> WL council opens and closes WLMH name change discussion /Pg 13

The long-awaited renovation to Grimsby Peach King Centre got off to an official start last Tuesday, May 21, with a groundbreaking ceremony at the Livingston Avenue site.
While the initial funding announcement for what is now a $36.7 million project was made in July 2021, the planning process to finalize elements of the project and getting the construction team in place has taken nearly three years.
“On behalf of Town Council, I am honoured to kick-off the construction of the Peach King Centre Expansion and Renovation. This proj-
ect has been years in the making, and I am thrilled to see it become a reality,” said Mayor Jeff Jordan.
“Our new community hub will be a cornerstone of civic life, a place where residents of all ages and abilities feel welcome and engaged.”
In 2021, the Town of Grimsby received over $16 million in provincial funding to expand and renovate the PKC, with the overall cost of the construction projected to be $21 million at the time.
A lengthy planning process and escalating impacts of COVID-19 pushed the price tag up significantly.
The expanded centre will bring a
host of new and improved amenities for residents and visitors, including:
• a double gymnasium,
• indoor walking track
• youth centre
• fitness amenities
• multi-purpose rooms, and
• upgrades to arena dressing rooms.
Improvements will extend to the Town Hall/PKC site, including:
• parking upgrades
• new pedestrian walkways and,
• infrastructure for active transportation.
“The groundbreaking of the expansion and renovation of the Peach King Centre is great news for the
residents of the Town of Grimsby,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff.
“The Ontario government is investing in this multi-purpose infrastructure project that will help create jobs, support community spirit and foster healthier and more active lifestyles for families in West Niagara.”
The state-of-the-art facility will become a focal point of community life where local residents can gather to engage in programs, classes, events, and social activities, said director of community services Sarah Sweeney.
See PKC, Page 8
St. John’s Presbyterian Church - located at 10 Mountain St. in Grimsby - has been sold to Living Light Canadian Reformed Church.
The sale includes the historic church building and manse.
The decision, made last year, marks the end of an era for the congregation, which has served the Grimsby community from this location for 95 years.
The building, which opened in 1929, holds a unique history.
Constructed from stone quarried by congregation members, it initially remained incomplete due to limited resources. In an act of faith, members buried extra stone, which was later used to complete an addition in 1957.
Facing the challenges of maintaining an aging building, the congregation decided to prioritize their mission of serving people over the upkeep of the facility.
The sale to Living Light ensures that the building will continue to serve as a place of worship.
St. John’s will not be closing or disbanding but will instead move into the Trinity United Church building, sharing that space while retaining their Presbyterian identity. This move is a homecoming of sorts, as the present Trinity building was once home to St. John’s until 1925.
Starting in June, St. John’s will relocate its offices, weekly worship services, and community events to the Trinity United building. This transition provides financial flexibility, allowing the congregation to expand its community programs supporting seniors and young families. Exciting new programs will focus on deepening community ties, educating, and advocating for seniors. The congrega-
tion looks forward to vibrant worship gatherings and meals geared to young families.
Rev. Kyle Dore expressed gratitude towards Living Light for their commitment to the church’s legacy and to Trinity United for their warm welcome.
“We believe our brightest future lies in collaboration with other congregations and organizations,” he said.
The final service at 10 Mountain St. will be held on June 9 at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration lunch at Trinity United at 12:30 p.m.. The community is invited to join in commemorating nearly a century of service. To reserve a spot for lunch, please call the St. John’s church office at 905-945-5352 by June 2.
St. John’s Presbyterian Church looks forward to continuing its mission to love its neighbours with renewed vigor in its new home.
Niagara Region is looking for input from the public as well as a variety of public and private sectors to help develop a Waste Management Strategic Plan which will provide the framework and direction for waste management in the region over the next 25 years.
The Waste Management Strategic Plan will look at a variety of services and programs affecting waste management in the region and consider possible options such as cur-
rent service levels, introduction of new programs, disposal capacity and alternative technologies.
Interested parties who would like to share their ideas and perspective on the development of the plan can take part by completing an online survey to have their say by going to:
www.niagararegion.ca/projects/ waste-management-strategicplan/?topic=1
The cut-off is Friday, May 31.
Direct: 905.541.3882
Office: 905.545.1188
Email: marktherealestateguy1@gmail.com 860 Queenston Road Stoney Creek, L8G 4A8
Hamilton Health Sciences’ West Lincoln Memorial Hospital will be enhancing midwifery care and expanding the obstetrics program thanks to a provincial grant.
