West
Lincoln
Community
Care’s food drive netted more than 7,750 lbs of donations on Saturday with still more coming in each day. Here, volunteer Sonny Monzavi works through some of the donations. For more coverage, please turn to Page 12. Williscraft - Photo
By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow
Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton took the pulse on the community’s economic and social well-being last
week during her annual State of the Town address.
The town is in a strong position, financially stable and growing with sizeable increases in residents,
businesses, jobs and assessment.
The question now is, who will replace the calm, steady era of Easton’s 12-year leadership when she hands over the reins after the
Oct. 26 municipal election.
Easton delivered the annual update of achievements and challenges last Wednesday before the
See EASTON, Page 3
From Page 1
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce at Calamus Estate Winery in Jordan.
And, between the lines of the economic report, she paid tribute to the people who made it happen.
“At the end of the day, nothing gets done without people,” Easton said, recognizing the dedicated staff, members of council and strong leadership from Lincoln CAO Mike Kirkopoulos and the corporate leadership team.
“Serving as mayor has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
The Town of Lincoln is a community where businesses feel confident putting down roots.
Over the past decade, Lincoln has seen growth in both jobs and businesses: An increase of 4,200 people (17%); An increase of 4,400 jobs (38%); 246 new businesses, to total 1,075; And an assessment growth rate of 24%.
“These numbers tell an important story,” Easton said.
“They tell us that Lincoln is not just a great place to live, it is a place where businesses want to invest, grow and succeed.”“As this term of Council comes to a close, I can say with confidence: the Town of Lincoln is in a strong position. “We are financially stable. We are growing thoughtfully. And we are delivering real results for our residents.”
Through consecutive councils, “we have made de-
cisions that weren’t always easy, but they were necessary. And today, we are seeing the payoff from that work,” Easton said.
“We’ve taken a responsible approach to budgeting and have planned for the long term. We’ve made strategic investments that will benefit our community for decades.”
Addressing municipal debt, Easton said it’s been a conscious choice to invest responsibly and with purpose. “That has meant taking on debt at times, but doing so in a way that is strategic, sustainable and tied directly to building a better community. Because there is a return on that investment.”
Easton said private sector confidence in Lincoln is evident with major investments underway including Moyer’s Apple Products’ new facility, the planned hotel development on Ontario Street and the ex-
pansion of Inn on the Twenty in Jordan village.
“They are happening because of the work we’ve done as a municipality because when we invest in infrastructure and create clear plans, we send a signal: Lincoln is open for business,” Easton said.
Citing a balanced approach to growth, Easton said the town is focused on livability, sustainability and maintaining character to make Lincoln special.
Easton said the Town has addressed the housing crisis head-on and is working with partners to prevent and confront homelessness. We are enabling a variety of housing stock so people can live well and within their means.”
Lincoln will remain focused on being strong financially, on providing housing opportunities, growing the tax base, setting clear direction, engaging all residents and all views, and being open to change, “as long as we continue toward our common purpose, on common ground.,” Easton said.
“Lincoln is more than a municipality, it’s a community built on hard work, strong values and people who look out for one another,” Easton said.
“Mayor Easton has served the Town of Lincoln with dedication, integrity and a deep commitment to this community. Throughout her time in office, she has led with a steady hand, a clear sense of purpose and an unwavering focus on what is in the best interest of Lincoln, its residents, businesses and future. It has been a privilege to work alongside her,” Kirkopoulos said.
Grimsby Hyundai is proud to be named a 2025 Hyundai Auto Canada President’s Award of Merit recipient— an honour awarded to just 15 of 225 dealerships nationwide.
This recognition reflects a consistent focus on what matters most: a seamless, welcoming experience across sales, service, parts, and collision. For nine consecutive years, the team has delivered the kind of care that turns everyday visits into something customers can rely on.
Set along the Niagara Escarpment, the drive here is just the beginning.
What sets Grimsby Hyundai apart is the experience inside—where friendly, knowledgeable staff make every interaction easy, transparent, and genuinely enjoyable.
“Our goal is simple,” says General Manager Mario Bruno. “Treat every guest with respect and deliver service that stands out.”
Proudly serving the community since 2012, Grimsby Hyundai continues to raise the standard—proving that when the experience is right, it truly is worth the drive, and worth the difference.
