Thursday, March 30, 2023
Vol. 11
Issue 44
www.wn3.ca
100% Niagara West owned & operated
Circ: 29,006
It was one and done for Grimsby’s 2023 budget with a 5.97 per cent increase on the Town portion of this year’s tax bill.
The increase – approved at a Committee of The Whole budget season March 21 – translates to $97 for an average assessed home valued at $442,000.
The minutes from that
COTW session will still need to be ratified Monday, April 2, at council’s next regular meeting. This year’s budget process followed recent years with staff presenting a de-
tailed budget outline for approval. Much of the information in the proposal was reviewed by council members for the first time at that session.
This did not sit well with
some councillors who had concerns with several components, not the least of which was a proposal to create six new, full-time staff positions.
Part of the issue with the new positions was their presentation as a complete block. Staff recommended an asset/data analyst, committee coordinator, communications specialist, intermediate planner, bylaw officer and special event supervisor be hired.
The total impact on the levy for this block was $432,000, or 2.8 per cent.
For Coun. Nick DiFlavio, one of the hires proved ironic in that the committee coordinator is to take on preparation for the Town’s new - reprisedcommittee structure when they revert back from the COTW format.
For decades, committees overseeing different departments were given a budget goal and hashed out their own presentations which were made at special budget meetings. If numbers were considered high, proposals were sent back to be whittled further.
That process dissolved in the last term of council.
See BUDGET, Page 2
From Page 1
“Dealing with it in COTW kind of makes me uncomfortable because, generally, we would discuss each one of those in detail at the committee level and that’s why I like the committee process because before it gets here there would be a thorough discussion,” said DiFlavio.
DiFlavio broke down a series of concerns he had mainly with the committee coordinator ($100,000 cost including benefits) and event coordinator ($128,000 including benefits) positions.
“I don’t see the value for the money,” said DiFlavio.
Coun. Lianne Vardy, as did others, noted the communications hire is needed and has been for years, but she was not as supportive of the event coordinator.
“That’s a little too much,” said Vardy of the proposed salary and benefit costs.
Coun. Reg Freake said the Town has been understaffed for years and hiring has been pushed off repeatedly.
“Since we’ve been on council, we’ve been understaffed in many areas,” said Freake, who is in his fifth year on council.
“I do believe we need more expertise now.”
Coun. Jacob Baradziej said the communications and event hires were not needed. He added the Town should focus on tech and skilled roles.
Mayor Jeff Jordan told council the strategy with the new hires to take work off the plates of overworked staff who could then perform more efficiently on their core tasks.
“These positions, although they are costs this year, they are something that will fill in and will make everything else work better. I can see that senior staff have worked that way, for that goal moving forward,” said Jordan.
While other options such as making roles part-time and then
reviewing later, hiring on contract or possibly entering into a shared service agreement with neighbouring municipalities were all reviewed, but ultimately rejected.
“Whether we agree that the staff is needed or not, we need to make a decision on whether this is a good use of taxpayers’ money. I still haven’t seen the justification for it,” DiFlavio maintained, suggesting each individual hire should be voted on separately.
That did not fly, either.
“The budget was organized in such a way that the staffing component was part of the overall number, the overall picture,” said Jordan, who added changing back to the standing committee format - which council agrees on unanimously - requires coordination and will give residents “more bang for our buck.”
The motion to approve the full block of six new positions was approved 5-4 with Jordan breaking the tie in favour. Others in favour were Freake, Vardy, Coun. Jennifer Korstanje and Coun. Don Howe. Opposed were DiFlavio, Baradziej, Coun. Veronica Charrois and Coun. Delight Davoli.
Another contentious item was
a boost of $250,000 for legal fees for 2023 upping last year’s $350,000 to $600,000. This move was a 1.6 per cent levy impact.
The increase in legal had council considering a new hire for in-house counsel. Davoli noted it would be very difficult for one person to have the varied expertise required and there is considerable value in hiring a firm which can draw on varied expertise and resources on different files.
