Poetry In Motion
Eleven-year-old Tannis De Carmo guides her charge over a double-bar fence in the Hunter Over Fences competition at last weekend’s West Niagara Fair. For much more coverage, please turn to Pages 14-15. McDonald - Photo
West Lincoln to sell unused road
By Evan Loree For NewsNow
An undeveloped Attercliffe road on the outskirts of West Lincoln is being divvied up and sold off.
After a short discussion at a planning meeting Monday night, West Lincoln council endorsed staff‘s plans to sell an unused road allowance to the owners of seven lots adjacent to the townshipowned land.
“It’s good to see this,” said Coun. Jason Trombetta at the meeting.
Trombetta said there are a few unused roads in the township causing problems.
“We’re getting nothing but Jeep convoys going through them, abandoned burning cars and so on and so forth,” Trombetta said.
Delivery drivers sometimes get stuck on the muddy paths and others use the roads to illegally dump their trash, Trombetta added after the meeting.
Unused roads are owned by the township, but are not maintained like regular roads.
Trombetta said roads like these get overgrown and the residents living near them try to maintain them but can only do so much.
The township doesn’t have the millions of dollars needed to pave them and bring them all up to standard, he added. Some rural residents, Trombetta said, have unused roads cutting through their property.
This forms a physical barrier as it becomes overgrown, making it harder for farmers to move machinery from one side
See ROAD, Page 3
ROAD
From Page 1 of the field to the other.
If farmers can buy the roads from the township, they will be better able to access their fields, he said.
“I want, you know, the farmers to be able to farm their fields. That’s the main thing for me,” Trombetta said.
Brian Treble, West Lincoln’s planning director, said senior staff have discussed the issue of unused roads but had yet to “determine whether or not they’re assets or liabilities.”
Benny and Alice Van Ravenswaay, who own one of the lots abutting the road allowance, have asked the township to close it “on many occa-
sions,” noted a staff report done by Treble.
The township declined the couple’s request because it would “land-lock the rest of the road allowance,” according to the report.
Following an offer to purchase the land from the Ravenswaays in December 2021, the township notified the other six
landowners affected by the road of its intentions to close and sell it off.
The report said six of the seven landowners intend to buy. One parcel will stay with the township for now. The owner is selling their land, so the decision to buy the road allowance will be made by the future home owner.
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IVF makes children possible for ovarian cancer survivor
By Evan Loree For NewsNow
Tara Parsons was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was 24.
To save her life, she underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and two surgeries.
The surgeons took one of her ovaries with a tumor and left multiple scars on her abdomen, casting doubt on whether biological children would be part of Parsons’ future.
“I knew, at some point, some part of my reproductive system was going to be removed,” Parsons said.
“My first question, kind of off the bat, was if I’d be able to have children.”
Parsons spoke about her experience with ovarian cancer and its impact on her reproductive journey at the Iron Girl women’s triathlon festival in Grimsby last month where much of the event’s proceeds were used to support the Canadian Cancer Society.
Before she began chemotherapy, her doctors put Parsons on an injectable hormone called Lupron to induce a pre-menopausal response and cause her to stop producing eggs.
They thought the treatment would help to protect her fertility from the cancer, should she want kids in the future.
It’s luck, she says, that at 37 years old, she has three little kids who call her Mom.
“To go through that, survive it, and then have the technology to still be able to have children? Like that’s a huge gift,” Parsons said.
When she met husband David Parsons, it was still unclear if she could get pregnant.
“I told him right off the
bat that I didn’t know if I’d be able to have children, and he was very supportive,” she said.
In 2015, the Parsons married and spent the first few years of their marriage trying to conceive naturally.
When this failed, they turned to Parsons’ fertility clinic for support.
Parsons’ fertility struggles are not unique.
According to the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society, one in six Canadians struggle with infertility.
The Ontario government provides some financial support for couples with such challenges, but it is far from comprehensive.
Parsons, for example, needed in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, where her eggs were harvested, inseminated and then replanted in her uterus to induce a pregnancy.
But the Ontario Health Insurance Plan only covers one cycle of IVF, and not all cycles are successful.
Furthermore, the program
does not cover any fertility drugs necessary to the treatment.
Parsons counts herself among the fortunate because her fertility drugs were covered by her employer’s health insurance plan.
