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Transparency improved with written report vote
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
In an attempt to develop its focus of expanding transparency and accountability - at its Oct. 6 meeting - Grimsby council established a new policy to have reports made to all committees and task forces be included with agendas to “ensure consistent public access” to information.
The motion, brought by Coun. Veronica Charrois, stopped short of demanding all meetings be recorded - which could have solved an issue Coun. Delight Davoli noted has been an ongoing issue with Grimsby’s Business Improvement Area board of directors where she said there are no written reports, “only verbal.”
“I find it extremely hard – to actually know what happened at the meeting,” said Davoli.
Clerk Victoria Steele said written reports have always been preferred over verbal, but with the new policy, “We can remind them and do our best to move away from verbal updates.”
Davoli wanted to go a step further
to have written reports mandated to ensure the public has access to details of BIA affairs.
A key clarification with the expanded direction is it only addresses open session reports and it does not include either Grimsby Power Inc. or Niagara Power Inc. reports. Charrois noted her concern was See REPORT, Page 3
Green thumbs
Lyle and Janet Killins were among the volunteers who turned out in West Lincoln on Saturday morning to help out at Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s Twenty Mile Creek tree planting. This year, 12 such plantings were done across Niagara with about 11,000 trees being planted.
Province announces new hydro review panel
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
A new provincial hydro supply panel may make any debate about local distribution companies moot.
On Monday, Minister of Energy and Mines
Stephen Lecce announced the launch of the Panel for Utility Leadership and Service Excellence (PULSE) - a strategic advisory group mandated to ensure Ontario’s electricity distribution system can power the most competitive economy in the G7.
“Ontario’s aging and capacity-constrained distribution system requires a significant infusion of capital, with the Electricity Distribu-
tors Association (EDA) estimating $103–$120 billion over the next two decades to maintain existing assets. This level of investment for stronger and smarter power lines, digital grid management tools and new substations, dwarfs the current spending trajectory of most Local Distribution Companies (LDCs),” stated a release from Lecce’s ministry.
Grimsby Power Inc. and Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. are LDCs. The government is also seeking recommendations to end the vast disparity of service standards and connection timelines, including response times follow-
See REVIEW, Page 6
REPORT
From Page 1 not with the accuracy of minutes but wanted the package to be more complete with information for the public.
The motion, approved 5-4, states:
“Whereas residents and members of Council benefit from having access to the same information presented in open session; and Whereas not all Committees and Task Forces provide video recordings of their meetings, limiting the ability of residents and Council members who are not on those Committees to view the reports and presentations.
Therefore be it resolved that all reports and presentations considered in open session by Council, Standing Committees, Advisory Committees (save and except the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee), Task Forces and the Grimsby Downtown Business Improvement Area be included with the corresponding agenda to ensure consistent public access.”
Mayor Jeff Jordan and Councillors Charrois, Davoli, Jennifer Korstanje and Nick DiFlavio voted in favour.
Councillors Reg Freake, Don Howe, Lianne Vardy and
Jacob Baradziej opposed.
Vardy said she opposed the motion because she believed the Municipal Act provides enough guidelines to determine what gets recorded and the clerk should have the discretion to determine if there are any issues.
Vardy moved to have the matter deferred to allow for some refinement of the wording but that motion was defeated in a 6-3 vote.
The initial motion on the table did not include the BIA but that group was added to the mix after the discussion dealing with the verbalreport-only matter.
SCOTT WOODS
Christian Reformed Church 4845 King St., Beamsville
Donna’s Fashions
905-309-6549 • 11 Main St. West, Grimsby 289-897-8574 • 1450 Pelham Street, Fonthill www.donnasfashions.ca
The third annual Grimsby GLaM Gala - set for Friday, Nov 7 - is selling out quickly.
The event, which raises funds for Grimsby Public Art Gallery (GPAG), Grimsby Public Library, and Grimsby Museum will have great live music, food and an impressive silent auction, said
GPAG curator Sylvia Beben.
Tickets are $80 and can be purchased at any of the facility’s websites or at the library’s front counter. Doors open for the cocktail attire event at at 7 p.m. It will be hosted at GPAG and the library at 18 Carnegie Lane.
BEAMSVILLE LEGION
R.C.L. Branch 612 5545 King St., Beamsville 905-563-4612 EUCHRE Every Sat., 2:00 - 5:00 pm
REVIEW
From Page 1
-ing extreme weather events. PULSE will provide recommendations on investment frameworks, operational best practices, and regulatory reform planning.Their work will include:
• Recommending operational and customer service improvements across the system
• Identifying strategies to address rising financing gaps to fund electricity infrastructure
• Addressing barriers to attracting investments into municipally owned LDCs
• Reviewing ownership, governance and investment models that balance municipal interests, financial stability and system efficiency.
“Alongside our generational integrated energy plan, this review will help drive affordability by securing improvements in grid reliability, customer service standards for families, and economic development opportunities for communities – ensuring that our province is prepared,” said Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy Intensive Industries.
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Warrant issued in Lincoln death
An arrest warrant for second degree murder has been issued in connection with the death of a 27-year-old Brampton woman at Charles Daley Park last Tuesday, Oct. 21.
