NewsNow E-Edition May 9 2024

> West Lincoln reviews development charge impact on future growth /Pg

> Walk For Dog Guides May 26 Pg 4

Proudly serving Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Winona

Grimsby BIA AGM required to enable major changes Council recognizes factual errors but financial autonomy/procedure changes could proceed

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

Grimsby council approved a motion which could facilitate major changes to the structure of Grimsby Downtown Business Improvement Area’s management practices but only after a series of requirements are executed.

At its meeting Monday,

councillors noted several inaccuracies in statements made in a presentation made by BIA chair Mark Wood and treasurer Daniel Vandersteen to its board members and during their delegation to council.

Even with that misinformation, council agreed to consider allowing a financial autonomy plan which

will separate the BIA from the town, create new annual, ongoing costs and responsibilities for the board and change the way it conducts business.

In the past, Wood has said he has no intention of calling an annual general meeting (AGM) on the matter, a point picked up on by Coun. Veronica Charrois.

Lincoln strategic priorities on track, says Mayor Easton

By Mike Williscraft NewsNow

The state of Lincoln is just fine, says Mayor Sandra Easton.

Easton noted several positive developments and the municipality’s ongoing focus on strategic priorities at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s State of Lincoln luncheon on April 24.

Easton noted off the top that while economic development has been a constant area of interest it has been pushed to the back burner from time to time.

“Sometimes there’s a break and then you take it up again, I think that’s where we are now with economic development,” said Easton.

In 2023, she said council renewed its focus on its longterm

strategic initiatives.

“We took significant strides to update council priorities to better align with the evolving needs of our community. The refreshed plan is aligned with a vision of a place to grow, a place to prosper and a place to belong. Those words came from the community,” said Easton.

“It’s focused on fostering a welcoming and connected, vibrant and prosperous, responsible and resilient community. These pillars serve as the foundation upon which we build a thriving future for all residents in Lincoln.”

Key to any level of success, she said, was job creation.

See JOBS, Page 3

“The recommendation of the clerk was (to) hold and AGM and gain majority approval on the BIA’s financial transition plan and you did not want to do that. I am just wanting clarification as to why?” Charrois asked.

“I’ll be very clear. There is no precedent of any kind set where a decision made by the elected board that

represents the BIA catchment area put out a referendum to the members to make a decision. It sets a very bad precedent,” said Wood.

Wood further claimed that, at an AGM, the board does not have to allow any input by members if it chose not to do so.

See AGM, Page 12

Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton addresses the crowd gathered at Honsberger Estate Winery for Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Town luncheon.

JOBS

From Page 1

“Creating an atmosphere for private sector investment is a key component of what we do at town hall,” said Easton.

“Our economic development staff have been hard at work answering calls, working with our businesses to create prosperity. When one business or family succeeds in Lincoln, we all succeed. But, when one business succeeds in Lincoln, all of Niagara succeeds. This is the core of outcome-driven leadership.”

When outlining successes in the municipality in the way of innovation, Easton looked to the greenhouse industry.

“I want to congratulate the greenhouse industry because they have now organized themselves as Lincoln Greenhouse Association. I understand it is even going beyond that,” said Easton, noting later greenhouse operators from outside of Lincoln may be joining the group,”

Easton told the gathering at Honsberger Estate Winery.

Overall, she noted the Town had a strong showing last year.

“In 2023, we saw 1.4 billion of real gross domestic product in Lincoln. This is a population of about 28,000 people. This is the GDP generated by Lincoln businesses in 2023. It’s a pretty impressive number,” Easton said

“It reinforces our level of productivity and that we are using every inch of available space for value added agriculture and manufacturing. These numbers are projected to grow for sure and we’re here to encourage this growth and prosperity.”

A key component for future growth was a major project announced last year, a $17 million investment in broadband infrastructure by Bell which will improve internet service.

“Together we have identified key needs and expedited the permitting process (to help) bring all fibre broadband ac-

cess to approximately 7,000 additional homes and businesses this year,” Easton said of staff who have been working with internet service suppliers.

In terms of the future, Easton said supporting youth professional development is important.

“By investing in our youth, we’re now demonstrating and we have been for a number of years, the accountability to the taxpayers, our residents and businesses, by investing in our future. Every dollar that keeps our youth in the community is an investment in Lincoln’s quality of life and prosperity. In 2023, we received our third grant from the province’s skilled development fund to support the youth skills studio.

“This additional funding of $2.9 million will prepare 250 youth in Lincoln and across Niagara for careers in technology, tourism and hospitality, and connect trained youth with 75 businesses hiring across several sectors.”