Parsons said, because of the chemotherapy, she had less time on her biological clock than others.
Waiting until after she turned 30 wasn’t an option.
Parsons said she worries that as more women wait to have children, fertility issues like hers may rise, and with it the need for fertility services.
According to Statistics Canada, the average age at which mothers give birth has risen from about 26 in 1976 to about 31 in 2022.
“Your body is meant to have children younger,” Parsons said.
And while there was value to getting financially established first, Parsons said she encourages others not to wait too long.
All told, she spent about $40,000 on fertility treatments trying to bring her three children into the world.
Under the counsel of her doctors, Parsons decided to give IVF one more shot after the previous failed attempt.
“There was a lot of pressure on that cycle,” she said.
But it worked. And on Nov. 23, 2019, she gave birth to Isabella and Olivia.
She looks back on the two or more years she spent on fertility treatments and how anxiously she monitored her body.
“I can only imagine how many pregnancy tests I bought through those first two years,” she said.
“I would hate for anybody to have to go through that (IVF) process if they didn’t need to.”
“It is a real struggle,” she said.
Parsons brought her son Aiden, now six, to term after one cycle of IVF, but was not so lucky when conceiving her twin daughters Isabella and Olivia, now four.
For her first attempt with the twins, Parsons chose to implant a frozen embryo, only for it to end in a miscarriage.
“It was called a blighted ovum event,” she explained.
While her body changed to accommodate the pregnancy, it was discovered later that the ovum was essentially an empty sack with no baby inside.
Next she attempted a cycle of IVF, but it was “completely unsuccessful,” she said.
“At this point now, we’re paying out of pocket.”
Each cycle of IVF came with a $15,000 price tag.
She recalls sitting with her pregnancy tests, waiting to see if they would turn positive, comparing her wait to a game of Where’s Waldo with the two pink lines on the test acting as the character’s red and white sweater.
Parsons credits her husband for his patience and support throughout the treatments.
“My mood swings were insane, like I’d be happy one minute and crying the next, and I wouldn’t know why.”
“It’s amazing that couples survive fertility treatments,” she said.
Though she considered adoption, Parsons said she wanted the experience of having biological children.
“There was a lot that was taken away from me because of cancer,”
“I didn’t want to have my fertility taken,” she added.
The Parsons have been married almost 10 years and live on a rural property in Vineland with their three healthy children.
David Parsons and Tara Parsons with (L to R) Isabella, 4, Aiden, 6, and Olivia, 4. The Parsons concieved their children through invitro fertilization. Loree - Photos
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YOUR FRONT LINE TOURS PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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GRAND RE-OPENING CELEBRATION
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH FROM 12-4PM @ OUR STUDIO
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The future of waste is in our hands!
Are we headed in the right direction?
Join one of our phase two online open houses and tell us if our Waste Management Strategic Plan is headed in the right direction.
Complete our phase two online survey
You can also share your ideas and feedback by using the QR below to access our online survey available September 10 - 30.
Take our survey!
You could win one of three $50 Visa gift cards
Online Open Houses:
Tuesday, Sept. 10 | 7 - 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 | 7 - 8 p.m.
Use the QR code or visit niagararegion.ca/future-of-waste to access the virtual open houses and online survey.
Great weekend for West Niagara Fair
(Above) 4-H Lincoln Dairy members plan strategy for the competition. (L-R) Charlotte Cousineau, 11, Sadie Morgan, 12, Solomon Brown, 11, Dillon Acton, 11, and Kaylee Hart, 12.
(Left) Tanya McCarthy of Wellandport with her lovable Nigerian Dwarf goats, (L-R) Grand Champion Willow-Haven BS ‘Unbuzz’ and Reserve Champion Willow-Haven BS ‘Chips’.
Photos By Joanne McDonald
(Below) Kimberly Tay enjoys a freshly steamed cob of corn.
Jennica Steele and Emma Ivancic serve up bacon on a bun to Andrew McKenna at the popular 4-H Food Truck.
Briar Klassen, 2, develops her own strategy for the corn hole game.
A star at just two months old, Wyatt Walker, with his mom, Meadow Anderson, won Best Dressed in the baby contest and won two 1st place red ribbons.
(Below) Aiden Schulenberg, 9, follows in the footsteps of his dad, Austin, True Line Construction, with this table constructed from firewood and plywood.