A one-day commercial vehicle enforcement sweep netted 30 charges being issued on Monday, May 4.
Enforcement officers completed detailed vehicle inspections to verify compliance with provincial safety require-
ments and to support safe and reliable travel throughout Lincoln.
Results from the recent enforcement initiative include:
• 34 vehicles inspected
• 14 (41%) vehicles placed out of service
• 30 charges issued
• Rhodos
Merritt) in Beamsville,” said Lincoln Deputy Fire Chief Bill Blake.
• Heaths
• Peonies
control and extinguish the fire which was made difficult with high winds and tough conditions.”
Azaleas
Heathers • Helebores
• Dogwoods
Perennials
Magnolias
• Cherries
An early morning fire Monday at a King Street home in Lincoln caused an estimated $2 million in damage.
• Unusual Plants & Dwarf
• Evergreens • Bamboos MANY PLANTS
Nobody was hurt in the blaze.
“At approximately 6:46 a.m., we were dispatched to a reported structure fire on King Street (between Tufford and
“Upon arrival crews were met with a large, attached garage that was fully involved in fire, starting to involve the residence. Crews actively worked to
“The cause of the fire is not known at this time, however, is not believed to be suspicious.”
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The Rotary Club of Lincoln is shouting “All Aboard” and welcomes you to the reimagined Lamplighter Tour
Live Theatre bringing local history to life
Tickets will also be available at the door
SUNDAY MAY 10
Includes a special flowering gift for all Mom’s
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Gannan addressed the gathering at the 2026 Mayor’s Luncheon as their elected leader, but the retired school teacher could not help allowing traces of her professional career to poke through.
At the April 22 event hosted at West Niagara Agricultural Centre, Ganann used a report card - of sorts - to review accomplishments of her council regarding the strategic plan executed in the current term.
“Pillar One of our Strategic Plan and of critical importance, is ‘Build’. Now, that pillar does not mean build houses, as extremely important as that goal is, but rather it means build a safe, connected, caring and active community,” said Ganann.
With Harvest Routes workshops and marketplace, Easter, Family Day and Canada
Day family activities, and our eight-year partnership with Kiwanis for the annual Community Tree-Lighting event as well as a host of other initiatives, this goal received a check mark.
“We also this term, invested in vehicles, equipment and technology to help firefighters respond quickly and safely to emergencies. Such improvements including the new Fire Station 2, the new tanker fire truck, new pumper fire truck and a squad truck, the com-
pressor for self-contained breathing apparatus and tablets for fire vehicles all support the overall well-being of our residents,” said Ganann.
With an aggressive plan to keep up with infrastructure work such as road refinishing and development of an economic development strategy - including employment parks - the municipality is planning for a strong economic future, she said.
“Additionally we were listed as Number 70 in the Globe and Mail’s 2026 Top 100 Most Liveable Canadian Cities, published in January of this year. West Lincoln was one of only two Niagara municipalities that appeared in this year’s top 100 list of Canada”s most liveable municipalities designed for those who are thinking of relocating,” said Gannan.
“Not too shabby for little old West Lincoln, I’d say.”
The CFUW Grimsby and District Chapter
$3000 UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
Open to women who graduated from a Secondary School in West Niagara and are going into their second year or higher of university or college. Consideration also given to applications from mature students who have settled for the long term in West Niagara.
To apply, go to https://cfuwgrimsby.com/scholarships
The deadline for applicati on is May 31st
More then 7,750 lbs of food was donated during Saturday’s West Lincoln Community Care Food Drive. About 50 volunteers - with help from Purolator Courier trucks - made it happen, said Sharlene Volpatti, WLCC food bank manager.
(Left) Sharon Vos, left, and Linda Coombes sort canned goods by date so expiry dates can be tracked.
(Below left) Kathy Pupek, right, and Verna Jespersen work through some of the items brought in by trucks which covered Smithville neighbourhoods. WilliscraftPhotos
Beamsville Lawn Bowling Club - at 5088 Park Avenueinvites all Lincoln adults (not just Seniors) to come out and have fun learning to Lawn Bowl. Meet our members while we introduce you to the sport. Come visit any or all of the following Open Houses –
• Saturday, May 9 - 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 19 - 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Monday, June 1 - 6:30-9 p.m.
