Special Olympics curlers - curling out of the Grimsby Curling Club - had their sights set on reclaiming the provincial title last month, just falling short in a 3-2 loss in the finals. Here, team member Ewen Barclay lines up a shot in one of the preliminary rounds. Please see Page 3 for more details.
By Joanne McDonald NewsNow
Niagara West candidates for the Feb. 27 provincial election shared the stage Tuesday for an all-candidates debate which was Canadian to the core.
Two seasoned candidates and two relative newcomers to the political arena squared off for
three rounds, answering questions without interruptions or debate – polite to the point of complimenting each other for points well taken.
Democracy was alive and well at West Niagara Secondary School with 200 residents stepping out in -15C weather to hear from the candidates vying for a
seat at Queen’s Park. Onstage, Dave Augustyn, New Democratic Party (NDP); Shauna Boyle, Ontario Liberal Party; Mark Harrison, Green Party (GP); and incumbent Sam Oosterhoff, Progressive Conservative Party (PC), answered questions from moderator Samuel Miele. The debate was organized by the
three West Niagara chambers of commerce.
As the country pivots to face the threat of tariffs from the U.S., Oosterhoff said the PC government will do whatever is necessary to protect people’s livelihoods.
Niagara Regional Police are investigating a series of incidents from a range of rural areas which occurred since Feb. 13.
A series of theft from vehicles, property damage, frauds, and stolen vehicle calls for service occurring overnight have been reported in Grimsby, West Lincoln, Lincoln, Pelham, Wainfleet, and Niagara-on-the-Lake, primarily between 1-4 p.m.
The suspects in-
volved in these incidents appear to be targeting neighbourhoods and checking if vehicle doors parked in driveways have been left unlocked. Police suggest all vehicles be locked when parked, even when parked in driveways. Remove any valuables,. Report any suspicious activity and, if your vehicle has been broken into, file a report by calling 905688-4111, option 3, extension 1009470.
Grimsby and Beamsville will see major road closures next month.
The Ontario Street and King Street intersection in Beamsville will be closed to all vehicular traffic for the completion of
the final connection to the existing sanitary main and manhole installations in the intersection from March 3-14.
In Grimsby, Main Street East at Elm Street will be closed on Thursday, March 13 from 1 a.m.-8 p.m.
to allow for DeSantis Homes to get a crane in place for work on its Century Condo development.
A contingency date of March 26 has been set should any issues arise.
IMPECCABLE
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
EXECUTIVE 4-BEDROOM, ONEOWNER, CUSTOM-BUILT HOME
Built by Giuliana Homes Ltd. Located near waterfront and across from park in most desirable neighbourhood. 9-foot ceilings, 2.5 baths, hardwood floors. Gracious and spacious home in prime location!$1,149,800
From Page 1
“We will spend if necessary billions of dollars to provide income support to businesses and impacted workers, retooling opportunities, retraining opportunities, investing more than we ever have before in infrastructure to keep jobs here.” He said the PCs have a robust plan. “We need a strong mandate that can outlast Donald Trump.”
Augustyn called out Premier Doug Ford on the timing of the election.
“We wouldn’t have Doug Ford negotiate a deal because if we look at the deals that he’s done with the Therme Spa, with the Greenbelt, the beer store boondoggle, with the overpriced Starlink, he doesn’t know how to negotiate, he always puts us second.” Calling an election when they should be working together, “doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.”
Augustyn said the NDP will “tariff proof the province, work together with industry and labour leaders and the agricultural community. We will work with the federal government so there is income assistance if required.”
Boyle said it will take a coordinated response to fight back against Trump. “We don’t want a bully negotiating with a bully. If the people of Ontario can’t count on public health care, don’t have access to family doctors, can’t find an affordable place to live, and deal with rising costs of living and groceries, then it makes our ability to fight against Trump’s tariffs much harder,” Boyle said.
Harrison urged caution against overreaction to reciprocate tariffs, “otherwise we’re going to get into this tariff war.” He said “supporting local businesses is absolutely vital. I think this might unleash the potential of Canadian businesses. They’re going to become more entrepreneurial and explore new markets.”
And while the debate focused on building and protecting, Harrison said the Green Party provides a balance between business and caring. “It can’t all be business otherwise everyone gets left behind. My love of the environment, the trees, the
(L to R) Mark Harrison, Green Party; Shauna Boyle, Ontario Liberal Party; Dave Augustyn, New Democratic Party; and incumbent Sam Oosterhoff, Progressive Conservative Party, shared the West Niagara Secondary School stage Tuesday, Feb. 18 for an all-candidates debate organized by West Niagara’s three chambers of commerce. McDonald – Photo
air, we all need that more than ever.”
