BUY CANADIAN
‘Confusing’ speed camera zones to expand
By Mike Williscraft For NewsNow
Inconsistencies of signage and speed limits for Niagara’s School Safety Zones are about to expand much to the concern of Grimsby councillors.
At Monday’s council meeting, Reg. Coun. Michelle Seaborn informed council that the three speed camera locations in town will be extended considerably with the limit
Golden Moment
to be reduced to 40 kph in all areas. It has been 50 kmh on Livingston, near Blessed Trinity, to date.
“In May, the Community Safety Zones will have a new look with better signage and new and
consistent speed. Many complaints involved signage – which was cluttered, too small, and had much too much information in a short space,” said Seaborn.
Smithville native Ewen Barclay raises her arms triumphantlly after bringing home a gold medal in the Special Olympics 1500m speed skating event in Turin, Italy last week. More details will follow next week as Ewen just returned to Canda late Monday night. See
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From Page 1
“The new signage clearly indicates that you’re in a school zone, that the speed has been reduced to 50...I’m sorry, to 40 from the 50, and that there’s no stopping areas outlined in the area.”
The zone near Park School will now extend along Main Street East from Bartlett Avenue west to Cemetery Road, the entrance to Queen’s Lawn Cemetery. This will cover the area for Nelles Public School, Park Public School, Centennial Park, and Sherwood Park.
On Livingston, the speed zone will now extend from Roberts Road all the way east to Patton Street and the limit will be reduced to 40 for that entire stretch.
While several councillors noted ongoing confusion issues for motorists and commented on the poor signage in the speed camera areas, the changing speed limits and setting it to 40 for extended areas did not sit well with councillors.
Coun. Lianne Vardy said it would make more sense just to make it 40 kph for the whole stretch.
“It’s confusing. When do I speed up? When do I slow down? I think it would be much easier if you just know you enter here, it’s 40, when you leave there you can speed up,” said Vardy.
For Coun. Nick DiFlavio, having 40 as a speed limit on the town’s main thoroughfare makes no sense.
“I don’t think 40 on a Main Street – on a collector road, an arterial road is a reasonable speed,” said DiFlavio, noting from the report the cameras are working and the desired reduced speeds are in play now.
“In front of Park, yes, but 40 all the way down our Main Street, the street that goes between Grimsby and Beamsville – is not a reasonable speed. For the Region to make it 40, just seems like another way to be ticketing people.”
“Anybody who has driven past Park School knows, whether the camera is in place (on) or not, knows that the person in front of them slams on their brakes and is going 40 kmh through
that zone at midnight just in case.”
When questioned by Vardy, Grimsby director of finance, Tony Del Monaco noted Grimsby’s take from fines in 2024 was $117,000.
Another point DiFlavio made regarded the removal of the flashing lights by the former Central School.
“I think we need to be fair to people. I still don’t think the signage you are presenting is fair. Any time we have have a speed camera, we need flashing signs because again, if the goal is to reduce speed – which is what we’re saying it is – it’s not to collect money. The revenue is a bonus. It’s to reduce the speeds in the areas where we want to see it more safe then we have to get people as much of a fighting chance to slow down as possible,” said DiFlavio.
“I’ve driven all over the world and they have flashing signs when they want people to reduce speeds and I think we should be doing the same in these zones.”
Seaborn had noted earlier that speed analysis has shown speeds have been reduced by 14 kph near
Park School since the start of the program - and near Blessed Trinity the average speed is only 46 kph despite the limit being 50 currently.
The extension of reduced speed area for long stretches and additional removal of flashing lights cast doubt on the desired goal of the program for councillors.
“There should be flashing signs all day long there. Expecting people to go 40 on a main street, I don’t think is a reasonable thing to ask,” DiFlavio reiterated.
Coun. Veronica Charrois agreed.
“People seem to be trained. Now reducing the 50 zones to 40 kind of feels like we’re tricking them to get some extra money...40 is incredibly slow,” said Charrois, recognizing in front of Park School is different.