As a reaction to a grant request from McNally House Hospice, council approved a new funding request pilot project at a cost of $100,000 - with those funds coming from council strategic reserve. Once the criteria is set, McNally will have to apply.
Staff were asked if this would exhaust the fund for 2023 if approved, but no answer was received before press time.
DiFlavio questioned the wisdom of creating a fund where there was none before, which will open to door to a flood of requests.
“We should have just funded McNally and deal with each individual project on a case by case basis,” said DiFlavio.
“I don’t want to see an ongoing fund.”
Davoli said the grant process is needed.
“If we’re taking residents’ money and deciding who we’re going to give it to - as charities and not-for-profit organizations - then we need to make sure we understand where it’s being spent and have reporting back to us, just the same as we require from our staff and all our department heads,” said Davoli.
“We want entities to apply and work through the process.”
The process was not the concern for council as opposed to the dollar amount put up for grabs.
Jordan suggested rewording the motion to read “up to” $100,000, to make it clear the entire fund did not need to be made available with any leftover going back into reserves.
Freake agreed, noting he regularly had charitable inquiries to which he noted council was not in the habit of making donations and he did not even bring them to council.
He too questioned the $100,00 amount, adding, “It’s like how far is up?”
Korstanje said the proposed process was “fair and equitable”, adding having it in place could save the Town a Human Rights case if someone was denied a request.
DiFlavio noted recreation services already has a $20,000 fund available to community groups to help with what director Sarah Sweeney called starter programs and events.
None of the debate had any affect and the pilot was approved as presented.
With $432,000 of the increased budget coming from the six hires (2.8 per cent) and $250,000 from increased legal (1.6 per cent), the remaining component of the increase comes from the $250,000 (1.6 per cent) upload to Niagara Region for the regional transit program.
The budget details will be voted on at next Monday’s, April 2, council meeting.
(L to R) Gillian Wood event coordinator, volunteer Terry Patterson and Sunday school volunteer Mackenzie March are hoping the community will give for Lent.
(Williscraft - Photo)
Parishoners at St. Andrews Anglican Church in Grimsby are asking the commnity to “Give, Don’t Give Up” during lent.
“Instead of giving up something, we’re asking people to give,” said Gillian Wood, event coordinator.
“Everyone knows Lent is
usually a time to give up something, but instead of giving up something like chocolate, it seems more fitting to give something which could help someone.”
Donations are being collected at the hall in St. Andrews Church. Contributions can be
dropped in any weekday from 9 a.m.-Noon and right up to Easter Sunday.
Donations will be given to migrant workers, FORT, Gillian’s Place and Grimsby Benevolent Fund.
For more information, email: info@standrewsgrimsby.com
One of my favourite famous quotes on the subject of inflation comes from American sportsperson, Sam Ewing: “Inflation is when you pay fifteen dollars for the ten-dollar haircut you used to get for five dollars, back when you had hair.”
Can a Reverse Mortgage help some senior homeowners “win” against inflation?
Post-pandemic inflation continues to make day-to-day living more expensive to the extent that, for some homeowners age 70+, your long-held plan to age-in-place in your current home may not seem possible anymore.
A Reverse Mortgage can provide you with the surety of a consistent income stream to supplement your existing pension income so that you can afford to stay in your home indefinitely.
With a Reverse Mortgage, you can customize how you receive your money. For example, you can opt for a one-time lump-sum payment, or you can elect to receive a combination of a lump-sum payment and subsequent monthly or quarterly future advances - similar to an allowance.
The Reverse Mortgage funds are not considered taxable income, so there is no risk of an OAS clawback, or paying additional income tax on your Reverse Mortgage proceeds. One example of how a Reverse Mortgage can improve your cash-flow is to provide you with funds to renovate your home to create a secondary suite that you can rent out.
I have been a certified Reverse Mortgage Specialist since 2015, and I welcome the opportunity to help you make an informed decision as to whether this solution is right for you.
Call me today for your complimentary mortgage review.
Talk to us, you’ll be impressed!
