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NewsNow needs you.
As you may or may not be aware, good reader, Canada Post workers are now in a legal strike position as of this Sunday, Nov. 3.
In the event of a work stoppage - the important news of our community, the largest fundraising and food drives for food banks of the year and other key information does not stop - and neither will NewsNow.
We have a solid circulation plan ready.
If there is a work stoppage of a length which will impact an edition, NewsNow will adjust:
• Carriers will provide door-to-door delivery in all urban areas of Niagara West;
• A large roster of store drops (grocery stores, coffee shops, seniors homes) will be set up to allow for anyone missed or who lives in a rural area to conveniently pick up a copy.
We have an excellent base set, but we need more carriers in all communities to ensure all routes are covered - particularly in Grimsby where there are more routes than all the other routes of all the other communities combined.
Spooky and super
Hotwheels pit guy Easton Hannaford, 5, collects a sticker from Massiel La Girasol of The Yoga Vine Integrated Health Studio, during a halloween activity hosted by the Downtown Beamsville Bench Business Improvement Area on Saturday afternoon. Loree - Photo
Charges dropped vs Bylsma
By Mike Williscraft
Charges stemming from an alleged defiance of pandemic orders have been dropped against former West Lincoln Mayor Dave Bylsma. In April 2021, Bylsma was
charged with failing to comply with an order under Re-Opening Ontario Act and failing to
See DROPPED, Page 6
We are not looking for volunteers. Carriers will be paid 10 cents/copy. This would be a good fundraiser for a sports team, church or service club - any group, really. Some may want to help and donate their proceeds to their favourite charityjust a suggestion of possibilities.
Our ask:
ª Call our office, 289-235-9500, if you can help with a route in your neighbourhood. Papers will be dropped at your home on Wednesday for delivery that day or the next. Each route is designed to take 45 minutes to an hour.
• Email mike@wn3.ca with your name, address and phone number.
We will provide elastics to roll and wrap papers so they don’t blow away - no plastic bags.
Please take the time to consider helping out - if need be. We would really apprecate it. M.W.
Lincoln approves $18.5 M for 2025 capital budget
By Evan Loree NewsNow
An early draft of Lincoln’s 2025 capital budget forecasts about $18.5 million.
Staff presented councillors with an overview of the draft at a budget committee meeting Monday night.
The biggest piece of the pie is a $9.2 million investment in road infrastructure, according to presentation materials provided by director of finance Charlotte Tunikaitis.
The budget also lists:
• $1 million for parks and recreational projects;
•Nearly $4 million for fire services and sewers, and;
• $350,000 for town vehicles, computers and buildings.
As well, $4 million is planned to cover aquisition and expected improvements to the former Beamsville District Secondary School site, which the
Town bought earlier this year.
Coun. Mike Mikolic said the purchase price of the old school was about $2.85 million, leaving $1.15 million of capital improvements.
Tunikaitis said the extra funds were there to prepare for any future costs tied to the BDSS purchase.
The most expensive project in the 2025 capital budget is road work on Greenlane between Lincoln Avenue and Cedarbrook Lane - $11.5 million.
Coun. Adam Russell was concerned about taking on debt to pay off the cost of the Greenlane road work over the course of 30 years and asked if it could be paid off in 10 years.
Tunikaitis said 76 per cent of the debt accumulated by the project would be paid off using development charges, and the remainder would be paid for via the tax levy.
If theTown tried to pay it off in 10 years, it would have to pull an additional $325,000 a year from the development charges reserve to make it happen.
Tunikaitis “wouldn’t recommend” withdrawing such high amounts to get the project paid off faster.
The committee endorsed the capital budget and its three per cent increase, but asked staff to report back on the Greenlane roadwork, pedestrian bridge replacements connecting Tamarac and West Avenues in Beamsville and a drainage assessment on Sann Road. The result will be $62 more for a home with an average assessment of $383.000.
The committee also asked staff to report back on alternative materials for the construction of the Tamarac bridge.
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Your Front Line Tours Package Includes:
• Flight with WestJet from Toronto (evening flight-late arrival) to Deer Lake, NL & return flight from St. John’s, NL to Toronto (option to book your own flights).
• Local Guide from Newfoundland & professional driver for tours duration.
• 10 Nights Accommodations. • 19 meals: 8 dinners, 1 boxed lunch, 10 breakfasts.
• Visits & activities included:
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Park, Grenfell Heritage Properties, Gros Morne National Park – including a scenic boat tour (weather permitting), North Atlantic Aviation Museum, Twillingate, Long Point Lighthouse, Prime Berth Fishing & Heritage Centre, explore Iceberg Alley with the award-winning boat tour, Iceberg Quest, Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site, Capital City of St. John’s including a city tour, Signal Hill National Historic Site, Bay Bulls to board a boat tour of Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, Cape Spear National Historic Site.
