NewsNow E-Edition February 29 2024

Downtown Reimagined report lacks detail: council

Visioning phase deferred to allow for more specifics of design options

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

A lengthy Downtown Reimagined (DR) presentation at Grimsby council Feb. 20 was found wanting for detail and visuals resulting in a deferral of the conceptual Phase I of the

long-awaited renovation plan.

The DR project has been three years in the making with this latest version being a full reboot after the first attempt was panned. What came to council last week was an overview

of elements the community and council included on a wish list to be included in the major renovation to reset downtown for much of the next century.

“The vision is, essentially, a statement of ‘the what”. It’s a declaration about the

future of the Main Street. It’s been honed in to focus on what’s been determined – through that consultation process – to be of the most importance to the community,” said Alison Lumby, WSP’s urban design lead on the project, adding the

guiding principles of the project are “the why”.

“They form a framework for decision making by describing the core expectations and commitments for development.”

“Putting pedestrians first”

Julie Riches, Riches Appraisals & Consult, left, solves the mystery of the cheese dome brought to the ‘antiques road show’ by Connie Manuel and Dagmar Vanderkuip. A fundraiser for the Grimsby & District Lions Club, money raised will go to support community organizations and events. For more deteails, please turn to Page 8. McDonald – Photo

DOWNTOWN

From Page 1 was a core theme of the conceptual plan, said Lumby.

“One of the first things that really stands out is the emphasis on that public space, that pedestrian priority movement,” she said.

“So, by increasing the width of sidewalks - and we’ve done that by reducing down overall width of the streetscape and roadway to what’s allowable and safe being a regional road that we can gain more room for pedestrian movement and social gathering spaces.”

“By doing that, what that allows us to do is to establish a continuous throughfare against the building frontages that allows for ease of movement while allowing us to create a curbside zone landscaping and furnishings and spill out spaces such as patios.”

Lumby also cited the importance of planning for large size trees, dealing with varying elevations, including space for future public transit, activating alleyways, adding “social spill out spaces” and adding a crosswalk at the ‘Downtown Grimsby” sign as other key elements.

Generally, Michael Paloma, Grimsby’s manager of engineering services told council they have two ways to go with Phase II.

“Option 1 is a permanent parking solution. The concept that was just shown where your parking is being restricted to one side of Main Street, but in a permanent sense so that it

is available at street level all year round,” said Palomba.

“The second option that we are looking at is the flexible or shared space option. This would include parking being available on both sides of the street, however it would be within the shared space with the pedestrians, therefore it could be used as programmable space.”

Some members of council noted the presentation was “big picture” and short of detail, while others said the information provided was not enough to make a decision.

“A lot of the presentation – and I am trying not to be overly judgemental - was very generic, for lack of a better way to put it. The last couple of slides were specific to Grimsby but the rest of the presentation was really just good practice...It could apply to any downtown,” said Coun. Nick DiFlavio, who noted that other than elevation details reviewed, there was little unique in the presentation.

“Mr. Palumbo, for example, you talked about the two different options for parking but we didn’t see images for either one of those. We saw a conceptual drawing of one, but we don’t know what that looks like in real life. So you’re asking us to make a decision based on something that we’re not familiar with. It’s hard for me to make a decision based on a concept that I have not even been able to envision.”

A major point of contention was the few on-street parking spaces that remain in the concept drawing.

Brandon Wartman, Grimsby’s director of public works noted nothing in the presented plan was fixed.

“It shows that there is a parking space allotted. That does not necessarily mean that is has to be in that location. So, the option that we’re suggesting and actually recommending as staff is a flexible design... The space where currently the parking is now, that would be converted to a flexible space which would allow either parking or a pedestrian realm depending on the time frame,” said Wartman, noting more detail would materialize in the next phase of the process.

Coun. Lianne Vardy was concerned with an element that was not shown at all asking if full closure resulting in a permanent pedestrian mall had been considered.

While Harold Madi, director of planning, addressed this by noting parking on both sides of the street would be flexible and “mountable”, he later added that the downtown core cannot afford a setback risk.

“The downtown isn’t quite at a point where we can say with a resounding confidence that, if you take the cars away, it will work. Because it is just not at that point where it’s teeming with success crowds of people at all times of the year. It’s not. The fact is there are certain times of the week where it’s got a good number of foot traffic but it’s not there consistently all the time,” said Madi.

