NewsNow E-Edition May 25 2023

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Vol. 12

Issue 3 www.wn3.ca

100% Niagara West owned & operated

Circ: 29,006

Packed house hears Ganann’s outline for future

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

The reboot of the State of West Lincoln mayoral address - also a first for Mayor Cheryl Ganann - played to a capacity audience last Thursday, May 18.

Ganann outlined, in detail, some of the directions her council plan to take the township in the coming years, which included an off-the-cuff comment.

She said - after noting one her most common questions received focused on any possible regret she may have should the task at hand not be what she expected.

“After sitting through six regional budget sessions,” said Ganann, “If there was one part of the job I would divorce, it would be Niagara Region,” said Ganann, noting apologies to Reg. Chair Jim Bradley, who was seated

in the crowd.

The comment, while made in jest, struck a chord with many in the crowd since, earlier that day, Premier Doug Ford had announced the dissolution of Peel Region.

Noting her learning curve has been steep, Ganann said staff have done a great job in getting the new council up to speed.

“Our staff is great and they work well together, but the operations of the Township are run by a very lean team. Several wear a variety of hats and cover well for one another when illness, scheduled holiday periods and even meetings that run on longer than expected become part of the equation in the day to day service delivery to our residents,” she said.

Streamlining communications tools, such as the upgraded MyWESTLINCOLN page, which allows

for on-line viewing and managing of property tax and utility bill payments at any time and from any location, have been a priority.

“I am hopeful that as I continue to speak this afternoon, that it will become clear that the overarching

theme of my words today, will convey to each of you - as resident, business owner, Chamber member, fellow or neighboring elected official, that as Mayor, my, and that of the entire 2022-2026 West Lincoln Council’s ultimate goals are rela-

tionship-building and strengthening,” said Ganann.

Council has been working on a series of soon-to-be released strategic priorities, all with one goal in mind.

“I want to assure you all that we in West Lincoln are doing our very best to

deliver to our community the services that they need, at a cost that they can afford. We, too, live in West Lincoln. We love the small town feel and charm of our community and aim to maintain that context,” Ganann told the crowd.

West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann addresses a capacity crowd at Gizio Banquet & Recreation Hall on May 18. Williscraft - Photo

GO Train service permanently expands to Niagara Falls

Expanded daily roundtrips

have been added to GO train service between Union Station and Niagara Falls as of Saturday, May 20.

As of May 20, weekday service to Niagara Falls will increase by two daily roundtrips and weekend service will increase by one daily roundtrip.

Provincial officials say the move was made to connect more people to jobs, housing and Canada’s top tourist destination, with more express service between Hamilton, Burlington and Toronto.

“The expansion of GO train service between downtown Toronto and Niagara Falls will not only shorten travel times for everyday commuters but will also help promote tourism and economic growth for the entire Niagara region,” said Premier Doug Ford.

“Whether it’s building roads or highways, expanding our subways or transit service, our government is building the transportation infrastructure our economy needs to reach its full potential. We’re keeping people and goods moving.”

For Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, the move could

not have been made at a better time, just in time for summer.

“Expanding GO Train service to Niagara is welcome news for Niagara businesses, commuters, and those who are looking forward to visiting our beautiful region,” said Oosterhoff.

“Once again, Premier Ford and Minister Mulroney are demonstrating their commitment to getting Niagara what it deserves, expanding public transit, and improving service. Since day one, our government has been committed to expanding Niagara GO, and this is another great step towards fulfilling that promise.”

As part of these enhancements, GO trains will also resume service to St. Catharines VIA station.

The Province is also adding four additional weekday peak express trips in each direction on the Lakeshore West line, offering more travel options between Hamilton, Burlington and Toronto.

“This is another exciting step in our government’s plan to deliver more GO train trips, more often across the

network, to help people get where they need to go with ease,” said Mulroney, Minister of Transportation.

“By providing more convenient transportation options between Niagara Region and the downtown Toronto core, we’re unlocking opportunities for jobs and economic growth across the Greater Golden Horseshoe.”

An economic driver for the province, Niagara’s tourism industry supports close to 23,000 jobs in the region. Weekend GO train service will have special seasonal bike coaches, providing passengers with the opportunity to bring along bicycles to explore the 56-kilometre Niagara River corridor.