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Your Front Line Tours Package Includes:
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• City tour & dinner cruise on the General Jackson in Nashville. City tour & Jazz Brunch Buffet at the Court of Two Sisters in New Orleans. • Visit to the Strand, Galveston’s National Historical Landmark, for free time to shop & dine!
• In Houston, City Tour, Admission to NASA Space Centre. In San Antonio, Scenic night tour including River Walk Cruise in San Antonio, admission to The Alamo. Texas Hill County & Lyndon B. Johnson Full Day Tour, including stops at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site, The Texas White House, Fredericksburg, Luckenbach & Sister Creek Vineyards. In Fort Worth, visit to Sundance Square Plaza, Hell’s Half Acre/The Wild Bunch, JFK Tribute Memorial, Water Gardens & Stockyards National Historic District. In Dallas, visit South Fork Ranch where the show Dallas was filmed, Bush Presidential Library, travel the Motorcade Route, Dealey Plaza/Grassy Knoll, Neely House, Oswald Rooming House, Texas Theatre (site if Officer J.D. Tippit’s assassination, Bishop Arts District/ Oswald Mural). Dinner at Guesthouse at Graceland Hotel -only.
As
into her pumpkin.
Loree - Photo
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$2,499 pp twin 10 days - 9 nights april 24th - May 3th, 2025 Sept.20th - Sept. 29th, 2025 Your Front Line Tours Package Includes: • 9 nights accommodations
• 2 nights on route
• 7 nights in a Oceanfront. One Bedroom Suite at The Breakers Myrtle Beach Resort
• (Rooms have 2 Queen Bedroom, and separate living room with kitchen).
• Meals Included: 9 Breakfast, 5 Dinners
• Amazing Musical Entertainment Show
• Dinner & amp; Sight Seeing Cruise on the Barefoot Queen Riverboat.
• Day trip to Charleston!
• Walk and explore the Grand Strand on your own & enjoy the beach.
• Visit to pretty Murrell’s Inlet.
• Mini put outing. Scheduled Shopping Shuttles. Take a stroll to local fishing Pier (Bait & Fishing Rods available to rent) We have room for your golf clubs!
We would like to congratulate Dr. Mayanna Burmeister on her semi-retirement!
After 29 years of caring for your pets, Dr. B is excited to start this new chapter in her life.
We thank her for everything she has contributed to the veterinary community, and the mark she has left on pet parents at Livingston Animal Hospital.
Dr. B’s dedication to Grimsby pets has always been a gold standard in pet care and we, as staff, have always been proud to call her a mentor.
Don’t worry, she isn’t ready to give up clinic life entirely. She will still be available by appointment here at Livingston two days a week.
Dr. Burmeister didn’t choose just anyone to take over the clinic. She has passed the torch to someone who shares the same values in
veterinary medicine and has the same passion for client service.
Dr. Dianne Pillitteri joined us a few months back performing surgeries and treating your beloved pets.
Dr. Dianne graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2014 and has been practicing small animal surgery and medicine for the last decade in the Burlington and Halton area.
Growing up in the Niagara Region, Dr. Dianne is excited to be providing care to patients in this wonderful community and looks forward to meeting many new faces.
Join us here at Livingston Animal Hospital in welcoming Dr. Dianne and congratulate both her and Dr. Burmeister on these exciting new chapters they are about to embark on.
DROPPED
From Page 1 comply with an order made during an emergency. He said he attended the gathering in St. Catharines to support small businesses which had been closed down.
Bylsma said this week about 50 similar charges in western Canada were also withdrawn.
“Usually when charges are withdrawn there are no deals. Now, everyone wants to look like they are a winner. There was a bit about a donation to a women’s shelter, but when you withdraw, there is no deal,” said Bylsma.
“They want to spin it like a deal was made, To be clear, I didn’t have to to do it, but I did make a donation to a women’s shelter in
Niagara Falls that I had made a donation to before. I have no problem making the donation. I am happy to do it.” Bylsma made his donation to Birchway Niagara. He did not disclose the amount.
In retrospect, Bylsma said much of the ordeal had political motivations behind it.
“They never had a thing. I never spent a day in court. Whenever it got close, it just got kicked down the road until there was nowhere else to go, then it was withdrawn,” said Bylsma, adding he is glad to put the COVID era behind him.
“We need to move on as a community. Many people were charged. It was a bad chapter in the history of our country.
Dr. Dianne Pillitteri with Dr. Mayanna Burmeister.
It will be a scary scene on Main Street East in Grimsby this Halloween.
Rebecca Mullin and her Desjardins Insurance crew at 259
Main St. E. - just east of Park Road - will be decked out in their scary best all in support of Grimsby Benevolent Fund.
The yard will be
set up with a series of haunted houses which will run Oct. 30-31 from 6-10 p.m.
to community development and as your Councilor he is dedicated to quality public services to all West Lincoln residents
“Smithville is
“It is six themed tents – circus, zombies, spiders, scarecrows, asylum and evil,” said Mullin.
