> Rotary at Noon’s Mayor’s Gala packs Casablanca Inn /Pg 13 > WL Chamber hears north/south access key Pg 6 > West Niagara ball readies for season Pg 9 > Check out some Home Improvement tips Pg 10-11 Thursday, February 28, 2019 Vol. 8 Issue 41
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Ontario Health to replace LHINs
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow A new super agency announced yesterday will, “gradually” replace the LHIN (Local Health Integration Network) organization, says Health Minister Christine Elliott. In an interview with NewsNow Tuesday afternoon, Elliott said the new organization, Health Ontario, will create a onecall stop for all inquiries. Elliott said the major shift is in response to countless stories related to government officials about problems in connecting with care both in and out of hospitals. Local health teams, made up of existing professionals in local areas will be formed and “they will have financial accountability”, said Elliott. “(Health teams) will gradually replace the LHINs,” she said, noting full integration will take “a couple of years”. WLMH Regarding West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Elliott said they are continuing to work with Hamilton Health Sciences to get the operating room nurse staff to a point where the weekend closures started last week can cease. “I know it has been very upsetting for the people of Grimsby and surrounding area,” she said.
Signing in
Lincoln Coun. Paul MacPherson and his wife, Leslie, right, check in with Coldest Night of The Year volunteers Marie Solvason, left, and Lindsay Dressel. More than $40,000 was raised at Saturday’s event, which was sponsored by Phelps Homes. For more coverage, please turn to Page 3. Marks - Photo
WL council reverses decision
Climate change assessment grant accessed by West Lincoln & Lincoln By Mike Williscraft NewsNow While Town of Lincoln announced last week it had received a $125,000 grant to assess possible adaptations for climate change, the Twp. of West Lincoln rejected and now has approved becoming part of the program. The program is facilitated by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Climate Change which grants funds to help address staff-
ing gaps and increase capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change or reduce greenhouse (GHG) emissions. “Under the leadership of council, Lincoln is aiming to build a sustainable community,” said CAO Mike Kirkopoulos. “Climate adaptation is a critical element of sustainability and developing an action plan to guide staff and Council, is a step towards success. We are grateful for
the funding to support this initiative funded by the Government of Canada.” West LIncoln council initially voted down participating in the program, but Monday night put the matter back on the table. “We had initially voted that project down, but we did not have all the information,” said West Lincoln Coun. Mike Rehner, adding there were some other concerns which received answers.
West Lincoln, too, will get the $125,000 grant, bringing the number of participating municipalities in Ontario to 60. To access the grant, Rehner said the cost to West Lincoln will be $15,000. “That’s not a lot of money to be able to access a grant of that size, so it makes sense,” said Rehner. The grant is for a two-year term and Rehner noted the See CLIMATE, Page 5