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Niagara Children’s Centre has been serving all 12 of the region’s municipalities from its facility atop the escarpment on Glenridge Avenue in St. Catharines for nearly 50 years, but now has new centres in Grimsby and Welland.
With a strategic focus on ease of access to their services for all families in Niagara, the search began for a location that was accessible, wellknown in the community and family-friendly.
“YMCA of Niagara became a clear choice,” said Oksana Fisher, CEO, Niagara Children’s Centre.
“The organization is known for being community and mission-based, and their locations offer surrounding families a more convenient way to en-
sure their child finds the support they need.”
In Grimsby, Emilia Farrace Amaro and her family, who moved to the region last year from Toronto, were pleased to discover that they now only need to drive from their home in Beamsville to Grimsby for appointments.
“The time we save allows us more opportunities to explore the greenbelt, share in fun adventures as a family and make new friends in the area,” said Farrace Amaro.
Her daughter, Anneliese, has shown great strides since she started attending the Children’s Centre in November 2022 for speech and language therapy.
“Anneliese’s ability to communicate and share her wants and needs since starting with
Niagara Children’s Centre has improved dramatically,” she said. “Anneliese is progressing so well and absorbing the tools we’re receiving during sessions.”
For Farrace Amaro, having a space to go to for questions and clarifications about how to best support Anneliese has been so important to her family.
“If I need help clarifying anything, or expressing something, we’re able to connect with our therapist and receive prompt, easy to understand and helpful techniques to make things better,” said Farrace Amaro. “I’m really excited and hopeful for her as she continues to grow and flourish.”
For more information on programs and services call, 905688-1890, ext. 260.
Despite contravening “clear” Niagara Region policy, regional council voted to reimburse Niagara Falls Reg. Coun. Bob Gale for just over 8,000 in legal expenses.
At its March 23 meeting, regional councillors were divided on the issue, which was a reimbursement request which arose from an Integrity Commissioner complaint.
Donna Gibb, Niagara’s director of legal and court services told council the request did not fit existing criteria for reimbursement, but enough elected officials went against policy to approve the reimbursement 14-13.
“If a councillor wishes to get legal advice, they are not prohibited from doing so, but that such legal expenses are not eligible under the expense policy for reimbursement. That is why this matter is here before council for consideration,” said Gibb.
Gibb did note there is an indemnification bylaw to protect councillors if they are “acting in good faith and in accordance with their duties as councillor they would be indemnified with respect to that legal proceeding.”
Gibb noted the councillor could hire their own lawyer, Region could hire one for them, or an insurance company may appoint one.
“There would certainly be reimbursement of any legal costs and perhaps the direct provision of legal
counsel support, but that is distinct from Iintegrity Commissioner complaints which relate to a councillor’s duties under the Code of Conduct which are considered to be separate,” Gibb added.
Regardless, Lincoln Reg. Coun. Rob Foster said he believed councillors required more protection.
“The policy we have in place is grossly unfair to many of us here. We have kind of a two-tier system in place. Mayors have access to a wide variety of tools in order to help themselves...particularly in the legal area. Regional councillors have next to none,” said Foster, who noted he is a member of the Region’s audit committee and supported the reimbursement there as well.
“I believe the policy is deeply faulty.”
Pelham Reg. Coun. Diane Huson was among those who disagreed.
“We have policies for a reason. I am going to support what our policy says,” said Huson.
Reg. Coun. Gary Zalepa, Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-The-Lake, said Gale made his own choice.
“If you want to go out and get your own legal advice, you pay for it,” said Zalepa.
Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton, Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan, West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann, West Lincoln Reg. Coun. Albert Witteveen all voted against the motion.
Foster and Grimsby Reg. Coun. Michelle Seaborn voted in favour.
With demand at an all-time high, timing is right for Grimsby Benevolent Fund to take the next step of its evolution - this one into the area of community wellness.
Last Wednesday, March 22, a series of new programs and support systems was launched with an official breakfast and open house later in the day at its GBF Hub at 19 Elm St.
“These new programs go far beyond what people traditionally think of when they think of GBF,” said Lindsay Dressel, GBF’s wellness program manager.