“Our government recognizes tourism’s importance to Ontario’s economy,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

“As we approach peak travel season, we want to encourage even more people to experience the fun and beauty found in Niagara Falls. By providing faster, more frequent GO services, we are strengthening Niagara’s $1.8 billion tourism industry.”

WORK WG119.5A Electric String Grass Trimmer/Edger,

MASTER Chef 3-in-1 Outdoor Deep Fryer, Air Fryer & Smoker with Propane Gas Burner

Rain no deterrent

Customers of the Grimsby Garden Club annual plant sale were not deterred by cool and damp days, buying up everything the organization had to offer. Club president, Stephen Hargrave, who hosted the event at his Lawrence Avenue home, said the event could not have gone better. Williscraft - Photo

Will the mortgage stress test limit your options at renewal?

Canada’s banking regulator requires that borrowers who are in need of a mortgage prove that they can afford a mortgage payment at the greater of: a) 200 basis points higher than the contracted mortgage rate, or b) the minimum qualifying rate of 5.25%. This policy is referred to as the mortgage stress test.

The mortgage stress test is applied to all new mortgage applications, and that includes applications to transfer a mortgage from one lender to another for the purpose of obtaining a lower rate.

2023 mortgage rates are significantly higher than prior years, and these higher rates could wreak havoc on any new stress test you have to undergo for the purpose of shopping for your new mortgage.

The stress test does not apply to mortgage renewals with the existing lender, so if you plan to simply accept the renewal rate your current lender offers you, then you have nothing to fear - you will not be required to re-qualify. But, if you want to apply for a larger mortgage so that you can consolidate other debts, like credit cards, then you may have issue in qualifying this time for a larger-amount mortgage due to the stress-test rate being higher than prior years.

If you are concerned about how the mortgage stress test will affect your mortgage renewal, I invite you to a no-obligation, free consultation. Pledge 30 minutes of your time with me, and in that 30 minutes, I can provide you with a complimentary mortgage review.

You’ve got nothing to lose, and possibly thousands to gain.Talk to us. You’ll be impressed!

Region commits to net-zero corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

Niagara Regional Council reinforced its pledge to combating climate change by approving a net-zero corporate greenhouse gas emission goal by 2050 in principle.

This target will support action on climate change mitigation and align Niagara Region with other municipalities working towards Canada’s net-zero carbon emissions plan.

Staff will be looking to achieve these results following the framework provided in the Partners for Climate Protection program.

This five-step framework uses milestones to help reduce emissions and combat climate change. To date, the Region has successfully achieved two of the five corporate milestones, including a greenhouse gas emissions inventory for corporate operations and setting a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target.

The greenhouse gas emissions inventory showed that Niagara Region spent about $18.4 million on energy in 2018. This inventory included emissions generated by buildings, outdoor lighting and traffic signals, water and wastewater, operational waste and fleet. Annual data collected through the new inventory will help track and anticipate emissions, energy use and spending, and measure progress over time.

The corporate greenhouse gas emission reduction target sets the foundation and direction for the Region’s emissions reduction efforts. In 2023, the Region will begin work on a Corporate Climate Action Strategy to support determining a pathway to net-zero.

In addition to these recent initiatives, progress has been made by Niagara Region in 2021 and 2022 to address climate change.

Stabbing suspect charged, questions remain

Detectives from the 8 District – Grimsby office of the Niagara Regional Police Service have an outstanding question after a suspect has been charged in a May 13 stabbing in Grimsby.

How did the suspect, a 70-year-old Beamsville man, get from Beamsville to Grimsby?

The victim in this matter is in stable condition and she continues to recover from serious injuries.

Detectives are appealing to the public to assist them to determine how the accused, Allan Timko, traveled to the location of the attack or who he may have been with.

Detectives have learned that he was at a residence on Lincoln Avenue just south of King Street in Beamsville at 7:40 a.m. on Saturday, May 13. The

investigation has also determined that the accused was on foot in the neighbourhood near the site of the attack on Plum Tree Lane at 9:40 a.m. that morning.