“We will have a smaller side drive for the “littles” that don’t want to be scared,” she added.
The event is free and open to all, but organizers are asking for a goodwill offering.
“We are asking for a donation for GBF to entry the haunted house. GBF is also providing bins to collect the food and money donation boxes for convenience,” Mullin noted.
As well as the haunted houses, visitors can also create a memento for the occasion.
“In addition to the haunted house we will have a photobooth set up,” Mullin said.
For more information, call 289-2357770.
Ready
this week’s “show” (L to R) Shelley Baker-Gracie, Paul MacDonnell, Rebecca Mullin, Randy Mullin and Melinda Lahie.
Spooky fun
(Above) Avery MacLaurin, 6, uses a sticky toy to pick up knickknacks at a Halloween activity hosted by the Beamsville Bench Downtown BIA.
(Right) Danae, 7, and brother Niko Wolos, 4, make bracelets at Rotary Park. Loree - Photo
Evan Roos 2024 Hat Trick Early Bird winner
Hat Trick Hockey is off and running - or skating as it were - for the National Hockey League season.
More than 800 entrants got their play picks in by the deadline.
“All the entries have now been sent off to the stats master who will input all the information. That typically takes a couple of weeks to file and double check, so we will have the first full week of standings for mid-November,” said NewsNow pubisher Mike Williscraft.
On Monday, members of The Home Team Realty - Renee and Jason Jacobs and Amanda Bieksa - dropped by the NewsNow office to present Evan Joos of Grimsby with his Early Bird prize of four tickets to see
his Toronto Maple Leafs while they take on his dad’s favourite team, the Detroit Red Wings on Friday, Nov. 8.
“It’s going to be fun. We’re looking forward to it,” said Evan.
Evan Roos is presented with Leafs-Red Wings tickets by Jason and Renee Jacobs and Amanda Bieksa of prize sponsor The Home Team Realty Group.
Tales of Lincoln’s agricultural roots
By Evan Loree NewsNow
Every town has its own origin story and Lincoln’s has deep roots in the agricultural industry.
“It all began 240 years ago,” Mary Lou Garr of Friends of Lincoln’s History, told about 40 people at a talk at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Oct. 9.
“White settlers first started farming in Lincoln during the American Revolution,” Garr said.
The British government sent 16 families to modern-day Lincoln to “grow what they could,” in support of British military efforts during the American revolution.
Many of these fami-
lies assumed they’d return to their homes across the border.
When the gunsmoke cleared there was no going home, Garr said.
Some of the Loyalist settlers sold their land to skilled German Men-
nonite farmers who moved to the area after the war.
The introduction of a railway under the escarpment in the 1860s gave the people who lived there quick access to a market of
consumers, and so they began ramping up fruit production, Garr said.
Communities above the escarpment were less lucky and “pretty much died” as a result, Garr said.
The fruit industry spawned offshoots.
In 1909, the Beamsville Basket Factory was established for pickers and farmers.
In 1884 the Ball corporation released the glass canning jar, giving rise to the canning industry.
Canning factories were reliable seasonal employers for women.
“Probably the biggest agricultural landscape change for the escarpment in 100 years has been the grape industry,” Garr said.
But the wine devel-
oped from those early grape harvests was “terrible,” she added.
It took some cross breeding with European grapes for Ontario to develop the wine grapes it uses today.
Farmers also began using chemical pesticides to help increase yields.
“I’m not sure any of us who were farming back then realized the danger of it,” Garr said, referring to the impact of pesticides on health and the environment.
Farmers have learned to use pesticide more safely over the years, she said, but it is “hard to go back.”
“The problem is consumers get spoiled.”
“They want perfect shape, they want perfect colour, they want
perfect condition. And they want it cheap,” Garr said.
The demand could not be met using organic farming practices. There is less land to farm than 240 years ago.
“The QEW took 300 feet right off the bat in the late 30s, and that was only the beginning,” Garr said.
She suggested it should have been built above the escarpment.
“I wonder what those Loyalists would think now if they could come back,” Garr said.
The agricultural industry having grown from a root of 16 families to the economic force it is today, Garr figured they’d be unsurprised to see how successful it’s been.
The Jordan Harbour Company kept records in this tin, says Mary Lou Garr. Loree - Photo
A Message From Grimsby Power Your
Local Power Provider
Dear Fellow Community Members,
In the next few pages of today’s paper The Board of Niagara Power Inc. (NPI) and Grimsby Power Inc. (GPI) will share an update on the performance of your hydro company. Much of this information is available online at our website www.grimsbypower.com as well as on the Town of Grimsby website www.grimsby.ca/en/town-hall/financial-reports.
