BUY CANADIAN
WLMH opens to public
(Above) West Lincoln Memorial Hospital staff gather for an opening day photo.
With patients and equipment being moved to the new building over a five-hour span on Sunday, the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital officially opened to the public on Monday.
Hamilton Health Sciences officials said 47 patients were moved by staff and physicians - along with supportive equipment such as wheelchairsor by patient transport vehicles operated by Voyago. The move was also supported by Hamilton Paramedic
Service and Niagara EMS. Total number of helpers was 280 to execute the transition.
“It takes a lot of steady hands and coordination to move patients between departments – let alone from one hospital to another,” said Dr. Joan Bellaire, chief of family medicine for HHS and the medical director of WLMH.
“Our dedicated staff and physicians planned a safe move for each patient
(Bottom Right) One of the first patients at the new WLMH, Franc Erzar, cuts the ribbon for the facility’s public opening. Dan Duffin, Danyuld Productions Inc. - Photos See OPEN, Page 4
Brenda F.
Winning ticket holder Ryleigh Unrau collects her prize from Lincoln firefighter Ryan Milloy.
Linda Provo and Gary Phelps were ready for the scramble to grab a ticket from Lincoln firefighter Mike Bryce.
Beamsville Fire’s turkey
roll packs Lincoln Centre
Firefighters Kevin Katchanoski, left, and Derrick Strong were busy with the lineup out the door.
It was party central and a packed house that turned out to support the Lincoln Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services’ on Friday, Nov. 14 at the Lincoln Community Centre. The event is always one of the most popular on the calendar.
OPEN
From Page 1
and ensured that they were supported every step of the way.”
“We’re also grateful to our partners for assisting patients that needed to be transported by am-
bulance. It was a heartwarming day, and we are all looking forward to providing excellent care in our new hospital.”
Work to decommission the old hospital, install parking and complete landscaping will commence early in the new year.
Community support
(L to R) Beamsville Lions Arnie Wadsworth, John Tutecky, Nancy Page and club president Lloyd Clarke presented a �$30,000 cheque for the Lions Charities fund, which supports various community groups for which the club fundraises money. Loree - Photo
Rising energy needs spotlight of Grimsby Energy Summit
By Evan Loree For NewsNow
Industry experts and elected officials met to discuss Ontario’s power network and its evolving needs at the first Grimsby Energy Summit on Nov. 13.
Grimsby Coun. Reg Freake, who also chairs the Grimsby Economic Development Advisory Committee, acted as master of ceremonies for the morning event hosted at the LiUNA local training centre on Hunter Road.
“The provincial and national energy landscape is evolving at a pace we’ve never seen before,” Grimsby Power president Remy Fernandes said in his presentation to help kick off the summit.
He and his fellow speakers focused on opportunities to invest in clean and renewable energy sources to help meet the rise in demand.
Keynote speaker Kaleb Ruch covered some of the impacts, including increased transportation needs, residential development and data processing centres, which are used to power artificial intelligence programs.
Ruch, Sussex Strategy’s energy director, said data centres could be using up to 10 per cent of global energy by 2030, citing projections from the Electric Power Research Institute, which operates
and oversees Ontario’s power grid.
Data centres help to power modern services and are not solely used to mine cryptocurrencies, Ruch said.
Electricity consumption from data centres is projected to double in the next five years, he added.
Discussion panelist Ron Clark encouraged the audience to see data centres as future infrastructure, “enabling what the future is going to bring.”
“Is it going be expensive, yes.”
“We’re gonna have to figure out how to make those investments work,” he said.
Clark is a lawyer from Aird & Berlis, a legal firm which provides policy advice to various levels of govern-
Keynote speaker Kaleb Ruch covered five trends he’s been tracking in the energy sector.
ment, including Town of Grimsby.
Between the growing data centre sector, electric vehicles and other pressures, Ruch said Ontario’s overall energy needs could rise 75 per cent by 2050.
Panelist Graham Guest, general manager of energy and technical services at Walker Industries, said hydrogen-based power is likely the future, but natural gas, such as that harvested from wastewater treatment centres and other sources, is underutilized and could help meet the increased demand.
And Ruch said carbon-free is “leading the way.”
There is an increasing need to switch from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energies, like wind, solar and nuclear.
This is because carbon-based energy producers have contributed an enormous amount to rising carbon emissions which has led to global rising temperatures.
