BUY CANADIAN
OLT ignores WL council, barrel storage will remain
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
Calls for accountability from the Ontario Land Tribunal are emanating from West Lincoln after the OLT ig-
nored council’s direction on a major barrel storage operation.
The site - 9127 Reg. Rd. 20 - was the subject of an appeal to the OLT after council set out a four-month
extension for site owner Larry Pomerantz to remove rain barrels from the site. Pomerantz has told the municipality repeatedly he planned to move the barrels.
Four-year-old George Lypko plays with a bubble machine at the Bethesda Services booth at Saturday’s Fling off King. Please see Page 16 for more coverage.
Loree - Photo
See BARRELS, Page 4
NRP seek shooter
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
The hunt continues for the shooting suspect in an incident which occurred in the parking lot at Peller Estates Ltd. in Grimsby’s west end.
Niagara Regional Police describe the shooting as “targeted” and said the public at large was not in danger. NRP - along with Hamilton Police Service, Niagara EMS, and Hamilton EMS - were called to the scene on the South Service Road near Kelson Road North at 7:45 p.m. last Wednesday.
Investigation showed one man had been shot and was taken to hospital for what was considered to be serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect, who remains at large, was described as:
• Slim build
• Black slim fit track pants
• Dark coloured shoes
Pomerantz appealed that fourmonth extension and OLT handed him a three-year extension to Feb. 10, 2028 in a September decision. Bubble, bubble toil and...fun?
• White socks
• Black hooded sweatshirt with a white shirt underneath
• Carrying a blue reusable shopping bag
The man was last seen running southbound on Kelson Road North See SHOOTING, Page 3
BUY CANADIAN SHOOTING
From Page 1 from the South Service Road. Police also released a description of a vehicle involved in the incident:
• Late 2000 to mid-2010 grey or silver sedan
• Dark tinted windows
• Tinted sunroof
• Aluminum/grey rims
• Large dent on the driver’s side rear door
Detectives are asking that anyone who may have been in the area at
the time of the shooting or for anyone who may have dashcam footage, video surveillance or any other pertinent information to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, dial option 3, ext. 1009747.
Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest
Sophistication. Serenity. Experience luxury living at Mariner Bay Estates, an exclusive waterfront community in Grimsby, built by renowned Gatta Homes. This executive end-unit townhome includes a deeded boat slip and offers over 2,500 sq ft of beautifully finished space across 3 levels, with stunning marina views of Lake Ontario. The
BARRELS
From Page 1
The decision for the storage facility, part of Ward 2 Coun. Jason Trombetta’s area, does not sit well with him.
“I’m not happy with the OLT’s decision. I think it’s BS that we had full support of council and the OLT overruled us,” said Trombetta.
Mayor Cheryl Ganann agreed noting the municipality did everything right, she thought; hosting a public meeting on the matter, tabling a staff report on findings, and; allowing Pomerantz four months to move barrels he had already stated he planned to move.
“Council supported the staff decision to give him time to clean it up because there was a huge public meeting on this. Residents were concerned about legitimate things; possibility of the run-off, the mess of it, potential of a serious fire,” said Ganann.
“When Mr. Pomerantz came to us his plea was that those barrels would move. He wanted to move them from another location – to store them there until spring – but residents just kept seeing them pile up more and more and more and more.”
A key part of the OLT’s decision seemed to centre on the ongoing Fulton employment lands study of which West Lincoln is currently in the midst.
“Our original intent, was we would give him time to remove the barrels, we would continue to have the study done – we’ve already had one public information session
to look at what landowners in the area want. The study is being done for a large area and we plan to put jobs there,” said Ganann.
“It’s not a quick easy answer. The study will take some time. Hopefully, Mr. Pomerantz can grow his business and find a spot for it. We want him to succeed, but it is not what we had hoped in terms of having that space become employment lands. That decision raises some big question marks.”
Because the municipality had its ducks in a row when Pomerantz pushed for an extension, Coun. William Reilly did a double check before going with council’s unanimous vote to approve the fourmonth plan.
“When the applicant came back to ask for an extension one of my concerns I had asked staff was whether or not denying the extension would hold up at an OLT hearing should the applicant exercise that right. We were told, in so many other words, yes. The applicant failed to meet some of the conditions on the first temporary use bylaw permitted to operate, then gets a gift from the OLT to continue doing so with conditions still not fully completed.”
That finding - ignoring facts, according to Reilly, makes the OLT finding laughable.
“It’s completely ludicrous, in my opinion, that the OLT would allow this to happen without requiring all conditions to be met first,” said Reilly.
“It brings in the question - ‘What’s the point of conditions if an appli-
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cant can pick and choose which ones to do and can ignore others and the OLT just rewards them for it?’ That’s how it feels to me.”
The result, has West Lincoln council highly frustrated and their processes disrespected.
“Council feels frustrated after going through a public meeting and ensuring the public concerns are addressed as best as we are legally allowed to, only to have OLT disregard it,” said Reilly.
“It’s a system that clearly needs to be re-evaluated and possibly restructured to ensure it’s always operating within its own mandate of providing fair resolutions around land use planning, environmental and heritage protection. In my opinion, it fell short with that on this decision.”
For Ganann, the decision certainly was a head-scratcher.
“You’re never really surprised by the OLT. You don’t know who they are. You don’t know what their own thoughts are. We, as council, were ultimately trying to support the residents in the area who are very concerned about what’s going on,” said Ganann.