We look forward to meeting you.
Please wearflat-soled shoes
Questions? Please email Brad Emmett: beamsvillelbc@gmail.com
TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the corporation of the Township of West Lincoln passed the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan and Community Improvement Project Area for the Community of Smithville Urban Area boundary.
AND TAKE NOTICE THAT BY-LAwS 2026-18 and 2026-19 were passed by the Council of the corporation of the Township of West Lincoln on April 27, 2026.
PASSING OF BY-LAws 2026-18 and 2026-19
BEING A BY-LAw to Adopt the Township of West Lincoln Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan for the urban area of Smithville and designate a Community Improvement Project Area for the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT:
The purpose of the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is to establish a framework, project area, and incentives for improving housing affordability and housing access within the Township. This is done in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning Act, which allows the Township to designate specific areas for improvement and provide financial incentives to landowners within that area to assist with improvement and certain types of development, redevelopment, construction, or reconstruction.
The Community Improvement Project Area (CIPA), which is established through By-law 2026-18 is mapped in Schedule 1 of the Community Improvement Plan.
All written and oral submissions received by the Township of West Lincoln were considered in the making of this decision. The Township received a number of oral submissions through the Public Meeting process and project updates to Council and public consultation events allowed for written feedback throughout the process, which are detailed in the Engagement Summary.
APPEAL INFORMATION:
Community Improvement Plans are exempt from approval by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing through O.Reg 525/97. The decision of the Council of the Township of West Lincoln is considered final if a Notice of Appeal is not received on or before the last day of the appeal period, May 18th, 2026.
Only the applicant, the Minister, or an owner of land affected by the Community Improvement Plan, or a specified person or public body who made written or oral submissions to the Council of the Township of West Lincoln, may make an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal on the decision of the Council of the Township of West Lincoln. No person or public body shall be added as a party to the hearing of the appeal unless, before the plan was adopted, the person or public body made oral submissions at a public meeting or written submissions to the Council of the Township of West Lincoln, or, if there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party in the opinion of the Ontario Land Tribunal.
A copy of the appeal form is available through the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) website at https://olt.gov.on.ca/, or appeals may be filed using the OLT e-file service, at https://olt.gov.on.ca/e-file-service/. To submit electronically, first-time users of the e-filing service will need to register for a My Ontario Account, and all users will need to select the Township of West Lincoln as the Approval Authority.
To submit an appeal to the Township of West Lincoln in person or by registered mail/ courier, address the appeal to the following:
Clerk’s Office at the Township of West Lincoln 318 Canborough Street, Box 400 Smithville, ON L0R 2A0
Also include the following within the appeal:
1. Reasons for appeal;
2. Description of the specific part of the Community Improvement Plan to which the appeal applies; and
3. The fee, as prescribed under the Ontario Land Tribunal Act, is payable to the Minister of Finance, Province of Ontario.
A copy of the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan, as adopted by Council is available at: https://www.westlincoln.ca/en/build-and-invest/affordable-housing-community-improvement-plan.aspx or by contacting the undersigned.
Contact:
Gerrit Boerema
Justin Paylove Director, Growth and Sustainability Clerk, Manager of Legal and Legislative Service
gboerema@westlincoln.ca jpaylove@westlincoln.ca 905-957-3346 ext. 5131 905-957-3346
Date of this Notice: Wednesday April 29th, 2026
Niagara Region will be undertaking slope stabilization at Sixteen Mile Creek on Fourth Avenue in the Town of Lincoln. This is required to address ongoing erosion at the culvert, which has resulted in pavement cracking and guide rail displacement. The project will stabilize the slopes and restore the roadway to ensure long-term safety and reliability for road users.
Fourth Avenue will be fully closed at Sixteen Mile Creek from Tuesday, May 19 to Friday, September 19, 2026. Dates are subject to change. Businesses in the area will be open. All traffic in the construction area, including residents, businesses and emergency services, will be required to follow the posted detour routes.
Eastbound traffic:
South on Jordan Road, east on King Street, north on Seventh Street Louth.
Westbound traffic:
South on Seventh Street Louth, west on King Street, and north on Jordan Road.
