Blake MacDonald, left, shovels back syrupy pancakes as little brother Boone smiles at the camera. The kids were among those who enjoyed the West Lincoln Firefighters pancake breakfast - part of West Lincoln’s Family Day activities on Monday. For more coverage, please turn to Page 12. Loree – Photo
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
Grimsby council may be down, but it seems they may not be out when it comes to a home build which circumvented the Town’s planning processes at 30 Viking Drive.
Last month, the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) gave its approv-
al to a series of minor variance issues at 30 Viking, including: front yard setback, rear yard setback, rear yard encroachment for a chimney breast, and; maximum lot coverage - none of which were applied for prior to work being done.
At the Monday, Feb. 10 meeting, council went into closed
session for a 35-minute discussion on the matter. Later, in open session, a motion to approve the subject matter discussed in closed session was approved.
“The Town has taken several steps on this file based on council’s direction and in consultation with legal,” said CAO Sarah Kim.
Should the Town follow
through with an appeal of the decision by OLT member Yasna Faghani, the matter would go before a tribunal for further review.
While any direction the Town chooses at this point is still confidential, once an appeal is filed, it - and that process - are public and findings will be published.
Saturday, February 22nd | 1pm – 4pm
Saturday, February 22nd | 1pm – 4pm
Saturday, February 22nd | 1pm – 4pm
Saturday, February 22nd | 1pm – 4pm
By Evan Loree For NewsNow
The developers behind an affordable senior living development are hoping West Lincoln Township can spare them some costs before they build.
Legion Villa is a non-profit charity that operates 62 affordable senior apartment units at 161 and 171 Mill St. in Smithville and plans to expand its site with a six-storey, 52-unit addition at the same location.
Advocates of the senior development came to a West Lincoln council January meeting asking the township to waive up to $120,000 in planning and permitting fees to help facilitate the project.
Niagara Housing project manager Gord Szaszi said it is “really challenging” to build affordable projects like these and funding from all levels of government was critical.
would cut from the eight-year waiting list.
Neville said it was hard to say how the waiting list would be impacted and restated the expansion would double the amount of affordable units Legion Villa could offer.
Maychak then asked how much the project would cost, and Szaszi said planning costs would amount to about $25 million.
Mayor Cheryl Gannon said if council agrees to waive the planning fees, staff will have to find a way to cover the planning costs through the budget process.
And though Gannon said the ask was fair, it didn’t take much to impact the tax levee.
“We would love to see this project move forward. We just need to find our way,” she said.
Coun. Joann Chechalk said the waiting lists for affordable rentals were “getting scary.”
and lively music. Live every day your way at Lincoln Park.
Shake off the winter blues, embark on a journey of discovery and come aboard our Cruise Party. Tour our stylish suites. Experience our warm and vibrant community. Enjoy refreshments, snacks and lively music. Live every day your way at Lincoln Park
Shake off the winter blues, embark on a journey of discovery and come aboard our Cruise Party. Tour our stylish suites. Experience our warm and vibrant community. Enjoy refreshments, snacks and lively music. Live every day your way at Lincoln Park.
Call 905-309-0055 or scan the QR code to let us know you are coming.
Shake off the winter blues, embark on a journey of discovery and come aboard our Cruise Party. Tour our stylish suites. Experience our warm and vibrant community. Enjoy refreshments, snacks and lively music. Live every day your way at Lincoln Park.
Call 905-309-0055 or scan the QR code to let us know you are coming.
Shake off the winter blues, embark on a journey of discovery and come aboard our Cruise Party. Tour our stylish suites. Experience our warm and vibrant community. Enjoy refreshments, snacks and lively music. Live every day your way at Lincoln Park
Call 905-309-0055 or scan the QR code to let us know you are coming.
Szazi said the data shows the affordable housing crisis is getting worse.
She asked if the infrastructure servicing the lot could handle the bump in density.
Director of operations Mike DiPaola said plans to service the additional units would be worked out later in the development process.
Saturday, February 22nd | 1pm – 4pm 265 Main St East Grimsby, ON
Call 905 309 0055 or scan the QR code to let us know you are coming.
Call 905 0055 or to let us know you are coming.
265 Main St East Grimsby, ON
265 Main St East
265 Main St East
aspiralife.ca
265 Main St East
Grimsby, ON
Grimsby, ON
Grimsby, ON
“You might be very shocked to learn that the current waiting list for Legion Villa is over eight years,” said Nancy Neville, who sits on the non-profit’s board of directors.
Coun. Greg Maychak asked how many years the 52 new units
Szazi said a rezoning application would be submitted to permit the project in about one month.
MY COMMITMENT: PROVIDING SERVICE
EXCELLENCE TO MY BUYERS & SELLERS
ADVANCED MARKETING STRATEGIES & SOCIAL MEDIA
FREE CUSTOMIZED HOME STAGING & VIRTUAL STAGING PROGRAM
CONTACT ME FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND MARKET UPDATE ON THE CURRENT VALUE OF YOUR HOME! MEMBER OF THE TORONTO BOARD, ATTRACTING OUT OF TOWN BUYERS
SCAN FOR
March 7-16, 2025 | ENERCARE CENTRE, TORONTO
Enjoy Canada’s largest Home Show dedicated to FREE
Enjoy Canada’s largest Home Show dedicated to home improvement, indoors and out!
