Look up, look waaay up...
Campden Fire Station 2 Capt. Julia Stevenson, left, with Megan Rempel and her and two-yearold Tyce Rempel watch a firetruck raising its ladder over the Fleming Centre in Beamsville as part of Town of Lincoln’s Meet The Fleet event on Saturday. For more photos, please turn to Page 15. Loree - Photo
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
A Burlington man faces multiple charges in connection with the Jan. 12 rollover of a tanker truck which was eastbound on the QEW at Tufford Road. In the incident, it was reported that a black Mercedes was being driven aggressively and ‘brake
checking’ other vehicles. This action set off a chain reaction, according to the Ontario Provincial Police Highway Safety Division. The Mercedes caused a white SUV to collide with a fuel tanker causing both vehicles to travel off the highway and into the right ditch.
“The fuel tanker truck
rolled through the highway barrier fence and came to rest on the South Service Road, spilling a large amount of its load of 53,000 litres of diesel fuel onto the ground and causing environmental damage. The collision and cleanup resulted in a lengthy highway closure,” states an OPP press release.
“The driver of the black Mercedes did not remain at the scene and did not report their involvement in the collision to police.”
If the driver is found guilty it could mean the Ministry of the Environment and Town of Lincoln could recoup costs through insurance.
Town of Lincoln submit-
ted an invoice to the Ministry of Transportation formore than $53,000. This incorporated all fire department and public works costs. The environmental clean-up was supervised by the MOE. It was completed by First Response with billings exceeding $3 million.
From Page 1
“If the driver is found guilty in connection with the January accident, it could open the door for cost recovery, especially if negligence is proven. In cases like this, the municipality, through our fire department or other emergency services, often absorbs significant costs initially,” said Lincoln CAO Mike Kirkopoulos.
“However, when fault is established, the Town may pursue reimbursement either directly or through insurance channels.”
Kirkopoulos noted the environmental impact of an accident is handled differently.
“However, the actual costs often land with the party responsible for the spill, in this case, potentially the driver (of the Mercedes) or the transport company, depending on how liability is determined. If they’re insured, their insurance provider would likely step in to cover those cleanup costs, as well as any municipal expenses.”
Thinking back to that January day, Kirkoploulos said the focus, first, was safety of the general public.
“When an incident like this occurs, the Town’s first priority is
“As for the environmental cleanup, that responsibility typically falls under the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) in terms of oversight,” he said.
public safety and environmental protection. Our Fire Services and Public Works teams respond immediately, often incurring significant costs,” said Kirkopoulos.
“If charges are laid and a party is found responsible, we do look at opportunities to recoup those costs through insurance or other channels.”
As a result of the investigation, Mirkarim Mousavi, 59, of Burlington has been charged with:
• Dangerous operation causing bodily harm;
• Fail to stop at accident resulting in bodily harm,
If you have information about this incident or any other incident, you can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
After countless meetings filled with contentious information, Hamilton Health Sciences officials have completed a goodwill tour of Niagara West councils to outline West Lincoln Memorial Hospital opening plans for this fall.
Bruce Squires, West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s site executive - one of many hats he wears - and Aaron Levo, vice-president, people, culture, & communications, attended the May 12 Committee of the Whole meeting in Lincoln and Grimsby’s council meeting on Monday, May 26.
“Keys are going to be handed over on or about July 21,” said Squires to Lincoln
council, noting the “substantial completion” timing.”
“That’s a pretty firm date, but it still could move a day or two, but that’s not the key one when care begins to be delivered.”
“The project, right now, would put us at the end of October, October 27. I learned right when I started in this new role and I read a little bit of the history, that that is exactly 76 years after the opening of the current hospital. It was October 27, 1949 when the current hospital opened. I think that would be really cool if we can move in on that date.”
While all are excited for the opening to finally arrive, some questions and con-
cerns remain.
Lincoln Coun. Lynn Timmers and Coun, Tony Brunet both questioned Squires about staffing complements expected by the opening and about the services planned.
Squires said recruiting and retaining has been “the biggest challenge over the last five years,”
But he is feeling “so much more optimistic” these days.
“Staffing across the health system has really improved in recent years. In most areas we are able to recruit and retain,” said Squires, adding 60-70 applications came in for recent WLMH postings.
“We will be able to meet all of our existing demand. We’re going to be in a really good place.”
Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton said the public does not want to hear about delays and cancellations once the new facility is open, asking if HHS is “ready to do things differently.”
