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> Incentives key to Lincoln commercial, rural land stimulus report /Pg 3 > Bank robbers flee on foot after crash Pg 7 > Losani’s ‘Fifth Wheel’ plan packs town hall Pg 8 > Grimsby Seniors Choir launches CD Pg 15 Thursday, March 7, 2019 Vol. 8 Issue 42

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WL anxiety high over MURS costs Draft budget calls for 4.68% increase on township portion By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow Taxpayers may have a new West Lincoln Community Centre (formerly MURS project) but they’ll be absorbing the shock felt by council Monday night. Council was informed that operating and capital costs for the recreational facility will account for the lion’s share of tax increases proposed for this year’s budget. Overall, residents can expect an estimated increase of 4.68 per cent or $56 more than last year for the township’s portion of the tax bill on an average residential property assessed at $363,877. Taking a first look at the draft budget for 2019, council expected the $307,000 third and final capital allocation towards the new recreation centre project. It followed the first two installments of $283,500 in 2017 and $297,950 in 2018 for a total over $888,000. What wasn’t anticipated was nearly a $100,000 increase in operating costs to run the new facility whichhas been included in the base budget. “Why couldn’t we have had this information

earlier?” asked Mayor Dave Bylsma. “I asked the (previous) mayor, the director of public works and the committee for answers to how the operational cost would increase.” “It would have been very appropriate to have this information before we went down the road with the community centre,” Bylsma said, noting the information was not delivered as part of the construction plan to build the facility. “I really feel that somehow taxpayers were robbed of this information that we’re getting tonight,” said Bylsma. He suggested funding the increased costs for staff and services should be supported in tandem with growth assessment. The draft budget notes that every $64,000 of additional expenditure added to the budget equates to a one per cent on the general tax levy adjustment or approximately $12 for an average assessed home. For the 2019 budget assessment growth is estimated at $153,000 (2.39 per cent). This means that of the $460,670 increase in the required tax levy, the first $153,000 of that increase does not increase See BUDGET, Page 2

(Above left) Julie and Stuart Hunt with their newborn addition - via St. Catharines General - baby Caden, born Saturday, Feb. 23 at 8:02 p.m., weighing in at 7 lb 13 oz. (Above right) Two excited sisters, Emily, left, and Jenna.

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First day of weekend closures sees Beamsville mom rerouted to St. Catharines General for third birth

Dear Editor, If Hamilton Health Sciences CEO Rob McIsaac believes the weekend closure of the OB ward is not a big deal and won’t affect too many moms. Well, I was the first to suffer the shortage and mismanagement of nurses and staff. As arranged by HHS for moms in labour to be directed to McMaster, my husband and I prepared ourselves to go to the St. Catharines General instead. And just our luck, Saturday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m., my labour pains began and prompted us to swift action. By the time we dropped our children off with family in St. Catharines at 5:30 pm, our beautiful baby was born at 8:02 p.m. by a tremendous health care team at the St. Catharines General. We knew the distance to McMaster would not

Letter be feasible. We sacrificed my doctor not being permitted to be called in for my labour and all my children not being born at the same hospital, which we know and love (and they point out every time we drive past). It worked out great in the end thanks to a great experience at the Niagara Health System, a dedicated staff and a gorgeous facility but it didn’t come without a degree of stress and anxiety. For Mr. McIsaac, yes, babies are born on the weekend. We don’t have a choice in that. Julie Hunt Beamsville

Page 2 • News Now • Thursday, March 7, 2019

BUDGET

From Page 1 the taxes paid by property owners. Director of finance Donna DeFilippis said in the report that the financing plan included funding for some increased operation costs at the new recreational centre. However, a detailed operating plan is just now being developed and will evolve over the course of the year. The financing of the project is through a combination of debt, donations, development charges, reserves and the Wind Turbine Community Fund. Council fears the community centre costs will squeeze out other priorities for funding, such as road or bridge work. “I canvassed hard on resurfacing some roads in the country,” said Coun. Jason Trombetta, adding he wants to see some of them get done. “We understand there are service needs (at the WL centre) but do they all have to be filled now?” He suggested waiting until the three years of capital payments are done and then “some of the positions can get pushed to full time.” Coun. Mike Rehner said it’s time to focus money on road work and bridges. “My concern determining the massive costs of this $31 million project

was that we haven’t discussed the costs of operation for this facility above and beyond the $31 million back in 2015. I wanted to have at least 50 per cent fundraising and that has disappeared.” As he has often outlined in the past, Rehner referred to the tyranny of compounding costs over time. The capital and operation costs are not a one-off and compounded over the base tax will leave little to look after the rest of the Township.

“So the number gets larger and larger, compounded each year until the year 2048. Conceivably the cost could be more than $700 per taxpayer per year on top of regular taxes just to pay for the MURS. And that number is low because it does not include the annual MPAC assessments.” Council members went round the horseshoe with funding suggestions from raising user fees to having volunteers working at the centre.