The $975,000 grant will enable WLMH to staff a hospitalist midwife 24/7 and establish a new outpatient
newborn clinic.
The Province’s expanded midwifery program aims to improve access to midwifery services and expand the options for midwife-delivered care to more patients.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of our provincial government which will
ensure that expecting families in the Niagara West community have enhanced access to this vital care,” said Leslie Gillies, vicepresident of nursing, practice and education.
Hospitalist midwives – registered midwives who work in a hospital setting – offer a unique skillset and work collaboratively with obstetricians,
family physicians and nursing staff within the obstetrics unit. Within their scope, they will support uncomplicated births, provide intrapartum care during staffing shortages, mentor nurses in intrapartum skills, aid in urgent situations such as a newborn needing resuscitation, and serve as surgical first assistants for intrapartum C-sections.
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From Page 1
Home to local organizations such as Grimsby Basketball Association, pickleball, West Niagara Minor Hockey, Grimsby Seniors Club and the West Niagara Special Olympics, the centre will welcome individuals of all ages, abilities and interests.
“Our government is delivering on its historic plan to foster stronger and more engaged communities, while building Ontario for the future,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, who was on hand for the initial funding announcement.
“This new facility will offer both indoor
and outdoor recreational spaces so that residents of all ages can enjoy diverse fitness and community programs for years to come.”
Joined by Staff, community leaders and the project team, the groundbreaking for the PKC Expansion and Renovation marks a significant and exciting milestone to advance the highly anticipated project.
Although under construction, a portion of the existing facility will reopen from September 2024 to March 2025 for iceonly operations. The new and improved centre is expected to officially open its doors in Fall 2025.
A designer’s rendering depicting the south entrance to the Peach King Centre when work is done.
A designer’s
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The West Lincoln Age Friendly Advisory Committee proudly invites you to
Featuring Guest Speaker Tom Cheel from the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Friday, June 14, 2024
From 9 AM to 12 PM Guest speaker at 9:30 AM West Lincoln Community Centre 177 West Street, Smithville
30+ Storefronts including but not limited to: Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers, Front Line Tours, Niagara Christian Gleaners, Smithville Garden Club, Prime Time, CARP Niagara, West Lincoln Community Care, McNally House Hospice, Niagara Region – Seniors Programs, West Lincoln Recreation, Kiwanis Club of West Lincoln, West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Wellandport Garden Club, West Lincoln Public Library, Community Support Services of Niagara, Jeff McKillop Car Show – Mental Health, and many more!
NewsNow readers can have their say as to who they think are the best businesses, products and services offered in Niagara West through this year’s Best In The West survey. Complete the form on Page 17 and
drop it off at NewsNow’s 1 Mountain St. office or complete the form, scan or take a photo and email it to: BITW@wn3.ca
The submission deadline is Wed., June 12.
Seventeen-year-old
David Robinson loved his family and his friends. He was passionate about football. He loved life.
An adolescent growing up in Smithville, David began to struggle with depression when the COVID pandemic started. He was vulnerable, and turning to drugs to cope was presented to him as a solution. He did not start down that path expecting it would lead to addiction and steal his life.
David’s mom, Hannah Robinson, shared a small piece of her son’s storyone of the thousands of shards which shattered her life the day a drug overdose took his life –June 24, 2023.
It was a heartbreaking reality of a huge problem in Niagara. And while it may be more visible in cities, it’s just as prevalent in rural communities.
West Lincoln Community Care and West Lincoln Public Library recently brought parents and teens together to talk about the issues and they packed the resource room at the library.
Addictions can touch anyone, anywhere. “We wanted to open the conversation,” said Sharlene Volpatti, WLCC manager client services and food bank.
Addictions counsellor Kait Fretz presented a comprehensive discussion around substances that are common in the community, the implication of drug use, warning signs, and advice to both
parents and teens.
She was joined by Robinson with the message that young people are vulnerable and need the support of a community.
“I want to see the community envelop these kids, re-instill feelings of value and worth and help them feel a sense of belonging in the community which was lost during Covid,” Fretz said.
“They need to feel safe enough and comfortable enough to know they are valued even if they make these choices,” Robinson said, calling them choices which can lead to being no choice anymore.