At the time of the attack the accused could be described as:

• White male

• 70 years old

• White / grey hair

•Glasses

Wearing:

• Black 3/4 length jacket

• Blue jeans

•Carrying a large green backpack.

On May 19, the accused Timko appeared before a video bail hearing at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines. At that time, he was charged with the additional Criminal Code offence of aggravated assault in addition to

the attempted murder charge. Timko was remanded into custody. His next court date is June 2, 2023.

Anyone (residents or businesses) in the area with closed circuit security cameras, doorbell video cameras, or dash cameras are asked to review their footage for the accused Timko for the period between 7:40am and 9:40am on May 13.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009023.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

Dog guide walk set for Grimsby Square this Sunday

Grimsby Square Plaza will be going to the dogs this Sunday, May 28 - for the Grimsby Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides.

The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides event will raise funds to support the training of dog guides for Canadians with physical and mental disabilities at no cost.

Registration opens at Noon with the event start at 1 p.m. in the plaza, 44 Livingston Ave. Grimsby Pet Valu will be providing food, water, and treats for all the participating dogs both before and after the walk.

The walk itself will follow big square route

going east on Livingston to Christie, south on Mountain to Elm Street, west on Elm/Main Street West to St. Andrews and north back to the plaza.

Sobeys will be providing a barbeque for all participants, and numerous amenities such as an ice cream truck will be present in the plaza. For more information on the event, call 905- 9667747, or visit: walkfordogguides.com.

For information on auction items, check: www.32auctions.com/grimsbywalkfordogguides

To donate, see the donation link on the Town of Grimsby’s events page at: grimsby.ca

Niagara Region fills vacant public works position

Niagara Regional Council has approved the temporary appointment of Dan Carnegie as the Region’s acting commissioner of public works.

Carnegie will serve as acting commissioner while the recruitment process for a permanent commissioner is underway.

Carnegie has spent more than 30 years in the public sector

holding positions with Toronto Hydro, the Town of Oakville, the City of Oshawa and most recently with the City of St. Catharines as their chief administrative officer from 2014 to 2017.

Bringing in an individual from outside the organization to fill the commissioner role temporarily allows existing directors within public works to focus on

their respective roles while also allowing the Region to leverage the experience and counsel of a senior leader well versed in the operations of municipal government, say regional officials. The Region’s public works department is responsible for the delivery of waste management, transportation and water and waste water services.

As part of the 2023 Budget, Council approved a change to the way the Town of Grimsby will bill and collect funds required to sustain the Town's wastewater collection system, with a portion of the funds continuing to be collected on the property tax bills as a special wastewater levy, and the remaining

The Town of Grimsby is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and operation of the water and wastewater distribution system

Public Information Session #2:

Heritage Conservation District Study for the Beamsville King Street Corridor Area

The Town of Lincoln is conducting a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) Study to explore heritage designation for the Beamsville King Street Corridor Area and provide guidance to Town Council about possible designation.

An HCD helps identify and protect a cohesive collection of heritage resources and elements associated with the community’s history – even as change and development occurs.

The Ontario Heritage Act is special legislation which allows district designation to protect a community’s character-defining elements, while at the same time providing detailed guidance for redevelopment that occurs over time.

The Government of Ontario’s annual housing supply action plan and the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 (Bill 23) resulted in significant changes to the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA) and Ontario Regulation 9/06 and therefore the project team have adjusted the work plan to ensure that the HCD Study meets the requirements in the amendments to the OHA. See the FAQs section on the project webpage at SpeakUpLincoln.ca for further information in this regard. Feedback was received at the first Public Information Session in November 2022 and the project team have continued conducting research and field work on Beamsville’s history – special buildings, places, and natural and built spaces

in the area. Feedback has also been received on the project webpage and as part of field work. Updates to the HCD study boundary area, research completed to date, as well as details regarding the work plan shift as a result of the Bill 23 amendments to the OHA will be presented in a second Public Information Session. The revised HCD study boundary area is included below. We encourage all members of the public to attend this second Public Information Session to share your questions, ideas, and concerns with regards to the updates and to inform the study development. Town staff and the consultation team will be available for one-on-one discussions.