Grimsby Power Inc. operates the utility, and Niagara Power Incorporated represents the shareholders. The shareholders are the Town of Grimsby (90%) and FortisOntario Inc. (10%).
As well, we will demonstrate that your publicly-owned and local utility company is organized to best serve the ratepayers of Grimsby efficiently, effectively, and at an equitable cost.
Grimsby Power also provides bursaries to high school graduates at both the local high schools each year and assists GBF Community Services in their support of households who struggle to pay their utility bill. Each year we participate in the Community Safety Event and the annual Christmas Parade.
We believe in being engaged in the community where we live and work, to help our community stay strong. Grimsby Power is here to support customers through our local office and emergency outage response 24 hours a day 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Phil Besseling
Chris Atkinson
Remy Fernandes Chair, GPI Chair, NPI President & CEO
Niagara Power Inc. Board of Directors
Chris Atkinson – Chair
Jeff Jordan – Director
Glen King - Director
Grimsby Power Inc. Board of Directors
Phil Besseling - Chair
Nick DiFlavio – Director
Henry Dortmans – Director
Reg Freake – Director
Glen King – Director
Here for you now; planning for our future
Count on us to deliver safe, reliable costefficient electricity to our community.
Committed to Cost Efficiency
Grimsby Power has been assessed as one of the most cost-efficient electricity distribution companies in Ontario, five years in a row.
Responsibly Managed
Grimsby Power achieved an 8.9% Regulated Return on Equity (ROE) over the last five years, one of the highest in the region.
Customer Focused
Over the last five years, over 89% of phone calls are answered by a person, within 30 seconds.
A Culture of Safety
Since February 2008, Grimsby Power has worked 471,945 hours with only a single lost time incident.
Part of the Community
As a local power provider, we’re proud to participate in our community through Safety Days, Scholarships, partnering with GBF for LEAP arrears relief and the annual Christmas parade.
Committed to Cost Efficiency
Grimsby Power is committed to providing safe, reliable power while operating effectively and efficiently at an equitable cost.
Each year, the Ontario Energy Board publishes a cost efficiency review of the electric utilities across Ontario and divides them into five groups. Since 2019, Grimsby achieved the highest level of achievement in Group One.
2023 Monthly Residential Service Charge
Responsibly Managed
Capital expenditures and regular maintenance focus on upgrading infrastructure ensuring future sustained reliability.
*Niagara Region includes Alectra, Canadian Niagara Power, Hydro One, Niagara Peninsula Energy, Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro and Welland Hydro
Ontario Energy Board Efficiency Rating Number of Utilities in Group
Customer Focused
Grimsby Power continues to strive to exceed customer expectations in service and responsiveness.
CUSTOMERS AFFECTED BY OUTAGE TYPE
2023 Average Frequency of Outages
2023 Average Duration of Outages
Visit www.grimsbypower.com, click the “Power Out?” banner for outages in our area. Active outage areas will be covered by a red marking.
Grimsby Power employs X (previously known as Twitter), Facebook, and our official website to communicate updates regarding outages, weather conditions, and other pertinent information to our customers.
231 Roberts Road, Grimsby, L3M 5N2 905-945-5437
www.grimsbypower.com info@grimsbypower.com
The Township of West Lincoln is thrilled to present the 34th annual West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade!
The parade will start at the West Lincoln Community Centre, at 177 West St., then travel east on West St., south on Regional Rd. 20, concluding at the corner of St. Catharines St. and Industrial Park Rd. Road closures will begin at 3:30 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. The public is asked to please not park along the parade route during that time.
More information
Visit the West Lincoln Santa Claus Parade webpage at www.westlincoln.ca/parade for full details, including parade entry applications, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. Follow the Township of West Lincoln on Facebook, X, and Instagram @TWPWestLincoln for updates.
Curling Club rockin’
it
At a club social heralding the start of the curling season on Oct. 15, Hamilton Coun. Jeff Beattie - and Winona Gardens owner - joined local dignitaries and members in throwing the first rocks of the season at the Grimsby Curling Club. Loree - Photo
PAUL LEWIS SETTIMI
Homelessness: “It can happen to anyone”
By Evan Loree NewsNow
The nation-wide housing crisis is becoming more visible in Grimsby.
Early in October, social media conjecture suggested homeless encampments had been erected behind the former Central School site on Livingston Avenue.
A survey of the area revealed no encampment, rather, one new Grimsby resident, Wade Worley.
Worley and his dog, Parker, have pitched a tent on the south side of the CN Rail tracks.
Worley and Parker have been living unhoused at the make-shift campsite since Augustgetting their food from the Grimsby Benevolent Fund’s food bank.
Worley hopes to secure a job and a home before the weather gets any colder.
“I feel like I could handle (the cold), but it’s more so I don’t want to be in that situation come winter,” Worley said.
Worley said he was evicted from a home in Hamilton before traveling to Grimsby and setting up his tent.
