NewsNow E-Edition March 14 2024

Thursday,

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By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

A game changer development has been proposed to alter the western entrance to Lincoln along the QEW with a 400-plus residential complex, six buildings in total, including a hotel and conference centre.

Lincoln Lakeview has been in the works for more than two years before coming to a public meeting last week.

The development is proposed for the intersection of Ontario Street and the North Service Road in Beamsville. It requires Official Plan and zoning bylaw amendments as well as the merging of two lots.

The site, which has been vacant agriculture land for 25 years, was rezoned to allow for a gas station preCOVID, but nothing materialized.

This project, because of its proximity to a proposed GO rail stop, is included within a high density radius. which allows for increased height and density, said consultant William Heikoop.

When questioned by Coun. Mike Mikolic about the added height, Heikoop said it was required to offset increased cost of under-

ground parking - 466 of the total 795 parking spaces could be underground. He also noted that the added residential capacity was needed as extensive commercial space has been included in the proposal.

“Secondly, the driver was maintaining the amount of activity and accessibility to those commercial spaces. I’m sure you are aware some of the other commercial spaces along this QEW corridor have not taken off, necessarily, as well as a lot of other communities had hoped,” said Heikoop.

“So, we’ve come forward with what we believe is a balanced proposal that, yes, does go higher in

height but provides those residential uses and units in an efficient, economic way that will help support the viability of that commercial use long-term.”

Mikolic’s concerns remained.

“If we rezone, is anything going to happen here? It was listed for sale, I think, for $20 million. It seems to be a financial benefit to this rezoning that would be better than, let’s say, a gas station. That’s why I like to make sure that something happens,” said Mikolic.

Josh Warkentin, Lincoln’s senior planner, said the proposed project is a better fit for the land.

“Owners have proposed

a development that really better matches the planning policies for the site,” said Warkentin, meaning the GO Station Secondary Plan,” said Warkentin.

“It’s really been identified for employment uses and, where applicable, some residential. While it’s not as close to the GO station site as other properties, our policies do allow for the consideration of residential uses in addition to the already permitted employment activities.”

Warkentin noted there are several facets staff focused on for the project, including:

• to ensure minimum of jobs/hectare targets are

met,

• compatibility with surrounding land uses •creating a design that would create a unique area in Lincoln and provide a good introduction to the Town.

• providing sufficient parking for the variety of land uses – residential, office, hotel and some retail.

• provide sufficient amenity space for residents in the building but also outdoors.

“The current proposal meets the minimum employment density, provides amenity space in excess of what our zoning requires, meets parking requirements and proposes a site

Conceptual rendering by Upper Canada Consultants for Lincoln Lakeview, proposed for the intersection of Ontario Street and the North Service Road in Beamsville. The site would include 403 residential units as well as a hotel and conference centre. Residential buildings would be nine storeys in height while the hotel would be six.

HHS names new president/CEO

Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) board of directors named Tracey MacArthur to take the reins of the corporatoin as president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 15.

“Ms. MacArthur is a distinguished hospital executive with a strong track record of driving quality and research agendas at leading academic health sciences centres,” says Keith Monrose, chair, HHS board of directors.

“We are confident that she will continue to inspire everyone at Hamilton Health Sciences to achieve our vision of best care for all.”

MacArthur has more than 25 years of leadership experience at research-intensive, academic health sciences centres in Ontario.

TRACEY MacARTHUR

“I am truly honoured to join Hamilton Health Sciences in this capacity and to further advance the organization’s role in supporting a healthy community in the greater Hamilton re-

gion and beyond,” said MacArthur. “I have a deep personal interest in building better systems of care through collaboration, quality improvement and research. Hamilton Health Sciences has a long history of excellence and a solid foundation to propel its standing as a leader in Ontario’s healthcare system.”

If you’re looking help out Community Care of West Niagara, H&R Block may be able to help you with your taxes.

The Grimsby and Beamsville locations of H&R Block are offering $10 off tax preparations for those who make a donation to CCWN before March 27. Among the items in demand right now are:

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

• Canned soup – vegetable & cream

of mushroom

• Canned beef stew or chili

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

• Cooking oils – olive, vegetable, canola etc.

• Dish soap, laundry soap & cleaning supplies.

Donations can be dropped at the Beamsville office, 4549 Ontario Street, or Grimsby, 13 Mountain St.