JUNE 7

4 - 6 p.m. | Fleming Centre

Upstairs Meeting Room

5020 Serena Dr., Beamsville

Your feedback is critical to understanding the area and exploring possible heritage preservation. You can provide input in-person at the Public Information Session or by making a written submission to the Town. For further information, please visit the project webpage at SpeakUpLincoln.ca, or contact:

Monika Cocchiara

Manager of Planning & Development 905-563-2799 ext. 270 mcocchiara@lincoln.ca

Grimsby’s got its share of fake news

Fake news has always been around.

Every community has its share of rumours and mysteries, many of which will never be completely refuted to everyone’s satisfaction.

Take Grimsby, for example.

When we first opened the Grimsby Historical Society Archives, one of our first visits was from a pair of young men who said that they had heard that there is a tunnel from the basement of the restaurant now known as the Forty Public House to the basement of West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

We said that was

A Small Drop of Ink

By Dorothy Turcotte

highly unlikely.

A talk with a person who is familiar with that basement assured us that we were right.

There is no tunnel.

We have also been asked about tunnels from the basement of the high school.

Again, a chat with an extremely nosey teenager (now middle-aged) revealed that there are many tunnels under the high school. but they all are for essential services such as heat and lighting. None of them go anywhere.

Another trio of young men wanted to know if the Masonic Lodge’s jewels were ever recovered. This story goes back to the War of 1812. A Masonic Lodge was established in Grimsby in 1799 by a group of early settlers.

Samuel Kitchen was the Grand Master of the Lodge in 1812, and when an invasion seemed imminent, his wife, Betsey was given custody of the jewels.

She put them in a wooden chest, which she hid in a cave on the escarpment at the back of their property.

Records show that, at the end of the war, the jewels were returned to the Lodge safely. If treasure hunters had found the jewels, they would

have been sorely disappointed.

The “jewels”are replicas, valuable to the Lodge for their meaning, but of no value to anyone else.

Grimsby’s other fake news is also from the War of 1812.

When the Americans invaded and camped overnight in Grimsby, it was rumoured that they buried a chest of cash on the banks of Forty Mile Creek. This was money to pay the soldiers, and it proved too heavy to take any farther.

Anyway, they would be coming back victorious. It didn’t turn out that way. They were fleeing when they came through Grimsby again, and didn’t take time to retrieve the chest, if it ever existed.

The other story from this period is that, as the Americans came through town the first time, schoolboys jeered at them and were told, “You’ll all be Americans when we come back.”

That didn’t happen, but a boy looking out of a second-storey window saw the Americans hurrying back with their cannons. One of the cannons went off the road and into the swamp that is now the high school playing field.

They couldn’t retrieve it, and no one else has either.

Pet-friendly helpers

Village of Hope food drive this Saturday, May 27

Village of Hope Niagara’s Porch Pick-Up Food Drive is all set to cover Lincoln this

Saturday, May 27 between 10a.m.-Noon.

“With need anticipated to in-

ART CLASSES

For ages 4yrs-Adult

Art & You Inc. Arts Centre is located in the heart of downtown Grimsby and offers:

Art Classes & Workshops (Day/Evening)

Summer Camp

Professional Community Gallery Spaces

Fine and Sacred Arts Supplies & Gifts

5 Main St. W #2 Grimsby, ON

Ph: (289) 455-9899 E-mail: artandyou1@gmail.com

www.artandyou.ca

crease substantially this year over last, we have high hopes for our largest donor goal ever of 4,000 kgs/30,000lbs and $20,000 - a combined value of $100,000 in community support in one day,” said Cheryl Keddy Scott, Village of Hope Niagara’s CEO.

“We’ll have over 100 local volunteers door-to-door, community groups, church, business, supporting our community effort. Together we can make certain that no one should go to bed hungry in our community.”

Keddy Scott noted their efforts this year have received a substantial boost.

“With our heartfelt gratitude to an anonymous local supporter, all funds donations will be matched until May 28. You can donate online, today at: villageofhopeniagara.org”

May Is “Food for All” month at Village of Hope Niagara.

“We’re raising funds, support, and awareness of food insecurity in our community,

to alleviate hunger, where more than 16 per cent, 1 in 6 among our neighbours (1 in 5 children), are going without each month - skipping meals and missing nutrition,” said Keddy Scott.