Last year the number of suspected opioid overdoses responded to by Niagara Emergency Medical Services increased to 734, up from
663 in 2022. This past January to March alone there were 196 suspected opioid overdoses reported by Niagara Region Public Health. Fentanyl was the most common type of opioid present in confirmed deaths.
“As a community we need to show teens we value them, reduce the stigma in our language, don’t look the other way, support fellow parents and keep the dialogue going,” Fretz said.
“There is a need for health care that is nuanced, that looks at the whole person, not just the issue,” Fretz said. “Often we put a label on people. We need health care that uses labels as a jumping off point but isn’t afraid to look at the person and what they need.”
Fretz said there is a common misconception that cannabis is nonaddictive. In reality, it is one of the top substances that sends people to rehab.
To teens, Fretz says, “have a plan, a buddy system, watch your drink, know where you are, look for red flags.” And remember “friends are not always friends,” and “you don’t have any control over what is in a substance that is given to you.”
Briefly, alcohol is the most common addictive substance for teens. The average age for the onset of drinking alcohol in Canada is 13.4 years old. The average age for the onset of high-risk drinking in Canada is 14.5 years.
Asked about allowing a teen to drink in the home, Fretz said the decision is up to a family but cautioned they are modelling that it’s okay to use substances. “It’s dangerous and a huge health risk to introduce a growing brain to alcohol.”
One out of seven teens have tried vaping in the last month. One out of 15 teens vape daily.
Most vapes, Juuls, and E-cigarettes contain nicotine, even if it is advertised that they don’t.
Fretz tells parents to know their teen’s friends. Know their friends’ parents. Know where they are going. Tell them all the time how much they love them. Prove they are a safe space to have those conversations. Build them up with spoken love and build trust.
And, if they find something, “don’t freak out.” Decide when and where to have the conversation, who will be present, appear confident and wait for your emotions to deescalate.
“Focus on keeping the communication open rather than lecturing. They already know it’s wrong.”
“Your child is not their addiction,” Fretz said. “Our job is to remind them who they really are.”
The information is relevant to every parent. “But at the end of the day you can’t control the decision your teen will make,” Fretz said. “All you can do is foster the relationship you have with them and mitigate the risk factors in your home.”
Sponsors,
Sponsors,
Sponsors,
West Lincoln Council followed through on its plan to accept the results of a community survey with respect to a possible name change for West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.
At its May 21 Admin and Finance meeting, the 75.28 per cent vote against a name change was made public.
At its April 22 meeting, council voted to support the results of the community survey.
“I certainly had some concerns why we, as a municipality, were even worrying about
this considering we just got through budget,” said Coun. William Reilly, who asked Hamilton Health Sciences’s vice-president of communications if this meant the matter was now dead.
“In this instance, community support is a big part of the story and big part of the weight of consideration on this matter. If I was being frank, I’m not sure at this point we’d be doing right to recommend to our board a particular course of action on
name change,” said Levo.
“We’ll have to give that some thought as a leadership team.”
For Reilly, he hopes it is now in the rear view mirror.
“I certainly hope to see that upheld. That’s what the people wanted. That’s why we bothered doing the survey, so I certainly appreciate hearing that and I’m hoping we can put this matter to bed,” Reilly added.
The vote to accept the results of the West Lincoln component of
the community survey was approved unanimously with Councillors Mike Rehner and Terry Bell absent.
The Official Plan is an overarching land use planning document for the entire Town. It implements the community’s overall vision for growth and development. The Official Plan addresses such issues as housing, the natural environment, heritage preservation, employment needs, agriculture, commercial services, tourism, parkland/recreation, servicing and transportation.
The Town’s current Official Plan was approved in November 2016 and since then, the Province has made significant updates to the Planning Act, amendments to the Clean Water Act, and released a new Growth Plan, Provincial Policy Statement, Greenbelt Plan, and Niagara Escarpment Plan. In addition, the Niagara Official Plan was recently approved in November 2022 and provides direction for the growth and development of all of Niagara Region with a planning horizon to 2051.
The Town of Lincoln is undertaking a review our Official Plan to bring it in conformity with the latest provincial policies and recently approved Niagara Official Plan, as required by Sections 26 and 27 of the Planning Act. The Official Plan Review is also being undertaken to ensure that the new Official Plan addresses significant locally-identified issues, reflective of community goals and objectives.