Reach out to me for FREE tickets, Compliments of The Zoi Ouzas Team!
Limited tickets available on a first come, first serve basis.
FABULOUS HOME IN SOUGHT-AFTER “DORCHESTER ESTATES”
Enjoy the picturesque escarpment views. Open concept design, beautifully finished top-to-bottom, and meticulously maintained. Wonderful kitchen with granite counters, island and appliances. Main floor family room open to kitchen. Sliding doors lead to expansive deck and very private fully-fenced yard. 2.5 baths, main floor office and so much more! $899,800
kitchen with large island, open to family room with gas fireplace. Large primary bedroom with walk-in closet & spa-like ensuite bath. Beautifully finished top-to-bottom, and so much more! A pleasure to show. $699,800
to come home to. Only minutes to wineries, fine restaurants & QEW access. $1,049,900
Built by Giuliana Homes Ltd.
"We had a very positive experience working with Zoi and her team. When we decided to sell our home we knew it was too big of an asset to entrust to just anyone. Zoi and her team are knowledgeable, professional and most important of all - honorable. We are extremely pleased with the results and would recommend anyone looking to sell their home to contact Zoi and her team." - Maria & Marco M.
Email: robertjames@royallepage.ca
Town of Lincoln will host a series of meetings next month regarding its new Short-Term Accommodation (STA) bylaw.
Topics Covered:
• Key STA licensing requirements and compliance deadlines;
These sessions will provide a step-by-step guide to compliance, covering licensing regulations, safety standards, and MAT registration.
Session date:
February 22
3:00 - 6:00 pm Licence #M872121
EuChRE
R.C.L. Branch 612 5545 King St., Beamsville 905-563-4612
Every Saturday 2:00 - 5:00 pm
CRIBBAGE
Every Friday 1:00 - 4:00 pm
The bylaw requires all STA and bed & breakfast operators to register their accommodations. To help operators navigate the STA licensing process and Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) requirements, the Town is hosting these events.
• March 4 & 11 – educational sessions (2-4 p.m.);
• March 18 – drop-In Q&A ses sion (2-4 p.m.), and;
• Fire safety standards and municipal law enforcement updates, and;
• MAT reporting, remittance tools, and its role in tourism
• Beamsville Room, Town Hall (4800 South Service Rd.).
Register now at: www.lincoln.
Nelles Manor Museum will be looking to swing into spring with a Jazz Rent Party, hosted on Saturday, April 5.
The event will run 7-9 p.m. with tickets set at $45 pp. They include light snacks and drinks. Guests are invited to enjoy the house part in their best 1920s refinery. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or at the museum, located at 126 Main St. W. in Grimsby.
Call 289-235-7755 for more information.
Week 14B (As of February 10th, 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 Teddy’s Food, Fun & Spirits, Jack Lila Twomey
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Jordan Flowers, Christopter Boom
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Judge & Jester, Robert Boychuk
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire, John Salverda
• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Peter Kralt
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Memphis BBQ, Fred Ciszek
Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings
Top Standings ©
21. Faseruk, Mark....... 1001
22. Crete, Max ........... 1000
23. Boekestyn, Sara Mae.. 1000
24. Shaw, Dustin 1000
25. Jacobson, Sean 1000
26. Nelles, Sonja 999
27. Rose, Briar 998
28. Porkolab, Matthew 996
29. Roller, Austyn ......... 995
30. Faseruk, Lucas ....... 995
31. Huinink, Tyler ......... 994
32. VanGeest, Owen ..... 994
33. Schilte, Julie ........... 993
34. Wight, Doug 993
35. Hall, G. 993
36. MacPherson, Rob 992
37. Keywood, Kevin 991
38. DeVries, Leo 991
39. Vien, Elsa Dawn ..... 991
40. Kusy, Laura ............ 990
Brittany Longboat ~ Grimsby
I wanted to write in about why I love my community.
My partner and I recently moved to Grimsby on the Lake from Hamilton.
Since moving here, we’ve experienced nothing but kindness and welcoming open doors!
Our neighbors in our condo building have been kind, gracious and helpful- even helping me move some things up from storage!
When we’ve gone out to local
I love the Grimsby community because of how beautiful it is. Not only physically, but also in the people who live there. Everyone is friendly and welcoming, and this has been the case for as long as I can remember. One time a gentleman’s motorized wheelchair tipped over, and within 10 seconds, 4 people went to help him. A gentleman even went and bought him another coffee since his was spilled. I once had packages in the trunk of my car, and while walking to the store did not realize the trunk hadn’t closed properly. Someone could’ve
restaurants for dinner or businesses to go shopping, store workers, servers and vendors always ask if we’re from the area and strike up a great conversation when we say we are new to the area! Everyone’s been great with making suggestions for places to go in the area - whether it’s for food and entertainment or services - the community has got it all and they’ll let you know it. Proud to be a part of this community.