They could have made a case to the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board that his eviction was illegal, but chose not to do so.
Worley explained he had gone to the provincial tribunal with a wrongful eviction case before and “didn’t want to go through it again.”
Worley’s life has been a bit of a “whirlwind,”
having bounced from home to home and job to job since 2017 while battling multiple mental health issues and impact of childhood traumas.
Worley said - in recent weeks - there have been others camped along the Forty Mile Creek trail behind the Re/Max Garden City Realty office at Main and Christie.
A survey of that area found the remains of a small campfire, pots, pans, blanket and a backpack on the trail.
A man who said his name was Rod McDonnell was sitting nearby and claimed ownership of the backpack but denied living there.
He also claimed to have recently cleaned up the makeshift campsite and had recently hid from rain under the blanket.
McDonnell was familiar with the trail, was holding a can of beer and
claimed he’d had “a few already.”
Town clerk Victoria Steele said staff were aware of an encampment in the area and had provided information on social support services to the individuals at the camp.
“I believe that they’ve set up on school board property,” said Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan referring to Worley’s location.
The Town provides some information on it’s website about housing support services, he said.
Niagara Regional Housing provides support to unhoused individuals and people at risk of losing their homes.
Stacy Elia, executive director of Grimsby Benevolent Fund, said small towns like Grimsby don’t have as many unhoused residents as bigger cities, and so individuals struggling with homelessness tend to be
part with his dog.
“There’s no places that you can really go to with a dog, essentially, the closest one is in Oakville and it is overflowing with people,” Worley said.
But big encampments were not an option either.
“You don’t know what’s going to happen in encampments. I’ve seen guns. I’ve seen people shooting up. I’ve... like...it’s just. It’s scary,” Worley said
less visible.
While some unhoused people, like Worley, live outdoors, many couch surfers are also unhoused, she said.
Elia said families have developed multi-generational households just to survive in the face of rising housing costs.
The GBF has some resources for subsidizing rental costs for low-income residents and can also help people access shelters.
“If they wish to go to a shelter, GBF would arrange to try and secure the shelter bed and also provide a taxi for them to get to the shelter,” she said.
Elia said she “would strongly suggest” people choose shelters over streets.
“We all know, that’s not the best place for them,” she added.
To access a shelter, Worley would have to
Elia said the GBF could also help people apply for Niagara Regional Housing, but there was a long waiting list to get into it.
Unhoused people get referred to the GBF in various ways, but sometimes the “hardest thing for (someone) to do is ask for help,” she said.
Elia suggested people who need support should reach out early to help prevent worst-case scenarios.
Worley is working with a social worker to secure a more permanent form of housing and spends his days at the Grimsby Employment Help Centre putting out job applications.
“It can happen to anyone, realistically,” Worley said.
Elia speculated that the need for housing support services would grow with the rising cost of living.
In 2021, Niagara Region counted 665 homeless people living in the entire region, up from 625 in 2018.
Wade Worley and his dog, Parker, have been unhoused in Grimsby since August. Loree
FAQ regarding garage remodelling
Homeowners tend to want to maximize all of the space they have in their homes.
For some this may involve turning a garage from a utilitarian space into one that serves multiple purposes.
home gym or even create room for a home office.
Prior to beginning a garage remodel, homeowners may have some common questions about the process.
$19,000 for a total garage conversion. Will I recoup the investment?
A garage conversion adds value to a home if it creates new and usable living space.
‘til
According to The Mortgage Reports, a home-buying and improvement resource, garage renovations can increase the value of a home and add living space.
Garage remodels can create additional storage space, provide an area for a
RENOVATE
YOUR HOME
Time for those old drafty windows that cost you money in energy costs to go. North Star energy-efficient windows will save you money in the long term by keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. They’re made here in Ontario and have a limited life time warranty. Call or visit our showroom today for a FREE ESTIMATE on your home!
FLEXIBLE FINANCING AVAILABLE (OAC)
How much does the renovation cost?
Several factors will ultimately determine the final price of a garage remodel, but HomeAdvisor says the national average for a garage remodel falls between $8,000 and $32,000.
Most homeowners come in at around
Industry standards whos the average garage conversion provides an 80 percent return on investment. That ROI varies depending on location. How can I upgrade the flooring?
Garages traditionally feature concrete floors. Although durable,
See GARAGE, Page 21
GARAGE
From Page 20 concrete floors can feel damp, hard and cold underfoot. Both vinyl plank and epoxy flooring options can elevate the design and functionality of the garage.
Can I have the best of both worlds?
Sometimes a garage needs to serve many purposes. Lofting the garage means a homeowner can still park cars or utilize the lower space as a living area, all the while items are stored overhead.
Some flip this design scenario and have the loft area as a bedroom or finished living space, while the lower portion remains a traditional garage area.
Another thought is to finish only a portion of the garage. This works well for two- or three-car garages where there will be room to park a car and the remain-
der will serve another purpose.