“At the moment, teams are focused on that every single day,” said Squires.
At Grimsby council, Coun. Lianne Vardy cited a recent presentation in which council was told to expect the Town to nearly double in population in the next 25 years.
“So, what I am wondering, is this hospital expandable?” Vardy asked.
“Anything is possible. If we have to, we will deal with that in turn,” said Levo.
Squires noted in Lincoln to a similar question that the style of care is so different today, the new facility will have a much greater capacity to handle expected volumes.
and flooring. Substantial completion is expected by mid-summer, July 21.
By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow
The trickle of dirt down his back through the neck of his pyjamas, the terror, crouching in a hole dug hurriedly by his parents to hide him from the chaos overhead, the beams of light that filled the sky in a huge V - the night Canadian soldiers liberated his hometown in the Netherlands from German occupation at the end of the Second World War.
Clarence Alkema was just six years old but he had a keen sense of observation. He counted the number of canals between himself and the Canadian soldiers as they moved stealthily into view. He knew his hometown Harlingen like the back of his hand.
At 86, Clarence knows the chronicles of the war and the courage of those who sacrificed. But these many decades later, it’s the sensory details that are intensely vivid, distinct and instantaneously reactivated.
They are the memories of war through the eyes of a child.
Clarence was a distinguished guest of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands May 12 during a historical tribute “80 Years of Freedom: A Dutch Tribute to Canada” marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands.
He is one of the faces in the powerful ‘80 Faces of Freedom’ exhibition that went on permanent display at the Small Arms Inspection building in Mississauga.
An outdoor trail of sculpted WWII tank barriers known as hedgehogs, is the canvas for photo monuments pairing a Dutch civilian who was a child during the war with the Canadian liberator of their town.
The exhibition conceived by Dutch-Canadian photographer and filmmaker Jason van Bruggen, honours the 7,600 Canadians who died liberating the Netherlands during the Second World War and the deep bond between Canada and the Netherlands.
Clarence is comfortable in his Evergreen Terrace apartment, surrounded by family and wall to
wall windows overlooking Grimsby.
He is delighted to talk about the prestigious 80th anniversary commemoration event. The reception was held in the building where they formerly manufactured rifles and the British-invented sten (submachine) guns. And down the road he said, was an English factory where they made Boiler guns and Bren guns (light machine guns).
But his mind is fixed on Harlingen.
A port town on the edge of the Dutch Wadden Sea, Harlingen was strategically important for controlling access to North Holland and for troop transport, defense or escape.
The occupying German forces had heavily fortified the city, anticipating a strong resistance, with roadblocks, anti-tank ditches, minefields, and bunker complexes. The bunkers in Harlingen were part of the Atlantikwall, the more than 6,000 km-long German defensive line stretching from Norway to Spain.
The Canadians meanwhile were fighting from town to town. They came up from the south went into Germany and then into the Netherlands, fighting in the worst conditions in hedges and canals.
“These Canadians were probably the bravest men in the world. They never complained. They just did it,” Clarence said.
Life carried on during war for the Alkema family. Clarence recalls walking home from Kindergarten and watching shells drop into the water as a plane flew low overhead triggering anti-aircraft systems and sirens blazing across the city. It was the mailman who reached out his front door, grabbed the youngster and went to the basement with his wife and
family. Clarence’s father Hendrik Alkema was picked up in January 1945 and sent to forced labour digging trenches and tank traps in the northeast province of Drenthe. “We found my mom (Ida) on the bed crying in the morning,” said Clarence. In early April, Hendrik overheard discussions that the Germans would be fleeing the province. Sleeping on the pews in a church, the prisoners woke to find the police guards were gone and he was able to get back to his family.
April 15 the German forces in Harlingen began carrying out various acts of destruction to delay the Allied advance, blowing up bridges and sinking ships.
April 16 the Canadian troops reached the outskirts of Harlingen.
Curious, Clarence was standing along a canal outside the city and “watching strangers wearing strange helmets and khakis” as they gathered in a meadow.
His cousin Dorothy (Djoeke) took off on her bicycle and got as far as the bridge. A Canadian gave a warning shot. They wanted her to steer clear. She thought that Germans had shot at her.
The Canadian forces attacked at 8 p.m. that night. By 11 p.m. they had broken through the heavy defences and the German resistance quickly collapsed. Nine German soldiers died and 400 were taken prisoner. Canadians suffered just two minor injuries.
