NewsNow E-Edition May 23 2024

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Niagara Region

Staff made arbitrary decision to mothball crossing EA

By Tara Lindemann and Mike Williscraft NewsNow

Mixed in with a report at Lincoln Council last Wednesday on the recently initiated environmental assessment (EA) process for a Niagara Escarpment crossing was a surprise tidbit - regional staff opted to suspend the EA process in 2017 without the knowledge of council.

The reason for putting the crossing on the front burner in 2017 was ongoing serious issues with truck traffic in both downtown Grimsby and Beamsville.

In 2016, when the Bartlett/Park Road corridor in Grimsby was chosen as the preferred route to connect the QEW to Hwy. 20, a Municipal Class C EA was started for the project

“In the preparation for that work, staff identified that the project was

unlikely to successful and move ahead if it was carried forward as a Class C EA. The primary challenges included obtaining the necessary approvals from the Niagara Escarpment Commission, as well as concerns with the environmental impacts of a project of this nature,” said Scott Fraser, Niagara’s associate director for transportation planning.

After noting the interim history of the EA process, Fraser said no information had been forwarded to provincial ministries, a prerequisite for obtaining grants to complete subsequent work on the project.

“What’s important to take away from this history is that while those previous studies show that important background, those works were never completed or filed with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, so they don’t

carry approval status.”

“We have to go back and start from the ground up.”

Mayor Sandra Easton told council she was as shocked as anyone to find out the EA process had been suspended, noting it arose during a second meeting with Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney and after a host of other lobbying initiaties.

“There is an accountability here that I think goes beyond just being a revisionist. It’s important for me, and this council, to let the community know when we were going to Queen’s Park, whether it was ROMA, whether it was AMO, we were there under the understanding that we had an EA behind us,” said Easton, noting still nothing had been said to indicate the process was suspended.

“It wasn’t until we had our second meeting with Minister Mulroney that

she asked us about this EA and that there just wasn’t any information forthcoming. We thought we were doing the right thing. We thought we had everything lined up and that we were moving forward. All we had to do was convince her.”

“We even had a change in the quality of reports that were going forward because now the Region of Niagara staff were involved with us.”

“We really thought we were in the right place, then, all of a sudden, boom. We didn’t find out what you told us (until) last week - we did not know that - but we were told we needed a particular type of environmental assessment.”

Easton wanted to assure the community that years of inaction does not fall at the feet of Lincoln council or regional council.

See EA DELAY, Page 6

The gangs all here

West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary hosted an 80th anniversary tea at Mountainview Christian Reformed Church last Wednesday with many past presidents on hand, including (L to R) Gail Bartlett, Marlene Morais, Diane Bennett, Barb Phelps, Fred Lilley, Jill Howe, Barb Jackson, Judy Jordan. For more details on the event, turn to Page 19.

Grimsby gunshot accidental: NRP

Several weapons charges were laid after an accidental gunshot in Grimsby on Saturday evening.

About 6 p.m., 8 District officers responded to reports of a shooting at a home in the area of Livingston Avenue and Roberts Road in Grimsby.

Investigation revealed an adult male was brought to an area hospital for injuries consistent with having been shot. He was released a short time later with nonlife-threatening injuries.

Further investiga-

tion then revealed that the injuries suffered were the result of an accidental misfire.

On May 19, 8 District detectivesalong with the Forensic Services Unit - conducted a residential search with judicial authorization and retrieved several weapons from the property. There is no threat to public safety and there are no outstanding suspects.

Justin Melo, 37, of Grimsby was arrested and charged with the following offences:

•Careless use of a firearm

• Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition

• Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized

• Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order.

EA DELAY

From Page 1

“I don’t want anybody in this town or any of the towns to believe that the councillors were asleep. We had no idea that this was the status,” said Easton.

“This is going to cost us a lot of extra money.”

The delay did not sit well with council either.

“I feel like it’s Groundhog Day,” said Coun. Lynn Timmers, who asked how long the EA process will take.

“The EA itself will take approximately two years to complete,” said Fraser, noting a key function of having it done is to have it available for future funding discussions.

Timmers noted the municipality has been delegating on the matter for many years and 10-15 years has been given as a window to get it done.

Niagara Region’s director of transportation services, Frank Tassone - who was part of the presentationsaid after the EA there is a lengthy design and acquisition of properties period that could take 5-8 years.

Grimsby council will hear the presentation on May 21, and West Lincoln will receive the details May 27.

Aside from economic benefits, the project is considered crucial to solving truck

traffic issues.

