Jim Bucknall and grandson, Shelby Bucknall, demonstrate how a 1920’s era wheat binder harvests crops. The Bucknalls will be doing demonstrations during the upcoming International Plowing Match set for Sept. 16-20 at West Niagara Fairgrounds in Grassie.
Loree - Photo
Historic harvest skills will be just one of many International Plowing Match demos
By Evan Loree For NewsNow
The International Plowing Match is coming to Niagara Sept. 16, and area farmers have long been getting ready, especially since this one is special. It is the first time since Niagara will play host to the storied event since 1926.
Life-long Lincoln resident and farmer Jim Bucknall, 86, has been steeped in farming traditions since he was born.
The farmer keeps a collection of antique farm equipment at his Campden farm - including a threshing machine, wheat binder
and two steam engines.
“I grew up with this kind of stuff,”
Jim said, adding he was descended from a long line of farmers who settled in the Campden area for at least four generations.
Much of the equipment is more than a century old and long made obsolete by modern machinery,
but Jim wants to keep the history of agriculture alive.
His antique thresher is used to separate bundles of wheat from chaff, after the crop has been cut and harvested from the field.
Jim explained that his family would have used wheat binders
See HISTORY Page 6
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
Procurement issues for fire alarm components have led to a delay in West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s Oct. 27 re-opening date.
In a memo to staff on Monday, Hamilton Health Sciences (which operates WLMH) said, “Our construction partner, EllisDon, has advised that the hospital’s opening – originally targeted for October 27, 2025 – will be rescheduled due to a delay in substantial completion. While a new date has not been confirmed, we will have more clarity in the weeks ahead and will provide an update as soon as we can.”
Tony Joosse, co-chair of the WLMH Save & Rebuild Action Committee, says delays are not unusual these days.
“It is important to remem-
ber, we’ve still had the quickest completion goal in Ontario history when you consider the start of the process to when the keys will be handed over,” said Joosse.
“The sod turning took place April 30, 2022, with construction starting that summer. It was going to be a 3-3.5 years build, so we’re right there.”
“Unfortunately, today we were notified that the contractor missed the substantial completion date due to procurement delays. Although disappointing, I am still very excited that we will be enjoying our new hospital soon.”
As part of the HHS memo, Ellis-Don issued the following statement, “Work on the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital continues to move forward.
While the project remains in its final stages, some recent
complexities and procurement challenges will result in a delay to the hospital’s opening date, originally targeted for October 27, 2025.”
“We want to assure you that work on site remains active and progress continues every day. Our team is committed to delivering this long-awaited facility as soon as possible, and we are working hard to navigate these final challenges.”
“As soon as a new hospital opening date is determined, we will provide an update. We appreciate your continued patience and support as we push toward the finish line.”
For Joosse, keeping the eye on the prize is important.
“Our existing WLMH will continue to provide excellent care and the new one will be open soon, and that is great news for the community,” said Joosse.
soaring eagle resorT & Casino 2025
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entertainment
• Stop at Cranberry Farmers Market
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• Visit to Cookstown Outlet Mall on the way home
• $90 US Slot Bonus (with Player’s Card– $30 per day)
• Enjoy the large Casino on property and nearby Bingo Hall.
• Optional visit to Mount Pleasant for shopping at Meijer’s OR Walmart
• Optional visit to either Frankenmuth and Bronners Christmas Store for shopping and sightseeing OR you may choose (weather permitting) a visit to Birch Run Outlet Mall
Voting on Canada Post’s final offers to its Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) employees began Monday, July 21 and will continue until Friday, Aug. 1 at 5 p.m.
The vote was set in motion by a federal government directive back in June demanding management’s final offer be put to a vote by union members.
It has not been made public when or how the results of the vote will be announced.
CUPW has said that if its two bargaining units vote against the deals (which it is recommending members do), the union will take no further job action while it and Canada Post are at the bargaining table.
For the Crown corporation’s part, the Canadian Press has reported that spokesman Jon Hamilton said that in the event one or both of the contracts are not accepted “Canada Post won’t speculate other than to say the uncertainty will continue.”