(Above) Spiderman looks on as Everett Whyte, 6, tries his hand at milking a cow.
(Left) Sweet five-yearold identical twins (LR) Talia and Skyla Yau, cast their nets in the fishpond.
(Above) Realtor Craig Spada, right, is a true sport during a hilarious realtor pie eating contest.
(Right) Intrepid one-yearold Morgan Graham made fast friends with ‘Yogi’ who was waiting to enter the competition ring with owner Cathy Willick.
Five-year-old Max Dickson was in the thick of a wild donut eating contest.
Poultry judges Paul Monteith with Matthew Ciliska at their work.
The Puzio children (L-R) Violet and Freddie, 4, and Cynthia, 10, pose as cowpokes on the farm face cut out board.
Tap dancing on the world stage
By Joanne McDonald For NewsNow
Amada Presta is an elite athlete.
Two seasons ago, she was scouted during a tap dancing competition, and on the spot, offered a place on Team Canada without even going through the audition process.
Last year she competed in Germany, winning a gold medal with her Team Canada Dance/ IDO (International Dance Organization) tap group, and fifth place with the small tap group.
And now this year, Amada will be dancing a solo on the world stage as she joins the Junior Team travelling October 23-27 to Prague, Czech Republic to compete in the 2024 World Dance Championship.
It’s exciting beyond belief for the 13-year-old Grimsby resident and her family. “I have no words” says Amada.
“Learning the choreography and being able to perform on the world stage is amazing.”
But while Amada is an elite athlete, Canada doesn’t recognize dance nor does it fund the sport. From choreography to costumes, entry fees and travel, the costs are high and sponsors are being sought to help put her on the world stage.
“Dance is my passion. I’ve loved it since I started when I was four years old,” says Amada, now heading into Grade 8 at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Grimsby.
Amada trains at
Rythum Plus Dance Company in Stoney Creek. Earlier, she was introduced to competitive dance at Beyond the Barre Dance Company in Grimsby.
She now competes in all genres of dance, including tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical and acro.
“It is her passion,” says her mom Tania Presta. Monday to Friday, Amada does four to five hours of tech training and on the sixth day, she works on choreography.
“My teachers are all amazing. I am so lucky. They’re the best and I couldn’t ask for anything more,” says Amada, including Tiffani Beauparlant, Sarah Cox-Kelly and Caitlynn Long.
“The cost is high just to be in dance with regular studios and regional competitions,” Tania said.
She estimates $10,000 as a minimum with sponsorship helping make it possible to offset the costs of entry fees, costumes, choreography, rehearsal space and travel fees. “We are looking for sponsorships to help support the expenses,” Tania said.
“I want our community to under-
stand how athletic the dancers are and that it’s unfortunate that our Canadian government does not recognize dance as an Olympic sport in general,” said Tania. “Sponsorship would help lift the image and let the community know the level of commitment and dedication the kids put towards dance,” Tania said.
While many countries offer government or corporate funding, there is no assistance in Canada for competitive
dances. Each team member must raise their own funds to attend these competitions.
“IDO (International Dance Organization) promotes dancers as the true athletes that they are. In many of the European countries dance is considered a sport,” said IDO vice-president and sport director Fiona Johnson. That recognition means some dancers are entitled to receive government grants, scholarships, paid health insurance
physiotherapists and body conditioning classes.
“It is unfortunate that Canada still does not recognize our dancers as the athletes they are when they compete at world level competitions,” Johnson said. “They are true ambassadors.”
IDO and Team Canada list sponsors on all socials, and give recognition on the world stage.
For more information contact Amada at:
teamcanadaamada@gmail.com
Grimsby’s Amada Presta seeking sponsors to dance this fall in Prague.
Last year in Germany, Grimsby’s Amada Presta won a gold medal with her Team Canada Dance /International Dance Organization tap group.
The West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce has made several changes to its Annual Business Awards - to be held Friday, Oct 25 - including a move to Vieni Estates Winery.
The new format will include an expanded networking reception with complimentary wine, coffee, tea, and hors d’ oeuvres, an enhanced program including a panel discussion with local business leaders, a special new category and venue.
“We’re excited to elevate the Annual Business Awards to new heights,” said Chamber President Janelle Van Halst.