The route is intended to make commercial traffic and operations more efficient, and make growing communities safer.

“One of the most important types of projects we undertake is where we work together with local municipalities to revitalize their downtown areas, and in many, many cases the most difficult thing that we have is creating a roadway through downtown areas that both accommodate the look and feel that the local municipality wants but still accommodate regionaltype of traffic,” said Tassone.

“So the more we can move that type of traffic away from downtowns, the more flexibility the local municipality has to implement the vision that they really want to see through their downtown areas.”

A 2016 Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) study found an extension of Bartlett Avenue/Park Road to be the preferred corridor with least environmental impact. It was added to the Region’s Transportation Master Plan in 2017.

But that is where the process, essentially, stopped as far as an EA is considered, leading to a frustrated Easton noting the time wasted advocating for

An outline of the EA study area.

funding when proper documentation was not in place.

“I’m satisfied that what we’re getting now is a very straight story of how things are going to go forward,” said Easton, based on the report provided at last week’s meeting.

“When people do things that are not quite in sync with the normal process of planning or behaviours, it’s a problem for people at our level, said Easton. “It’s a problem for our communities. It’s a problem for us.”

Tassone prefaced that neither he nor Fraser were working within the department at that time of the communication disconnect.

“What I understand to be the case at the time is that staff didn’t feel there were

enough background studies done to prove to the approval agencies that we had done a thorough enough job of investigating all of the options,” Tassone said.

”We will bear the brunt of those decisions and in some cases we have, because there’s been folks that have not been happy or that have thought that we’re going at the process again when it was already completed.

“What I can guarantee you is that we’ve put a tremendous amount of importance on this go around, we have good people at the table and my word is very strong that the process will be completed this time, whether it gets approved or whether it gets denied, it will be completed this time

and we’ll have an answer or not on whether the ministries and the escarpment crossing supports an additional crossing whether they don’t.”

“We can’t turn time back, all we can do is ensure that we don’t go through that process again and this time it’s successfully completed.”

ESCARPMENT CROSSING PIC ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 29

The public is invited to a Public Information Centre Terms of Reference meeting on May 29 at West Niagara Fairgrounds, 7402 Mud St. W. Grassie, from 5:30-8 p.m.

Starting on May 30, all interested parties and the public can review and comment on the draft Terms of Reference - until early July. Tassone reaffirmed that community and council has helped shape how the study was undertaken, and would continue to be part of that process.

“This is a more transparent process, a more inclusive process, and I think one we can all stand behind at the end of the day,” said Tassone.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Lincoln council has reaffirmed its support for the Grimsby Bartlett Avenue extension as the preferred route for a new north-south link between the QEW and Hwy. 20 for truck traffic.

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Downtown Grimsby events set

A series of events has been set in connection with Grimsby’s downtown planning and design. A history and culture walking tour is set for Tuesday, May 28 from 6-7 p.m. starting at the Coach House at 13B Mountain St.

A public realm walking tour will go Wednesday, May 29 from 6-7 p.m. also from the Coach House. An exhibit will be set up at 35 Main St. W. - most recently Simply Moto - on Thursday, May 30 from 3-8 p.m.

Six Nations BINGO Bus Trip

Travel

June 7th, July 5th & August

TOWNSHIP OF WEST LINCOLN NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

presents

The Mayor’s Luncheon

Join us & Keynote Speaker Mayor Cheryl Ganann as she highlights the work of Council and its importance to local business

FRIDAY MAY 31, 2024

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

GIZIO RECREATION & BANQUET HALL

288 Kemp Rd W, Grimsby, ON L3M 4E7

Tickets: Members $40

Non-Members $45

Purchase Tickets Online www.westlincolnchamber.com

On Monday, May 27, 2024 the Council of the Township of West Lincoln will hold a public meeting, pursuant to section 12 of the Development Charges Act, 1997, as amended, to present and obtain public input on the municipality’s proposed development charges (D.C.) by-law and underlying background study.

All interested parties are invited to attend the Public Meeting of Council and any person who attends the meeting may make representations relating to the proposed D.C. by-law and background study. The meeting is to be held:

Monday, May 27, 2024

6:30 p.m.

Council Chamber

318 Canborough Street, Smithville

In order that sufficient information is made available to the public, the proposed D.C. by-law and background study are being made available online at the municipality’s website (www.westlincoln.ca) on May 13, 2024 and available in-person from the Municipal Clerk at the above location 905-957-3346 (Ext: 6720).

