BUY CANADIAN
OLT shreds Grimsby planning principles
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
The Ontario Land Tribunal made a mockery of Grimsby’s planning principles in allowing an oversized home at 30 Viking Drive in its Jan. 29 finding of an appeal.
Builder Mario Glavina of St. Joseph Homes appealed council’s Sept. 23 rejection of the two-storey
home, which neighbours say should never been started.
Despite many variances being required - front yard setback, rear yard setback, rear yard encroachment for a chimney breast, and; maximum lot coverage - none of them were applied for prior to work being done.
“I totally believe that this is the
relevant Town department’s fault. If they had of acted on the neighborhood’s concerns this would have been stopped dead in its tracks. No effort was made to verify compliance with the permits. The relevant departments can say what they want but it doesn’t change the fact that they blew it,” said neighbourhod resident Kevin Humston.
“It wasn’t one complaint from one person. It was numerous complaints from numerous people and, in my opinion, they were either too lazy to check on the complaints or they didn’t care to check out the site. They blew it.”
OLT member Yasna Faghani did not see it that way.
See OLT Page 3
When hope leads
What started as a delivery run of 10 boxes of healthy food to local residents has grown to help thousands of families through Village of Hope Niagara. Founder Cheryl KeddyScott is transitioning from her role as CEO to a board position and handing the administration duties to current Executive Director Joe McCarthy. For details, please turn to Page 4. McDonald – Photo
BUY CANADIAN OLT
From Page 1
In the finding, Faghani simply states in the introduction that “the original permit contemplated the reuse of the existing foundation and implementation of the built form and built form features. During the construction, it was discovered that the existing foundation was in a state of disrepair and new foundation was required to be installed,” adding this required several minor variances.
There is no recognition that virtually all the work done was done so without those variances even being applied for.
After citing a litany of issues with the build and the Town’s handling of the situation, neighbour Sanjoy Acharya said, “Anyway, why go on? Whatever the neighbours and other citi-
zens have said or will say, is and will be, totally disregarded.”
Throughout the report, Faghani notes the Town’s representation noted the build had adverse impacts, but did not “provide evidence that ‘unacceptable’ or ‘undue’ adverse impacts would result.”
At one point noting, regarding over “oversized balcony”, “the assertion about people congregating in the balcony and causing disruptions is speculative.”
While Fahgani stated in the report the project “collectively have satisfied the four tests” residents and some Town officials would beg to differ, especially with “are minor in nature”.
The core concern of residents, beyond the flouting of Town planning processes by the builder, is the series of design aspects
which contravene Grimsby planning bylaws - a fact noted when the matter was before the Town’s Committee of Adjustment in September 2024.
“The cumulative impact of the three variances, or four, combined with the fact that he is pushing the envelope with the height; it doesn’t match the average grade. It isn’t appropriate for the development use of the property,” said CoA Chair, Kevin Antonides, at the time.
“It isn’t minor in nature. It doesn’t meet the initial intent and zoning bylaws, so I can’t support it at all.”
But Town planning staff did, as they spoke in favour of the project at the OLT hearing.
An inquiry to Grimsby’s director of planning was not received before press time.
•
•
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Keddy-Scott passing reins at Village of Hope Niagara
By Joanne McDonald
For NewsNow
Village of Hope Niagara (VoH) founder Cheryl Keddy-Scott is transitioning from her role as CEO to a board member and handing the administration reins to current executive director Joe McCarthy.
They’ve worked together for more than 20 years, “and from day one we always said if we helped just one family we’d made a difference,” Keddy-Scott said last week.
That mandate of pro-
viding hope has never changed.
What started with a delivery run of 10 boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables to families in need has grown exponentially to more than 400 families, 144 seniors and individuals. And Keddy-Scott is confident the agency is in good hands with the commitment and compassion that McCarthy brings to the work. “He has an ability to really listen to people.”
“Joe’s attention to programs and servic-
es including the fresh food program is taking Village of Hope to the next level,” KeddyScott said. “I think it’s the perfect time with so much government uncertainty. It’s perfect for the Village of Hope and for me to take the next step.”