“They were able to do that because the Dutch Resistance had told them where the minefields and bunkers and tank traps were located,” Clarence said.
“The resistance had a lot of information,” and it proved to
See RESISTANCE, Page 8
Bungalow
From Page 6 be invaluable to the Canadians. They created maps indicating all German positions and occupied buildings.
Meanwhile, the family had dug a hole in the ground for shelter and safety. They fashioned a door at one end and piled bales of peat on top to protect the children.
“I wasn’t scared yet,” Clarence said. “But I sensed the adults were terrified.” It was after dinner and the children had been sent to bed when they heard a lot of gunfire and then artillery.
One shell hit the back of the property opening up a big hole and shattering all the windows in the house.
Clarence’s parents rushed all the children downstairs and sat them along the north wall of the house.
“The shells hit and the ground shook. It was terrible and I was scared to death. I thought it was the end of the world,” Clarence said.
When the artillery fire stopped for a brief moment, it was a mad run to the dirt hole with his parents yelling don’t step on the glass. “We ran to the hole and the artillery started up again.”
They stayed there until midnight when Clarence’s uncle, Jouke Zeitsma, a soldier in the Dutch army, came by and said, “It’s all over. We’re free. The Canadians have the town.”
They climbed out of the hole and the adults were crying. “They couldn’t imagine they were free.”
Official information says that moment of liberation came at 4 a.m. but Clarence knew the war was won hours earlier.
“The next morning we went into town and there were jeeps driving around with orange ribbons and Dutch flags, quite a lot of maple leafs and old Canada red ensign flags.”
“The jeeps were loaded with girls and a few Canadian soldiers all screaming and yelling. Everybody in the town was on the streets.”
“The party went on for a month.”
Clarence was 13 when he emigrated to Canada with his family in 1952. First landing in Picton, he learned English and worked in canneries in Prince Edward County. At 24, he married his sweetheart Lina. They raised six children, three of each, and they ran a greenhouse business on Central Ave. in Grimsby, all the while Clarence was pursuing his education through evening correspondence courses in Toronto.
He continues to share his gratitude for the Canadian soldiers who liberated his city. “Canada and the Netherlands are the best friends in the world.”
Thanks to a great response over the last few weeks, NewsNow is ready to deliver for our community.
We are now having our carriers go door-to-door in Grimsby, Beamsville, Vineland, Jordan & Smithville.
There are still a handful of routes not filled, so if you happened to miss your copy - or if you live in an outlying rural area - we have planned a large list of helpful outlets to allow for quick and convenient pick ups.
Puddicombe Farms
Grimsby Gateway
Sobeys Grimsby
Grimsby Town Hall
NewsNow office
Shoppers Drug Mart
150 Main St. E. & 42 St. Andrews Ave.
Twp. of West Lincoln Town Hall
Smithville Foodland
Wellandport Home Hardware
Sobeys Beamsville
Beamsville Relay Restaurant
Conversations Cafe
Ryan’s No Frills - Beamsville
Fleming Centre
Courtesy Counter
Beamsville Town Hall
Grand Oak Culinary Market
Hopkins IDA
Vineland Foodland
General Store
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
Harold Jonker, former West Lincoln councillor and owner of Jonker Trucking Inc., has been acquitted of all charges related to the 2022 Freedom Convoy demonstration.
The decision was announced last Tuesday by Justice Kevin B. Phillips of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Jonker had two of his company trucks in Ottawa for the COVID-restrictions protest. He was charged with mischief, counselling mischief, intimidation, and counselling intimidation in May 2023 - more than a year after the protest.
“It was three days of trial. It went quicker than we expected. The court had six days booked for it,” said Jonker of the judge-only proceedings which ran from May 12-14.
“The only real change was the police officer, who was my liaison during the convoy, was dropped off the witness list by the Crown,”
said Jonker.
“They dropped him on the Friday before my trial started, so that saved a little bit of time. My lawyer said we didn’t need to call any witnesses because they don’t have any evidence.”
Going into the process, Jonker said he was not confident given some trials finding people involved guilty.
“It was hard to read which way it was going to go. My lawyer just kept saying they didn’t have any evidence,” said Jonker.
Jonker noted his trucks were impounded for seven days, but no additional fines resulted. He noted he just paid a towing fee with no other penalties resulting.
The Crown has 30 days to appeal.
“It was a tiring time energy wise, money wise for our whole society. We’re very thankful for they support we’ve received. Prayers have been answered, that’s for sure,” he said.