Coun. William Reilly said it would be hard to ask constituents to not only pay for the new facility but also work there. “It’s not a direction we should go,” said Reilly. Reilly said raising user fees could have the reverse effect on the brand new investment. He suggested finding more programs and events or a name sponsor for the building. “We haven’t had a chance to see it get used to full potential,” Reilly added. Coun. Harold Jonker

agreed with the idea to give it a year to test revenues. “The idea is the building should pay for itself when it comes to operations,” Jonker said. “We need to put faith in the staff.” Coun. Chris Coady said raising user fees would be a dangerous path and could make the building less accessible to the people who use it. If people don’t use the building it will increase costs even more. “To be separating the municipality like that is

WL council defers possible pay adjustment By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow West Lincoln Council has referred to staff a motion to adjust council members’ salaries to compensate for changes to the Income Tax Act which as of January eliminated the one-third tax-free allowance that was available to municipal politicians. Coun. Mike Rehner proposed Monday that council salaries be increased to $25,000 for councillors and $38,500 for the mayor in lieu of the elimination of the tax free allowance to correct council salary levels. The motion introduced by Rehner would top up the onethird in lost revenue plus some. Current renumeration is $30,321 for the mayor’s position and $17,999 for council members. An amendment to the motion by Coun. Jason Trombetta to look only at reimbursing an amount equal to the lost tax-free allowance will now go back to staff to calculate the difference to offset

the tax change and maintain the same pay. Grimsby Council recently voted to mitigate the loss of the tax break with a $3,058 increase in base salary for councillors and $6,774 for the mayor. Lincoln Council made the adjustment for the federal cut to the tax free portion of councillor pay in 2017. The result was a new zero increase to council’s net renumeration. WL council members will have the option to opt in or out, as they they do with benefits which are part of their reimbursement package. WL council members are not reimbursed for mileage related to their work in the Township. “It’s unconscionable to give ourselves this raise considering the talk about the budget,” said Mayor Dave Bylsma referring to the original motion. He said council members should never vote for their own raise and if a decision was made it should have been done before the election.

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Rehner said he raised the issue last year but it wasn’t followed up and there was no action. “It should’ve come back to Council last year.” He said he only brought it back in light of the federal decision to eliminate the tax allowance. Rehner said it’s not money but personal satisfaction in resolving issues and helping that draws him to the work. “It’s a part time job but carries a lot of responsibility.” Bylsma said West Lincoln’s renumeration per capita is probably one of the highest in the Region. “We are the only municipality that gives benefits to councillors.” William Reilly said as a first time council member he was not comfortable with asking for a raise. “We can’t ask taxpayers we take services away from to pay more,” said Coun. Christopher Coady. “I agree we don’t need to ask the public for a raise when we’re going to our staff and asking for ways to cut,” said Coun. Harold Jonker.

not doing any good,” Coady said. “Increasing user costs will cost us even more in the long run.” Rehner said he doesn’t see a way around, “if it takes one or two per cent of the three or four per cent budget to keep this running. We’ve got to free up and not tie money in the building as an anchor,” Rehner said. “People aren’t coming to the table for fundraising.” Council will be reviewing eight service level requests which, if all approved, would increase the operating budget by $135,500 in 2019 resulting in a general tax levy of $7,010,670. This would result in an $80.29 or 6.74 per cent increase to the Township portion of taxes to an average homeowner. The 2019 budget is proposing a 5 per cent increase to water and wastewater rates. The rate change would be effective July 1, 2019 and would impact the September 2019 and December 2019 billings. A gallery of six sat through Monday’s budget talks, four stayed until the end. A budget open house will be held Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers. The final budget report will go to council on Monday, March 18. Approval is scheduled for Monday, March 25 and if necessary, Tuesday, March 26.

News Now • Thursday, March 7, 2019 • Page 3

Town of Lincoln

Incentives key to commercial growth: report By Mike Williscraft NewsNow Incentive packages to drive commercial/industrial growth in the Town of Lincoln are a key aspect to a report given to the Town’s General Business and Finance Committee. The Industrial Lands and Rural Areas community improvement plan draft report was reviewed by the committee. The purpose of the study is to outline ways investment from private sector can be stimulated in industrial lands. The goal is to see undeveloped land utilized while protecting the current base and create new, local jobs. In the rural areas, the goal would be to develop “value added” agricultural uses while assisting viable farm operations, creating new jobs, attracting tourists through wineries as well as bed & breakfasts and addressing other rural priorities. “The main goal behind the In-

dustrial CIP is ultimately to stimulate private sector investment in industrial designated lands. This helps address the reliance on the residential property taxpayer and put more onto the industrial tax base, which is the trend we want to see more of,” said Coun. Tony Brunet. And to do that, council is considering some significant incentive packages, including: • Industrial Development Charge Reduction Grant • Industrial Building Permit Fees Grant • Industrial Tax Increment Financing Grant (TIFG) “We look forward to staff and the consultant’s final report,” added Brunet. With the rural component, Brunet said council has a bit more of a balancing act on its hands. “From that perspective, it’s about supporting and diversifying the rural economy here in Lincoln. We are a mix of rural,

some urban and development centers and industrial make up,” said Brunet. “A rural CIP is about outcomes that lead and help in attracting visitors to bed and breakfasts, wineries and it also incentivizes development of value added agricultural lands, and assists viability of farm operations.” Coun. Paul MacPherson, chair of the Planning Committee, said the whole process is about building the commercial sector and “attracting value-added agricultural investments in Lincoln such as assistance for new craft beverage manufacturers.” “We see these incentives as a strong effort in attracting private sector investment to Lincoln. We’re not talking chump change here. We know investors have options on where to locate. The proposed Industrial Lands and Rural Areas Community Improvement Plan (CIP) will no doubt assist in making Lincoln a serious contender.

