Mike Pols shares a hair-raising ride with his kids Chase, 6, and Indie, 3, at the West Niagara Fair on Saturday. Cool but dry weather brought out big crowds all weekend. For more photos, please turn to Page 10-11. McDonald - Photo
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
Proposed pay increases - 20 per cent for a councillor and nine per cent for the mayor - to start with the next term of Grimsby council were on the table for debate again Monday and survived a 5-4 vote.
The annual $1,000 per council member health benefit did not, however, getting rescinded in a unanimous 9-0 vote.
The pay structure was initially approved at the Aug. 11 council meet-
ing, but on Monday Coun. Lianne Vardy brought a Notice of Motion to reconsider. Her motion got a twothirds majority vote - with councillors Don Howe, Veronica Charrois and Delight Davoli opposing the reconsideration - so council could deal with the item at the same meeting. Her motion suggested council opt for a pay increase to move members to the 50th percentile of the municipalities which were in a third party consultant’s study group - as opposed to a move to the 60th per-
centile which was initially approved.
After Coun. Nick DiFlavio asked what the difference was, director of finance Tony Del Monaco said the initially approved motion for the mayor set pay at $57,589 (the lower suggested rate would have been $54,129 - a difference of $3,460) while the councillor rate will go to $28,642 (the lower proposed rate was $25,145 - a difference of $3,497).
Vardy said she changed her mind on the pay plan after listening to
feedback from constituents.
“Upon listening to some comments I received and some sober second thought, not that I wasn’t sober when I first voted in favour of this, I’ve been thinking that with respect to this being a part-time job, very few part-time jobs would ever offer a health benefit, so I think we should take that off the table,” said Vardy, suggesting council should also reduce its planned pay rate at the 50th percentile as opposed to
From Page 1 the 60th percentile recommended by the consultant and approved by council.
“Secondly, given how we’ve had several years of high tax increases, although most of them come from the Region, not from Grimsby but you know (for) the taxpayer it ends up sort of the same. There is some sensitivity about what things are costing.”
Howe agreed with Vardy on rescinding the health care benefit, but stopped right there.
“The other part, I am disagreeing with it. I think we should leave it. There was a very specific process that they went through to come up with that percentile. I am comfortable with it,” said Howe.
Davoli said any council which puts through a pay hike is going to hear it from taxpayers.
“Any time elected officials vote about having a pay increase, even it it is for the next
council term and not for us directly, people always, always, will complain,” said Davoli.
“The comments are always the same. Politicians, they don’t work hard enough and they’re overpaid but I can tell you, having sat in this chair for the last three years, that we are not overpaid.”
Coun. Reg Freake said anyone running for council should know the work is demanding compared to the compensation received.
“We’re doing this job because it is a part-time job. If you’re doing a full time job and you do this as a part-time job, you’re likely just supplementing your pay,” Coun. Reg Freake, noting he agrees with going with Vardy’s suggested reduced pay increase.
“It makes sense to me (reducing the increase), but looking forward, and people who do run for office, they have to understand that; if you’re running, it’s 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. So don’t run if you don’t like to put in the hours.’
After Davoli and Coun. Jennifer Korstanje both mentioned the value of a council member’s efforts and committee work, Vardy clarified her position.
“I am just trying to be reflective of the economy right now. The other thing is we also get a cost of living expense. I know as a federal government worker, I don’t know how many years –maybe 10 or 15 – that I went without a cost of living (increase),” said Vardy. “With committees, if you’re not taking on your full committee load, you shouldn’t get paid at all. I sit on four committees. If you’re not doing your committee load, your base pay should reflect it and, basically, not get your base pay.”
Vardy, Freake, DiFlavio and Korstanje approved rolling the increase back. Mayor Jeff Jordan and councillors Jacob Baradziej, Charrois, Howe and Davoli rejected the reduction motion in the 5-4 vote.
By Jessica Barton For NewsNow
The opening “Elizabeth Thompson Advises”, a new exhibit by artist JoEllen Brydon, at Grimsby Public Art Gallery is a bit of a ‘coming home’ - of sorts.
The exhibition officially opened with a reception Saturday Sept. 6 at the Grimsby Public Art Gallery.