“These new programs are about enabling people to be well physically, socially, environmentally and mentally.
With this new programming content, GBF board president Irene Podolak said the organization is expanding its role in the community.
The key to GBF’s plan, said board president Irene Podolak, is programming is designed to support self-help.
“Our foundational course will help people navigate their own wellness journey,” said Podolak.
“Our workshops will help you manage key areas of wellness.”
While the GBF team is thinking outside the box, they want the community as a whole to do the same.
“People think GBF is a place to go for food or clothing support for those in need. Our clients are
certainly welcome but our new programs are for everyone,” said Podolak.
And if people see something not offered they think they can help out with, GBF is more than happy to consider rolling new ideas into the program.
“If someone has an idea for a presentation, great. Let us know. If someone has a talent they want to share, a talent for art, great,” said Podolak.
“All programs are free and inclusive so everyone can feel welcome.”
A sampling of some of the programs include:
• Healthy eating and wellness;
• Mindfulness and Meditation;
• Music Circle;
• Presentation on photography, yoga, art, centrepiece making and more;
• Darts
As the new offering takes shape, Dressel said set drop-in hours will also be established to allow anyone to drop by the hub to socialize outside of programmed times.
To register, or for more information on programs, call Dressel at 905-309-4962 or email an inquiry to: wellness@gbfgrimsby.com
In the first half of the 20th century, one of the favourite pastimes for couples out on a date was dancing.
All around Lake Ontario, dancehalls sprang up to fulfill the desires of the dancing public.
One of these was The Casino on Lake Ontario adjacent to Grimsby Beach.
This popular dance pavilion was built at the end of WWII by W.E. Stevens of St. Mary’s. He purchased a piece of lakefront property next to Grimsby Beach, at the north end of
Park Road.
It was a convenient location because Stevens took advantage of transportation systems which brought dancers via the the radial electric railway, or the steamer service from Toronto.
The Casino featured all the local bands, as well as some of the famous big bands from across the border.
It had a reputation as a great place to dance be-
cause of the 5,000 sq. foot hardwood dance floor, set out over the water.
When the big band era came to an end, the Casino closed.
The building was sold to Pittsburg Water Heater Company which converted it for manufacturing.
The company employed about 40 local residents.
Unfortunately, in 1951, the building burned, and the business was closed.
The site of the Casino is now occupied by a private home.
Under 4 years • 9:30 am
Age 4-6 years • 10:00 am
Age 7-9 years • 10:30 am
Age 10-12 years • 11:00 am
Come out and enjoy a family Easter day.
Entertainment from 9-11 a.m.
“Meet the Easter Bunny”
Ontario’s Conservation Authorities 2023 Watershed Report Cards are ready for review.
The report cards provide a ‘checkup’ on the health of many of Ontario’s watersheds. They track and report on the surface and groundwater quality as well as the conditions of our forests.
This is important, says Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s Erika Navarro, because about 95 per cent of Ontario residents live in a watershed managed by a conservation authority. Check your area’s report card at: WatershedCheckup.ca
When the Easter Bunny is set to make his appearance at Beamsville Lions Easter Egg Hunt, one knows spring is close behind.
Saturday, April 8, the Beamsville Lions are set to present their popular annual event at Lions Club Park at 5100 Fly Road.
“We’re looking forward to another great year,” said Lions organizer Frank Arsenault.
“We’ve got excellent support from sponsors Tim Hortons Beamsville, Central Fabricating and Christie’s Dairy and we’ll
have more than 15,000 chocolate eggs up for grabs.”
Entertainment runs from 9-11 a.m. with the Under-4 age category getting the hunting started at 9:30 a.m. Other age groups are 4-6 (10 a.m.), 7-9 (10:30 a.m.) and 10-12 (11 a.m.)
“We’ll have some ‘special eggs’ hidden as well and there will be lots of prizes up for grabs, so it will be lots of fun,” said Arsenault, who noted the event is free, but the Lions welcome any cash donations or non-perishable food donations as well.