Thank you!
easily stolen the packages while I was in the store, but no one did. Crimes are often unheard of in our community, and when they do occur, in most cases they are committed by people from outside our community.
I’ve interacted with various organizations in Grimsby such as St. Joseph Church and 62 Phantom Squadron, even when I hadn’t been living in Grimsby yet. Both are a testament to the good-natured good spirit of Grimsby and are places for lifelong relationships to be built. I hope that my future boyfriend will live in Grimsby, and that we find our forever home here.
Lesley & Larry Mitton ~ Grimsby
The community of Grimsby is a Golden Rule key holder - “Do to others what you would want others to do to you”.
We love the safe haven community feeling. Everyone is friendly, welcoming & band together no matter what!
It’s having a bonus community family . We love living here.
You get the best of both worlds - escarpment on one side & the beautiful waters of Ontario on the other.
When I asked my three-yearold son, Sawyer, what he loves about our community he said, “Um, I guess I love playing at the
parks; the bike park and skating at the outside rink.”
He loves all the fun activities that are close and free! (Mom) Carly Philbrick
We enjoy our community because we appreciate living near the vineyards, fruit farms and also our local recreation centre the Fleming centre where we enjoy skating and walking on the indoor track. We love that we are able to enjoy friends and family and our communities in our beautiful town of Beamsville!
We are so fortunate to have a place so unique and beautiful as West Niagara.
This area is home to smart and good people who have worked hard on the land to provide all of us with excellent produce. The farmers feed us. We need to
brag about them because they deserve to know how much we appreciate their hard work.
I am proud to say that I was raised in Niagara and I feel tremendous pride and gratitude for the citizens who live here and who have a cohesive and close relationship to the land.
Grimsby Power
Sloan Jolicoeur-Wiebe, 3, sits in the rubble of a toppled pile of giant jenga blocks during a day of free Lincoln Family Day fun at the Fleming Centre in Beamsville. Loree – Photo
Melissa Barr and daughter Harper, 7, string a beaded bracelet together at the Fleming Centre in Beamsville during a free Family Day activity hosted by the Town of Lincoln on Monday. Loree – Photo
By Evan Loree For NewsNow
Grimsby resident Pat Ferris lead a team to Cobourg last month to compete in the annual Ontario Men’s Curling Championship.
“It’s probably the thing in the world that I’m best at,” Ferris said of curling, noting he’s been at it since he was 12.
At 49, he’s been playing for almost 40 years and has had more than enough time to wrack up some big wins.
“I really just love the thrill of the competition,” he said.
Ferris said he’s competed in about 10 Ontario Tankards and has secured at least 11 victories on world tours. His teams are consistently ranked in the Top 20 and 30 teams in the world.
Curling appears to be a family pastime, too, as Ferris’ wife Jennifer works for Curling Canada and his daughters Catelyn, 14, and Alina, 12, have also picked up the sport.
Ferris said it’s not uncommon for competitive curling teams to split up in the offseason and form new ones with former competitors.
There are only so many competitive curlers on the world stage and the community is close-knit as a result, he said.
Ferris and Connor Duhaime have been playing together for about five years, though, he said.
Ferris is the team captain, or “skip,” and Duhaime is his vice, or second in command.
Kurt Armstrong and Matt Pretty round out the rest of the fourman roster.
It’s was a “frustrating” start to the Ontario Tankard, though.
Ferris’ team lost its first match 11-2 to the Kibo Mulima team from Waterloo.
“Sometimes when you’re behind, things can snowball,” he said.
Ferris said they were “caught off guard” by the ice conditions.
BEING A BY-LAW UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 38 OF THE PLANNING ACT, 1990, C.P. 13, AS AMENDED TO ESTABLISH INTERIM CONTROL PROVISIONS TO LIMIT BUILDING, DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE EXPANDED HAMLET OF FULTON FOR A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS IN ORDER TO ALLOW FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE FULTON RURAL EMPLOYMENT LAND USE STUDY, WHICH MAY RESULT IN CHANGES TO THE OFFICIAL PLAN AND ZONING BY-LAW.
TAKE NOTICE that on February 10, 2025, the Council of the Township of West Lincoln passed By-law No. 2025-05 an Interim Control Bylaw, pursuant to Section 38 of the Planning act, R.S.O., 1990, C.P. 13.
As their opponents pulled ahead, they had trouble catching up.
“We’re capable of beating every team that’s out here in this field,” he said.
But there were lots of teams who could win if they had a “stellar week,” he added.
It was a triple knockout format, though, and there were opportunities for him and his mates to catch up in the standings.
Ferris and his team dropped their second game, though, losing to Jayden King of London and his rink, 6-5, with King scoring two in the final end to take it.
Ferris’ tournament came to an end the next day they took on Brent Ross’s rink from Harriston, dropping an 8-7 decision in 11 ends after coming back to tie it up with four points in the last two ends to tie it at seven.
