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Home and Garden Show this weekend page 3 A Piccolo tees up page 8 Amalgamation consideration page 9

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bilko@rgcmail.com Vol.23 No.14

Wednesday, April 3 2019

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FREE

Third park info session gets rowdy

Column Six

Hardest thing in my life

Only enough funds for basic design, features

Wait, is Harold in the ditch again? BY JOHN SWART

VOICE Correspondent

BY GLORIA J. KATCH

Special to the VOICE

The third public information gathering session on Weiland Heights and Lookout Street was anything but a serene walk in the park. Local residents attending last Tuesday's meeting in council chambers left no stone unturned, unearthing endless detailed questions and comments about these two recreational spaces, and their $340,000 budget. Comments even alluded to the tendering process, and while the uniqueness of Bienenstock's Natural Playground was appreciably top-notch, several in attendance deemed it too expensive. Starkly opposite to the last information session, there was acrimony among the participants, who at times raised their voices to make contrasting views known. Interim CAO Teresa Quinlin acted as referee, asking residents in the gallery to pipe down, stop talking over each

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O YOU REMEMBER the iconic EDS commercial about herding cats? The one where the grizzled cowboy, salty sweat and dirt on his leather chaps, weathered lines scouring his sunburnt face, and a vocabulary dripping of John Wayne, says, "Don't let anyone tell you this is easy. Anyone can herd cattle. Herding cats is probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life." He's obviously never led a seniors bike tour. Cats are smarter than senior cyclists, follow direction better, can go longer between nature breaks, and in some cases, ride better. I love bicycle touring (which you might already know), and enjoy sharing the discovery of new places, roads and experiences with friends. For the last decade, I've led bike tours for the Freewheelers, a Ni-

F O O R P Adam Bienenstock, Founder of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, listening to residents last week. other, and allow founder and principal designer Adam Bienenstock to run the presentation, which lasted more than three hours. By the end of the session, Bienenstock was back to the drawing board, agreeing to derive a bare bones, "baseline" version of the two parks using as few dollars as possible.

He also said he would provide a two-phase plan, so that fundraising groups, or the Town, could add to the park's aesthetics and features, like play equipment, and additional shade and gazebos, down the road. However, Bienenstock pointed out fundraising for play equipment can be a bit of a bumpy road, as there are

not many funders or grantors available for these extras, or as he later described it, "the cool and fun things." Despite the many comments and suggestions, Bienenstock said anyone with additional comments could email him, or post the information on the municipal website within the week. While his company

GLORIA J. KATCH PHOTO

has provided ample time in the information-gathering sessions to obtain input from the residents, he told the Voice after the session there may have to be another information session and a meeting with the Town before the final plans are brought to council for ap-

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21 years in Pelham

See PARKS Page 15

See COLUMN SIX back page

Page 2

The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

NRPS impaired driving charges

THE VOICE POLL RESULTS

PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket

Clarifications at the top: “It’s a brother’s love,” said Councillor Ron Kore, referring to his twin brother Bob’s polite email to the Voice last week, concerned that readers were unaware that Ron had missed the March 18 Town Council meeting due to their mother’s passing the weekend before. In fact, as soon as my wife and I heard the news, we offered our condolences to Ron and his family. It wasn’t clear before last week’s deadline, however, that this was the reason that Ron wasn’t at council. Never assume. Ron had not responded to a request for comment on the arena sale vote, something that he acknowledged last week, saying that he’d unplugged and taken the week off. He said that given the emotional strain, he opted not to attend the council meeting, but, had he been there, he would have voted to keep, not sell, the old arena...Let the bidding begin: There’s good news in East Fonthill after all. What looked like an impasse in negotiations was broken last week as council stuck to their guns. Bottom line, the Town is free to resume offering its remaining East Fonthill parcels for sale…Welcome aboard: Some new or rebooted advertisers are with us, which we appreciate and draw your attention to—Chef Chez You (p. 9), Paul’s Garden Centre (p. 8), Bob Kilyk, whose insurance agency is now a Desjardins operation, having acquired State Farm awhile back (p. 8), and Landscape 95 (p. 12). We have to ask: Is Landscape 98, NT, XP, Vista, and 10 in our future? Yes!... Contributions: Many thanks are due to folks who have recently brought in some fascinating items, starting with a Mrs. McKinnis, who dropped off some Pelham Heralds, a history of the library, and some annual Historical Society calendars, a wonderful tradition that’s sadly now history. Dominic Faragalli dropped an enormous box of The Canadian Countryman, a large format magazine printed on newsprint, aimed at rural readers. There are issues dating back to 1918 and forward into the 1930s. A real treasure trove! And Vilma Moretti has loaned us a copy of “A little book about US,” a compilation of recollections by locals about their childhoods, over several generations. Even better, we’re going to serialize it as a column, starting soon...April is Anastasia Month: Last week she was in Johannesburg, before that Rio, this week it’s Addis Ababa. We have three more stops coming from Anastasia Huminilowycz, the new Voice on Vacation World Tour Champion!...New digs: Don't miss the Home & Garden Show, this weekend (p. 3)...Finally, Piccolo’s back, but it isn’t that Piccolo: It’s also not the Voice he’s "back" to, but let’s let the man himself, John Piccolo, explain (p. 8). In short, golfers across the region will rejoice at John's return to the golf column game. Now, if the snow would stop falling, we just need some warmer days to get out there and get swinging—not that I’m a golfer myself. I can barely get a billiard ball to travel six feet, let alone a golf ball five hundred yards. And okay, okay—it was probably a good idea after all not to call the column, Fore!play. Thanks, John!

After a recent windstorm fatally damaged the arches erected above Pelham Town Square, last week we asked readers whether they should be rebuilt. Opinion was about evenly divided, with a relatively slender majority, 55%, favouring their return, with 45% opposed. Margins were clearer on the matter of who should foot the bill. Only 2 in 10 respondents said that taxpayers should pay for any such project. A whopping 64% said that they were unwilling to contribute anything at all to a fundraising effort. 263 total votes were tallied.

In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region. None of the following charges have been proved in court. In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension. The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample. Jason B. MACNEIL, 29, Ridgeway Steven J. BIONDI, 51, Welland Scott M. SOMERVILLE, 38, Niagara Falls Thomas W. MCDOUGALL, 58, Niagara Falls Jamie A. YOUNG, 42, Niagara Falls Darrell W. KENNEDY, 59, Niagara Falls Andrew T. PEARSON, 42, St. Catharines Nancy M. J. LEMAY, 47, Thorold Jeremy A. GAINHAM, 27, Wainfleet

ADVISORY: While safeguards are in place to eliminate multiple votes, this is a self-selected poll, meaning it has no scientific validity compared to a formal random survey undertaken by a professional polling firm.

Should the arches be rebuilt as a permanent fixture above Pelham Town Square?

20%

Yes, and paid for by the Town (taxpayers)

45% 35%

Yes, and paid for strictly through private fundraising No

I would be willing to personally contribute this much to the project:

9% 9% 8%

64%

Voice on vacation!

$100 or more $50-99

10%

$25-$49 $1-$24 $0

The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.

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Page 4

The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OPINION

The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.