Heath care was top of the list for all candidates. Oosterhoff said the PC government has added two new medical schools to get more doctors trained, two new hospitals in Niagara, six long term care homes, 24 palliative care beds, 29 MRIs across the province, doubled the nursing training spots, increased tuition support and expedited the timeline for internationally educated doctors to begin to practise.
Augustyn said the NDP will recruit 3500 doctors, hire 15,000 nurses and work with the Ontario Medical Association to reduce paperwork.
Meanwhile, Augustyn slammed the PCs as “a government that’s lost it way” He said, “ER wait times are up to 22 hours. Loved ones lie in gurneys in hospital hallways for days and there’s a 40 per cent increase in people without a family doctor.”
Boyle called for expanding medical schools “instead of fighting our healthcare workers in court over unconstitutional wage freezes.”
Harrison said doctors are burdened with chart work and could use AI to streamline charting and referral systems.
Oosterhoff said the Ford government will build more highways, widen the QEW between St. Catharines and Burlington and build the Grimsby GO station.
Augustyn said the NDP is “100 per cent committed to get the Grimsby GO station done in the next four years, will take over the 407 to ease traffic and supports the QEW expansion.”
Boyle said the Liberals are committed to bringing the GO station to Grimsby “and actually making it happen.”
Harrison said the Greens would encourage as much public transport as possible.
Harrison said all development should stay within urban boundaries. “We have the best farmland and we’ve got to keep it for the future.”
Oosterhoff said farmland must be protected, “but we also need to ensure that people are housed. Last year over half a million people moved to this province and we didn’t build enough units to meet those housing challenges.” He said tackling red tape and delays at the municipal level will get more shovels in the ground.
Augustyn worked to preserve the Greenbelt and agricultural lands throughout his years as Pelham mayor and regional councillor. “We need to build in our urban areas and grow up instead of out.”
Boyle said the province “needs to look at abandoned land that’s not being used,” before building over agricultural land.”
Oosterhoff said his government
has reduced red tape for people wanting to add a garden suite or basement apartment “and it also provides support to municipalities to get water and waste water services which is millions of dollars taking a burden off municipal taxpayers.”
Augustyn said the NDP will offer a Homes Ontario grant program for low and non-market housing to build coop housing, apartments and legalize four plexes with a goal to build or acquire at least 1.5 million homes.
Boyle said the Liberals will slash the tax on new homes, eliminate the land transfer tax for first time buyers, seniors downsizing and nonprofit builders. They would make rent more affordable, phase in rent control and resolve landlord tenant board disputes within two months. Harrison said building modular homes could get new owners into the market for around $250,000.
Augustyn said the NDP will fix schools, clean up repair back logs, hire staff and correct school sizes. “Unfortunately under this government we have overcrowded classrooms and less support for children. They really fought a war against education workers.”
Oosterhoff countered that the Liberals closed 600 schools predominately in rural schools over 15 years. “We’re actually building new schools, including in Niagara West.” He said emphasis has been on apprenticeships, skilled trade opportunities and teaching to a standard.
Boyle said the Liberals will help graduates by eliminating interest on OSAP loans, delay repayment and fund colleges and universities fairly to avoid dependence on international enrolment.
All agreed with the need to reduce the back log and time delays in landlord and tenant board cases. Oosterhoff said they have doubled the amount of adjudicators. However, Augustyn called it neglect on the part of the PC government “that it had reached the point where it took two years to deal with landlord and tenant issues.”
The finer points of open hearth cooking will be the topic of an educational session at Nelles Manor Museum on Saturday, March 8. Learn how to cook in the manor’s 1798
kitchen, as they did before the age of microwaves. The event runs from 1-3 p.m. and costs $30 per pesron. The manor is located at 126 Main Street West Grimsby,
Week 14C (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, Krystal Bentley
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Jordan Flowers, Sylvia Kucharuk
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Judge & Jester, Kaia Schilte
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire, Alex Patterson
• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Kodeeyah Emerson
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Memphis BBQ, Virgil Nose Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings.