Ferris encouraged people to check out the Grimsby Curling Club if they want to learn the game.
TAKE NOTICE that an Interim Control By-law is a planning instrument that can be unilaterally invoked by municipalities to temporarily suspend existing zoning rights and restrict land use while the municipality conducts a land use planning study or review. An Interim Control By-law lasts for 1 year, but it can be extended for one additional year.
Purpose and Effect
The Purposes and effect of By-law 2025-05: An interim Control By-law (By-law No. 2025-05) was passed to prohibit the use of lands, buildings or structures within the Hamlet of Fulton Expansion Area to allow time to complete the Fulton Rural Employment Land Use Study which was commenced in January of 2025. Interim Control limits prohibits any new buildings, structures or development within the four large properties identified in the By-law.
Lands Affected by By-law
The lands affected by the by-law include:
1
Concession 8, Part Lot 34, In the former Township of South Grimsby being PIN 46057-0377(LT);
9127 Regional Road 20 being PIN: 46057-0061(LT); 2
Concession 8, Part Lot 35, former Township of South Grimsby being PIN: 46057-0159(LT); 3
2931 South Grimsby Road 19 being PIN: 46057-0055(LT). 4
If you wish to Appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal, a copy of the appeal form is available on the OLT website at https;//olt.gov.on.ca/. An appeal may be filed in person, by email to jpaylove@westlincoln.ca, by registered mail or courier addressed to the Clerk of the Township of West Lincoln, Attention; Justin Paylove, 318 Canborough Street, Box 400 Smithville, ON L0R 2AO of the Township of West Lincoln no later than 4:30 p.m. on April 1, 2025, and must be accompanied by the fee required by the Ontario land Tribunal Payable to the Minister of Finance.
Only individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal an interim control by-law to the Ontario Land Tribunal. A notice of appeal may not be filed by an unincorporated association or group. However, a notice of appeal may be filed in the name of an individual who is a member of the association or the group on its behalf.
The Interim Control By-law will remain in effect until February 10, 2026, unless otherwise extended in accordance with Section 38 of the Planning Act or repealed by Council at an earlier date.
For more information regarding this matter, please contact the Township of West Lincoln Growth and Sustainability Department at 318 Canborough Street, Smithville ON, L0R 2A0.
Dated at the Township of West Lincoln this 20th Day of February, 2025.
The Study
Niagara Region is undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study (the Study) for improvements to King Street (Regional Road 81) in Lincoln to allow for active transportation and improve traffic safety, as well as develop solutions for the failing retaining wall along the corridor. The project will extend approximately two kilometers, from Nineteenth Street to Twenty Third Street between the communities of Jordan and Vineland.
This Study started as a Schedule B project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process (the Process) (Municipal Engineers Association, as amended 2024), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. However, following evaluation of the options and review of the choice of schedule, it was decided to elevate the Study to follow Schedule C of the process.
When the Study is complete, an Environmental Study Report will document the planning and decision-making followed during the Process and be available for a 30-day public review period. A Notice of Study Completion will be issued at that stage.
Niagara Region is hosting the third Public Information Centre planned for this Study. Public engagement is a key part of the Process. Niagara Region encourages the public, agencies, Indigenous Communities, and other interested persons to actively participate in the Study process by reviewing information, providing comments, and/or attending consultation opportunities.
Public Information Centre No.3 will present the evaluation and recommended alternative design solution. The Public Information Centre will be held in person in a ‘drop-in’ format with materials about the study displayed and members of the study team on hand to answer questions. There will be a presentation starting at 5:30 p.m. to provide an overview of the project.
Public Information Centre No.3
Date: Wednesday March 5, 2025 Time: 5 – 7 p.m. Presentation at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Station 4 - 3763 Nineteenth St., Jordan Station ON L0R 1S0 (Note: Please park in the Town’s public lot on the north side and keep clear of the Fire Hall parking lot)
For more information, visit the project webpage: niagararegion.ca/projects/regional-road-81rehabilitation.
To share your comments, request additional information about this Study, or to be added to the project list to receive future notices, contact one of the following Project Team members:
Maged Elmadhoon, M.Eng., P.Eng. Manager, Transportation Planning
Niagara Region
1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold ON, L2V 4T7 905-980-6000 ext. 3583
Maged.Elmadhoon@niagararegion.ca
Ray Bacquie, P.Eng., MBA
Project Manager
R.J. Burnside and Associates Limited 292 Speedvale Avenue West, Unit 20 Guelph ON, N1H 1C4
905-821-5891
Ray.Bacquie@rjburnside.com
be collected, used and disclosed, where applicable, by members of Regional staff according to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Any information you share will only be used for the intended purpose for which it was provided. For questions or comments about privacy practices, or for more information about the administration of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act in Niagara Region programs see niagararegion.ca/government/foi
If you require any accommodations for a disability to attend and participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Please contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905 980-6000 ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca
This notice was first issued in the newspaper during the week of Feb. 17, 2025.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Dorothy, who after 97 years went to be with the Lord on February 11, 2025.