Open Houses

Saturday May 11, 2024

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Wednesday May15, 2024 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Opening Day

Monday May 20, 2024

Try Lawn Bowling for the summer Equipment provided, flat soled shoes please Location: Behind Livingston Activity Centre, Grimsby Contact: Tom 289-775-3946 or Tim 647-394-1449 website : www.GrimsbyLawnBowlingClub.ca

Walk For Guide Dogs set for May 26

Dog walkers unite.

May 26 is the date set for the 2024 Pet Valu Walk For Guide Dogs hosted at Grimsby Square Plaza. Registration starts at Noon with the walk getting underway at 1 p.m.

The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides is a national fundraising walk held in local communities in each province across Canada. It raises funds to help Lions Foundation of Canada continue to fulfill its mission of empowering Canadians with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence by providing Dog Guides at no cost to them and supporting each pair in their journey together.

Each walk is organized by local volunteers with support from Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. To date, the walk has raised more than $22 million.

The funds raised help to empower people living with disabili-

ties or agencies assisting people who have experienced trauma by providing dog guides at no cost and support them in their journey.

Those who want to help out can either register or donate by logging onto:

walkforguidedogs.com/grimsby There is also an online auction set up for the event. Check out the wide array of prizes up for grabs at:

32auctions.com/grimsbywalkfordogguides

“In 2017, approximately 6.2 million Canadians were living with a disability. Fast forward to 2022, and the disability rate has grown significantly with eight million people living with a disability - and we expect that number to continue to increase as our population ages,” said Travis Forbes, manager of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

The national goal for this year’s event is $1.6 million.

Region seeks waste management input

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 (the Plan) that 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 current 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 in a variety of engagement opportunities to have their say.

Members of the public can attend one of the following virtual open houses about the Plan:

Public Virtual Open House #1

Thursday, May 9, 2024, 7-8 p.m.

Public Virtual Open House #2

Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 7 - 8 p.m.

There will also be opportunities for businesses, school boards, and Non-Governmental Organizations to attend sector-specific virtual open houses and provide input specific to their sector.

Industrial, commercial and Institutional sector:

Virtual Open House

Thursday, May 9, 11 a.m. - noon

Non-governmental organizations and school board sectors:

Virtual Open House

Friday, May 10, 11 a.m. - noon

Feedback can also be shared through an online survey available May 6-31.

To register for the open houses, go to: niagararegion.ca/projects/ waste-management-strategicplan

VINELAND NURSERIES

GAMRU rescue nets third recognition

The dramatic rescue of eight persons from a turbulent Lake Ontario in 2022 has earned the volunteer crew of South Shore Search And Rescue its third honour in the space of a year.

The five members of D-crew who plucked four children and four adults from the lake on July 24, 2022, were recognized by the Town of Lincoln at a special ceremony at the regular Council meeting April 15, 2024.

Acertificate recog-

nizing the efforts of the crew was presented by Deputy Mayor Anna Murre.

In September, 2023, the crew was awarded the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary Medal of Merit for their efforts that day. In January, 2024, they were given the Stearns Rescue of the Year award from the Canadian Safe Boating Council for that mission.

It was a blustery summer day when the crew answered the call for what they were told were four

people in distress in high winds, east of Fifty Point harbour. What they found was seven people — including the four children — clinging to three paddle boards. They recovered the frightened victims and treated them for exposure to the cold water. On the way back to the base, the alert crew spotted someone in the water: a young man had been pitched from his personal watercraft and knocked unconscious. He was also recovered and given first aid.

The entire mission took 106 minutes and saved eight lives. It is the largest rescue ever conducted by

Public Works Department

160 Livingston Avenue

Grimsby, ON L3M 0J5

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS

Sport-related Objects on Municipal Roadways

The Town of Grimsby is responsible for the control and maintenance of local municipal roadways within the Town. We are therefore mindful of any sport-related objects (e.g. hockey nets, basketball nets, skateboard ramps, etc.) placed along the municipal road edge that could interfere with municipal operations or provide a conflict with pedestrians and/or vehicles using the roadway.

TOWN OF

Although the Town does not encourage or condone sports or games being played on the roadway or provide permission to residents to place sport-related objects (nets, ramps, etc.) on the municipal road allowance, we recognize that this does occur throughout the Town.

Commencing Monday, April 1st, part of our annual water main maintenance

In an effort to reduce/eliminate the potential for these objects to interfere/conflict with the normal operation and maintenance of the roadway, we encourage residents to ensure any unattended nets and ramps be placed/stored outside of the roadway when they are not being used.