© NHLPA. Officially Licensed Product of the
NHLPA, National Hockey League Players’ Association and the
logo are trademarks of the
Top Standings
41. Porkolab, Mark 990
42. Kiers, Declan 989
43. Jansson, Alan 989
44. Attema, Andrew 988
45. Mous, Robert 987
46. Yzerman, Dylan ....987
47. Young, Mark .........987
48. Warren, Mary-Ann 987
49. Miller, Don ............987
50. Hall, Keith 987
51. McClurkin, Lori .....987
52. Alexa 987
53. Boulter, Brian 986
54. Vandorp, Vucy 986
55. Flynn, Kyle 986
56. Reid, Alan ............985
57. R R & H ...............985
58. Gilray, Josh ..........985
59. Schrock, David .....984
60. Fracchioni, Corey 984
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.
There’s no shortage of small projects that can change the look and feel of a home. Many of these undertakings can be achieved with a modest investment.
• Front door replacement: A new front door instantly improves curb appeal and can make a home more secure and energy-efficient. Painting the existing front door is an even smaller project that still offers appeal.
• Lighting addition: Whether a homeowner
enlarges a window or adds skylights, natural light can produce incredible results.
• Kitchen and bath fixture upgrades: Faucets and door pulls are used every day. Swapping existing fixtures for something a little more modern can unify spaces and provide subtle changes that enhance these popular spaces.
• Wood floor restoration: Scuffing and scratches can adversely affect the pristine look of a
natural wood floor. Homeowners can polish a floor to restore its shine.
• Exterior lighting: Lighting isn’t just important inside. A welcoming glow in the yard is awe-inspiring.
• Interior paint: Change the color of walls, doors, cabinets, or even furniture with paint. All homeowners need is a paint color that inspires them and a little bit of time.
• Carpets cleaning: Soiled carpets can look drab and dingy.
Time for those old drafty windows that cost you money in energy costs to go. North Star energy-efficient windows will save you money in the long term by keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. They’re made here in Ontario and have a limited life time warranty. Call or visit our showroom today for a FREE ESTIMATE on your home!
FLEXIBLE FINANCING AVAILABLE (OAC)
Homeowners can rent carpet-cleaning machines or hire services to revitalize carpets with a deep cleaning.
ROBERT JAMES, Sales Representative
Office: 905-945.1234
Email: robertjames@royallepage.ca
Grimsby Historical Society Open House
Medals Explained: What They Mean & Why They Matter
Saturday, March 8, 2025
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
Grimsby Historical Society Open House
Maintaining a lush landscape is no small task, but that job is notably easier when homeowners pick the right plants.
The right plant for a property depends on where a home is located, but it’s worth noting that drought-resistant plants and trees may be especially worthy investments.
TREES: eastern red cedar,
bur oak, northern red oak, kentucky coffeetree, hackberry, scots pine, northern catalpa, London planetree, shumard oak and live oak to name a few.
PLANTS: aster, beardtongue, black-eyed Susan, bugleweed, catmint, lantana, lavender, purple coneflower, Russian sage and stonecrop
General Law Practice
PROUDLY SERVING
are a few ideas. Homeowners should work with local lawn and garden professionals when picking trees and plants for their properties. Such individuals can provide insight about species that are accustomed to local conditions and capable of thriving in them even when precipitation is low.
HELEN CHURCH 4106 Mountain St., Beamsville ON
NIAGARA WEST FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS 36
paul@settimilaw.com www.settimilaw.com
Big Payout With Progressive Jackpot Thursday, Feb. 27 - NO Bingo due to election Friday, Feb. 28 - 7:00 pm in the Church Great Hall Jackpot $700 Fresh baked Pizza available at 6 pm Also $$$ thousands $$$ in cash prizes every week Admission Free - Tea and Coffee Free
Want the outdoors without sweltering sun, annoying rain or aggravating bugs? Get the best of both worlds with an exterior living space that’ll keep you outdoors longer.
HASSLE-FREE GUARANTEE: Discover peace of mind from certified professionals and the industry’s best warranty, so you can enjoy what’s most important.