Recruitment for Grimsby Fire and Emergency Services Volunteer Firefighters – Class III (Probationary) begins on May 16, 2025
The Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Information Guide outlining details of the recruitment and application process are available at:
Recruitment for Grimsby Fire and Emergency Services Volunteer Firefighters – Class III (Probationary) begins on May 16, 2025.
Town Hall
160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby Monday to Friday between 0830 – 1630 hrs
Interested candidates are required to attend one (1) of two (2) schedule mandatory orientation sessions. Significant others are strongly encouraged to attend.
The Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment Information Guide outlining details of the recruitment and application process are available at:
Town Hall
Grimsby Regional Training Centre 167 Mountain Rd., Grimsby Thursday, June 19th at 1900 hrs or Saturday, June 21st at 0900 hrs
160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby Monday to Friday between 0830 – 1630 hrs
Registration for the orientation session will be completed at the time of Information Guide pick-up. Each orientation session will be two (2) hours in length.
Note that doors are locked promptly at the indicated start time. No admissions will be permitted after the scheduled start time.
Interested candidates are required to attend one (1) of two (2) schedule mandatory orientation sessions. Significant others are strongly encouraged to attend.
Further information regarding next steps of the recruitment process will be provided during the orientation sessions.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Town of Grimsby is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier -free recruitment and selection processes, and work environment. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please contact the Office of Human Resources, hr@grimsby.ca if you need assistance.
Personal information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of candidate selection.
167 Mountain Rd., Grimsby Thursday, June 19th at 1900 hrs or Saturday, June 21st at 0900 hrs
Registration for the orientation session will be completed at the time of Information Guide pick-up. Each orientation ession will be two (2) hours in length.
Note that doors are locked promptly at the indicated start time. No admissions will be permitted after the scheduled start time.
Further information regarding next steps of the recruitment process will be provided during the orientation sessions.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Town of Grimsby is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, and work environment. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please contact the Office of Human Resources, hr@grimsby.ca if you need assistance.
Personal information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of candidate selection.
“Were it left to me to decide if we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
Thomas Jefferson, 1787
(Couldn’t we use more of that thinking south of the border right now)
We are about to complete our 13th year of serving our dedicated readers and advertisers in Niagara West! That seems hard to believe, but it’s true. Just like every stitch of content you read in our pages. We’ve tried to shoot photos at every community event, expose serious stories which were very much in the public’s interest, and let all know the goings on for our great services club and community groups. If you’re looking to social media for information, good luck. It’s a cesspool of misinformation. In short, if it moves, we’re on it! And we still have a lot to do. By helping us out with a voluntary subscription you can support that goal
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.
Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week –receive your copy of NewsNow - whether that be with Canada Post or if we have our own carrier force. That will NOT change!!!!
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 wishes of good health to you all!
1 Mountain Street, L3M 3J6, Grimsby • 289-235-9500
Mike Williscraft Publisher
Rough
supervisor
By Evan Loree
IT’S OFFICIAL!
THE NEW WEST LINCOLN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IS OPENING OCTOBER 27th AND WE ARE EXCITED TO SHARE THAT WLMA’S DONOR TREE WILL BE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED NEXT TO THE COFFEE SHOP!
The Donor Tree will showcase all donation leaves and rocks for contributions made by June 30th. We encourage you to donate before this date to ensure your name is included in the opening display. Later donations will be added at a future date.
Each inscribed leaf or rock will symbolize a generous donation aimed at purchasing essential equipment for West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. Leaves: Silver $250, Gold $500; Rocks: $2,500
Beamsville Lion Bob Cranfield hands Teri Trewolla a burger and pop for lunch during Town of LIncoln’s Meet The Fleet event held Saturday at the Fleming Centre. A host of Town equipment and emergency services attended the showcase.
Please take a few moments to note your favourite people, businesses, snacks or service in Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln or Winona. You can vote for your faves in dozens of categories, or just a few which you really love. The results of your survey winners will be published in July/Aug.. Please include your name and address on the form so we know who is voting and nominating, one ballot per person. There is no fee to submit your votes. Drop your entries at NewsNow, 1 Mountain St., Grimsby OR scan/email to BITW@wn3.ca during regular business hours: 10-4 Monday - Thursday or through the mail slot at the front door. Originals Only!