“In the colder months, that changes all together as well.”

The Main Street concept shown to Grimsby council at its meeting Feb. 20. By consultant WSP.

Coun. Veronica Charrois noted the narrowing of the street suggested could create safety issues should an emergency situation arise in terms of fire or ambulance passing through traffic - no space to pull over.

“The other (concern) is with the parking. I absolutely want the businesses to flourish downtown. I also recognize that the parking spaces, most of the time, they’re fully used in the front. Residents are using those spaces and I don’t want to take away from residents who would like to shop downtown and are frequenting the restaurants.”

Charrois noted that the parking study recently released did not include a critical component in its considerations.

“When we did the parking study, we didn’t get a clear answer as far as whether the parking that we apparently have – with the assumption that Food Basics parking will always be there because we don’t know that – that permanent location for residents that aren’t within walking distance, who won’t be able to park and then frequent the area,” said Charrois, suggesting the report be deferred until more information can get provided to council about how some of the proposed concepts have worked in other municipalities.”

With Councillors Vardy, Charrois, DiFlavio, Delight Davoli and Reg Freake voting to defer, Councillors Jacob Baradziej, Jennifer Korstanje, Don Howe and Mayor Jeff Jordan voted against.

4.

Grimsby’s Probus - which meets monthly on the third Tuesday at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church - is looking for new members.

“Probus provides a valuable resource for seniors who wish to remain engaged after they retire from the professional or business world,” said club president Jeff Curtis.

“People are retiring later and remaining active far longer. We provide opportunities for members to

engage them when moving forward with the next chapter of their lives.”

The club plans outings and events as well as brings in speakers on a wide range of topics.

Members gather starting at 9:30 a.m. with the meetings called to order at 10 a.m.

St. Andrews is located at 156 Main St. W. in Grimsby.

For more details, give president Jeff Curtis a call, 905-519-6734.

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Wayne Quirk, Broker of Record/Owner of RE/MAX Garden City Realty is pleased to announce the return of KELLY KILLINGBECK to the RE/MAX Team of Sales Professionals.

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Lincoln initiates forest management review

A working group to review Lincoln’s treerelated practices and policies has been set as part of an Urban Forest Management Review to develop a Tree Management Strategy for the municipality.

The working group consists of several community members as well as representation from Town of Lincoln Council and staff and will seek guidance as required from experts in other organizations.

The overall goal of

this endeavour is to improve the health of the Town’s trees and increase Lincoln’s tree cover by implementing proven best practices already employed in other municipalities so that Lincoln’s citizens can reap all the economic, environmental and health-related benefits of a healthy urban forest.

“It’s inspiring to see this project initiating at the community level,” said Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton.

The finalized strategy will support Cli-

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mate Change and Natural Environment goals as outlined in the Town’s Official Plan and be implemented through policy changes, improvements in practices and by tree plantings on public and private lands.

“While this project is being led by the Town, it is through community members on the working group and the participation of the community at large that we will reap the benefits of this important work,” said Coun. Tony Brunet, who initiated this motion in September 2023.

For public input, participation, more information and updates on this project, visit Speak Up Lincoln.

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Every object tells a story at ‘Roadshow’

By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow

Who knew the odd-looking metal apparatus in the little leather case was actually a bloodletting instrument used in the once common medical practice for treating illness.

The ‘fleams’ or bloodletting knives, passed down through the generations from a doctor in the family, were a mystery until they were identified Saturday at an ‘antiques road show’ organized by the Grimsby and District Lions Club.

Relics that whisper from the

“This brings people together from across the community, it’s good community bonding and helps us raise funds to fulfill the Lions motto...”Grimsby Lions fundraising co-chair June Stillman

past lined the tables at the Grimsby Legion – certified appraisers on one side, eager owners on the other - curious, rare, fascinating items each with a story to tell.

Saturday marked the Lions’ first antiques identification fundraiser, an afternoon of community fun and a bargain

for serious seekers at $8 for one appraisal and three items for $20.

June Stillman, co-chair of the fundraising committee, along with co-chair Hilary Jackson, said four appraisers were on board for the event. “People are thrilled when they get answers to their questions.”