Gwen (Shirley Gwendolyne) Murdock passed away on Saturday February 15, 2025 at the age of 97. She is predeceased by her parents, Daisy and Ormond Coon, sister Joan, brother Wylie and their spouses Don and Irma and brother-in-law Gerry. She is survived by her siblings; Margaret, Linda (Henry) and Eric (Doreen). Also survived by her daughters Susan MacInnes (Paul) and Nancy Clark, granddaughters: Heather Travis (Brian), Jenn Braun (Travis,) Kris Clark (Mark) and Jackie Clark (Paul). She was a great grandmother (Gigi) to nine (Carter, Jordyn, Wyatt, Brooklyn, Maddison, Jesse, Paisley, Remington and Aelyn). All of us will miss her dearly. Gwen graduated from Queens University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Math at a time when very few women sought post secondary education. As an avid knitter, many friends and family cherish their hand knitted Christmas stockings and untold number of children have benefitted from her mitts. She was a volunteer at Trinity United Church, Grimsby, Albright Manor, and the Literacy Council of Niagara. She came to Grimsby from Nepean in 1989 and quickly became involved in activities such as lawn bowling, a number of bridge groups and helping refugee families to attain literacy in English. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring on May 24th, 2025, at Trinity United Church at 11 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Trinity United Church, 100 Main St, W., Grimsby, ON L3M 1R7.
Sunny, uPPer 2
bedroom APt in Grimsby. Available March 1. $1,600/ month, heat and hot water incl. 905920-4203.
bArtlett StorAge Bartlett, Road Beamsville. Delinquent account for storage unit. Last attempt to contact for storage unit number B4. if the renter of unit B4 does not contact us and make payment before May 20, 2025, liquidation of the unit will result.
In his 78th year, Peter George Henley passed away peacefully at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital on Feb 10, 2025.
Peter was born December 7, 1947 in Grimsby, ON and grew up in St. Davids ON. He was a long time resident of Jordan and Vineland, ON.
He was well loved and will be sadly missed by his sister Geraldine Henley-Martin (Gord), sister-in-law Priscilla Henley, nieces and nephews
David Naugler, Paula Henley, Cheryl Tinson, Brian Henley, great-niece and great-nephews and former wives Shirley Henley and Bonna Rouse. Pre-deceased by his parents Herbert (Bert) Henley and Helen (Peggy) Henley (nee Alldrick), brother Robert Henley and nephew Bruce Naugler.
Peter was a gifted cabinetmaker. His skill and love of history earned him tremendous respect by antique collectors and dealers all over the Niagara area and parts of Ontario.
Having owned his shop (formerly known as the Old Birdcage, 3633 King Street) in Vineland since the late 1980s, he proudly carried on his business as “P.G. HENLEY Cabinetmaker/ Enterprises“.
Along with his restoration work and creating commissioned reproductions of the highest quality, Peter was researching the history of the Old Birdcage and trying to lovingly restore the old structure that he loved so much.
Peter was a funny character at heart… a great sense of humor. He always had a smile for you and a story to tell. He didn’t let too much bother him and when life dealt him a few lemons over the years, he persevered and never stopped smiling, always looking for the positive outcome.
Struggling with hurtS, hAnguPS 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 905-945-9529
He had a soft spot for stray animals. Cats would find their way to his place and he would take them in. Even raccoons, squirrels, possums and groundhogs were welcome at his shop or home.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Owl Foundation or Beamsville 4Paws would be appreciated. Cremation has taken place.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday April 5th, 2025 at 11am at Tallman Funeral Homes (3277 King St. Vineland). A luncheon will follow in the Fireside Room. There will be a private family inurnment at a later date.
A special thank you to the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital and Chartwell Orchards (Vineland) for their wonderful care and support this past year, especially these past few months.
Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
Passed away suddenly at home in Smithville in his 55th year. David will be deeply missed by his mother Elaine. He is survived by his aunt Gail (Rick), uncle Larry (Audrey), and cousin Kevin. David is fondly remembered by his boss Fred. Predeceased by his grandparents Ruby and Bill Powell. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merritt Funeral Home, Smithville. A Funeral service will take place at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Smithville at a later date. If desired memorial donations to St. Luke’s Anglican Church can be made through the funeral home.
Passed away at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in his 94th year. Beloved husband of Shirley for over 71 years. Loved father of Ross (Donna) Riding and the late Lynn Riding (January/2025). Cherished grandfather of Adrienne Riding (Simon) and Valerie Ebbers (Steve) and great-grandfather of Ethan. Predeceased by his parents Eileen and Tom Riding, brothers Ray (late Joan) and Ted (Linda) and sisters-in-law Blanche Storey, Jacqueline Hill, Dianne Caton and Marjorie Thompson. Gord worked for Honeywell for 42 years. He was named the Ontario Barbershopper of the Year in 1973. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Choir, Charter Member of the Grimsby Probus Club, Grimsby Rec and Parks, Grimsby Lakeside Pumphouse Artists and Twenty Valley Golf Club. He also loved curling and playing cards. Cremation and a private family service has been held. A Celebration of Life for both Gord and Lynn will be held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church hall, 156 Main Street West, Grimsby, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 1-3 p.m. If desired, memorial contributions to McNally House Hospice or West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755.
www.smithsfh.com
CArS, truCkS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. we pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.