“The other two areas to go from 50 to 40 is just a cash grab.”
Seaborn claimed there had been two serious accidents involving children on Main East since the cameras were put in. Neither Niagara Region nor Niagara Regional Police could provide any details before press time.
(Formerly Grimsby Dollar Party & More)
DeSantis named to WEB Hall of Fame
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
Gabe DeSantis, president of DeSantis Homes, got 2025 off to a great start.
Last month, he was inducted into the West End Builders’ Association Hall of Fame.
In his acceptance speech, DeSantis noted he got an early start in the construction game and he has not looked back.
“Looking back, at my young age of 12, while other kids were playing street hockey after school, I was learning the ropes on job sites alongside my father, Peter DeSantis and my brother Peter Jr. I vividly remember pressing my face to the glass in my father’s pickup, as “CAR” was yelled, and my friends quickly removed the hockey nets, as we drove past on our way to work,” DeSantis recalled.
“Yes, you could say I was a child labourer, but I know many of us in this room share
that same experience,”
With nearly 8,000 new homes, many commercial developments and a solid pipeline of projects planned for the future, he added, “We take immense pride in our journey.”
“We are not just home builders; we are creators of much local employment, landmark projects, iconic communities and proudly…..charitable supporters. Our dedication to challenging the status
quo and breaking new ground is evident in every residential, commercial and employment projects we undertake.”
As for the future, he called upon municipalities to support the building sector by wrangling in development charges and other various financial impacts as well as red tape.
Last summer, Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce also named DeSantis Homes its Builder of the Year.
Lincoln CAO Mike Kirkopoulos was on hand to present Gabe DeSantis with his West End Home Builders Association Hall of Fame inductee plaque.
Cookie decorating class planned
An Easter cookie decorating workshop is planned for the Erland Lee Museum in Winona on Saturday, April 19.
Space is limited for the 10 a.m.-Noon event. The cost $40 with a kit including 12 sugar cookies, icing and decorations. Preregister by April 11 by calling 905-662-2691. The museumis located at 552 Ridge Rd.
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Grimsby choir concert this weekend
Grimsby Celebration Choir will host “Night at The Movies” this Saturday - March 22 - at West Niagara Theatre.
Proceeds from this year’s event will go to support the Brandee Elliott Education Projects.
Tickets are $20 with students $5 and children under 12 free.
For more details or tickets, go to: grimsbycelebrationchoir.ca or email: grimsbycelebrationchoir@gmail.com
As well, the choir has a seminar series set for April/May: Music is Health - Unlock The Joy of Music.
“We have also put together a program with a community grant from the Town of Grimsby called, Music is Health. We have some professionals coming in to Grimsby Public Library to speak and we’ll run activities on April 13 and May 25,” said Jennifer McKillop Salmon, the choir’s director, who noted several benefits of music, including:
• Boosts brain function
• Reduces anxiety
• Alleviates pain
• Improves sleep quality
• Fosters joy and fulfillment
• Promotes social connection
“Experience how music can help you process emotions and relieve stress,” said McKillop Salmon.
“As Berthold Auerbach said, ‘Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life’.”
Speakers will include:
Aksana Kavaliova - a specialized trauma trainer in EMDR, Integrative Trauma and Attachment Treatment Model (ITATM), Master degrees in Counselling Psychology and Music Therapy, and a PhD student at Colorado State University.
Dr. Tiffany Hunt - a certified sound therapist with a background in clinical and health psychology with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Ottawa, Ontario and sound certification from the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Toronto.
R.C.L. Branch 612
5545 King St., Beamsville 905-563-4612
MEAT DRAW
March 22, 29
April 5, 12, 19, 26
May 3, 10
3:00 - 6:00 pm
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Every Saturday
2:00 - 5:00 pm
BEAMSVILLE LEGION
Mother’s Day Tea to kick off busy Manor season
CRIBBAGE
Every Friday
1:00 - 4:00 pm
A busy summer of events at Nelles Manor will kick off with its popular Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday, May
This event, which runs form 1-3 p.m., is an annual sell-out so booking early is im-
Call 289-235-7755 for details.