The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0

As We See It Stop calling it a fire sale

HOSE W HO A R E opposed to selling the old Pelham arena lands do themselves, and the taxpaying public, a disservice when they describe it as a fire sale. It is not. Capitalism has a funny way of being right on the money, as it were, when it comes to valuation. Arguably nowhere is this more true than in a mature real estate market in an industrialized nation. Mortgage lenders, insurers, appraisers, and those front-line troops, the realtors, provide endless reams of data to support—or refute—valuations. Of course, these checks and balances can end up meaning nothing when the game is rigged, as we saw, a decade ago, when American mortgage lenders concocted new ways to conspire with Wall Street brokers to defraud vast swathes of investors. It is also true that in the Town of Pelham’s recent past, an East Fonthill real estate deal was transacted at a ludicrously inflated price, one that saw the Town pay far more for property than historical precedents would

have suggested, and paying for it in a bizarrely complex scheme of credits. (Payment was ultimately made politically, as well. The overseers of the scheme were voted out of office.)

These checks and balances can end up meaning nothing when the game is rigged So while it’s understandable that the new council—and once-burned residents—would be extra-alert to potential municipal real estate shenanigans, this is not that. If anything, the arena sale is a consequence of that, and other unwise East Fonthill development decisions made under the leadership of the previous mayor, and his previous councils, stretching back well over a decade.

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Alcoholics Anonymous Find a Niagara meeting. 905-682-2140 Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) www.niagaratips.com Text 274637(CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip

The Voice

1428 Pelham Street, P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Office open: Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 2 PM

(905) 892-8690

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER & EDITOR Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Mike Balsom Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Kathryn Hrycusko, Gloria J. Katch, John Piccolo, Bernie Puchalski John Swart, Sarah Whitaker NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

When a municipality sells property, it must be sold in accordance with the provisions set out in the bylaw that governs the sale of surplus lands. This requires a specific process which has been put in place to protect the best interests of the corporation and subsequently the best interests of its ratepayers. A sale of surplus lands bylaw is mandatory under the Municipal Act. The arena lands were appraised based on the portion of the property being sold— and sold “as-is.” Terms of the previous sales offer explicitly stated that the Town would not be responsible for demolition of the existing structures, nor for any remedial work needed on the site. According to Interim CAO Teresa Quinlin, an appraisal was conducted by D. J. Penwarden Appraisals Ltd., in June 2018, which, based on the appraiser’s opinion, resulted in a valuation range of between $2.5 and $3 million dollars. “This value of this property is also based on the development plan for residential use,” says Quinlin. See EDITORIAL next page

Letters Thoughts on Library CEO, paid parking at community centre While the Town’s finances circled the drain, I read with great joy last fall that Kirk Weaver, the Pelham Public Library CEO, was leaving. After all, it was a chance to shorten the Town’s lengthy Sunshine List (Weaver’s over $106,000, with taxable benefits, in 2017) by at least one cypher of questionable utility. You see, while the usually accepted minimum to be head of even a small public library system is a master’s degree in library/ information science and relevant experience, Mr. Weaver had neither the academic credentials nor any work experience in the library/information environment. Still, the Library Board and previous town council

saw fit to hire this four year, work-in-progress to learn the job from his underlings, the degree and diploma-holding professionals, while providing him with a student grant worth over 10% of the total library budget. Perhaps this hire was done by a board with members, like others I’ve heard of, who did not even possess Pelham Public Library cards. My joyful flight of fantasy at hearing of the library CEO’s retirement, my dreams of big bucks set free to patch streets, open Poth Street, and pay down our debt, my hopes for a bigger library acquisitions budget, were brought up short when I saw the Library See LIBRARY Page 14

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 289-929-2681 Members of Pelham Town Council

Member of Provincial Parliament

Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi mciolfi@pelham.ca 905-892-0077

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755

Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840

Electoral District: Niagara West

Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 289-929-2681 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607

Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805

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Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-4475

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Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun lhaun@pelham.ca 905-892-2607

service clubs

Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647

Jill C. Anthony Law Office

Have an Opinion?

BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity, clarity or legal considerations. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher. ADVERTISING: The Voice of Pelham regrets any errors or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication. The Voice is a member of the National NewsMedia Council, a voluntary self-regulatory organization that deals with journalistic practices and ethics. If you have an unresolved complaint about news stories, opinion columns or photos, please visit their web site at mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163. If you have a complaint about delivery or membership problems, please contact our office at 905-892-8690. For a summary of Voice ethical guidelines, see www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/ethics

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The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

Page 5

OPINION Not thrilled with self-checkout machines A couple of weeks ago I went into Sobeys in Fonthill. I hadn’t been there for a while but often shop there. I was quite surprised and to say the very least disappointed— actually disgusted would be a better term. There, right in the middle of the checkout rows, were a bunch of brand new state-of-the-art automated self-checkout machines. I’m sure that it was a huge investment in machinery and artificial intelligence that will be a boon in profits for Sobeys. But I find it impossible to congratulate those responsible for putting these reprehensible machines in place. Just a couple of things to think about before you as

a consumer use these machines at Sobeys, or at any other store that uses them. The people who these machines replace—and if you believe that they will not replace people, well you need to look a little deeper—pay taxes, buy groceries , put their kids in hockey, baseball, soccer, piano, dance, etc. They also eat in local restaurants, order pizza, and donate to charities. The younger people who did these jobs saved to go to school, paid some of their own expenses learned the value of earning your own money managing it. These machines do none of these See MACHINES Page 7

EDITORIAL

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Dean Allison, MP for Niagara West In SNC-Lavalin affair, still more questions than answers

OR THE LAST MONTH, Canadians have been deeply disturbed by reports of attempted political interference by Justin Trudeau and senior members of his staff —interference relating to the prosecution of Quebec construction company SNC-Lavalin on bribery and corruption charges. The inappropriate pressure by Trudeau and his senior staff was revealed by former Attorney General (AG) Jody Wilson-Raybould, in front of the Justice Committee on February 27. Since then, Justin Trudeau

the appraised value may be unrealistically high. Particularly if we see a worldwide economic slowdown, as some economists are predicting, the knock-on effect in Canada, and Niagara, might leave developers looking for land that doesn’t already contain a 44-year-old hockey arena with, say, a sprinkling of asbestos on top. Capitalists compete with other capitalists to extract maximum value from investments. We saw this at work in East Fonthill within just the last several days. After holding firm, the new council ultimately secured a sales agreement on one parcel that ends a stalemate over the Town’s right to sell its remaining East Fonthill parcels. Capitalism will determine the value

continued from previous page “As recreational land, i.e., arena land, it would not have that high of a value. We have estimated that the demolition cost and remediation of the land could be as high as $1 million dollars.” Sources tell the Voice that a previous deal for $2.7 million fell apart when the prospective buyer was unable to secure Town assurances that it could shoehorn in more dwellings than already approved for the site. A municipality hell-bent on a “fire sale” might well have caved to such demands. This staff didn’t. If anything, given the amount of demolition involved, and potential remediation required, it’s possible that

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The Liberals continue to prevent Jody Wilson-Raybould from speaking, using their majority on the Justice committee to block her from telling the rest of her story. The former AG is still bound by parliamentary rules that stop her from discussing key events. Only the Prime Minister can let her speak, and he has refused to do so. Canada is governed by the rule of law. Justin Trudeau does not get to bend the law for his own political purSee ALLISON Page 14

