NewsNow E-Edition July 20, 2023

> Four West Lincoln youth earn Girl Guides’ Canada Cord /Pg 7

> Cooling off at Grimsby splash pad Pg 3 > Quilters donate $500 to Lincoln Lacrosse Page 10 > Readers have their say Pgs 13&15

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Vol. 12

Issue 12

www.wn3.ca

Proudly serving Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Winona

100% Niagara West owned & operated Circ: 29,006

Main Street mess

A truck carrying scrap metal coming down the escarpment at Woolverton Road rolled just after noon last Thursday. Police at the scene said speed was a key factor. The driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, Main Street West was closed

all afternoon causing major traffic back-ups with the Farmers’ Market downtown that day having that section of road closed already. Police and Ministry of Transportation continue their investigation, but no charges have been laid in this incident as yet. Williscraft - Photo

Lincoln’s Youth Skills Studio reached Round 3

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

With a successful track record in its first two years, Town of Lincoln’s Youth Skills Studio got a $2.9 million boost to set up its third year of operation.

Premier Doug Ford was in Beamsville Tuesday morning to make the announcement of support.

“This investment will give youth in the Niagara Region the skills they need to start or advance their careers in growing industries,” said Ford.

“Right across the province, we’re connecting young people to the jobs of the future and businesses to the skilled workforce they need to grow and expand.”

Paul Di Ianni, Lincoln’s director of economic development, said the program has gone very well in its first two years.

“The goal of the program has two key streams. One is a tech stream and the other helps with soft skillshow to construct a resume; how to prepare for a job interview,” said Di Ianni, noting

the program is geared to the 14-29 age category.

The studio can help up to 250 young people in Niagara train for meaningful and well-paying careers.

Led by the Town of Lincoln, it prepares people under the age of 30 for the future of work with a fourmonth paid-training program and connec-

tions to 75 small and medium-sized businesses hiring in hightech, manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, and other critical sectors.

“We know in-demand jobs in the skilled trades and other critical sectors continue to grow. Our ongoing partnership with the Town of Lincoln and the

Youth Skills Studio of Civiconnect demonstrates our government’s commitment to working with local partners to build a highly skilled and competitive workforce and will ensure our province remains the engine of Canada’s economy,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff.

See STUDIO, Page 4

ROADS

Notice of Public Information Centre #2 Postponement

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Road and Drainage Improvements on King Street (Regional Road 81) between Greenlane and Lincoln Avenue in the Town of Lincoln

This notice is to advise the public that Public Information Centre #2 that was scheduled to take place Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 7-9 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 5545 King St. West, Beamsville, Ontario has been postponed.

At this time a new date for Public Information Centre #2 has not been scheduled. The public will be informed once a new date has been determined.

For further information or to provide input into the Class Environmental Assessment process please contact one of the project team members.

Melissa Tomascik, C.E.T.

Project Manager

Public Works – Niagara Region

1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, PO Box 1042 Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 905-980-6000 Ext. 3189

Melissa.Tomascik@niagararegion.ca

Tyler Pitman, CAD Specialist

Project Manager

Kerry T. Howe Engineering Limited 98 Church Street, PO Box 460

St. Catharines, ON L2R 6V9 kthengltd@ktheng.ca

Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public meetings will be collected, used, and disclosed by members of Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of

Privacy Act. Written submissions including names, contact information, and reports of public meetings will be made available. Questions about this collection and disclosure should be directed to the

Access and Privacy Office at 905-980-6000 ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca.

Notice first issued July 20, 2023.

niagararegion.ca/projects

advERToRIal

Queens Real Estate Inc. Brokerage; The Newest Brokerage on the Block

Queens Real Estate Inc.

Brokerage is new to this area; however, our realtors have many years of professional experience & expertise to share with our community & beyond.

Our mission is to provide competent, caring & positive results for our clients without lofty promises. This means no harassment, no empty promises, no undervaluing of your property. We will always provide current and accurate market conditions that are applicable to where you are intending to buy or sell. We are proficient in trading: Residential Properties, Farms, Waterfront, Commercial, Investments & Condos. What sets Queens Real Estate Inc. Brokerage apart from others?