In the near term, this means that the earliest the postal system could shutdown due to a strike or lockout would be the beginning of August.
If both agreements are approved, then they would come into force retroactively to Feb. 1, 2024 and run until Jan. 31, 2028.
There would be no strikes or lockouts until 2028.
If one bargaining unit approves and the other does not, then a system shutdown could be possible until both the urban and suburban members have signed contracts. If both contracts are rejected, both sides are back to square one.
“I am just looking forward to a day we can put this mess behind us,” said NewsNow publisher Mike Williscraft. “Our carriers continue to do a great job and our rural readers have been very understanding about picking up their copy. Resolution will be a good thing for the country, not just us.”
The Corporation of the Town of Grimsby
Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Town Hall, 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, ON L3M 0J5.
The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the Town Hall, 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby.
Description of Land:
ROLL NO. 26 15 020 022 25900 0000, 525 MAIN ST W, GRIMSBY, PIN 46042-0206 LT, PT LT 21 CON 2 NORTH GRIMSBY AS IN RO719119; GRIMSBY, FILE NAGY24-044 Minimum tender amount: $411,796.08
According to the last returned assessment roll, the assessed value of the land is $1,009,000.00.
This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act.
Effective January 1, 2023, in accordance with the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (SC 2022, c 10, s 235) (the “Act”), non-Canadians are now prohibited from purchasing residential property in Canada, directly or indirectly, pursuant with the terms as set out in the Act and Regulations under the Act.
A copy of the prescribed form of tender is available on the website of the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository under the listing for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. For further information regarding this sale and a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact: visit www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or if no internet access available, contact: Tony Del Monaco, CPA, CMA Director of Finance / Treasurer The Corporation of the Town of Grimsby 160 Livingston Avenue Grimsby ON L3M 0J5 905-945-9634 ext. 2024 tdelmonaco@grimsby.ca www.grimsby.ca
From Page 1 in the 1930s and 40s - when he was a child - to harvest wheat before throwing it in a thresher. That, he said, was before those machines were replaced by modern combines, which do both jobs at once.
This year, if the weather is favourable at the plowing match, he plans to use his restored Sawyer Massey steam engine to power up his wheat thresher and demonstrate how farmers got the job done before that invention.
Before the wheat can be
threshed, it needs to be harvested, and that’s where the binder comes in..
Jim’s grandson, Shelby Bucknal, said there is no date on the binder, so it was impossible to say exactly when it was made.
The binder is designed to be pulled by a tractor but he said many were built to be
pulled by horses.
As the machine’s wheels roll over the ground, a series of gears and chains turn a reeling wheel which guides wheat over a cutter and onto a conveyer belt.
From there, the belt carries the cut wheat to an automatic bundler, ties it off, and deposits it back onto the ground to be retrieved for threshing later.
(Left) Shelby Bucknall at the controls of the binder.
(Below) Jim and Shelby Bucknall take a break from their wheat harvest.
Loree Photos
Jim, who said he bought his wheat binder in Manitoulin back in 1992, noted his father and grandfather would have used the same machines to harvest wheat before him.
To his knowledge, there are only three binders, including his, which are still operational. He said, once running, they are simply to maintain.
In September, Jim hopes the weather will be favourable enough for people to see his steam engines and wheat thresher at work, just as they were in the 1920s.
Spacious
Thanks to a great response over the last few weeks, NewsNow is ready to deliver for our community. We are now having our carriers go door-to-door in Grimsby, Beamsville, Vineland, Jordan & Smithville. There are still a handful of routes not filled, so if you happened to miss your copy - or if you live in an outlying rural area - we have planned a large list of helpful outlets to allow for quick and convenient pick ups.
Adalynn Van Weelden, 5, and brother Rafael, 6, play with 3D printed toys while visiting a vendor at Saturday’s Lincoln Fire Department fundraiser.
(Right) Firefighter Jesse Vandermaas has Malcolm MacDonald, 6, practicing with a fire hose at a Lincoln Fire Department fundraiser hosted by the Beamsville Family Worship Centre on Saturday at Great Lakes Christian High School.