In April, attendees of the manor’s Jazz Rent Party can dress in their finest 1920s30s finery.
conversations, all helped keep the wolf from someone’s door at the same time,” said Kate Pyatt, manager at the manor.
Opening Weekend - May 17;
•Music at the Manor, May 31;
• Engagement of The Forty, June 14;
• Canada Day, July 1;
What is a jazz rent party you ask?
This year, Donna’s Fashions will provide a fashion show as part of the festivities. The cost is $50 per person. Tickets are available at the manor or on Eventbrite.
“Back in the old days a very good excuse for a party, if one was needed, was to hold a ‘rent party’: a few seats here and there, room for a little socializing, and something to nibble on or sip between
We’re Getting Ready ...Again!
First, thanks again to the nearly 200 helpers who delivered NewsNow for us during the November/December Canada Post strike.
In May, just two months away, there is a likelihood of another work stoppage as negotiations have gone nowhere. So, to all those who helped before, we will be reaching out to confirm if you will be interested in helping out again. As well, we are looking to fill out all our carrier routes with an eye to setting up a permanent delivery system. This does not mean anyone who helps out in May needs to be permanent themselves. No doubt we will need dozen of carriers to help in the short-term while we seek permanent ones. Simply, papers will get delivered to your home every Wednesday morning for delivery by Thursdays at 7 p.m. Carriers may also receive our ClubWest Magazine or other special publications - for which they will be paid extra. Flyers could also be part of the mix, but first things first. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. Please email catherine@wn3.ca to get on the list or if you have any more questions.
This event runs Saturday, April 5 from 7-9 p.m. with the JazzLab trio providing live tunes from the Great American Songbook.
A series of many events - some classics, some new - is set for the rest of 2025, including:
• Heritage Day -
• Afternoon with Jane Austen, July 19 $ 26;
• Vintage Car Show, Aug. 23;
• Harvest Tea - Oct. 4;
• Christmas at The Manor - Dec. 6-7, and;
• Candlelight Christmas, Dec. 13.
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Grimsby Legion Supports YOUR Local Community
Help us Block hunger.
Help us Block hunger.
Help us Block hunger.
We’re collecting food donations for Community Care of West
We’re collecting food donations for Community Care of West Niagara March 25, 2025 – April 15, 2025. Bring in donations during office hours for our 2nd annual food drive and receive $10 OFF your tax preparation fee when you file at H&R Block in Beamsville or Grimsby as a thank you for supporting our community.
Niagara March 25, 2025 – April 15, 2025. Bring in donations during office hours for our 2nd annual food drive and receive $10 OFF your tax preparation fee when you file at H&R Block in Beamsville or Grimsby as a thank you for supporting our community.
• Condiments: mayo, ketchup, marinades, etc.
The foodbank is in need of:
The foodbank is in need of:
• Rice
• Rice
• Salad dressing
• Cookies
• Cookies
• Instant potatoes
• Baking ingredients – small sizes of flour, sugar, brown sugar
• Instant potatoes
• Canned Fruit
• Jam
• Condiments: mayo, ketchup, marinades, etc.
• Canned fruit
• Condiments: mayo, ketchup, marinades, etc.
The foodbank is need of: • Rice • Cookies • Condiments: mayo, ketchup, marinades, etc.