The event - named after Brydon’s mother, Jean Armstrong, who used the Elizabeth Thompson pseudonym during her time as The Globe and Mail’s advice columnist - will run from Aug. 5-Nov. 4.
Jean was born and raised in Beamaville.
This exhibit was born from JoEllen inheriting her mother’s archive from her time at The Globe.
“She would often fabricate letters to introduce a topic, and I knew some of them were about our family.” JoEllen said.
“When I got her archive, I got all of her letters and her clippings she had and I reorganized them all and went through them.”
Brydon described the exhibit as each painting having its own story to tell, as a collective and individually, which comes with not just the visual component but also an audio component.
“The paintings are accompanied by a QR code, and in that, there will be audio of the letter that they’re illustrating.” Brydon said.
When asked about her particular style, Brydon noted that she was not trying to emulate any style or trying to become something else; adding her painting itself managed to evolve naturally over time.
“I paint a painting until I like it. If I thought something wasn’t great, I just keep at it until I’m happy with it.”
At a young age, she was given a set of oil paints by her brother.
With no training, she began painting the landscapes and images she saw
around her country home.
Born in Toronto, Brydon and her family relocated to Cavan, Ont. - just north of Port Hope - when she was 12.
It was around this time that her artistic inclinations began moving more towards painting and storytelling.
“I found there needed to be something going on.” Brydon said when asked about the inclusion of storytelling to her painting, “I come from a background of storytellers.”
Although Brydon did not have any direct influences in relation to specific artists, there was one person who was very influential in her exploration and deep
love for painting.
“When I went to high school, I had this art teacher. She claimed she wasn’t an artist but she provided all the materials and was very encouraging. She basically gave me the catalogue and asked me what I wanted to make and what I needed, and that was a huge influence on me.”
When asked what led her to opening the exhibit in Grimsby, Brydon cited her hometown connections.
“My mom was born and raised in Beamsville, so I spent a lot of time in that area,” noted JoEllen.
Considering the overall influence her mother had on this exhibit, it is easy to choose the Grimsby Public
Art Gallery as the opening for this exhibit.
With work in both The Art Bank of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History, this is the third major installation of JoEllen’s after her two other collections, The Pride of Peterborough and Lost Histories; The Gypsies of 1909.
There will be an artist talk with Brydon at the gallery on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
The Grimsby Public Art Gallery is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursdays; Noon-5 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Admission is free.
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
Executive director Paul Robertson said the closure comes after a significant drop in traffic at the location.
“EHC will continue to serve job seekers and employers in West Lincoln with Grimsby and Beamsville locations remaining open,” said Robertson.
There will be no staff cuts.
EHC has served West Niagara and West Lincoln since 2010.
“Since that time EHC has assisted well over 10,000 community members with employment or to access training in West Niagara and we will continue to do so with the same passion and dedication,” said Roberston of the free service.
“For clients requiring in-person appointments in West Lincoln, we have arranged a small office space within the West Lincoln Community Centre.”
In-person appointments will be available Tuesday-Thursday in the new space, but by appointment only.
Job seekers can contact either of the Beamsville or Grimsby locations at 905-563-9675 or 905-309-9675 to book an appointment. Employers can continue to contact our Job Developer, Joan Popowich at 905563-9675 for all hiring and job posting needs.
“Unfortunately we will be unable to offer a Resource Area out of this location, but we are strategically located next to the West Lincoln Public Library and encourage people requiring access to computers or printing to contact them. We can of course continue to provide those services in our Beamsville or Grimsby sites and invite the community to visit us there,” said Robertson.
“We want to thank the Township of West Lincoln for their support in obtaining the space within the community centre. We hope to be a long time tenant.”
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For many years, Wayne Fertich has been on a mission.
That mission is to see commemorative banners honouring veterans aligning downtown Grimsby streets.
That mission is a step closer with Niagara Region and Town of Grimsby approval to affix 10 banners along Veteran’s Way - Clarke Street between Christie and Ontario streets.
“We’re looking for 10 sponsors at a cost of $250 per banner,” said Fertich.
“A photo of the Grimsby veteran to be honored is required with each banner featuring their name, era of service, branch of service, and the name of the sponsor.”