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Page 4 • News Now • Thursday, March 7, 2019 To let us know about your community event, email to: catherine@wn3.ca or call 289-235-9500

West Niagara service clubs, organizations and non-profit groups are welcome to submit meeting dates, fundraising information and invitations to the public in News Now’s Around Town feature. This service is provided free of charge and is done on a space availability basis.

St. Helen Bingo – Progressive Jackpot March 7th at 11 am. at the Beamsville Legion: $800. March 8th @ 7 pm. at St. Helen Church $1300. Also thousands of dollars in cash prizes every week. Admission is free. Hot food available. Info:905-562-7427. Smithville Legion 393 March Events – Tuesday – Sunday Free Pool Open to Close, Tuesday Cribbage 2-4 pm, Thursday Euchre 2-4 pm. Sundays Kiwanis Bingo 8 pm – 9 pm. Only $3 for 4 chances to win $500+. Sat. Mar. 9th: candy bar bingo. Thurs. Mar. 14th gift card Bingo. Mar. 15th Progressive Euchre 7 pm. Mar. 16th Jimmy Parks (live music) Mar. 29th Dawn’s Paint Pallet 6 pm. Mar. 28th. Cornbeef, cabbage & potato dinner. Mar. 28th Eclectic Revival (live music) 905-957-3935 FREE Waffle Wednesday Lunches at Maplecrest Wednesdays in March from 11:30-1:00 pm. All that is needed is to RSVP to Maplecrest 905 945-7044. St. Patrick’s Day Community Luncheon. Presented by the Lincoln Senior’s Club. Fri. March 8th from 11:30 am to 1 pm at the Lincoln Centre - 4361 Central Ave, Beamsville. $8 per person. Irish stew, dessert, tea, coffee. ‘Lunch is on Us!’ – Sat. March 9 at First Baptist Church, Beamsville (corner Mountain & Beam Sts). Free community lunch 11:30 am – 1 pm. All Welcome! Pajama and Popcorn Movie Night. March 11th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Wellandport Branch of West Lincoln Public Library. Screening of Raven Tales, Gone Fishing and The Sea Wolf, great short films introducing families to Indigenous folklore. Registration is required. Free. The Soroptimist Club of Stoney Creek-Niagara will next meet on Mon. March 11th in Stoney Creek near Centennial Parkway at

6:30 pm. We are a global volunteer network of women working to improve the lives of women & girls. For info. re: visiting call Marg. @ 905-628-3198 Cake Pop-a-zoola! March 12th from 10 am to 11am at Caistorville Branch of West Lincoln Public Library. Get ready kiddos! We will be bringing out the cake and donut pop makers! Registration required. $2 each. Family Fun Storytime. March 12th and Mar. 13th from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at Smithville Branch of West Lincoln Public Library. Build-a-Button Workshop. March 12th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Smithville Branch of West Lincoln Public Library. Using our button maker, you can create unique and fun buttons! We’ll have magazines, but feel free to draw your own design or bring any pictures you would like to make into a button. Registration is required. $2 each. Go, Go Geoboards. March 12th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Wellandport Branch of West Lincoln Public Library. Grab some rubber bands and get building. Can you make a dog? A mountain? A tic tac toe board? Free. Paint Your Own Personalized Book Ends. March 13th from 3 pm to 4 pm at Smithville Branch of West Lincoln Public Library. We will supply everything you need to create your own piece of functional art. Registration is required. $2 each. Niagara Health Coalition Grimsby Town Hall meeting. March 14th at 7 pm 160 Livingston Ave. Protect and improve our public health care! No to cuts and privatisation. 905-932-1646 niagarahealthcoalition@yahoo.ca Newcomers and Neighbours of Grimsby & area are having their next social event on March 20th from 2:30 to 4 pm. Providing so-