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unethical, and possibly illegal behaviour by the Prime Minister. Jody Wilson-Raybould’s testimony speaks for itself: “I experienced a consistent and sustained effort by many people within the government to seek to politically interfere in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion.” This is a clear and direct statement, but the Liberals have tried to say that this is just “her truth” and that they have their own “perspective” on the issue.

of the old arena. It is disingenuous for anyone—particularly those in positions of authority—to claim that Pelham’s staff, Mayor, or new council is intent on undercutting the municipality’s own financial interest by deliberately selling the arena lands at less than market value. There is a legitimate debate to be had over the wisdom of parting with Town lands. Alarmist nonsense over fire sale pricing, and claims of “it’s gone forever,” if the arena is sold (municipalities are capable of buying, as well as selling, real estate), serves no purpose other than scoring cheap Wholesale nursery growing container grown perennials, rhetorical points. The new Mayor and vines, nursery flowering shrubs,container evergreens & trees is seeking growing grown perennials, council are better than that, and soWholesale who likeevergreens to work with& plants. We are in need of vines,individuals flowering shrubs, dwarf trees seeking are we all. ♦

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and his former Principal Advisor Gerry Butts, along with the head of the Public Service Michael Wernick, seem to be doing their best to mislead the public and misrepresent Ms. Wilson-Raybould’s statements. They say that she experienced things differently than they did. Nobody believes this excuse but the most partisan Liberals. The Prime Minister’s deflections have become too much for some members of his own government. Jane Philpott, considered a top cabinet minister, resigned from her position due to this deeply

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Page 6

Letters

The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

LINUS

continued

continued from Page 3

Resident voices ignored in survey snub

Little online love for rebuilding arches

Democracy: government by the people. A novel concept in Canadian politics. From federal to municipal, our elected representatives seem to have forgotten why they are in office. A survey was conducted, and the majority of the voters voted for the sale of the old arena. But the politicians overrode that. For the people? By the people?

Editor’s note: Our poll last week on whether the arches should be rebuilt above Pelham Town Square drew plenty of comment on the Voice’s Facebook page—all of it negative. A sampling appears below. Some 1,500 users had been reached by press time. The comments are in contrast, but perhaps not in great contrast, to the relatively slim majority of respondents to the survey who favoured the arches’ return, with a wider margin further favouring their reconstruction being paid for privately, not by taxpayers.

Why do we go to the expense of elections? Could this be the reason we have such a low turnout at the polls? “They aren’t going to listen to us anyway” Didn’t take them long to show us we don’t have a voice in our town. Joan Eby Fonthill

Slope of national debt steeper now than earlier Mr. Patrick Tierney, PhD, etc., must have some statistical background, as he has presented numbers such that the desired result appears [“MP Allison needs schooling in the real-world numbers,” Letters, March 20, p. 11]. National Debt is just that— the debt that the nation is in. You can say that you are not in as much debt as your neighbours, so you must be doing fine. Or you can say that you are paying a higher percentage of your principal off this year, so you must be doing fine. However, you don't mention that you borrowed more money this year. The bottom line is that the slope of the national debt graph for the last four years has visually increased over that of the previous four years, when Harper was trying to balance the budget. However the peo-

ple did not like having their purse strings tightened. The chance of ever having a balanced budget in the near or far future is probably nil, as there are so many necessary social programs in place. What we don't need from any government is vote-buying programs. As far as the carbon tax programs, these may be of benefit if the actual dollar value was applied toward emissions reduction, and I am not talking about windmills, solar panels, or electric cars, all of which are not economical or practical. However, with any government, it all goes in one pot and is then doled out to the people. Anybody remember gasoline road tax? Bill McLeod Welland

Poth Street. Sulphur Springs Drive. Debt. Contingency funds. Decorate. Jim Vanderhoek When the Town can afford to, I think the arches should definitely come back in a more permanent fashion. But right now there are more important things to fix around the house than frills like arches. Jo-Lou Bradley Seriously? Fix the rural roads first.

Jacqueline Bunting

Project got permission to use the name Linus when Charles Schulz heard about her project, and he gave permission for the name to be used," Oliver explains. Oliver heard about the Linus Project for the first time in 2011, when she read an article in a local newspaper. "I wanted to donate blankets and that's how it all started for me. Not long after, I took over the local chapter," she says.

Blankets are portable and can be carried anywhere

I think at some point, yes, but as others have mentioned, there are other items to look after first. However, you could spruce up the entrance with some large planters and flowers perhaps? It does need something. Cathy Thompson Certainly! Why don’t we bring back rotary phone booths as well? Throw it right back. Resurrect Temperanceville. Something entirely useless. Curtis Cheel

What's so bad about amalgamation

Travellers deserve an apology

Why not “No Niagara Region”? Concerns about what the provincial government may do regarding Niagara Region has all 12 municipal mayors agreeing to work together to offer “made in Niagara” solutions. Each of those mayors was elected to serve the best interests of his or her own municipalities, so not necessarily the best interests of all municipalities and regional residents, nor any proposed “One Niagara.” How soon are we to hear their proposals for a “No Niagara” rather than a “One Niagara”? Each should be given a credible hearing and the arguments put forward for both. Andrew Watts Wainfleet

Looking at the girls, when I was their age, I travelled extensively out of the country. I was never treated like they were treated by customs officers upon reentry to Canada [Hellish homecoming from tropical paradise, March 27, p. 9]. Maybe the TV show, Border Guards, is encouraging this profession to develop behaviour that they think is TV reality show-worthy, just in case it makes the cut for an episode. These women at the very least deserve an apology. My goodness, this is Canada, not a South American dictatorship. Pamela Robb Fonthill

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Since she began volunteering, Oliver says more than 1,000 blankets have been donated to children in need across Niagara. She says children "need something for security" and it doesn't always have to be a stuffed animal or a doll. "Blankets are portable and can be carried anywhere," she says. Oliver is issuing a call to the community for donations of materials to make the blankets. She could also use some help making blankets and delivering them to organizations, including local hospitals, Women's Place of South Niagara, and Family and Children's Services. She also wants the community to know that if there is a child who could benefit from a blanket, Oliver encourages them to contact her and let her know. "If someone needs a blanket, give me a call and let me know. I can make arrangements to make sure it gets to where it needs to go," she says. There are 44 chapters across Canada with volunteers, better known as blanketeers, providing muchloved blankets to children going through a crisis in their lives. For more information about Project Linus or to donate, call Oliver at 289321-0871.