“I am a little surprised that they didn’t take into consideration what the neighbours think, but those neighbours are in a subdivision. They (the OLT) seemed to consider that we were still in the process of planning what would be there. I think that weight was put on the fact that we were just early in the process. It’s been talked about for a long time but we were really just getting going and...I don’t know.”
Because they now have no idea what kind of rationale will come out of any OLT finding, the concern at this point goes to the future and - if three years were given this time, what could happen in 2028?
“The OLT is the OLT. Honestly, it is sometimes a little bit mind-boggling just to figure out ‘why?’ and why they side with something or other,” said Ganann.
“This is someone who has an extremely untidy property, residents are worried about potential dangers and we need to be supportive of those residents who have real concerns. This is not ‘we don’t want this in my backyard’ here. I firmly believe the (OLT’s) intent is three years but in two years time, who knows? I think the final decision indicated that would be it: three years. But that really never is it because he can always appeal it.”
The uncertainty has Reilly looking for a provincial review of the OLT to get some kind of known quantity in the organization’s rationale.
It might be time for the Province to review/revamp the functionality of the OLT and at the very least bring in some accountability to the OLT,” said Reilly.
“Municipalities are always under the microscope having to comply with every detail to the letter of the law but the OLT gets to shoot from the hip. It doesn’t seem fair to me. It seems like a ton of wasted tax dollars in a system that doesn’t seem to have the best interest of the people most days.”
GBF’s parking lot was converted into a happening patio, performance stage and social space for its 60th anniversary party on Saturday.
Spirits high at GBF’s 60th
A power outage may have necessitated the closure of the retail store, but Grimsby Benevolent Fund’s 60th anniversary parking lot party went off without a hitch.
“The day went fantastic. There was a power outage which meant the store was evacuated and unfortunately was not open for most part of the afternoon,” said executive director Stacy Elia.
“We raised over $91,000 by the community, Ever Hopeful Fund donated $60,000 and a match gift of $60,000 with a grand total of $211,000 in 60 days. This number will go up by a bit as later donations and silent auction still had to be counted.”
Tons of prizes were up for grabs in a silent auction as part of the day’s proceedings.
ROBERT JAMES, Sales Representative Office: 905-945.1234
Email: robertjames@royallepage.ca
ST. HELEN CHURCH
4106 Mountain St., Beamsville ON.
Big Payout With Progressive Jackpot
Thursday, Oct. 2 - 11 am in the Church Great Hall
Jackpot $2,150 Hot Lunch - Sandwiches available at Noon Friday, Oct. 3 - 7:00 pm in the Church Great Hall
Jackpot $1,500 Fresh baked Pizza available at 6 pm
Also $$$ thousands $$$ in cash prizes every week Admission Free - Tea and Coffee Free
VICTORIA FAMILY DENTISTRY
ALL ASPECTS OF GENERAL DENTISTRY
3911 Victoria Avenue, Vineland, ON.
The inaugural Grimsby Economic Gala was hosted Saturday at Commisso Estate Winery with participants in the Town’s new Ambassador Program being recognized at the black tie gala. A few of those on hand were (L to R) Ambassadors Breckon Husband and Fiore Vacca with program architect Coun. Reg Freake and Mayor Jeff Jordan and ambassadors David Arkell, Nick Ciccone and Chris Di Lillo.
Grimsby Economic Gala a success on all fronts
We accept the CDCP Government Dental Plan
The inaugural Grimsby Economic Gala had it all Saturday night - a winery grand opening, public unveiling of the Town’s new ambassadors and fundraising for McNally House Hospice. By all accounts, it was a success on all fronts.
Mixed in with the dinner, music, silent and live auctions was recognition of the new ambas-
sors, which include:
• David Arkell, president & CEO, 360 Energy Inc.;
• Murray Bain, vice-president of Marketing, Stanpac;
• Nick Ciccone, training director, LIUNA! Local 837;
• Chris Di Lillo, founder & president, Di-Mond Sales Inc.;
• Azam Foda, president & CFO, DeciZens Inc.;
• Jim Hills, CEO, VTR Feeder Solutions;
• Breckon Husband, SVP & team leader, AON Canada
• Tony Joosse, VP of operations, Battlefield Equipment Rentals;
• Fiore Vacca, Vice President, Norstar Windows and Doors
• Wael Zaghloul, Founder & Entrepreneur, WZ Solutions Canada Inc.
25091GM2
Navigating a postal strike: payment and contact options in West Lincoln
In light of ongoing labour negotiations between Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), West Lincoln residents are encouraged to explore the Township’s many available payment and contact methods.
The Township strongly recommends enrolling in paperless billing to ensure uninterrupted access to your water and tax bills and to ensure timely payment management.
Customers are also encouraged to take advantage of the many options to pay their tax and water bill. Options can be viewed at www.westlincoln.ca. Due dates to consider:
September 29: Second installment of the Final Tax Bill
November 3: Third quarter Water Bill
Please remember, it is your responsibility to pay your Township bills by the due date. Penalty and interest charges will continue to apply if payments are late. Do not mail your payment if a strike or lockout is expected or occurring.
Third quarter water bills are due per the above noted due date. Bills can be picked up in-person at Township Administration or inquiries for balances due can be made over the phone.
Parking tickets can be paid in-person at Township Administration or left in the secure drop box in the envelope provided.