For more information, give H&R Block a call at 905-563-1677.

LAKEVIEW

From Page 1 design that we feel is unique and attractive for people living, visiting and passing through Lincoln.”

A key to the whole development, aside from fulfilling density goals in the area of the proposed GO station, is the employment component, said Town staff.

“As part of the process in considering this application, Town staff wanted to ensure there was a significant commercial component at the site here in Beamsville due to its location and Office Commercial land use designation,” said Matt Bruder, Lincoln’s director of planning after the meeting.

“We worked a lot with the applicant through many iterations of their concept plan even before the application process formally initiated. The goal on both sides was to strike a balance in terms of the provision of adequate commercial space that is feasible and viable. The applicant has seemed confident this is the case with the current concept.”

Regarding concerns on follow through, Heikoop noted the hotel component is already a permitted use on the site and it is proposed as Phase I, adding an agreement has already been struck with Fairfield Marriott as the corporate partner for the site.

“What is encouraging is that the current intent is to build the hotel and associated convention centre as an initial phase. So a significant commercial component up front,” said Bruder.

“We are going to be debriefing with the applicant very soon which is a normal component of the process following a public meeting. Next step is coming back with a recommendation but there’s a few conversations

we’ll be having with the applicant first. I don’t have a firm timeline just yet but should be within the next couple months.”

FEATURES

Planning consultant Ethan Laman outlined various features of the development for council, including:

• Hotel, six storeys, 90 room;

• Adjacent event centre, two storeys, 16,000 sq. ft.;

• Building A - nine storeys maximum, 149 residential units, 10,000 sq ft commercial;

• Building B - nine storeys maximum, 121 units, 8,500 sq ft commercial

• Building D - L-Shaped at corner of Ontario/South Service Road, nine storeys facing Ontario, eight storeys facing South Service Road, 133 residential units, more than 8,600 sq ft commercial;

• Building C - three storeys, 24,000 sq ft commercial.

“The development also incorporates a significant amount of programmed open space. This includes a linear park in the northwestern portion of the property. The park is intended to remain in private ownership but to be publicly accessible,” said Laman, noting a multi-use trail spanning one end of the property at Ontario Street to the eastern end of the site on the South Service Road along the QEW side of the site would also be built.”

To achieve all that, he noted the changes required to Town planning bylaws.

“The amendment proposes to add a number of permitted uses to the property, including residential uses as well as a number of commercial uses which are included in the Official Plan, but not in the Zoning Bylaw. Restrictions on residential and retail uses are proposed to protect the com-

mercial and employment generating function of the property,” said Laman.

“The amendment also includes some site-specific zoning provisions, including for minimum sideyard setback, minimum front and exterior sideyard setbacks, maximum building height, minimum drive aisle width and minimum parking requirements for the hotel.”

He added that the proposed Official Plan amendment keeps the property in the Office/Commercial designation but expands the types of uses that are permitted on the property. Adding residential, retail and service commercial uses.

Several members of council spoke to a desire to include affordable/attainable housing in the plan. The consultants noted they were open to the idea, but nothing has been planned.

Resident Darren Roorda,

who lives nearby the proposed site, raised several points at the public meeting including guests at the hotel and even residents may seek lake access but there is no Town infrastructure for that.

He also noted, having cycled extensively in the area for years, the Ontario Street overpass is not safe for pedestrians or cyclists seeking a link to the GO area or Beamsville’s core recalling a serious recent incident.

“Through a series of not watching and people going too fast through the offramp and onto the road (Ontario Street) a school bus for children of disabled nature had to skip over the curb and into oncoming traffic in order to get out of the way and crashed headon into another car,” said Roorda.

Bruder said “connectivity” concerns have been noted and would be dealt with.

Conceptual rendering by Upper Canada Consultants for Lincoln Lakeview, proposed for the intersection of Ontario Street and the North Service Road in Beamsville. The site would include 403 residential units as well as a hotel and conference centre. Residential buildings would be nine storeys in height while the hotel would be six.

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Looking for some exercise and make a few bucks?

After more than two years of circulating its weekly offering via Canada Post, NewsNow is researching going back to its own carrier force.

“It has been over two years since we were put in a toaster with our distribution supplier firing all its carriers and drivers, which necessitated changing over to Canada Post,” said publisher Mike Williscraft.