She leaves behind a son, Armand (Irene), son Brian, and daughter Janice (John). Pre-deceased by her husband, John (2001); brothers Ross (Helen) Manley, Roy and Paul Manley; sister Christine (Ron) Moffat; survived by sister-in-law Jean (Edward) Romagnoli; pre-deceased by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law of the Romagnoli, Morrison, Fracchioni and Sisler families; and survived by many nieces and nephews.
Born on February 4, 1928 in St. Catharines, ON, Dorothy was raised in a Christian family by her parents Arnold and Gladys Manley in nearby Vineland, where she attended the Public School and Pentecostal Church. In her teen years, the family moved to Beamsville, where she attended Beamsville High School and joined the choir of Trinity United Church. Early on, her talent for singing was noticed and further advanced by studying at the Royal Hamilton Conservatory. In the years following, her voice would grace countless weddings, funerals, concerts and events throughout Niagara and southern Ontario. For many years, Dorothy was the soprano soloist in the region-wide, 100-voice Centennial Choir based in Lincoln, and later the Niagara Chamber Choir and Andante Celtic Choir. By mid-life, her social network had expanded through volunteerism and became a successful sales representative for Beauty Counselors of Canada.
Dorothy met the love of her life, John Romagnoli through church socials and their mutual interest in music. After their marriage at Trinity United Church in 1951, they had three children and attended Welland Avenue United Church in St.Catharines before returning to Beamsville to establish a homestead. After 50 years of marriage and John’s passing, Dorothy moved back to Vineland, but continued her ties with Trinity United Church.
Dorothy had a passion for life, and encouraged her children to follow their dreams, no matter how great or small. Our family is truly grateful for the loving care she received these past 16 months from the pastors, doctors, nurses, PSWs and dieticians at her final residence at United Mennonite Home in Vineland.
The family will receive friends at Trinity United Church, 4287 William Street, Beamsville on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10 am, followed by a funeral service at 11 am. Interment to follow at Mount Osborne Cemetery; followed by a light lunch at Tallman Funeral Homes Fireside Room, 3277 King Street in Vineland. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to either Trinity United Church Beamsville or United Mennonite Home.
Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
Passed away at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Friday, February 14, 2025, in her 97th year. Beloved wife of Hendrik. Loved mother of Hank Kamphuis (Valerie), Gerald Kamphuis (Jane), Joanne McIsaac (Alan), John Kamphuis (Heather), Bernadine Gerrits (late Klaas), Wilma Harris (Ted),Tony Kamphuis (Ruth Ann) and Christina Bezemer (William).
Cherished Oma of Matthew (Lacy), Nick (Bethany Trainor), Mitchell, Amber Paglia; Alissa Kamphuis (Tyler Trainor), Marty (Dani), Kris (Dorothy), Anthony; Andrew McIsaac (Martine), Joshua McIsaac (Faith), Stephen McIsaac, Michael McIsaac (Emily); Andrea Hearn (Jamie), Carolyn McCarville (Nick); Rachel Koughan (Trevor), Isaac Gerrits (Emily), Hannah Gerrits (Jonathan Authier); Amanda Zorn (Charles), Brent Harris (Lauren), Kelly Harris Van Beilen (Nate), Mitchell Harris (Hayley Fallesen); Calvin, John, Alexandra Weinhardt (Andrew); Kyle Bezemer (Michelle Marano), Tallia VanGeest (Peter), Shannon De Boer (Brady), Makenna Thiessen (Kyle), Sophia Bezemer (Samuel Cross) and 38 Great Grandchildren.
Willemina Johanna Enserink was born on January 31, 1929 in Harfsen, the Netherlands. The tenth of thirteen children born to Gerrit Jan Marinus and Johanna Hermina (Hietkamp) Enserink, Willemina grew up at “De Huurne”, their family’s homestead.
After elementary school Willemina, a capable student, studied Domestic Science. The family’s experiences during WWII had a powerful impact during her teenage years with her family’s involvement in the Underground and their farm being damaged by a German V1 rocket. Mom started seeing Dad in 1946 and they exchanged more than 500 letters while Dad served in Indonesia for 2 1/2 years.
Married on Jan. 18, 1952, Mom and Dad immigrated to Canada in July of 1953, with their young son Hank and in expectation of their second, Gerald. Mom’s gift of hospitality was put to great use hosting many new immigrants and individuals, stretching very meagre provisions to accommodate all who came. Years later, one of those new immigrants described Mom as PEI’s version of the Statue of Liberty, welcoming all with a plate of cookies in one hand and a board game in the other! Mom was an active organizer in Ladies Aid, Women Institute, Red Cross, 4-H, Vacation Bible School, church groups and many more organizations – while their family grew with the addition of Joanne, John, Bernadine, Wilma, Tony…and eventually Christina!
Moving to Grimsby, Ontario to work with Dad in establishing Shalom Manor in 1979, Mom faced each stage of life with grace in good times or bad. Her grandchildren recall fondly her times of uncontrollable laughter and the genuine delight she expressed each time she saw them arrive. Her “Dutch Knitting Club” and Christmas cookie gatherings with granddaughters were legendary.