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The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

Page 7

Jeff Yungblut still bringing community together BY KATHRYN HRYCUSKO

Special to the VOICE

Friends and family of Jeff Yungblut came together this past weekend at the Thorold Arena to participate in a memorial hockey tournament held in his name. Nearly six years ago, Jeff passed away suddenly on May 11, 2013 while at a hockey tournament with his son Cole. His passing left a hole in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Family members say that Jeff was an active member of the community and always ready to help those in need. He operated a construction business, helped with the family farm, and was a volunteer fire captain for Thorold Station 4. Jeff also loved hockey and in his free time he coached minor hockey and played hockey himself. This past weekend, Jeff’s memory brought this community of people together once again. Family and friends from all parts of his life gathered at the 4th Annual Jeff Yungblut Memorial Tournament. The tournament is an occasion for those who knew Jeff to play the game he loved. The idea to hold the tournament was conceived by Jeff’s cousin Kory Yungblut four years ago, and has grown substantially since its first year. Initially the tournament saw six teams compete. This year 26 teams entered, stretching the games over four days. The family expects that next year they could even see as many as 30 teams competing. The teams are made up of people from all parts of Jeff’s life,

MACHINES

continued from Page 5 things. They do however increase the profit margin, especially as they don’t take breaks, use the facilities, get —God forbid—benefits, nor do they speak to customers or wear uniforms advertising the store itself.

many of whom did not know one another prior to the tournament. “The common denominator is they’re here because of Jeff,” said his widow, Nancy. Because many of the teams come back year after year, “friendships are made.” Jeff’s mother, also named Nancy, said, “There were people there that have known Jeff since the day that he was born. There’s kids that are coming back and volunteering that he coached. There are children there that are friends of his children. The firefighters have all came and helped, whether they’re playing or working or selling tickets.” (For clarity, Jeff’s mother will be referred to as “Mrs. Yungblut.”) These people all came together to help the Yungblut family organize and run the hockey tournament. “There were people jumping in everywhere,” said Nancy. “If you needed a break they’d jump in, and clean up, and set up, there was always people there saying let us help, let us do this. It was just amazing.” They helped sell tickets, organize the raffle, score keep, and sell custom Jeff Yungblut Memorial Tournament apparel, many of them sporting it themselves. Jeff’s children, Kaileigh and Cole, also played an active role in organizing and running the event. Kaileigh organized the volunteers from Denis Morris and Thorold

The management will try to tell you how very convenient it will make your shopping experience, and if you consider that you are the one spending the money AND doing all the work, then its a great deal but not for you or any of us. My family and I will now not even go into Sobeys until they remove these

One of the tournament's competing teams. High who came to help with scorekeeping and timekeeping, ensuring every game was covered and that the students received their volunteer hours for their help. Mrs. Yungblut said that the family left that to Kaileigh, “that’s her baby, that’s what she does and she’s really good at it.” While Kaileigh took on the task, Nancy said that her son Cole helped with a little bit of everything and that he was their go-to guy when they needed a helping hand. Unfortunately a broken knee kept Cole from playing this year. Instead he coached his team, the boys under-19, this time around. The team arose victorious as the winners of the tournament. New to the tournament this year was the addition of a parent-children scrimmage. The idea for the game, which allows kids from ages 5-11 to scrimmage with their parents, came from cousin Kory Yungblut. Kory’s young son had been eager to participate in the tour-

job-sucking machines. There are other options. Also we avoid all stores that use these machines. People need to be able to make a living. These are not the highest paying jobs by any means, but they are jobs and they are needed jobs. C. Beal Fenwick

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nament but was too young to play with the other teams. The parent-children scrimmage offered an opportunity for him, and other young children, to safely participate. Mrs. Yungblut said that the game went “extremely well” and that they are always looking for ways to “try to include everybody.” Beyond coming together to help put on the event, Jeff’s family and friends came together to share stories and memories of him. Mrs. Yungbluy said, “It’s amazing, to sit back and to listen to the stories, the funny stories about Jeff, and just it’s a wonderful feeling, it really is,” adding, “He would be overwhelmed.” Nancy said, “We celebrate his life and it’s awesome, because there’s so many people that come and share stories, and they make sure they tell my kids the stories, or they share it with Jim and Nancy, or Jennifer, or me.” This tournament also serves as a way for the family to raise money

for the educational bursaries that they provide to high school students in Jeff’s name. Every year two scholarships are given to students of Jeff’s old high school, Thorold High. An additional two are also given to students at Denis Morris, the high school that Jeff’s son Cole attends, and that his daughter Kaileigh graduated from. Among this year’s graduates and potential recipients of the bursaries are Cole’s friends, many of whom Jeff coached in hockey. For the family, the bursaries are an important way to give back to the community. Both Jeff’s mother and wife stressed that they wish to “pay it forward” as much as they are able to. As a result, both women hope that they will continue the tournament in the years to come. “It’s the perfect way to celebrate his life,” said Nancy. “It’s a really beautiful thing, it’s powerful and makes you feel really good.”

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The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

ANOTHER ROUND

by JOHN PICCOLO

The long winter over, a classic golf column returns

NEV ER THOUGHT I would be doing this again, but a chance meeting with the benevolent leader of this little paper in the Fonthill Sobeys parking lot got the ball rolling, so here we go. I wrote a golf column for 15 years or so for the St. Catharines Standard, which, for the last few years of its run, was also published in the Niagara Falls Review. The column was born of desperation. I had just started a custom golf club-making business and had no money to advertise or market it or my golf instruction side of the enterprise. I had a journalism degree, so I reached out to the paper’s sports editor to see if they were interested in a column centered around the game of golf. They were. This was about the time of Tigermania, and golf was going to be the biggest-growing game in the history of games. It was an incredible amount of work to write. I always tried to come up with new topics or different takes on what was going on in and around the game. From April to October I was really working 24 hours a day. I would teach golf and build and fix clubs (I also teach part-time at Niagara College), and every free moment I would be thinking about what I should write about that week. Once I had a topic I was fine, as the writing came quite easily. It wasn’t unusual, however, to wake up in the middle of the night and bounce ideas around for an hour or more. I learned to keep a pad and pen next to the bed to make

sure no thought went misremembered. The column became quite popular and to this day, five years after the last one was written, I still have people on a regular basis comment about it and ask when it will be re-appearing. The reason it stopped appearing was twofold. First, my mom had some health problems right around the time the column usually started in April. I had contacted the sports editor of the day to see when I should start and he kept pushing the date back, which was unusual, but dealing with my mom I was happy not to have another deadline hanging over my head. Second, at some point the editor revealed the real reason he kept pushing back the start date. I had been paid $50 per column since the first year I started (it actually started at $35, but once they saw a few and liked them they moved me up to $50. Never got another raise!). It wasn’t a lot, but it added up over 20-25 columns a year. It turns out the chain that operated the paper at the time (the Standard went through six owners while I was there) claimed not to have enough money in the budget to continue this relationship. They would love it if I continued to write, but unfortunately this would have to be on a voluntary basis. By this time I had gone two months into the golf season only having to worry about the business (and my mom) and not lie in bed wondering what the hell I was going to

write about that week. It was blissful. I enjoyed the writing (once I had the topic) and the people who came up and started a conversation based on something they read made the experience on the whole very gratifying (minus the guy who recognized me while standing at the next urinal and reached out to shake my hand— yes, the same hand that just did the other shaking). My lovely and talented wife implored me to think about how stress-free it had been without the column and, of course, as usual she was right, and there the column died. So why would I want to rekindle that stress? I don’t and hopefully I won’t. I have hundreds of columns already written and hanging around on various methods of storing such things. The ones I can find I will go over and try to choose which may still have some resonance with a reader today. Some were time-sensitive but many were more universal thoughts on lessons of the game and lessons from the game. Golf is a simple game at heart. It is exceedingly difficult to play at a very high level, but it is equally easy to play recreationally. My main goal has always been to help people decode this game to help them enjoy it as much as possible, at whatever level they hoped to play. There was another Piccolo who apparently set some fairly high standards for the type of writing expected in this publication. I hope I don’t disappoint. ♦