The province is in the early stages of building and repairing reactors at the Darlington nuclear plant east of Oshawa to help meet the growing demand, Ruch noted.
Chief executive of Nuclear Innovation Institute Jessica Linthorne, also one of the panelists, advocated on behalf of nuclear power.
She pointed out that investments in nuclear power could result in huge economic returns.
Large investments in a nuclear power plant in Bruce County could generate 20,000 jobs a year during construction and contribute $200 billion in domestic product.
She was citing a report commissioned by her organization and Bruce Power, which assesses the impact of adding another reactor to the Bruce Power nuclear plant.
Linthorne emphasized nuclear energy is clean and safe despite its portrayal in pop culture.
Discussion panelist Mike Risavy, resource director of Independent Electricity System Operator, said Ontario is not short on electricity despite the forecasted demands cited by Ruch.
A second discussion featuring speakers from the industrial sector focused on how manufacturers need reliable and efficient energy to stay viable.
VTR Feeder Solutions chief executive Jim Hills said he hopes his Grimsby-based manufacturer can double production in the next year, but can’t if the power grid doesn’t keep up.
The second panel discussion was cut short due to scheduling constraints.
The summit came to a close at around 12 p.m. with attendees noting they would support seeing a follow up energy driven event in the future.
Kit Steele president Mike Kubes, left, fields a question from the audience during the Grimsby Energy Summit with Jim Hills, CEO of Grimsby’s VTR Feeder Solutions looking on.
Grimsby Coun. Reg Freake, also chair of event host Grimsby Economic Development Advisory Committee, welcomed attendees for the Grimsby Energy Summit on Nov. 13. Loree - Photos
The Town of Grimsby council approved a 4.7 per cent tax increase Monday night - with just a few minor revisions from a first draft.
The increase equates to an increase of $70 for the average assessed residential property of $442,000 on the Grimsby portion of the tax bill.
The items adjusted included:
• $25,000 to support a homebased entrepreneurial hub promo-
tion. This has no impact on the levy as it was in the 2024 operating project list;
• A reduction of $20,000 to the $40,000 budget for landscaping at the renovated Major Refrigeration Peach King Centre, and; •Addition of $100,000 to cover an adjustment to WSIB status with the cost coming from the Tax Stabilization Reserve, so no impact on the levy.
Affordable housing topic at Tuesday meeting
Affordable housing will be on the table at a special meeting next Tuesday, Dec. 2, 7-9 p.m. at the Fleming Centre, 5020 Serena Drive, Beamsville.
Panelists include Mike Kirkopoulos, Lincoln’s CAO; Dr. Karl Stobbe, medical director, REACH Niagara, member of Affordable Housing Lincoln; Dora
Liptay, client services coordinator, Community Care of West Niagara; and Noel Walker, Chair, Town of Lincoln Housing Select Committee.
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Be sure to look online at: wn3.ca to see the full standings, but here are some of the leaders and lucky random draw winners:
• $15 Gift Card, courtesy of Tim Hortons, Grimsby: Greg Lecinski
• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Jordan Flowers,Grimsby: Jackson McIntosh
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Judge & Jester, Grimsby: Ava Bosiljevac
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• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza Grimsby: Steven Reid
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Memphis BBQ., Winona: Mark Porkolab
• 2 Tickets to a Grimsby Peach Kings game, Grimsby: Graeme Copeland Winners can stop by the NewsNow office to pick up their winnings
Community Care of West Niagara (CCWN) has launched its Christmas Hamper and Angel Programs.
Both cornerstone initiatives alleviate the financial stress placed on local residents experiencing financial hardship during this time of year.
“Thank you for the Christmas Hamper. My family and I were able to enjoy a holiday meal together. We definitely felt cared for,” said a 2024 Hamper Program client.
There are several different ways for anyone to support the CCWN programs:
• Sponsor a Christmas Food Hamper for a family;
• Give a gift to an angel;
• Host a food drive;
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The Christmas Hamper Program at CCWN provides over 900 low income residents living in Lincoln more than just gifts to put under the tree.
Families are provided with perishable and non-perishable foods and may also receive grocery store gift cards and personal care items.
The Angel Program focuses on fulfilling specific Christmas wishes for a registered child.