We treat every consumer with personal attention. That translates to answered or returned calls quickly by the person you are intending to call. A compact team of realtors ensures quick and effective results when you need assistance in the acquisition or sale of property.

You can find us volunteering within our community, golfing, helping on local farms, we also walk our dogs, so if you see us, please stop, and say hello, you will know us buy our T-shirts or hats with the crown.

If you would like to get some information about the value of your property without commitment or harassing calls, please feel free to call us directly. Thank you.

Queens Real Estate Inc.

Rita Ventresca, Broker of Record

Cell: 905-923-6488

• Office: 519-89-QUEEN

Ready, aim, cool off

The Dickson brothers, Matthew, 7, and Max, 4, take aim with the water hose during a fun day at the Peach King Centre splashpad. McDonald – Photo

RITa vENTRESCa

VINELAND NURSERIES

STUDIO

From Page 1

Young people in Ontario are twice as likely to be unemployed compared to the provincial average. At the same time, more than 30,000 jobs are going unfilled in the Niagara region. The Youth Skills Studio will teach participants about digital

marketing, web development, digital systems administration, cloud computing, and IT to ensure Niagara’s growing economy has the skilled technology workers it needs.

“On behalf of Council for the Town of Lincoln, I would like to thank the province for their continued support of our Youth

(L to R) Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton; president of Civiconnect, Nour Hage; Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton; Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff and Premier Doug Ford were on hand for the Skills Studio announcement.

Skills Studio. This investment is a win-win for our community members who will gain valuable training here in Lincoln, and for our businesses across key sectors who will benefit from workforce development initiatives to bolster our growing economy,” said Mayor Sandra Easton.

Local newspaper heartbeat of community

There have been many points in time when we are spellbound by news.

World events, good and bad, early days of COVID when things changed so rapidly, for example. At times it seems that we are being ruled by the news. And so we should be.

These important issues, we need to know about them. Going news-free is just a cop out from life.

While we need to learn all we can about national and international news, local news is even more vital to our daily existence.

The weekly news-

A Small Drop of Ink

By Dorothy Turcotte

paper is our lifeline to what’s going on in Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln; our home. Otherwise, how would we know what’s happening at Town Hall, the local arena, the schools and churches in our town?

How else would we show pride for its athletes, graduates or discover what is new on Main Street?

Local daily newspapers don’t cover our area unless we have a massive fire or some other calamity such as head lice in the schools or get covered in flies.

Radio and television stations don’t give us a look, either.

Some resort to social media, but my favourite is the local newspaper. I love to think back to 1885 when James and Isabelle Livingston came to Grimsby with cash to buy a farm. James stopped in at the newly opened newspaper office to ask for directions, and came out again to find himself a partner in this new venture.

I have often wondered what Isabelle had to say about that!

But for the people of Grimsby, what a boon that new

newspaper must have been!

At last, a forum for all the news of the surrounding area, plus recipes and health tips, and advertisements from surrounding villages. Before long, that newspaper was an eagerly anticipated part of community life, and the newspaper office itself became a hub for information and male socializing.

For 135 years, printed news has been important to the folks in our area, and it still is! It seems that some big media companies would like to get rid of weeklies.

I hope they don’t!

On hand for the Girl Guides of Canada - Canada Cord presentation at West Lincoln Twp. Hall were (L to R) Guide leader Sharlene Volpatti, MP Dean Allison, Guides Elizabeth Hutton, Viviana Volpatti, Lauren Moore and Tatum Glover, with Guide leader Gayle Hutton and West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann. Submitted Photo

Four West Lincoln Girl Guides earn coveted Canada Cord

It took three years of work, but four West Lincoln Pathfinders achieved a major goal, earning a Canada Cord from Girl Guides of Canada.

To reach this goal, the girls had to attain a high bar, said Guide leader Sharlene Volpatti.