Mom served the Lord faithfully in special ways as well as through everyday tasks in her roles as a wife, mother, and as a member of her church and community. She provided childcare for CoffeeBreak groups for years and supported VBS groups and mission teams in prayer.
This godly woman – Zus, Wife, Mom, Oma, Birdie Oma, Tante, Volunteer and Friend has steadfastly “tended to the lamps and burned the incense daily” as their wedding text encouraged.
Visitation at Mountainview Christian Reformed Church, 290 Main Street East, Grimsby, on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. where the funeral service will take place on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11 a.m. Private burial at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery prior to the Service. If desired, memorial contributions to Shalom Manor, 12 Bartlett Avenue, Grimsby, L3M 4N5, would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com
williscraft, Beverley anne (née walzack)
March 8, 1937 - february 15, 2025
Beverley Anne Williscraft of London - and formerly of Windsor and Clinton, Ontario - died at London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital in London on Feb. 15, 2025.
Bev was born Beverley Anne Walzack in London to Stanley Michael Walzack of London and his wife born Helen Murray Oag in Pulteneytown, Wick, Caithness, Scotland.
She attended Chesley Ave and Aberdeen Public Schools, and Central Collegiate. After the family moved to a farm near Granton, she became a member of the inaugural graduating class of Medway High where she was a schoolmate of the recently deceased Garth Hudson of The Band.
She excelled as a student and became a lifelong devotee of word play and trivia and played the piano nicely.
After high school, Bev attended the Victoria Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1957. In school, she was two years ahead for her age so that when she graduated she could legally administer narcotics before she could vote or buy alcohol.
She married Bruce Williscraft in 1958 and they set up house in London.
She became a dear daughter-in-law to the late Gordon and Alma (Park) Williscraft and sister-in-law to Bruce’s sister Joyce and her husband Don Coulbeck.
Newly married, Bev decided that life would be boring if she liked the same sports teams as her husband so she became a devoted fan of the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Yankees. When the Toronto Blue Jays later set up shop, she was absolutely torn any time they played each other.
Her life saw many Stanley Cup and World Series wins. (Sorry, Dad.)
They welcomed four children Laura, David (Beth), Michael (Catherine) and Thomas (Paula).
Bev loved her grandkids: Mike’s children, Sarah and Michael Williscraft and their mother Maria Lucarelli and Tom and Paula’s sons Cameron and Nathan Williscraft. She followed their interests from a distance and was intensely proud of their achievements and goals. She is also survived by great nieces and great nephews whose accomplishments she has followed with interest.
Bev was aunt to the late Donald Bruce, Cameron, the late Bobby and Christopher (Gladys) Findlay, Paul (Verylon) and Mark Feist and Jeff (Toni), Lynn (Geoff), Brian (Tammy) and Mark (Christine) Coulbeck.
She worked at Victoria Hospital and at Westminster Hospital where she loved looking after veterans. After the sudden death of Bruce in 1977, she began to work at Huronview Home for the Aged where she had special co-workers and was delighted with many residents.
Bev had many hobbies. She puttered at knitting and gardening and had a mania for entering contests. Our homes were filled with the sounds of records she won, including a soundtrack to “Finian’s Rainbow” to whose premiere she won tickets and a chauffeur-driven limousine to Toronto.
Always a fan of languages, Bev had Duolingo on her iPad Mini and plugged away at French, Spanish, Gàidhlig and Polish when she wasn’t playing Words With Friends with an intensity known to the wordobsessed.
She fought hard to overcome crippling shyness and was involved for many years with the Clinton Horticultural Society, the IODE’s Sarah Hale Chapter and the Clinton Public Hospital Auxiliary.
Bev was an advocate for any and all education and returned to school as a hobby to earn her degree from the University of Western Ontario. She was “Purple And Proud!” After graduating, she returned to Western for continuing education, particularly enjoying Mini-Med School for years.
She continued with professional development, even taking a Medical/Surgical refresher with her sister, Betty (Bob) Feist, who was also a nurse in London.
Another sister, Pat (Jim) Findlay lived in Mississippi. They were predeceased by their beloved brother, “Butch,” Stanley Michael Walzack Jr., in 1965.
Many serious health challenges failed to dim her goals: she had planned to see Scotland, hoped to have tea with the queen (or king), see Ukraine and Poland, where her family had lived. She didn’t ever think to marry again and was devoted to her beloved Bruce’s memory until the day she died.
Bev’s last moments were spent listening to Chopin, Debussey and Jimmy Durante.
She was special, irreplaceable and eclectic.
Established 1841
Services include traditional ground disposition, cremation ground burial, scattering garden, columbarium inurnment, pet section and natural green burial.
O % financing available
St. John’s Public Cemetery is a non-profit, non-denominational historic public cemetery serving Ontario.
Superintendent Brian G. Culp 905-641-5945 (Cell) bculp2@cogeco.ca
CARS, tRuCkS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.