The deadline for applications is Oct. 1. Applications forms are available at Grimsby’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 127 or call Fertich at 905945-6697.
Three-month-old Ellison Crawford, with mom Jessie Crawford, won first place for Biggest Eyes in the baby contest.
There’s nothing like a free flying swing to test the nerves of riders.
4Her Brookelyn Egging, 15, prepares to enter the judging ring.
Photos By Joanne McDonald
Jordyn Russell jumps with Echo in the Equitation Over Fences division Saturday at the West Niagara Fair.
A call to a West Lincoln residence resulted in a “shelter in place” notice being issued on social media on Monday morning.
The order was short-lived as a man was arrested about 90 minutes later without incident.
At about 7:45 a.m. uniform 8 District officers responded to a West Lincoln residence for a family violence call.
Responding officers received information that the caller wanted an intoxicated male removed from a residence.
Prior to police arrival, the male left the residence in a white Ford pick-up truck and was believed to be in possession of a firearm.
He made statements that raised concern for his personal safety, the safety of the community, and the safety of responding officers.
As a result, additional members from other districts - the NRPS Emergency Task Unit (ETU), K-9 Unit, Marine Unit, Air Support Unit (ASU) and negotiators - attended the call.
Due to the proximity of the incident, a nearby school was notified and placed in a “hold and secure” status as a precaution.
A short time lat-
er, the unoccupied Ford pick-up truck was located, and it was determined that the male suspect had entered a nearby wooded area.
During the search, officers located firearm magazines and additional ammunition.
Members of the ETU subsequently made contact with the male and successfully negotiated a safe and peaceful surrender.
As a result, Christopher MORLEY, was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Thanks to a great response this summer, 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.
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
Six decades of community service will be saluted Saturday, Sept. 27 for Grimsby Benevolent Fund.
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 pickups.
“It will be a great day to celebrate with our community the Impact GBF continues to share,” said Stacy Elia, GBF’s executive director.
On the 27th, the store will open at noon with the official remarks and celebration beginning at 1 p.m.
“We have the fire department, Niagara Regional Police, a games area, lots of fabulous free prizes, food trucks, Calvin’s Magic, face painting and a store-wide 50
per cent off sale to name a few items,” said Elia.
As well, there is a special 60-day fundraising program underway already.
“We are trying to raise $60,000 in 60 days. We have an anonymous donor who will match whatever we are able to raise by the 27th up
SEPT. 27
1-4pm in the GBF parking lot Food Bank Tour 1:30pm Retail Store Open 12-4:30pm
to a total of $60,000,” said Elia. All funds raised in that program will go to food purchasing and housing support. The events will roll out in the GBF parking lot from 1-4 p.m. A food bank tour is planned for 1:30 p.m. and the retail store itself is open Noon-4:30 p.m. that day.
SATURDAY for our Anniversary Sale
It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Edward Dixon on August 31, 2025 at the age of 93.
Edward is predeceased by his loving wife Carolyn with whom he shared 32 wonderful years of marriage. He is also survived by his brother Doug Dixon (Mary Lou).
Edward’s loving spirit and legacy is carried on by his daughter Cindy Beaver (Gerry), Step-Daughter Tracey Murray (Rick) and Step-Son Richard Moss (Linda).
One of Edward’s pride and joy were his grandchildren. He was a devoted Grandfather to Michael, Katy, Cassidy (Jake), Erica (Brian) and Jerret (Krista) and a wonderful Great Grandfather to Ethan.
Edward lived his 93 years to the fullest! He was truly blessed with so much kindness to everyone he met. He will miss his friends at Lincoln Park; Bob, Bill, Claude, Cam, Marilyn and the nursing staff Mia and Tammy who were as he says “Top notch In my books!”
Cremation has already taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
“A Loving Father and Friend so tender and kind, what a beautiful memory you left behind!”
Online condolences at www.tallmanfuneralhomes.ca
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Pasquale La Porta, lovingly known as Pat, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the age of 72. Born on November 15, 1952, in Naples, Italy, Pat was cherished for his humour, generosity, and devotion to family.