Jewelry, prints, art, knickknacks, it was a treasure trove of well-loved antiques in the hands of owners who came looking for valuation and information.

“This brings people together from across the community, it’s good community bonding and helps us raise funds to fulfill the Lions motto ‘We Serve’ by donating to community organizations and events,” Stillman said.

For more information about the Grimsby & District Lions Club contact: jandbfranks@aim.com

We’re collecting food donations for Community Care of West Niagara

Help us Block hunger.

Help us Block hunger.

March 1, 2024 – March 27, 2024. Bring in donations during office hours and receive $10 OFF your tax preparation fee when you file at H&R Block in Beamsville as a thank you for supporting our community.

We’re collecting food donations for Community Care of West Niagara

The foodbank is in need of:

• Baking ingredients – small sizes of flour, sugar, brown sugar

• Canned soup – vegetable & cream of mushroom

We’re collecting food donations for Community Care of West Niagara March 1, 2024 – March 27, 2024. Bring in donations during office hours and receive $10 OFF your tax preparation fee when you file at H&R Block in Beamsville as a thank you for supporting our community.

March 1, 2024 – March 27, 2024. Bring in donations during office hours and receive $10 OFF your tax preparation fee when you file at H&R Block in Beamsville as a thank you for supporting our community.

• Canned beef stew or chili

The foodbank is in need of:

The foodbank is in need of:

The foodbank is in need of:

• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, boost, gatorade, juice

• Baking ingredients – small sizes of flour, sugar, brown sugar

• Cooking oils – olive, vegetable, canola etc.

• Baking ingredients - small sizes of flour, sugar, brown sugar

• Baking ingredients – small sizes of flour, sugar, brown sugar

• Dish soap, laundry soap & cleaning sup-lies

• Canned soup – vegetable & cream of mushroom

• Canned soup – vegetable & cream of mushroom

• Dish soap, laundry soap & cleaning supplies

• Canned beef stew or chili

• Canned beef stew or chili

• Canned soup - vegetable & cream of mushroom

• Hamburger helper

• Hamburger helper

• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, boost, gatorade, juice

• Canned beef stew or chili

• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, boost, gatorade, juice

• Instant potatoes - scalloped & mashed

• Instant potatoes - scalloped & mashed

• Cooking oils – olive, vegetable, canola etc.

• Condiments: mayo, salad dressing, etc.

• Dish soap, laundry soap & cleaning supplies

• Cooking oils – olive, vegetable, canola etc.

• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, boost, gatorade, juice

• Hamburger helper

• Dish soap, laundry soap & cleaning supplies

• Condiments: mayor, salad dressing, etc.

• Toilet paper, kleenex, paper towel, wipes

• Instant potatoes - scalloped & mashed

• Hamburger helper

• Cooking oils - olive, vegetable, canola etc.

• Condiments: mayo, salad dressing, etc.

• Instant potatoes - scalloped & mashed

• Toilet paper, kleenex, paper towel, wipes

• Condiments: mayo, salad dressing, etc.

• Toilet paper, kleenex, paper towel, wipes 4549

• Toilet paper, kleenex, paper towel, wipes

4549 Ontario Street, Beamsville ON (905) 563-1677

4549 Ontario Street, Beamsville ON (905) 563-1677

6th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive

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Here we are, against all odds, in our 11th year of publishing. Our little paper that started in the basement of our house has flourished into what you are reading today. We’ve had ups and downs, two printing plant closures, sale of our distribution company, a world-wide pandemic and... we are still here.

Because of you, good reader - as well as our loyal and dedicated advertising base - through ensuring great response via your intense readership as well as your generous subscriptions. We truly appreciate your support!

Based on the excellent feedback from previous years’ volunteer pay subscription drives, we have launched Year 6!

Is NewsNow’s independent, accurate voice in the community of value to you? Would you like to support NewsNow in its efforts? This is your opportunity.

If yes, we have refined the infrastructure for our Volunteer Pay System

Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week – receive your copy of NewsNow. Whether you live in a single-detached home, apartment, condo or at a business, NewsNow is now everywhere –29,000-plus circulation strong. That will NOT change!!!!