Visit niagararegion.ca or municipal511.ca for realtime information on road closures and construction updates.
During construction, expect noise, dust and increased construction traffic in the area. Working hours will typically be between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday to Friday, with occasional work outside these hours, if required.
This work involves heavy equipment, excavation and restricted work zones. Please obey all posted signage and barriers and keep a safe distance from the construction area.
Alex Villella, C.E.T.
Project Manager, Niagara Region 905-980-6000 ext. 3063
alex.villella@niagararegion.ca
This notice was first issued May 4, 2026.
Niagara Region is undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for the expansion of the Grimsby (Baker Road) Wastewater Treatment Plant to service future growth. The Baker Road Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at 160 Lake Street in Grimsby, and receives influent wastewater from Grimsby, Lincoln, and West Lincoln.
Expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Plant to 47.3 megaliters per day, as recommended by the 2021 Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan Update, presents an opportunity to support the anticipated growth within the service area. The conclusion of this Municipal Class Environmental Assessment study will contribute to the wastewater system’s long-term sustainability and address immediate needs, intermediate goals, and long-term growth.
This study is being completed as a Schedule “C” project in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, amended in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2023 and 2024), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This study will cover Phases 1-4 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process.
Upon completion of this study, an Environmental Study Report documenting the planning and decision-making process will be submitted to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks and made available for public review for a period of 30 days.
Niagara Region encourages the public to participate in this planning process. The virtual Public Information Centre will introduce the study, gather input and feedback from the local community on the problems and opportunities to be addressed, present the existing conditions of the study area as well as the alternative solutions, their evaluation, and the recommended solution.
Public Information Centre #1 will be held in an online format. To view the presentation and additional information materials, please visit the project website below beginning on Monday, May 11 at 9 a.m. until Thursday, June 11 and click the presentation link.
niagararegion.ca/projects/grimsby-wastewater-treatment-plant
If you have any questions or comments about the study or if you would like to be added to the project mailing list, contact staff:
Kevin Kortekaas, C.Tech Senior Project Manager Niagara Region 3501 Schmon Pkwy., PO Box 1042 Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 905-980-6000 ext. 3778 kevin.kortekaas@niagararegion.ca
Rina Kurian, P.Eng., PMP Project Manager
R.V. Anderson Associates Limited 43 Church St., Suite 104 St. Catharines, ON L2R 7E1 416-497-8600 ext. 1429 rkurian@rvanderson.com
Any personal information submitted will be collected, used and disclosed, where applicable, by members of Regional staff according to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Any information you share will only be used for the intended purpose for which it was provided. For questions or comments about privacy practices, or for more information about the administration of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act in Niagara Region programs see niagararegion.ca/government/foi
If you require any accommodations in order to participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Please contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-980-6000, ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca
This notice was first issued on May 7, 2026.
Lincoln Garden Club & Horticulture
Society will host its annual plant sale this Saturday, May 9, from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
It is highly recommended to attend early as much of the stock sells out.
The event will be hosted in the barn on the Vineland Research Cen-
tre’s property on the south side of the South Service Road across from the carpool parking lot.
Perennials, annuals, bedding plants, herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets, shrubs, conifers and more will be offered.
Cash, credit and debit payments will be accepted.
TAKE NOTICE THAT Grimsby Town Council, on November 3rd, 2025, resolved to amend the Designation Bylaw for the property at 133 Main Street East under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.
133 Main Street East
THE REASON of amending the heritage designation By-law(s) 12-79 is to amend the legal description of the property. This is a technical process that will correct the extents of the heritage property and remove the designation By-law from the regional road allowance.
The James Willison Grout Nelles House is a substantial two-storey red brick residence built circa 1865 in the Queen Anne style. Constructed for the prominent Nelles family, whose roots in Grimsby date back to the town’s early settlement, the house holds significant historical value. Contextually, it contributes to the heritage character of the Main Street East corridor, exemplifying the grand homes that once supported the region’s thriving fruit farming industry.
FURTHER INFORMATION can be found at: https://www.grimsby.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/heritage-properties.aspx
ANY PERSON may within thirty days of the publication of this notice, send by registered mail, or deliver to the Town Clerk of the Corporation of the Town of Grimsby his or her objection to the proposed designation bylaw amendment, together with a statement of the reasons for the objection and all relevant facts. When a Notice of Objection has been received, the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Grimsby will consider the appeal.