• Baking ingredients – small sizes of flour, sugar, brown sugar
• Laundry soap & cleaning products
• Coffee & hot chocolate
• Baking ingredients – small sizes of flour, sugar, brown sugar
• Salad dressing
• Salad dressing
• Baking Ingredients - small sizes of flour, sugar, brown
• Jam
• Salad Dressing
• Instant potatoes
• Instant potatoes
• Canned fruit
• Laundry soap & cleaning products
• Canned fruit
• Coffee & hot chocolate
• Coffee & hot chocolate
• Jam
• Jam
• Laundry
• Laundry soap & cleaning products
4549 Ontario Street, Beamsville ON (905)563-1677
13 Mountain Street, Grimsby, ON (905)945-3933
Grassie Rd. overdumping raises residents’ concerns
By Evan Loree For NewsNow
Frustrations boiled over at a West Lincoln meeting regarding land preparation for construction of a new home on Grassie Road.
Seven residents came to council chambers on March 3 to object to hundreds of truckloads of dirt being dumped at 3118 Grassie Rd. in West Lincoln.
In the fall of 2024, town staff learned the property owner had paid for 700 truckloads of earth to be dumped at the property.
This is in contravention of a site alteration permit granted by the town in the spring of 2024.
The permit only granted the owner permission to bring in about 462 truckloads (4,617 cubic metres) of soil
Now the owner is asking for a new permit that would retroactively allow the excess, and grant the ability to bring in an additional 1,252 truckloads of earth, according to a staff report submitted by director of growth Gerrit Boerema.
“To come to apply to this committee for more fill after you’ve broken the rules, I’m sorry, I don’t think anybody standing here could agree to something like that,” Coun. Jason
Trombetta said.
Residents who spoke at the meeting voiced skepticism that the earth was to be used, in-part, for an orchard.
Some said the activity on the land would damage the earth beyond the point of agricultural viability.
Trombetta echoed the concerns of residents at the meeting when he said it was a shame the owner was not at the meeting to clarify the intended use of the deposited earth.
Sikander Gulacha is listed as the property owner on documents attached to the agenda.
Others members of council raised concerns about whether the dumped material was clean.
Trombetta said this concern needed to be taken seriously because bad soil could contaminate nearby well water.
An email from an engineer working on the project, claimed the earth was, in fact, clean.
Jeremy Nicholls, who is in charge of importing the earth to the Grassie Road property, said he and the owner’s team had received verbal consent from staff to continue importing earth.
When Coun. William Reilly asked about the verbal agreement, Boere-
LEGION
ma said it was allegedly done with a former staff member, and there was no written record of it ever taking place.
“They believe it was a misunderstanding,” he said, referring to Gulacha’s team.
Reilly asked if there was anyone at the town who was in the wrong in this matter.
He was rebuffed by Coun. Joann Chechalk, who chaired the meeting, because matters of liability are generally discussed behind closed doors, with a lawyer present.
Trombetta said the increased traffic and flooding issues were “disintegrating” the roads.
“Obviously the number of truckloads that have been, already, to the site have caused some deterioration of the roads,” said Mayor Cheryl Ganann.
This prompted her to ask about a $7,000 deposit to help pay for roads which was allegedly never received by the municipality.
Boerema confirmed the money had not been received, and Gannon asked if the town had any recourse to obtain funds for road damages, regardless of whether council approved the owner’s request for a new permit.
Boerema said staff would have to inspect the road before determining if construction in the area had caused any damage and would work with the property owner to repair any damages.
“The applicants have cooperated with town staff throughout this process, so far,” he added.
Reilly was disappointed to hear the dumpings had continued despite the town never receiving the deposit.
“How has this not stopped? Honestly, this should have been stopped right in its tracks,” he added.
Some residents compared the lot on Grassie road to other nearby properties where people had dumped material.
In response to these concerns, Chechalk said the town has had ongoing issues with trucks coming into West Lincoln from “parts unknown” and dumping infill material at various sites around the township. She said it’s one reason the town introduced permits for site alterations.
Council made no decision on whether or not to grant the permit.
That decision will be made after staff have taken the time to further investigate the goings on at the property and report back.