“It was nice to do the community service and have fun while helping out. The best parts of Pathfinders were: the fun we had, the experiences we had and the friends we made,” said recipient Elizabeth Hutton.

To qualify, the foursome obtained:

• The Community Service Award (during COVID the girls completed an on-line safety presentation and presented it to other Girl Guide groups)

• The Citizenship Certificate (this was completed over a series of meetings)

• Develop leadership at camp and events (the girls independently planned three camps/events)

• Completed first aid

• Participated in bridging activities with Rangers and younger units (the girls visited 1st Grimsby Rangers and planned a meeting for the 1st Smithville Sparks)

• Earn all eight program area badges, completing the Pathfinder program.

“I started volunteering when some of the girls were in Sparks, to witness their growth has been a very rewarding chapter of my life. They are already amazing leaders and I look forward to their future accomplishments. The best part of Pathfinders has been the friendships I’ve formed,” said recipient Tatum Glover.

“I loved our fantastic leaders and planning our camps,” noted recipient Lauren Moore.

“I want to thank our leaders SheRa (Sharlene Volpatti) and Gem (Gayle Hutton) for their kindness and support,” added recipent Viviana Volpatti.

Big Payout With Progressive Jackpot

Thursday,

GRIMSBY LEGION

Thursday and Friday. Fish and Chips, Beef on a Bun, Chicken Fingers & Wings.

233 Elizabeth St., Grimsby • 905-945-8421 Facebook: Grimsby Legion Grimsby

Close knit community

What do quilters and lacrosse players have in common? A $500 donation from Grimsby Senior Quilters of the Livingston Activity Centre to Lincoln Lacrosse’s U11 Redcoats, that’s what. Glenda Barry of the quilting group, left, made the donation at a recent practice after the Redcoats returned from winning a gold medal at a Midland, Ont. tournament. Receiving the donation were club vice-president Andy Davidson and treasurer Mardeen Henderson. The Redcoats can accommodate kids ages 5-18 with pee wee, 13-year-olds, their current oldest team. They are looking for more players at all levels.

FISHER, Elvira Rose

Passed away at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in her 94th year. Loved wife of the late Gordon Havercroft and the late Horace Fisher. Loved mother of Debbie Havercroft (Chris) and the late Kenneth Havercroft and mother-in-law of Dave Seamans (Kim). Cherished grandmother of Duane (Lindzie), the late Brent, Grant (Hannah), Terence and Troy and great-grandmother of Adeline, Elvira, Edwin, Ace and Leo. Dear sister of Helen Warner (late Bruce), Barbara Brunyansky (late Bill), Susan Cowling (John), Leonard Bogar (late Gloria) and the late Louie Bogar (late Norma). She will also be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Visitation took place at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755)

on Friday, July 14, 2023, from 3 - 7 p.m. The Funeral Service was held at Centennial Park Baptist Church, 11 Kennedy Road, Grimsby, on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 10 a.m. with burial at Mountview Gardens, Stoney Creek. If desired, memorial contributions to Centennial Park Baptist Church would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

www.smithsfh.com

For your home FREEzER. Locally raised, cut to your specifications. Call Shari May 289-687-9603

MEMORIUM

Sherri Merritt-Ploughman

1985 - 2018

Remembering Our Niece

A niece is someone precious She fills your heart with love, Our Sherri was a special girl Now she’s an angel up above. Each day without you Sherri We’ve shed a silent tear, We’ll always love and miss you And wish that you were here. With love, Aunt Cath & Uncle Joe

In

Morris

love

APT. FOR RENT

GRIMSby, 1 bdrm. Fridge & Stove included. Laundry facilities avail. 1 parking space. Quiet building., Suitable for mature person. References required. Available August 1 905-9452848.

‘SuItAble FOR SINGle MAtuRe

HANDYMAN SERVICES

SPeCIAlIzed IN

CARPeNtRy - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring. Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289439-1485

RubbISh & JuNK ReMOVAl. Call Ken 905973-3235

CELEBRATE RECOVERY StRuGGlING wIth huRtS, hANG-uPS OR hAbItS?