A 310-S Automotive mechanic by trade, Pat built his own business and worked continuously to provide for his loved ones. Known for his unmatched work ethic and resourcefulness, he could fix anything — but more than that, he taught by example, showing others the value of perseverance and kindness.
Beyond his work, Pat embraced life with joy. He loved fishing, time on the water, helping others and exploring new technology.
Above all, Pat was a devoted husband, father, and proud Nonno. His greatest joy was found in his family, who will continue to carry his love in their hearts.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Susanna, children, Marilena, Roseanna and Antonio, son in laws Finbar and Luca and grandchildren Anthony, Tenaja (Cole), Deshawn and Nadia.
Pat will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Brian James Henderson on Friday, August 22, 2025. He was the proud father of his three daughters, Paige, Emma (Nathanael) and Hannah (Troy) and will be fondly remembered by their mother, Brenda (née Whetton). Brian was a playful and doting grandpa to Gage, Eagan, Evan, Cole, Kaylee, along with fur babies Olive and Bowie. Son of the late Jim and Cathy (née Hamm), Brian was the beloved brother of Doug (Linda), Vicki (Bill), and Nancy (Randy). Brian lived a life defined by dedication to hard work. As a proud member of UA Local 527, he exemplified the values of craftsmanship, commitment, and community throughout his career. Beyond his work, he found joy on the water, where boating brought him peace and happiness. Sports were a lifelong passion—whether playing, coaching, or cheering from the sidelines. Brian was equally known for his love of cooking, especially barbecuing and preparing unforgettable meals for family and friends. His passion for great food led him to proudly own and operate Hoofin’ it Butcher Shop in Port Elgin, where he shared his craft with the community. Brian never met a stranger - only friends he had yet to meet. He thrived in social gatherings, where his laughter, stories and easygoing charm made everyone feel welcome, especially at every local Legion. Generous to his core, he was always ready to lend a hand—or the very shirt off his back. Always in pursuit of that “lost shaker of salt,” Brian embraced life with humour, adventure, and heart. With classic rock as the soundtrack to his days, Brian could often be found on the golf course, riding his motorcycle down the open road, or casting off into the waves. Please join us to share stories and memories as we celebrate his life and his journey to the ultimate Margaritaville paradise. We will raise a glass in his honour at The Powerhouse Restaurant, 21 Jones Street, Stoney Creek on Friday, September 12th for a drop in visitation between 4pm to 7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com
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The 36th annual Beamsville & District Lions Club Food Drive will roll Saturday, Sept. 20.
This annual Lincoln-
wide food drive goes to supporting families, seniors, and individuals during the upcoming year helps to restock food bank shelves and the warehouse for Community Care of West Niagara.
“The demand is still going up and no end is in sight. 2025 has continued to be a difficult for year for some due to rising food and housing costs so are seeing the need for our services increase steadily,” said Lynda O’Donnell, CCWN’s manager of community engagement.
“Our clients are on fixed incomes or are working families whose income isn’t enough to cover necessities. They are having to choose between rent, basic utilities and food.”
“We are with a weeks of hitting our 2024 numbers alrady so we are setting a big goal of 36,000 lbs.”
Residents who live within town limits of Beamsville, Jordan, Vineland and Campden are asked to put a bag or box of food on their front porch or doorstep by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. The food will be picked up by a small army of volunteers who will be collecting from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Those not home that day can drop off donations at either Lincoln libraries Jordan Museum or at CCWN. Volunteers are still needed. Go to communitycarewn.caclick on the events tab.
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After a delay of about one month, the timing now appears to be set for the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital to formally open with patients beginning to receive care in the new building on Nov. 24.
A group of Grimsby youth took an otherwise quiet summer Wednesday and turned it into a charity happening with proceeds going to McMaster Chldren’s Hospital. (L to R) Nixon and Lexi Zych, Rachel (front), Aubrey and Emily Oliveira and Natalia Zych teamed up to sell lemonade to Livingston Avenue passersby. The group raised $400. Special thanks to the Niagara Regional Police officer who stopped by for a sip. The visit made their day.
The various transitions required are well underway, so things are always subject to change, but all obstacles appear to be cleared, so that is the date planned.
As noted in this space in early August when the delay was announced due to supply chain issues for one component of the building - there was nothing nefarious at work, just odds.