Town of Grimsby Planning Department
Applications have been received by the Town of Grimsby for an Official Plan Amendment Zoning By-law Amendment for the lands known as 41 Livingston Avenue.
Applications have been received by the Town of Grimsby for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment for the lands known as 41 Livingston Avenue.
The proposed development consists of a 3 storey mixed-use building, which would contain ground floor office and recreational space, and a facility for specialized housing needs with 5 units. The housing units would be assisted living units for adults with physical and mental disabilities. The ground floor is to be utilized for accessory education and recreation space with a kitchen for the use of the Community Living Grimsby, West Lincoln and Lincoln. There would be approximately 40 sq. m. of outdoor amenity space provided, and 9 parking spaces (1 accessible parking space) provided on site.
The proposed development consists of a 3 storey mixed-use building, which would contain ground floor office and recreational space, and a facility for specialized housing needs with 5 units. The housing units would assisted living units for adults with physical and mental disabilities. The ground floor is to be utilized for accessory education recreation space with a kitchen for the of the Community Living Grimsby, West Lincoln and Lincoln. There would be approximately 40 sq. m. of outdoor amenity space provided, and 9 parking spaces (1 accessible parking space) provided on site.
The purpose and effect of the proposed Official Plan Amendment is to redesignate subject lands from “Low Density Residential” to “Medium Density
The purpose and effect of the proposed Official Plan Amendment is to redesignate the subject lands from “Low Density Residential” to “Medium Density Residential”, with further site specific modifications to permit small scale office and recreational space for Community Living on the ground floor of the proposed development.
Residential”, with further site specific modifications to permit small scale office and recreational space for Community Living on ground floor of the proposed development.
As part of its ongoing push to improve the municipality’s connectivity, Town of Lincoln and Bell have partnered to bring fibre internet to more than 7,000 homes.
Bell announced Tuesday, March 28, the expansion as part of its capital expenditure for investment in nextgeneration network infrastructure.
Fully funded by Bell, this broadband expansion program will provide fast and high-capacity 100 per cent fibre connections with Internet download and upload speeds of up to 3 Gbps and access to other Bell service.
two years.
“Providing greater and improved broadband access to residents and businesses in Lincoln has been a top priority for council and staff over the past several years,” said Mayor Sandra Easton.
“Bell’s investment is most welcome and much needed for our community, and through our partnership with Bell, thousands in Lincoln are expected to benefit from improved internet access, a necessity for residents and businesses alike.”
The purpose and effect of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is to carry forward the existing site specific policy permitting Education Resource Centre and to permit a group home use with a maximum of 5 residential units. The application is also requesting modifications to performance standards including minimum interior side yard and minimum ground floor height and parking requirements to permit the proposed development.
The open house meeting will be held as follows:
Date: April 19, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m.
The purpose and effect of the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment is to carry forward existing site specific policy permitting Education Resource Centre and to permit a group home use with a maximum of 5 residential units. The application is also requesting odifications to performance standards including minimum interior side yard and minimum ground floor height and parking requirements to permit the proposed development.
Location: Council Chambers (160 Livingston Avenue) and via Zoom
Date: April 19, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m.
This meeting can be attended in-person or via Zoom. If you wish to appear as a delegation at the meeting via Zoom, please register with planning@grimsby.ca. Note only those individuals that register will be given the zoom link. If you do not wish to speak, our meetings are livestreamed at https://www.grimsby.ca/livestream/
Location: Council Chambers (160 Livingston Avenue) and via Zoom
Additional information regarding the applications, including appeal rights, is available on the Town’s website at www.grimsby.ca/currentplanningapplications, at Town Hall during normal business hours (8:30 to 4:30), or you may contact:
The announcement is part of a $17 million investment to bring direct fibre network connections to locations throughout Lincoln over the next
CAO Mike Kirkopoulos said staff played a key role in getting the process in motion, and the fibre “will bring an important element of our workplan.” said Kirkopoulos.