Subscriptions: One Year - $50 suggested

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OBITUARIES

COWAN, Donald (Donnie) George

Donnie Cowan passed away peacefully in his sleep at Juravinski Hospital in his 60th year on February 12, 2024.

Born January 5, 1964 to George (Deceased) & Daryl Cowan in Baltimore, Maryland; brother to Robert, sister to Beverly (deceased); nephew to Donna and George Warkentin, cousin to Danielle Kligman, (Sandy); Drew Warkentin (Michel); John Hutchinson (Deborah); special niece Shannon Bell Cowden (Anthony) and fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.

Donnie and his family moved from Lexington, Kentucky to Grimsby, Ontario in 1986. Donnie took up permanent residence at Grimsby Lincoln Association for Community Living in 1989. The family is deeply grateful to the Association for the care and kindness that Donnie received from the staff over the many years.

A Celebration of a Special Life will be held at Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St. Vineland ON, on March 4, 2024 at 11AM; visitation at 10AM.

Donnie enjoyed spending time in the outdoors; a dedicated Memorial Garden Fund in Donnie’s honor will be established. Donations will be kindly accepted payable to “Grimsby Lincoln Association for Community Living; Beam Street Garden Fund.”

Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

FISHER, Jack

July 15, 1938January 21, 2024

It is with heavy hearts we announce the loss of Jack who passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital, on Sunday January 21, 2024 at the age of 85. Reunited with his loving wife Sylvia Fisher, whom he was married to for 61 wonderful years before her passing in March of 2023. Cherished father to Kim (John) Faguy of Stoney Creek. Proud Poppa to Kaitlin and Travis (Bonnie) Faguy. Forever in the hearts of his siblings. Always in the hearts of his extended family and friends. Predeceased by his parents Wraymond and Maude Fisher (Hand). Jack may be gone from this world: however he lives on in the stories and memories he has left with all those he touched during his lifetime. Jack was a trusted volunteer firefighter for the Grimsby Fire Department for approximately 11 years. He started in 1963 and left in 1973/1974. He volunteered alongside his brother Ray for a time. He worked for the Town of Grimsby in the Water Department for 25 years. He had many stories to tell. He loved hunting and fishing and would do both as often as he could. In later years you would find him at Tim Horton’s or McDonalds having coffee with the gang. And when he wasn’t driving there he would be on his scooter. As per Jack’s wishes, and those of his family, a private cremation has taken place. If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Diabetes Association and The Heart and Stroke Foundation would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

There will be a celebration of Life at the Grimsby Legion on March 2, 2024 starting at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome to come and pay their respects and tell their stories.

SISSON, Terry 1947-2024

Active in the Grimsby and local community for many years with Hockey, Soccer, Kinsmen and his fundraising for charities, it saddens us as a family of the passing of Terry (Terrance) Sisson on Friday February 16, 2024 at 77 years of age.

Survived by his wife Karen, Ed & Chantal, David & Amanda along with the Grandkids

Alex, Aaron, Amber, Nigel, Owain - are all shocked by the suddenness of this loss.

Terry was instrumental in the development of Hockey in Grimsby (having been a founder of Hockey School Program), past association of the Kinsmen club of Grimsby and well known for his vast reach of helping other organizations with Fundraising around the globe, he will be surely missed.

Terry’s foray into sales in his younger years was his niche, earning accolade after accolade with QSP. This prompted the Entrepreneur side whereby he set out to help raise millions of dollars for Ontario Charities, Canadian Charities and UK Charities combined as he expanded his effort and reach.

Terry will always be known for his positive can do attitude, his love of life and his quotes. He will be cremated and put to final rest with his immediate family.

In lieu of any flowers, donations to the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation are greatly appreciated as their care is second to none.

“Believe that you can get everything in life you want if you help enough people get what they want”

- Zig Ziglar

Rest in Peace, Dear.

Aline Thomas Barré

OBITUARIES

STYLES, Margarat Stuart Ritchie 1938-2024

After a short, courageous battle with cancer, Margaret passed quietly on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Bob Kemp Hospice, surrounded by family. She had just celebrated her 86th birthday. Margaret was happily married to Ken H. Styles for 65 years and will be dearly missed by children Ken Styles (Janis), Sandra Komadoski (Mark), Carolyn Murphy (Joe), Paul Styles (Jennie), Phil Styles (Melanie), and Christine Meisner (Kevin), and by 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Margaret is also survived by her brothers Art Mercer and Charlie Mercer (Jody).