Urgent documents for the Township can be submitted via email or through the secure drop box located at Township Administration. Please refer to the Township directory at www.westlincoln.ca for departmental emails.
During a strike, notices that would typically be sent by mail will be hand delivered to affected properties and/or advertised in newspapers to comply with legislative requirements.
Please respond to any notices by email, phone or in person. As always, news and notices will continue to be available on the Township website.
For questions or assistance, please call the Township at 905-957-3346. For notifications and important updates, remember to follow the Township of West Lincoln on Facebook, X and Instagram @TWPWestLincoln.
• W.E.T.T. Inspections
• Sales, Installation & Service of Wood Stoves, Inserts & Liners
• Stainless Steel Chimneys
• Chimney Fire Service
• Diagnostics & Video Scanning
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
One of the most respected politicians in Ontario’s history Jim Bradley - died last week after a brief illness.
Bradley’s political career spanned 55 years after first being elected to St. Catharines City Council in 1970 at the age of 25. Later, he was elected a Member of Provincial Parliament from 1977 to 2018 - the secondlongest tenure in Ontario’s history. He was elected to regional council and made chair in 2018.
Bradley was highly respected by all.
“I first met Jim in 1990 while preparing for the National Softball Championship. We reconnected again in 2018 at Regional Council. He always had kind words, great advice and a welcoming smile. Jim was a consensus builder, a mentor and tremendously respected across every political stripe. His passing is a loss to all of Niagara,” said Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan.
West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann agreed.
“Everybody has said a lot of nice things about Jim Bradley and it’s all true. He had integrity. He was knowledgable and he would share that. He had a great sense of humour,” said Ganann. “He was a genuinely nice person.”
Niagara Reg. Chair Jim Bradley with Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton at the ribbon cutting for Main Street Jordan in November 2024.
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.
Grimsby
West Lincoln
Rose Cottage launches new caregiver program
By Jessica Barton
starting Oct 21.
This peer-led program will be running biweekly to help caregivers in need of support. The sessions will continue indefinitely, for as long as there is demand for the programs continues to exist.
Brooke Hollinrake, the manager of client services at Rose Cottage, said this is a great opportunity so “individuals and caregivers can come and learn practical strategies from
others in similar situations as them, who understand what they go through.”
The program will consist of hour-long sessions which allow caregivers to interact with one another, with the hopes of finding support, community, validation, and perhaps even new skills to help them in their daily lives.
“We want to put their needs at the forefront, even just for an hour.” Hollinrake said, “We see not only the impact we have but how we can be there for the caregivers. It’s such an important position.”
Hollinrake hopes this program will run for as long as possible, after a successful trial run of the program this past summer was received
positively.
“Support is the biggest thing they need”, she said on the need for giving caregivers a safe-space to be empowered, “They are often overlooked, and we want to support them.”
Anyone can join the program as needed, however members must pre-register in order to provide the proper privacy and the “sanctity of the group”, as Hollinrake described.
The program runs biweekly, with the first session being Tues. Oct. 21 from 10-11a.m. at the Rose Cottage, located at 4289 Hixon Street in Beamsville. To register, you can call or email Brooke Hollinrake at 289-566-9588 and bhollinrake@rosecottagevolunteers.com.
HAT TRICK HOCKEY IS BACK!! 30th Year
$5 To Enter - FINAL Entry Deadline 5 pm, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025
Yes, we have a mail slot in our NEW Office!!! 45 Main St. W., Grimsby, across from Giant Tiger
HOW TO PLAY:
1. Choose ONE player from EACH letter group below for a total of twenty players. Each player gains one point per goal or assist received. At the end of the regular season, the grand prize will be awarded to the entrant with the most points on his or her team.
2. Use last year’s statistics as a guide to make your best GM judgment. The contests runs through the 2025-26 regular season with prizes awarded as shown. You could win just by entering the contest! Watch NewsNow for regular standings & prizes.
MAIL** OR SUBMIT THE ENTRY FORM BELOW. **Entries must be received at45 Main St. W.. by the contest registration deadline.
Weekly Random Prizes
• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Tim Horton’s - Nicholson Group
• Large, 3-Item Pizza, Pick-Up Only, courtesy of Gino’s Pizza, Grimsby
• $15 gift certificate courtesy of Jordan’s Flowers, Grimsby
• $15 Gift Certificate, courtesy of The Judge & Jester, Grimsby
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Canadian Tire Grimsby
• $15 Gift Card courtesy of Memphis Fire Barbecue Company, Winona
• 2 Tickets to a Grimsby Peach Kings game, courtesy of Grimsby Peach Kings
Grimsby 905-945-4478
Grand Prize
Sponsored By:
The winner of the 2025-26 Hat Trick Hockey Contest will receive a cash payment of $2,000, OR a Cup Finals Adventure* for 2 - courtesy of Teddy’s Sports Bar & NewsNow. *If scheduling allows
2nd Prize
$250 Giant Tiger gift certificate
“You’ve got to go North to taste the South” 30 Main St. West, Grimsby
3rd Prize
$50 Giant Tiger gift certificate
Four (4) ticketsWITH limousine Montreal vs Toronto Saturday, Dec. 6 7 pm Game Time Early Bird Deadline Wed., Oct. 8/25 4 p.m.