The following areas will have water

April 1st – April 12th North of QEW

April 15th – May 3rd North of QEW Lincoln boundary. North of QEW Stoney Creek

If your street has a concrete curb, we ask all unattended objects be pulled back far enough so that the front portion of the object (e.g. rim/frame) is at least 60 cm (24 inches) behind the back of the curb. For areas with granular or grassed shoulders/ditches, we ask that the objects be stored a minimum of 1.5 metres (5 feet) back from the edge of the road surface. During the winter season, we ask that all objects be removed completely from the municipal road allowance and stored on private property. This will help to avoid any conflict with winter road/sidewalk operations and remove any potential damage by our equipment.

May 6th – May 31st South of Grimsby/Stoney

June 3rd – July 5th South of Grimsby/Lincoln

Please note the Town is not responsible for any damage to objects placed within the municipal road allowance. Furthermore, Town staff will remove any objects which are found to be persistently left on/within the roadway.

This work will last for approximately water conditions. Please be assured affected, although it may be necessary short period of time and possibly IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CONSUMERS COLOURED ARTICLES ON THE

We thank you for your efforts to keep unattended sport-related objects (nets, ramps, etc.) off the municipal roadways and appreciate your co-operation in helping the Town efficiently and safely maintain our roadways.

Should you have any questions, (905) 945-9201. Your understanding

Brandon Wartman Director Public Works

Dear Editor, Michelle Seaborn’s deliberate and willful use of misinformation to further her own personal agenda should result in her removal from regional council.

She appeared set out to deceive Grimsby council and the citizens of Grimsby and was successful in doing so. This helped bring in the extremely unpopular speed cameras and ensure their continued use.

If these cameras were anything but a revenue generator then every dollar raised by fining vehicle owners should be deducted from the police budget.

Paul Scott

BALL’S FALLS CONSERVATION AREA Notice of Intention to Designate

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Lincoln intends to designate the following property under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act as a property of cultural heritage value or interest.

Ball’s Falls Conservation Area 3292 Sixth Ave., Vineland

THE REASON for the proposed designation is to recognize the cultural heritage value and interest of the property. The original buildings meet Ontario Regulation 9/06, the provincial criteria prescribed for municipal designation under all three categories of design, associative and contextual value.

Ball’s Falls Conservation Area known municipally as 3292 Sixth Avenue is located between Victoria Avenue and Glen Road in Vineland and is positioned between the downtown core of Vineland, Jordan and Campden, in Town of Lincoln, Regional Municipality of Niagara. Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is a landmark in the Town of Lincoln and has become a tourist destination for the community attracting many people to the area every year.

The property and the original buildings which include the Grist Mill, Woollen Mill ruins, Outbuildings, Big Barn, Field Centre, and Ball Home are all associated with the Ball Family who were among the earliest settlers in the area and were members of the Butler’s Rangers who tried to establish

the village of Glen Elgin. The Grist Mill on the property also was significant to British troops during the War of 1812.

The Grist Mill, Ball Home, Big Barn, Field Centre, Outhouse, Meat Smoking Shed, Woollen Mill ruins, and Gardening Shed on the property have stood in their location, in some instances, for over 200 years. While some elements of these buildings have changed over time, the property tells the story of an industrial village in the area, as well as the Ball family who is fundamentally connected to the area.

ANY PERSON may within thirty (30) days of the publication of this notice, send by registered mail or deliver to the Clerk of The Corporation of the Town of Lincoln their objection to the proposed designation, together with a statement of the reasons for the objection and all relevant facts. If a Notice of Objection is received, the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Lincoln will refer the matter to the Ontario Land Tribunal.

FURTHER INFORMATION respecting the proposed designation is available from the municipality by contacting:

Monika Cocchiara

Manager of Planning & Development:

» 905-563-8205 ext. 270

» mcocchiara@lincoln.ca

Council and Committee

Meetings

Council meets regularly to discuss the Town’s business as representatives of the public. Most meetings start at 6 p.m., are open to the public, and are live-streamed on our YouTube Channel. A calendar of meetings, including agendas, minutes, and how to get involved, can be found at Lincoln.ca/Meetings

Questions?

Contact Legislative Services at:

» clerks@lincoln.ca

» 905-563-2799

From Page 1

“We have an AGM once a year which we present things to which, according to the Municipal Act, the members actually don’t get a chance to have a vote or say on anything we do anyways,” Wood said.

“The members vote every four years to elect the board. The board makes the decision for the next four years and that’s the policies and procedures that have been established by the Municipal Act, the OBIAA and the history trends of the BIA in Grimsby.”

In checking with OBIAA, executive director Kay Matthews was clear, the association does not have policies for anyone to contradict.

“OBIAA does not make policy,” said Matthews.

During their delegation to council, Wood and Vandersteen outlined a series of items to justify the proposed changes with Vandersteen claiming the board was given a mandate for the slate of new policies.