A woman of deep faith, Margaret believed in the power of beauty, natural and cultivated, to draw others to a loving God – she nurtured magnificent gardens, played piano, sang in choirs and ensembles, and welcomed study and reflection groups into her home.

All who knew Marg were enriched by her love and compassion and by her appreciation for who they were. She will be remembered with great fondness by many friends and extended family.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Bob Kemp Hospice and to the Juravinski Hospital oncology department for their teams’ excellent care and guidance.

A worshipful memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 2 PM at Centennial Park Baptist Church (11 Kennedy Rd, Grimsby, ON) with a small reception to follow. A private family interment will be held in the spring. Margaret kindly requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Matthew House Refugee Ministry in Fort Erie, or to the Bob Kemp Hospice in Hamilton. Arrangements entrusted to Stonehouse-Whitcomb Home, Grimsby, 905-945-2755.

www.smithsfh.com

HENDRIKS, Arnold

1931-2024

Arnold Hendriks passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord on February 21, 2024 in his 94th year. He was born in Loosduinen, Netherlands, the second of 11 children. The Hendriks family emigrated to Canada in 1951 and settled in Beamsville, Ontario.

From a young age Arnold loved working with his hands, building furniture, cabinets, and baby cribs for family and friends. Arnold eventually started his own construction company, Arnold Hendriks & Sons, which was later changed to Homes by Hendriks.

Arnold loved being on the water sailing and built several sailboats over the years. In retirement Arnold and Barb enjoyed travelling and spending time with family and friends. Arnold was very involved in the building of the Warehouse of Hope.

Arnold is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara, and their children Caroline and Marcel VanRuyven, Fred and Cindy (2022), Ron (2013) and Yvonne, Mike and Kathy, Gerald and Sue, and James and Joyce. He was the proud Opa of 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

For Arnold’s full life story please see Tallman’s website. In lieu of flowers donations for Right to Life, Warehouse of Hope, or Wells of Hope would be appreciated.

Visitation will take place on Friday February 23 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Vineland Chapel of Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St., Vineland. Funeral will be held on Saturday February 24th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church, 4106 Mountain St., Beamsville. Interment to follow at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery.

Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

VEHICLES WANTED

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Noted historian Jim Hill of Niagara Parks Com-

ent “Fortifying Niagara at the Thursday, March 14 meeting of Grimsby Historical Society. Hill is a veteran of 28 years at NPC and previously worked at Parks Canada and Friends of Fort George.

Among the sites Hill is involved with on a daily basis are: Old Fort Erie, Laura Secord Homestead, Mackenzie Printery Museum and McFarland House.

Hill, who is a licensed private pilot and served in the Canadian Army Reserve will cover an overview of parkland on both sides of the world’s longest unprotected border, which was the most fortified area, The meeting will be hosted at Livingston Activity Centre from 7:30-9 p.m. and is free to GHS members. The public can attend at a cost of $10 per person.

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Another kick at downtown can

Many small retailers will tell anyone who will listen running their business can feel like death by a thousand cuts.

When I took in last week’s presentation at Grimsby council for the second roll out of Downtown Reimagined it seemed a good number of those cuts will be part of the future plan.

about that aspect.

The other thing glaringly missed was zero attention being paid to side streets. The Downtown Improvement Area is not just Main Street from Elm to Christie. Believe me, after working in this stretch for the last 30 years I get it.

However, if you are talking about a DOWNTOWN Reimagine program, let’s look at the whole downtown, no?

Going back to my days on the DIA last term I spent countless hours on the first version of the DR process. I went to or spoke to all the merchants on Main Street at one point or another over 10 months.

The key thing for 95 per cent of them was the preservation of the on-street parking. There was a lot of interest in animating Elm and Ontario streets for a holistic approach and take pressure off Main Street.