In past years, community members, local businesses and partner organizations have come together to provide hundreds of gifts, spreading hope and holiday cheer to those who need it most.
• Make a monetary donation;
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• Become a monthly donor.
The need for CCWN’s services has grown substantially, with families facing rising food prices, increased housing costs and inflationary pressures.
For some, these challenges have created uncertainty about how they will provide for their family over the holidays and into the New Year.
West Lincoln council approves 3.98% tax increase
A 3.98 per cent tax increase was approved in its first draft at Twp. of West Lincoln’s Corporate Services Committee meeting on Monday, Nov. 17.
This increase will be $69.21 more for an average assessed residence in the non-urban area. In the urban area, after factoring in the proposed $2.63 increase to the urban service area levy, this would translate to an estimated annual increase of $71.84. These increases would be to the West Lincoln portion of the tax bill.
This is the first West Lincoln budget prepared under the Province’s Strong Mayor Budget Framework, a new legislative process established under the Municipal Act.
The proposed budget adopts a long-term focus to drive economic development and refine West Lincoln’s competitive advantage; employs strategies to cut costs while still delivering significant value; invests in infrastructure and service enhancements, and; explores modernization tactics for cost reduction and suppression. Proposed budget highlights include:
• Road and bridge rehabilitation projects;
• Online service in Building and By-law;
• Economic Development funding for industrial and agricultural sectors promotion;
tion, to reduce the need for future staffing requirements;
• New cost-recovery funding model for recreation and events programming, and;
• The proposed budget also exercises shortterm strategies to mitigate pressures and shield ratepayers.
Mayor Cheryl Ganann issued a Strong Mayor Directive for administration to establish a Tax Stabilization Reserve to be incorporated in the 2026 Budget. The reserve would help stabilize tax increases, taking burden off residents.
In the short term, the proposed 2026 budget includes an additional $100,000 of funding from reserves to help lower the proposed levy.
Councillors can now submit proposed amendments until Dec. 31. Proposed amendments will be deliberated at the All Committees meeting on Jan. 12, 2026. An additional meeting is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 13 if needed.
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We’re Ready!
Thanks to a great response! NewsNow has not skipped a beat to deliver for our community.
We are now having our carriers go door-to-door in Grimsby, Beamsville, Vineland, Jordan & Smithville.
There are just a few routes vacant, so if you happened to miss your copy - or if you live in a rural area - we have planned a large list of helpful outlets to allow for quick and convenient pick ups.
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By Rosemary Addison
Ron Oliver’s grandchildren loved visiting Grampa at McNally House. There were welcoming smiles, homemade cookies and a lot of room to spread out toys.
“Grampa’s new house” was a great place!
Alissa, Ron’s daughter, remembers the way Ron and his family were welcomed on the day he was admitted. “Everything took my breath away. Everything was so cozy, homey, warm.”
Grampa’s New House
Ron knew that coming to McNally House was the right decision. He loved his large room where his family could be comfortable and his grandchildren could be themselves. He staff and volunteers. Ron had to be convinced that there was no time limit for his stay.
August. They contemplated signing a marriage document in her father’s room at McNally so Ron could be there.
When hearing this, team of staff and volunteers went into action: flowers ordered, music chosen, a wedding cake made, a place in the garden prepared, an officiant called.
Alissa and Kevin married two days later in an outdoor ceremony at McNally, with Ron looking on. He was over the moon, “McNally is one hell of a place.”
Debbie talks about the care that she received.
She made friends with other residents’ family members. She has joined a
As Ron left McNally House the day he died, the song, “I Will Always Love You”, was played.
That’s how Debbie and Alissa and their family feel about McNally House Hospice.
The feeling is quite mutual. “Grampa’s new house” will always be there for them.
Government funding covers only 44% of our operating costs.
Each year, more than $1.8 million must be raised to ensure our hospice residents and programs remain available to our community.
