appearance last week, Santa made a triumphant return to Niagara West for Grimsby’s parade in his honour on Saturday. As always, he stole the show. For more coverage, please turn to Pages 12-13. McDonald - Photo

Ombudsman finds

Grimsby council did not contravene Municipal Act By Mike Williscraft NewsNow Town of Grimsby council was found to have acted appropriately in dealing with a February closed session matter by Paul Dubé, Ombudsman of Ontario.

The complaint alleged that the discussion which - based on the nature of the resolution that council passed in open session afterwards, which was about supporting women in politics, did not appear to fit

within the cited exceptions for personal matters about an identifiable individual and litigation or potential litigation. The complaint also alleged that the decision to add the closed session item to the Feb. 21,

2023 agenda should have been made by council in open session. In a Nov. 29 letter to Grimsby council, Dubé stated council “did not contravene the Municipal Act, 2001 because the subject

matter fit within the exceptions for personal matters about an identifiable individual and advice subject to solicitor-client privilege.” When the Monday’s meeting agenda was posted See COUNCIL, Page 3

Page 2 • NewsNow • Thursday, December 7, 2023

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COUNCIL

From Page 1 some took information in the report the wrong way and erroneous comments about council being found in breach of the Act spread to the point where clerk Bonnie Nistico-Dunk called the Ombudsman’s office to get clarification. “I’d like to clarify some confusion that’s circulating...the Ombudsman’s letter. I wanted to ensure correctness, so I spoke to the Ombudsperson’s office today, so it is stated in the letter, and to highlight, that the closed meeting of Feb. 21, 2023 did not contravene the Municipal Act,” said Nistico-Dunk. “The subject matter did fit within the exception. That is there, not my high level verdict. Also, it is rare they

would send a notice of investigation to the clerk at all. They rarely do that. They did for the tri-council meeting. You all were aware of that, however, that is definitely not their norm.” Nistico-Dunk further clarified there is no requirement to share with council, unless expressly requested to do so by the Ombudsman. The clerk can further clarify matters for council should they choose. Dubé did state the motion to go into closed session contravened a section of the Act by not being specific enough in its wording. The name of the person who filed the Ombudsman complaint was not made public in the findings. Coun. Veronica Charrois questioned Nisti-

co-Dunk if more information could be given on the matter. “At the time, when I was told that there was possible an investigation – I was never told that they were going to investigate – they asked me for information that they would review and get back to me on whether there would be an investigation,” said NisticoDunk, adding the Ombudsman’s office sets their own rules for investigations on a case by case basis. “When they did, I met with them and I believe the information that I shared with them was confidential and I advised them that I was doing it to really protect some members of council around the table who felt they had an issue. That’s why I did it and it was done on the fly. I explained it

News Now • Thursday, December 7, 2023 • Page 3 all to them and left it at that.” Charrois said the Ombudsman should see input from others when conducting their Verico One Mortgage Corp. Royal LePage NRC Realty investigations. “On the website it says, when there is an ST. HELEN CHURCH investigation as well, 4106 Mountain St., Beamsville ON. that they ask for inBig Payout With Progressive Jackpot formation, so I would Thursday, Dec. 7 - 11 am in the Church Great Hall hope if this ever comes Jackpot $500 Hot Lunch - Sandwiches available at Noon up again that there is Friday, Dec. 8 - 7:00 pm in the Church Great Hall Jackpot $700 Fresh baked Pizza available at 6 pm some asking of other Also $$$ thousands $$$ in cash prizes every week parties as well,” said Admission Free - Tea and Coffee Free Charrois. Mayor Jeff Jordan noted he would feel comfortable dictating Since 1868 TRADE MARK procedure to the Ombudsman’s office. Crafting Award-Winning Gourmet Flavours Since 1868.™ “If I’m called by the Ombudsman’s office, Perfect gifts for and they ask me to keep it confidential, I’d discerning cook do that,” Jordan said. Later in the meetDouble strength ing, the Ombudsman’s report was simply rebaking vanilla on sale ceived as correspondence with no further comment. Call Judith 905-563-7774 office (905) 309-8850 margo@mymortgageadvisor.ca 7 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby ON