Name:
Address: Phone:
Email:
The lifeblood of any business, large or small, is customer service. To recognize this precious resource, NewsNow is initiating a special category as part of its Best In The West readership survey.
Please take a few minutes to nominate someone with whom you had a great customer experience!! In 200 words or less, please tell us how someone went the extra mile, was very pleasant to deal with (either during a one-time visit or over many years) and why you think this person would be worthy of Niagara West’s Best Customer Service Employee Award. NewsNow will publish the winner and the nominator will receive a $100 gift certificate for any restaurant or retailer in Niagara West. Drop your submission off at our Grimsby office, 1 Mountain St. or email it: mike@wn3.ca
Store
Renovations around the house require an investment of time and often considerable amounts of money.
Findings from a 2024 U.S. study showed that home renovations are becoming more expensive. The median renovation spending for homeowners has gone up 60 percent since 2020.
Angi, a home services website, reports the average renovation cost for homes between 1,250 and 1,600 sq ft is $51,772 USD, but the final cost of home renovations depends on the scope of the project.
Homeowners who are conserving funds can rest assured that it is possible to make meaningful changes
both inside and outside a home without breaking the bank. Here are some ways to renovate a home on a budget.
• Create a budget and don’t waver. Figure out exactly what you can afford for a renovation and then make that your maximum dollars spent. Research comparable projects in your area and be honest about whether you can afford the renovation asis or if you must adapt ideas to fit your price. Make sure to build in a cushion of around 15 to 20 percent for any unforeseen expenses that may arise once a renovation is underway.
• Maximize an existing floor plan. This Old House sug-
gests looking for ways to maximize your current layout before you invest in major renovations like an expansion. Bring in a designer with an eye for utilizing space. For example, see how you might be able to replace shelves with pull-out drawers in the kitchen. Moving furniture around or rethinking floor plans also can help to lower costs.
• Balance DIY with hiring contractors. You can save money by tackling some projects yourself, but only if you are confident in your renovation skills. Rather than risk making costly mistakes and having to redo things,
• No Formaldyhyde
• Dove Tail Drawers
• Full Extension Soft Close on all ¾ Plywood Shelves and Boxes
• All Standard Solid Handles Included
• 1 to 4 Week Delivery
• Luxury Vinyl Flooring • Natural Stone Flooring
• Vanities • Soaker Tubs • Bath & Shower Glass Enclosure
• Sinks & Faucets • Backsplashes
• Large Format Porcelain Tiles Up To 5’ x 10’
• Granite/Quartz/Porcelain Counter Tops
• European Windows & Doors • Kitchens • Walk-In Closets
• Wall Cladding • Stainless Steel • Artificial Turf - Indoor/Outdoor
• Sunbrella Patio Furniture • Shoreline Protection
• Landscape Retaining Walls • Septic Systems & Cisterns cabinets: $6900.00 plus tax
• Rubber Flooring For Gyms • Glass Railings (Indoor & Outdoor)
• Counters are extra
From Page 18 hire well-vetted
fessionals but ask if there’s any DIY work you can do to cut costs.
• Check clearance and resale stores. Shop discount stores for building materials to save money. For example, if a builder ordered too many cabinets they may offer them to Habitat for Humanity ReStores, Grimsby Benevolent Fund or New Again in Beamsville, which are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers. Checking the clearance and markdown sections of other stores may yield considerable savings on
items needed for a renovation.
• Take advantage of free services. Certain stores may offer things like free consultations with designers who can show you what a renovation can look like. This is advantageous to the stores because once you see the potential you’re more likely to buy the products, even if it’s not manda-
tory.
· Resurface instead of redo. Certain items can be made to look new with minimal effort. Paint is a relatively inexpensive tool that can transform walls and more. A good hardwood flooring company can buff out a floor and put a new coating instead of an entirely new floor. Kitchen cabinets can be resurfaced instead of replaced as well.
Finding ways to perform home renovations on a budget may require some creative thinking, but it’s possible to get results at the right price point.
Outdoor living spaces have become soughtafter commodities among homeowners.
A 2022 survey of homeowners conducted by the New Home Trends Institute found that open yards are less appealing to home buyers than they once were.