This season of giving, your donation makes that possible. Visit:
The Oliver Family
Please call to place your Classified Ad 289-235-9500
OBITUARIES
fumio
marion Buchanan (Née) morrison
Passed away at her residence, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the age of 102. Marion was born December 10, 1922. Beloved mother of James, John and Jeffrey (Rita). Cherished grandmother of J.J. and Maria. Predeceased by her husband, James, her parents John and Annie Morrison, and her sister Catherine Anne Yeates. At Marion’s request, there will be no visitation or service and cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com
havens,Karen Lynn
Peacefully, with her family by her side, on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the age of 63. Beloved wife of Terry and loving mother of Robert. Cherished daughter of Lois Quider and the late Frank Quider (late Eleanor). Lovingly remembered by her brothers Rick (Debbie) Quider and Gene (Sally) Quider. Sadly missed by her dear friend Linda Watkins and by all of her nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephew, relatives, friends and her two dogs Amber and Brownie. We are proud to share that Karen’s generosity and kind spirit continued after her passing as she graciously donated organs to the Trillium Gift of Life Network. Visitation took place at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 6-9 p.m. where the Funeral Service took place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10 a.m. with burial at Grimsby Mountain Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, March of Dimes or West Lincoln Memorial Auxiliary where the family will then be making a donation to their Donor Tree in honour of Karen.
www.smithsfh.com
smith, Geraldine (Gerry)
OBITUARIES
stewart, Beulah Nadine
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our incredibly special Mom and Nanny, Geraldine “Gerry” Smith. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Al, and her parents, Samuel and Jean Green, Gerry leaves behind her three children, Lee (Penny), Lori, and Lynn who will forever cherish her love, guidance, and strength. She was a proud Nanny to her grandson, Corey (Natalie). Gerry found great happiness in gardening, playing euchre, and spending time with her many cherished friends at Deerpark Villa. Her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit touched everyone around her, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Special thanks to her long-time dear friends Judy (Derry), Loretta (Al), Caroline, John (Deb), and Mary (Bob) who continuously supported and loved her. Heartfelt thanks as well to Kayla for your love, care, and the many stories that kept Mom entertained, and to Gord for sharing her passion for gardening and being such a caring friend. We also extend our gratitude to the staff at Deerpark Villa for their compassion and care. We will all miss you Mom, we love you always . Friends were received at the Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Ave Dr, Stoney Creek on Wednesday, November 26, from 2-5pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, November 27 at 1pm. A private family interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Canadian Cancer Society or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated. Messages of sympathy and condolence may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca.
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Beulah Nadine Stewart (nee Fries), loving mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the age of 89.
Beulah was born on August 5, 1936, in Lions Head, Ontario, to the late Mae and Abe Fries. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Training School of Nursing in 1957 she married Irwin “Babe” Stewart on November 1st of that year. Beulah spent 59 years in Grimsby, where she enjoyed a long career as a Registered Nurse at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1998.
Beulah had a passion for gardening and loved bird watching. An animal lover, she was devoted to her pets, notably her two cats, Walter and Smokey. She was an avid reader, enjoyed travelling across Canada, and loved watching the Blue Jays and Maple Leafs.
She is lovingly remembered by her four children: Colleen (Danny), Nancy (the late Bill), Ron (Chantal), and Randy (Nancy); her six grandchildren: Nick (Miranda), Nathan (Ashley), Meagan (Andrew), Billy, Hannah (Dustin), and Max Alyssa); and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Irwin of 64 years.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Beulah’s friends and Viking Drive neighbours for their support over the years. Sincere gratitude is also extended to the first responders and Tallman Funeral Home for their kindness and care.
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A celebration of Beulah’s life will be held at a later date with details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local humane society.
Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
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‘Tis the season and Smithville is ready for it with a series of events this Saturday, Nov. 29, including its annual Santa Claus Parade.
The day will kick off with St. Luke’s Anglican Church hosting its annual bake sale and craft market in its community hall, 216
Station St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Smithville United Church is up next with its Breakfast with Santa from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at 116 West St. Santa will arrive at 10 a.m.
The event is free with donations to West Lincoln Community Care and the Church. Toy and non-perish-
able food donations are also welcome.
Then, starting at 5 p.m. from the West Lincoln Community Centre, the West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade.
The live parade video will be viewable on the Township YouTube channel and Facebook Page.
This year, viewers can experience via a new livestream service, sponsored by Smithville Home Hardware and facilitated through WeeStreem.
For the first time in the parade’s 35year history, families and individuals who aren’t able to make it in person will be able to enjoy the parade from the comfort of their homes.
Those who are able to attend will also be able to relive the magic over and over again through the video.