“That change has had a lot of real positives that have been really good for us, readers and advertisers who can have confidence they will get their paper in their mailbox.”

So why the possibility of change?

Several reasons, said Williscraft.

“Number one is we’ve had many and ongoing calls asking us about flyer delivery. It is something we did a lot of in the past both when I started the original Grimsby News in 1997 and when we launched NewsNow in 2012. So it is not anything new for us,” he said.

“We have all our maps and driv-

er routes, so there would be a little updating, but all we really need is carriers to plug into the system. As has been a tradition for the last 20 years, Grimsby is the challenge.”

In the past, he noted, carriers have been on a waiting list in Lincoln and West Lincoln while Grimsby has been constantly underserviced.

“Canada Post has been stellar for us in Lincoln and West Lincoln. Grimsby is our biggest area of concern. We may even shift to a dual program with some Canada Post, some carriers, but Grimsby is the focal point for us.”

If the shift to carriers materializes, the whole office is excited about it

“We loved every second of having our local kids delivering, mainly, but there were quite a few seniors who combined a walk with making a few bucks. Some donated their earnings to charity,” said Williscraft.

To submit your address and contact info, email: catherine@wn3.ca

MODERN FARMHOUSE TOWNHOMES IN BEAMSVILLE

LIFE HERE IS A WALK IN THE PARK AT UPPER STONEY CREEK

FARMHOUSE & STACKED TOWNS IN LOWER STONEY CREEK

Life on the Riverbank is timelessly and elegant. Wrapped by the woods and the Nith River, this extraordinary setting will be home to a collection of detached homes on 46’-50’ lots, urban townhomes, and a rare offering of Losani Premium statement homes.

Nestled within Vista Ridge in Beamsville, Ontario, Benchmark stands as a testament to modern farmhouse living at its finest. This community not only captures the essence of rural charm but also offers a host of key features that make it a truly unique and coveted place to call home.

Here where the trees soar overhead, the water splashes, and the trails always lead you home. The grass is greener, the backyards are bigger, and nature is quite literally right next door. This is life on Maplewood Park.

SweetBerry a new community located in Lower Stoney Creek at Barton and Glover, minutes from the QEW. This vibrant community offers escarpment views from its modern farmhouse and stacked townhomes, providing a variety of housing options for families and individuals.

Calling All Carriers!!

NewsNow is looking for carriers to fill newspaper routes in All its communities.

• Grimsby • Beamsville • Vineland

• Jordan • Smithville • Winona

Be first in line to have a route in your neighbourhood!

Each edition would be delivered to your home on Wednesdays for distribution that week.

We are also looking for drivers to make those deliveries from our depot to carriers’ homes. Flyers may be included.

We have had many calls about this in the last couple of years and have kept contact information for all inquiries, but feel free to contact us again if you are still interested.

We are researching now to assess interest from the community. To be clear, we will make the best choice on how NewsNow arrives at your door no matter what!!

Canada Post has done a good job for us, but if creating our own carrier force once again proves a better model, we are there for you readers!!

Once we have compiled a roster of interested carriers much more detail will be provided to all at that time.

To get your name on our list, contact Catherine at: catherine@wn3.ca include name, address and phone number.

1 Mountain Street, Grimsby • 289-235-9500

Gun point robbery in Lincoln Monday

An armed robbery is under investigation by Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 8 District after Hey Bud Cannabis was held up Monday night just after 9 p.m.

Officers responded to the dispensary located at 5001 Greenlane - at Ontario Street) to find an employee at the business had been robbed by a lone male suspect armed with a firearm.

The employee was not injured.

The suspect fled the area

with an undisclosed amount of currency and cannabis.

An NRPS K9 Unit attended the scene but was not able to locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as follows:

• Male white;

• 6’ tall with a large muscular build.

The suspect wore a black partial face cover, a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black shoes, and light-coloured gloves.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009023.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-2228477.

Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest. Surveillance camera image of suspect.

Solar Eclipse Contest

Shine a spotlight on your favourite business and win a unique outing at one of the best spots in Canada to view the April 8 eclipse!

What business shines brightest to you, eclipsing all the others?