StRuggling With huRtS, hAng-upS oR hAbitS? “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 905945-9529
Over 40 years of experience in painting, flooring, basic plumbing, landscaping, deck and fences. Certified home inspector. Free estimates 905-741-6695 905-730-1387 nickanthonyelia@ gmail.com www.nickelia renovations.com
hVAC licensed gas technician • Installation, Service Maintenance
• Heating, Cooling, Gas Lines • Local Free Quotes • References upon request. Call blake 365-889-7838
SpeCiAlized in CARpentRyPainting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring, Power Washing Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485
Me And My Wife pAinting. We paint your home like it’s our home. Residential painting, door spraying, wall treatment, refinishing and painting household furniture. Specializing in small residential jobs. Call/text us for a quote today. Doug and Sylvana 905-979-2151
Community Gardens 20 plots available. CHRIST OuR SAvIOuR LuTHERAN CHuRCH. For inquiries please call: 905-631-2874 plots for sAle
grams, ticket
and cards. Do your spring cleaning now. Any questions. Call Tim 905-5103658 - Beamsville
West Lincoln is expected to approve changes to its bylaws to allow chickens in backyards, but not in urban areas.
West Lincoln’s Growth and Sustainability Committee approved amendments which will permit and regulate backyard chickens in residential zones of hamlet settlement areas and in the agricultural area.
Backyard chickens will continue to be prohibited within the urban area of Smithville.
These bylaw amendments will come into effect immediately following council ratification, projected for this Monday’s regular council meeting on February 24.
This adjustment has been about 18 months in the making with the matter originally having been brought to committee in September 2023, in the form of a request for a small number of hens to be deemed household pets and to be allowed to be kept in urban and residential communities.
At that time, the keeping of livestock, including backyard chickens, was not permitted on residential properties anywhere in West Lincoln.
In addition to research, consultation with relevant agencies, including the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and an environmental scan and comparison of areas in and outside
Niagara, input from the public was also gathered for consideration.
Results of an independent public petition, orchestrated by a Smithville resident, were also considered.
Regulations for backyard chickens in the residential areas that will be permitted include, but are not limited to, a maximum quantity of six hens, stipulations for enclosure size and location, animal care and manure storage and disposal.
The slaughter or processing of backyard chickens is prohibited on site. Roosters are also prohibited. There are several other regulations as well.
Licensing will not be required for those wishing to keep backyard chickens in residential areas that will be permitted. Enforcement will be carried out on a complaint basis through the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society. Failure to comply with regulations for backyard chickens will result in a $250 fine.
“It was clear very early on that there was no easy answer when exploring the matter of backyard chickens. We knew that those on all sides of the discussion were very passionate, and we understood the importance of taking our time to hear and consider all input to determine what would be best for West Lincoln,” said Mayor Cheryl Ganann.
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, Grimsby, ON, L3M 3J6 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848
NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday & delivered to all homes & businesses in Niagara West, 29,006
I’ve stared at my screen for an hour, no words are coming, so I am just going to start typing and we’ll see how this goes.
Please bear with me, good reader.
My mom, Beverley Anne Williscraft died Saturday morning after a long series of health setbacks. She was just shy of her 88th birthday.
Kyle Yeo and Elyssa Caterini celebrated their second anniversary by skating hand in hand at the Grimsby Peach King Arena on Family Day. Loree - Photo
Tucked into the mix of last week’s Grimsby council proceedings was a motion to approve whatever was discussed in closed session regarding the schmozzle at 30 Viking Drive.
No doubt council would be reviewing some kind of legal update on a home build which circumvented the planning process in many ways and, by all rights, should be levelled, variances properly applied for and then re-built as it gets approved.
You may recall, the OLT waved its magic wand and said, in essence, “ok, the many variances are minor...proceed.”
Let’s see how this unfolds. It’s not done yet. M.W.
I’ve written about my mom many times in my near-40 year career. Her sheer will and determination have always been an astounding quality.
She is one of those people who led a star-crossed existence, somehow finding enough strength to continue on one tragedy after another.
Her brother, my Uncle Stan, was killed by a drunk driver running over his MG when he was 21. He was well on his way to being a hot shot air force pilot. I’m not sure she ever got over that. My grandparents sure didn’t.
Fast forward about a decade. I was 13. My Dad died suddenly of a stroke two weeks before his 42nd birthday. None of us got over that to this day.
Fast forward another nine years. after going to her family doc and complaining of fatigue and host of other issues, my mom finally passes out in his office waiting to see him. She gets rushed across the street to our home town hospital in Clinton and transferred to London where they diagnose a lemon-size tumour on her pancreas. She had experimental reconstructive surgery to her inner work-
ings in having it removed, which resulted in her being very sick about every six weeks for nearly 40 years as sediment regularly backed up and blocked things.
About 18 months ago, a cancer recurrence was diagnosed with an inoperable growth on her liver.
All that and she never said a negative word; always a positive outlook. Strongest word I ever heard her use, “Piffle!” if something went wrong.