“We used to be just about flowers and street sales, but we have evolved to be about much more,” said Vandersteen.

“Following our last board election, the BIA found itself with a nearly entirely new board and a renewed mandate to do more.”

After the meeting, Vandersteen clarified his definition of a mandate.

“My comments referred to a mandate in the political sense, just as we renew a provincial or federal government’s mandate every election. The attitude of ‘doing more’ came from our discussions with members before and after the election, and was felt to be included in our new mandate to govern,” Vandersteen wrote in

an email.

However, there were no public discussions of any major changes at either the AGM in 2023 or in January 2024. The slate of changes was unveiled the March 13 board meeting with no prior notice after this year’s AGM.

This point was not lost on Coun. Delight Davoli, who is also one of council’s BIA liaisons who has noted in the past that such matters have taken up considerable amounts of time and detracted from the core mandate of BIAs.

Vandersteen also claimed the current board has a stellar relationship with town hall officials.

“We have the best, most open relationship with Town staff in years. We are pleased to welcome the most oversight this board has seen in a long time,” he said.

However, according to the Town’s finance department, for example, there was only one discussion regarding the financial autonomy plan while the BIA board was told at its April meeting that there had been many meetings to work details.

Davoli, who has attempted to protect the Town’s position on countless occasions on this matter did so again on Monday.

She outlined several pieces of misinformation presented both at Monday’s council meeting and at BIA board meetings.

Davoli summarized her concerns dealing with the five major concerns listed by Wood and Vandersteen in a report submitted to the board, which led to the board approving the changes in the first place.

The issues touched on:

• With no financial autonomy, the board “can’t manage finance proactively.

“I am totally baffled by what they think that means.,”

said Davoli.

If they are referring to the budget, “It doesn’t matter who is doing the accounting.”

If they talking about managing reserves, “In my time on the board I have seen them time and time again go back and use the reserves for things that they have not budgeted. I am confused and do not really understand and have any specific examples from them as to how that is impacting their ability to manage their finances proactively.”

“If they are talking about an inflexible payment process, we use cheques to pay and we use Electronic Funds Transfers, which are pretty much the only options out there, unless someone is planning to pay cash. My question was, ‘is our process taking too long?” Davoli added, noting she addressed the matter with the town’s treasury.

“At most, once the cheque requisition arrives at town hall with the appropriate documentation – like the vendor invoice – that turnaround time can be a week to a week-and-a-half. I asked if there had been any complaints by vendors that they’ve not been paid on a timely basis and the answer was an unequivocal no, in caps. No, there have been no complaints from vendors that this process is not working, nor have I heard any complaints from the actual board members themselves.”

• Constraints on expense management because of a policy which demands an expense must be invoiced before it is paid.

“I will just stop there. Of course, it must be billed before it’s paid. We don’t operate in a world where we pay things before we have the invoice from the vendor and we know we’ve received the

service or the product. To do so would be utter financial mayhem and a lack of internal control.”

• The BIA board wants control of its investment abilities - “There are various criteria the Town can invest in, same for them as a board of the town. Of course when they go by themselves, should they go by themselves, they will not enjoy the ability to work with an investment advisor as we do to enjoy the same level of investments and rates that we currently enjoy as a larger entity.”

• Regarding claims about HR management issues, Davoli said claims in the report “really really bother me.”

“There is an inability of the Town to provide specialized financial HR services? I don’t know what financial HR services (means). Perhaps they are talking about the inability of the Town to process their payroll? The Town has processed their payroll in the past but has done it more on a cheque basis than through the payroll system in order to keep the employee separate,” said Davoli.

Davoli also corrected a claim by Wood that the BIA had not had a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number for 10 years or more.

“I would like to address the CRA payroll business number issue as one of the presenters did bring it up. He said that the CRA business number had not been used in 10 years. I would like to correct that and say that in 2019 the Downtown Improvement Area no longer had an employee,” said Davoli, and the account was closed as a result.

“They feel they have operational inefficiencies and potential legal complications arising from the Town’s cur-

rent role in the HR function. I am absolutely baffled by that. The role of HR and of our Town staff – and I saw it first hand almost day by day as we worked through some of these issues with them – has always been to keep them out of what I call a really large mud puddle and to make sure they don’t slide into it. All the work that was done was done to keep them safe to keep them on track to make sure that they abided by all our various laws in the Employment Standards Act, payroll remittances and so on. I find that comment very disturbing.”

Despite this information, Coun. Nick DiFlavio said the board was duly elected and should be able to do as it chooses.