cial and cultural activities through which new and long term residents can become acquainted with other community members. Please contact grimsbynewcomers@gmail.com more info. The Rock n Roll Diner – (A night of 50’s & 60’s music with food & fun for the whole family with Live Bands, Door Prizes, Silent auction & Food). March 23 at Great Lakes Christian High School (4875 King St., Beamsville). TICKETS : $10/ person ($5 for ages 4—12, FREE for ages 3 & under). Pay At Door. Cash only event. Show starts at 6 pm. Reserve Tickets at rocknrolldiner@bell.net. More info at www.rocknrolldiner.webs.com Easter Concert Sat. March 23 @ 7:30 pm at Mountainview Church (290 Main Street E., Grimsby) $15 ea. Or 35/family avail. at Dutch Shop or at the door. Net proceeds to McNally Hospice. Family Heirlooms Seminar at the Erland Lee Museum (552 Ridge Rd., Stoney Creek). Sun., March 24th 1:30-3:30 pm: Presented by Kelly Juhasz, Principal, Fine Art Appraisal and Services and President of the Canadian Chapter of the International Society of Appraisers. This seminar will discuss the importance of collecting family history and early planning for your estate property. $10 per person. Call 905-6622691 to pre-register. Proceeds to support the Erland Lee Museum. GSS Rowing Team Trivia Night on Frid. March 29th @ 7 pm at Grimsby Secondary School. There will be door prizes as well as prizes for winning team. Pizza & snacks included. Tickets are $20. Funds raised help support students rowing on Henley Island. Please email sandra.coppinger@ dsbn.org for tickets. McNally House Fundraising Trivia Night Fri. March 29th at 6:30 pm at the Grimsby Legion.

$20/ person, includes light meal, snacks and prizes! Licensed Event, cash bar. Register snobles@mcnallyhousehospice.com or 905309-4013 ext 28 Grimsby Public Art Gallery – Back to the Garden, Fundraising Auction March 30th, doors open at 7 pm, the silent auction is open until 8:30 pm, before the live auction starts at 9 pm. Throughout the event guests will groove to the colours and sounds of the Woodstock Music and Art Festival – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of this seminal event! “With a little help from our friends” … we can make this fundraiser historic! TICKETS are on sale now! Only $35 includes one drink. Phone or email the Gallery or visit in person to reserve yours! Community Beef on a Bun fundraiser in support of youth ministries. St Martin of Tours Church, 166 West St, Smithville, Sun., Mar., 31. 2-8 pm Adults $10 in advance or $15 at the door, Children 12 & under $5. Free children’s activities.Tickets, 905-870-4866 or 905975-0364. All are welcome. All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast at Christ Church (1307 Woodburn, Hannon) in support of the Erland Lee Museum Sat., March 30th 8:00 am-Noon. Adults $8.00, Children (10 and under) $5.00, $25 per family (2 adults, 2 children). Enjoy a delicious breakfast of fluffy pancakes, sausage, juice, tea, and coffee. Pancakes generously cooked by the Battlefield Optimists. 905-662-2691. Ham & Turkey Roll Sat. April 13 at St. Helen’s Church (4106 Mountain Street Beamsville) 7 pm. Food, wine and pizza. Half and half draw, raffles, prizes. 905-5627427 Giant CFUW Book Sale Sat. April 13, 9-1 at the Livingston Activity Centre. Donations gracefully accepted Fri. April 12 9 am to 5 pm.

For Local Community Events and Non-Profit Groups

Info 905-945-2433. Proceed to scholarship fund. GROUPS & CLUBS Explore ALPHA. Interactive weekly sessions includes meal, short talk, and open discussion on the Christian faith and life’s big questions. Sundays from 5:307:30 pm, begins Jan 20 with Intro night. No pressure, no follow up, no charge. Smithville Christian Reformed Church, 6522 Smithville Rd. Walk-ins welcome; registration is helpful: www.alphacanada.org or call 905-957-2116. JOIN our new WRITING GROUP in West Niagara. Call me if interested and we’ll go from there! Donna 905-321-8841 The Women’s Institute (WI) has a long history of promoting personal development, and empowering women to embrace life’s challenges as opportunities. We encourage talent, creativity, and being part of community efforts. The WI is non-discriminatory and welcomes women of any race or creed to become a member. We meet monthly at The Fleming Centre, Beamsville, at 1:30 pm., the third Tuesday of every month, September through June. There’s a welcome there for you! Contact: Barb, 905 563-7274, or Pearl. 905 945-1357 The Grimsby Seniors’ Choir meets every Tuesday afternoon from 1 to 3 pm. at the Livingston Activity Centre, 18 Livingston Ave. If you are 55+ and love to sing, please join us. For more information, please contact Sylvia at 905-309-2213 or grimsbyseniorchoir@gmail.com Drop-In Events. Every Monday (excluding holidays) 9 am – 12 noon at the Fleming Centre. A social morning of knitting by the fireplace Fleming location only. Bring your projects. Need help? It’s here!

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New Lincoln library CEO Lincoln Public Library is alive with the sound of books...and its new CEO Julie Andrews. The library’s board of directors made Andrews’ hiring announcement last week. Andrews has most recently been at the Brampton Public Library where she has worked since 2011. Beginning her time there as a branch manager, Andrews has been director of community engagement and partnerships since 2016. Her responsibilities have included all library collections, programming, makerspaces, marketing and communications. Prior to Brampton, Julie also served for eight years as CEO of Hastings Highlands Public Library, located in the small community of

Maynooth in central Ontario. Andrews is well experienced in liaising with community groups, local organizations and municipal departments. She also led a team to build a new municipal facility for the Municipality of Hastings Highlands. A graduate of the University of Guelph, San Jose State University and the University of Toronto’s iSchool Public Library Leaders Program, she lives in Niagara and is anxious to be involved in the Town of Lincoln and getting to know its residents. Andrews will assume her CEO duties on April 15. She replaces Jill Nicholson who recently retired after 14 years of service. Deputy CEO Janice Coles will continue as Acting CEO until Julie arrives.