If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Town before the proposed Official Plan is adopted, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Town to the Ontario Land Tribunal, and may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal, unless in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party. If you wish to be notified of the adoption of the proposed Official, you must make a written request to the Town Clerk and such request must include the name and address to which such notice should be sent.
The Town of Lincoln has scheduled a Public Information Centre to discuss the input we’ve received to date and to provide opportunities for feedback on the second draft of the Official Plan policies.
JUNE 13 6 - 8 p.m. Presentation
The Town of Lincoln is continuing community consultation with Phase 2 of the Official Plan Review - Refining the Plan. We need your input! You are invited share your feedback in several ways:
• A full copy of the Draft Official Plan, mapping and additional information about the project is available on our website for review: SpeakUpLincoln.ca/ShapeLincoln
• Be sure to check back for updates as the Official Plan Review progresses.
• To provide input in writing, please email planningpublicmeetings@lincoln.ca or send a letter to the Planning and Development Department. Any written correspondence will be shared with Committee members and staff, and will also be included on the agenda which will be published on the Town’s website and will form part of the public record.
Thursday June 13 at 6 p.m.
• Town staff will present an update on
» What we’ve heard, including the results of the community survey
» The draft OP policies and directions
The amendments to the existing Zoning By-law provisions and the implementation of a Licensing By-Law propose to regulate and license Short-Term Accommodations (STA) for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of persons residing in residential properties, minimizing potential impacts to surrounding properties and neighbourhoods, and to protect the residential character and stability of residential areas within the Town. View the project webpage at SpeakUpLincoln.ca/Short-term-Accommodations for further information in this regard.
The Licensing By-Law proposes to:
• Require all STAs to obtain a license from the Town.
• Implement a standard STA Licensing application process.
• Implement a Demerit Point and Administrative Monetary Penalty System.
• Establish a registry of all STAs within the Town.
Proposed amendments to the current Zoning By-law provisions for STAs include:
• Clarification on the type of structures STAs are permitted to be located in.
• Provide for a maximum number of guest rooms.
• Implement new and amend existing definitions for types of STAs.
A recommendation report was heard on March 4 and deferred pending further consultation
JUNE 12
The meeting will include: Staff Presentation | Question and Answer Session
Drop into the Fleming Centre to learn about local businesses and organizations providing services and opportunities for
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Sunday, June 23 from 2-4 p.m. join Rose Cottage Visiting Volunteers in celebrating Seniors Month at Trinity United Church (4287 William S., Beamsville). The Summer Solstice
concert features Sing Niagara and Minuscule Music. Both groups perform locally, nationally and internationally to rave reviews. Admission is $20 and includes door prizes,
refreshments and the opportunity to bid at their silent auction. To purchase tickets, donate or become a sponsor call 289-5669588 or email: info.rcvv@gmail.com
Public Works Department
Public Works Department
160 Livingston Avenue Grimsby, ON L3M 0J5
160 Livingston Avenue Grimsby, ON L3M 0J5
Public Works Department
160 Livingston Avenue Grimsby, ON L3M 0J5
Commencing Monday, April 1st, 2024, Town crews will be flushing all fire hydrants as part of our annual water main maintenance program.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Commencing Monday, April 1st, 2024, Town crews will be flushing all fire hydrants part of our annual water main maintenance program.
The following areas will have water mains flushed on the dates stated below:
The following areas will have water mains flushed on the dates stated below:
Commencing Monday, April 1st, 2024, Town crews will be flushing all fire hydrants part of our annual water main maintenance program.
April 1st – April 12th North of QEW from Roberts Road easterly to Nelles Road North.
• April 1st – April 12th North of QEW from Roberts Road easterly to Nelles Road North.
The following areas will have water mains flushed on the dates stated below:
April 15th – May 3rd North of QEW from Nelles Road North easterly to Grimsby/ Lincoln boundary.
• April 15th – May 3rd North of QEW from Nelles Road North easterly to Grimsby/Lincoln boundary.
April 1st – April 12th
April 15th – May 3rd
May 6th – May 31st
North of QEW from Roberts Road easterly to Nelles Road
North of QEW from Roberts Road westerly to Grimsby/Stoney Creek boundary.
North of QEW from Roberts Road westerly to Grimsby/ Stoney Creek boundary.
North of QEW from Nelles Road North easterly to Grimsby/ Lincoln 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 westerly Grimsby/Stoney Creek boundary.