HEATING/COOLING

Residential. Licensed Gas Technician. HVAC, Plumbing, Installation, Service. Heating, Cooling, Gas Lines. Clogged Drains. Honest, Reasonably Priced. Free quotes. Call Blake 365-889-7838

WholesaleFloral Sales Rep

HELP WANTED FOR SALE

FIRewOOd - We deliver. Full Cord, 1/2 Cord. Call for details. 905-328-5102.

ROOFING

ROOFING Over 25 years of experience. Shingles and Flat Roof warranty. Call Ken 905-973-3235.

P.Ravensbergen&SonsLtdis activelyrecruitingforthe positionofSalesRep/Account managertodevelopand manageAccountsforbothour CanadianandUSwholesale customers.Thesuccessful applicantwillhaveaworking knowledgeofthefloral industryandwillingtolearn thesystemsrequiredto ensurethatourcustomers aresatisfied. *Wewillonlycontactthose applicantsselectedfor aninterview*

VEHICLES WANTED CARS, tRuCKS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. we pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.

Fully Insured cameronsherman796@gmail.com K9 Kouture GroominG inc. Your K9 Spa 905-309-0047 45 Main Street West, Grimsby K9KoutureGrooming@cogeco.ca A Division of K9 Kare Professional Pet Sitting Services Accepting new clients

“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

Historical wrongs acknowledged; time to move on

Dear Editor,

For years, Canadians have been attempting to somehow correct the wrongs against indigenous people that have occurred over history by our forefathers long before any of us were on the scene.

It would be interesting for someone with PhD aspirations or maybe an intrepid reporter, to look into exactly how much Ca-

nadians via the federal government have given to First Nations in both land and in monetary terms over the years.

At some point in time the giving has to end. The worst thing we can do for our indigenous brothers and sisters is to continue to view them

as victims in need of help and handouts.

The Truth and Reconciliation hearings were meant to both recognize the wrongs done as far as could be determined, and to then reconcile those wrongs so that both sides in the conflict can move forward in harmony together.

No one seems to want to talk about the moving forward part.

Until we do that,

6th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive

Canada will continue to wallow in guilt and under a cloud that will never go away. Factual history is important to learn because of the lessons it teaches.

But it shouldn’t handicap us.

That’s no way to live.

It’s time to move in peace together toward a brighter future for all concerned.

John Van Dyk Vineland

“What a newspaper needs in its news, in its headlines, and on its editorial page is terseness, humour, descriptive power, satire, originality, good literary style, clever condensation, and accuracy, accuracy, accuracy!

Joseph Pulitzer

Dear Reader,

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

We will back HST out of each payment to make things as simple as possible. You can pay by cheque (bring into the office or mail), credit card (call Catherine at 289-235-9500) or e-transfer (send to: subscriptions@wn3.ca - make security answer - newsnow ) For more information, please do not hesitate to call, email or drop in. All inquiries are welcome!!

Thanks very much for your time and we wish good health to you all!

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

Out of the weeds, into the future

For the last several weeks I have been trying to figure out how to come at this.

Still not certain, because I want to be optimistic, but I am not seeing any signs of consistent direction from Grimsby council as yet.

Like in 2018, there was a lot of hope with this group. No community in Ontario needs to turn a page more than this bunch. With a world of potential in front of them, they are continuing to be distracted by a lengthy series of shiny objects and missing opportunities to move the municipality forward.

Garden party

David and Kathy Wooton have an amazing property on Sann Road in Beamsville, so much so, the Lambeth Garden Club packed up and made a day of touring it. The Wootons hosted the club and gave them a tour of the grounds this summer.

Age-friendly meeting guide nice tool

A nifty age-friendly meeting and event guide was rolled out by Town of Lincoln earlier this month.

The 24-page guide includes tips for planning meetings and events which take into account those with varying needs of mobility and strength, for example, when planning a meeting or event.