FURTHER INFORMATION respecting the proposed designation is available from the municipality by contacting Bianca Verrecchia, Intermediate Heritage Planner: Email: bverrecchia@grimsby.ca Phone: (905)945-9634 Ext. 2122
THIS NOTICE PUBLISHED on the 7th of May 2026.
Victoria Steele, Town Clerk Town of Grimsby 160 Livingston Avenue Grimsby, ON, L3M 0J5
How to handle lithium batteries, CO2 detectors and more will be part of the message served up by Grimsby Fire Department at Community Safety Day, May 9 at Southward Park.
The event will feature important safety information for residents of all ages, with a focus on lithium-ion battery safety and the importance of having working smoke and carbon
monoxide alarms in your home.
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in many household items, including cell phones, laptops, and other portable electronic devices.
While these batteries are generally safe, they can pose a risk of fire or explosion if they are damaged, overheated, or not used correctly.
In addition, firefighters will emphasize the importance of
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having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
The event will feature a variety of activities for all ages.
Attendees can to speak with fire department personnel, learn about fire safety equipment, and take home important safety information.
Community Safety Day is open to all residents and is free to attend.
Gain the highway experience you need with personalized lessons and save with lesson packages and road test car rentals. Drive safely and confidently this summer!
The fifth annual Community Safety Day – set for Saturday, May 9 - is promising to be an educational and fun event for young and
The event is a free, family fun event that showcases emergency responding services and other essential community agencies.
Grimsby firefighters, Niagara Regional Police, paramedics and public works staff will all be part of the event.
“The is an important event which wraps up emergency preparedness week,” said Christian Giovannini, Grimsby Fire Department fire prevention officer. Community Safety Day is an
excellent opportunity for residents to learn more about the safety related equipment and services that are used in response to emergencies.
Also part of the fun will be touch-a-truck, face painting, balloon creations, inflatables, food vendors and more.
The event runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Southward Park is located at 84 Mud St, just west of Mountain Road (Reg. Rd. 12).
January 30, 1948 - May 1, 2026
Passed away at Shalom Manor on Friday May 1st, 2026 surrounded by his family .
Beloved husband of 55 years of Louise Roos. Cherished Dad of Kim Paton (Scot), Lorianne Mckee (James), Jeff Roos (Patti) and Christina Roos (Brian). Loving Opa of Tyler, Brianna (Nick), Sarah (Mina), Zach, Trevor, Connor, Jaiden, Nathan, Christian, Owen, Alexis and Isabella.
George will also be remembered by his brothers, sister, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews in Canada and the Netherlands.
George spent almost 50 years working in the retail shoe industry making many friends along the way . Along with working at Rhode Canada for over 25 years, he also owned Roos Shoes Downtown Grimsby, until he retired. He loved chatting with people and never found a person he could not have a conversation with. With his kids, he shared a mountain of knowledge, and thanks to his many years on the road, was always able to give directions and help get them where they needed to be.
June 29, 1932 - April 30, 2026
Betty passed away peacefully at McNally House Hospice, in Grimsby on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in her 94th year. Beloved wife of the late Floyd Smith (2019). Loving mother of Doug Smith (Liz) and the late Karen Smith (2015). Dear sister of Helen Duncombe, the late Morry Worozbyt (late Margaret), Phil Worozbyt (Joan) and Peter Worozbyt (late Myrna). She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Private cremation has taken place. Memorial visitation will take place at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 4-8 p.m. Interment at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions to McNally House Hospice or GBF Community Services would be appreciated by the family.
www.smithsfh.com
Saturday & Sunday May 16 & 17
Specialized in carpentry - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring, Power Washing, Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485
garden clean-up, garden design, Garden edging and mulching. trees/bushes trim and cut. Clean gutters and evesdrop. Pressure washing. 289-668-9160
ron’S tree & Shrub Service Removal, pruning, stump grinding, shrub care. Call Ron 905-563-4593
licenSed & inSured Raking • Pruning • Trimming
• Mulch • Weeding
Roofing
Siding
Eavestrough • Soffit
Fascia
30 years experience! Mike 905-598-5355
lpJ concrete contractor. 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. call 905-651-9462
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
8 a.m - 3 p.m.