(Below) Sofia Silva-Newton, 10, and dad Will play a game of ring toss.
Right) Charlotte Morrison, 2, enjoys an icecream cone.
Dear Friends,
Founded in 1965, 2025 marks 60 years of service delivery by GBF Community Services. This milestone reminds us of the persistent need for food security and social services in our community.
60 years ago, Mike Barretto (pictured), concerned community members, and service groups brought the Grimsby community together to create solutions for the many social issues people were facing at that time.
Mike developed strong partnerships to initially address the need for food security in Grimsby. He founded GBF to provide Emergency Food Services run by volunteers. The demand on these services revealed the need for further expansion involving programs, fundraising, and food collection.
60 years ago, unemployment was a major driver of food bank usage. Today, growth comes from newcomers to Canada and those relying on social assistance programs. Lack of affordable housing and inflation are the main reasons for growth in food bank usage.
Today, GBF continues to be a beacon of hope for our community’s most vulnerable and the provider of essential services and programs to those in need.
There is so much incredible work being done at GBF Community Services and we are so proud of where we have come from and where we are headed. In 2024, thanks to you, we shared the equivalent value of services and food in the amount of $4.5 million.
On behalf of all of us at GBF, thank you. We know we would not be where we are today without you. We are extremely proud and grateful to everyone that has supported our efforts over the years. You are the reason GBF is highly regarded and respected by so many.
We are committed to delivering dignified services for many more years to come.
STACY ELIA Chief Executive Officer
GBF Community Services needs you! We all have a role to play in contributing towards an engaged, healthy, and thriving community. Here are some of the many ways that you can help your neighbours:
VOLUNTEER
We have an awesome volunteer program that will provide you with training, mentorship, and a very rewarding experience.
DONATE FOOD, HOUSEHOLD AND HYGIENE PRODUCTS
SPREAD THE WORD
Tell people about GBF through word of mouth, social media
MAKE MONETARY & IN-KIND DONATIONS
SHOP FOR DEALS AT OUR THRIFT STORE
RECYCLE SCRAP METAL, ELECTRONICS
BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR
VOLUNTEER AS A CLUB OR BUSINESS
See first-hand the positive impact you can make!
GBF Community Services 40 Elm Street, P.O. Box 231, Grimsby, ON L3M 4G3 gbfgrimsby.com/donate-now • (905) 309-5664 x33
Charitable Registration #82122 7147 RR0001
A 50-year-old man is wanted for questioning in the death of St. Catharines resident Larry Pearce, 82, at Charles Daley Park last Thursday, July 17.
Niagara Regional Police were called to the park at 9:45 a.m. to find Pearce a victim of a hit and run.
Detectives have determined that Pearce arrived alone at Charles Daley Park in his vehicle at approximately 9 a.m. and remained at the park until approximately 9:40 a.m.
At that time he was believed to be exiting the park in his vehicle when, near the front entrance, he stopped and engaged in an interaction with unknown suspect(s).
During this encounter, the Pearce exited his vehicle, at
which point the suspect(s) entered and took control of it.
Pearce stood in front of the vehicle in an attempt to prevent the suspect(s) from fleeing. During this confrontation, he fell to the ground, and the suspect(s) fled the area in his vehicle.
Pearce was transported to an out-of-region hospital in critical condition, but later succumbed to his injuries.
His vehicle, a 2012 silver Honda CRV with an Ontario license plate 24FS30, is still unaccounted for.
Detectives assigned to the NRPS Collision Reconstruction Unit assumed carriage of the motor vehicle collision investigation. Detectives assigned to the NRPS 8 District Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) assumed
carriage of the outstanding vehicle investigation. Both investigative teams are working collaboratively and are receiving support from detectives with the NRPS Forensic Services Unit (FSU).
Detectives are seeking witnesses and any available video footage related to the incident. Members of the community are asked to review any dashcam, cell phone, or surveillance footage recorded between 9-9:45 a.m. and to contact investigators if anything relevant is captured.
The NRP investigation has identified 50-year-old Davy Rocchetti, of no fixed address, as a person of interest in this incident.