36 Main St. West, Grimsby 16 Main St. W., Grimsby 289-439-3737
17 Main St. E., Grimsby 905-945-8744
Grimsby’s Finest Flowers
Grimsby Square Plaza
This feature sponsored by these community businesses
2024-25 PLAYER STATS TEAM Games Goals Assists Total
q A1. Nikita Kucherov TBL 78 37 84 121
q A2. Nathan MacKinnon COL 79 32 84 116
q A3. Leon Draisaitl EDM 71 52 54 106
q A4. David Pastrnak BOS 82 43 63 106
q A5. Connor McDavid EDM 67 26 74 100
q B1. Mitch Marner VGK 81 27 75 102
q B2. Jack Eichel VGK 77 28 66 94
q B3. Clayton Keller UTA 81 30 60 90
q B4. Artemi Panarin NYR 80 37 52 89
q B5. Mikko Rantanen DAL 82 32 56 88
q C1. Cale Makar COL 80 30 62 92
q C2. William Nylander TOR 82 45 39 84
q C3. Robert Thomas STL 70 21 60 81
q C4. Auston Matthews TOR 67 33 45 78
q C5. Kirill Kaprizov MIN 79 31 43 74
q D1. Kyle Connor WPG 82 41 56 97
q D2. Nick Suzuki MON 82 30 59 89
q D3. Jesper Bratt NJD 81 21 67 88
q D4. Martin Necas COL 79 27 56 83
q D5. Jason Robertson DAL 82 35 45 80
q E1. Sidney Crosby PIT 80 33 58 91
q E2. Brandon Hagel TBL 82 35 55 90
q E3. Sam Reinhart FLA 79 39 42 81
q E4. Quinn Hughes VAN 68 16 60 76
q E5. J.T. Miller NYR 72 22 48 70
q F1. Dylan Strome WAS 77 29 53 82
q F2. Brayden Point TBL 77 42 40 82
q F3. Tim Stützle OTT 82 24 55 79
q F4. Sebastian Aho CAR 79 29 45 74
q F5. Evan Bouchard EDM 82 14 53 67
q G1. Mark Scheifele WPG 82 39 48 87
q G2. Lucas Raymond DET 82 27 53 80
q G3. Jake Guentzel TBL 80 41 39 80
q G4. Travis Konecny PHI 82 24 52 76
q G5. Seth Jarvis CAR 73 32 35 67
CONTEST RULES: Please read.