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Rev. Donalee Williams Every week during March and April a different musical group will perform. Under the leadership of Music Coordinator Kimberly Hanmer, The Trinity Choir, The Resurrection Band, Sophia Trio, The Trinity Bell Ringers and others will perform in addition to WomEnchant After serving 8 years in Ft. McMurray, Alberta Rev. Williams (a former candidate for United Church Moderator) is returning with her family to her Ontario roots. She was called to ministry after a 25 year career in the field of radio news broadcasting. Her ministry in Alberta included service during the 2016 wildfire. The creed ‘We are not alone’ was instilled in her. At Trinity United you will find you are not alone.

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Grimsby council assesses: what’s in a name? When Grimsby’s Happening at The Forty was snuffed out by its own organizing committee last year, the concensus seemed to be taking a year off and launching a new went for 2020 was the most likely outcome. In January, a working group started a planning process for a simplified, one-day event which would put together interested parties experienced in community events: the idea was to simply bridge the gap until a better rounded event could be planned for the following year. Initially, the committee had chosen to go with a whole new look and branding behind the GrimsBerry Festival, which would be held on the third weekend of June this year. At Monday’s meeting of Grimsby council, Coun. Dave Sharpe said he did not like the name and was concerned about spending Town dollars to support an event being run by FORT, Founda-

tion of Resources for Teens. While Coun. Randy Vaine, who has been sitting on the steering committee, explained to Sharpe the group had already agreed to change to the name to the Happening in Grimsby – done to allow for continuation of an $11,000 federal event grant. The name had to be similar to remain grant eligible. The grant was the financial support involved. No Town dollars were going to the event. As for FORT, it was noted that volunteers from that organization were on the committee and they had planned to operate a strawberry sundae booth - similar to Winona Men’s Club’s booth at the Peach Festival but the event would include lots of options for all community groups and clubs to promote themselves and fundraise if they chose, said Vaine. Vaine also pointed out, that some aspects

of the event would raise funds for the event itself since all the seed money which would normally provide the base for an annual event budget had been given away last summer when the previous committee voted to disband and give away the seed money. Mayor Jeff Jordan said he was pleased to see a group of volunteers step up to keep the summer event tradition alive. “The Happening in Grimsby is a great way to go and I look forward to seeing everyone there on June 21,” said Jordan. BUDGET PROCESS STARTING Grimsby director of finance Steve Gruninger gave council an overview of the upcoming budget process ahead of them. Gruninger said all department budgets have been done in first draft, except recreatoin services, which is expected this week. March 21 will be the

first committee of the whole meeting for council to get a good look at what faces them, he added. Mayor Jeff Jordan noted that while things are a bit slow in coming together right now, the process will be fine tuned when the wheels get rolling again in the fall as the 2020 budget will be done before the year end. “We are aiming to our 2020 budget done in December, so this is the first of two budgets this year,” said Jordan. REGION at 3.8% Reg. Coun. Wayne Fertich said cuts in the police and NPCA budgets helped Niagara Region get down to a 3.8 per cent increase proposal. This represents $56 on taxes for the regional portion on an average assessed home. This will include $10 million for the Casablanca Boulevard road widening and $11.5 million for expansion at the Grimsby Water Treatment Plant.

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News Now • Thursday, March 7, 2019 • Page 7

2019 OUTSTANDING BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Please join us in congratulating our

2019 Business of the Year Finalists

Small Business

Medium Business

Large Business

Adelle’s Hair Studio

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The Old Post Bakery

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Recipients will be announced at our Awards Gala March 27th You are invited to join us in celebrating Business Excellence in Lincoln

Two robbers fleeing Grimsby CIBC after a hold up last Wednesday ditched their get-away car on the QEW just west of Casablanca. Williscraft - Photo

Bank robbers flee, ditch car, run Despite a manhunt in Grimsby’s Winston Road area by Niagara Regional Police, two bank robbery suspects are still at large after crashing their get-away car. About 1:15 p.m., police were called to CIBC Grimsby for a reported robbery. The suspects were described as both being light-skinned black males, wearing black athletic wear. Both men wore hoods and coverings over their faces.

The two men were seen hopping the fence on the North Service Road after crashing their car in the west bound ditch near Casablanca. Numerous officers attended the area, however the suspects have not been located. The incident is actively being investigated by the 8 District Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB). Anyone with information is asked to call (905) 688-4111 Dial 3, badge number 9148.

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Page 8 • News Now • Thursday, March 7, 2019 Grooming Appointments Available! Welcome to Sandy from Sandy’s Pet Salon Call us to book an appointment High quality pet supplies including pet food, toys, treats, leashes, collars, and beds for Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Ferrets, Chinchillas, Guinea Pigs and other small animals

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Public gets first kick at Losani proposal can A full house greeted consultants and Grimsby’s Planning Committee at the first public meeting for Losani Homes’ proposed development at the former Fifth Wheel site. While Losani’s consultant noted about 2,000 units would be permitted at the site “only” 1,295 are proposed. “The trade off for height is less density,” said Losani consultant David Aston of MHBC Planning. That did not mollify the vast majority of the 100 or so in attendance. Concerns over everything from building heights – the highest condo would be 22 storeys – to traffic congestion, a major lack of parking as the proposal is 300 spaces deficient, access to the waterfront trail, environmental impacts and more.

