> Grimsby readies for ‘reverse’ Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 5 /Pg 4 > Grimsby Council debates what’s confidential Pg 3 > Lincoln targets 0% tax increase Pg 5 > West Lincoln launches “sparkles” contest Pg 7 Thursday, November 12, 2020 Vol. 9 Issue 29
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Grimsby DIA/NRT to launch “free ride” promo By Tristan Marks NewsNow A deal to create a pilot program to allow Niagara West residents to have access to free, two-way rides to Grimsby’s downtown core has been struck between Grimsby’s Downtown Improvement Area Board and NRT (Niagara Regional Transit). “We’re excited,” said Matt Robinson, director of the Niagara Region’s GO Implementation Office, which oversees NRT. “This is exactly what we wanted, a great example of the partnerships that can exist. We’re glad to work with the Grimsby DIA.” DIA president Mike Williscraft
Successful experiment
brought the idea to the board, which approved the project in principle to allow for more research to be done. “Grimsby recreation director Sarah Sweeney helped immensely with a lot of legwork in working through detail with NRT. It took about a month to nail things down and we are still tweaking a bit even now,” said Williscraft. Here is how the pilot program will work: • Residents in Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln will be able to access two-way, door-to-door rides viat NRT from Thursday, Nov. 26-Wednesday, Dec. 2; • Rides will be available from 9 a.m.-
Workers removed cement barriers along Main Street in Grimsby last Monday, marking the end of a successful program allowing north side eateries to set up outdoor patios. By all accounts, the program was very successful and it’s expected they will return in 2021. Marks - Photo
6 p.m. daily, except on Thursday, Nov. 26 when the program is extended to 10 p.m. to accomodate the DIA’s annual Ladies Night shopping promotion; • Riders can “unlock” their free ride by using the promo code NRTGRIMSBY • Points of origin must be within one of the three municipalities with the destination being in the DIA footprint, which is bordered by Robinson Street in the east, Main Street to the south, Kerman to the west and the South Service Road. “The idea started around creating something new and different to tie in with Black Friday, Nov. 27 this year.
Having heard from many residents about concerns regarding even moderate crowds or tight spaces, it seemed a good idea to spread the timing out and I know from past experience businesses generally plan Black Friday week promotions,” said Williscraft. “Then at out board meeting last week, those on hand thought it a good idea to add the Ladies Night under this umbrella as well, so we added in the 26th as well.” The essence of the program goes back to the 90s and beyond when Grimsby had a Shoppers’ Bus program, Williscraft added. See RIDE, Page 2
WLMH financial “ask” gets positive reaction By Mike Williscraft NewsNow In another important step toward West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s rebuilding, fundraising chair Andrew Smith presented the “ask” to Niagara Region’s Corporate Services Committee on Monday. “No funding dollars have yet been announced. We did make a presentation tying the hospital services and value back to the proposed funding principles. A policy that can be applied to WLMH and future funding requests has not yet been finalized,” said Smith. With an “ask” of $14 million towards the $60 million community share of the overall projected $200 rebuild, Lincoln
Reg. Coun. Rob Foster, who chairs Corporate Services, said something in the $10.8 million range is more likely. “I am not sure where it is going to land yet. Part of the formula, if adopted by council, includes regional components, a piece that requires some definition yet and will be the focus for us over the next few weeks,” said Foster. “If using direct comparisons with St. Catharines, the amount spent by the Region was 18 per cent of the total local cost. Eighteen per cent of $60 million is $10.8 million, which is where that number comes from. This is a terrific first step and I personally am extremely pleased. Committee has
approved a model that will be unique to Niagara, but also fair to all the Region.” Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton agreed. “Yesterday (Monday) was a positive indication that the Region is moving in a direction that incorporates the social determinants of health in their evaluation of projects that come forward,” Easton said. “I was happy to see overwhelming support for the concept of a fair formula to support WLMH and other hospital projects that will be forthcoming to the region. “ Smith said the consultant’s report did provide a range for hospital projects See WLMH, Page 4