“When children, seniors, whole families in our community are affected, we’re all impacted.

Any inquiries can be emailed to: mail@villageofhopeniagara.org

After a recent move, the organization is now located at: 2540 South Service Road (at 15th Street) in Jordan).

The hours of operation are:

Food Bank - Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri. Noon-4 p.m.; - CLOSED SAT.SUN.

Thrift Store - Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m.7 p.m. - CLOSED SUN.

“With your support, Village of Hope Niagara is extending food security, and more, to all in Lincoln, because no one should go to bed hungry in our community,” said Keddy Scott.

Students from Mlle Heidi Stricko’s Grade 3 French Immersion class at Central School all took part in a persuasive writing exercise to support the Niagara Humane Society. The program included a tour, being matched with an animal and researching and creating their written work to wrap it up. Participants were: Back (L to R) Grace Horbow, Tory Russell, Paige Mantini, Dallas Luey, Kade Koutsogiannis, Lamia Basic, Levi Tierney, Lilly Jeffery, Max Taylor. Front (L to R) Hannah Hunt, Adeline Hodgson, Taryn Jacques, Indi Williams, Zuzanna Mackintosh, Jocelyn Murray, Grayson Heffron, Sofia Osterling. Absent: Elias Rahman.

6th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive

“What a newspaper needs in its news, in its headlines, and on its editorial page is terseness, humour, descriptive power, satire, originality, good literary style, clever condensation, and accuracy, accuracy, accuracy!

Joseph Pulitzer

Dear Reader,

Here we are, against all odds, in our 11th year of publishing. Our little paper that started in the basement of our house has flourished into what you are reading today. We’ve had ups and downs, two printing plant closures, sale of our distribution company, a world-wide pandemic and... we are still here. Because of you, good reader - as well as our loyal and dedicated advertising base - through ensuring great response via your intense readership as well as your generous subscriptions. We truly appreciate your support!

Based on the excellent feedback from previous years’ volunteer pay subscription drives, we have launched Year 6!

Is NewsNow’s independent, accurate voice in the community of value to you? Would you like to support NewsNow in its efforts? This is your opportunity.

If yes, we have refined the infrastructure for our Volunteer Pay System

Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week – receive your copy of NewsNow. Whether you live in a single-detached home, apartment, condo or at a business, NewsNow is now everywhere –29,000-plus circulation strong. That will NOT change!!!!

Subscriptions: One Year - $50 suggested

We will back HST out of each payment to make things as simple as possible. You can pay by cheque (bring into the office or mail), credit card (call Catherine at 289-235-9500) or e-transfer (send to: subscriptions@wn3.ca - make security answer - newsnow ) For more information, please do not hesitate to call, email or drop in. All inquiries are welcome!!

Thanks very much for your time and we wish good health to you all!

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

Mike Williscraft Publisher

Please call to place your Classified Ad 289-235-9500

OBITUARIES DeBOER, Kornelis

On Monday, May 22, 2023 at Shalom Manor, Grimsby, The Lord called to himself his child Kor DeBoer in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Ann (nee VandenHaak) for 62 years. Loving father of Geraldine DeBoer, Lorraine and Ed Feenstra, James and Yolanda DeBoer, Corrie and Henry Klos, Cor and Debbie DeBoer, John and Pauline DeBoer, Andrew and JoAnne DeBoer, Mary-Lynn and Yonson Dethan, and Melvin and Ashely DeBoer. Cherished Opa of 37 grandchildren (predeceased by grandson Elijah Dethan), and 41 great-grandchildren. Dear brother of †Theresa (†Tom) Reitsma, †Linda (†Peter) Oosterhoff, †John (Joanne) DeBoer, †Gertie (†Nick) VanderHeiden, †Melle (Dini) DeBoer, †Mary VanLeeuwen, †Ann (Les and Aly) VanEgmond. Gerry (Nellie) DeBoer, Betty (Simon) Breukelman, Alice (Peter) Lof, and brother-in-law of †Truus (†Pete) Heemskerk, †Bill VandenHaak (Christine and Leo Rozema), †Ria (†Len) VanderGriendt, †Andy (Gerda) VandenHaak, †Gerry (†Louis) Doekes, Corrie (Bill) VanWoudenberg, and Jane (†Ernie) Schulenberg. Kor will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 29, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at SMITHVILLE CANADIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 330 Station St., Smithville, where the Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 11 a.m. Interment to precede the service at Lane’s Cemetery, St. Ann’s.