Grimsby resident Stacey McNeil uses a laser pointer to show where some of his development concerns are with a proposed Losani Homes project at the former Fifth Wheel site. Williscraft - Photo “We don’t expect to the opposing senti- Oakville,” said Oliver. meet everyone’s ap- ment. “I know what I have proval, but we look for“I don’t like it. Grims- to say will be to no ward to working with by is a small town, a avail, but I wanted to the (Planning) Commit- homey town. The west speak my mind.” tee and staff,” said Los- end is reminding me of The meeting was the ani Homes CEO Fred Mississauga or Oakville. first step in the public Losani. If that is what you process and a subseMichael Oliver, 17, want to accomplish, go quent public meeting summarzied much of live in Mississauga or will be planned.

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University hearing study seeks participants. Poster winners rewarded

(Above) Penelope Klacko, left, earned second place in NewsNow’s “What I love about WLMH” poster contest. Her sister, Fiona, center, earned honourable mention. NewsNow general manager Catherine Bratton presented Penelope with a $50 gift certificate from Teddy’s for her efforts. (Right) Sophia Nickerson earned third place and a Teddy’s gift certificate.

Connect Hearing, with hearing researcher Professor Kathy Pichora-Fuller at the University of Toronto, seeks participants who are over 50 years of age and have never worn hearing aids for a hearing study investigating factors that can influence better hearing. All participants will have a hearing test provided at no charge and if appropriate, the clinician may discuss hearing rehabilitation options including hearing aids. Qualifying participants may also receive a demo of the latest hearing technology. The data collected from this study will be used to further our understanding of hearing loss and improve life-changing hearing healthcare across Canada. Why participate in the hearing study? Hearing problems typically result from damage to the ear and researchers have spent decades trying to understand the biology behind hearing loss. More importantly, researchers now realize the need to better understand how hearing

loss affects your everyday life*. In this new hearing study, Professor Pichora-Fuller and her team are trying to find out how people learn to live with hearing loss and how new solutions could help these people take action sooner and live life more fully. It is estimated that 46% of people aged 45 to 87 have some degree of hearing loss1, but most do not seek treatment right away. In fact, the average person with hearing loss will wait ten years before seeking help2. This is because at the beginning stages of hearing loss people often find they can “get by” without help, however as the problem worsens this becomes increasingly harder to do. For some people this loss of clarity is only a problem at noisy restaurants or in the car, but for others it makes listening a struggle throughout the entire day. By studying people who have difficulty hearing in noise or with television, we hope to identify key factors impacting these difficulties and further understand their influence on the treatment process.

If you are over 50 years of age and have never worn hearing aids, you can register to be a part of this new hearing study† by calling: 1.888.242.4892 or visiting connecthearing.ca/hearing-study.

* Pichora-Fuller, M. K. (2016). How social psychological factors may modulate auditory and cognitive functioning during listening. Ear and Hearing, 37, 92S-100S. † Study participants must be over 50 years of age and have never worn hearing aids. No fees and no purchase necessary. Registered under the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC. VAC, WCB accepted. 1. Cruickshanks, K. L., Wiley, T. L., Tweed, T. S., Klein, B. E. K., Klein, R, Mares-Perlman, J. A., & Nondahl, D. M. (1998). Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Older Adults in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin: The Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study. Am. J. Epidemiol. 148 (9), 879-886. 2. National Institutes of Health. (2010).

CREATION DATE: 10/20/17 MODIFICATION DATE: July 27, 2018 1:16 PM OUTPUT DATE: 07/27/18

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The Grimsby Public Art Gallery will host it’s ‘Back to the Garden’ fundraising auction to raise money to support exhibitions and educational programs on March 30. The night will feature live and silent auctions, door prizes, gourmet treats, songs from the Woodstock era and much more. Tickets are on sale now for $35, which includes one drink. Those interested can phone the gallery at 905-9453246 or email organizers at: gpag@grimsby.ca

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News Now • Thursday, March 7, 2019 • Page 11

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News Now • Thursday, March 7, 2019 • Page 13

Big Brothers Big Sisters bowling night a success Big Brothers Big Sisters held its yearly Bowl for Kids Sake fundraiser on Feb. 23, 26 and March 2 at Parkway Lanes in St Catharines to raise $100,000 for its mentorship program. The theme for this year’s Bowl for Kids Sake was ‘That 70s Night’. Participants donned their best afro wigs and disco oufits. BBBS director of

operations Mary Champ said that participation was great. “They were very well attended,” she said. “Parkway Lanes was sold out on the 26th and our other venues were nearly sold out as well.” BBBS raised $95,000 of its $100,000 goal. Even though the event is over, Champ said that donation lines remain open.