In the end, even that didn’t get her. She had a very rough last year and the last couple of weeks it was clear her system was failing. Thursday she seemed to be getting into the clear again and the plan was to discharge her from hospital on Monday. She took a turn for the worse overnight Friday and Saturday her heart simply had had enough.
Now, in all that - and it’s a lot - she would be the first one to tell you - she was not ready to go. Her ScottishPolish heritage simply would not allow it.
I don’t mean for this to seem like a dark or negative offering, not in the slightest.
It is intended to be a statement of marvelling at the human spirit of someone who can face repeated tragedy and continue on with a Terminator-like determination and always took interest and looked for ways to help others.
Aside from her humanity, I think that was the nursing training in her.
My sister, Laura, wrote her obit. There is a lot there, more than normal, but I couldn’t cut it. She touched on my mom’s burning desire to learn - that never subsided.
From her telling stories about stealing away to hide in a tree and read a book in the orchard at my grandparents’ farm in Granton to her going back to university to get a degree to continuing to read anything she could get her hands on as well as a lengthy series of training and educational courses, she was voracious.
For me, little things mattered. Switching on a National Geographic documentary when we weren’t paying attention to the TV created an eclectic knowledge base in my brain. Seeing her heading to our basement when I was 10 years old while I got dressed in my goalie equipment so she could throw pucks at me to practice deflecting with my blocker is a fave memory of mine.
All of this is to say, life is what you make of it. We don’t get to choose the cards we are dealt. You can quit or choose how to play them to the end.
Rest well, Mom. You deserve it. Love you always!
By Evan Loree For NewsNow
Did you know Harriet Tubman had epilepsy?
About 25 people learned as much at a Grimsby Historical Society talk at the Livingston Activity Centre Feb. 13, held in honour of Black History Month.
St. Catharines historian Rochelle Bush led the talk, rolling out a presentation she usually shares with young learners in her work as a guest speaker for local schools.
Tubman, the subject of the talk, was a Black abolitionist who helped people escape slavery in her work as a conductor of the Underground Railroad.
The railroad was a network of abolitionists working together to help Black runaways escape the brutality of chattel slavery in the Deep Southern United States.
“It was the greatest humanitarian effort of all time,” Bush said.
Tubman helped escaped slaves on 11 cross-border missions, was never caught, and “never lost a passenger,” Bush said, citing an 1869 biography by Sarah H. Bradford.
Tubman’s epileptic seizures were likely the result of a fractured skull given her by a former slave
Bush turns the page on her Harriet Tubman presentation. Loree - Photo
master who hurled a lead weight at her while attempting to strike down a runaway slave.
She was not yet 16 at the time.
Tubman eventually escaped from slavery and travelled North to Philadelphia where she met William Still, who worked with the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society.
Tubman’s work with the Underground Railroad began in earnest in 1850 with the passing of the Fugitive Slave Law.
“A slave catcher could go to your home in the northern states falsely accuse you, take you back
to enslavement,” Bush said.
Even with the right paperwork, people could falsely accuse free Black people of being runaways and have them put in chains.
Bush said the law effectively conscripted white northerners into the slave-catching business because they could be arrested for refusing to participate in the arrest of an accused runaway.
“It turned hundreds of thousands of white northerners into anti-slavery activists overnight,” she said.
Tubman was known to carry a gun with her on missions, which she used to keep passengers on the train when they began to lose heart.
Bush said Tubman could not let runaways turn back lest they give up the whole underground network.
Tubman was also a master of disguises, frequently dressing as aging men and women to escape the scrutiny of slave catchers.
Had she been caught, she would have been burned at the stake, Bush said.
Bush ended her talk by taking a few questions from the audience and declined an honorary donation from the club, saying it was not an academic lecture.
ST. HELEN CHURCH
4106 Mountain St., Beamsville ON
Big Payout With Progressive Jackpot
Thursday, Feb. 20 - 11 am in the Church Great Hall
Jackpot $1,100 Hot Lunch - Sandwiches available at Noon Friday, Feb. 21 - 7:00 pm in the Church Great Hall
Jackpot $500 Fresh baked Pizza available at 6 pm
Also $$$ thousands $$$ in cash prizes every week Admission Free - Tea and Coffee Free
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Guest Speaker & Consultant military & civilian medal expert Mike from Major Medal Mounting Inc.
Bring in your family civilian & military medals to learn about the significance & meaning of each medal in a one--on-one consultation.
Learn about mounting & display options. Register by emailing contact@grimsbyhistoricalsociety.com
Jackpot estimated at $19,000. License #RAF1420676
Tuesday, February 18, 25 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Kitchen open Thurs/Fri
LINe daNcING INstRUctIoN
Grimsby Legion Supports YOUR Local Community catch the ace Thursdays, 2 pm - 8:15 pm
LIVe eNteRtaINMeNt FeatURING the RewyNds Friday, Feb. 28, 6 pm - 10 pm satURdays Meat draw 3 pm License #M785953 daNce NIGht 9 pm - 1 am - dJ keLLy