Keddy-Scott plans to travel coast to coast over the coming year with speaking engagements scheduled in Winnipeg, Vancouver, Toronto and Halifax. She will be speaking with other charities on poverty and sharing experiences of VoH.
“Joe and I talk about taking down walls. It’s more important than ever to work in conjunction. Through the Niagara Food Ex-
change we share with other charities and they do the same.”
This also marks the first year that KeddyScott and McCarthy are working on a budget of $1 million for programs and services. While little is received by way of grant money, support comes from
community members, businesses, the faith community and strong social supports.
“A volunteer-driven charity,” Keddy-Scott can’t say enough about the 100 plus volunteers who support the programs and open door policy.
There is a stigma of
asking for help “and we wanted to make sure from the beginning the Village of Hope was a safe place to ask for help and know they were being heard.”
“Everyone who comes to Village of Hope has a story and they’re met with a smile and by name,” said Keddy-Scott, noting McCarthy’s exceptional ability to listen to those stories.
McCarthy said he will work from the same three pillars that have guided the Village of Hope since its inception. Clients are met at the door by name. There are regularly scheduled visits, but the door is always open. “We want clients to know they’re never alone.” And the third pillar. “Don’t get bogged down in rules and regulations.”
The VoH food bank, thrift store, and programs of support alleviate food insecurity, support shelter stability and lend a hand up to those in need. They are located at 2540 South Service Rd., Jordan Station. For information call 905-562-3113; email joe@villageofhopeniagara.org cheryl@villageofhopeniagara.org
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West Lincoln: Putting in groundwork for growth
(Editor’s Note: Mayors of Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln were asked to offer an outlook on 2025 for their respective communities.)
By Mayor Cheryl Ganann We’ve hit the ground running in 2025! There is much work to do and lots to celebrate in West Lincoln this year.
Along with Councillors Chechalk and Reilly and CAO McBride, I recently attended the Rural Ontario Municipal Association’s conference, where we met with the Minister of Infrastructure, the Hon. Kinga Surma to advocate for additional provincial funding to support West Lincoln’s infrastructure needs. We were incred-
VICTORIA FAMILY DENTISTRY
ibly grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Minister herself!
and our entire community for the future.
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West Lincoln’s infrastructure needs are great – the construction of new water and wastewater infrastructure to support any future growth and the maintenance of our existing infrastructure are both critical. We continually seek Regional and Provincial funding to achieve these without overburdening our tax payers. We will continue to champion infrastructure, along with other strategic priorities that benefit our community, through ongoing discussions at both the Regional and Provincial levels and the AMO conference in August.
The growth already taking place in West Lincoln’s industrial sector is extremely important to our municipality. We look
forward to eventually seeing the beginning of some much-needed residential growth, that would help to house their existing and new employees. While striving to maintain the small town feel that everyone loves about life in West Lincoln, Council and staff must tackle the need for regular, well-controlled, and sustainable residential, commercial and industrial growth to help offset the increasing costs of running our municipality. Our dedicated and approved growth targets spread out to 2051. In order to readily facilitate and manage all upcoming changes, the Township is undergoing an organizational restructuring this year. I am encouraged to see action taking place both internally and externally to better
We are in the midst of budget season and are, like all municipalities, faced with many budgetary pressures over which we have little or no control. We hope that residents who generally are not fans of growth, recognize that an increase in our assessment growth through the building of new homes is necessary to reduce the levy impact on our existing residents. Providing the level of service to our residents that they expect and deserve, at the lowest possible tax level, is always at the forefront of our budget deliberations. We are committed to keeping as much pressure off our taxpayers as possible.