North of QEW from Roberts Road westerly to Grimsby/ Stoney Creek boundary.
South of QEW from Elizabeth and Mountain Streets easterly Grimsby/Lincoln boundary.
• June 3rd – July 5th South of QEW from Elizabeth and Mountain Streets easterly to Grimsby/Lincoln boundary.
May 6th – May 31st South of QEW from Elizabeth and Mountain Streets westerly Grimsby/Stoney Creek boundary.
This work will last for approximately fourteen weeks and may temporarily result in 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 short period of time and possibly remove and clean the tap screen.
June 3rd – July 5th South of QEW from Elizabeth and Mountain Streets easterly Grimsby/Lincoln boundary.
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.
This work will last for approximately fourteen weeks and may temporarily result water conditions. Please be assured the quality of the drinking water will NOT affected, although it may be necessary to run your cold water tap only (not hot) 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.
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.
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.
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 WorksPlease 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. 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 - Friday or through the mail slot at the front door. Originals Only! Name:
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 in Niagara West. Drop your submission off at our Grimsby office, 1 Mountain St. or email it: mike@wn3.ca
Niagara Region will hold a Statutory Public Meeting for an application to amend the Niagara Official Plan (Application No. ROPA-22-0002) for 502 Winston Rd. in the Town of Grimsby. The purpose of the Statutory Public Meeting is for Regional Council to hear and consider public comments on the proposed Regional Official Plan Amendment (ROPA) in accordance with the provisions of Section 17 of the Planning Act R.S.O. 1990, as amended.
The amendment proposes to redesignate the subject lands at 502 Winston Rd. as illustrated on the location map on the right from ‘Unique Agricultural Area’ to a ‘Rural Area’ designation.
The site is currently occupied by a banquet hall/private club, associated parking lot and tennis court/playground. The banquet hall/ private club is serviced by municipal water and a private septic tank. A concurrent application for a Local Official Plan Amendment (LOPA) has also been submitted to the Town of Grimsby to redesignate the lands in the Town of Grimsby Official Plan. The LOPA and ROPA are being processed concurrently by the Town and Region.
The Statutory Public Meeting is scheduled for: June 12, 2024 at 1 p.m.
Hybrid meeting as part of the Region’s Planning and Economic Development Committee Meeting - in-person and virtual attendance Niagara Region Council Chamber 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON
Have your say
Your feedback on the proposed amendment is welcomed and encouraged. Any person or agency may attend and make representation at the Statutory Public Meeting and/or make written submissions.
To provide input orally at the public meeting, either online or in-person, please pre-register with the Regional Clerk by sending an email to clerk@niagararegion.ca before 9 a.m. on Friday June 7, 2024.
2022 Niagara Region and its suppliers. Projection is UTM Zone 17N CSRS, NAD83. This map was compiled from various data sources. Niagara Region makes no representations or warranties whatsoever, either expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, reliability, currency or otherwise of the information show on this map.
To provide written input to be considered at the public meeting, please either mail your comments to the Office of the Regional Clerk, Niagara Region, 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Ontario, L2V 4T7, or email to clerk@niagararegion.ca by 9 a.m. on Friday June 7, 2024. Any written comments received either by mail or email and submitted to the Region, will be included in a future recommendation report prepared by staff for Council consideration, and will become part of the public record regarding the Regional Official Plan Amendment application.
To view a livestream of the meeting proceeding, without the ability to provide oral submissions, please visit niagararegion.ca/government/council
More information
Copies of the application and supporting documents for the proposed ROPA is posted on the Region’s website at niagararegion.ca/living/icp/policy-plan under application No. ROPA-22-0002.
For more information about the proposed ROPA, including information on appeal rights, please contact:
Alex Boekestyn, M.Sc.
Development Planner
Niagara Region
1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, PO Box 1042 Thorold, Ontario L2V 4T7 905-980-6000 ext. 3264 alex.boekestyn@niagararegion.ca File Number: ROPA-22-0002
f you need any accommodations for a disability to participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner.