Interested persons may express their comments at the public meeting or in writing, addressed to the Municipal Clerk, at nfiorentino@westlincoln.ca no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024. Written comments received prior to the meeting and submissions made at the public meeting will be considered by Council prior to the enactment of a new D.C. by-law.

“The Boss”, help Bloom Adult

A fundraising carnival for Bloom Adult Day Program is set for Saturday, June 15 at 9462 North Chippawa Rd., Caistorville.

The program provides a recreation and community-based program for those 18+ with a physical or developmental disability. Funds

raised are going to a goal of buying a handicap-accessible van. The event will include: live music, face painting, a fire truck, race cars, balloon bouncers and more. Among the many draw prizes will be two Bruce Springsteen tickets. For details, call 905-979-9350.

The Greater Downtown Planning & Design Charrette

Direct: 905.541.3882

Office: 905.545.1188

Email: marktherealestateguy1@gmail.com

905-563-0011 • 11-5041 King St., Beamsville www.premiumhearingclinic.com We accept WSIB, VAC, Greenshield and other Insurances.

Join us for a series of events regarding the future of Downtown Grimsby informing the Official Plan review. These events are free and do not require registration.

Walking Tour: History and Culture

May 28th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, beginning at the Coach House at 13B Mountain Street

Walking Tour: Public Realm

May 29th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, beginning at the Coach House at 13B Mountain Street

May 30th from 3:00pm to 8:00pm, 35 Main Street West

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Public Works Department

160 Livingston Avenue

Grimsby, ON L3M 0J5

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS

THE WEED CONTROL ACT (ONTARIO) AS AMENDED

Notice is hereby given to every person in possession of land within the Town of Grimsby, in accordance with the Weed Control Act R.S.O. 1990, and By-Law 98-39 Abandoned Orchard Control, that the main purpose of the Act is to reduce the impact of noxious weeds on the industries of agriculture and horticulture.

The Weed Act primarily applies to agricultural and horticultural lands that generate income or other benefits to agriculture. This excludes lawns, gardens, and private areas for personal enjoyment and leisure.

TOWN OF GRIMSBY WATER CUSTOMERS

In Urban Areas, Sections 3, 13, 16, and 18 do not apply to noxious weeds or weed seeds that are far enough away from any land used for agriculture or horticulture purposes, as they not do not interfere with that use.

Commencing Monday, April , Town crews will be flushing all fire hydrants as part of our annual water main maintenance program.

The following areas will have water mains flushed on the dates stated below:

April 1st – April 12th

April 15th – May 3rd

Therefore, unless the noxious weeds and weed seeds and diseased orchard fruit trees thereon are destroyed by June 1, 2024 and throughout the season, the Corporation of the Town of Grimsby may have such weeds and weed seeds destroyed, and the costs thereof will be charged against the land and collected in the same manner as taxes, as set out in the Act.

North of QEW from Roberts Road easterly to Nelles Road North.

North of QEW from Nelles Road North easterly to Grimsby/ Lincoln boundary.

Hay fever is principally caused by ragweed. Therefore, ragweed requires special continuous attention and should be uprooted, cut, or sprayed immediately when growth is evident. PLEASE NOTE that dandelions, burdock and golden rod are not considered noxious weeds under the Weed Control Act.

2024 Weed Control Rates

North of QEW from Roberts Road westerly to Grimsby/ Stoney Creek boundary.

May 6th – May 31st South of QEW from Elizabeth and Mountain Streets westerly to Grimsby/Stoney Creek boundary.

June 3rd – July 5th South of QEW from Elizabeth and Mountain Streets easterly to Grimsby/Lincoln boundary.

The costs incurred by the Town to control weeds on private property, as defined in the Act, is charged back at the rate of $95 per hour. The total time includes inspection and mowing time, as well as equipment downtime, which may occur as a result of neglected property. The cost charged for the destruction of diseased orchard fruit trees shall be based on actual costs incurred by the Town plus overhead and administration costs. Information regarding specific locations where noxious weeds are flourishing and that impact the industries of agriculture and horticulture within the Town, should be brought to the attention of the Weed Inspector by calling (905) 9459201.

This work will last for approximately fourteen weeks and may temporarily result in cloudy water conditions. Please be assured the quality of the drinking water will NOT be affected, although it may be necessary to run your cold water tap only (not hot) for a short period of time and possibly remove and clean the tap screen.

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CONSUMERS REFRAIN FROM WASHING LIGHT COLOURED ARTICLES ON THE DAYS INDICATED FOR THEIR AREA.

Should you have any questions, please contact our Operations Centre at (905) 945-9201. Your understanding and co -operation is appreciated.