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Second prestigious award to South Shore rescuers They won again! Five volunteers from South Shore Search And Rescue have been awarded the prestigious Stearns Rescue of the Year honours from the Canadian Safe Boating Council, their second national award this year. The crew earned the recognition when it rescued eight individuals from Lake Ontario in a single mission on July 24, 2022, the largest rescue ever conducted by the volunteer agency. The crew answered the call for what they were told were four people in distress in high winds, east of Fifty Point harbour. What they found was seven people — including four

children — clinging to three paddle boards. They recovered the frightened victims and treated them for exposure to the cold water. On the way back to the base, the alert crew spotted someone in the water: a young man had been pitched from his personal watercraft and knocked unconscious. He was also recovered and given first aid. The entire mission took 106 minutes and saved eight lives. The five members of D-Crew will receive the award in Toronto in January. In September, the crew was honoured with the prized Operational Merit Medal from the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary for the

same mission. “We could not be more proud of this crew,” said unit leader Doug Mepham. The crew are Owen Evans (coxswain) and Ben Cosman, both of Grimsby, Brent Dawson of St. Catharines, Sandy Osborne of Beamsville and Jeffrey Stamper of Hamilton. The awards come at the close of the volunteers’ annual recruitment drive. Interested individuals can contact Matt Tulk through the website: gamru.ca/contactus The group will host an information night in the Stoney Creek area Dec. 11 to meet and share additional information on becoming a volunteer.

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Page 6 • NewsNow • Thursday, December 7, 2023

Turkeys flying out door at Jordan firehall The excitement of a turkey raffle hasn’t

changed since the 19th century when the birds

were live and worth four shillings (about 48 cents.) The turkeys are now frozen, but they were still flying out the door Friday as Jordan firefighters hosted their

annual turkey roll at their hall. It was party central and a record crowd was out to support the Lincoln Fire, with more than 300 turning out for the event. (Above) Handling sales at the door (LR) Scott Bahro, John Hermans and Bill Culp. (Left) (L-R) John Riediger and Dave McDougall take a chance at the ‘Dice Table’ with firefighters Jordan Lewis and Dan Michels.

(L-R) Bob Blake, Grant Downes and Jon High kept a running tally and handed out prizes.

Jordan firefighters’ turkey roll drew a large and boisterous crowd.

Story, Photos By Joanne McDonald

Happy ticket buyers Wendy Dykstra and Sue Balaga catch the eye of firefighter Cody Deveau.

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News Now • Thursday, December 7, 2023 • Page 7

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GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN GRIMSBY'S VIBRANT DOWNTOWN CORE! Beautifully maintained 2.5 storey large brick building with DMS (Downtown Main Street) Zoning, offering numerous uses with excellent storefront exposure. Ample parking, full of character throughout. Nine foot ceilings, C/Air, 200 Amp service, new roof shingles 2023, fully finished attic, new forced air gas furnace 2023. The possibilities abound in this ideal location! $849,900

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Located on over one lush acre, this EstateSized property is located on Grimsby's premier hillside court. A spacious & gracious home boasting gorgeous vistas from every room, with numerous updates throughout. Large windows that permit plenty of natural light. Gourmet kitchen with doors that open to the back deck. The primary bedroom is an intimate retreat, complete with a walk-in closet, sitting area, & private balcony! Features too numerous to mention! $1,799,000

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Page 8 • NewsNow • Thursday, December 7, 2023

Important changes in Real Estate

Queens Real Estate Inc. Brokerage is pleased to offer consumers assistance on understanding the changes that have come into effect regarding the Real Estate profession this past week.

As of December 1, 2023, the Real Estate Council of Ontario is implementing changes that affect and

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Restaurant, Casa Toscana or Forty Public House. Entrants can email their sumission to: mike@wn3.ca or drop it by NewsNow’s office at 1 Mountain St. in Grimsby. There is a mailslot in the door for after hours.