Special accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats can be arranged by contacting Niagara Region’s Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-685-4225 ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca
The Planning Act
i. If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Niagara on the proposed Regional Official Plan Amendment, you must make a written request to the Clerk c/o Regional Clerk, Niagara Region, 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, P.O. Box 1042, Thorold, Ontario, L2V 4T7, or email clerk@niagararegion.ca Such requests must include the name and address to which such notice should be sent.
ii. If a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Niagara to the Ontario Land Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at the public meeting or make written submissions to the Regional Municipality of Niagara before the proposed Regional Official Plan Amendment is adopted, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.
iii. If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Regional Municipality of Niagara before the proposed Regional Official Plan Amendment is adopted, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.
iv. Any personal information is collected under the authority of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P. 13 and may be used in an appendix of a staff report, published in the meeting agenda, delegation list and/or the minutes of the public meeting and made part of the public record. The Region collects this information for the purposes of making informed decisions on the relevant issues and to notify interested parties of Council’s decisions. It may also be used to serve notice of an Ontario Land Tribunal hearing. Information collected, used and disclosed is in accordance the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Questions about this collection and disclosure should be directed to the Access and Privacy Office at 905-980-6000, ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca
Date Issued: May 25, 2024
On May 22, 2024 our mother, Ivy Bird, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 95.
Family was important to Ivy. She was married to Roy for 50 years until his death in 2004. They had two daughters, Janet Allan (Bob) and Paula Leaper. She was the nana of Geoff Allan (Zuleikha), Robert Leaper and Rebecca Leaper and great nana of Zehra Allan and Amir Allan.
She subsequently met her loving partner, Paul Montgomery and spent 17 years with him until his death in 2023. Her family expanded to include Eric (Victoria), Anne (Pat and sons Simon and Spencer) and Andrew (Briar).
Ivy was a trained seamstress who enjoyed sewing, designing clothes and selling sewing machines. She made many friends throughout her life, including Jackie Hermans and Robynne Cole. Ivy enjoyed her time at Heatherwood Retirement Residence and developed relationships with both residents and staff.
Respecting Ivy’s wishes, she has been cremated and there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). Ivy’s vision declined over the last 10 years and CNIB was a great resource including providing her beloved audio books.
David Wayne
April 25, 1946 - May 25, 2024
David Wayne Kinach passed away peacefully at Albright Manor, Beamsville. Left to morn is his wife of 49 years Nancy. Private arrangements entrusted to Merritt Funeral Home Smithville. merritt-fh.com
Peacefully with family by his side at Deer Park Villa, Grimsby at the age of 93 on Saturday May 25, 2024. Born in North Grimsby Township. Robert continued the farming tradition on the family farm in Grassie until his retirement. He will be greatly missed by his family. Beloved husband of Eleanor (nee Burke). Loving father of Jeffrey Haws (Annette), David Haws (Sharon), Sally Quider (Gene) and Christopher Haws. Dear grandfather of Eric Haws, Bradley Haws (Alexis), Stuart Haws (Carrie), Travis Haws (Melanie), Elliott Quider (Meagan), Sarah Gillen (Brendan). Cherished Great Pa of Finnegan, Emma, Alice, Sadie and Blake. He will be lovingly remembered by his sister Margaret Goddard (Alan) and sister in law Peggy Corner (Reeford) and brother in law Alex Burke (Sue). Fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother Donald and sister in law Donna Haws. The family would like to express deepest gratitude to the staff at both Amica Stoney Creek and Deer Park Villa (Vineyards) for their care. Friends and family may call at the Merritt Funeral Home 287 Station Street, Smithville Thursday, May 30 from 10 am – 12 pm followed by private family service and interment at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Grimsby. If desired, memorial donations would be appreciated by the family to the West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary (https://wlmauxiliary. ca/donations.php) or the charity of your choice.
Passed away at her home in Grimsby, on Friday, May 24, 2024, in her 62nd year. Beloved daughter of the late Ann and Roman Skrypka. Dear sister of Bill Skrypka (Joanne Bowslaugh) and Joseph Skrypka (Mary). Olia was well known by many in Grimsby. The family is appreciative to all of those that helped her in her later years. Private cremation and burial at Queen’s Lawn Cemetery will take place. If desired, memorial contributions to Diabetes Canada would be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-9452755.