1762 Abingdon Road, Caister Centre
carS, truckS, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. We pay cash. Flatbed service. 905386-6181 or 289-6865059.
• Edging • Fertilizing • Seeding. Reliable, affordable service. Serving Grimsby & Beamsville. Call or text Chris: 289.407.2325
MaSter MaSon: chimney repair, stucco, parging, brick restoration, stone, all cement finish work. Professional, reliable, excellent referrals. Estimates. Evan 905-921-5226
George will be greatly missed and will be remembered for his big smile, big heart, bear hugs and a huge love of ice cream and treats.
Cremation has been entrusted to Stonehouse –Whitcomb Funeral Home. A celebration of life to be planned at a later date.
rubbiSh & Junk reMoval Call Ken 905973-3235
Mother’s Day in Heaven
brick and concrete repairS. We build it right. We fix it right. Locally Owned. Call Adrian 289-788-5919
Gilda Bijl, Thank you for being the mother of our 2 children Mirjam and Gerrit. Johan and the love of my life of more than 64 special years. We miss you dearly but are in our hearts forever. You were my best friend, lover and so many other things that I miss.
Your loving husband Ad, daughter Mirjam, son in-law Bob and Gerrit (who is in heaven with you)
Something for everyone, trailers, tools, commercial kitchenware, giftware, housewares, collectibles, new safety shirts, Christmas 3D & 2D lawn figurines, musical instruments. 905-973-3235
Struggling With hurtS, hang-upS or habitS? “Celebrate Recovery (CR)” 12 step Christian Recovery for Healing, Help and Hope. All Welcome! Wed. at 7 pm. Forestview Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby. For info. or help, CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca 905-9459529
do your Spring cleaning noW! i pay it for all your old hockey mags, books, hockey news, programs, ticket stubs and cards. tim 905-5103658 - beamsville.
t&g landScaping Lawn Maintenance, Sod and Lawn Work, Top Seeding Aerating & Fertilizing, Fences and Decks, Snowplowing, Fire wood for sale. Leaky Basement. Frank tirimacco 905-651-4410 tgland@hotmail.com
grey rock MaSonry chimney & porch repairs, interlock restorations, parging call: 905-512-9565 info@greyrockmasonry.com
Waterview Farms: Greenhouse Worker 4925 Martin Rd. N., Vineland Station, ON L0R 2E0
Seasonal Full-Time September to December 2026. $17.60/hour - 40 to 60 hours/week. Hours each week vary depending on weather and crop readiness.
Will train employees for Soil preparation, filling pots, planting, pinching plants, weeding, irrigating, packaging and harvesting and preparing for shipping plants. Inside and outside work in all weather conditions. Spanish speaking skills an asset. Own transportation required. Applicants must be reliable, willing and able to perform the physical job duties.
Send resume and cover letter to Ron at: rons@waterviewfarms.com
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
45 Main St. West, Grimsby, ON, L3M 1R3
Ph: 289-235-9500 Ph: 289-235-7848
NewsNow is published EVERY Thursday & delivered to all homes & businesses in Niagara West, 29,006
If you look at the little newspaper odometer on Page 1, it now reads: Vol. 15
Issue 1
One of the busiest marine rescue outfits on Lake Ontario has received a big boost just ahead of the boating season. Dave DeWildt (left) of DeWildt Honda in Stoney Creek hands over one of two new engines to Owen Evans, director of operations for GAMRU South Shore Search And Rescue. The new Honda Bf225 engines - along with a package of vital navigation equipment and personal safety gear for the organization’s volunteers - was made possible thanks to a generous special allocation through the contribution agreement with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (Central & Arctic) from the Canadian Coast Guard. The new engines will power the group’s rescue boat into the new boating season following its launch last week. Crews will be on stand-by 24/7 through October.
Few will know what this means, even fewer will care. For me, I’ve watched these numbers click by for nearly 40 years - with 30plus years in Niagara West. What those numbers mean for NewsNow is, we are entering our 15th year of serving Niagara West and this is Issue 1 of that 15th year.
Every time a milestone like this clicks by, I harken back to the only lesson I learned from my dadchoose what you do for a career carefully, because you’re going to do it for a long time.