We are most definitely looking forward to the opening of the new and greatly improved, West
in the late Summer to early Fall of 2025. Although we recognize that until the old hospital comes down, we will all need to be patient about parking issues, we are excited for all of the positive improvements being made to support the health needs of our residents. Finally, as many already know, the International Plowing Match is coming to Grassie in September of ‘25. This annual event attracts more than 70,000 visitors – that’s 70,000 opportunities to showcase our beautiful vibrant community, our rich agricultural roots, our local businesses and all the incredible opportunities West Lincoln provides. We hope all of you will join us for the 2025 International Plowing Match being held at the West Niagara Agricultural Centre & Fairgrounds from Sept.
Lincoln Museum initiates strategic plan process
The Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre will start its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan process with a public meeting on Saturday, March 22 from 1-4 p.m.
The event will be held at the museum, 3800 Main St., Jordan.
The museum’s previous strategic plan helped lay the foundation for several developments, including expanded programming and enhanced community engagement.
The plan is to build on successfol components while adapting to the changing
needs of the community.
It will be an interactive session to discuss the museum’s future goals and opportunities for growth.
Town officials are hoping residents will share their thoughts on programming, accessibility, and future initiatives.
For those who cannot attend, a survey has been set up on Speak Up Lincoln: speakuplincoln.ca/MuseumStrategicPlan
There is also additional information on the Speak Up Lincoln webpage.
Howcommunity! about you?
There are many reasons to LOVE our communities in Niagara West and we want to hear what you think! With Family Day approaching, this can also be as fun activity for parents to help their young ones explain what they LOVE about the community in which they live! But we want to hear from young and not-so-young alike.
Please take a few minutes to create a submission of up to 200 words. All submissions can be dropped off at our 1 Mountain St. office in Grimsby OR email to: love@wn3.ca
The deadline for submission is Saturday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. From
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West Lincoln considers library budget hike
The West Lincoln Library is budgeting more than $970,000 for operating costs in 2025.
That’s a $121,250 increase over 2024, library chief executive officer Cindy Weir told township councillors at a meeting Jan. 27.
This translates to about a $20 annual increase for an average assessed home.
The increased operating expenses are being driven mostly by more than $94,000 for staff salary increases.
Weir said the West Lincoln library currently offers the lowest wages in the region for its public service assistants at $18.27 per hour.
The library intends to bump that up to $20.80 in 2025.
These staffers are responsible for checking books in and out amongst other essential tasks.
“Likely, with this increase, we will remain the lowest wage for this position once the other libraries increase to their 2025 wage,” Weir said.
Weir said many of the West Lincoln library staffers need to work second jobs, adding, “We can’t blame our trained staff who find other employment within a 50 kilometre area at substantially higher wages.”
Weir said the library lost 25 staff members between 2021 and 2024. It costs about $4,500 to hire and train replacements for lost
personnel.
Coun. William Reilly asked if the library board had considered closing an underperforming branch and reinvesting it in a stronger branch.
Weir said the board was counting visitors to each branch to get a better sense of the activity at each location.
Coun. Mike Rehner asked how often the Caistorville branch is open, and said the parking lot always seems empty.
Weir said the Caistorville and Wellandport locations are open about 20 hours a week.
Weir’s presentation was received by council. It will be considered at the Feb. 24 budget session.
“We
All-candidates meeting Feb. 18
With a provincial election nearing, an all-candidates meeting for Niagara West hopefuls has been planned at West Niagara Secondary School on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Lincoln, West Lincoln and Grimsby Chambers of Commerce will host the event.
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Official candidates so far include, incumbent Conservative Party of Ontario Sam Oosterhoff; Ontario Liberal Party’s Shauna Boyle; New Democratic Party nominee Dave Augustyn, and Green Party of Ontario candidate Mark Harrison.
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the years Harriet Tubman spent in St. Catharines where she plotted many of her heroic rescue missions.
OBITUARIES
VanderRyd, Susan
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, September 12, 1949, Susan passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at her residence at the United Mennonite Home in Vineland.
Predeceased by her parents Ernest (1986) & Vera (1972) Ford, older sister Muriel (2001) Fredson, brother James (2023), his wife Carole (2013) and his son Kenny (1981) Ford.