“If businesses don’t like the decisions that the board makes, at next election, they will change the members of that board,” said DiFlavio. Coun. Reg Freake said, regardless of any decision of council, putting such a major governance change to an AGM is the only logical path.

“I do believe, that whatever happens, it needs to first go to an AGM meeting of the DIA so that all the members at large have an opportunity to speak to it or vote on it,” said Freake.

Coun. Lianne Vardy said the board needs to recognize it is a municipal body with heightened responsibilities.

“We’re a municipal entity, so we have to follow certain rules. We have fiduciary responsibility for this money, even though it’s just a very small percentage of the money in our budget,” Vardy said.

Charrois too, agreed there should be an AGM but, in the end, voted against the clerk’s recommendations. The vote was 7-2 with Charrois and DiFlavio opposing

The future of waste is in our hands!

Niagara Region is developing a Waste Management Strategic Plan and we need your help.

Join us at one of our virtual open houses to pitch in your ideas for the future of Niagara Region’s waste programs and systems.

Complete our online survey

You can also share your ideas and feedback with us through our online survey available May 6 - 31.

Virtual Open Houses:

Thursday, May 9 | 7 - 8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 15 | 7 - 8 p.m.

Registration is not required.

Use the QR code or visit niagararegion.ca/future-of-waste to access the virtual open houses and online survey.

ROADS

The Study

Notice of Public Information Centre No.2

Schedule “B” Municipal Class Environmental Assessment

King Street (Regional Road 81) Rehabilitation between Nineteenth

and Twenty-Third Street, Town

of Lincoln

Niagara Region has started a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study (the Study) for improvements to King Street (Regional Road 81) in Lincoln to allow for active transportation, improve traffic safety, and develop options for the failing retaining wall along the corridor. The project will extend from Nineteenth Street to Twenty Third Street in Lincoln. The site location and approximate Study Area are shown on the study area map.

The Process

The Region is conducting this as a Schedule B project according to the planning and design processes as outlined in the 2023 Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (the Process) which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The Process includes consultation with agencies, stakeholders, Indigenous Communities and public, an evaluation of alternative solutions to address the problem, an assessment of potential environmental impacts, and identification of reasonable measures to mitigate any potential adverse impacts.

You Are Invited to Participate

Niagara Region is hosting the second Public Information Centre. Public engagement is a key part of the Process. Niagara Region encourages the public, agencies, and Indigenous Communities to actively participate in the Study process by reviewing information, providing comments, and/or attending consultation opportunities.

Public Information Centre No.2 will be held in person in a ‘drop-in’ format and present the evaluation and preferred alternative design solution.

Public Information Centre No.2

Date: Tuesday May 14, 2024

Time: 5 – 7 p.m.

Location: Lincoln Pelham Public Library – Rittenhouse Branch (Vineland), 4080 John Charles Blvd., Vineland, ON, L0R 2C0

Visit our webpage for updates as the study progresses: niagararegion.ca/projects/ regional-road-81-rehabilitation. The information materials related to Public Information Centre No.2 will also be posted on the day of the event, and comments can be submitted until May 28, 2024.

Stay Connected

For comments, more information or to be added to the contact list for future notices, contact one of the Project Team members:

Maged Elmadhoon, M.Eng., P.Eng. Manager, Transportation Planning Niagara Region 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold ON, L2V 4T7 905-980-6000 ext. 3583

Maged.Elmadhoon@niagararegion.ca

Julianna Arcese, P.Eng. Project Manager

R.J. Burnside and Associates Limited 292 Speedvale Avenue West, Unit 20 Guelph ON, N1H 1C4

226-486-1544

Julianna.Arcese@rjburnside.com

used and disclosed by members of Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The written submissions including names, contact information and reports of the public meeting will be made available. Questions should be referred to the Privacy Office at 905-980-6000 ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca

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

This notice was first issued April 29, 2024.

West Lincoln council trained on DCs 101

Background study to be released May 13 ahead of July 15 bylaw renewal

By Tara Lindemann For NewsNow

West Lincoln council received its basic training on development charges on April 29, as the township prepares to renew related bylaws to mandatorily accommodate changes via Bill 23 - More Homes Built Faster Act.

The bylaw’s renewal is due on July 15.

“Growth should pay for a portion of growth to the extent possible, so…the purpose of development charges is to recover growth-related capital costs associated with (new) residential and nonresidential development,” said consultant Byron Tan, manager for Watson & Associates Economists Ltd.

“These costs would typically include capital that would be above and beyond what you would require a localized subdivision to construct, pay for, and

then you would assume later on a future date,” he said.

“This is above and beyond anything that’s more localized servicing, so within subdivision agreements, you’d require developments to construct the internal roads, internal water mains, sewer, sidewalks, stormwater, etc., so development charges are more the broader area and more external works where possible or at least enhanced works that wouldn’t just be site specific.”