www.smithsfh.com
Ron and Shirley Martin
Celebrating 65 Years of marriage on
May 30 2024. Married in Tintern
United Church
May 30, 1959
Grimsby, 1 bdrm apartment, bright, quiet, smoke free, 4 plex. Stove, fridge, heat, water one parking space included. Suitable for mature tenant. References required. 905-9452848
briGht And Cozy 2 bedroom 1100 sq ft apartment downtown Grimsby. 2 min walk from groceries and boutiques. Second floor on a quiet cul de sac. 1 parking spot included. Fridge and stove. No laundry but close to laundromat. No pets due to severe allergies. First and last required. $1800 per month. 289-442-0352
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2 kingsway Cres., Grimsby 8:00-12:00 4 family Garage sale
Rained out last week new date sat. June 1 a wide variety of items from old to new Please drop by sat June 1 2024 start 8am 15 north service rd, Grimsby furniture, bike, children stuff, household item and much more
November 3, 1935 – May 27, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Elizabeth “Betty” Novak at Deer Park Villa, Grimsby after a four year illness. The story of her life in the hands of a talented author would be an international best seller and an Oscar worthy movie.
Betty was born in Budapest, Hungary; the fourth of nine children lovingly welcomed by her parents Mary (née Sheehan) and Hubert Kós. She enjoyed a privileged and blissful childhood in the bosom of a family teeming with love. Stories of their adventures and antics have become legendary for the next generations to enjoy. Like many who lived through the atrocities of WWII, the family’s life was upended and threatened. After losing her beloved father at the age of 12, Betty and her siblings escaped war torn Budapest with their loyal governess Piri and their mother to the safe shores of Ireland and their maternal relatives. Grieving the loss of her father, Betty had to learn a new language, settle in a new country, negotiate the challenges of boarding school and the separation from her siblings. Upon graduation, Betty headed off to Vienna to perfect her German and reunite with her father’s side of the family. During these blissful months, Betty enjoyed a fairy tale existence where days were spent working in her uncle’s insurance office and evenings being charmed by all sorts of eligible young gentlemen at one fancy dress ball after another.
At 19, having received an invitation to visit Toronto, Canada, Betty set sail on the adventure of her lifetime. She was quickly embraced by a group of colourful European émigrés who came to Canada with their titles, good manners, joie de vivre and empty pockets. It was here that she met the love of her life, Karel Novak. They married in October 1957 and welcomed their daughter Nicolette the following October. Betty and Karel settled in Beamsville, part of an exotic group of displaced Europeans who added colour and intrigue to this sleepy little town. While Karel farmed, Betty worked in Hamilton for Olivetti Underwood. She also spent many happy years as a teacher at St. Martin school in Smithville. She finally retired in 1972 to dedicate herself to Karel and the needs of the family business. She spent many years hosting family and friends from all over the world and several weeks each winter travelling through Europe with Karel.
Betty often joked that she had no identity of her own. She felt she was only known as the wife of Karel Novak or the mother of Nicolette Novak. Who was she kidding? She was stylish and elegant, charming and entertaining, and above all loving and kind. She was a force to be reckoned with and the secret to the Novak family success. She adored Karel and he adored her. They enjoyed a dynamic, colourful and loving marriage that only few can hope for. All of this came to a tragic end with the sudden death of Karel in 1987. Together with her daughter Nicolette, Betty carried on the family farm and started The Good Earth Cooking School which grew into the popular and successful Good Earth Food & Wine Co. The “widow Novak” and her “maiden daughter” became an inseparable and dynamic team.
Betty’s gift to this world was her ability to make people feel special and to love with purpose. Her house was always open to both young and old. Her kindness and generosity of spirit knew no limits. She had friends and fans of all ages scattered far and wide. Her love for her siblings and family was the foundation on which she built her life.
Betty is survived by her daughter Nicolette, sisters Kitty, Zsuzsi and her brother Miklós as well as many nieces, nephews and close friends. She is predeceased by her parents Mary and Hubert Kós and siblings, Peggy, Hubert, Moya, Dorin, and Béla and her beloved husband Karel Novak.
At the request of the deceased there will be no visitation. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 30 at 2pm at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church, 4106 Mountain Rd. Beamsville. Cremation to follow. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice.
Nicolette wishes to thank the incredible care team at Deer Park Villa who looked after Betty with love and respect to the very end. These total strangers opened their hearts to create a family for us in our darkest days. Your unselfish kindness and compassion will not be forgotten. A special thank you is also extended to those dear friends and family who remained constant visitors through to the very end of Betty’s life. She loved you all!
Online condolences at tallmanfuneralhomes.ca.