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

NRPS officer charged in shooting of fellow cop Pelham incident drew national attention BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

Nearly four months to the day after a Niagara Regional Police officer was shot on a North Pelham side road, Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit last Thursday charged a fellow officer with attempted murder. Det. Sgt. Shane Donovan has also been charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon. Donovan was leading a traffic accident reconstruction unit in the vicinity of Effingham Street and Roland Road last November 29 when he allegedly opened fire on another cop. The SIU report states that Donovan became involved in an altercation

with a 52-year-old officer before discharging his sidearm multiple times. The officer was treated for gunshot wounds locally before being airlifted to a Hamilton hospital. It has not been confirmed that he was wearing a bulletproof vest at the time. NRP media relations specialist Stephanie Sabourin told the Voice that the wearing of body armour is mandatory for all uniformed police officers with the exception of those on plainclothes or covert assignment. Several media outlets have identified the wounded officer as Const. Nathan Parker. Parker has yet to be publicly named by the NRP, but deputy chief Bill Fordy told a Niagara Falls news conference Thursday that the officer remains off work and recovering on administrative leave. Fordy did confirm that Donovan is a 20-year veteran of the police force. “I would like to acknowl-

PARKS

continued from Page 15 equipment. "I built a $20,000 playground in my own backyard," and by the time his children reached 11, they just spent all of their times on cellphones. Other people asked if the Town could possibly remove any remaining construction debris from the ground to make the landscaping less costly. Some residents suggested that trees might be donated, and others suggested E. L. Crossley Secondary School's woodworking class build the benches for the park. Another suggested they fundraise for the gazebo, which was clearly a big-ticket item. Regardless of what features are chosen, Bienenstock said they would have to be approved and meet safety standards prior to his company installing them. While some audience members called for one park to be completed with all the fea-

C E L E B R AT I N G Y E A R S

Drive with confidence

tures, others said it wasn't fair to residents living closer, and wanted to use the other designated area. Bienenstock said Weiland Heights would be the most challenging to bring to a "baseline" level. Whether people choose one park or two, Bienenstock said that was out of his control, and that was an issue for council to determine. In addition to the 60 or so people in the gallery, Barb Wiens noted the Town also received a great deal of email and positive feedback on the topic. "There are a lot of people who like these designs that we hear from, who don't show up at these meetings," she said. We are trying to do the best that we can with the budget," she added. From what he gathered from the comments, Bienenstock noticed "three distinct camps" in Pelham, and while not everyone will be completely happy with the plans at this point, "The main thing is that the community has an opportunity to walk in the park this summer, and that has to be completed.”

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edge and thank the community,” Fordy said. “This isolated incident has been deeply impactful. As this matter is now before the courts … we’re limited in what we can and should say.” Unsurprisingly, therefore, Fordy would not discuss reports that the officer who was shot, a 28-year veteran of the force, has had past disciplinary issues. “Out of respect for the officers that are involved and to honour the integrity of this process … at no time, prior to today, when the SIU named Shane Donovan, have we ever publicly named the involved officers,” Fordy said. In a separate statement, NRP chief Bryan MacCulloch said the Ontario Provincial Police is now conducting a separate investigation at the NRP’s behest “to determine if there is any criminal culpability outside of the SIUs scope.” Donovan is due in court April 18.

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The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

Page 9

Report looks at possible changes to Niagara governance, amalgamation Brief comes as provincial Tories look for municipal efficiencies BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

Spring blooms.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Garden centre kicks off weekly seminars Gardens are funny, often time-consuming things. Some might say they’re an extension of your home or lifestyle, but they’re often overlooked. The possibilities one has in their backyard are endless, and sometimes a little expertise helps in figuring out the best route to go. That’s the idea behind a weekly garden seminar series, held every Saturday between now and June 8. “Gardening never ends,” Miguel Mori of Mori Gardens says. “These casual and fun events are hosted by an award-winning designer and garden expert, for the sprouting gardener to the green-thumb enthusiast.” In addition to growing flora and food, most would agree a garden also provides a visual stimulus. According to Mori’s website, there are “five senses of garden design”: a sense of entry, a

BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

sense of welcome, a sense of enclosure, a sense of flow, and a sense of place. “When you attend (one of the seminars) you should expect to gain assistance on your garden projects, learn how to increase the beauty, usage and value of your property and give back to a great community organization while enjoying your garden experience,” Mori said. The organization Mori is referring to is Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Palliative Care. For every $5 fee paid at the weekly garden seminars, Mori will match them up to $2,000 and donate it to the hospice facility. “As we grew excited for spring, our garden team discussed how we could give

back further,” said Tonie Mori, owner of the garden centre. The family-owned Mori Gardens has been in business for 45 years, and also offers advice on its “Grow Niagara” blog. For instance, did you know evergreens should be watered heavily in the fall? Or, to make sure that you are watering your plants down to their roots, use an empty tuna can as measurement. Each time it fills, the water has only gone into the ground by three inches. The spring seminars take place Saturdays starting at 10 AM at Mori Gardens on Niagara Stone Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Those who register in advance will have the chance to win door prizes at each seminar. To register, visit morigardens.com or call 905-468-7863.

The end of the Town of Pelham and amalgamation with Welland? While that particular idea hasn’t yet been proposed by anyone, it’s one of the possible realities of regional amalgamation. Doug Ford’s provincial government is in the process of reviewing eight Ontario municipalities—including Niagara — for “efficiencies,” and last week Brock University released a policy brief on the matter. “The purpose of the brief is to provide factual information to inform the discussion on this important issue,” said Brock political science professor David Siegel, the author of the item. In January, the Ford government retained two advisors to look into municipal streamlining across Ontario. When in power, provincial conservatives have had a history of dismantling and amalgamating municipal jurisdictions. In 2001, under legislation introduced by Mike Harris, Hamilton became one city — encompassing former towns such as Stoney Creek and Dundas. Three years before that, the six boroughs that made up what was formerly known as Metro Toronto were folded into one unified city. Including the Regional body, Niagara has 13 municipalities that currently elect a total of 126 councilors. Siegel’s report points out that this is a large number of elected representatives compared to the regions of Halton and Peel — both of which have considerably larger populations than Niagara. “The hard truth is that it is very difficult to see a way to reduce the total number of councilors by a significant number without reducing the number of municipalities,” the brief states.

However, it also looks at the other side of the coin, including the fact that previous amalgamations in Ontario have not reduced costs or cut taxes. It says that service duplication isn’t generally a problem in Niagara, as key systems such as police and social services are distributed between the Niagara Region and its individual municipalities. Either way, the brief states, “Niagara is on the threshold of a momentous decision.” The Region has essentially been left structurally untouched since its formation in 1970, a fact that may create the sense that changes are inevitable. The Brock brief concludes, “Good luck Niagara!” Ford’s advisors are expected to report back to the government on the issue early this summer.