Development charges are not mandatory, but municipalities, through the Development Charges Act (DCA), can enforce them through bylaws - and the process includes a background study, expected to be released by May 13, and public consultation, before council is expected to approve at its June 10 meeting.

Development charges

were first legislated in the 1950s, but the DCA itself was created in 1997. It’s been revised by seven bills in five years, including the recently passed Bill 23, which included changing the definition of affordable housing, and Bill 134, which includes exemptions for affordable and attainable residential units.

After council’s questions, Ward 2 Coun. Joann Chechalk, com-

mented that “people who moved here over the past number of years are going to be paying more for services we don’t have, that they want because they will not be development charges, but those who came here thinking they got a real deal on their house, did, but as their house value increases, their property taxes are also going to have to every time they go to one of the councillors and say, ‘we don’t have one of those, please build it’.”

“I knew people coming here will be paying more even though it’s discounted and phased in, but they will be paying more as far as (development charges) for the things they will want that we don’t have, because it will be in the (development charges) to increase the value of the house,” but if they

look at Pelham or Lincoln, they’d be paying more, she said.

Chechalk is not sure if government changes are having the desired effect.

“We’re maintaining our place in the middle of the pack, but I’m not sure exactly if the goal of the government we have in power today was to reduce the price of houses. Developers think that development charges are a flow through. They put them in and then it goes on top of the price, (and) to build a house in Mississauga or in West Lincoln should cost about the same in materials. Our development charges are substantially less, yet, I see the housing prices to be substantially the same.”

So I’m not sure where to place the guilt but I don’t want to see it come against West Lincoln.”

Open for bowling

Beamsville Lawn Bowling Club hosted its first of three

Saturday - the final one is set for Monday, June 3 from 6:30-9 p.m.

(Above) John Bertram sizes up his shot.

(Right) Beamsville Lawn bowling Club member, Barb Kush, reached for her carefully protected bowls. Tara Lindemann - Photos

ST. HELEN CHURCH

4106 Mountain St., Beamsville ON

Big Payout With

Notice of Commencement Class Environmental Screening

Spring Creek Municipal Transformer Station Project Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. (NPEI) is initiating an Environmental Screening for the Spring Creek Municipal Transformer Station (MTS) project. The project consists of constructing a new transformer station connecting to existing 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission circuits, which will service the Niagara Region The project is in the Town of Lincoln on Spring Creek Road between Mountain Road and Frost Road, adjacent to an existing Hydro One Networks Inc. (Hydro One) Right of Way

Need for the Project

The Niagara Regional Planning processes, led by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and Hydro One, identified that additional capacity is necessary for Lincoln, West-Lincoln and Grimsby areas to meet growing electrical demand. The proposed Spring Creek MTS is NPEI’s response to meet this need, allowing for increased electrical capacity and providing resiliency to the electrical distribution system in the Niagara Region.

Environmental Screening Process

The Spring Creek MTS is subject to the Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for Transmission Facilities (www.hydroone.com/ClassEA) newly regulated under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act in February 2024. Because it will have an operating voltage between 115 kilovolts (kV) and 500 kV, under the Class EA process NPEI is initiating the Environmental Screening process for new transformer stations

Future Public Meeting

NPEI is committed to engaging with Indigenous communities, the public and other interested parties throughout the planning process We anticipate hosting a public meeting in Fall 2024 to present the results of the Environmental Screening and obtain feedback. A public notice will be issued before the meeting

Project Contacts

For more information or to ask questions or provide comments, please visit our project webpage https://www.npei.ca/info-resources/capital-projects/spring-creek-transformer-station. Alternatively, you can email us at springcreek@npei.ca or call 1 (905) 356-2681 ext 6237

All personal information included in your request is collected under Section 30 of the Environmental Assessment Act to create a record that is available to the public. As the information is collected for a public record, the protection of personal information provided in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act does not apply (s.37). Personal information you submit will become part of the available public record unless you request that your personal information remain confidential

May 2, 2024

Dear Editor,

This proposal to change West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s name to West Niagara Memorial Hospital is, amongst other things, a slap in the face to the people in local communities who worked tirelessly for years to raise millions of dollars for the modernization of our West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

They did not do this to fulfill some high mucky-muck’s wet dream of a renamed, West Niagara Memorial Hospital. Leave our history alone.

Having said that, I can attest to the fact that I haven’t seen

one social media comment in favour of this change.

I have taken the survey. Call me a cynic but I have a strong suspicion that new signage, stationary, and uniforms have already been decided on, ordered, and paid for… with our tax money, and all this surveying is nothing more than a red herring.