Rocchetti has outstanding warrants in the first instanc-
es for an unrelated matter, including mischief under $5,000, theft under $5,000, three counts of operation while prohibited, and fail to comply with probation.
Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding Rocchetti’s whereabouts to contact police. If he is seen, do not approach him; call 911 immediately.
Homicide investigators still wish to speak with Rocchetti about any information he may have in relation to the ongoing homicide investigation.
Police encourage Rocchetti to contact legal counsel and turn himself into the NRPS to address his outstanding warrants.
In addition, police continue to appeal to anyone who was at Charles Daley Park
on the morning of Thursday, July 17, 2025, between 7-10 a.m., to contact investigators.
The vehicle involved in this incident, belonging to the victim, a 2012 Honda CRV, grey in colour Ontario licence plate 24FS30, remains outstanding. It has become known to investigators that the vehicle is equipped with two roof racks at the time it was taken. Detectives are actively working to locate it as part of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009450.
Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara at 1-800-222-8477.
“Were it left to me to decide if we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
Thomas Jefferson, 1787
(Couldn’t we use more of that thinking south of the border right now)
We are about to complete our 13th year of serving our dedicated readers and advertisers in Niagara West! That seems hard to believe, but it’s true. Just like every stitch of content you read in our pages. We’ve tried to shoot photos at every community event, expose serious stories which were very much in the public’s interest, and let all know the goings on for our great services club and community groups. If you’re looking to social media for information, good luck. It’s a cesspool of misinformation. In short, if it moves, we’re on it! And we still have a lot to do. By helping us out with a voluntary subscription you can support that goal
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.
Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week –receive your copy of NewsNow - whether that be with Canada Post or if we have our own carrier force. That will NOT change!!!!
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 wishes of good health to you all!
45 Main Street West, L3M 1R3, Grimsby • 289-235-9500
Mike Williscraft Publisher
According to Popular Mechanics, oxidation can adversely affect iron-based metals. That can put vehicles in jeopardy and take significant time off their life expectancy. Consider these simple strategies to protect their paint jobs:
• Make car washes part of your vehicle maintenance routine. Over time, contaminants such as pollen, dust and pollution can settle on a vehicle’s exterior, potentially jeopardizing the paint job.
• Wax the exterior of the vehicle. Some paste waxes contain mild abrasives
that help remove fine scratches from painted surfaces.
Wax also can protect paint jobs from fading related to exposure to ultraviolet rays. That’s especially noteworthy for drivers who do not routinely park their cars in a garage.
• Use a car cover. Car covers may or may not be practical for cars drivers use every day, but they are an effective way to protect a paint job from the elements.
· Park in the shade, but choose spots wisely. A shade tree might seem like a great ally to vehicle owners, but if
1. Do I Have the Right to Select the Shop That Will Repair My Vehicle?
Yes. By law, as the owner of the vehicle damaged in an accident, you have the right to choose the shop to repair your vehicle.
2. Do I Need More Than One Estimate?
Bill Hanson passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, at the age of 94, at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby, Ontario, surrounded by his loving family. Guided by a lifelong faith, Bill now rests safe in the arms of his Saviour Jesus.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 70 years, Lois, and their sons Mark, Daniel, and Scott (Shelley). He was a proud and caring grandfather to Matthew, Myles (Thea), Grace, Emma-Leigh, Blair (Elizabeth), Jamie (Lyndon), and Seth, and a joyful great-grandfather to Torvyn, Warden, Charlie, Theodore, Indigo, Winnie, and Lark. He is also lovingly remembered by his nephew David Evans (Martha) and their son Jacob, and dear friends Ralph and Laureen Schumann. Bill was predeceased by his parents Harold and Mabel, and his siblings Claire and Richard.
Bill worked for two decades at Becton Dickinson Medical Supply Company and was a beloved instructor in the Business Faculty Department at Mohawk College, where he taught economics and business law for over 25 years. Even in retirement, Bill stayed actively involved in his community through his work with Nissan and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, lending his wisdom and work ethic to every role he took on. Bill sought to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of Mountainview Christian Reformed Church.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the church community at Mountainview, the caring staff at the United Mennonite Home and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, and Dr. Zandi. A special thank you to Dr. James Woodland, for years of kind and compassionate care.