What are other ways to improve the garage?
Installing more windows or improving on the lighting in the garage can be important. Window installation enables people to circulate air in the garage without having to open the garage door.
Improving the lighting means the garage can still be enjoyed or utilized after dark.
Spread out lighting in the garage, and use a combination of overhead and task lighting just as one would in the home itself.
How do I deter bugs or other pests from entering?
Keeping the garage clean and organized is the best way to deter pests and to spot infestations before they become problematic. Reducing water and humidity helps, too.
SMA RT PATIO COV ERS
When do gutters need replacing?
Certain home renovation projects are more glamorous than others. A remodeled kitchen is sure to garner its share of “oohs and aahs,” while a newly paved driveway is much less likely to dazzle guests.
A gutter replacement is another job that might not have the wow factor. But fully functioning gutters are a must and can help to prevent potentially expensive roof damage. Gutters rarely draw attention, but homeowners can keep an eye out for
signs that indicate gutters need to be replaced.
Signs gutters should be replaced
Various signs indicate it’s time to replace existing gutters. Homeowners should act promptly if any of the following signs arise, as poorly functioning gutters can make it hard for water to get into the downspouts, ultimately pushing it backward and likely underneath roof shingles, where the result can be costly water damage.
· Peeling paint
· Cracks
· Pooling water in the gutter
· Mildew in the gutter, which can sometimes be seen even from the ground
· Water damage: Water damage on the gutter can be limited to certain spots and will be noticeable on the underside of the gutter
· Soffit damage
· Sagging gutters
· Detached gutters, which can be detached from other pieces or the house
· Rust
6th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive
“What a newspaper needs in its news, in its headlines, and on its editorial page is terseness, humour, descriptive power, satire, originality, good literary style, clever condensation, and accuracy, accuracy, accuracy!
Joseph Pulitzer
Dear Reader,
Here we are, against all odds, in our 11th year of publishing. Our little paper that started in the basement of our house has flourished into what you are reading today. We’ve had ups and downs, two printing plant closures, sale of our distribution company, a world-wide pandemic and... we are still here. Because of you, good reader - as well as our loyal and dedicated advertising base - through ensuring great response via your intense readership as well as your generous subscriptions. We truly appreciate your support!
Based on the excellent feedback from previous years’ volunteer pay subscription drives, we have launched Year 6!
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.
If yes, we have refined the infrastructure for our Volunteer Pay System
Simply, this means, rain (or snow) or shine, you will always – each and every week – receive your copy of NewsNow. Whether you live in a single-detached home, apartment, condo or at a business, NewsNow is now everywhere –29,000-plus circulation strong. 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 we wish good health to you all!
1 Mountain Street, L3M 3J6, Grimsby • 289-235-9500
Williscraft Publisher
binding, Patricia Camilla
Our beloved mother Patricia Camilla Binding has finally found peace on October 21, 2024, after Alzheimers stole her from us.
Pat was born October 21 (or 22nd as mom claimed) 1940 in Halifax, Nova Scotia to John and Mary (nee Lee) Helpard.
Pat met her life long dancing partner Wilfred Binding (a Navy man) at Carpenter’s Dance Hall in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They were married for 64 years.
Pat was predeceased by her parents John and Mary, her brother Lloyd, her sisters Audrey, and twins Gwendolyn and Jacqueline and her granddaughter Brielle.
Mom was never happier than when she was with her family.
She is survived by her husband Wilf, Jack (their faithful dog) their children Lawrence (Sophie), Michael (Lucie), Victoria (Vincent), Keith and her grandchildren Olivia, Numa, Elliott, Rielly, Mikenzie, Christofer, Nicholas, and Braden.
Thank you to the staff at Henley House who cared for her, and a special thanks to Malysa who had a way with mom.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Humane Society of Greater Niagara.
A private family gathering will be held under the direction of Tallman Funeral Homes.
ross, Joyce
In loving memory of Joyce Ross (1936 – 2024) who passed away peacefully at her home in Smithville, Ontario on Sunday October 27, 2024.
Joyce was the beloved wife of Rodney for 63 years and dear mother of Hugh (Cathy Lee), Alison (Phil), Colin (Lisa), Kathleen, Naomi (Dan), Gavin (Suzanne), and Hillary (Peter).
She was the loving grandmother to Dillon, Nicolas, Meagan, Carmen, Nadia, Paul (pre-deceased), Daniel, Nathaniel, Jordan, Matthew, Audrey, Hannah, Kristen and Lascha. She was great grandmother to Bentley, Peter, Luca and Millie.
Joyce is survived by her siblings Gail, Bryan (pre-deceased), (Sylvia), Hank (Win), and Dawn (David).
A graduate from Lorrain School of Nursing in 1958, Joyce worked in the operating room at Pembroke Hospital, prior to marrying.