Flippin’ for pancakes

Shrove Tuesday, the last day before the Lent season of fasting leading up to Easter found St. John Catholic School students enjoying a delicious lunch cooked by members of the St. Helen of the Cross Knights of Columbus and the St. Helen Catholic Women’s League. Helping out were (L to R) Sara Longo, George Savage, Joe Della Manna, Mario Baiocco, Dan Crosta and Denise Gapasin. McDonald – Photo

Get your (one) vote in

To give you an idea how boneheaded some people can be, a poll was set up on newsnowniagara.com earlier this month, the question being “Do you believe the name of West Lincoln Memorial Hospital should be changed?

Today, the voting shows 314 NO, 295 YES.

After I saw that one character sat there for half an hour or more to cast 165 votes YES and another did 35 votes YES, I looked into the system to find a trigger to only allow one vote per IP. Now if somone tries to vote twice, it skips the screen and goes to the total. The double votes per IP address will be deleted to reflect an accurate public view. M.W.

Other than that, much of the items for consideration - trees and plantings, style of sidewalk, lighting and the like were considered window dressing.

Not a whole lot changed from the first go round, but there were a few surprises.

The first thing I noticed - just looking at the design (top of Page 3) - by losing all the north side parking and having some permanent structures jutting out into the parking lane on the south side a major loss of space in the roadway width results.

This comes into play when the Farmers Market

- or any other Main Street event when the road is closed - is on as a continuous 18-foot path is supposed to be kept clear of programming for fire and safety crew access if ever needed.

In checking with Niagara West Fire Chief Greg Hudson, he noted that the 18 feet (six metres) is part of the Ontario Fire Code, but special circumstances could allow a waiver of that guideline.

In checking with a local insurance agent, it was recommended businesses check with their own insurer if this is done to make sure any possible claim would be voided if access to the front of a property was hindered in any way.

Coun. Veronica Charrois noted a concern about through traffic for fire or ambulance in terms of motorists not having anywhere to pull over if an emergency vehicle approached with lights on, but that was the only information I saw or heard

That said, it is recognized there is a grant the Town has to help with renovating and updating costs tied in the the water/sewer main replacement through the Main Street core now planned for 2025. But if you need a new pair of shoes, you don’t go out and buy one.

If you want to have a downtown plan, then make it a downtown plan.

Ontario Street is the key. I am not even selling any particular feature but there are some stellar options which could make Grimsby a true destination for culture and arts, among other possibilities.

Clearly, the consultants tried to filter a series of self-serving opinions offered during the input process and formulate them into a vision which includes a series of wants. Nobody is walking downtown from Bartlett and walking home with three bags of shopping.

There are positive elements, but it’s what’s not there that is concerning.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

WLMH name change can mark new start: reader

Dear Editor,

As a real estate agent, and Grimsby resident having lived and worked in this town for nearly 40 years, here are my thoughts regarding the renaming of the hospital.

I support WLMH hospital financially, and I have had many memories created there — the hospital has supported me and my family for decades.

As we build a brand new hospital to support the entire area, I understand the history of the name may be important; however, this hospital embraces ALL communities in West Niagara just like the new high school when they incorporated all the schools.

I’m sure many of students and par-

Letters

ents felt sad, losing their school names that they held dearly for decades like Grimsby Secondary School and Beamsville District Secondary School, but for the sake of inclusion and many other reasons I don’t need to go into, it has become a landmark — just like our new hospital will be.

In my mind as a Realtor, “West Lincoln” denotes Smithville and surrounding area up above the downtown core. I believe renaming it will denote all areas above and below Main Street from the lake to the mountain.

I think it would be great if we could get past the concerns that

One vote against name change

Dear Editor, I couldn’t find the poll on your website but to let you know myself and my wife are definitely against renaming the hospital.

Tom

Baillie and Maureen Baillie Smithville

Name change a worthy discussion

Dear Editor,

The proposed name change of WLMH is not a Titanic struggle.

It is not life or death for the place, thank God.

But it is a conversation worth having.

I wonder about the motivation for the name change, which seems from all accounts to emanate from Lincoln’s mayor for some reason.

When you see “let’s

no longer serve us as an inclusive community and see the

new name as a NEW START!

Lynn Fee

match the high school and ag centre” ponied out as excuses, you can tell there is basically no basis in reason for doing it other than, “Hey, let’s change the name.”

Pretty silly when you think about it, but my guess is it will happen and you’re right, Mike, they will have fixed something that was not broke.

Errol Davies Grimsby

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