A Celebration of Bill’s life was held at Mountainview Christian Reformed Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Auxiliary of West Lincoln Memorial Hospital or the United Mennonite Home.
Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905945-2755.
www.smithsfh.com
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kevin Cherney at the Hamilton General Hospital, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the age of 46. Devoted father of Lewis and Clark. Cherished son of Ken Cherney (Jan Kay) and the late Helen. Dear brother of Krista Joy, New Zealand. Kevin will be missed by his sons’ mother, Isla and his extended family in Manitoba - Sheilagh and Paula and in Ontario, Cheryl, Sandy, Laura and Brad. Although he is gone way too soon, he will be remembered as an excellent photographer and an amazing woodworker. His ready smile and generous nature made him a friend to everyone. Kevin had many passions. Music led to speakers in every room. Long distance biking became a 160km race in one day. He impressed many with his chef-like talents in the kitchen. Kevin, may you be at peace as you listen to the music you loved and sand a beautiful piece of wood in your happy place - your workshop.
Visitation at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025 from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will take place at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 156 Main Street W, Grimsby, on Thursday, July 24th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Kevin will be interred in Neepawa, Manitoba at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions to the Hamilton General Hospital ICU would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
www.smithsfh.com
Brett Melitzer July 27, 1987
until we meet again
We think about you always, We talk about you still, You have never been forgotten, and you never well.
We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain,
To walk and guide us through our lives, until we meet again.
jankowski, L. Col. Father Edward
Passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, in his 96th year. Predeceased by mother Anna (The 5 foot giant), brothers Al, Tony, Ben, Lou and John. Father Bronislaw. Survived by sister in law Roseanna, nephews Michael, Lou, John, Len, Ryan and Bill, nieces Bonnie, Esther, Brenda, April and Kathy, many grand-nieces, nephews, cousins Anna, Maria and Roman in Poland. From humble beginnings in Winnipeg, Fr. Ed was in his 70th year as a Catholic priest with churches and the Canadian Military in Germany and Canada. (Mainly St. Joseph’s in Grimsby and St. Helen’s in Beamsville.) He became fluent in English, French, German and Polish and enjoyed people, fine dining and wine. He gave all thanks to the selfless sacrifices of mother, Anna, for without her unshakable trust in divine providence, inner strength and iron will - this wondrous journey could not have happened. Visitation at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 135 Livingston Ave, Grimsby, Friday, July 24, 2025, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM with Prayer Vigil at 8:30 PM Funeral Mass celebrated at the church on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11 AM. Private burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial contributions to St. Joseph’s Church in Grimsby or St. Helen’s Church in Beamsville, would be sincerely appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755 www.smithsfh.com
VEry ClEAn, quiEt, small building backyard access private waterfront. One bedroom, new fridge, stove recently renovated $1975. 289683-9595
bArtlEtt StorAgE Bartlett, Road Beamsville. Delinquent account for storage unit. Last attempt to contact for storage unit number A-16. If the renter of Unit A-16 does not contact us and make payment before Aug 7, 2025, liquidation of the unit will result.
rubbiSh & JunK rEMoVAl. Call Ken 905-973-3235
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Struggling with hurtS, hAng-uPS 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 905-9459529
CARS CArS, truCKS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. we pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.
SpEcIalIzED In carpEnTrY - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring, Power Washing, Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485
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rEQuIrED - Experienced bookkeeper sought for a local church. Looking for a motivated, detail-oriented individual with good communication skills to join our team. An ability to work and meet deadlines independently is necessary. 2024 hours per month. Duties include: accounts payable, recording receivables, payroll using ADP, accrual accounting and submission of applicable government reports and forms. Proficiency using QuickBooks or other accounting software is required. Please send your resume and references to info@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca
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I pay it for all your old hockey mags, books, hockey news, programs, ticket stubs and cards. Tim 905510-3658 - Beamsville.