It’s reFUNd TIME! –
INCOME TAXES – BOOKKEEPING
Hours: Mon. & Wed. 9-5 pm; Tues. & Thurs. 9-8 Sat. 9-2 pm; Sun. Closed
Notice of Intention to Amend Designation Bylaw 04-70
TAKE NOTICE that Grimsby Town Council, on February 10th, 2025, resolved to amend the Designation Bylaw for the property at 262 Main Street West under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
262 Main Street West
THE REASON of amending the heritage designation By-law 04-70 is to clarify the statement explaining the property’s cultural heritage value or interest and to include the description of the property’s heritage attributes, to change the legal description and to revise the by-law to make it consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Heritage Act. Further, amending the proposed designation is to recognize the architectural value of the building in context of its contribution to the heritage character of the Town of Grimsby.
4960 King St., BeaMSville P: 905.563.8635 • F: 905.563.3134 www.sureshot-taxes.com (across from No Frills Plaza)
Nixon Hall, built in 1854 by Dennis Nixon, is a unique example of Gothic Revival architecture and is one of the largest and most decorated examples of this style within Grimsby. Dennis Nixon, a descendant of United Empire Loyalists, played a key role in Grimsby’s agricultural and historical development, including contributions to local infrastructure and agricultural societies. During both World Wars, the building was used as a hostel for Farmerettes and later served as a temporary hospital. Nixon Hall also contributes to the character of Main Street West, a historic corridor lined with historic estates reflecting the town’s prosperous agricultural history.
can be found at:
https://www.grimsby.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/heritage-properties.aspx
may within thirty days of the publication of this notice, send by registered mail, or deliver to the Town Clerk of the Corporation of the Town of Grimsby his or her objection to the proposed designation bylaw amendment, together with a statement of the reasons for the objection and all relevant facts. When a Notice of Objection has been received, the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Grimsby will
respecting the proposed designation is available from the municipality by contacting Bianca Verrecchia,
Email: bverrecchia@grimsby.ca Phone: (905)945-9634 Ext. 2122
on the 20th day of March, 2025.
Victoria Steele, Town Clerk Town of Grimsby 160 Livingston Avenue Grimsby, ON, L3M 0J5
OBITUARIES
MACKIE, Karen Nadine
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karen Nadine Mackie (nee Sharpe), on Saturday, March 15, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones, at the age of 78. She is survived by her devoted partner Ed Marley, children William Mackie Jr. and Lisa Hall and grandchildren William and Matthew Mackie and Alexandria and Jacob Hall. Missed also by her daughter-in-law Annette Mackie, brother Randy Sharpe (Paula), nieces, nephews and dear friends. Predeceased by her first husband William Sr. Karen was born January 22, 1947 at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. She lived her life unapologetically with a fierce sense of community through her years of service as a crossing guard and working at WLMH. She enjoyed listening to Elvis and country music on her many road trips across North America. Karen was a proud member of the Mohawk Nation. Special thanks to Niagara EMS, St. Catharines Hospital ER Staff, Dr. Jagdey and everyone on 4A for all of your wonderful care. A service at Queen’s Lawn Cemetery, Grimsby took place on Tuesday, March 18. If desired, memorial contributions to Niagara Health, Indigenous Health Service and Reconciliation would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
Konorónkhwa Akhsótha
Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905945-2755. www.smithsfh.com
Degraaf, Leonard
february 22, 1966 - March 1, 2025
A reception will take place on April, 5, 2025 at 1:30pm at the Lincoln Community Center (4361 Central Ave. Beamsville), With a memorial service beginning at 2:15pm.
Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
OBITUARIES
thompson, Jean mary (nee Dickson)
Passed away peacefully at Albright Manor, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the age of 96. Mary is reunited with her late husband John. Loving mother of Dorothy Ward (Walter). Cherished grandmother of Jeanette, Julien, Jocelyn, Jennifer and laina. Mary will be missed by Mark Ward. Mary is predeceased by her dear brother Alex. Mary had many wonderful years as a librarian and teacher at Rittenhouse School and Memorial School. She also was among one of the original founding members of the Lakeside Pumphouse Artists Association which started in March of 2001. Memorial Service will be celebrated at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 156 Main Street West, Grimsby, on Saturday March 22, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. Interment at the Churchyard Cemetery following the service with reception to follow interment at the Parish Hall in the Fireside Room. If desired, memorial contributions to St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Discretionary Fund or Lakeside Pumphouse Artists Association, c/o Treasurer, Brenda Lane,1716 Seventh Street Louth, St Catharines, L2R 6P9, would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com
jackson, j 1959 - 2025
James peacefully passed away on March 14, 2025 at Toronto General Hospital; he had been ill for some time, James had been predeceased by his parents Gladys (nee Meadowcroft) and Jim Jackson.
In Loving Memory of George Tsilibanis
April 3, 1946 - March 18, 2024
You may be forever gone from our lives
But you will never be gone from our hearts
You will always be forever resting your eyes.
Your loving wife Pam, Tamara, Sherry, Robert, Ava and Rachel
James is survived by his sisters Marilyn (Ian), Elaine (Randy) and Pamela (Jos). And by his nieces Katie (Charles), Mallory, Ellika (Travis), and Gillian, as well as his grandnephew Kailen.
James will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him.
James loved his family, whether he was teaching his aunties to drive or taking his nieces out to movies, James could always be counted on. James may have cheated at Trivial Pursuit but he was always generous with his friends and family. Nothing pleased him more than a road trip or a dinner out!
A celebration of James’ life will take place at a later date. Donations to the Humane Society would be appreciated.
APT. WANTED
SinGle Senior mAle, semi retired, seeks 1 bedroom unfurnished apartment. Jordan, Vineland Beamsville area. Quiet, clean, likes people. Bill at 289-219-0933.
GARDEN PLOTS FOR RENT
Community GArdenS 20 plots available. CHRiSt OuR SAViOuR LutHERAn CHuRCH. For inquiries please call: 905-631-2874
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
StruGGlinG with hurtS, hAnGuPS 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 905-945-9529
IN MEMORIUM
OBITUARIES
muir, John Gibb
It is with great sadness that we announce John Gibb Muir passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025 at the Glendale Crossing Retirement Home in London in his 87th year.
A proud Scotsman and even prouder Canadian, John was born in Motherwell, Scotland, and immigrated to Canada with his family in the 1950s, eventually settling in Grimsby, Ontario. Here he met and married the love of his life, Barb, and had a full life of happiness raising four boys, who married four fantastic daughters-in-law. A Chartered Accountant, John worked for Stelco in Hamilton for 33 years, finishing his career in an office overlooking the City in which he grew up. John was a soccer enthusiast, coaching and volunteering with the Soccer Club, and was active in Grimsby and at Trinity United Church. John and Barb retired to Dorchester, Ontario and continued to enjoy their travels across the globe. In retirement, John remained active as a volunteer driver with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Canadian Cancer Society and Victorian Order of Nurses and continued dabbling in his countless passions including model trains, home improvement and his garden. He was always happy to be surrounded by his friends and family and grateful to the quality time spent with his grandchildren, proudly fulfilling his role as ‘Dappa’. A highlight and enduring memory was a trip to Scotland with the entire family of 17 in 2019 to visit John’s birthplace and the homeland he cherished.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara Joanne Muir (née Mote), sons David (Bernardine) Muir of Dorchester, Douglas (Shannon) Muir of Vancouver, Michael (Anna) Muir of Ottawa, and Kevin (Carolyn) Muir of Kitchener and grandchildren, Shannon, Stephanie, Abby, Matthew, Benjamin, Andrew and Hunter. He was predeceased by his dear brother James (Shirley) Muir in 2018.
The family would like to thank the fantastic staff at Glendale, Victoria and Parkwood Hospitals for their incredible care.