All can nominate a business or businesses. Award categories include Community Impact; Community Impact Non-Profit; Sustainability; New Business; Solopreneur; Sustainable Farm; Farm-related Business; and The Spirit of the Chamber. Visit the Chamber’s website: westlincolnchamber.com/ businessawards
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR PLANNING MATTERS
318 Canborough St. P.O. Box 400 Smithville, ON L0R 2A0
T: 905-957-3346
F: 905-957-3219
www.westlincoln.ca
Get involved with your input. The Township of West Lincoln Planning/Building/Environmental Committee will hold a Public Meeting in accordance with the Planning Act where the matter(s) below will be considered. The meeting will take place:
PUBLIC MEETING
DATE: Tuesday, October 15th, 2024
TIME: 6:30PM
LOCATION: In person and virtual attendance
Town Hall - 318 Canborough Street Smithville Ontario
Those who wish to provide comments at a meeting virtually (Zoom), must register in advance by contacting Justin Paylove, jpaylove@westlincoln.ca or 905-957-3346.
About the Planning Application:
File No. and Name: 1601-002-24 – Backyard Chickens Amendment to Zoning By-law (2017-70) and Animal Care By-law (2023-54)
The Township of West Lincoln has initiated a zoning by-law amendment and amendments to the Township’s Animal Care By-law (202354) to modify the Township’s zoning regulations regarding raising backyard chickens. Based on comments provided at the initial public meeting held on February 12, 2024, and other best practice information, the proposed by-law is being presented for consideration on the specific regulations to expand the number of zones where backyard chickens are permitted, and to provide additional regulations that would limit the number of chickens, and regulate the location of the coop, run and manure storage areas including disposal of waste.
Additional information, including the draft zoning bylaw and Animal Care Bylaw amendments can be found on the Township’s website by searching the file name and number. A location map has not been provided as the changes affect lands throughout the Township.
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the following planner: Susan Smyth, Senior Planner E-mail: ssmyth@westlincoln.ca
How to have your comments heard:
Please submit your written comments to jpaylove@westlincoln.ca with the file number for the application by 4:00PM October 7th, 2024 to have them included in Staff’s report for the application. If you submit comments after this date, they will not be included in Staff’s report. Any comments received after October 7th and before October 15th will be read into the public record during the meeting. While residents are encouraged to make written submissions to the committee, members of the public will also be able to provide verbal comments at Committee and Council in person or virtually through Zoom. Please contact the Interim Director of Legislative Services/Clerk by email at jpaylove@westlincoln.ca to register to speak at the meeting and indicate if you will need a link to the Zoom meeting.
Important information about making a submission
If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Township of West Lincoln Planning/Building/Environmental Committee before a by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Council of the Township of West Lincoln to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).
If a person or public body does not make oral submission at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the Township of West Lincoln Planning/Building/Environmental Committee before a by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the OLT unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so.
Individuals who make written submissions with respect to a Planning Act application should be aware that their submission and any personal information in their correspondence will become part of the public record and made available to the Applicant, Committee and Council. For more information:
The documents and background material for this application can be made available by contacting West Lincoln’s Planning Department at: Phone: 905-957-3346
E-mail: planning@westlincoln.ca Website: www.westlincoln.ca
Copies of the Staff Report will be available Friday, October 11th, 2024 after 4PM on the Township’s website. If you would like to be notified of Township Council’s decision with respect to any planning application, you must make a written request (specifying which file number) to:
Justin Paylove, Deputy Clerk
Phone: 905-957-3346
E-mail: jpaylove@westlincoln.ca
Dated: Thursday, September 12, 2024
NPCA names new CAO
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) board of directors has named its new CAO (chief administrative officer), Leilani Lee-Yates, Lee-Yates is currently NPCA’s director of Watershed Strategies and Climate Change. She will be succeed Chandra Sharma.
Lee-Yates brings over two decades of experience in environmental planning, watershed management, and strategic leadership.
Since joining NPCA in 2021, she has led transformative initiatives, including developing critical planning and policy documents, securing significant federal and provincial grants, and enhancing NPCA’s restoration, stewardship and monitoring programs. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing NPCA’s strategic goals, notably through the Conservation Authorities Act transition, implementation of the
Fall 2024
land securement strategy, and innovative climate resiliency initiatives.