BarTlETT SToragE
Bartlett, Road Beamsville. Delinquent account for storage unit. Last attempt to contact for storage unit number A-16. If the renter of Unit A-16 does not contact us and make payment before Aug. 7, 2025, liquidation of the unit will result.
largE rETIrEMEnT
SuITE in a spacious & bright living/bed with kitchenette and private bath, includes homecooked meals, cleaning and laundry. single $1595, couple $2,695., short term available. 905-515-6755 Fonthill West. see yelllowpages.photos/365
chIMnEY & porch rEpaIrS, Interlock Restoration, Parging. Call: 905-5129565. info@greyrockmasonry.com. www.greyrockmasonry.com hoME
• Roofing • Siding • Eavestrough • Soffit
• Gutter Guard • Fascia 30 years experience! Mike 905-598-5355
InDEpEnDEnT profESSIonal garDEnEr. Licensed. Insured. Seasonal maintenance services: pruning, weeding, mulching, plant care, planting, tree trimming, garden design. Free estimates. Grimsby based. Call Chris. (289)407.2325
concrETE Regular Concrete, Colour Concrete, Stamped Concrete, Exposed Aggregate Driveways, Porches, Patios, Stairs, Sidewalks, Garage Floors, Leaky Basement. Repairs as well. Serving Niagara Area for over 30 years. lpJ concrETE conTracTor. call 905651-9462
Professional Painting flooring and a lot more. Removing popcorn ceiling and replacing with California knockdown or smooth ceiling. Most of your home needs. dunajozef6@gmail. com. 905-730-1387
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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
garDEn clEan-up, garden design, Garden edging and mulching. trees/bushes trim and cut. Clean gutters and evesdrop. Pressure washing. 289-668-9160
hVac licensed gas Technician • Installation, Service Maintenance • Heating, Cooling, Gas Lines • Local Free Quotes • References upon request. call Blake 365-889-7838
Business Directory Call 289-235-9500
Thank you NewsNow for your Lincoln ward boundary review coverage.
Vineland is unique as the Heritage Village resident explained at the June 30th council meeting.
There are many retired residents in Vineland who do not use social media and depend on a combination of snail mail and NewsNow for their local news.
Retired adults might be up to 50 per cent of the adult population in Vineland.
There should have been an in person meeting in Vineland. We were denied our opportunity to be part of the process.
Does the low survey participation indicate the social media is not an effective
method of communication?
This is the question council should be asking.
Stick to what worked in the past, that being newspaper ads and mail. The comment “we go above and beyond” might mean something when 90 per cent of the community is informed rather than the other way around. How Watson and Associates selected a 3-ward system is a mystery. Why council went along with it is a mystery.
Should this 3 ward system not survive an OLT challenge, can council request a refund?
Judith Young, Vineland
100% Niagara owned & operated
Our Team:
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289-442-4244
General Manager - Catherine Williscraft
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45 Main St. West, Grimsby, ON, L3M 1R3 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848
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The stupidity that is social media was on full display this week when an outto-lunch Facebook page claimed to have breaking news, but really just published a press release which the site manager clearly did not understand.
The impact of that kind of fake crap was evident when I could not get into the office on Tuesday before I was stopped by a worried couple.
electronic.
We tried to buy a laptop last month. The one we wanted as out of stock and not available for two months, so we detoured and opted to take another model.
Shelby Bucknall, left, and grandfather Jim in front of a restored steam engine used to clear fields during harvest time. The engine will be part of Jim’s demonstration at the International Plowing Match in September at West Niagara Fairgrounds. Loree - Photo
Something needs to be made crystal clear regarding the ward boundary discussion underway at Town of Lincoln. Nobody, but nobody, said straight up status quo is the way to go. Yes, it was said by residents and the consultant that the current four-ward system has worked and is working, but ALL recognized Ward 4 needs boundary tweaks to stay within population standards. This could be done easily and quite simply - meaning the entire structure does not need to be reinvented. M.W.
“You’re the fellow from NewsNow, yes? We’re hoping you can find out about the indefinite delay at the hospital,” the fellow said.