The politicians should leave West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s name as it is and get to work on issues that need addressing. Luis Araujo, Grimsby

This year we celebrate National Nursing Week from May 6 – 12.

Thank you for caring for our community. You create a lasting impact everyday by helping people with your extraordinary skills, commitment and leadership. Hamilton Health Sciences is honoured to have more than 4,000 nurses who play many roles in our patients’ and families’ health care journey. Nurses. Changing Lives. Shaping tomorrow.

OBITUARIES

Kiers, Marlene Nelly

On Saturday May 4th, 2024, in her 72nd year, Marlene passed from the arms of her family into the arms of her Savior. Marlene cherished the 48 years she spent with her beloved husband Nick. She deeply loved her children and their spouses, Michael (Rachel), Sandra (Steven), David (Brenda) and Sharon. Marlene was predeceased by her firstborn child Jason, whose memory has remained close to her heart throughout her life. Marlene treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren Liam, Benjamin, Brooke, Gillian, Michael, Naomi, Shane and Ian. Marlene’s memory will live on in her siblings Nelly (Henk), Wilma (John), Clarence (Cheryl) and Clarinda and her siblings-in-law John (Doreen), Wilfred (Connie), Andrew (Geri) and Grace. Mom was also predeceased by her dear sister-in-law Bertha. Visitation will be hosted at Mountainview Christian Reformed Church, 290 Main Street East, Grimsby, on Monday May 13th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held at the same location on Tuesday May 14th at 11am. Private burial at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery will take place prior to the service. If desired, memorial contributions made to World Renew or to GBF Community Services will be sincerely appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com

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MAYNARD, Margaret Elizabeth

Margaret Elizabeth Maynard, wife of the late John Maynard, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2024. Mother of Fiona (predeceased) and Robert Bainbridge.Stepmother to John (Susan) Maynard and Carol (Steve) Belliveau. Grandma Margaret to Charnelle (James), Jacob (Sarah), Diane (Connor), and Kate (Greg). Sister to John (Elizabeth) Wallace and Thomas (Elizabeth) Wallace. Margaret will be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews.

Margaret was born in Edinburgh Scotland in 1940 and after starting her career in London, moved to Canada with a young family. Her passion was continuous learning and teaching. After a career in Toronto, she relocated to Niagara, and remained active teaching at Niagara College and as the Executive Director of the Niagara West Adult Learning Centre. She was involved in many organizations over the years including Toastmasters, the Rotary Club of Lincoln, and the Jordan Station United Church.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Jordan Station United Church on Saturday May 11th, at 2:00 p.m. The family is asking that donations be made to McNally House Hospice in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences at: www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

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LAS VEGAS DINNER SHOW

elviS, tom JoneS And Cheer. Casablanca Hotel Grimsby June 28th. Tickets for dinner and show $86.95 + taxes and fees. 647-688-4822

“Celebrate Recovery (CR)” 12 step Christian Recovery for Healing, Help and Hope. ALL WELCOME! Wednesdays at 7 pm. Forestview Community Church, 132 Lake St, Grimsby. For info. or help, CR@forestviewcommunitychurch.ca 905-945-9529

SHIELDS, William John September 6, 1931May 2, 2024

It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Shields on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Bill was born.grew up and worked in Hamilton. He married his best friend and love of his life Nancy June (Hahn) on July 4, 1953. They were blessed with five children, Dan (Judy). John (Cathy), Kelly (Mark), Cathy (Al) and Tom (Loretta). Bill was very proud of his 19 grandchildren and thrilled to have 22 great grandchildren with one on the way. He was predeceased by his wife Nancy June in 2007, son in law Joe Mous, father William, mother Grace, sister Wilma and mother in law Elsie Hahn (Kirkham).

Bill started working at Tresidder Brothers on Cumberland Ave in Hamilton when he was 16 years old. His mentor and friend Milt Knowles trained and provided Bill the opportunity to manage Tresidder-Reid Paper Boxes. Bill’s self-directed leadership style made it an enjoyable place to work. Milt and Milree Knowles played an important role in Bill’s life both professionally and personally introducing Bill and his family to the wonderful world of dog training and showmanship. Bill went on to become involved in the Hamilton Dog Obedience Club as a member, instructor,and president.

In 1975, Bill and Nancy purchased the farm in Smithville beginning their agriculture adventure. After 36 years Bill retired from the paper box industry to further develop and expand their farrow to finish hog operation.