The survey noted that just 28 percent of respondents chose open yards, while 65 percent preferred patios and 55 percent chose decks. Green spaces remain popular, but the survey indicates that many would-be home buyers also want
ering
The materials homeowners choose will ultimately determine
• Roofing • Siding
• Eavestrough • Soffit
• Gutter Guard • Fascia
30 Years of Experience
Mike 905-598-5355
Licensed Mason on Staff
• W.E.T.T. Inspections
• Sales, Installation & Service of Wood Stoves, Inserts & Liners
• Stainless Steel Chimneys
• Chimney Fire Service
• Diagnostics & Video Scanning
• Masonry Restoration
• Masonry Repairs
• Custom Fireplaces
• Chimney Rebuilding
Buyers prioritize space when looking for a new home, so homeowners mulling a basement conversion project can learn the basics of the project as they try to determine if such renovations could help them with resale.
• Basement conversion projects can be costly. Though the final cost of a conversion project can vary widely depending on the condition and accessibility of the existing space, estimates range from around $45,000 to
as much as $150,000 with a average of $37,000 showing in a 2024 study. Of course, homeowners who are simply hoping to repurpose an existing basement likely won’t need to pay for excavation. Accessibility is another notable variable that can affect the final cost. If the current space is a crawl space, potentially costly structural changes may be necessary to ensure contractors and eventually residents can access the area. Basements that are al-
ready easily accessible won’t require such expenditures.
• Ventilation is a must. Finished basements must be adequately ventilated so moisture can be controlled. Without sufficient ventilation, the damp conditions common in many basements can foster the growth of mold. Waterproofing systems and adequate ventilation can prevent mold growth in a basement, and these should be integral components of the design.
• Natural Stone
• Cultured Stone
• Retaining Walls
• Parging
on the Lawn “Always on the lawn”
Fully insured and licensed 15+ years experience Property Maintenance • Residential/Commercial Jacob Wallace • 905-626-6436 • www.getonthelawn.ca wallace_jacob@hotmail.com @getonthelawn
Want the outdoors without sweltering sun, annoying rain or aggravating bugs? Get the best of both worlds with an exterior living space that’ll keep you outdoors longer.
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Saturday, May 31
7 a.m. - Noon
Household items, grandfather clock, shop vac, hockey equipment & more! 67 Merritt Crescent Grimsby
Passed away peacefully at Hamilton General Hospital on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the age of 81. Husband to Glenda, the love of his life, for over 50 years. Loving Dad of Cam and Corry. Best Poppa of Carly, Barrett, Griffin and Sadie. Mr. Neil was a favourite of students from his many years of teaching, beginning at West Park in 1970, until his retirement from South Lincoln in 2000. They broke the mould when they made Barry Neil. He was known for his sense of humour, his athleticism, and his love of fishing, nature and sports. He was affectionately known as ‘Neilo’ and ‘Neily’ to his long time buddies. Bear, Dad, Poppa, Uncle Barry was a force of nature and will be greatly missed. Cremation has taken place. Visitation at STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. If desired, memorial contributions to the Bruce Trail Conservancy would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
lArge senior suite witH suPPort in a spacious comfortable living/ bed with kitchenette and private bath, includes quality meals, cleaning and laundry. $1595. 905-5156755 Fonthill West. see yelllowpages. photos/365
$$ CASH PAID $$
i pay it for all your old hockey mags, books, hockey news, programs, ticket stubs and cards. Do your spring cleaning now. tim 905-510-3658beamsville.
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 905-9459529
HVAC licensed gas technician • installation, Service Maintenance • Heating, Cooling, Gas Lines
• Local Free Quotes
• References upon request. Call blake 365-889-7838
mAster mAson: chimney repair, stucco, parging, brick restoration, stone, all cement finish work. Professional, reliable, excellent referrals. Estimates. Evan 905921-5226
ConCrete Regular Concrete, Colour Concrete, Stamped Concrete, Exposed Aggregate Driveways, Porches, Patios, Stairs, Sidewalks, Garage Floors, Leaky Basement. Repairs as well. Serving Niagara Area for over 30 years.
lPJ ConCrete ContrACtor Call 905-651-9462
sPeCiAlizeD in CArPentry - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & vinyl Flooring, Power Washing, Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485
Professional Painting flooring and a lot more. Removing popcorn ceiling and replacing with California knockdown or smooth ceiling. Most of your home needs. dunajozef6@gmail.com 905-730-1387
Saturday, June 7
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Something for everyone 81 Debora Drive Grimsby
inDePenDent ProfessionAl gArDener. Licensed. insured. Seasonal maintenance services: pruning, weeding, mulching, plant care, planting, tree trimming, garden design. Free estimates. Grimsby based. Call Chris. (289)407.2325
Over 40 years of experience in painting, flooring, basic plumbing, landscaping, deck and fences. Certified home inspector. Free estimates 905-741-6695 905-730-1387 nickanthonyelia@ gmail.com www.nickelia renovations.com
rubbisH & JunK remoVAl Call Ken 905-973-3235
lAwn rolling & AerAtion. Front & back yard. Call Ken 905-957-5731.