If desired, donations made to Shalom Manor in memory of Kor would be sincerely appreciated.

“…yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Hab. 3:18

Please sign the Tribute Wall: kitchingsteepeandludwig.com

ROOFING

rooFinG Over 25 years of experience. Shingles and Flat Roof warranty. Call Ken 905-973-3235.

Cherry Hill Community

3515 Rittenhouse Rd., Vineland

Saturday, May 27 8:30 a.m.-Noon

huGe GArAGe SALe

Sat May 27

8am to ? 28 Burnham Court Grimsby rain date June 3rd

Household/clothing, original art for sale

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Celebration of Life

Joanne Burtnyk

VEHICLES WANTED

CArS, truCKS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. we pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.

June 11, 2023 1:00 pm at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 612 5545 King St. Beamville, ON.

Relatives and Friends of Joanne Burtnyk and Larry Zarubiak her common Law Husband

Saturday 27th and 3rd of June 8am to noon

Weather permitted.

220 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby

Air compressor, pressure washer, antique china hutch and much more…

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

StruGGLinG with 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

HANDYMAN SERVICES

SPeCiALized in CArPentry - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring. Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289439-1485

rubbiSh & JunK reMoVAL. Call Ken 905973-3235

GAS GUY Residential. Licensed Gas Technician. HVAC, Plumbing, Handyman Installation, Service. Heating, Cooling, Gas Lines. Clogged Drains. Honest, Reasonably Priced. Free quotes. Call Blake 365-889-7838

LAW ANNOUNCEMENT

Benjamin Pinfold of Niagara and Vicky Vu of Toronto are pleased to announce that they are practicing law under a Limited Liability Partnership operating as Vu & Pinfold LLP.

For legal services please contact info@vupinfold.ca

OBITUARIES

Joan Ethel Isabel Friesen (nee Osman)

January 7, 1936August 28, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joan Friesen at the age of 86 at the Welland Hospital.

Joan was deeply loved and will sorely missed by her devoted husband of 68 years, Ben Friesen.

Joan was a loving mother to her son Randy and daughter-in-law Kelly Friesen and her son Jerry and daughter-in-law Jody Friesen.

Whether she was called ‘Ma’ by grandson Tim Friesen, granddaughter Katie Gottli (Joe) and greatgrandson Michael Gottli or called ‘Grandma’ by granddaughter Lindsay Friesen, granddaughter Rachel Friesen (Cole) and grandson Brett Friesen, Joan was the same proud grandmother.

Also left behind were her sister-in-laws Rita Osman, Helen Giesbrecht and Carol Friesen. She was Aunt Joan to many nieces and nephews and she was a very special and much loved Aunt Joan to niece Marilyn Holmes.

Joan was predeceased by her parents Walter Osman and Reta Osman (nee Nickason), her beloved son Jerry Friesen, and her brothers Ron Osman, Fred Osman (Beulah) and Bert Osman (Belle) and her dear sister Grace Aston (Bernard).

For most of her life she was a hard working farmer’s wife but when there was time, she loved going to the trailer and playing music around the campfire. Joan was known to play a ‘mean omnichord’ and sing as she accompanied Ben’s guitar playing.

You were very fortunate to be Joan’s partner for a game of Euchre or Hand and Foot and the grandchildren loved playing Michigan Rummy and Uno with her.

Joan was an avid baker and considered “the best cook and baker in the world” by her family. She knew all her family’s favourites and made you feel so special on your birthday when the meal and dessert she prepared was made with just you in mind. Christmas was a huge spread made with love by Joan. Everyone’s favourite Christmas goodie was there, and we all got to take home any leftover favourites. Every once in a while (but not often enough) she would even make her own favourite, coconut cream pie.

After retiring from farm life Joan and Ben moved to their new home in Beamsville. Eventually the time came for them to downsize and they moved into the new retirement home in town. During her time there Joan enjoyed playing Euchre with the group and watching Blue Jays games, Jeopardy, Match Game and Blue Bloods on TV. She enjoyed herself most when Brad Boland came to entertain and sang her often requested “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”.