2025-26 PLAYERS TEAM Games Goals Assists Total
q H1. Jack Hughes NJD 62 27 43 70
q H2. Drake Batherson OTT 82 26 42 68
q H3. Matvei Michkov PHI 80 26 37 63
q H4. Kirill Marchenko CBJ 41 25 31 56
q H5. Elias Pettersson VAN 64 15 30 45
q I1. Adrian Kempe LAK 81 35 38 73
q I2. Matt Boldy MIN 82 27 46 73
q I3. Tage Thompson BUF 76 44 28 72
q I4. Connor Bedard CHI 82 23 44 67
q I5. Dylan Holloway STL 77 26 37 63
q J1. Filip Forsberg NSH 82 31 45 76
q J2. Aleksander Barkov FLA 67 20 51 71
q J3. Nazem Kadri CGY 82 35 32 67
q J4. Macklin Celebrini SJS 70 25 38 63
q J5. Adam Fox NYR 74 10 51 61
q K1. Wyatt Johnston DAL 82 33 38 71
q K2. Jordan Kyrou STL 82 36 34 70
q K3. Cole Caufield MON 82 37 33 70
q K4. Nico Hischier NJD 75 35 34 69
q K5. Brady Tkachuk OTT 72 29 26 55
q L1. Dylan Larkin DET 82 30 40 70
q L2. Alex DeBrincat DET 82 39 31 70
q L3. JJ Peterka UTA 77 27 41 68
q L4. Rasmus Dahlin BUF 73 17 51 68
q L5. Marco Rossi MIN 82 24 36 60
q M1. Zach Werenski CBJ 81 23 59 82
q M2. John Tavares TOR 75 38 36 74
q M3. Lane Hutson MON 82 6 60 66
q M4. Victor Hedman TBL 79 15 51 66
q M5. Logan Cooley UTA 75 25 40 65
q N1. Matt Duchene DAL 82 30 52 82
q N2. Alex Ovechkin WAS 65 44 29 73
q N3. Roope Hintz DAL 76 28 39 67
q N4. Josh Morrissey WPG 80 14 48 62
q N5. Mika Zibanejad NYR 82 20 42 62
1. Points are awarded for each goal and assist gained in the NHL by the selected players.
2. Limit of 1 entry per person.
Name: City: Ph: Address: E-mail:
2025-26 PLAYERS TEAM Games Goals Assists Total q O1. Bryan Rust PIT 71 31 34 65
q O2. Dylan Guenther UTA 70 27 33 60
q O3. Vincent Trocheck NYR 82 26 33 59
q O4. Connor McMichael WAS 82 26 31 57
q O5. Quinton Byfield LAK 81 23 31 54
q P1. Anze Kopitar LAK 81 21 46 67
q P2. Alex Tuch BUF 82 36 31 67
q P3. Ryan Donato CHI 80 31 31 62
q P4. Kevin Fiala LAK 81 35 25 60
q P5. Sean Monahan CBJ 54 19 38 57
q Q1. Pierre-Luc Dubois WAS 82 20 46 66
q Q2. Nikolaj Ehlers CAR 69 24 39 63
q Q3. Jonathan Huberdeau CGY 81 28 34 62
q Q4. Jake Sanderson OTT 80 11 46 57
q Q5. Carter Verhaeghe FLA 81 20 33 53
q R1. Mark Stone VGK 66 19 48 67
q R2. Aliaksei Protas WAS 76 30 36 66
q R3. Jared McCann SEA 82 22 39 61
q R4. Kent Johnson CBJ 68 24 33 57
q R5. Steven Stamkos NSH 82 27 26 53
q S1. Tomas Hertl VGK 73 32 29 61
q S2. Matthew Knies TOR 78 29 29 58
q S3. Bo Horvat NYI 81 28 29 57
q S4. Noah Dobson MON 71 10 29 39
q S5. Mathew Barzal NYI 30 6 14 20
q T1. Nick Schmaltz UTA 82 20 43 63
q T2. Matthew Tkachuk FLA 52 22 35 57
q T3. Jonathan Marchessault NSH 78 21 35 56
q T4. Brock Nelson COL 80 26 30 56
q T5. Brock Boeser VAN 75 25 25 50
and agree to be
Hat Trick’s Early Bird deadline approaches, Oct. 8
The Early Bird deadline for NewsNow’s Hat Trick Hockey is coming quickly - next Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 4 p.m.
All submissions for the contest by that deadline will be eligible for a trip for four to the Montreal Canadiens-Toronto Maple Leafs game on Saturday, Dec. 6 - with limo transportation to the game.
Entries must be received in the NewsNow office at 45 Main St. W. by 4 p.m. that day. There
is a mailslot in the office door, so entries can be dropped off any time of day or night outside of office hours.
The office is open MondayThursday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Entrants can hold off, should they choose, and submit their entries by the final deadlineTuesday, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m..
This year, the overall winner will have an option of going to a Stanley Cup final game or taking a $2,000 cash pay out,
sponsored by NewsNow and Teddy’s Sport Bar. Second and third place prizes - $250 and $50 gift certificates - are sponsored by Giant Tiger Grimsby. Weekly prizes are sponsored by Tim Horton’s - Nicholson Group; Jordan’s Flowers; The Judge & Jester; Canadian Tire Grimsby; Memphis Fire Barbecue - all $15 gift certificates; A large, 3-Item pizza, pick-up only, Gino’s Pizza, Grimsby, and; two tickets to a Grimsby Peach Kings game.
Imagination only limitation at Fling off King
Live tunes, great eats, enchanted characters and a great smalltown atmosphere greeted attendees at Saturday’s Fling off King in Beamsville.
The Town of LIncoln and Beamsville Bench BIA event had a little bit of everything to keep the young and young at heart entertained.
It helped that the forecast rain did not impact the event as big crowds flowed through all day.
Sisters Autumn, 7, and Arya Gerritsen, 9, paint pumpkins at just one of the many interactive booths hosted at Lincoln’s Fling Off King.
Photos By Evan Loree
Mia Aslani, 4, observes the flowers braided in amongst Rapunzel’s long blonde locks.
Heather Gravel takes a sample of daughter Lexie’s, 5, ice cream.
A performer costumed as Bluey Heeler sprays children with bubbles at show-goers.
Mom Nicole Esguerra, Oliver, 9, and Nathan,6, show off some fresh fried Potato Tornados.
Cassandra Allingham, son Jaxson and husband Mike play with a mix of rice and water at a water table set up for children at the Bethesda Services booth at the Fling off King.
Fresh start for Beamer Conservation Area plan
Community to play key role in plan for Beamer Conservation evolution
By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority will be tapping the trees of local knowledge and wisdom as it develops a management plan to balance nature conservation with community use at the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby.
“We want to engage the community and have them see themselves in this plan and know that Beamer will meet their needs and remain protected in perpetuity,” Eric Baldin, NPCA manager conservation areas land planning told 50 people Tuesday at the Elizabeth Street Pumphouse in Grimsby.
Baldin said while work was initiated two years ago, the management plan now underway is starting at ground level. “We want to build on the success of tonight and keep the community engaged and excited about the plan.”
September 2023, the NPCA cancelled the proposed Beamer enhancement plan in response to negative public feedback and a subsequent motion passed by Grimsby Council in August of that year. The plan was intended to address accessibility, parking and safety issues. Those needs will now
be rolled into a multiyear management plan process.
“This is not a continuation of the meeting in 2023,” independent facilitator Glenn Pothier, president, G.L. Pothier Enterprises told last week’s meeting.
“You are here and on the ground floor of this initiative plan. This is the first meeting of a new process,” Pothier said.
The plan is expected to take one to two years to develop due to the area’s unique features and planning requirements. Field work and a draft plan will be developed this year through to 2026. The final plan is expected to be done during 2026 to 2027 and implementation is targeted for 2027.
Kerry Royer, NPCA specialist conservation areas land planning (centre), takes notes as community members in one of four breakout groups. The group shared experiences and ideas to shape the future of the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area. McDonald -
“I appreciate how they’re looking at this property from a high altitude and using parameters of the Conservation Authority’s strategic plan,” said local naturalist Bruce Mackenzie. “They’re looking at the whole property and all of the issues rather than one or two.”
Former NPCA board vice chair from 2019 to 2022, Mackenzie is a member of the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club and co-coordinator of the Grimsby Wetlands with his wife Laurie.
“Whatever is going to develop, it appears it will be developed with everyone involved from the beginning,” Mackenzie said. “It’s a very good spirit in the room.”