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News Now • Thursday, December 7, 2023 • Page 9

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Page 10 • NewsNow • Thursday, December 7, 2023

KEEP IT

CLEAR Lincoln’s Keep it Clear program remains in full effect this winter season. When a Keep it Clear event is declared, vehicles are NOT permitted to park on Town streets or impede sidewalks.

West Lincoln Toonie drive at full speed West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s annual Toonie Drive - in support of West Lincoln Community Care - is humming along at full speed.

The drive, which kicked off Nov. 13, gives all funds collected at local businesses and via donations at the annual Santa Claus Parade to WLCC for

Stay informed this winter: The Town will aim notify residents of a Keep it Clear event on Lincoln.ca and social media by the end of business day prior, and local media will also be alerted to ensure widespread awareness. The Keep it Clear event will typically last 72 hours. Vehicle owners who do not remove their vehicles from the road during a declared Keep it Clear event will be subject to a $75 fine.

Golden

West Lincoln Chamber executive director Kathleen Gander, left, with WLCC manager Sharlene Volpatti.

toys and gifts for West Lincoln families in need. The drive runs until Dec. 17. For nine years local businesses have supported the program by hosting displays of the “Toonie Toy Drive” bottles. “Merchants ask customers if they would like to add $2 to their bill to support the “Toonie Toy Drive” and merchants add the funds to the toonie bottles,” said Kathleen Gander, the Chamber’s interim exective director. “Last year the community support was outstanding and the most successful campaign to date raising over $5,700.”

GATHERINGS Free social events for community members (55+)

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News Now • Thursday, December 7, 2023 • Page 11

WHAT SHOULD THE FUTURE OF

NIAGARA MUNICIPALITIES LOOK LIKE? The Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has asked the Ontario Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy to study regional governance in select regions across the province, including in Niagara. The purpose of this study is to ensure local governance structures are providing effective and accountable government, particularly when it comes to the efficient delivery of services, and getting more homes built. This Committee of the Legislature will be visiting St. Catharines for public hearings on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 from 10:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 6:00pm. To present to the Standing Committee, or to submit written feedback and suggestions, visit www.ola.org/en/apply-committees Submission deadline to sign up to appear before committee is noon Wednesday Jan 3rd, 2024.

SAM OOSTERHOFF MPP - Niagara West

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Page 12 • NewsNow • Thursday, December 7, 2023

Santa comes to Grimsby

The Christmas season has officially arrived in Grimsby when Santa drives his reindeer through the main streets of town and hundreds of children make memories to last a lifetime. It’s a tradition that brings the community together with blankets and chairs and hot chocolate and despite a bit of rainy drizzle Saturday night, the crowd enjoyed a spectacular lineup of community floats, marching bands, dancers, sirens and bright lights for the 66th Santa Claus parade.

West Niagara Secondary School Band members (L to R) Owen Jankiv, Paige Gordon, Bee Kinsler, Charlotte Fenn, Isabella Costa were part of the team which wowed the crowds.

(L-R) Max Mease, Ella Clavel, Emma Clavel and Allyson Kalter settle in for the festivities.

Waiting for Santa (L-R) Devyn Steel, Lucas Bowley, 5, Julia Steel and Shaun Steel.

Thousands of parade attendees lined the streets of Grimsby, young and not-so-young alike.

Shining faces on the New Life Community Church float (L-R) Noah Park, Addison Grollmam, William and Matthew Poziomka and Michael Rijgersberg.

(Below) Santa’s doppelganger entertains the crowd.

News Now • Thursday, December 7, 2023 • Page 13

The rain gear may not be the latest fashion but it kept Marisa and Ozzie Di Bacco dry.

Story, Photos By Joanne McDonald

All wrapped up for Christmas, 1st Beamsville Cubs (L-R) Jax Morin, Evan Marcoux, Henry Inglis, Penny Dell, Paul Pilato, Ethan Marcoux.