Manpreet Singh of Brampton is wanted in connection with the death of Amanpreet Saini of North York.
Niagara Regional Police investigators have
information to suggest that Singh fled the country shortly after Saini’s body was discovered at the park Tuesday morning. This is believed to have been a targeted attack with no ongoing threat to public safety.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NRPS, 905688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009451.
Public Notices:
Intention to Adopt 2026 Rates and User Fees & Charges
Under Strong Mayor Powers directive MDI-2025-01, the Mayor directed staff to prepare the 2026 budget and the budget deliberation process will commence on October 28, 2025 with the release of the Mayor’s proposed budget. As part of the Budget process, Council will consider the 2026 Fees and Charges By-law and the establishment of the 2026 rates and fees for all Town programs and services which includes rates and fees for Planning & Building, Water and Wastewater.
• The building permit rates cover the expenditures to administer the Building Code Act by the Town of Lincoln to deliver these services.
• The water and wastewater rates provide for the treatment/distribution of water and the collection/ treatment of wastewater and fund operating and capital expenditures associated with the Town’s water and wastewater systems.
• The Fees and Charges By-law sets the rates for all user-pay services
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
Information regarding the 2026 budget process, including meeting dates, is available at SpeakUpLincoln.ca/ 2026budget.
The Budget Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. will be the public meeting for the consideration of all the 2026 Rates and the 2026 Fees and Charges.
Members of the public are invited to submit written comments on agenda items by emailing clerks@lincoln.ca, or to request to speak at the meeting by completing the online delegation form at lincoln.ca/delegations. The public are invited to submit delegation requests and/or written comments related to items on the agenda to clerks@lincoln.ca no later than 9:00 a.m. on the Thursday before the scheduled meeting. All delegation submissions will be provided to the Mayor and Council prior to the meeting and will form part of the public record.
Members of the public can watch the meeting proceedings on the Town of Lincoln’s YouTube Channel.
Council’s consideration and adoption of the 2026 Rates, User Fees and Charges is anticipated to occur at the Council meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, with an effective date of January 1, 2026.
The Fees and Charges By-law may be approved in whole or in part at the above-noted Council meeting or any subsequent Council meeting. If the matter is considered at a subsequent meeting of Council, no additional notice will be provided.
Should approval of the 2026 Rates or Fees and Charges be deferred, no further notice is required if a public statement is made at the meetings of November 12, 2025, or November 17, 2025, that the matter has been deferred and the municipality now intends to adopt the 2026 Rates or Fees and Charges at a later Council meeting specified in the public statement.
Charlotte Tunikaitis | Director, Finance/ Treasurer
Re: Ward Boundary – Town of Lincoln By-Law 2025-28
The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) appeal related to the Ward Boundary Review has been withdrawn, after printing of the following public notice which was published in News Now on Thursday, October 23, 2025: Notice of Hearing and Case Management Procedural Directives PROCEEDING COMMENCED UNDER subsection 222(4) of the Municipal ct, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25
The file is now considered closed with the Ontario Land Tribunal.
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Furry friend
Dylann Dempsey spends some time with Jemmie, a newly adopted cat in the care of Beamsville 4Paw Rescue, at the organization’s Halloween Trick or Treat event at Beamsville Legion on Saturday. The event included a penny sale, Halloween pet photos, games, crafts and, of course, pet adoptions. Loree - Photo
Veterans honoured
Ten new Remembrance banners were installed along Clarke Street - between Ontario and Christie streets in Grimsby this week. Among those on hand for the unveiling were (L to R) Grimsby Legion president Tino Cipans, Mayor Jeff Jordan, banner program committee member Wayne Fertich, Coun. Reg Freake and long-time Legion member Dan Moore. McDonald - Photo
Ph: (905) 945-2323
Fx: (905) 945-3617 dimtsisdentistry@yahoo.com
905-309-6549 • 11 Main St. West, Grimsby www.donnasfashions.ca
Walk Safely
1. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
Tips
2. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross.
3. Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
4. Teach children to make eye contract with drivers before crossing in front of them.
5. Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings.
6. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
Trick or Treat With an Adult
1. Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
Keep Costumes Both Creative and Safe
1. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colours.
2. Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
3. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
4. When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
Open concept floor plans typically join the dining room, kitchen and living (great) room into
where sight lines are maximized and walls are minimal.
An open layout allows for better visual communication and awareness of one’s surroundings.
Benefit: Open concept plans make small spaces feel bigger. When smaller homes are broken up by walls, they can seem even smaller. By tearing down walls, one can trick the mind into thinking there is more square footage.
Drawback: The space may feel too large. An open concept floor plan in a large home can make interior spaces feel cavernous. A cozy
home can be difficult to achieve.
Benefit: Open concept plans facilitate the flow of natural light. Without walls to break up rooms, homeowners can maximize light coming in through their windows. This also may help to brighten darker rooms.
Drawback: Privacy can be hard to achieve. Unobstructed views from windows and doors can make it more challenging to create privacy when desired.