Asked who should be involved in the
Photo
planning process, audience members said they’ve been at this a few times, that the meeting’s message was good, and they don’t want to get to the municipal election and have the process lost. They want to see it through to completion.
They shared their love for Beamer as a sanctuary that is not overdeveloped and is good for mental health and wellness; as needing improvements to washrooms and garbage pickup; and with challenges including parking and safety.
Four breakout groups shared experiences and ideas to help shape the future of Beamer. Baldin said meetings with key partners are ongoing and community en-
gagement will be included in every phase. “If we need extra time, we will do that.”
Beamer is one of the region’s most treasured natural spaces.
Named after John and Anna Beamer who settled on the property in 1790, it was acquired by the NPCA in 1964 and is now the second most visited recreation site averaging 5000 visits per month.
With panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, it’s a popular location for observing the annual spring hawk migration and a vital area within the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, featuring cliffs, sedimentary rock, two waterfalls and diverse native plant species.
The plan, a long-term strategy, guided by the NPCA’s Conservation Areas Strategy, will assess current conditions of the property, identify challenges, and set goals to balance ecological preservation with infrastructure improvements and recreational opportunities.
Throughout the planning process, the NPCA will work closely with community partners and members to ensure the vision and objectives of the plan reflect the current priorities.
A summary of the information session will be posted and community members can share their thoughts on an online survey, available until December, at getinvolved.npca.ca/ beamer-managementplan
7th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive
“Were it left to me to decide if we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
Thomas Jefferson, 1787
(Couldn’t we use more of that thinking south of the border right now)
We are about to complete our 13th year of serving our dedicated readers and advertisers in Niagara West! That seems hard to believe, but it’s true. Just like every stitch of content you read in our pages. We’ve tried to shoot photos at every community event, expose serious stories which were very much in the public’s interest, and let all know the goings on for our great services club and community groups. If you’re looking to social media for information, good luck. It’s a cesspool of misinformation. In short, if it moves, we’re on it! And we still have a lot to do. By helping us out with a voluntary subscription you can support that goal
Is NewsNow’s independent, accurate voice in the community of value to you? Would you like to support NewsNow in its efforts? This is your opportunity.
Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week –receive your copy of NewsNow - whether that be with Canada Post or if we have our own carrier force. That will NOT change!!!!
Subscriptions:
One Year - $50 suggested
We will back HST out of each payment to make things as simple as possible. You can pay by cheque (bring into the office or mail), credit card (call Catherine at 289-235-9500) or e-transfer (send to: subscriptions@wn3.ca - make security answer - newsnow ) For more information, please do not hesitate to call, email or drop in. All inquiries are welcome!!
Thanks very much for your time and wishes of good health to you all!
45 Main Street West, L3M 1R3, Grimsby • 289-235-9500
Mike Williscraft Publisher
West Lincoln Firefighters
Snacks, safety tips at West Lincoln Fire’s open houses
ford,
the inside of a makeshift shed set up to teach kids about navigating through smoke.
(Right) Xavier Stevens was having too much fun jumping inside a bouncy castle at the Station 2 firehall in Caistor.
Photos
By
Evan Loree
(Left) Leiandra Beck-
2, explores
Family and friends (L to R) Erin Carruthers and Quinn Harthun - with Paisley and Summer Long - meet two-yearold Lab-cross Donna, who is up for adoption at the Niagara Humane Society.
Levi Amos, 5, and volunteer firefighter Clayton Sisler practice their aim with the firehose during an open house - which included free breakfast - at West Lincoln’s Station 2 in Caistor on Saturday.
Shauna Boyle of Smithville helps herself to some breakfast at the Caistor fire hall.
Volunteer firefighters Adam Deroches, left, and Mason Clark doff their gear at Station 1 Smithville.
(Top Left) Tess Long, 9, dresses up her hot dog lunch at Smithville’s Station 1 Open House.
Lt. John Vajda grills the ‘dogs at the Smithville fire station’s annual open house on Saturday.
West Lincoln Firefighters
Clayton
Dave Kuzmich
Jake Carruthers
Dave Pyett
Chris Nokes
Graeme
Adam Vandenberg
Jason
Lincoln Firefighters
Tim Kitson Wade Poziomka
Zsolt Matyas
kotuza, Edward
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edward Kotuza on September 11, 2025, in his 91st year.
Beloved husband of Jennie for 66 years. Dear father of Joanne, Greg and his wife Susanne, and proud and devoted Papa of Lukas and Samantha.
He was predeceased by his sisters Olga (late Joe Holowka), and Anna (late John Ozimok), brother-in-law Joseph (late Marilyn), and is survived by his sister-in-law Mary (late Alex), brother-in-law Edward (late Suzanne), and sisterin-law Pauline, and many nieces and nephews.
Edward was a retired employee of General Refractories, and a life-long member of St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church.
Much thanks goes to Father Christopher Gillen, for his prayers, comfort and support. Thanks to all those who supported us in various ways during this difficult time. We would also like to thank all the doctors, nurses, PSWs, and the McNally House Hospice Staff for their care and compassion.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church, Smithville, Wednesday September 17, at 3:00 p.m. with burial to follow.
If desired, donations to St. Martin of Tours Church or McNally House Hospice, or charity of your choice can be made by contacting Merritt Funeral Home (905) 957-7031.