Send your nomination for the West Niagara business of your choice for a chance to win 2 tickets

Vineland Estate Total Solar Eclipse Celestial Celebration Luncheon on April 8 2024. (Value

The prize includes: a sparkling reception, a themed 3-course gourmet lunch, paired with premium wines, a take home commemorative labeled wine, themed jewelry, a special keepsake booklet & eclipse viewing glasses. Time 1-4:30 pm

You can nominate a business because of great service, its providing of varied products and/or a long-standing commitment to its community.

Try to keep your submission under 300 words. The successful nominated business will also be a winner - receiving 2 full-color Quarter Page ads in NewsNow in 2024*.

(Value about $800)

Submit your nomination of 300 words or less explaining why this business eclipses all others and deserves to be recognized.

Send it to eclipse@wn3.ca along with your contact info by Friday, March 22 at 5 pm to be eligible for the draw. Good Luck!

Everybody is talking about the upcoming, rare, eclipse on April 8.

You can, too, while seated at a three-course lunch at Vineland Estates - and it may not cost you a dime.

Just submit up to 300 words shining light on your favourite business. A draw from entrants will be held with the winner getting two tickets to the event, which runs 1-4 p.m. on Monday, April 8.

The favourite business written about will also win two quarter page ads. Both prizes courtesy of NewsNow.

Enter by 5 p.m. on March 22 at: eclipse@wn3.ca

Get your eclipse glasses

Get your free glasses to view the April 8 eclipse courtesy of the Town of Grimsby and Peaker Eyeware.

Show your proof of Grimsby residency at the Peach King Centre

on Tuesday, March 19 from 6-8 p.m. to get your pair.

Two pairs per household are permitted. Donations for Grimsby Benevolent Fund are appreciated.

6th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive

“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!

1 Mountain Street, L3M 3J6, Grimsby • 289-235-9500

Mike Williscraft Publisher

SHIRTON, Brian Alan

Suddenly at his residence on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 Brian Alan Shirton passed away in his 73rd year. He is Survived by his beloved wife Linda of 46 years. Brian leaves behind 3 amazing girls and their spouses Katherine (Jeff), Jenny (Jon), and Lorrie (Corbin). He had 5 grandchildren who he dearly loved Josie, Wade, Jonathan, Calum, and Leona. Brian is also survived by his brother Larry Shirton and family.

He and Linda ran a dairy goat operation for over 20 years, while he worked for 25 years at the Township of West Lincoln as a Grader Operator until his retirement. He loved the Toronto Blue Jays, the Toronto Maple Leafs, working outside mowing lawns, and caring for his trees. He also enjoyed being a vendor at the St. Catharines Flea Market. Brian had an overwhelming love for his family which was equally returned. He will be missed by his fur babies Murphy and Henry.

The family would like to express our thanks to the 911 Operator, Paramedics, Fire Department, and the Niagara regional Police. Arrangements have been entrusted to Merritt Funeral Home, Smithville. A private funeral service was held. If desired, memorial donations to a Charity of your choice and would be appreciated and can be made through the funeral home.

“I miss you Brian.”- Love Linda

cameronsherman796@gmail.com

SENIORS SERVICE

JACkie’s senior CAre Offering care for Senior’s in their own home. Call 226938-1457 for details.

ZARUK, Donna Marie (nee Murphy)

Passed away peacefully at the Juravinski Hospital, Hamilton with her family at her side on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the age of 63. Beloved wife for 38 years of Brian Zaruk. Loving mother of Matthew (Chelsea Marr), Allison (Gavin Lutz) and Daniel (Olivia Peters). Cherished daughter of Paul and Linda Murphy. Beloved sister to Michael and Kevin Murphy. Loving sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, friend and honorary grandma to many. Donna was the glue that held her families together. If ever there was an event or family gathering, it’s because Donna organized and executed it. She made time for everyone. She retired as a Chemist from Environment Canada, but her real passion was traveling the world her with husband. Her proudest accomplishment was raising and watching their three children grow up. Donna loved hard and lived everyday to the fullest. She was reliable, kind-hearted and a trusting friend. To say she’ll be missed feels so inadequate given how she lived.