Lynda and Neil Dykstra (they’re in there) with their grandchildren; yes all in the photo are grandchildren - Front (L-R) Nate, Lynda, June, John, Muskoka, William, Maple, Richard and Woodrow. Middle: Lilly, Coltyn, Regina, Alex, Aurora, Hazel, Rouen and Jacklyn. Back: Scarlytt, Violytt, Greenley, Sophia and Ayden.

Having a blast, Grimsby Soccer Club U 12 girls travel team (L-R) Brianna Ritchie, Elizabeth Ritchie, Annabelle Sly, Maryada Kaur, Emma Burda, Kayla Healey, Mariana Avila and Charlotte Veld.

Aspire Gymnastics’ Keegan Russell, left, and Olivia Henderson wowed the crowd.

Finding Compassion in the Moment

Page 14 • NewsNow • Thursday, December 7, 2023

By Rosemary Addison Anne Marie Jenkinson and Linda Hand share many common experiences, including volunteering at McNally House Hospice. Now, they also share a journey of grief. Anne Marie’s husband, Paul, was a resident at McNally House in July of 2023. In September of the same year, Linda’s

Doug and Linda Hand

husband, Doug, also became a resident. As volunteers at McNally, Anne Marie and Linda are part of a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who provide compassionate care for residents and their families. In 2023, with their husbands as residents, Anne Marie and Linda were no longer volunteers but family members. Anne Marie and Linda were asked how being a family member of a resident dovetailed with that of being a volunteer. Their individual responses became a duet of similar comments. As volunteers, they knew the building, routines, staff members and other volunteers. They knew about the incredible pro-

vision of care, compassion and comfort and the impact this makes. Along with their husbands and family, they could experience the peace, and joy that is so much a part of McNally House. Anne Marie and Paul, and Linda and Doug were supported with kindness, dignity and respect. Anne Marie and Linda

The Jenkinson Family. want to share their experiences of McNally House with others, so people know that a hospice is not a place of death but very much a place of life. The phrase, finding compassion in the moment, is exactly what McNally is all about. In addition to provincial funding, which supports a portion of our nursing

costs, more than $1M is needed annually to ensure the hospice residence and all other community programs remain available. But, we can’t do it without you. In this season of giving, we invite you to support McNally House Hospice by visiting: mcnallyhousehospice.com or calling 905-309-4013.

Finding Compassion in the Moment

Over the last 15 years, the staff and volunteers at McNally House Hospice have had the privilege and honour to witness and be a part of thousands of moments. Moments of joy, of loss, of love; simple moments that will never be forgotten. Each of these become a part of the story of those we care for, and each of these moments is filled with compassion.

But we can’t do it without you.

148 Central Ave., Grimbsy, ON L3M 4Z3 Charitable Registration Number: 82883 4077 RR0001

Please donate today by visiting mcnallyhousehospice.com

News Now • Thursday, December 7, 2023 • Page 15

Pearl Morissette earns world distinction

Highly respected Jordan restaurant Pearl Morissette has been honoured with a prestigious position in the highly acclaimed 2024 La Liste of the Top 1000 Restaurants in the World. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Lincoln Council, Staff and the community to Restaurant Pearl Morissette for achieving this remarkable milestone in the 2024 La Liste,” said Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton. “We are proud to see our town represented on the global stage, showcasing the unique flavours and experiences the Niagara Benchlands have to offer.”

West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary Presents

Breakfast with SANTA Grimsby Peach King Arena (Upstairs room) Saturday, December 16th, 2023

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from 8:00 a.m. – 12 Noon Tickets are; $5.00/person or $20.00/family (Max.5) Available at the Auxiliary Office (from November) and at the door.