CARS
CArs, truCks, old farm machinery for scrap or repair. we pay cash. Flatbed service. 905-386-6181 or 289-686-5059.
PET SITTING
Dogs and Cats
Taylored to your needs. Daily, weekly, monthly. Care at your home or my home. References upon request. MaryAnn 905-516-5458
ORAM, Bryan Alfred
OBITUARIES
Sirko (SpytkowSky), Natalie
Sept. 9, 1940 - Sept. 18, 2025
Passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton.
Beloved husband of Joanne (nee Stewart) for 60 years.
Survived by sister, Rosemary (Keith) of England; brother-in-law of John (Linda) Stewart of Canada.
He will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends in Canada, England, Australia and New Zealand. Predeceased by brothers John (Joyce), Cecil (Daphne), Tony (Barbara) and sister Enid (Mike) of England; in-laws Donna (Bob), and Fred (Nancy) in Canada.
He was born in England and journeyed to Australia and New Zealand in 1963 where he met and married Joanne in 1965. He became a Canadian citizen in 1977, ten years after he emigrated to Canada and lived in Grimsby since then.
He was employed as a cabinetmaker in Hamilton for Danica Cabinets and Jan Cabinets until his retirement.
He enjoyed travelling in Canada and back to England as well as to Australia and New Zealand. He even managed to do a Caribbean cruise once.
He enjoyed sports like tennis, golf and badminton. In the 70’s - 80’s he coached and refereed for the Grimsby Town Youth Soccer Club and had several successful girls teams. There will be no visitation or service. Private internment at a later date.
Donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Canada, the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made to: www.canadiancremation.com
APT. FOR RENT
Newly reNovAted, sPACious 2 bdrm APt. in downtown Grimsby near Coronation Park on quiet cul de sac. Ground floor, includes new washer/ dryer and stove, plus fridge. 2 minutes from Food Basics. Beautiful backyard backs onto 40 Mile Creek. $2200 + hydro. Parking available. Call 289-4420352.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
struGGliNG with hurts, hANGuPs or hAbits?
“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 905945-9529
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Natalie Sirko (Spytkowsky) of Fairfield, Ohio (formerly of Beamsville, Ontario), on July 30th, 2025.
Natalie was born in Grimsby Ontario on June 22nd, 1959, the daughter of Carl and Myroslava Anna Spytkowsky. She attended BDSS and graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours BA in History in 1982. Natalie was the beloved wife of Steven Sirko and devoted mother of Stefan. Natalie lived and worked in the USA and enjoyed her career in Library Science at several libraries.
Natalie is lovingly cherished and remembered by her two sisters; Nadia Kulakowsky (Jan) of St. Catharines, Stephanie Larock (Blaine) of Beamsville and brother Roman Spytkowsky (Patricia) of Stoney Creek. She is survived by her mother Myroslava Anna Spytkowsky. Chocha Natalia will be sadly missed by her nieces and nephews.
In Memory of Aubrey HArper Heczko
June 16th, 2016 – oct. 5th, 2016
These words are just for you and comes with love to say, I think about you constantly, miss you more and more each day. To lose you left me devastated, but when I feel the pain, I only have to close my eyes and you’re with me once again.
A special smile, a special face, a special girl I can’t replace.
Memories are a gift to treasure, and mine of you Aubrey will last forever.
Forever loved - Grandpa Earl
SENIOR SUITE
900 sq ft. retirement suite. Ideal for a couple with private bath and kitchenette. Includes quality fresh-cooked meal according to your preferences, cleaning and laundry. Couple $2895. NO LEASE REQUIRED. 905-5156755. Fonthill West see: yellowpages. photos/365
Yard
Pruning, pots, patio
brush
lawn seeding/fertilizing, power wash, windows, salt delivery & more. Licensed. Insured. Call Chris 289-407-2325
$$ CASH PAID $$
DO YOUR FALL CLEANING NOW! I pay it for all your old hockey mags, books, hockey news, programs, ticket stubs and cards. Tim 905510-3658 - Beamsville.
WORKSHOP
“R EPURPOSING YOUR GRAMMA’S DOILIES” WORkSHOP at the Erland Lee Museum, Stoney Creek, Saturday, October 4th 10 am to noon. Create a lovely wall, window or door hanger Cost $40.00. Pre-register at: barbarastones1915@ gmail.com or 905563-7274
Call Stephanie 905-945-1085 sewingwithstephanie@gmail.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT
SPECIALIzED IN CARPENTRY - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring, Power Washing, Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289-439-1485
CONCRETE 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. LPJ CONCRETE CONTRACTOR. Call 905-651-9462
HVAC Licensed Gas Technician • Installation, Service Maintenance
• Heating, Cooling, Gas Lines • Local Free Quotes • References upon request. Call Blake 365-889-7838
GREY ROCk MASONRY, chimney & porch repairs, interlock restorations, parging. Call: 905512-9565, info@ greyrockmasonry. com
ME AND MY WIFE PAINTING. We paint your home like it’s our home. Residential painting, door spraying, wall treatment, refinishing and painting household furniture. Specializing in small residential jobs. Call/text us for a quote today. Doug and Sylvana 905-979-2151
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
• Roofing • Siding
• Eavestrough • Soffit
• Gutter Guard • Fascia 30 years experience! Mike 905-598-5355
Truck blitz gets more trucks off local roads
Local law enforcement teams were out in force Sept. 22 conducting another truck blitz on Niagara West Roads.