LAS VEGAS DINNER SHOW
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Regular Concrete Color Concrete Stamped Concrete Exposed Aggregate Driveways, Porches, Patios, Stairs, sidewalks, Garage Floors, Leaky basements. Repairs as well. Serving Niagara Area for over 30 years. LPJ ConCrete ContraCtor Call 905-651-9462
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speCIALIzed In CArpenTry - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring, Power washing.Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485
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As does West Lincoln council, I sure hope their unanimous vote last weekaccepting another decisive public opinion survey result regarding the proposed West Lincoln Memorial Hospital name change - is the last we hear on the matter.
granted or forget.
There are some out there in readerland who thought I was doing nothing more than needlessly fanning flames on this matter.
As I have repeatedly stated in this space - as have others - having the new facility in our midst is #1, far and away. There is not a single person out there who believes otherwise.
But what was overlooked from the start of this process was the intense connections people feel to the name, general identity and history of WLMH.
Full credit to Team Lincoln for sticking it out all morning in heavy rain - just in case any brave souls ventured to the Town’s Meet The Fleet event at The Fleming Centre.
Part of the crew were (L to R) Chris McPherson, Dave Graham, Kathy Di Bartolomeo, Giancarlo Marcella, Paul Haskins, Nick Masi and Brad Ellis. Williscraft - Photo
It is not a secret locally that we are spoiled rotten by the many impressive wineries we have in Niagara West. Vineland Estates certainly has garnered its share of press over the years as one of the world’s best restaurants and a maker of top drawer wines.
Now the winery joins the top echelon of “green” initiatives a grand prize winner in Agriculture Canada’s Food Waste Reduction Challenge - along with its partner, Clean Works, in a unique mildew-control process.
The “process” - which was two years in developmenttakes care of the pesky mildew problem but only leaves oxygen and water behind. Kudos on this achievement. M.W.
Over the last couple of months, images of attending meetings in the downstairs board room back in 1997 came to mind. We were preparing for the rally at Grimsby Secondary School and developing other aspects to the major campaign created to revive what - at that time - was a facility slated to be closed.
Many people today do not know much about the history of the place and don’t realize it was not just on the chopping block: it was chopped.
The second go round in 2012 it was on the chopping block but it was pulled back from the brink.
WLMH was never “just a local hospital” to residents.
The staff were revered in this area. The docs were all local, with local practises and privileges at WLMH.
We would see the nurses out and about town, same for the maintenance crew. The whole fabric of every aspect of WLMH was woven into residents’ lives. Hamilton Health Sciences approach to management sure has changed all that. Most of the docs in and out of there would not be recognized by anyone in town now. Few staff live in town anymore. That connection is gone, so that makes the other threads to the past that much more important for WLMH supporters. When I think of the whole process, I think of people like the late Rev. Jim Dowden, who many will recall for his devotion and passion for WLMH’s fight for survival. There were many around that board table who knew - if the preservation effort was successful - they would not live to see a new facility built. All that effort, many times over, by hundreds of residents is all coming to fruition before our eyes and that is something we should never take for
When I related anecdotes and sheer numbers of comments on the proposed name change going back to early February, some scoffed, claiming it was blown out of proportion.
We did our own survey74 per cent said no change. That was written off as “unscientific” - although it was clearly noted to NOT be a scientific effort, just general opinion.
Then each municipality did their own online survey with results being even more in favour of preserving the WLMH name. HHS wanted council consideration and public input...they got it.
So West Lincoln’s movewhich Mayor Cheryl Ganann noted was both the first and last decision on the topic as her council voted first to accept the results of what was a pending public survey to be completedshould close this chapter of WLMH history and the community can turn all its time and attention to the gem that is being polished on Main Street East in Grimsby. With the new WLMH at one end of town and the soon-to-be redonkulously nicely renovated Peach King Centre at the other, they will be a perfect set of bookends for the community for the next 50 years and beyond.
Vineland Estate Winery, long-recognized as a world leader in wine and culinary exploits, has not bumped itself to the top of environmental protection as well.
Vineland Estates has partnered with CleanWorks Inc. of St. Catharines to develop and test machinery that fits to a grape harvester (with help from Lakeview Vineyard Equipment Inc.) to apply the CleanWorks process in the field to grapes while growing
on the vine.
The “process” is a new, cutting-edge vineyard application that controls the annual damaging mildew with only water and oxygen remaining.
Earlier this month, CleanWorks (in research partnership with Vineland Estates) was named a grand prize winner in Agriculture Canada’s Food Waste Reduction Challenge for the development of technological solutions to reducing food waste.