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fitzpatrick, roberta Beatrice
Passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital, on Friday, October 24, 2025, in her 76th year. Dear sister of John Fitzpatrick (Susan) and Doug Fitzpatrick (Sandra). Predeceased by her parents Ruby and Robert and by her brother Bobby. She will be lovingly remembered by her aunt Stella Manary and by many other family members and friends. Special thanks to Community Living - Grimsby Lincoln & West Lincoln for supporting and loving Bert for many years. Cremation has taken place. Visitation at STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (905-945-2755) on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 3-6 p.m. where the Service of Remembrance will take place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. If desired, memorial contributions to Community Living - Grimsby Lincoln & West Lincoln would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
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OBITUARIES
SmethurSt, mary marguerite (nee Walters)
Passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in her 97th year. Daughter of the late Robert and Gladys Walters and wife of the late Ronald J. Smethurst (1967). Loving mother of James Smethurst, Robert Smethurst (Addie), Nancy Smethurst, Kathleen Bryant (Eric) and Julie Lee (Glen). Grandmother of ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Bayshore PSW’s for their wonderful care of Mom during her time at home, United Mennonite Home for providing her comfort during her last days and to Wayne and Wendy MacArthur for all of your love to Mom over the years. Cremation has taken place. Mary was a long standing member of the Grimsby Legion Auxiliary and the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Grimsby Royal Canadian Legion Branch 127 . Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com
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Mayor’s Medals handed out
Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton gave community leaders their due recognition with Mayor’s medals during a ceremony last week. On hand to receive their award were: (L to R) Orson Sharpe – Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty; Francesco Bertola – Prudhommes Landing/FBH Ontario Inc.; Art Ellis, donated land which would become Jordan Museum; Nicole Regehr – Gillian’s Place executive director; Bryan Rose – Niagara Community Foundation; Mayor Easton; Alice Klamer - WLMH Foundation, Lincoln Rotary and more; Erin Graybiel – Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Niagara; Gabriel DeSantis - DeSantis Homes; Andrew Smith – WLMH Foundation. The Fleming Family was also recognized.
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Council gets written report demand right
For all its shortcomings, Grimsby council does get things right more often than not. The problem is the bad decisions and bad acting tends to overshadow any positives.
So it should be noted councillors did get something right this month when they pushed for written reports to be included with all committees in the Town.
information for the public to consume, should they choose. And that is why transparency - which can bring accountability with it - is a very good thing.
Halloween hospitality
Two-year-old Claire Donovan, left, with baby brother Caleb, and mom Linsey - stopping at Charlie’s Barbershop - were among those who turned out for Grimsby BIA’s Grimsboo event on Saturday. Downtown businesses chipped in with their Halloween hospitality for all the trick-or-treaters. Aside from treats, the event included pumpkin carving, games and other activities. Loree - Photo
Things that make you go, hmmm
It’s going to be interesting to see what direction this new Panel for Utility Leadership and Service Excellence (PULSE) established by the Province takes us. The idea is to review smaller suppliers to ensure they can handle projected hydro needs. In Grimsby, with limited growth possible due to Greenbelt and its up-to-date infrastructure, it won’t necessarily fit an amalgamation tack - if that is a goal of this new process. More next week... M.W.
Any heightened level of transparency is good for taxpayers, in any community - business and residential.
It was particularly interesting to note Coun. Delight Davoli’s comment about the Grimsby BIA and its board’s notorious tradition of only having verbal reports from all its directors.
This is something I have heard about on a recurring basis from downtown business owners who call me to find out what’s going on with the BIA.
I believe I have been to one meeting since our old board got turfed in a takeover, so I have no idea. This is what I tell people but that does not stop them from calling and complaining. Nobody wants to confront the board about it because they expect little in terms of response and they don’t want to be on anyone’s radar.
So, as the BIA has separated itself from traditional connections
with the Town itself, it has continued in its pattern of no information through its recording of minutes. If you care, go check minutes from the prior board and measure them against those of this group and see what communication should look like.
Anyway, that is just one body - and I suspect the minutes won’t change one iota until or if the Town takes some sort of stand to demand better information flow.
It is also important to note, we are talking about open session information here. If something is confidential for a closed session - as prescribed by the Municipal Actno harm, no foul. Those items would not and should not be included in minutes, for obvious reasons, but it still needs to be stated.
But to have written reports rolling through all the committees and such will be an added base of
Before I forget, we got tantalizingly close to our 1,000 goal with Hat Trick Hockey entries coming in just over 950 - the second highest total in the contest’s 30-year history. It was touch and go on having Week 1 results for this week, which we don’t, but I do expect to have the first set for the Nov. 6 edition.
We’ve had a ton of letters in the last several weeks about everything from the shared Grimsby/ Lincoln fire service dying on the vine, to the continued apparent rise in high-profile crime, to Grimsby Finance Committee power struggles.
I’ve been able to get some in, but I must apologize for not getting them published in a more timely fashion. I’ve been eyeball deep in this major publication we’re working on for West Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s big opening later in November, so a lot is getting pushed aside; only so many hours in a day. In the next week or two, I am just going to blow things out with a couple of full pages of letters to get things caught up, so watch for that.
MIKE WILLISCRAFT
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