Saturday, May 31 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
1791 Beamer Road St. Ann’s
GARDEN PLOTS FOR RENT
Community gArDens 20 plots available. CHRiST OuR SAviOuR LuTHERAN CHuRCH. For inquiries please call: 905-631-2874
Asking $225. Call Paul 905-309-9941
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It sure feels good to be covering a topic like the Hamilton Health Sciences goodwill tour related to this fall’s full opening of the NEW West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.
Bruce Squires, West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s site executive - one of many hats he wears for HHS- and Aaron Levo, HHS vice-president, people, culture, & communications, completed their rounds of Niagara West councils on Monday night in Grimsby.
Getting a sneak peek at some interior shots - see Page 4 - is also cool. It makes it more real, somehow, despite the huge Main Street East build being underway for about three years.
For the newbies in town, who may think three years seem to be a long wait, how about three decades?
WLMH was almost immediately on life support when I arrived in town May 10, 1995. The candlelight vigil on the football field at Grimsby Secondary School on a bitter February night in 1997 is the stuff of legend.
That event was required because it had been announced WLMH would close entirely.
Wow, that seems like an eternity ago.
The only reason it survived is the resolve of the Niagara West community.
As that new build comes together, you should take stock in that, good reader.
If you are new to town, you owe a figurative debt to those who put in countless hours, showed up at rallies, distributed posters, sent letters and made phone calls to create enough pressure on provincial politicians to get the closure - or major restructuring - plans overturned.
Months, years and decades have turned into a matter of a handful of weeks until the keys are turned over in mid-July to start the changeover process - and I am here for every bit of it.
••••••••
A quick word on the Grimsby BIA issue from last week regarding a quorum at the May 14 meeting - since council passed the minutes Monday night.
Four people physically attended. Initially, two board members were on the phone. Part way through the meeting it was discovered one person was gone. When votes were called - includ-
ing regarding the vote of support for Grimsby Farmers Market - there was no check with anyone on the phone for a vote, so there is no way to tell if anyone at all was on a phone line.
As noted, the process had a lot of issues, but the votes on items during the meeting never gave any indication from phone-in members, so how would anyone know there was a quorum on hand at thepoints of those votes.
Moot now. Council approved it, Moving on.
•••••••••
It is important to note former West Lincoln Coun. Harold Jonker was acquitted of all charges related to the COVID-related demonstration in Ottawa. We published a story when the charges were laid, as did many media outlets, but I have not seen too many print information on his acquittal.
In today’s cancel culture society, it is important to note the follow through on such things. People can be quick to barbecue people any more, so when a day in court is had and an acquittal results, it is important for the public to know the full story.
I don’t happen to agree with all Harold’s beliefs but that certainly does mean he is not entitled to them.
There is nothing wrong with civilly disagreeing with people. We need to get back to more of that.
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
A location-finding app helped greatly in Grimsby Fire Department’s rescue of a man who fell from a cliff on the Niagara Escarpment at Beamer Conservation Area last Wednesday.
Upon arrival, crews faced steep, muddy terrain and low visibility due to dense foliage and rainy weather, which significantly complicated the rescue. Despite these challenges, first responders successfully located, stabilized, and extricated the patient,
who sustained serious injuries, including suspected paralysis.
Thirty emergency responders were at the scene.
Key to the resuce was an app called what3words. It divides the world into a grid of 57 trillion squares which can provide a location within a 3mX3m square area.
“In my world, time is critical, when responding to trauma patients like this. We call it the “Golden Hour”. The Golden Hour is a critical window of time during which prompt medical
treatment dramatically increases the chances of survival and reduces the risk of long-term complications. It took us over an hour to find him and get him down to the ambulance,” said Jim Kay, Grimsby Fire deputy Chief.
Sunday night, fire crews were back at extinguishing a hot tub fire at a Woolverton
Road residence which endangered nearby structures and heavily wooded areas.
“This was a textbook example of inter-agency cooperation and professional response,” said Kay, “Our crews responded rapidly, executed containment effectively, and were well supported by our partners in law enforcement.”