Joan has been cremated and will be interred at Mount Osborne Cemetery at a private family gathering. Memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, May 27th, 2023 at the Fireside room of Tallman Funeral Homes (3277 King St., Vineland) from 2-4pm.

at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

HELP WANTED

100% Niagara owned & operated

Our Team:

Publisher - Mike Williscraft

mike@wn3.ca

289-442-4244

General Manager - Catherine Williscraft

Sales Consultant - Erica Huisman

Graphics - Donna Wisnoski

NewsNow is owned & operated by 1602207 Ontario Ltd.

Office Location

1 Mountain Street, Grimsby, ON, L3M 3J6 Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848

NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday & delivered to all homes & businesses in Niagara West, 29,006

Region dissolution on way?

So much has gone on in the world of planning infrastructure, nobody - at the provincial level or otherwise - is sure the evolving experiments will work. Why? Because any 8th Grader knows, when conducting an experiment, you don’t change more than one variable at a time or you can never be sure why or why not that experiment worked.

Last fall we had the planning process change to put much more control in the hands of planning staff to the point where staff will have full control and say on what gets approvedwithout having to come to councils for approvals in some cases. Ridiculously dangerous to take such decision making out of the hands of elected officials, but, here we are.

New friends

A May 2 visit by students from Mlle Heidi Stricko’s Grade 3 French Immersion class at Central School to Niagara (SPCA) Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals set the children up to be matched with an animal and learn about how an animal shelter operates and why they exist. Each completed a writing exercise explaining why adopting animals is a good idea. Their work went on display at the SPCA this week.

COVID rebound continues

While it feels great in many respects to see COVID getting smaller and smaller in the rear view mirror, there are still examples popping up as a reminder that the page is being turned. Last week’s State of West Lincoln address was one them. Mayor Cheryl Ganann did a great job of outlining where the municipality is going. To see all the details, her full speech in presented on newsnowniagara.com

On an ongoing basis, municipalities have been told to seek out shared services opportunities with neighbours to streamline processes and seek economic efficiencies where possible. Gotcha.

Now, after Premier Doug Ford announced that Peel Region be would dissolved, the table is now set to see the same thing done with other unneeded regional tiers of government - such as in Niagara.

In all seriousness, the Province should be looking to do the exact same thing with school boards and put the decision making and dollars directly in the hands of representatives in the municipalities where the

dollars will be spent. Study after study has shown this is the most responsible and cost-efficient way, so why ignore that elephant in the room.

But back to municipalities, there is a better than average possibility we could see Niagara Region dissolved by year’s end - in my estimation.

This could seem nonsensical if one does not step back and look at possible infrastructure changes which would allow a new configuration to worknamely public utility commissions for services such as water and sewer, for example. Those budget items are too massive for a lower tier municipality to simply absorb, so there would be special consideration there.

Let’s assume smarter people than I figure all that out. That leaves core services being left directly to the Towns to administer, which sounds great on the face of it, but I assure you it will come with a catch.

If Niagara Region is dissolved, my money is on a four-municipality configu-

ration being set out (with the over-arching commissions as required) left in the regional foot print.

Now, I don’t think that will mean dissolving borders, but I do think it will mean, for example, Niagara West will become its own municipality. It makes sense. It fits the federal and provincial riding framework. Pelham may or may not be part of that mix, but it seems better suited to be grouped elsewhere. Same for Wainfleet, which has the same east-west connections along Lake Erie as Grimsby and Lincoln do on Lake Ontario. Wainfleet connecting with Port Colborne and Welland seems a good fit on the southern front.

Under these groupings, each municipality will maintain its own council and autonomy, but services such as fire, planning, communications could and should be shared. Other services could be shared, but all of it should be reviewed, of course.

Much of this could be very good for lower tier municipalities. However, the high level changes to planning which put more power into local planners hands will have all the training wheels removed if Niagara Region is disbanded. That extra stamp of approval for meshed Official Plans and site plan approvals, just for two simple examples, just won’t be there.

If we don’t fall, great, but if we do fall, we’ll be falling without a net.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT

Delivered via Canada Post