Previously, Lee-Yates held senior roles at Halton Region, Peel Region, Town of Caledon, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, where she managed significant environmental and policy planning initiatives, demonstrating her capacity to drive impactful, large-scale projects that enhance watershed management and community resilience.
As a recognized leader in the sector, Lee-Yates is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Registered Professional Planner.
The NPCA board noted Sharma served with exceptional service.
In the interim, Lee-Yates will continue to oversee the Watershed Strategies and Climate Change department and lead the recruitment of a new director.
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Planning Department
CORRECTION NOTICE
Notice of Public Meeting
Please note that the Public Meeting date is changed from September 19th to October 2nd.
Take notice that a Public Meeting will be held for a Zoning By-law Amendment regarding updates to the accessible parking provisions within the By-law in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and associated regulations. The amendment is municipally led.
Accessible parking zoning requirements need to comply with regulations made under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) by January 1, 2025. Upon review, Grimsby’s existing regulations were identified as needing some updates to fully comply. Ontario Regulation 413/12 prescribes minimum standards for the application of off-street parking, exceptions to accessible parking, types of accessible parking spaces, access aisles, minimum number and type of accessible parking spaces required, signage, and on-street parking spaces. The proposed amendment to the Zoning By-law would further identify the types of accessible parking spaces and make other minor changes.
An initial report on the proposed Amendment is available at https://pubgrimsby.escribemeetings.com/ on the August 7th agenda of Planning and Development Committee. A further Information Report will be available on the October 2nd meeting agenda when it is published.
A public meeting for the municipally led Accessible Parking Zoning By-law Amendment is scheduled as follows:
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2024
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Town Hall, 160 Livingston Ave, Grimsby
Additional information regarding this application, including information about appeal rights, is available on the Town’s website at www.grimsby.ca at Town Hall during normal business hours (8:30 to 4:30), or you may contact:
Town of Grimsby, Planning Department, P.O. Box 159, 160 Livingston Avenue, Grimsby, Ontario. L3M 0J5. Telephone: (905) 945-9634, Fax: (905) 945-5010, Email: planning@grimsby.ca
Fling on King evolves to Fleming Centre
Effective this year, the annual downtown Beamsville festival Fling on King, shall be held off King Street, at the Fleming Centre.
“The event has just grown so much every year,” said Stephanie Hicks, executive director of the Downtown Bench Beamsville Business Improvement Area.
“I love Fling on King, or Fling off King, I should say now,” Hicks said.
The annual free-to-
attend fete serves as a way to bring neighbours together for a fun time, she said.
The day-long bash runs Sept. 28 2-10 p.m.
Hicks said there will be a variety of food trucks servicing attendees, with Niagara Benchlands Pour House supplying beverages.
Entertainers costumed as animated characters like Belle and Beast, Lilo and Stitch and the Scooby Doo Mystery
Crew will be on site 2-4 p.m.
Kids can also play with arts and crafts and get their faces painted in the Kids’ Zone from 2-7 p.m.
The Niagara Dance and Fitness Studio will be performing at 4 p.m., followed by a Pink and Taylor Swift tribute performance at 5 p.m.
Finally, Niagarabased quartet A Simple Gesture takes the stage at 7 to close out the night.
“It has become a little bit overcrowded on King Street, and it’s caused some accessibility issues,” Hicks said.
Hicks said the party attracts a lot of families with wagons and strollers.
She said the BIA has been looking forward to having a bigger space to accommodate the party’s popularity.
The Beamsville business group has been running it every year since 2018 with some support from the town and sponsors.
ROBERT JAMES, Sales Representative Office: 905-945.1234 Email: robertjames@royallepage.ca
NRC Realty, Brokerage. Independently Owned and Operated
6th Annual Volunteer Pay Subscription Drive
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OBITUARIES
miller, Donald Arthur
Sadly, the family announces the passing of Don on Friday, August 30, 2024 at the St. Catharines Hospital. Beloved husband of Jeanne (nee Wallace) for 57 years. Loved father of Garth and cherished grandfather of Owen, Grayson and Raegan. He is survived by sisters Marlene Ross and Bonnie Bird (Neil) and brother-in-law of Marilyn Cassidy, Deanne Cressman and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Ella and Bert and siblings Donna, Dave and Bev and brothers-in-law Bill, Robert, Bob, David and Charles.