Brandon Wartman Director Public Works

ROADS

The Study

Notice of Public Information Centre Terms of Reference

Niagara Escarpment Crossing Comprehensive Environmental Assessment

Town of Grimsby, Town of Lincoln, Township of West Lincoln

In Spring 2023, Niagara Region initiated an Individual Environmental Assessment Study (now known as “Comprehensive Environmental Assessment”) to provide a north-south transportation corridor crossing of the Niagara Escarpment between the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) and Regional Road 20.

The Study Process

The Study will be carried out in accordance with the Environmental Assessment Act as a Comprehensive Environmental Assessment. A Comprehensive Environmental Assessment is a two-step approval process with the first step being the preparation of a Terms of Reference. The Terms of Reference sets the work plan for the planning and decisionmaking process during the preparation of the Environmental Assessment. A Terms of Reference is submitted to the Ontario Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (Minister) for approval. If approved, then the Environmental Assessment is to be completed in accordance with the approved Terms of Reference.

You are Invited to Participate

An in-person Public Information Centre is being held to present the draft Terms of Reference.

Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Location: West Niagara Fairgrounds7402 Mud St. W. Grassie, Ontario, L0R 1M0 Format: Presentation starting at 6 p.m. followed by a question and answer session.

On May 30, 2024 the presentation materials and the complete draft Terms of Reference will be posted to the Region’s website at: niagararegion.ca/projects/ niagara-escarpment-crossing. Provide any comments by July 12, 2024. All comments will be considered as part of finalizing the proposed Terms of Reference for submission to the Minister.

or scan the QR code

Stay Connected

For questions about the study or to join the contact list, please contact:

Maged Elmadhoon, M.Eng., P.Eng. Manager, Transportation Planning Transportation Services Division Public Works, Niagara Region 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON 905-980-6000 ext. 3583

escarpmentcrossingIEA@niagararegion.ca

Katherine Jim, M.Eng., P.Eng. Senior Project Manager Transportation CIMA+ 400–3027 Harvester Road, Burlington, ON 289-288-0287 ext. 6835

Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public meetings will be collected, used, and disclosed by members of Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Town of Grimsby

The written submissions including names, contact information and reports of the public meeting will be made available. Questions should be referred to the Privacy Office at 905-980-6000, ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca

If you require any accommodations for a disability to attend and participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Please contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca

This notice was first issued during the week of May 13, 2024.

OBITUARIES

Fountain, Marion

Marion Fountain (nee Ross) passed away at Kilean Lodge, Grimsby on May 14, 2024 aged 77. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of almost 55 years, Raymond Fountain, daughter Michelle Weatherdon (Derek) and grandchildren Andy and Maggie. Marion is predeceased by father Ronald Leon Ross, mother Margaret Norma Ross (nee Foran), sisters acqueline McPherson and Barbara Pfannes, and favourite niece Marnie Fleming. She is survived by sisters Colleen McGill (Doug), Vivian Fleming, brother Ronald Ross (Sharon) and several nieces and nephews. Family was so very important to Marion. Beyond blood elatives Marion cared for so many children through babysitting, volunteering at St. Elizabeth School in Wallaceburg, and the Pines in Chatham. Hundreds of children were graced by her loving kindness, and will always be remembered as “her kids”. Marion always said she wanted a dozen children, so raising her grandson Andy was a special gift that she cherished. She was given the “Living Faith Award” by the St. Clair District School Board the first year it was presented, for her volunteer work at the school. Marion loved scrapbooking, playing bingo and cards, and RVing with Ray across the USA, Mexico and Canada. Marion will be interred in West Lorne at St. Mary’ Cemetery with a small service at a time to be determined. Donations to the Grimsby Benevolent Fund, where Marion most recently volunteered can be made at gbfgrimsby.com

BIRTHDAY

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Celebration of Life

Glenville Osford McClean

October 10, 1953December 26,2023

We would like to invite family & friends to a celebration of Glen’s life.

Sunday, June 2, 2024. It will take place from 2-5 pm @ Grimsby Legion, downstairs, Light lunch and drinks will be served.

Happy 90th Birthday!

ART SAVAGE

May 25, 2024

Love and Best Wishes from your family and friends in Grimsby, Waterford and England

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Wednesdays at 7 pm. Forestview Community Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby. For info. or help, CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca 905-945-9529

LAS VEGAS DINNER SHOW

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SUPPORT CARE

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

GARDENING

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GARAGE SALE

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You can’t make this stuff up

The level of disregard from Niagara Region planning/transportation staff on this one is truly staggering.