ST. HELEN CHURCH 4106 Mountain St., Beamsville ON
Big Payout With Progressive Jackpot
Thursday, March 30 - 11 am in the Church Great Hall
Jackpot $1,100 Hot Lunch - Sandwiches available at Noon
Friday, March 31 - 7 pm in the Church Great Hall
Jackpot $1,500 Fresh baked Pizza available at 6 pm
Also $$$ thousands $$$ in cash prizes every week
Admission Free - Tea and Coffee Free
The meeting can be attended in-person or via Zoom. If you wish to appear as a delegation at the meeting via Zoom, please register with planning@grimsby.ca Note only those individuals t hat register will be given the Zoom link. If you do not wish to speak, our meetings will be livestreamed at https://www.grimsby.ca/livestream/ .
Town of Grimsby, Planning Department
160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, Ontario L3M 0J5 Telephone: (905) 945-9634, Fax: (905) 945-5010, Email: planning@grimsby.ca
ROBERT JAMES, Sales Representative
Office: 905-945.1234
Email: robertjames@royallepage.ca
Regardless of why a homeowner chooses to renovate, the need to do so is often evident to the naked eye, especially when the time comes to update home exteriors. Homeowners who want their homes to maintain their curb appeal can look for signs that it’s time to update their home exteriors.
• Curling shingles: The roof may not be the first thing people think of when pondering curb appeal, but a damaged roof can contribute to problems that ultimately affect the exterior and interior of the
home. Multiple curling shingles indicate it’s time to replace the roof. The sight of curling shingles is not pretty, but costly water damage is the main concern.
• Dated entry door: Many home improvement experts insist they can determine when a home was built or most recently renovated simply by looking at the front door. Steel and glass doors are popular in modern homes, so homeowners with front doors with ornate designs and oval glass inserts can likely benefit from
an upgrade to their entryway. A modern front door can make a statement.
• Unsightly landscaping: It’s not only the physical components of the home that may suggest an update is necessary. Homeowners without a green thumb may have exterior landscaping that has seen better days. If a spring or summer day spent tending to your landscaping is not your ideal weekend pastime, then consider replacing unsightly landscaping with low-maintenance plants or hardscaping.
• Cracked driveways/
walkways: If the driveway looks like a busy road at the end of snow plowing season, chances are that’s adversely affecting the impression people have of your home.
Please call to place your classified ad 289-235-9500
January 11, 1952March 12, 2023
Joanne is survived by her common law husband Larry Zarubiak, brother Nick (Lee), daughter Laura and son Michael. Joanne was an active member of Beamsville Lawn Bowling Club and enjoyed playing euchre most Saturday nights at Beamsville Legion. No formal service will be held as per her wish. Cremation has taken place.
Susan Rosemary Moule, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Sunday March 19, 2023 with family by her side.
Funeral was held at Tallman Funeral Home, 3277 King Street Vineland, on Saturday March 25th, 2023 starting at 1pm, followed by a reception / lunch.
Susan was born in London, England to Florence Mabel and Walter Theodore Notman on December 29, 1931. She was an avid gardener and had a love of the arts, especially being involved in theatre.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years, David Cecil; children: Richard Angus, (Bärbel), Christopher Simon and Sarah Harriet Elisabeth ( Bruce Leonard George ) ; grandchildren: Ryan Michael (Charlotte Adelaide), Kai Klaus David, Jordan Matthew and Meaghan Kaitlyn Alexandra (Matthew William); & her extended family abroad.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Stratford Festival or Walking with the Wounded are greatly appreciated.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to all who helped care for Susan this past year.
Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
December 12, 1964 - March 26, 2023
With saddened hearts and lots of tears, we say goodbye to the sweetest, most loveable guy in the world. Mark passed away peacefully at his home with his loving mother by his side. Predeceased by his dad and best pal George; leaving behind his mom Lenora who adored him, and his 2nd pal and brother Cory. He will be truly missed by aunts Myra, Maureen and Sally, uncle Joel, niece Maggie, nephew Carter; and many cousins and extended family in the US. A huge thank you to all his care givers at Community Living for the many years of making Mark’s life meaningful; and providing that “special care” with love and kindness. Special thanks to Breanne, Jill, and Paula and the wonderful team at Beam Street. Mark loved everybody and everything, and you couldn’t help but love him back. He could make your heart smile. He was an avid sports fan cheering on his favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys, the Leafs, and the Blue Jays. Mark will join his Grandma and Grandpa, Dora and Hedley McRae and uncle Ted at Stamford Green Heritage Columbarium, Niagara Falls, in our family Niches. If desired, donations in Mark’s memory may be made to Community Living Grimsby, Lincoln, and West Lincoln, and would be greatly appreciated by the family. Note to Mark, I didn’t lose you, I know exactly where you are. “Go Cowboys!” Save me a seat and say hi to dad for me! Love mom. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com
“His life a joy, his memory a treasure.”
I, KAMIL IQBAL PARKAR, son of PARKAR IQBAL SHAIKH AHMED, holder of Indian Passport No. W0173709, issued at TORONTO, on 24 MAY 2022, permanent resident of FLAT 101 B-WING, ASMITA HERITAGE 2, NAYA NAGAR, MIRA ROAD EAST, MIRA-BHAYANDER, THANE, PIN:401107, MAHARASTRA, INDIA, and presently residing at, 2-1 ROBINSON STREET SOUTH, GRIMSBY, ONTARIO, L3M 3C6, CANADA. Do hereby change my name from KAMIL IQBAL PARKAR to KAMIL PARKAR, with immediate effect.
Passed away peacefully at Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton on March 18, 2023 in his 82nd year. Beloved husband of 58 years to Margo Muir (Luffman). Doug will be missed by his special family friends Wray and Donna, their children Kim (Peter) and Chris. Forever cherished by Sarah and Grace. Doug is survived by his siblings Irvin (Carol), Barbara (Gary), and brother in law Jim (Irma). He will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Doug was a strong, kind man who enjoyed time spent with his family and friends. Doug had a lifetime love of farming, animals, hunting, fishing and the north. Doug enjoyed hockey and supporting those he cared for. Doug spent his career at General Motors. He was a firefighter and retired from the West Lincoln Fire Department after 45 years of service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Merritt Funeral Home, Smithville. Donations to Lincoln County Humane Society or the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters would be appreciated by the family and if desired can be made through the funeral home, (905)957-7031
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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 905-945-9529
SPecialized in carPentry - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring. Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485
rubbiSH & Junk reMoVal. Call Ken 905-973-3235
GARAGE FOR RENT
Downtown Grimsby. Storage only. No heat, no hydro. 25 x 15. $125/month 905945-1040
LAWN ROLLING & AERATION front & backyard. Call Ken 905957-5731.
roofing Over 25 years of experience. Shingles and Flat Roof warranty. Call Ken 905-973-3235.
PUPPIES FOR SALE
5 labrador retrieVer purebred., vaccinated, dewormed, vet check. 905-563-7470
VEHICLES WANTED
carS, truckS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059
By Ben Baldasaro For NewsNow
Grimsby Benevolent fund will host a special workshop April 4“Your protection, our Passion” - to boost awareness of scams.
GBF, in association with the Meridian Credit Union, hope to educate people on the increasing dangers of fraud and scams in a modern age.
“The goal is to promote environmental and financial literacy, by educating people about scams”, says Wellness program manager Lindsay Dressel.
Part of the program involves a
presentation by Meridian, detailing some of the fraud frequently seen in the financial sector. Another part involves Ray Aceti, of the Niagara Regional Police Department, educating viewers on “grandparent scams”. Grandparent Scams involve scammers calling elderly people and impersonating their grandchild in a crisis situation. There will be an open question and answer period following the presentations. RSVP’S close Friday, March 31. For more information, contact the GBF at 905-309-4962.
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Maybe I’m just more dense than the average citizen, but I had to over many clips from Grimsby’s March 21 budget meeting several times to try to figure things out.
Some points I still had to follow up with staff on. Some information was received, some not, so there is more to follow up on.