She is survived by her eldest sister Arlene (David) Pettersen, nephew James (Caroline) Pettersen, niece Heather (Mark) Smith, niece Dawn (Charles Gezink) Black, niece Nancy (late Peter) Christie. She was also the proud great aunt to many nieces, nephews and their children.
Susan loved animals, especially cats owning and fostering many over the years. She enjoyed crafts, painting, colouring and was a volunteer at the Lincoln Fair for a number of years. She was an active member of TOPPS until her health prevented her from continuing.
Susan resided (since 2022) at United Mennonite Home where she received excellent care. Many thanks to the staff, nurses, PSW’s and volunteers for their exceptional care and love. Thanks to Dr. Woodland for his many years of care and patience.
Cremation has taken place. Service and internment will be at a later date.
Thanks to TALLMAN FUNERAL HOME for their assistance in making a difficult time easier.
If you wish to honour Susan with a memorial donation, please consider the Arthritis Society of Canada or your local animal rescue.
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OBITUARIES
davis, Thomas “Tim Tom” Harold
Passed away at his residence in Smithville on January 24, 2025. He is predeceased by his wife Janet Davis (d. 2018). Tom is survived by his children Kimberly and Patricia. He also leaves behind his close friends Ben and Charlene. He is predeceased by his siblings Fred, Audrey, Ruth, and Thelma. A visitation will be held at Merritt Funeral Home, Smithville on Wednesday, February 5, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will also be held at the funeral home on Thursday, February 6, starting at 11:0 a.m. If desired memorial donations to McNally House Hospice can be made through contacting the funeral home (905)957-7031.
pierce,
patricia May (nee culp) May 27, 1943January 23, 2025
Predeceased by her husband Robert and her Parents Ruth and Lorne Culp of Jordan. Pat grew up on the family fruit farm, graduated from Beamsville Secondary School and the University of Waterloo. She worked worked at Ryerson Press in Toronto before moving to England. Pat worked for large publishing houses in England. Pat enjoyed gardening, sketching, oil painting and was an avid reader. She was a published author of several books in Canada and Great Britain.
She lived in Walton – On – The – Thames, UK, for 36 years with her husband Bob. They had a terrific life travelling England and Europe. She will be sadly missed by her Brother Brian and his wife Vallerie; two Nieces, Amanda (Samantha and Cassandra), Brittany and Husband Joe (Gregory, Claire and Charlie), Brother Ted and Wife Mavis.
Special thanks to the staff at Albright Manor 5 th. floor, her home for the past 7 years. Cremation has taken place. There will be a Committal at St. John’s Public Cemetery at 2:00 PM on May 25, 2025. Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
garcia, Major Margaret ann
On Friday, January 24, 2025, in her 85th year, Margaret peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord. A woman of profound faith and compassion, Margaret leaves behind a legacy of love and service. Predeceased by her first husband, Major Robert E. Kerton, in 1988, Margaret was blessed to find love once more with Major Jose Garcia “Pepe.” They shared 15 joyful years together until his passing in 2006. Margaret’s memory will be forever cherished by her children, Sidney-Ann Liddell and Peter Kerton, and her beloved grandchildren, Grace and Anderson. She is also survived by her brother, Major Elmer Pavey, and was predeceased by her brother Percy Pavey. Margaret will be fondly remembered by her dear step-children Major Margaret Evans (George), Patricia Garcia, Nancy Thornhill (Phil) and Major Norman Garcia (Lois), and their families. Margaret was called to serve in The Salvation Army, where she dedicated her career as an Officer/Pastor. Over the years, she faithfully served in many communities across Canada: Fort Rouge, Winnipeg, Kenora, North Battleford, Calgary, Quebec City, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Kitchener, Toronto, Edmonton and Grimsby. She loved to help people and always had a heart for anyone in need. Her talents were as varied as they were remarkable. She was known for her exceptional hospitality, love of baking, and the beautiful crafts she created. Above all, Margaret is remembered for her kindness, generosity and unwavering care for others. Margaret’s life was a testament to love, service, and the joy of giving. She will be deeply missed, but her wonderful example will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A Private Burial will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, followed by Visitation with the family at The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, (Calvert Chapel) 2 Overlea Blvd., in East York on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 1pm. A Celebration of Life service will commence at 2 pm. If desired, memorial contributions to The Salvation Army or Alzheimer Society would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755.