When you think about all the moving parts which contractor Ellis Don undoubtedly had to deal with, to have only one component toss a 30-day fly in the ointment is a walk in the park for this community, which has waited on Nov. 24 for nearly 30 years.
Just thinking about it has me flashing back to crowded meetings for the first Save WLMH committee in the facility’s board room, excellent editorial cartoons by the late Blaine MacDonald, who many may remember from his three decades at The Spec, Rev. Jim Dowden speaking with passion and intensity at many gatherings to get the community focused on the task ahead. And that was just the start.
When you’re willing to do whatever is required to reach a goal, one does not
ask why or question the time commitment. I have no idea how many meetings or how many hours I’ve put in over those three decades to support the WLMH cause but I would not change one minute. It still feels quite magical it is actually going to happen.
I know, it has been well known since Doug Ford put his considerable force behind getting the new build expedited and seeing it go up bit by bit in recent months, but there have been a few spots where - if I was betting - I would have put money on the place being closed or greatly diminished in services at the very least.
That didn’t mean people ever stopped working. That did not happen, ever, but I can tell you, for me, it felt like things were slipping away.
Even though it is right there - a beacon on Main Street - I feel like I still will not believe it until I am standing in the lobby on opening day for the site.
So Grimsby council revisited the pay increase issue for the next term of council on Monday night and came within one vote of doing the right thing. They voted 5-4 to stick with the 20 per cent pay increase for councillors and a 9.4 per cent increase for the mayor - both indexed with a 2 per cent annual cost of living allowance.
Coun. Lianne Vardy got the issue back on the table suggesting council opt to give the new group a pay raise, but said they should target a lower number instead of the highest suggested amount offered by a consultant on the matter.
The new suggested pay increase moving Grimsby to the 50th percentile of the municipalities included in the consultant’s report - as opposed to the 60th percentile which was adopted - would have saved the Town just under $31,500 annually, while still giving a sizeable raise. That’s $125 over just one council span - and they were still getting a raise.
That fell on deaf ears.
At least they unanimously agreed to drop the silly $1,000 a year health benefit. That was a non-starter. It should be noted, not a single caller, texter or dropin ever suggested council was overpaid - as was noted during the debate. It was far more a ‘read the room” deal. Every taxpayer’s belt it tightened, council should, too.
By Mike Williscraft NewsNow
After about a month of delay due to a supply chain matter, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) has officially taken ownership of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (WLMH) in Grimsby.
The milestone comes via the “substantial completion” step, which was completed last Friday, Sept. 5. With the keys now in hand, HHS will begin final preparations for the hospital’s opening later this fall.
“Thanks to government of Ontario and our local MPP Sam Oosterhoff, along with all our great staff, donors, volunteers and HHS and Ellis Don in achieving this target,” said Tony Joosse, co-chair of the Save & Rebuild WLMH committee.
“A lot of cleaning and testing as well as staff and volunteer training will be taking place up to the opening week. Final countdown has begun.”
For the HHS team, all are looking ahead to a bright future.
“This project is a major investment in the health of the West Niagara region,” said Bruce Squires, vice-president, women’s and children’s health and site executive, WLMH.
“We are deeply grateful to the West Niagara community, all levels of government, and our
health and community partners for their support. Together, we have built a new hospital that will serve the region for generations to come.”
Work to open the hospital in approximately 12 weeks will roll out in alignment with the Ministry of Health’s post-construction planning process.
“Substantial completion of the new West Lincoln Memorial Hospital is great news for all the advocates, volunteers, community leaders and frontline staff who have worked hard to make this key milestone a reality,” said Oosterhoff.
“I am confident this new facility and the amazing staff who will work in it will serve families and patients in Niagara West for generations to come.”
The new WLMH includes a number of key features, including:
• 55 single-patient inpatient rooms (WLMH is the first new hospital in Ontario to have all single rooms)
• six birthing suites
• an 80 per cent larger footprint than the current facility
• sustainable design elements such as LEED Silver certification, rooftop solar panels, EV charging stations, and more than 115 new trees on site.
Patients are expected to begin receiving care at the new hospital on or around Nov. 24.