One thing is for sure, this new council has a ton to learn if they really want to put the interests of residents at the forefront as they purport.
There were several fronts in the 3.5 hour meeting where they just fell on their collective faces.
Staff: six new positions.
Brendan Staples, left, from Grimsby was one of many who turned out for Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff’s Family Skate last month at West Lincoln Arena.
Sorry for the run-on thought, but Town of Grimsby’s legal budgeting needs some ink, too.
The budget was upped - at least it still needs to be approved April 3 - to $600,000, up from $350,000 in 2022. This was seemingly with zero movement on the biodigester civil suit which will likely see some action on the file this year.
Now, the Town does not waste money on legal. It is a needed and necessary expense. Yes, it is expensive, but it is a cost of doing business. That said, in 2021, the Town spent nearly $68,000 on Integrity Commissioner complaints. When the IC was first brought in, $5,000 was the budget. It is likely 2022 was more, but the Town hasn’t “disclosed” that number yet. It needs to be public, itemized by case. M.W.
Ok, maybe. But sell it to me. That was my view when I started watching it. Then Coun. Nick DiFlavio started saying just about everything I was thinking...in the same order. Now, I don’t know if we were twins separated at birth or what, but he was on the money over and over.
Absolutely #1, all of council should have shut right down the ultimatum given to them with all six new jobs being thrown at them in a block. There should have been zero consideration for approval in that format and it was shocking to see.
Some of the positions were no brainers, with no levy impact, so there was little debate on those points. Mainly, the committee coordinator and special event coordinator were out of left field.
As DiFlavio noted - and my brain processed immediately - the Town ran for decades in the standing committee
format without anyone dedicated to planning meetings. Yes, the Town has had to create many new committees to keep various interests happy, but I didn’t see any value for the $86,000 spend.
Events coordinator...I can guarantee you there is a ton of work there. Last year was off the hook for major events. I know because I was right in the middle of planning nearly all of them too either as newspaper guy or DIA president.
That said, at $128,000 for a permanent, full-time gig... pass. Hard pass. The Town could contract $10,000 (which would be high) for someone to coordinate each major event in Town and still be $40,000-$50,000 ahead. Enough on that one.
Where I challenge this council’s willingness to do right by taxpayers comes both from the ridiculous manner of having staff devise a budget with little to no public meeting input and their collective lack of interest in being creative to reach the same goal.
Lord knows I hammered our good friend Mr. Schlange
many times in this space. However, he was clever, too clever really, at stickhandling to get what he wanted. He created nine new Town positions in his tenure. To get them through he used creative accounting - delaying hiring until half or threequarters of the way through the year to reduce the tax hike impact of the budget at hand. This kept the immediate number down and got the new hires in the operating budget for the following year.
Not only was there no discussion of anything near that, there was no interest in hiring on contract or, more importantly, looking at costsharing with neighbouring municipalities.
It was just here it is, approve it...and they did.
The new hires was approved 5-4. Then three of those who voted against the hires turned around and voted to approve the overall budget with those hires in there. Does that make sense to anyone. DiFlavio was the only one to stay true to his beliefs, and good for him.
It is desperately hoped, when standing committees return, the real way of developing a budget returns. Finance deals with operations, planning, rec and public works take care of their own business and hit the tax increase mark that gets assigned. Then, initial drafts come to a public council meeting for review and it gets fine tuned as needed.
This shmozzle goes for ratification at next Monday’s April 3 meeting.
Dear Editor, I have read with interest the pros & cons regarding the convoy protests and its aftermath.
For me, neither side has been able to generate empathy either for or against their position.
I do, however, strongly resent the hijacking of our national flag as a symbol of the protesters’ position on
their political views.
Our Maple Leaf flag represents a freedom for all of us to hold our own political views.
It does not exist solely for one group to wave and fly as an indication of support for their position.
It is a flag for all Canadians, not a
chosen few.
If they think by using my flag to represent their position then they will win me over then they are sorely mistaken.
It only generates resentment to the arrogance that these individuals have in believing they represent everyone in our Country.
John Spackman Grimsby
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