What venue to use, parking, acoustics, time of the event, avoiding hidden costs, transportation/shuttles and more are all in the information mix. Anyone booking an event at a Town facility or obtaining a special event permit will get a copy of the guide, but it is also available at Town Hall, libraries, Lincoln’s museum in Jordan, and through the BIA and Chamber of Commerce, as well as other spots. M.W.

There have been some really silly things, but nothing worth expending ink over. Generally, they have gotten in the weeds on subjects to the point where the heart or theme of initial detail seems to drift off into space.

Good intentions are rampant, though, and that is the reason for the lengthy amount of rope this council has been afforded. No, there has not been a whole lot of coverage on this group of late mainly because wheels are just spinning. Blink and we’ll be a year into this term, so the ship needs to be righted and sails at full mast.

Look at last week’s meeting, for example.

An update on Niagara’s transit initiative was presented. I thought Nick

local municipal budgets.

Council also received a Notice of Motion recently which would allow members of council who are not on a particular sub-committee to sit in on closed sessions of that committee.

DiFlavio made the best point in follow up questions when he noted there was very little in terms of Grimsby oriented detail in the presentation. Any taxpayer should be concerned about cost, by far as #1, and ridership. How much bang are we getting for our buck.

I get the presenter will make the same comments at every council in the region, but each council would and should want information directly related to their tax base. That simply was not there. That should have been pressed.

But much of the comment ended up surrounding accessibility of the service. Sure, that’s important, but should not be #1 on the hit list with a brand new operation in category which is notorious for costs becoming out of control quickly. Cost, cost, cost is something every elected official in the region needs to watch like a hawk with transit or that cost centre will quickly consume large chunks of

Uhhh, that is what you call Committee of The Whole. If Grimsby council wanted all councillors to sit in on every sub-committee, why bother reverting back to the sub-committee format?

Before you even get into the situations where quorums of council could be formed in these situations, the bigger picture and moving the Town forward needs to be at the forefront.

Sub-committees allow for more debate and access for residents, while not holding up an entire council meeting as was repeatedly happening in COTW. Council members need to trust fellow members and lay members to digest all that detail and present educated motions of support or denial on topics discussed.

The system worked in Grimsby forever. Let it happen.

There was a series of other minor things but, as noted, I remain optimistic, maybe foolishly. All they need to do is get out of the weeds, step back, and come at things with wider vision. If they don’t, it will be a waste of another four years.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Delivered via Canada Post

Dear Editor, For the 10 plus years, since relocating to this “region”, I have truly enjoyed reading all editorials and comments in the “Newsnow publication”.

All of your journalists (including yourself), have assisted me on the ongoing occurrences around this region and some delightful reading.

Congratulations, I

know that your journey has been extremely difficult - dealing with numerous changes and takeovers.

You have done a great job and I am sure, like all of your dedicated readers, we all appreciate you

continuing your quest to continue this outstanding commitment.

Your last editorial, “No Christmas cards from DSBN”, really opened my eyes on how a single person (Mat Miller, WNSS principal) can “influence” public opinion.

In addition, treating “concerned” tax payers (as mentioned) with no respect when

DSBN choice another brick in the wall: writer

Dear Editor, Two things should surprise nobody, Mr. Editor.

One, District School Board of Niagara took an off-base, heavy handed approach in sulking because legitimate information was made public - which is of genuine public concern - when (West Niagara Secondary School principal) Mat Miller chose not to provide you with grad photos for the kids this year.

Two, that you came through for the public in providing the information we need to know about - in this

case at the expense of a great memory for the grads, unfortunately.

When DSBN said they were closing South Lincoln, we bit the bullet. When we found out from you

they blew $20 million to clean up soil at the new site, we said “whatever”.

When will someone’s head roll for this mismanagement?

Angela Kikkert Smithville

the lady was just trying to source answers from him is totally rude.

What goes around, Mike, will always come around.

Please, continue to be the “voice” for this area. I am proud of you and your commitment.

David Budzinsky Vineland