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Page 16 • NewsNow • Thursday, December 7, 2023

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It takes a hardworking team to create the magic that Rotary Club of Grimsby brings to the community with Fantasy of Trees. Rotary’s 24th annual signature event turned the Grimsby Museum into a winter wonderland with dozens of creatively decorated trees, wreaths and prizes. Lucky raffle ticket winners will be taking them home this week to enjoy for years to come and all proceeds from the event go to local registered charities. Joan Whitson, decorating leader and Jim Noordermeer, Fantasy of Trees team lead for 2023, said this year’s event featured 30 trees, 20 wreaths, 43 raffle items and 42 items auctions online. McDonald - Photo

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News Now • Thursday, December 7, 2023 • Page 17

Governance public meeting set for Jan. 10

The controversial municipal governance structure review will continue with a highly anticipated public meeting set for Jan. 10 in St.Catharines. The provincial government stated two such meetings would be held for each region under review - Niagara is one of them - but a second date or location has not been announced. The Jan. 10 sessions will run 10 a.m.-Noon and 1-6 p.m. To present to the committee, or to submit written feedback and suggestions, visit www.ola.org/en/ apply-committees Deadline is Jan. 3.

Santa’s Headquarters

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See our selection of • Collectibles • Fragrances • Chocolates • Scented Candles • Frames • Home Accessories • Christmas Ornaments • Greeting Cards • Boxed Holiday Cards • Gift Wrap & more

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Page 18 • NewsNow • Thursday, December 7, 2023

Bazaar time of year!

Happy shoppers wrap up Christmas with handmade gifts from the St. Helen Catholic Church bazaar. (L-R) Nesta Cooper, Susan Cooper and Pat Hore. The tree frame was made by artisan Brittany Knuth and the wood lantern by artisan Brendan Hendriks. McDonald – Photo

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News Now • Thursday, December 7, 2023 • Page 19

OBITUARIES

Please call to place your Classified Ad

289-235-9500 OBITUARIES

CRAFTCHICK, Kenneth Mark

Passed away peacefully at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Friday, November 3, 2023, at the age of 60. Predeceased by his loving wife Sandra of 29 years. Cherished father to Julie (David), and Taylor. Loving Papa to Kane, Karson, and Kolbie. Brother to Benny (Carol), the late Larry, Tom (Brenda), Greg (Keri), and Tammy (Dennis). Ken was the proud owner of Battlefield Excavating for the last 33 years and a member of the Local 793 Operating Engineers. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and extended family. Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday December 9th, at the family home from 2-5. If desired, memorial contributions to The Humane Society of Greater Niagara would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755 www.smithsfh.com

MADDEAUX, William Arnold

Will quietly slipped away Sept 27th, 22 days past his 74th birthday. Oldest child of Russell (2012)(Helen 2022) and Blanche (2018). Brother of Anna (Merv) Cox; Patrick (Sharon); Joseph; Rex (2003); Charrie (2004)(Terry 2006) Glew. Uncle of 8 nephews. Survived by his children Richard (Ashley), Thatcher, Sefton, Cecily; Elizabeth (Matt), Evelyn, Grant, Thomas; Ruth (David); and Sarah Joy. Also his wife Shirley Wilson, her 4 children and 8 grandchildren. Missed by many friends and relatives in Canada, England and the U.S. He was a kind, caring person, ready to lend a hand where ever he could. He loved to sing, he was a teacher at heart, in the classroom or tutoring one on one and never lost his sense of wonder in the world around him. Serious health issues lately, impacted his ability to socialize and enjoy his favourite activities. He’s now free from all that made his life so difficult the past few years. We rejoice knowing he’s in a far better place and look forward to seeing him again one day.

BRIENESSE, Genevieve

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Genevieve (Gigi) Brienesse (née Bourque), in her 51st year on Sunday, November 26, 2023. Her memory is cherished by her children Johl, Celeste, and Zack, her partner Dino Graziotto, her parents Marilyn and Eugene, her sister Michelle VanWanRooy (Perry), her brother Stefan (Regan), her nieces and nephews Taylor (Matt), Justin, Marisa, and Avery, her great-nephew Kaiden, and her greatniece Ira. Gigi wasn’t part of a community - Gigi was the community. She made connections though her passions. She built friendships through her scissors; those that were privileged enough to sit in her chair left with more than just a haircut. She was a listener, and her easy demeanor made you feel like you could tell her anything. She was a vibrant, positive force while cheering on her beloved Hamilton Ti-Cats. Gigi was intent on bettering the lives of others, as seen through her work with Interval House and various other charities. Her kindness and compassion knew no bounds. She was the type that would go out of her way to make sure you were good before she was; if she knew you were feeling down, she made it her mission to cheer you up and get you laughing with her. As Stevie would say, she was always sunshine on a cloudy day. If neon was a person, it would be Gigi. To know her was to love her. She was overly genuine, never holding back on being herself; if she had an opinion, you were gonna hear it! Were you just listening to music? Whether she knew the song or not she was singing (and quite often poorly). Ever heard of reverse Google Maps? That was Gigi; her sense of direction was an endless source of laughter. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the West Niagara Agricultural Centre & Fairgrounds, 7402 Mud St W, Grassie, ON. To continue with Gigi’s warmth and compassion, we ask that in lieu of flowers, she would have wanted you to donate to Interval House or your local SPCA. Condolences may be left at www.circleoflifecbc.com