www.smithsfh.com
OBITUARIES
Zonneveld, leendert (leen)
June 22, 1941- January 29, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leendert (Leen) Zonneveld, who passed away peacefully at home in Beamsville, Ontario, on January 29, 2025, at the age of 83. Born in Hillegersberg, Netherlands, on June 22, 1941, Leen immigrated to Canada 0n his 10th birthday, growing up in Grimsby, where he built a life rooted in love, family, and community.
IN MEMORIUM
Michael Anthony Raso
Oct. 19, 1973Feb 11, 2024
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
Leen was the devoted husband of Joan (Carpenter), the love of his life, with whom he shared an incredible 62 years of marriage-with whom he still always walked hand in hand. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising four children: Richard (Cheryl), Michelle (Jamie), and Judy (Robert). He was predeceased by his eldest son, Edward (Sheryl), and grandson Christian. A cherished Papa to Blake, Andrea, Cody, Kyle, Amanda, Spencer, Jacob, Tyler, and Emily, Taryn, Jacob and an adoring greatgrandfather to Charlotte, Kyle, Jesse, Sophie, Austin, Jazmyn, Avery, Jaxon, Vince, Aria, and Rhys, Best friend to their beloved dog Kassie. Leen’s love for his family knew no bounds. He took immense joy in their lives, always offering his unwavering support, wisdom, and warmhearted humor.
In loving memory of our beloved Michael who passed away a year ago. Always a smile, a hand when needed, true, thoughtful, loving and kind with an understanding heart. Michael gave us so much to remember. We find ourselves cherishing every little thing that once seemed ordinary. Each item, no matter how small becomes a bridge to Michael’s memory, a tether to the moments we shared. But beyond the little things, we collect the essence of who Michael was. We carry his laugh and pure joy like a melody, his kindness and love as a guiding light, and his strength as an anchor.
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Leen will be lovingly remembered for his kind heart, sharp wit, welcoming nature and old-man strength. Whether it was his passion for gardening, his love for ice cream, or his deep appreciation for friends and family, he lived life with a generous spirit. His green thumb could breathe life, love, and color into any garden he touched. After a dedicated career with Aecon Construction, Leen found fulfillment in retirement, where he remained active in his community as a proud member of the Beamsville Lions Club and volunteering at WLMH.
Family and friends are invited to Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St., Vineland, on Saturday February 8, 2025. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Cremation has taken place. Leen’s legacy of love, laughter, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Heart and Stroke or Huntington’s Society of Niagara. Or As Papa would say plant a tree!!! Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
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Planning bylaws be damned
Why
bother?
That was the sentiment - and justified - voiced by many Viking Drive residents over the last week after the Ontario Land Tribunal allowed an appeal for an oversized home at 30 Viking Drive.
Take a drive by. When I did that to go see neighbours last summer, I was thinking as I rounded the corner, “What was that address? Hope I don’t drive by and miss it”.
Ha! No way to miss it. As you might surmise, it sticks out, mightily.
But aside from what the house actually is, it is the process that should be a far greater concern.
How does anyone get 3/4s done building the framework of a home without ever applying for anything other than a permit to build on an existing foundation?
Moreso, how does the Town turn a blind eye to it for months - despite numerous calls and emails from numerous neighbours.
The entire process just solidifies the belief that local planning has now become irrelevant.
It makes one feel sorry for men like Gabe DeSantis and Fred Losani. Those guys have done right by the community building huge projects, adhered to public input and done as the Town prescribed BEFORE they started to build.
If this 30 Viking crap can take place, a builder just doing what they want - then finally applying for minor variances after the structure was nearly complete - why should the big boys not do the same.