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Bill and Nancy were very social people. Moving from East 45th St in Hamilton, to Aldershot in Burlington, then to Smithville, Bill and Nancy became lifelong friends with their neighbours and fellow patrons of the local Catholic Churches. In his later years, Bill moved to Westlea Gardensin Smithville and later to the Jacob in Beamsville where he was known for his famous hugs and singing.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Shannon Smith, the nurses, personal support workers and staff at the Jacob for their kindness and compassion.

A Mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, May 11 at 12:45pm at St. Martins of Tours, 166 West Street (Regional Rd 20), Smithville. Interment at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church Cemetery. Donations to St. Martin of Tours Parish Knights of Columbus through St. Martin of Tours Church, Smithville or McNally House Hospice, Grimsby would be appreciated by the family and can be made through the funeral home (905) 957-7031 or merritt-fh.com.

STEWART Brendan Ryan

September 7, 1992April 28,

2024

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Brendan Ryan Stewart at the age of 31 on April 28th, 2024. Brendan will be lovingly remembered by his father Murray (Shelly), his mother Janet (Marvin), his sister McKenzie (Luke), his grandparents Ross and Alma Watterworth, his aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his endless number of friends.

Brendan graduated from a Business program at Mohawk and Niagara college. He worked as a Program Assistant for the IRCC - Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada.

Brendan enjoyed going to the gym, playing hockey, golfing, travelling, and watching hockey - he was a die hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan. Most of all, he loved spending time with his friends. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Everyone who knew Brendan loved him.

A private family gathering is scheduled for Wednesday May 8th at Stonehouse Whitcomb Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday May 26th at Rikochez Pub from 12-4 pm. Anyone who knew Brendan should feel free to stop by to share pictures and memories you had with him.

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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 63 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.

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Cool

treat

Heather Alec, left, shares her second helping of ice cream with Twinkie at Maplecrest Village in Grimsby on May 4 during its “What’s The Scoop, Grimsby” event. The retirement residence hosted a Spring Bazaar and with it, a 1950s-themed ice cream social for residents and live music supplied by Josh Coulter. Tara Lindemann - Photo

AGM for BIA right move for council

Having spent 14 or so years on Grimsby’s Downtown Improvement Area board since I came to town in ‘95, it is safe to say I know far more than I want to about the history, the goings on, the politics and the processes involved to make it run properly.

At times over the years, it has hummed right along. During other stints, the wheels came right off. Currently, the wheels are on, but the vehicle may just get blown right up.

The latest chapter in the saga came Monday night at council when the now Downtown Grimsby Business Improvement Area Board chair, Mark Wood, and treasurer, Daniel Vandersteen, attended as a delegation.

I’d really like to say the volunteer board has the best intentions and is simply misguided in its understanding of how a tax-funded organization needs to be run, but it is impossible to figure out what the intentions actually are.

There have been so many erroneous statements, distortions of reality and hyperbole, one would have to wade through a lot to find the core truth.

In terms of intentions, one just has to listen to Wood speak about the proposed changes and how many of the new procedures and policies were constructed with an eye to reducing cost. This was done by hiring a new executive director, which will take about 30 per cent of the board’s annual budget. Then

the new annual costs related to the financial autonomy plan will take several thousand more dollars each year. Simply, there is nothing that board can do that would save enough money via other processes to offset even just the financial process impacts, so to say they are doing all this to save a buck is a lost leader - at best.

There are some major distinctions to make here, so let’s be clear.

I don’t, and I don’t believe council does either, have any concern with what the DIA does - IF IT IS DONE PROPERLY.

The problem is, repeatedly and often, the board has conducted its business in a rather tragic manner - all with a very Trumpian demeanour which can best be explained by, just because you believe something does not make it true.

Another case in point and, again, while several council members noted they supported the BIA hosting an AGM to allow input on their plan for financial autonomy and a major overhaul of its

procedural bylaws, it was noted Wood had said he had no interest in calling an AGM on the matter and added:

“It actually (would go) against the standard operating procedures of any DIA or the OBIAA throughout Ontario.”

So I checked with OBIAA, the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association. What came back was, in addition to more information. “The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (the “OBIAA”) is a supportive organization which exists for the purpose of sharing experiences with members, suggesting possible avenues to investigate, and to provide a sounding board for members,” from the group’s legal notice. As well, executive director Kay Matthews noted, “OBIAA does not make policy.

So, unequivocally, there is no policy to go against.

But that is just how this process has gone.

One of the only thing 100 per cent accurate in Wood’s assessment was that this proposal was rolled out quickly. In the end, council calling for an AGM on the topic was the right move. Unfortunately, I am quite sure it will be the same carnival atmosphere which got many of on the board elected. Two or three people will backdoor lobby up and down Main Street and it will get approved, sadly.

Time and money wasted with no attention to the core mandates of the board, but that’s how they roll.

MIKE WILLISCRAFT