CCWN offering free tax return clinic for low income individuals Community Care of West Niagara will be offering a free income tax return clinic in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario for members of the community with low incomes on March 11, 18, and 25. This personal tax preparation service is available at no charge to Lincoln residents who meet certain income benchmarks. Individuals without dependants qualify with a gross household income of less than $35,000. Families with dependants, including a spouse or equivalent, qualify with

a gross household income of less than $45,000. The volunteers do not prepare complex returns, such as returns for individuals who have: self-employment income, business or rental income, and expenses, capital gains or losses, employment expenses, filed for bankruptcy or are deceased within the year. Those with questions or who want to know if they qualify for this service can call Communty Care of West Niagara at 905-563-5822. They can also visit CCWN’s website at www.communitycarewn.ca.

CFUW book sale in works The Grimsby chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women is planning its annual book sale. The event is set for Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Livingston Activity Centre. Donations gracefully accepted Fri. April 12. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 905-945-2433. Proceed to CFUW’s scholarship fund.

“I can say with confidence that we will meet our goal,” she said. It costs $1000 to mentor a child for a year. The total fundraising goal would allow BBBS to take 100 kids off of their yearly wait list. The event also featured a costume contest. The team representing WL Chamber of Commerce won bestdressed.

(L to R) Team West Lincoln – Lawrence Servos, CAO Bev Hendry, Coun. William Reilly, chief librarian Vanessa Holm, and Coun. Christopher Coady attended a night of bowling.

2nd Annual

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Dear Reader,

Since opening our doors in May 2012 the staff here at NewsNow have done our utmost to serve the community to the absolute best of our abilities. This service takes many forms. We try to get every bit of important community information delivered to our readers’ doors. We ensure we publish a connected, vital and highly readable community newspaper which engages readers and, thereby, ensures our advertisers’ information is also read. This helps guarantee a vigorous, local business community will continue to serve our community in all the ways in which these retailers and service operators do. In short, we offer a 100 per cent local publication which is responsive to any needs of the community.

Based on the excellent feedback from last year’s inaugural volunteer pay subscription drive, we are launching Year 2! 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 set up an infrastructure to allow for a Volunteer Pay System Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week – receive your copy of NewsNow. That will NOT change!!!! However, in consulting other publishers who currently operate volunteer pay systems in other communities, we came up with a plan to give readers a chance to support NewsNow, which offers an incentive for their efforts. We had many readers ask “Why so cheap?”, but we have left the suggested rates the same for Year 2:

Subscriptions: 3 Months - $10 suggested • One Year - $30 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 Happy New Year to all, Mike Williscraft Publisher

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

Page 14 • News Now • Thursday, March 7, 2019

100% Niagara owned & operated Our Team: Publisher - Mike Williscraft mike@wn3.ca 289-442-4244 General Manager - Catherine Bratton Inside Sales Manager - Sheryl Hutton Sales Consultant - Erica Huisman, Rose Bayer Graphics - Donna Wisnoski NewsNow is owned & operated by 1602207 Ontario Ltd. Office Locations Grimsby Office Beamsville Office 1 Mountain Street, P.O Box 614 Grimsby, ON, L3M 3J6 Beamsville, ON, L0R 1B0 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848 NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday delivered to homes in West Niagara & Winona, 26,529.

CD release

Grimsby Seniors Choir released their recently recorded CD with a special event Sunday at Trinity United Church in Grimsby. Copies of the CD can be purchased by emailing: grimsbyseniorschoir@gmail.com Cost is $10 for one or two for $15. Marks - Photo

Corridor called in question At the end of the column to the right on this page are some nuts and bolts on Grimsby council’s decision to leave the hospital corridor study mothballed. Some key points made by Planning Chair, Coun. Dorothy Bothwell surrounded the lack of input Grimsby was having into direction of the study. It is important to remember, as she noted, this was a Region-driven initiative, for a regional road and often times what the region wants is at odds with what is best for the Town. Whether the Neighbourhood Commercial zoning holds up, time will tell. However, until proven otherwise, one has to believe that council is giving itself the best shot at controlling development, that is, as much as any council can, anymore. M.W.

West Niagara councils in top gear For regular readers, when you sift back through the pages of this week’s edition, you will note it has been a very long time – I am going to ballpark it at like 18 months or more since we have had all three municipal bases covered with important stories. Sure, there have been weeks with coverage from all three municipalities...at least there better be or I am not doing my job...but when you look at West Lincoln’s budget story, Lincoln working through a major, incentivebased project to help attract businesses and jobs, and Grimsby chugging through yet another major development proposal – these are all serious items. West Lincoln, I feel your pain. Having sat through countless meetings with hours of comments with tons of questions but rarely detailed answers, all those months of misdirection are coming home to roost now that the costs are setting in for the MURS. Yes, it is there, or nearly fully there. Sure it is very nice. And, yes, there is no sense whining about what is done. However, every year (right Coun. Rehner) at budget time for the next 30 years or so, the council of the day will feel that MURS pinch. It sure would have made sense to dial it back to $18 million or so instead of the $23.6 million which was shelled out. It wasn’t, and here we are. Now, one of the questions asked many times through the MURS planning process which was never answered – what about operating costs? –is coming up at budget time. Quite a financial legacy left there for the new council to wade through, but at least there is a new direction and new leadership to get that done. Good luck!