TAYLOR, Frederick Bruton (Eric)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frederick Bruton Taylor in his 78th year at St Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton on Tuesday November 7th 2023. Beloved husband of Ronee Sue Taylor (nee Johnson). Adored father of Alex (Susanna) and Willam who are Eric’s sons from his previous marriage (since divorced) to Gail Taylor (nee Mitchell). Cherished grandfather of James and Katherine, brother of Susan Anthony and uncle of Christine. Eric and Sue wed in 1991 and Eric treasured his relationships with his new adult step-son David (Lara) and grandchildren Aiden and Ali. Eric is survived by his sister Susan Anthony. He was predeceased by his parents Willam and Margaret Taylor (2004 and 2017). Eric was born in Montreal and at a tender age his family moved to St Thomas Ontario where he was raised with his younger sister Susan. After graduating from McMaster University in Hamilton Eric made his home in various places in Southern Ontario including Hamilton, Paris, Ayr, London before settling these last 40 years in a gingerbread cottage in historic Grimsby Beach. Eric enjoyed every step of his journey in life. He valued relationships and enjoyed sharing experiences and stories with friends and loved ones. Eric had many stories to tell with many career changes in his life from pipeline worker to school teacher to insurance sales to industrial tool sales. Outside of his working career Eric also had many different passions at various points in his life from motorsport racing to marine rescue and wood carving to ukulele plucking. Eric was an avid reader, history buff, news junkie, story teller and motorcycle enthusiast. He chased his interests and passions with the energy and enthusiasm of a youngster throughout his entire life and he found camaraderie at every turn. Eric made many good friends over the years and maintained a positive outlook even through difficult times. He will be sadly missed by many. Family will receive friends for a celebration of life at the ELIZABETH ST PUMPHOUSE at 447 Elizabeth Street in Grimsby on Saturday December 9th between 11am-2pm. Cremation has taken place and interment will be in the spring at the Old St Thomas Church Cemetery in Eric’s childhood hometown. Those who wish may make memorial donations to GAMRU (Grimsby Auxiliary Marine Rescue Unit) where Eric had volunteered as boatbuilder, Coxswain and fundraiser for 25 years. www.gamru.ca

News Now • Thursday, December 7, 2023 • Page 21

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My best Christmas memory contest From the vintage ornaments on the Christmas tree to the delicious aromas of grandma’s cooking in the kitchen, we all have good memories that relate to Christmas. NewsNow would love to hear about yours! Email mike@wn3.ca or drop it off at our office at 1 Mountain St. in Grimsby before Friday Dec. 15 at Noon to be entered in a free draw for a $50 gift certificate from August Restaurant, Casa Toscana or Forty Public House! Your submission should be 100-125 words in length and can be accompanied with a photo or image. Good Luck! Your submission may be printed in the paper!

Page 22 • NewsNow • Thursday, December 7, 2023

100% Niagara owned & operated Our Team: Publisher - Mike Williscraft mike@wn3.ca 289-442-4244 General Manager - Catherine Williscraft Sales Consultant - Erica Huisman Graphics - Donna Wisnoski NewsNow is owned & operated by 1602207 Ontario Ltd.