Special thank you to Dr. Graeme Fraser for the exemplary care over the last 23 years, Dr. Chu and the cardiac team at the Hamilton General Hospital, the ICU team at Juravinski Hospital and all of the incredible doctors and nurses we met along the way.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905945-2755) on Saturday March 16, 2024 from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. If desired, memorial contributions to Juravinski Cancer Centre c/o Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

www.smithsfh.com

LANDSCAPING

YARD CARE

GArden CleAnuPs * Weeding * Pruning * Tree Trimming * Shrub Removal * Edging Mulching * Free Quotes * Insured * Call Chris 289-407-2325

T&G lAndsCAPinG Lawn Maintenance, Sod and Lawn Work, Top Seeding Aerating & Fertilizing, Fences and Decks, Snowplowing, Fire wood for sale. Leaky Basement. Frank Tirimacco 905-651-4410 tgland@hotmail.com

CLAYTON JARVIS

1932-

Can it be five years have passed since you went away?

We’ve missed the happiness you brought each and every day.

We think of you so often and treasure our memories.

You were ALL the special things that an Uncle ought to be.

Patience, love and laughter just to name a few.

So very many reasons we have for loving you.

We know you’ve found a blessed peace along with eternal rest.

We love you Uncle Clayton you were the very best.

HANDYMAN SERVICES

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CONCRETE

sTruGGlinG WiTh hurTs, hAnG-uPs or hAbiTs?

“Celebrate

OBITUARIES

KOVACS, Paul Steve

June 30, 1938 –February 20, 2024

With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Paul Steve Kovacs on Feb 20, 2024. Paul was born in Ukk, Hungary to Lajos and Ilona Kovacs. Paul immigrated to Canada as a refugee during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. He settled in Fort Erie and attended George Brown College and did his apprenticeship at Weinmann Electric where he requalified as a Master Electrician. During the 1960’s Paul began working as an electrician at General Motors, St. Catharines where he worked in Preventive Maintenance. Paul met his wife Mary Speck at the Welland Hungarian Hall, they married in 1963. Together Paul and Mary enjoyed 60 years of marriage filled with love, humour and compromise. Paul is survived by his wife Mary, his daughter Ilona (Brianpredeceased) and is now reunited with his beloved son Steven (Sandra). Paul leaves behind his loving grandchildren Andrew (Nicole), Alexandra (Brian), Zach, Katie and Alexie (Wade), and his adoring great grandson Jasper. Paul was a much loved and special Godfather to Alex, Ian, Andy and Krista. He leaves behind a brother Louis (Janet-predeceased) in Fort Erie, George (Susan) in Szekesfehervar, Eva (Tomas) in Siofok in Hungary and their families. He also leaves behind his Family in Mezobereny Hungary. Paul was also a dear friend, adopted grandfather and Pali Bacsi to many who loved and appreciated him for his principled ways. His many leadership roles will be remembered by the Hungarian communities of Fort Erie, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. For many years Paul managed the Hungarian Szittya Dancers in St. Catharines. He was also a founding member of the Cifra Hungarian Folk Dance Camp in Niagara Falls. Throughout his life Paul had many passions including military history, hunting, and target shooting. He was a very active member of the Niagara Regional Sportsman Gun Club and served as president. Paul was also the treasurer of the Niagara Falls Military Museum and spent many hours volunteering with these organizations. Many thanks to the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton, and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby, and to his family physician Dr. A. Lepp. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the generous and loving support from all our friends and neighbours over the past two years. Though Paul is no longer with us in person, he will be remembered for his intelligence, interesting stories, kindness and generosity. A funeral mass will be held Friday, March 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Hungarian Greek Catholic Church, 111 Second Street, Welland, Ontario. For those who wish can view the ceremony live or on replay at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/ea0a2566-3964-437d-900c-54b5ca784aad. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to donate in Paul’s honour please send it to St. John the Baptist Hungarian Greek Catholic Church, 111 Second St. Welland, L3B 4T8.

Arrangements entrusted to the Hulse & English Funeral Home, 75 Church Street, St. Catharines.

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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

Dawn of a new day

If I had time I would go back - and I still might - to my warning to Lincoln residents who have commented about how Beamsville/Lincoln would never become like Grimsby on the Lake.

The meaning there was not only didn’t they want the sardined condo complexes but they also didn’t want the ill-planned parking issues to manifest themselves when development comes.

Well, it’s here.

Lincoln Lakeview is to have more than 400 residential units, six buildings, a hotel/conference centre, ample commercial space and more. It is impressive.

There have been other major developments in Lincoln, but not like this; not at (basically) the entrance from the west, not with this impact on the streetscape, not this many buildings all on one plot of land (once two lots are merged).