Literally for decadesaside from West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s soap opera years - no single topic has drawn more comment and interest than truck traffic in the downtown cores of Grimsby and Lincoln.

door at regional HQ next week to facilitate that transaction.

What an utter embarrassment.

Aside from the considerable cost of pushing through this process nowpost COVID - think of all the time and effort wasted.

Helping hands

Niagara Regional Police’s 4th annual Spring Forward Food Drive was another great success with nearly 13,500 lbs of food donated, as well as more than $7,000 in cash donations, from across Niagara. For West Lincoln Community Care, more than 380 lbs of food came in with just under $1,000 in cash. Helping out at Foodland Smithville was (L to R) Const. Ryan Sexton, WLCC volunteer Susanne Delledonne, Const. Mitchell Dumont, and auxiliary officer Lorenzo Joyner.

Village of Hope food drive Saturday

Got this at the last minute and need to fit it in - Village of Hope Niagara’s annual “Food and Funds Drive” - a community-wide Lincoln porch-pickup event is set for this Saturday, May 25, from 10a.m.-Noon. All are encouraged to fill up a bag or box with food items and leave it on the their porch for collection by volunteers. Call 905-562-3113.

All are welcome at Culp’s Foodland, Vineland to enjoy a BBQ and the Lincoln Concert Band from 3:30-5:30 p.m. All proceeds go to Village of Hope Niagara in Lincoln.

In concert with that issue has been what to do about it - namely the Niagara Escarpment Crossing.

Next to pushing for GO Transit expansion, the escarpment crossing has been right at the top of the list for every lobbying session Niagara Region has done going back to the mid-1990s.

Yes, other major projects such as a mid-peninsula corridor, twinning of the Garden City Skyway and, more recently, widening of the QEW have all been part of the mix but the crossing has been hugely strategic to tying in many of those peripheral projects.

In a commercial/residential planning sense, with Smithville and Fort Erie chosen as the major residential development areas for Niagara, having a quick, simple access to the QEW from Smithville will open up the community in the best possible way.

Being a truck access, it will also keep major pressures from building as

residential densities set in.

So there are many, many reasons this has been a front-burner issue - including all the mishaps and fatalities which have occurred over the years.

For these reasons, any a truckload more - pun intended - it was astonishing to hear Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton say she was never informed regional staff made an arbitrary decision in 2017 to stop the EA process on the escarpment crossing.

Now, Niagara Region’s director of transportation services, Frank Tassone, did give some level of explanation of just how a staff person put a halt to such a major infrastructure project all by their lonesome, but in the same breath he noted that neither he nor his presentation partner at Lincoln council were part of the department at the time of the decision.

With certainty, on behalf of taxpayers, I sure hope that person was kicked out the door on their butt and, if not, allow me to open the

Off the top of my head, I can think of five instances where Niagara West officials returned from Niagara Day at Queen’s Park or one of several conferences, or having hosted a government minister locally all to trumpet the virtues of building an escarpment crossing.

As Easton said, “ It’s important for me, and this council, to let the community know when we were going to Queen’s Park, whether it was ROMA, whether it was AMO, we were there under the understanding that we had an EA behind us.”

Uhhh, that would be a no. Complete and total waste of time and resources for EIGHT years.

It was said of this project since the mid-1990s it would be a 20-year process. Well a bureaucrat at Niagara Region just added many years and millions of dollars to that timeline - and nobody said a word.

How does that happen?

Sure, I get there may have been an initial issue with methodology or somesuch with the EA process, but why would proper measures not have simply been implemented to shore that up and move on? Devastating news. See you at next week’s PIC.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

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Auxiliary saluted

A packed house at Mountainview Christian Reformed Church turned out last Wednesday to salute West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary on its 80th anniversary.

Getting its start November 1, 1944, the ladies auxiliary, at the time, evolved and, over its existence has been a major player in support of West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

“To date the Auxiliary has donated more than $1 million dollars and has pledged an additional $800,000 towards the build of the new hospital,” said

president Fred Lilley.

“Our Auxiliary continues to thrive and we are thrilled to be part of the new hospital as we continue to support WLMH and our community.

Lilley noted, WLMA’s recent search for a vice-president proved successful with Laurie Ellis assuming the role.

It was a full house at the May 15 80th anniversary tea hosted by the WLM

Auxliary.

Long-time volunteer Kathy Smart and past president Barb Jackson were on hand.

WLM Auxiliary president Fred Lilley bring Niagara West MP Dean Allison up to speed.