Planning fell down on the job of defending the interests of Grimsby residents. Nobody can tell me different on that point. What has happened is utterly embarrassing. But it is closely followed by planning staff backing the variance applications. If you take them one by one, sure, they could be considered minor, but collectively, they are not.
A monster of a problem has now been created. M.W.
You will never see an ad on my front page, but....
That “Buy Canadian” phrase needs to be top of mind for everyone in this country and its importance far supersedes anything that rattles through my mind.
Following the suggestions of some readers who said I should not use harsh names in my own column, I will refrain from calling 45/47 - also known as Donald Trump - a no good rat bast*#! felon.
No, this will be a new calmer, more reserved me.
Since his inauguration I have dumped Twitter along with Facebook (two years ago) and LinkedIn (three years ago) as social media I no longer look at.
I have never looked at Tik Tok, and won’t, and dabbled for a couple of weeks on Instagram but it is just as much of a waste of time as the others. So I am fully out of that mess now.
It feels good.
But with Trump and these threatened tariffs, I noted a couple of weeks ago that regardless of what he does we need to get our own house in order.
Just as an aside - although it is not minorthe inter-provincial tariffs we have need to go.
Keeping the eye on the ball, Canada needs to get its manufacturing house in order again. We cannot be dependent on anyone for anything. To achieve that,
Buy Canadian
we (consumers) need to step up and buy Canadian at all turns.
You want to be patriotic? You want stand on guard for Canada?
Here is your chance.
The largest - and what will be the ongoing issue with any Buy Canadian theme - will be to get the 20-second-attention-span crowd who do all their shopping online to pay attention to how vital this matter is.
The logical me thinks Trump was waving the threat of 25 per cent tariffs around as a diversion for the series of heinous acts he is perpetrating on his own nation (far too long a list to get into here).
Diversion has proven to be his go-to tactic on many occasions, so no reason to think this situation has not been one of them.
Many Canadian officials have noted how ridiculous Trump’s thinking is on this, but nobody in the U.S. would care, nor
should they if this truly was an attempt to correct a wrong in their economic planning. But scores of U.S. economists have agreed, including the lead business writer for the Wall Street Journal calling Trump’s plan “the dumbest trade war in history.”
As Trump does, he creates a crisis so he can look like he solved something. He needs unending credit and accolades, even when false.
Monday, after a meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau at 3 p.m., it was announced that a 30-day (at least) suspension of the tariffs was agreed to after Trudeau agreed to spend $1.3 billion on border security - the same agreement which was reached with President Biden in November.
But Donnie is the king of deals!
I don’t want to get into the matter too deep. You can find all the “whys and wherefores” elsewhere, good reader.
I just want to make the point, we need to take care of our own. We need to set up Canadians for success and ensure we have a fully independent nation that can weather economic buffoonery like this.
Sure would be nice to see E.D. Smith fire up its jam manufacturing plant in Winona again and stop shipping to Mississippi! By Canadian.
That’s it. That’s all.
MIKE WILLISCRAFT
Delivered via Canada Post
BUY CANADIAN
Stand on guard for Canada, consider boycotts
Dear Editor,
A challenge to my fellow Canadians: if you are sincere about “standing on guard for” Canada, as you patriotically sing so often, you might consider at least partially boycotting the many American franchises now that punitive tariffs have been imposed.
Letters
DiFlavio provides a chuckle: reader
Dear Editor,
I must say, Coun. (Nick) DiFlavio’s stance of wanting to trim pennies here and there during budget talks gave me quite a chuckle. He must think taxpayers forgot he and (now Reg. Coun. Michelle) Seaborn were fiddling while Rome (council) burned nearly $20 million on the biodigester. I didn’t.
Stephen Owen, Grimsby
It only takes a few seconds to find out which eateries, for example, are Canadian owned. And if the line-ups there get too long, just make your own coffee to go and meals at home.
It’s not a big ask for
the sake of the country. And then, maybe, too, consider not buying the stuff on the grocery and other retail shelves marked “grown” or “made” in the U.S.A. Try to make a difference.
Harry Kort, Lincoln
GRIMSBY