Whether it was The Globe & Mail, a harness racing industry magazine or community newspapers - 110 per cent into every task. Long hours, hard work, constant learning, none of it seemed like actual work. It was all just like breathing...it felt very natural.
I consider what I get to do for you, good reader, as a privilege.
Precious few people in the entire country get to observe and absorb the inner workings of their community for such a long period of time. People have invited me into their home both as a reporter to conduct interviews and shoot photos and as a publisher - by accepting my varied publications and perusing the pages’ contents.
What we do is a team effort. It takes a great deal of work from a series of people to get this little publication out the door each week and none of what we do at deadline matters if our drivers and carriers aren’t part of the team to execute their part of the newspaper puzzle.
After all this time, it is still fun. Yes, exasperating at times, but after you work through that and realize you cannot fix stupid, you just move on.
Another anecdote in life I have come to live by is don’t complain because nobody is going to listen.
Because of that, when we’ve hit a rough patch (and there have been some colossal rough patches) there are always two choices - whine and complain and roll over dead OR get up off the floor, dust yourself off, put your head down and push on.
I only know how to push on, blindly at times, in the hope that at some point I will have made my own break. This plan has served
me well in that I am still here, muddling along and serving the communities I love.
Again, not many people get to do that, hence the privilege part.
Over the years, there have been a great many major stories, community events and happenings which I have been able to cover. Some were extremely positive, while others bordered on straight up corruption - if not incompetence.
Both extremes and everything in the middle are extremely important for very different reasons.
When people talk about the fabric of their community, history, sense of community and small town vibe, much of that spins off the efforts of volunteers. Letting people know who is doing these things and what they’re up to helps drive that positive feeling we have for our towns.
On the other end we have the negative stuff, the bad actors, the people who will say anything to a residents’ face and then turn around and tell another a completely different story.
Those people need to be exposed too, and you will see a lot of that in this upcoming election run. I have stayed away from particular issues and personalities here because that is not the point of this missive.
The point here is, buckle up because I think I’ve got another 15 years of NewsNow in me.
After a two and a halfyear hiatus, a new reimagined Lamplighter Tour is back with “Our History in Motion”four plays, three performances and one venue.
West Niagara Secondary School will play host from May 8-10. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m. Sunday’s show is at 2 p.m.
Presented by The Rotary Club of Lincoln, tickets are $35 (students $15) with money raised going to community programs. Tickets available at www.lamplightertour. com.
For the Mother’s Day performance, Sunrise Greenhouses have generously provided a gift of a flowering plant for mom’s at tending the play.
The four short plays in this production travel through time starting in 1943 at the Vineland Nursing Home with The Birth ing Decision, by Gary Dandridge, directed by Lorretta Fischer.
For Good Neigh bours, written and directed by Liz Ben
neian, the audience then travels to Smithville in 1950 when life revolved around family and community.
The next stop is 1959 Vineland at the Short family farm for the arrival of an Italian immigrant family in Un Inizio Nuovo (A New Beginning), by Meredith Short and directed by Mona Liddiard.
Time leaps forward and it is 1971 in Beamsville, when a CBC Radio character “the Beamsville Dirt Farmer” makes an appearance in Fred Dobbs and the Fair, written by Sheila Laundry and directed by Jennifer Hart.
Instead of the mul-
being presented on the new state-of-theart theatrical stage at WNSS.
Many familiar faces remain. One of those is Jennifer Toews, who is making her debut as producer this season.
Toews started with the Lamplighter Tour in 2010 as an actor and a community volunteer. Over the years she held various roles from directing to artistic director.
Toews said becoming the producer was the last item on her bucket list.
“It’s a very new and all-consuming role for me but I revel in the constancy of the joy and rewards of working with wonder ful, dedicated people
all ages and from all walks of life,” she said.
As with many things, COVID changed the Tour dynamics. The desire of people to open their homes became an insurmountable challenge, so a hiatus was taken to refocus.
Back as artistic director, Betsy Tauro is happy to be part of the re-imagining of the production.
“This holds special, warm memories for me since I taught at BDSS for many years, directing and producing plays and musicals. It’s like old home week for me combining both my experiences into a lovely adventure on the new WNSS stage,”