The key with the wording of the release was it read, in part, “delay in substantial completion.”
Now, if you don’t know construction terms for major public facilities like a hospital or an arena, substantial completion is the point when the keys are turned over and control/responsibility changes over. Then a three-month test period fires up while - in this case - Ministry of Health confirms all is good to go.
It should not be confused with substantial delay, two words which just happened to be in the same session and - if you’re not paying attention, as happens on social media every single day - you end up with misinformation which does nothing but send people down errant paths.
I had intended to do a Part Deux of the proposed Lincoln ward boundary shuffle as last week’s story and column generated a
ton of feedback. One letter writer agreed with the move, about 40 disagreed, but I only had room for two letters this week.
I’ve also had an new office-based piece parked for the last couple of weeks. It will come when there is a quieter issue week but, for this week, as will always happen - West Lincoln Memorial Hospital takes precedence.
Working some back channels, I was able to find out the procurement issue faced by the contractor, Ellis-Don, revolves around components for the facility’s fire alarm.
Anyone out there in reader land want to see the doors open without a fully operational fire alarm?
Of course not.
The other issue with the release was the grey area around any potential timing. As anyone who has tried to do anything in a construction vein in the last couple of years knows full well that supply chain issues can pop up at any time without warningespecially with anything
With something like a fire alarm, it would be quite likely fewer detours would be available and the end customer would likely find themselves in a waiting mode - as it seems the case is here.
Having looked into this by working contacts and doing a proper story resulted in a detailed, accurate storyanother phenomenon rarely seen on social media.
Publishing a press release and fanning flames with sensationalized headlines does nobody any favours but may generate a few extra hits. Well bully for them.
The bottom line is the hospital is right on the edge of completion once the supply issues are resolved - nothing sinister, no cover up, just the state of construction in 2025.
I get that digital is the future, but that does not mean it is the best way to disseminate information. It certainly is not the most accurate as history shows us over and over.
If you hear or see something going on and want accurate info - if I have any to offer - feel free to give me a call, 289-442-4244 or email me, mike@wn3.ca
Of late, I’ve had more inquiries which are good stories waiting to happen than I can get to, but I will get to them - rest assured.
Dear Editor, It is not often that I disagree with your position and/ or comments on a particular subject matter but I do in relation to your article and editorial regarding the Lincoln Ward Boundary and Council Composition in your July 17th edition.
We did our best as residents to be well informed on this topic as all residents should.
I saw the notices, attended 2 PICs’, read all Speak-up Lincoln materials, reviewed Council’s agenda, and attended the full council meeting in person. In my opinion the Town of Lincoln fulfilled their responsibilities to inform and engage residents.
The goal of the project as stated in the consultant’s report was “…to ensure that the review process is transparent, equitable…” and “… supports equitable representation.”
The total population of Lincoln in 2025 is 27,100, Ward 1 has the highest at 8045, Ward 4 has the lowest at 5125 which results in residents per councillor of 4022 and 2562, respectively.
This shows a disproportionate influence/representation in Ward 4.
This review was brought forward by a Ward 4 Councillor in October 2024. It was approved by council in December and started in January 2025.
The consultant’s report clearly stated that while the current model is technically viable, it is not optimal and will no longer be viable past 2026.
The consultant made it clear that while public input was valued, their recommendations were grounded in data and designed to ensure equitable representation over the long term.
Although the ward boundaries, number of wards and councillors are changing, all Lincoln residents will still have effective and equitable representation.
A proactive approach to reducing council size is a good result of this review given the province’s overall push to reduce the size of government.
The final proposal was based on expert analysis, provincial best practices and an objective, forwardlooking assessment of Lincoln’s current and future needs.
“It’s worked for 50 years” is not forward thinking.
Council will be ratifying their decision for Option 1, three Wards and six Councillors, on July 30th which received a vote of 6-3 in favor.
Any marshalling of opposition to stop the ratification of this decision should not be entertained by Lincoln Council at the July 30th meeting given there was ample time, six months, for residents to engage in this process.
David Jacobs Beamsville