Community gArdenS 20 plots available. CHRiST OuR SAviOuR LuTHERAN CHuRCH. For inquiries please call: 905-631-2874
Passed away peacefully at McNally House Hospice surrounded by love, on Monday, February 17, 2025 in her 78th year. Beloved wife of Robin for 57 years. Loved mother of Jeremy Roberts (Jenn) and Natalie McFarland (Jonathan). Cherished grandmother of Kenna, Lilly, Emerson and Ella. Dear sister of Richard Facer (Kathy) and the late Andrew Facer. Favourite niece of the late Moyra and Patrick Willis and cousin of Claire Lang (David). Raised in Rochester, Kent, Sue and Rob left the U.K. in 1971 to start a new life in Canada. For the past 50 years Sue made her home in Grimsby. There she made deep friendships that spanned decades. She enjoyed curling, golf and travelling, especially cruising with her family. But more than anything, she simply loved her family deeply and completely. Her family think it no coincidence that she chose Family Day to depart this world. Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be held at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 2-5 p.m. If desired, memorial contributions to McNally House Hospice or Juravinski Cancer Centre would be sincerely appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com
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
We loved you from the very start. You stole our breath, embraced our hearts. Our life together has just begun. You’re part of us, our little one…
We are so proud to announce the birth of Harvey James at 1:56 a.m. on Sun. Feb. 16/25 weighing in at 9 lbs., at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, (same hospital Daddy was born in), Jay & Sam (nee Wilson) Viveiros.
Spoiling rights go to first time grandparents Deedee & Scott Wilson,
Auntie Caitlyn Wilson and Uncle Will Wilson. Harvey is the 3rd grandchild for Judy Mochon & Patrick Wright and Avô Tony Viveiros & Avó Sandy Baillie.
Harvey’s cousins Manny and Hannah were so excited to finally get to meet him along with their parents Danny & Dayna Viveiros.
A big thank you to Dr. Mosher and the OB staff at WLMH for their wonderful care.
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
Landon Griffiths, 13, left, got some ice time at Hilary Bald Park in Beamsville on a perfect sunny Saturday earlier this month. Loree - Photo
The Niagara West all candidates meeting - hosted by Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln chambers of commerce - was, to say the least, cordial. And that should be perfectly acceptable. Candidates answered all the questions as best they could and, when another candidate provided a good answer/information it was acknowledged.
There was no disagreeing and grandstanding for no other reason than candidates needed to stand opposite in order to stand out. If there was harmony of thinking, it was allowed space on the stage and that is something which should be welcomed wholeheartedly. Well done candidates. Now, people, get out and vote.
West Lincoln council’s discussion about reviewing the municipality’s flag policy and removal of U.S. flags from its facilities took on an air of a bomb technician diffusing an improvised explosive device.
It really should not have been as long and involved as it was.
If council wanted to keep it simple, it should have been a matter of saying, “We’re prioritizing our own interests” - meaning West Lincoln, Ontario and Canada.
I get the tip toeing of each speaker’s phraseology in not wanting to offend, but the reason the matter arose is because a man employing terrorist tactics has moved into the White House.
This popped into my head last week after hearing Trump had turned U.S. support into a transactional matter. It seems 45/47 does not believe in supporting a nation for the good of the planet and Mankind....no shocker, really when you look at all the crap his new posse are throwing at the walls these days.
“Terrorist: A person who uses unlawful violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.”
Now, one could assert Trump dodged the outcome of the Jan. 6 prosecution the same way he dodged his military duties - successfully.
But, although not con-
victed, just from what the public knows of his acts that fateful day, there was ample violence and intimidation on display for all to see.
In the case of West Lincoln, I would have pulled the flag from public view in a heartbeat and not thought it over for a second.
Under Trump, the U.S. is not our friend.
It really is no nation’s friend except Russia - and that is incredible to say or even think of, but it’s accurate.
Ukraine - under the bus. Canada - under the bus. Europe - under the bus.
In his first term, seeing how the great orange one works, it dawned on me how dangerous he is. Everyone knows he’s like a little kid, prone to tantrums, but the difference is he has phenomenal power.