Don lead a full and interesting life. His career with Willson International spanned more than 40 years. Don gave back to his community in several ways. He enjoyed many years of coaching ball and hockey in both Fort Erie and the Grimsby area. He was a Rotarian and a Paul Harris fellow. In retirement he continued to enjoy his golf as well as gardening and walking.
Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Wasserman and his team and the entire Walker Family Cancer Centre for their unwavering support during this difficult time.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held in the fall. If desired, memorial contributions to the Walker Family Cancer Centre would be sincerely appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to STONEHOUSEWHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, GRIMSBY, 905-945-2755. www.smithsfh.com
LAS VEGAS DINNER SHOW
ELVIS, TOM JONES
ANd CHEER. Casablanca Hotel Grimsby Nov. 3rd. Tickets for dinner and show
$86.95 + taxes and fees. 647-688-4822
OBITUARIES
Draga, george Henry
Passed away at McNally House Hospice, on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 10:50 p.m. at the age of 89. Beloved husband of Kathleen. Loved father of Michael Draga (Lynette) and Teri Draga. Cherished Grampa and Dragon of Amy (Sean), Jeff (Lauren) and Dylan and great-grandfather of Mitchell, Callum, Nola and Emily. Before retirement, George was a full time tool, die and mould maker while also teaching countless students in his trade. He loved to putter around the house while listening to music as well as during the holidays. He and Kathleen were avid golfers and loved dancing. Cremation has taken place. Visitation at STONEHOUSE-WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, 11 Mountain Street, GRIMSBY (289) 948-8563) on Friday September 13, 2024 from 5-8 p.m. where the Funeral Service will take place on Saturday September 14, 2024 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to The McNally House Hospice, Kidney Foundation or The Heart and Stoke Foundation would be sincerely appreciated by the family. www.smithsfh.com
BOOKKEEPING
I NTEGERBOOKS
B OOKKEEPING services available for small to medium size businesses. Specialized in Service industry and property management. Please Contact Shushma. Email: integerbooks4@gmail. com phone number 647-221-5569
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
STRUGGLING WITH HURTS, HANG-UPS 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
JACKI’S SENIOR CARE
Offering Housekeeping, Haircuts, Personal and Respite Care. Call 226938-1457 for details.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
T&G LANdSCAPING
Lawn Maintenance, Sod and Lawn Work, Top Seeding Aerating & Fertilizing, Fences and Decks, Snowplowing, Fire wood for sale. Leaky Basement. Frank Tirimacco 905-651-4410 tgland@hotmail.com
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
GARAGE SALE
Large, Indoor Sale
Sept. 15th 8am-1 pm.
2195 Caistor-Gainsborough Townline, Smithville.
Dishware, cutlery, small appliances, tools, costume jewelry, sport and camping equipment, marine supplies, luggage and totes, pet supplies, cameras and more. Something for everyone! Cash (only) please
BIG GARAGE SALE
Saturday September 21 from 8am to ? 90 Lakeside Drive, Grimsby Canoe, kitchen table and chairs, quilts, wheelbarrow and more!
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
SPECIALIzEd IN CARPENTRy - Painting, Small renovations, Fence & Decks. Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring, Power washing. Senior discounts. Serving all West Niagara. Call Angelo 289439-1485
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
• Roofing • Siding
• Eavestrough
• Gutter Guard
• Soffit • Fascia
30 years experience! Mike 905-598-5355
Duna Handyman
Professional Painting flooring and a lot more.
Removing popcorn ceiling and replacing with California knockdown or smooth ceiling. Most of your home needs. dunajozef6@gmail.com 905-730-1387
NICK ELIA RENOVATIONS
Over 40 years of experience in painting, flooring, basic plumbing, landscaping, deck and fences. Certified home inspector. Free estimates 905-741-6695 905-730-1387 nickanthonyelia@ gmail.com www.nickelia renovations.com
BIRTHDAYS
GREY ROCK MASONRY
M. Andrew Gauthier Funeral Director: Tom C. Merritt 905-957-7031
Birthday 75 Years young Kirk Bramer - Sept. 15, 2024
You are loving, caring and a very supportive husband, father and grandfather. Sharing the last 28-½ years with you has been totally amazing.