Preparing for flight

The wings of the dragonfly flutter in the Grimsby lakeside breeze Saturday as four-year-old Zoey Fisher and her dad Robert Fisher prepare to send the kite darting and dancing through the sky. McDonald – Photo

Shout out to WLCC and WL Library

Shout out to West Lincoln Community Care and West Lincoln Public Library for hosting a seminar on a topic that can be difficult to talk about - substance abuse and its effects not only on the abuser but those in their orbit.

Guest speaker will be Hannah Robinson, who lost her son to druges in June of last year.

Topics such as peer pressure, warning signs, community supports and more will be part of the mix with a Q&A as well.

The event is the first of its kind in West Lincoln.

The session is set for April 8, Smithville Library Branch at 177 West St, Smithville, starting at 6:30 p.m. M.W.

Of major concern from this vantage point is all the wording and posturing allowing the nine-storey builds and overly intense density based on GO Train’s possible locating a station in Beamsville. Simply, that may never happen, so proceeding with developments which do legitimately fit GO Secondary Plan planning policies could be horribly out of place if that ever happens - or doesn’t happen, as it were.

Another aspect, brought up by a resident at last week’s public meeting and relating to the GO connec-

tion, was the current format of the QEW crossing on Ontario Street. The stretch was nicely described as not being pedestrian and cyclist friendly. That’s an affirmative.

In Grimsby, to deal with the lack of decent access to what is the planned location for the Town’s GO Train location, a pedestrian walkway which spans the QEW is to be part of any development proposal.

The problem with that for Beamsville is there is not the available land on the north side to see a builtup-enough area to justify that kind of structure. Who knows? Maybe, but I can’t see that ever happening there. So, at best, you may see a slightly reconfigured roadway with thinner lanes, maybe a bike lane with physical separation from traffic but the access on and off the QEW would be constant flies in that ointment.

But back to the proposal, its scope and eventual impact.

The number one thing

Lincolnites must demand is appropriate parking not only at this site but any site that comes on the books down the road. You can have the nicest development ever, amenities out the wazoo, affordable pricing, you name it. But if parking is left wanting it will turn into GOTL in a heartbeat where parking is a constant aggravation and THE major factor limiting success of commercial operations and the enjoyment of the area by some residents.

Lincoln Council, don’t let this developer - who is not connected to a builder as yet, save for the hotel aspect which will go as Phase I, shade you with stats and phrasing to make you think they’ve got it covered. As Coun. JD Pachereva noted with just one account of why their layout for parking may be wanting, push for more parking.

All that said, and some left unsaid, I just want to point out that I think Coun. Mike Mikolic was right on top of things when he questioned just what will transpire on this site once rezoning is in place.

It has been vacant agriculture land for 25 years - and I bet it is the best soil in Ontario in that spot - got rezoned for a gas station and now looking to up its value again with another rezoning. It looks like a case of getting the rezoning, sell, make a gazzillion, then another developer comes along and puts up 25 storey buildings. Beware Lincoln.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Lincoln should not pay infrastructure tab: reader

Dear Editor,

It is ironic that every 4 year the same elected officials are counting on their electorate to vote them back in office based on name recognition only, but people have no clue who they are really voting for.

The below event shows people the danger of doing that.

The Town of Lincoln started some years ago with the Prudhommes development.

At that time, the installation of a new water main for Prudhomme’s was estimated at around the $7 million mark.

Recently this issue came up again at council with a new estimate of nearly $16.5 million, more than twice the cost and money that the Town doesn’t have.

and his bureaucrats and say ‘no’.

Taxpayers are being sold out for business interests.

Our councillors need to do the job they were elected

for serving Lincoln resident’s interests and not becoming yes men and women for the Town’s bureaucrats.

Rob Janssen Lincoln

Lincoln bureaucrats, however, together with smooth talking consultants persuaded the mayor and councillors to vote ‘Yes’ for this new waterline at taxpayer’s expense.

Council’s ignorance about the serious down turn in our economy affecting residents and businesses is very troubling.

Many Lincoln taxpayers are financially stretched to the limit and are not in a position to absorb more large tax increases after the Region’s last two disastrous budgets.

Lincoln’s elected officials are too intimidated and afraid to go against the unelected CAO

These developers are a private company making the big bucks. They need to pay for that; not the taxpayers.

HAT TRICK HOCKEY

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