MIKE WILLISCRAFT Next, Lincoln. Reading through the Industrial Lands & Rural Areas community improvement plan draft it is pretty easy to see the major incentive program outlined is a key to that proposal’s success. Canada, and more specifically Ontario, is very limited in what they can do with incentives. It is not like the U.S. where they can give away the farm to entice business to settle in their municipalities. Restrictions here are stringent by comparison, so building in some tweaks here and there where some costs can be offset through credits and other similar measures are the only way to go. The number one thing that Grimsby and Lincoln offer and West Lincoln would like to offer if we can get the escarpment truck access done – is immediacy to market. Being perched right on the QEW is the biggest incentive for any business to set up shop. If West Lincoln can get a straight, 10-minute connection to the QEW from their industrial park they would be some happy campers. Grimsby, ah, Grimsby: the new council (I hope) is going to be like a master safe cracker art. The tumblers are turning, he listens ever so quietly until he hears a click, then the other way until he hears a click and so on. Even-

tually, once all the bugs are taken care of, all the tumblers will be locked into place and things can start proceeding in a focused, orderly manner. It will take a while, and everyone knew what they were signing up for by tossing out the vast majority of the old council, but the new posse needs to keep pushing to get to that promised land. As of Monday, we weren’t close. A far-too-long discussion about a summer meeting continued even after questions were answered. It is this sidetracking which seems to tax council and most meetings something seems to turn left which adds a chunk of time to the proceedings. Eventually, the group will get a rhythm. And they need to because, before they get to a single forward-thinking item, they have months of refuse to wade through thanks to their predecessors. The hospital corridor study is a prime example, as is the lack of parking with nearly every development done in the last five years. Council opted to reject a plea from Niagara Region to reconsider its decision to mothball the corridor study which would provide a Secondary Plan for Main Street between Nelles Road and Lynnwood Avenue. The majority of council believe the current Official Plan and Neighbourhood Commercial zoning is the best way to control development, better than the Mixed Use, which would come with the Secondary Plan. Council voted 5-4 in a recorded vote to leave the study parked. Councillors John Dunstall, Dave Kadwell, Kevin Ritchie and Randy Vaine voted to reconsider. Councillors, Dorothy Bothwell, Dave Sharpe, Lianne Vardy, Reg Freake and Mayor Jeff Jordan voted to keep it shelved.

News Now • Thursday, March 7, 2019 • Page 15

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The Grimsby Seniors Choir joined their voices with student choirs from Smith School, St. Joseph School and Trail Ridge Montessori on Sunday. Marks - Photo

Grimsby Seniors Choir celebrates album release with showcase concert The Grimsby Seniors Choir celebrated the release of its new album by performing a showcase of songs Sunday at Trinity United Church. The seniors’ voices were once again joined by those from Smith Public School, St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School and Trail Ridge Montessori School. This event marks the completion of a big project fueled by the passion and effort of these choirs. Choir director Jennifer McKillop said that it is a job well done.

I’m going to miss it,” she said. McKillop said that collaboration between young and old was a great experience for the seniors. “The seniors loved it, they were just beaming,” she said. “Being able to spend time with the students and learn music then present it in concert with them was life-giving. It really raised their spirits.” With one project completed, the choir now looks forward to an upcoming charity concert on June 2.

“I couldn’t be more proud of all the seniors and students involved in the project, and I think they did a fantastic job,” she said. “The release party has also been so much fun. The kids and the seniors are really pumped about it and we had a great time.” Choir member Barbara Clausen said that she was glad to be a part of creating this album. “I really enjoyed every bit of it and I’m going to have withdrawal tomorrow because

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• $10 gift certificate, courtesy of Teddy’s Fun, Food & Spirits - Brad Marple • $10 gift certificate, courtesy of Cole’s Florist - Kurtis DeVries • $10 gift certificate, courtesy of Tim Hortons - Philip Fiorantis • Two 60-minute massages, courtesy of Ontario College - Ferne Cocks • $10 gift certificate, courtesy of McDonalds, Grimsby - Mike Tweedle Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings.

Top Standings

1.Visentin, Jeff ........... 1267 2.Team NBA #2 ........ 1249 3. Albrethsen, Jens ... 1244 4. TRUFR8 .................. 1243 5. Scobie, Brett ......... 1239 6. Kurpis, Branko ..... 1234 7. Davedge .................. 1233 8. Chambers, Cheryl 1232 9. Pohl, Christina ...... 1231 10. Pettigrew, Jason . 1229

11.Van Roon, Cory . 1228 12. Macklin, Barry .... 1226 13. Dohany, Adam .... 1224 14. Readman, M&S ... 1223 15. Dunder, J. ............. 1223 16. O’Connor, Joe ... 1223 17. Lecinksi, Doug ... 1222 18. Bos, Diane .......... 1222 19. Renda, Hailey ..... 1222 20. Sciamonte, John . 1222