Junkin, other mayors preparing for amalgamation talk

With provincial advisors looking for municipal government efficiencies across Ontario, Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin and his Niagara colleagues are preparing in kind. At the March 18 Town Council meeting, Junkin shared that he and the other 11 municipal mayors want to hire a communications and media relations firm to present one unified voice if and when the issue of amalgamation comes up. “We thought by having one voice with this poll we had a better chance of letting our voice be heard, as opposed to a shotgun approach,” Junkin said. He added that plans See REPORT next page

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The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

REPORT

continued from previous page could be in the works for a resident poll on the controversial matter. “We also asked the Region to hire a polling firm … to do a region-w ide poll of the residents of Niagara as to what they would envision the future Mayor Junkin. g o v e r n ment of FILE PHOTO the region to look like,” Junkin said. “And when that polling is done, hopefully in conjunction with the hiring of the communications company, then that company will take the results of that poll and create a dialogue with the representatives of the Ontario government.” Ward 3 councilor Bob Hildebrandt asked Junkin if he thought any of this would have an impact. The Mayor replied that it was his belief the provincial government’s priorities in finding municipal efficiencies lay on the other side of Lake Ontario. “The feeling, and I don’t know if this is wishful thinking, on this side of the lake is that Mr. Ford has started this whole process to deal more with the regions on the other side of the lake,” Junkin said. “And Niagara was thrown in because we are a region that hasn’t been looked at in a while.”

OFFICIALLY HEALTHY Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Pam Damoff, toured the Lookout Ridge retirement community on Monday, March 25, speaking with residents and staff on issues related to health. From left, Anna Oakes, Tracey Dewar, Pam Damoff, Todd Shoalts, MP Vance Badaway, Lindsay Randall, and Melissa Stewart. SUPPLIED PHOTO

OVERLORDS OF THE FUTURE Awhile back, St. Ann School in Fenwick hosted their second annual VEX IQ Robotics Challenge Event. Fourteen teams from across Niagara Catholic District School Board came to participate in the “Next Level” competition. Students were tasked with constructing robots that had to move and stack “hubs” on the game field in order to score points, while working together with another team. The St. Ann Junior Team 132C came away with an Excellence Award for their successful robot. SUPPLIED PHOTO

BATTER UP At their March 6 dinner meeting, the Fabulous Fenwick Lions presented their 2019 donation to the Pelham Minor Baseball Association. As well their monetary support, the Lions also keep their food booth open at Centennial Park during the season. From left, Lion Jeff Pickup, the PMBA’s Melissa Wells, and Lion Ron Acaster. SUPPLIED PHOTO

A NOVICE WIN The Pelham Panther novices bested the Niagara-on-the-Lake Wolves at an away game on Monday, March 18. The Panthers took the lead in the third and won it 6-5. Above, both teams battle for the puck. FRED MERCNIK PHOTO

See us at the Pelham Home & Garden Show!

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

Resident says Town on hook for moths BY JOHN CHICK

Special to the VOICE

With experts predicting another severe gypsy moth season in Niagara, one Fonthill homeowner is up in arms over the Town of Pelham’s past inaction, in his view, regarding the foliage-consuming critters. Frank Feeley, whose property abuts Hillcrest Park, says he has documentation going back three decades showing that Pelham has neglected spraying the Town-managed woodlot that extends northeast from Pancake Lane, west of Blackwood Crescent. “The Town has not accepted their fiduciary responsibilities,” Feeley told council at their March 18 meeting. “I think they’ve been delinquent in accepting their responsibilities.” That irresponsibility, Feeley says, has led to gypsy moth infestation on his property and those of his neighbours. As the Town hears details of an aerial spray operation this spring by private outfit Trees Unlimited, Feeley is now asking that the Town spray his property at public expense. “They never had an ongoing program,” Feeley told the Voice last week, citing a June 28, 1990 letter from the Town of Pelham that read, “gypsy moth infestation has reached severe proportions in Hillcrest Park and it will be necessary to continue spraying for several years.” Feeley says that since that 1990 letter, the Town has sprayed the park just three times— that year, in 2008, and 2018. Despite spraying the park last year, Feeley says that the previous Town council “lied, denied and obfuscated” over the matter. The resulting gypsy moth infestation, he says, has caused widespread defoliage of deciduous and evergreen trees on his property and those of his neighbours. Two years ago, Feeley says, he had to have a 75-foot oak tree removed. “I want the Town to accept the responsibility that the infestation came right from the park.” According to a federal government website, during its larval stage a single gypsy moth can eat an average of one square metre

Page 11

Kids fill truck full of books, safety BY GLORIA J. KATCH

Special to the VOICE

of leaves. Over time, the pests can effectively kill trees. The firm Trees Unlimited hosted an open house on gypsy moths for Pelham residents on March 17, where they encouraged landowners to sign up for out-of-pocket aerial spraying. Landowners must, however, notify their neighbours of inclusion in the program so spray helicopters—flying at an altitude of 50-100 feet— can be precise in their application. During the March 18 council meeting, Ward 1 councilor Mike Ciolfi asked Trees Unlimited’s Paul Robertson if billing could be replicated the way it was the last time Pelham as a whole was sprayed in large volume in 2009, by adding the cost of the applications to the property taxes of residents who opt in. While Feeley says that the Pelham Public Works Department has been receptive to his complaints, he said he has not heard back from Mayor Marvin Junkin or council after forwarding them his documentation. Feeley asks why Pelham can’t build gypsy moth spraying into its annual budgets. In Hamilton, for instance, $2.5 million was dedicated towards the issue in 2017. While Pelham’s cost would not approach that number, other municipalities have followed suit. Pictured: Damage to one of Feeley's trees which he attributes to moths from Hillcrest Park.

The local firefighting community and the Grade 8 student council of Glynn A. Green School just received a symbolic feather in their caps for their recent support of indigenous communities in Lac Seul, which is north of Sioux Lookout. Both St. Catharines and Pelham Fire departments are members of Firefighters Without Borders, and St. Catharines is donating a firetruck to the northern community, said St. Catharines firefighter Kevin Beamer. Pelham previously donated a firetruck to the Bear Claw Reserve as a part of the same program, said the Town’s Fire Prevention Officer, Jason Longhurst. This year’s truck is also packed with eight boxes of books, as Nancy Beamer, Pelham's representative to the District School Board of Niagara and Kevin's Beamer’s mother, heard there would be storage space available to send books for the students there. "I've heard with transportation costs how difficult it is to ship books up there," she said. Putting two and two together, Beamer contacted Glynn A. Green to organize

Jason Longhurst and Kevin Beamer help Grade 8s fill the firetruck. GLORIA J. KATCH PHOTO a book drive. Within three days, the students were able to gather eight boxes of recycled, gently used books. The point of the idea was "recycle and re-read,” so there is no wasted paper. "It's part of a Kids Helping Kids program, added Beamer. In cooperation with the firefighters, this is the first opportunity Glynn A. Green has been able to do this. The books will be distributed to three native schools on reservations around the area, noted Kevin Beamer, who is personally delivering the books on a trip that will involve 23 hours of travelling time, and an overnight stay. He and fellow firefighter Greg Clarke are both volunteering their time and efforts toward this cause, which includes training the northern firefighters to use the truck. Apparently, one of the three villages does not

have a fire hydrant or water access, so the truck is "water ready" in case of an emergency fire. The students at Glynn A. Green are also working on a can recycling drive for the community. Many of the students have been mentally gearing up for an intensive Region-wide chess tournament that will be held in St. Catharines at the beginning of April, said Glynn A. Green Principal, Todd Halliday. In respect to the book drive, Nancy Beamer is proud of the work the students have done in such a short period of time, which will make a positive difference to the northern indigenous nations in the Lac Seul area. The school's mascot and motto is the Glynn A. Green Gators, and Beamer said she’s pleased to shout: “Go Gators!”