At 45 Joyce went back to school, updating her nursing degree and finishing her career in obstetrics at McMaster Hospital in Hamilton.
Joyce enjoyed travelling and visited many countries spanning six continents over her lifetime. She will be remembered for her spontaneous and fun nature, and her knack for telling a good story over a nice cup of tea.
We extend our thanks to the amazing and capable PSW staff, for their outstanding care of our mother and to the wonderful staff at St. Elizabeth Health Care Services. A special thanks to Barb and Marina.
Visitation will be held October 31, 2024, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Merritt Funeral Home 287 Station Street, Smithville, Ontario.
macdonald, J. dunstan
OBITUARIES CELEBRATE RECOVERY
Mom’s final resting place will be Mount Osborne Cemetery in Beamsville Ontario. Online condolences at tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
OBITUARIES APT. FOR RENT
beAmSville Large 3 bedroom apt. on 2 level. Parking included. $2000 + Utilities. 905-309-1706.
Funeral service will be held November 1, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church, 166 West Street, Smithville, Ontario.
From Grimsby and Little Pond, PEI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in his 86th year. Beloved husband of Eleanor (nee Taylor) for over 62 years. Loving father of Janet MacDonald and Scott MacDonald (Anne Marie). Cherished grandfather of Brittany. He will also be missed by sister-inlaw Joan Wing (Norm), Karyn Bennett (Ron) and many nieces, nephews and cousins from Hamilton and the east coast. Predeceased by his parents John William and Clara MacDonald and his loving sister Lucetta Ganley (the late Bill). Special thanks to our dear friend Katie. Dunnie was retired from Stelwire after many years of service and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus - Our Lady of the Lake Council 4917. Visitation took place at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755, on Monday, October 28, 2024, from 3-7 p.m. Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 135 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 11 a.m. Cremation. If desired, memorial donations to West Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. www.smithsfh.com
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OBITUARIES
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hunter, Virginia (Ginny)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our sweet Mom, Virginia (Ginny) Hunter.
Born Christmas Day, 1944 in London Ontario, the daughter of late Morris and Betty Malcolm. She left us peacefully in her 79th year on October 18th, 2024 at Hospice Niagara, St. Catharines Ontario.
Gin - ny spent her earliest years on a dairy farm. This is where she learned to love baking and knitting with her Gran Harlow. In her free time at the farm, she got up to mischief with cousin Roy.
Over the years Ginny collected friends. Her swift and unpredictable sense of humour was sure to find a way to leave a lasting impression on those she befriended.
She spent her later youth living in Oakville, Ontario and attended Blakelock High School where she made many long lasting friendships.
It was in Burlington Ontario where Ginny raised her two daughters (Kyla and Tara) with her predeceased husband Thomas Hunter.
She enjoyed hosting many barbecues & pool parties with friends and neighbourhood kids.
After retiring she moved to Ancaster Ontario where she lived for nearly 20 years with her predeceased husband Rick Beauchamp.
Together they created a neighbourhood of friendships. Both were always there for neighbours to lend a hand with any project or problem that may arise. Ginny was also a part of the Ancaster Senior Centre where she regularly enjoyed meeting with her friends to sip coffee and knit.
These gals held an annual Halloween costume party which Ginny hosted and looked forward to every year.
Within the last few years Ginny settled in to the small town of Jordan Station.
She called this place “her piece of paradise”.
Once again, within a short time, she added more friends to her wonderful collection.
Living in Jordan allowed her to be close to her dearly loved Grandson Liam. She enjoyed spending time with Liam and went out of her way trying to teach him new things.
Her best friend was her puppy dog Benjamin who stayed by her side until the very end.
Her daughters would like to express their sincerest appreciation for the extraordinary care she received throughout her stay at Hospice Niagara. A heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderful nurses, personal support workers, doctors and volunteers.
There will be a Celebration of Life from 11:00am until 2:00pm held at Honsberger Estate Winery (4060 Jordan Rd, Jordan ON L0S 1S0) on Wednesday, November 13th.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Niagara (info@hospiceniagara.ca)
Online condolences at tallmanfuneralhomes.ca.
SZYMCZYK, Edward Bogdan
April 21, 1939October 7, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Edward Szymczyk on October 7th
Devoted husband to Lila (née Wlodarczyk), much loved father to Krystyn Keir (David), Kathryn (Bryan Saraka), Justyn (Christine Kohut), cherished grandfather to Charlotte and Benjamin Keir and Iza Szymczyk.
Ed/Dad/Edz/Dziadzi, born in Timmins, grew up and was educated in Hamilton and moved to Niagara in 1967 to be closer to his work at General Motors (industrial engineering; retired 1995). His life’s work, however, was caring for his family, home and beautiful grounds in Jordan. His inexhaustible loyalty to family, his youthful energy and his taste for adventure will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
According to his wishes, he was cremated following an intimate family ceremony. A celebration of life (“Edzfest”) will be held in the Spring on the family property. We welcome memories on-line at: https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/pleasant view/obituaries.html.