Office Location 1 Mountain Street, Delivered via Grimsby, ON, L3M 3J6 Canada Post Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848 NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday & delivered to all homes & businesses in Niagara West, 29,006

Lions trees going fast

The Beamsville and District Lions Club Christmas trees are on sale now and they’re going fast. Close to 300 of the 500 trees that filled the fragrant tree lot were sold by Dec. 2. Choosing the perfect tree (L-R) Lion Nino Di Teodoro, Steve and Marija Zupan and Lion Frank Arsenault. The lot is located just north of the train tracks on Ontario St. in Beamsville. Proceeds of the sale support local organizations. To learn more about the Lions and their work in the community, visit beamsvillelions.ca. McDonald - Photo

Governance review back on track There is a freight train rolling down the tracks which has been quieted considerably, muffled if you will. Usually, in the political sphere, when there is a major issue that is hotly contested and sure to rock boats, basic strategic measures are implemented to sooth the public, or, on occasion circumvent basic communications so as to limit (control) information. Remember late summer when the provincially pushed governance review was hot and heavy? Peel Region had just been blown up and all of the regions under review had concerns they could be next in the sights of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. AMO’s, (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) annual conference was about to happen in August and it was expected a facilitator was to be announced, public meetings in each of the seven (Halton, York, Durham, Waterloo, Niagara, Peel, Muskoka District, and Oxford) regions under review. Then Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark resigned his post. On the heels of that, the provincial government announced an ill-fated plan to release several parcels of land from Greenbelt protection to allow residential development. By late September, I, for one, thought the Conservatives would have had enough of contentious issues and dropped the

MIKE WILLISCRAFT regional review. The matter lay dormant - not shelved but not front-burner either - for weeks. Then the announcement came two public meetings would be held in each region under review. That was the first sign of life on this major issue since all the hubbub in late August necessitates the cancellation of the unveiling of a facilitator at AMO. Fast forward to this week, the first of what is expected to be two meetings in Niagara has been announced. It is set for Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon and 1 p.m.-6 p.m. The location for the Ontario Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy meetings has not been announced as yet, but you can be sure that information will be included in a future edition of NewsNow. Important for anyone wanting to make a submission: To present to the Standing Committee, or to submit written feedback and suggestions, visit www.

ola.org/en/apply-committees Submission deadline to sign up to appear before committee is noon Wednesday Jan. 3, 2024. The reasoning behind it all is as follows: “The purpose of this study is to ensure local governance structures are providing effective and accountable government, particularly when it comes to the efficient delivery of services, and getting more homes built.” The problem, by purpose or error (it will be up to voters to decide) is not guidelines have been given to any municipality in terms of targets or hopes for what the provincial government is hoping lowertier municipalities should achieve. Grimsby/Lincoln already have shared services for fire ongoing and there are some other departments where it could make sense. West Lincoln has been in the mix as well. The issue for this little corner of Niagara is our three municipalities are running efficiently and well (save for Grimsby council which keeps shooting itself in the foot with its antics). There is no burning need here, but if local officials don’t react, that could be viewed as defiance and met with a backhand swat from Queen’s Park. It is all shooting in the dark, but they need to take a couple of shots or risk getting “Peel”ed.

News Now • Thursday, December 7, 2023 • Page 23

“Misinformation is polarizing our community...” - letter writer Dear Editor, Mike hits the target again. It’s interesting to watch both sides of this greenbelt debate throwing haymakers yet never landing a decent blow. Sometimes a good story gets in the way of the real facts, and yes, there is a seri-

ous lack of perspective regarding the abundance of natural resources we enjoy here in Niagara, just travel abroad and see for yourself. I’ve yet to see any parcel of land presented for development that represents prime farmland or hasn’t laid dormant forever. I

believe this argument is largely guided by fear, the danger of opening a floodgate we cannot close, ringing a bell we can’t un-ring, or any other metaphor you feel is appropriate. Misinformation is polarizing our com905.945.4161 www.grimsbyford.com

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munity, that frustration needs to be directed to the federal government and their immigration policies that continue to grow the population beyond our ability to house them. Alain Fournier Beamsville

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