LIFE IN

PELHAM A Community Guide

IT’S BACK! The Town of Pelham is pleased to introduce

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Reimagined and repackaged, the guide is a snapshot of what it means to live, work, and play in our great community. From festivals and events to cycling and hiking, there is no shortage of opportunities to immerse yourself in the spirit of the community. We invite you read more and experience life in Pelham.

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Page 12

The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

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pesticide spraying, my Aunt fanny... these gypsy moths are going down for good

Places of Worship and Events Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick

First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., Fenwick

Glad Tidings Church of God 1 Pancake Lane, Fonthill

Pelham Evangelical Friends Church 940 Haist St., Fonthill

Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill

Fonthill Baptist Church 1414 Pelham St., Fonthill

Holy Trinity Anglican Church 1557 Pelham Street, Fonthill

Ridgeville Bible Chapel 418 Canboro Rd., Ridgeville

Fenwick Church of Christ 765 Welland Rd., Fenwick

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill

Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill

St. Alexander’s Roman Catholic Church 50 Pelham Town Sq., Fonthill

Fenwick United Church 1050 Church St., Fenwick

Fonthill United Church 42 Church Hill, Fonthill

Pelham Community Church 461 Canboro Rd., Fenwick

St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church 834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick



www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

Page 13

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Then it isn’t being seen.

The Voice March 28

2007? How about the Pelham Herald (any year). We'd love to add them to our archive. Contact: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca

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“T

905

Page 14

Letters

The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

continued

LIBRARY

continued from Page 4 Board’s advertisement, on March 13, for a new CEO. Okay, fair enough. That Sunshine List salary won’t make much of a dent in the two-pad arena’s (a.k.a. community centre’s) debt, operating costs or road repairs, but it can, this time, get the community value for money at the Pelham Public Library—a qualified and experienced library professional. As for the old arena sale, last week’s headline screamed “Council vote defies survey, staff.” Council “defies” nobody. Opinions of paid staff and

opinion surveys are just that, opinions. Council has been elected to make decisions and govern. They have decided, for the moment at least, against selling the old arena property. Never mind calling the math guy at Brock to give a tissue of credibility to the Town’s survey. Both it and the Voice survey were opinion samples conducted in an environment of frightening dollar amounts invented from thin air, manipulation and hysteria over “remediation” costs, and loathsome property tax increases. It was not a referendum and thank God it was not. The merits of government by referendum are currently on full display

I’m In Your Neighbourhood

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in Britain. All these paper tigers were trotted out for the public without even back-of-an-

The merits of government by referendum are currently on full display in Britain envelope calculations to support them. Unsubstantiated but fearsome environmental “remediation” costs were spoken of darkly, as if the site was a decommissioned nuclear power plant and not an arena where the only hazards are likely to be from cooling plant ammonia, and desiccated saliva and perspiration near the players’ benches and locker rooms. Property tax revenue from the proposed development has been quoted at something under $90,000 a year, not nearly enough to cover even one salary on the Town’s Sunshine List. The

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development charges from new construction were dangled before ratepayers as money that could go toward the new two-pad arena. You have to go someplace other than a municipal government to learn that development charges on new construction never pay for the full cost of servicing these new properties. Development invariably costs municipalities and existing ratepayers money, while property developers and the construction industry make it. We’ve been talking about selling the wrong arena. The Town owns a huge, luxury gas guzzler of an SUV that it can not afford. Sell it at any price to pay down the debt. We’ll still have payments on a land yacht that we no longer own, but we’ll be freed from the maintenance and fuel costs of driving a behemoth. I know it’s a dream and it will never happen. Politicians love arenas because they win votes and the captains of capitalism don’t buy arenas because arenas only lose money. Government won’t sell and free enterprise isn’t going to buy. That’s why even professional sports franchises play in publicly owned or subsidized arenas. We will never have a

town council who will fully apply the principle of “user pay” to the actual cost of keeping the doors open, the lights on and the ice solid in the new two-pad arena. Still, the place could be made to cough up a few loonies towards its operation. A baby step toward that concept of “user pay” and a more lucrative source of income over the long term than the sale of the old arena property would be paid parking at the new arena. Yikes, I can hear the squealing and snuffling already! I’ve seen numbers like $600,000 and more quoted as the cost to expand existing parking facilities. Let the people who use the parking pay for it—controlled, secure, but paid for. We go downtown in St. Catharines and that city has us pay for parking. We visit the hospital and the province has us pay for parking. Why should Pelham at its new, two-pad arena provide it for free? We’re shaking out the cushions looking for cash to pay for the place. Let the visitors feel the actual burn when working out there and kick in some dough when they park. Samuel Fairbairn Fonthill

Please stop using Round Up Canadian Tire continues to sell Round Up. With research demonstrating a cancer connection, it’s time to rethink what weed control means to your health and environment. Your children and grandchildren will thank you. And for those of you buying your chemicals Stateside, please stop. Louise Morgan Fonthill

ALLISON

continued from Page 5 poses. He has lost the moral authority to govern. After electing Justin Trudeau on big promises to make government more ethical, Canadians are now seeing that these are just the same old Liberals. If indeed Justin Trudeau did nothing wrong, why did Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott resign from cabinet? Why did Gerry Butts, his Principal Secretary and best friend, resign? And why did Michael Wernick, the Clerk of the privy Council —the highest ranking public servant in the country — “retire”? ♦

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PARKS

continued from Page 1 proval. After many years of experience and leading hundreds of information sessions, Bienenstock saw the information session as "positive," despite any divisiveness, or "upsetting everyone equally," he said, chuckling. To date, through email, phone calls and in person, they have received about 300 comments. Throwing a proverbial wrench into the discussion, was a man who identified himself only as a representative from Mountainview Homes, and asserted that Mountainview spent $1.5 million dollars as a part of the development costs to the Town, which were to have been allocated to parks and recreation. When asked if this figure was correct, Barb Wiens, Director of Planning and Development, told the Voice it would take considerable research to determine if this was accurate, because the development in that area was initially planned about 15 years ago. However, she said there were about 300 lots in that area, and subdivisions were constructed by more than one construction company, including Mountainview. Developers, according to the Planning Act, have to pay 5% of the total development costs to the Town for parkland. Several companies in this case paid the Town by offering land equal to the required value, as well as cash. In the case of Lookout, 2.28% was donated in land value, with 2.72% in cash. With Weiland Heights, about 3.12% was donated in land with about 1.84% of it in cash, Wiens said. Regardless of what money is allocated, it's Town Council's perogative to use that cash towards developing any parks and playgrounds in Pelham—not just those in a given subdivision.