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holY sPiriT, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you ever, and in spite of all material illusion, I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer three consecutive days. After three days the favour requested will be granted, even if it may be difficult. This prayer must be published after your favour is granted, without mentioning the favour. A special thanks to St. Rita, St. Jude, Sacred Heart, Blessed Virgin Mary and all the angels and saints. Especially to Saint Rita of Cascia. Only your initials shall appear at the bottom. C.E.
Starting rate $12 per hour while training
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Explosion at former GSS? It happened
As you will know if you read the piece on Page 1, we’ve got a pending Canada Post situation.
Because of that, I wanted to make sure I got some info in regarding upcoming Remembrance Day ceremonies in our communities.
Jordan’s ceremony will be at the cenotaph in Lions Park on Friday, Nov. 8 starting at 10:40 a.m.
ping a bag in a garbage bin, got about six feet away and an explosion blew a hole the size of a basketball in the side of the bin.
The lady did not appear to be hurt and ran away.
End of an era
La Grande Hermini - aka “The pirate Ship” is in the process of taking its last bow. Work started in the Jordan Harbour on the dismantling and removal of the vessel which has been a milemarker along the QEW for decades. At press time, the bow is all that is left. Photo courtesy of Sue-Ann Staff
Beamsville’s will be at the cenotaph at William and King streets on Monday, Nov. 11 starting at 10:40 a.m.
Grimsby’s will be set at the cenotaph located on the lawn at Grimsby Museum at 6 Murray Street on Nov. 11.
Smithville’s service is planned for their cenotaph at the Legion, located at 172 St Catharines St. That program will start at 10:30 a.m.
So, there’s that.
Second, in next week’s edition, we will publish a list of the locations where readers - if needed - will be able to pick up copies of NewsNow if Canada Post employees walk out or are locked out during this labour dispute.
We’ll be ready, no matter what they do, but as noted on the front, we would much rather have extra carriers than too few, so please let us know if you can help. Email catherine@wn3. ca and we will follow up with full details.
We hope the two sides will close a deal, but who knows anymore.
Lastly, an alert neighbour of the former Grimsby Secondary School called in just before 2 p.m. today.
“A bomb went off at the old high school.”
Now, we don’t hear that every day.
Whatever it was - no details were available at press time - but it was over lightning quick. Joanne McDonald and Evan Loree popped down to see what going on and it was crickets, save for the fire department and now-Central School staff scurrying around.
I was hoping for a photo to show what was going on but, as noted, it was all over.
As happens, a neighbour called me and gave me the whole rundown.
The resident has an external camera, so he may be contacting police or fire services but he said a lady was seen drop-
Now, the neighbour said there was no activity in the area earlier today but some teens were playing around there late last night. He had no idea if there was a connection of any kind, just the only activity he saw.
The school was immediately on lockdown, some staff told my reporters, and no injuries were reported.
Neighbouring St. Andrews Pre-School was evacuated as a precaution.
Now, we will see how things go with the release of any findings as to what caused the explosion. While there were no injuries immediately reported, you can be sure several years were taken off lives of those close by.
District School Board of Niagara staff are to be commended for being right on top of things.
I’ve experienced several lots of bomb threat situations over the years. As far as I know there was no threat. It just happened. Hopefully neighbours video surveillance can help. Call Niagara Regional Police if you have any information, 905945-2211.
MIKE WILLISCRAFT
Delivered via Canada Post
Varied opinion on paying for doctors
I think providing monetary incentives to encourage doctors to come to Lincoln, or indeed West Niagara, is a proven way to go.
Helen Zimmerman, Vineland
Just to say that I would support a cash incentive to bring in more Doctors to Grimsby. We need to be competitive here with Lincoln and other Niagara municipalities. Thank you Dr. Cescon for bringing this crisis to our attention.
Myra leffler, Grimsby
No town should have to pay for $100K for a doctor to open a practice. The Province of Ontario is responsible for our health care therefore, our province should be helping doctors find places to have their practice. Instead of having alcohol available at the convenience stores I believe that health care is much more important and necessary for the good of the Province of Ontario.
Margaret Roper, Grimsby
Why is our representative Sam Oosterhoff not fighting for our community?
Stefanija Wartenberg, Vineland
Rather than trying to figure out whether or not to put an incentive package together, and how much that should be or if there should be one at all, it would make more sense to offer a 3-day guided vacation package to West Niagara! The purpose would be to really show the families around. This would include sightseeing, and we have some of the best sites around for sure. It could be a winery tour, great restaurants, hiking trails, Balls Falls, golf course, open spaces, clean air … brag about the great schools, close to the border, outlet shopping, just to name a few things that could be impressive.
Lynn Price, Grimsby