It would not shock me in the slightest - and this is what we have to be prepared for beyond this comparatively minor tariff spat - Trump went
beyond the tariffs to impose additional economic sanctions against Canada as nations typical do to sworn enemies and worldscale bad actors.
This would be done to inflict as much economic pain as possible, weaken the country, so he could issue the same kind of edict he issued to Volodymyr Zelensky - the ELECTED president of the Ukraine - give us 50% of your mineral wealth/natural resources and we’ll call off the hounds.
Part of the reason I see this as feasible is the speed with which 45/47 is moving. He has two years until the mid-term elections. Many have already figured out he’s nuts, and the ballot box will hopefully show that in the next round of voting, so he could lose his unbridled power halfway through his term. Now, his merry band of enablers is just greasing the track for him.
Long story short, West Lincoln did the right thing.
Every other municipality should follow suit.
The U.S. is not an ally and should not be afforded the benefits and comfort that comes with our historic relationship. This is not, as several councillors noted, a general dislike of the American people; far from it. It is - and should be - a protest of buffoonery and bombast.
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
A motion to initiate a review of the municipality’s flag protocol with a possible removal of U.S. flags from its facilities touched off a lengthy, highly tentative debate at West Lincoln Council at its Tuesday, Feb. 18 meeting.
Coun. Bill Reilly initiated the motion and addressed the issue displaying the U.S. flag at township facilities on a daily basis.
The matter was never before an issue before President Donald Trump launched a series of disparaging remarks about Canada, along with suggesting he would not rule out economic sanctions to force the nation into getting in line with his call for Canada to become the U.S.’s 51st state.
“We have an American flag at our community centre which appears to be permanently fixed for 365 days a year and we don’t
even have an Ontario provincial flag currently in our municipality that we’re aware of that’s up even one day of the year,” said Reilly in introducing his motion.
“To beat the drum that I was talking about last week, ‘made in Canada’, that campaign that we’re trying to push resonated – and even a little bit more over the last few days. When we’re recognizing that our neighbours to the south aren’t necessarily respecting us...making us question our allies, it struck a nerve to realize that here we are, in our country, in our facility, proudly displaying their flag, it brought into concern what is the protocol around that?”
Reilly noted he does not oppose displaying a U.S. flag when a team is visiting for a game or tournament, but wondered about the need to constantly display one.
“It’s not about prohibiting flying the U.S. Flag
but...My personal feeling is that I feel disrespected by our American neighbours and their president. I have no problem with their flag being raised when they are here visiting and their team is playing but I think, outside of that, that flag should be pulled down and stored away.”
Coun. Jason Trombetta said he agreed with removing the flag if safety in the community is an issue, but he was very clear about his reservations.
“I have family in America and I do respect the American people. Obviously the government, at the moment, is causing an issue for some people up here. We’re (Canadians) getting some, what I would call, hostile times...a lot of dislike,” said Trombetta.
“If it’s going to cause disruption or a safety issue... other municipal buildings are having some issuesI’ve heard stories of that happening already – if that
is going to be a safety issue, then, for the mean time only, until the turmoil comes to calmer waters, then I will support that but not because I don’t like the American people or I don’t like the country as a whole.”
Coun. Greg Maychak said the matter has nothing to do with dislike, rather, the municipality should prioritize its interest by flying the Canadian, Ontario and township flags. He added it should be no problem to fly a U.S. flag when a team is visiting, same for any other visiting nation.
Coun. Joann Chechalk echoed what others said about separating politics from what is largely children’s sports where the community centre is concerned.
Part of her concern dealt with the feelings of Americans living in West Lincoln.
“They (Americans living locally) feel very uncomfortable here. They feel
very embarrassed, but they know we are a land of peace and we are peacekeepers, largely,” said Chechalk.
“This is not a political foray. This our arena and our kids.. If we’re going to go up tomorrow and take the flag down, someone’s going to be offended. No matter how we do it, people will be wondering why.”
Mayor Cheryl Ganann wanted the whole situation handled with kid gloves noting the township had recently reviewed its flag policy “because we didn’t want to be involved in sticky situations.”
Council voted 4-3 to have its flag policy reviewed for compliance and for the U.S. flag to be removed and brought out when a team is visiting from south of the border.
Councillors Reilly, Trombetta, Maychak and Shelley Bradaric voted in favour. Mayor Ganann and councillors Chechalk and Mike Rehner opposed.