Friends will be received at Bieman Funeral Home, 3970 Hamilton Road, Dorchester on Thursday, March 20 from 2:00-6:00pm.
A memorial service will be held at Dorchester United Church, 4100 Catherine Street, Dorchester on Friday, March 21 at 1:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1 www.alzswp.ca or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.biemanfuneralhome.com
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More Region sleight of hand
Grimsby council had it right back in 2022 when it first rejected the then-proposed Niagara Region speed camera program.
Sweet pastime
Early spring is a welcome sight to many. For this posse, it means heading to the bush and starting the collection of sap to distill into maple syrup. Working away in West Lincoln were (L to R) Sam Beal, Benjamin Ecker and Margot Ecker.
The program was offered up wrapped in the motherhood issue of school safety zones - making it near impossible to ignore, but the council of the day did the right thing when regional representatives did not deliver on message or answers when council members put their feet to the coals.
You can take a simplistic view of it and say motorists should follow the speed limit. Period.
And that is true.
But let’s drop the dog and pony show about safety near schools is the reasoning. It’s not and never was and, apparently, zero has changed.
At Monday’s council meeting, Reg. Coun. Michelle Seaborn said - while the Region is planning to expand reduced speed limits and reduce all to 40 kph - the flashing amber lights that have been in front of the former Central Public School on Livingston Avenue will be removed as part of the expansion.
Among the crocks of you-know-what Niagara Region officials have been selling, removing these lights is the biggest and smelliest.
Coun. Nick DiFlavio and Coun. Veronica Charrois hit the nail on the head Monday when they noted the Region’s action have
proven to be nothing but a cash grab. They made the point a little softer than that, but I am summarizing.
The bad signage, fluctuating speed limits (to date) and removal of flashing lights where they were already in place have reinforced skepticism about the justification for the program as a whole - and rightfully so.
YES! Everybody wants areas near schools to be more safe. Sure, reduce the limit and have Niagara Regional Police stake them out on a rotating basis if there’s an issue.
Last year when Seaborn spoke about school safety zones, she quoted to council a number of accidents which was wholly wrong. Monday, she told council there had been two serious accidents involving children on Main East - which is being checked with Niagara Region and NRP, but no details were returned before press time, so more on that later.
The fact is, speed cameras were never never
needed, but they presented a money generating opportunity and justification was created to sell it to local councils.
Grimsby should never have recanted its two rejections of the program and held firm in the face of other municipalities who rolled over and brought in this program.
As DiFlavio rightly noted - as if he has read my past columns or somethingif the Region was really interested in communicating what was happening in these safety zones, that speed limits are reduced and automated cameras are in service, they would have flashing ambers at EVERY location as that is the right and proper method to alert drivers.
But no, not only are they not putting any such features in, Niagara Region has removed them from places they were already in place.
It has also been said many times in this space, taking Grimsby’s major and most linear thoroughfare and making it a 40 kph limit is just plain silly.
Lincoln and West Lincoln councils of the day took the bait. They should have given their heads a collective shake, too.
The bottom line is there was no safety issue. It was manufactured. If Region is going to keep turning the screws, why not just ban traffic by schools entirely and put in detours. Problem solved.
MIKE WILLISCRAFT
via Canada Post
Grimsby fire solicitation a fake campaign
Residents beware: if you get a call from someone claiming to represent Grimsby Fire Department in a fundraising campaign, hang up. It’s not them.
Residents notified the department that calls have been made asking for donations to support wild fire fighting in western Canada.
“The bottom line is the Grimsby Fire Department would never randomly solicit funds over the phone unless we advertised this method first. Even then, it’s not likely,” said Grimsby Deputy Chief Jim Kay.
“Our charitable work is done in person and if the public ever has reasons to
question the legitimacy of any solicitation or interaction with someone who claims to be representing the GFD, they can call us.”
GFD hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. for calls - just leave a message905-945-2113 or pop into the 261 Ontario St. fire station and visit in person.