It is wonderful to watch you enjoy your hobbies. Having the freedom to buy and sell and tinker with your old cars + trucks. You continue to pump the irons. Hit the heavy bag like the two time golden glove winner.
We wish you many more years of good health, love + happiness
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New recording policy an overcorrection
It is very rare and unusual for me to offer any comment in this space regarding an issue for which a story has not yet been published, but - in this day and age of Grimsby council - here we are.
Monday’s Grimsby council meeting was a monster. There were many stories, several will consume a lot of space and time and they will see the light of day in next week’s edition. The only reason I could not get them teed up for this week was sheer volume and complexity.
That is the black and white of it.
The grey of it is the motion approved also notes media and the public can record meetings, but are supposed to confirm with the town clerk that they will be doing so.
Not a big deal, but still not necessary.
To say “other municipalities are doing it” matters not.
But what needs to be touched on immediately is a rather tragic mistake council fell into in an attempt to put up guard rails for its main outlaw.
Because of a circumstance which arose at a Grimsby Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting where one councillor apparently chose to not only record proceedings of the meeting but private, side conversations when the meeting was not in session.
Dancin’ up a storm
The West Niagara Fair Baby Show is always a lot of fun and this year was no different. Twelve-month old babies (L-R) Nylah Bhagria, and Finnegan Jennings Willan, were a hit in the dancing category of the baby event. The fair had an outstanding weekend despite having threats of inclement weather with big crowds turning out for The Chicks show on Saturday night and both demo derbies.
McDonald - Photo
This resulting action led to discussion of possible legal action - hence the reason nothing has been discussed in open session of council on this point - and possible other actions such as an Ombudsman complaint and/or an Integrity Commissioner complaint.
The only reason I know what went down was from several calls received later in the day of the meeting from people who saw things
unfold before their own eyes.
To not muck up any proceedings, which will follow at some point, I am refraining from going into detail on that right now.
However, Monday’s action which arose from that incident - implementing a procedural bylaw amendment to attempt to control recording of public meetings - WITH language included which suggested Niagara Regional Police may be called if issues are not resolved to the satisfaction of the clerk - is just wholly wrong.
To be clear, here, we’re talking about advisory committee meetings as meetings of council are already recorded by the Town. Advisory meetings are not.
Having said that, I totally understand the frustration and concern the rest of council and staff have when trying to deal with said councillor.
But to attempt to control the public’s freedoms in an open forum is not the way to do it.
To say Grimsby is following Niagara Region’s lead matters not.
The situation where Region felt the need to create a policy related to a recording device being left in chambers and active while departing for a closed session. Closed sessions are radically different from open sessions where all is on the record, unfettered.
The fact that Grimsby council felt the need to go this route is intensely unfortunate.
It is somewhat understandable because the weight of the albatross it is bearing must seem untenable at times. Council needs to put its collective shoulder down and press on, not fold to the pressure of desperation and the trigger reaction of trying something, anything, to maintain some level of control and decorum.
The problems Grimsby council is having is completely internal, NOT with the public. Why should the public have to expend any ounce of energy or effort to confirm an interest in recording? They shouldn’t.
MIKE WILLISCRAFT
Beamsville Lions food drive planned for drive Sept. 21
The Beamsville & District Lions Club and Community Care of West Niagara (CCWN) have proven to be a remarkable team over the years, and they will prove that again next month with their annual food drive.
On Saturday, Sept. 21 the two organizations will team up to cover every address in the municipality which leaves a donation at its door with scores of volunteers who will drive routes, pick up goods, sort and ship in the neighbourhood of 25,000 lbs of food - if this year’s results approach those from 2023.
“On behalf of the Beamsville & District Lions Club and Community Care of West Niagara, we in-
vite you to become a part of this great community effort,” said Lion John Tutecky, chair of the food drive.
Residents can support the event even before they make a donation.
“Place a notice in your company, church, school, agency newsletter, website, and/or bulletin,” said Lynda O’Donnell, CCWN’s manager of community engagement.
Five key areas of need this year are: kids’ snacks for school (peanut free); toilet paper; cooking oil; pasta sauce and; baking items (flour, sugar, etc.)
With about 200 volunteers needed to pull off the event, register now to help on: communitycarewn.ca
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