The one-day initiative targeted commercial trucks and trailers diverting onto local bypass routes to avoid the Vineland MTO Inspection Station along the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW).
Officers performed detailed roadside checks to verify compliance with provincial commercial vehicle safety requirements and to help keep local roads safe.
The Town of Lincoln, Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS), Niagara Region, Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and Halton Regional Police Service, carried out its sixth coordinated enforcement effort this year.
The statistics from the recent initiative are:
• 36 vehicles comprehensively inspected;
• 12 vehicles were placed out of service;
• 36 Provincial Offence Notices (tickets) were issued, and;
• 2 licence plates seized.
In addition to the truck blitz, the Town of Lincoln also continued its partnership with Niagara Region to support the Town’s Truck Bypass Camera Monitoring Pilot Program.
The program came into effect in early 2023 and leverages advanced AI technology to monitor and detect commercial vehicles that bypass the Vineland Inspection Station on the QEW.
This safety initiative aligns
with Niagara Region’s Vision Zero plans to make Niagara’s roads and communities safer.
Data collected during these blitzes, as well as the Pilot Program, are helping the Town build a clearer picture of truck traffic patterns and inform future safety strategies. Lincoln remains committed to working with the MTO, NRPS, and Niagara Region to keep local roads safe.
For more on the Town’s truck traffic initiatives, visit Speak Up Lincoln. To learn more about Lincoln’s broader road safety measures—including community safety zones, pedestrian crossovers, speed bumps, and radar feedback signs— visit: Lincoln.ca.
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
Grab bag this week, folks
Lots going on so going to be a grab bag of updates this week I’m afraid.
First off, a grateful goodbye to a class act in Reg. Chair Jim Bradley, who died at age 80 after a brief illness last week. I had met Jim many times over the years going way back to our Queen’s Park visits during my days as Ontario Community Newspaper Association president.
per drops as we continue to do everything we can to make the paper as accessible for folks in the rural areas as possible. For the full list, please see Page 11, but here are the new locations as of today:
In West Lincoln
• Lowden’s Feed Supplies 7269 Hwy. 20
Smithville Pharmacy In Grimsby
128 St. Catharines St.
• Food Basics
More recently, I recall a great chat I had with him at the launch of the Prudhomme’s Landing project years ago. Jim was off in a corner seeming a bit bored so I went over to chat about one thing or another. I knew he was a Jays fan, so I brought them up and we talked away for a solid half an hour. He was a Blue Jays junkie.
measures needed to not just get the ship going in the right direction but to even stabilize it.
Going the way of the dodo...74 Main St. W. will be demolished and not replaced - opening a street view of the 40 Mile Creek as it rolls out to Lake Ontario.
An open vista waiting to happen
The fate of 74 Main St. W. was known in mid-September, but it was not confirmed publicly until last week. In fact, the property’s title has still not changed, so the sale to Niagara Region has yet to be finalized as of press time.
The building has been in significant disrepair for years, so seeing it demolished to open up a 40 Mile Creek vista will be a great asset to the community. Formal information from Niagara Region’s communications department was:
“Niagara Region has acquired this property in order to facilitate the reconstruction of the bridge on Main Street West over Forty Mile Creek. The building will be demolished and will not be replaced. The current priority is to complete the necessary studies and plans needed to demolish the building in a safe manner. Pending budget approval, detailed design for bridge construction could take place as early as 2027, with construction starting potentially as early as 2029. These timelines are always subject to change based on funding and project prioritization decisions made during the budget approval process.” M.W.
As West Lincoln Mayor Cheryl Ganann said, lots of people have great things to say about Jim and they’re all right. I can’t say it better than that.
Jim was a very good man and will be missed.
•
• • • Canada Post. See ya! Man, I’ve mentioned in this space many times, the union vastly overplayed its hand and failed to read the economic room in any way. Now, the result has set up the 55,000 postal workers to lose - I don’t know - 80 per cent of their jobs?? It’s painfully clear the financial model for the Crown corporation is not sustainable, yet, the union would not work with management to allow the key
Gushing more cash from the strike over last Christmas and ongoing uncertainty created by refusing overtime - and more recently refusing to distribute flyers and Neighbourhood Mail - pushed the government to act...and act they did.
Now the moratorium on closure for rural post offices and the switch to super boxes from home delivery have been lifted. I have no idea where the numbers will settle, but logic would dictate the vast majority of those 55,000 people will be out of a gig - and that is tragic. No ill will should be wished on any of them. They have been doing a job as millions of us do every day. For my money, the issue should be with the union which nudged them out into the rapids in a canoe with no paddle.
•
This week we have expanded our list of newspa-
63 Main Street West In Beamsville
• Premium Deli Meats4710 Bartlett Rd In Vineland • Avondale
3916 Victoria Ave.
If you have any suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact me: email: Mike@wn3.ca or cell - 289-442-4244
•
Last but not least, Hat Trick. We are less than a week away for entrants to get their submissions in by the Early Bird deadline of Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 4 p.m.
With Leafs-Habs - with limo - up for grabs, it will be interesting to see how many hockey fans ante up their pics in time. We have a mail slot in the door, so drop your entries in any time - along with the $5 entry fee per person.
Andrew Smith of iA Private Wealth is this year’s Early Bird sponsor and, if you get a call from me next Wednesday evening you’ll be getting your photo taken with him for our Oct. 9 edition!
MIKE WILLISCRAFT
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