From the community centre, the parade route will travel east on West Street, continuing south on Reg. Rd. 20 and concluding at the corner of St. Catharines Street and Industrial Park Road. Road closures will be active from 3:30-8 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly, bring their own lawn chairs or blankets and arrive early to claim their spot.
Parking spaces will be reserved at Smithville Garage, 215 St. Catharines St., exclusively for those who need accessible parking.
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That’s a wrap for local budgets
All three Niagara West budgets are now set - all with increases, all with next to no discussion. Crazy.
It is not the fault of local municipalities. They are following the new mayor’s strong powers format laid out by the provincial government. It should be said, though, there is no demand for budgets to be done this way. None.
It does not need to go back to the way it was in the 80s and 90s where it was a virtual marathon where full budget meetings would go through each department line by line.
But having a process where there is next to no public discussion/scrutiny prior to a course being chosen is greatly limiting. Sure, municipalities do the digital “surveys” - a draft budget report is on our website, feel free to comment if you choose.
Municipalities know these things draw two things: a handful of regulars who comment on everything, and flies.
It is true, municipalities would hold budget open houses, or special council meetings for discussion and 5-6 people would turn out. It is not about the number, to me, or the feedback, but creating the opportunity both in terms of availability and convenience or input should any taxpayer choose.
Almost assuredly, crickets is what comes back and it should definitely be noted that if you don’t step up and comment or get feedback to your elected representative BEFORE a budget is passed, you do not get to boo hoo when you see things rattle down the pipe when things go awry.
The budget process - while a massive undertakingshould be held in higher esteem and effort is required to connect that process to the electorate. M.W.
The saga continues
It’s been a rather typical week or so for the Town of Grimsby.
One step forward.
Two, if not three steps back.
Like clockwork.
The steps forward:
The energy summit hosted Nov. 13 - well attended, well run, a first-rate event according to those who attended. Well done.
The “twinning” trip to Grimsby, England: covered a couple weeks back, but more to the story. The whole venture, approved by council, included a budget of $6,500 - not a large amount and really quite small when one considers this included the cost of both having two people - the mayor and CAO - go to England AND the cost to host a delegation next spring. Add in the potential financial upside of a company looking to expand - one already with a location in Burlington and may consider moving to town could make that money very well spent.
This ends up being both a step forward and step backhard to do - as this information was not noted when the story was first done a couple of weeks back.
The list of steps back, however, as has been the case in town for now nearly seven years, is much longer.
Let’s start with the Grimsby BIA board’s AGM, held Nov. 12. The BIA spending, as predicted long ago, is gone wild.
The previous board, of which I was chair, accumulated about $180,000 in
the organization’s reserve for the expressed purpose of running major promotions DURING the upcoming downtown water/sewer line upgrade work which will close Main Street for a long period of time.
Now, there are three people on the current board who were part of the last board and know this well, but the comments from the board’s treasurer at the AGM were starkly different.
“If we spend all the money (budgeted), we’ll leave our reserve fund nearly empty, but not completely empty enough to cover operating expenses,” said Daniel Vandersteen, BIA’s treasurer.
“Now, this is very much by design, and it’s not something I would typically call sound financial planning. But the entire purpose of the reserve fund that the board has done, the better part of six or seven years building, was to spend ahead of construction.”
This is 100 per cent falsestraight up.
Having seen what happens in construction zones where traffic is even just
limited - not even completely blocked - is devastating. Our board saved every possible dollar for four years. Now it will be gone before the work even starts. Well done, folks.
Who does a branding exercise before works starts? That money will be blown because the brand will be construction, not whatever was invested in...and it goes from there.
Another prediction, BIA will go hat in hand to council, or just blame council for a perceived lack of support because there will zero dollars for major promotions during construction. The money was there. It was frittered away. Other issues - council pushing through an Integrity Commissioner complaint against Coun. Jacob Baradziej for attendance issues. This is not to excuse the issue, but clean your own house, council, and deal with that in-house and save the taxpayers some money. Brutal.
This one isn’t a step back, but the fact Coun. Jennifer Korstanje felt the need to file a human rights complaint against a Facebook page operator is a step back, socially, for the town. I’m not mentioning the page by design. I don’t want to give them an ounce of oxygen. If you want to read that crap, more power to you. I don’t.
I don’t always agree with Korstanje or Coun. Veronica Charrois often, but they should not have to tolerate the bile spewed at them.
MIKE WILLISCRAFT
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