Grimsby tourism needs champions

Not all that long ago, Grimsby had an enthusiastic group of people who were trying to encourage more tourists to come to our town. More visitors would make us feel proud of Grimsby, and also stimulate businesses by staying in hotels and B&Bs, dining in our restaurants, and shopping. What happened to that dream? It seems that our future is just more development which will discourage tourists. If you were to come to Grimsby as a visitor, what would you see and do? You might visit our well-known Art Gallery, or the Grimsby Historical Society’s archives which abounds with heritage and genealogical information. You could drive 5-6 kms south to our

A Small Drop of Ink

By Dorothy Turcotte

major sports complex or walk up the Forty Mile Creek Trail to the Bruce Trail or have a look at the painted cottages at Grimsby Beach. Then what?

The old Place Polonaise property would have made a wonderful waterfront park that would surely lure motorists from the QEW – but it’s now all development. For decades there was talk of a golf course and recreation complex on The Bench east of Park Road, but that’s all development now, too.

The beautiful mansions on Main Street East and West, built in the Victorian period with the proceeds of successful fruit farms, are falling to developers or are hemmed in by development.

Our shoreline has not been nurtured to provide improvements to our natural beaches. Nelles Beach has a boat launch ramp, but as far as I can tell, it’s unuseable, and you can’t even get to the beach. What a shame, when there is a lovely park right there.

The point I’m trying to make is that Grimsby has, or has had, a lot of possibilities for tourism.

Unfortunately, no one is championing our advantages to make the most of them. Instead, the emphasis seems to be on development and condos, especially in places where they are most unsuitable.

GBF ready for Back To School Program

It may still be July, but Grimsby Benevolent Fund is gearing up for its annual Back To School Program.

“Our Back-To-School Program assists low-income families with children residing in Grimsby by helping local students prepare for their return to school in September. Registered children will receive a new backpack, stationary supplies, running shoes, and school snacks,” said Ashley Marr, GBF’s director of programs.

“In addition, program funds raised are used to support school-related activity fees that take place throughout the year such as: trips, photos, uniforms, graduation fees and so much more. We anticipate supporting 130 local students this year. It is our goal to raise $15,000 in donations to support this upcoming school year.”

GBF is collecting monetary donations for the program as well as new backpacks, school supplies reusable water bottles and lunch containers and school snacks. Registered students will pick-up their backpacks and running shoes starting on Aug. 16. Donations can be dropped off to 40 Elm St. in Grimsby or visiting www.gbfgrimsby.com to provide a monetary donation.

Customers shopping in GBF’s retail store can purchase a $2 paper apple, in honour of a special child as well.

Bowled over

Police were called to control a rowdy bunch of seniors....but seriously, Beamsville Lawn Bowling Club hosted a friendly “jitney” tournament - team members from various community clubs play on mixed teams as opposed to solely with their local club - on July 14. The club is always looking for more members, no experience required, just email Ann Marie: firstdaysofsummer82@gmail.com

Region moves on attainable housing plan, efficiencies

​In response to some of the most pressing concerns of residents and businesses, this week Niagara Region outlined its initial plans to both increase the supply of attainable housing options and find ways to better utilize public resources across Niagara.

The decision to place housing and public sector efficiency at the top of the priority list not only reflects the desires of the public, it also directly aligns with the direction of the provincial government and their efforts to see more homes built across Ontario, said Reg. Chair Jim Bradley. Immediate next steps to advance shared service priorities include:

​• Finalizing the evaluation and prioritization criteria for shared services opportunities

• Approval of the workplan to implement identified projects

• Hiring the appropriate staff resources needed to expedite the implementation of the workplan.