The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019 Wiens said any employee of Mountainview Homes should be knowledgeable of this process, and deemed the comment as “irresponsible.” As to whether a parcel of this land donated towards Lookout or Weiland Heights can be sold to obtain additional funding to develop these parks, Weins said council will have to approve that decision. "We're just following things that were approved previously," she said. While Wiens had another meeting to attend and could not stay for the information-gathering session, she had an opportunity to see Bienenstock's design specifications. Given the current budget, she said, "the plan provides an opportunity for the Town to move foward. It's a good plan and we can strive toward it, down the road." Adding any features to the park requires the designs be certified and approved by the Canadian Standard Association, and must be from qualified suppliers that meet safety standards, especially playground equipment. "We have liability that we have to consider," pointed out Wiens. However, the $1.5 million dollar comment clearly drew the ire of a few residents at the meeting. One man apologized to Bienenstock, and said while there was animosity over where the funding had been directed, it wasn't directed personally at him. Another participant admitted that the issue should not pit neighbors, or communities against each other. One of the gallery participants asked if the Town could provide additional funding toward the park. Mayor Marvin Junkin replied that while the Town just received $725,000 from the province, that money is being allocated for repairing municipal services, and specifically to assist residents with

flooding problems, but definitely not the park. Mary Maida, Fund Development Representative for Community Living in St. Catharines, has a special needs child, whom she is looking forward to taking to a local park that is environmentally appealing to children, and meets the standards of the Association for Ontarians Disabilities Act (AODA). She had recently completed a fundraising project worth $250,000 for a courtyard within the Community Living property in St. Catharines, and offered her assistance in fundraising for the proposed park and playground projects in Pelham. Bienenstock said everyone can "pick and choose and pull out items" they believe they can obtain cheaper, and that he is willing to consider it. Although he had certain safety standards to meet. "I'm with the Flintstones," he said, adding, "It doesn't matter to me," referring to the simplicity of the plan. On that note, Bienenstock said after working with Mountainview Homes, he has the advantage of obtaining large boulders/ landscaping rocks at an economical price. The problem Bienenstock shared with the audience is that he has two large areas, and while everyone wants a playground, there is only enough money for a park, at best. "I need a half a million dollars or more to give you both the parks you need." While a few audience members, including resident Cory Ziraldo said they appreciated Bienenstock's work on this project, all of his aesthetics, such as designed benches carved out of wood, were "custom" made and unaffordable. Three long bench-type furnishings at Weiland Heights were priced at $11,374. Even the simplified design included planting

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Page 15 of confierous trees, and shrubs totalled $15,144, and four granite landscaping rocks at $3,000. While some cutbacks could be made, Bienenstock noted to complete the basic work including the drainage, grubbing out the land, which requires removing three inches of top soil, grading, adding a granular substance and grass, plus wood chipped pathways alone, takes up the bulk of the budget. While a few residents asked if the Town could do some landscaping work to save costs, Bienenstock said the Town doesn't have the "processes" to do that, and relies on professionals in this area like his company. The park developer also assumes the liability as well. "They hold our feet to the fire.” The slide presentations at the meeting illustrated Bienenstock's basic concept for Weiland Heights totalled $66,477, while the fancier version was $215,597, which included taxes, but not permit fees. Lookout Park's basic concept totalled $325,845, which included four full log benches at $12,788, 50 trees and shrubs at $33,779, and 20 granite stones for $15,000. The ultimate delux design version including nest swings, pavillion, tree forts and accessories, totalled $834,345, with taxes. According to Bienenstock's drawings, even the simplified versions of both projects were more than $380,000, which was roughly $40,000 over budget, the latter amount just in taxes. However, Bienenstock said residents may have interpreted the plans incorrectly, as the taxes levied are all returned to the Town. The current designs at the minimal level are roughly $347,000 for the two projects, he said. "I will re-post the budget with the Town," he added. With respect to the features included, Bienenstock said he be-

lieved in transparency, which is why the costs are itemized and indicated. "I have not jacked up the prices," he said, but admitted there are cheaper ways to provide swings and gazebos and playground equipment. By comparison, Maida said after viewing the costs of the construction in the Community Living project that this project was in-line with reality. Bienenstock said a few park benches with arm rests have to be added for seating for seniors, and that the public could decide on what type of park benches to install, and how much shade they wanted. However, while Bienenstock’s approach was democratic—"each person has one vote”—and diplomatic, it was clear not everyone is going to be entirely pleased with the results. His design company has a difficult balancing act, with having to incorporate the needs of both seniors and children, he noted. In many towns and cities, seniors do not "have a social media footprint," where they align themselves with certain groups or camps. Nonetheless, when considering planning, seniors comprise about 15 to 20% of the community, which has to be accounted for, he pointed out. Unfortunately the municipality does not have a census on the age groups being served by these parks. Bienenstock's company had to rely on the data given by Mountainview Homes. Weiland Heights area would likely be frequented by younger children, while Lookout would be attended more by seniors, since there is a retirement home behind it, he said. The comments bounced from topic to topic. One man said he didn't understand the concern over playground See PARKS Page 8

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Page 16

OBITUARY RICE, David Gordon Passed away peacefully at Lookout Ridge on March 28, 2019 in his 76th year. Lovingly remembered by his sons Brian (Cherylanne) Rice and Phillip (Ann McKenna) Rice and his four grandchildren. Missed by his brothers Tom (Mary Lou) and Paul. Predeceased by his wife Margaret and his parents Gordan and Francis. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the LAMPMAN FUNERAL HOME, 728 Canboro Road, Fenwick. As per David’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. The family would like to thank the 1st and 3rd floor staff at Lookout Ridge for their care and compassion for David during his stay. In lieu of flowers, donations to Lookout Ridge Retirement Home would be appreciated by the family.

The Voice of Pelham, April 3 2019

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 agara-based bicycle club of which I'm a member. We're starting to age out, with daily distances getting shorter and speeds slowing, and occasionally our neurons experience some difficulty on their journey to our frontal cortex. Take Harold, for instance. You couldn't ask for a nicer guy— always smiling, easy to talk to, heals quickly. It's just that once or twice a day, Harold rides into the ditch. He always pops up, dusts himself off, and rides away smiling, but it's rather disconcerting the first couple times when you're riding along beside him and he fades right, then goes ass-over-chain guard into the ditch for no apparent reason. There's two types of senior bicycle tourers—the consistently unprepared, and the always over-prepared. For every Phil that

forgets to bring his helmet, both riding shoes, or his front wheel, there's a Mary that travels to rides like a pro team. She's got a spare bike or two for parts, complete extra cycling wardrobe, including a spare helmet and shoes in a couple of cleat varieties, 120 assorted spokes, compass and GPS, flares, and extra batteries in case anyone's hearing aid goes dead. Lunch stops can be tricky for a guide to arrange, too. Timing is important, as senior cyclists have to eat within eight minutes of the same time each day. Miss mealtime by 20 minutes, and there's more chirping in the peloton than a flock of blue jays with migraines. Miss it by an hour, and you'll face a class-action lawsuit. Then there's the menu. Half of senior cyclists see riding as part of a healthy lifestyle statement, a sort of in-your-face to the cruise ship set. They drive you nuts because they're

all fruit, multigrain toast dry or with a "smidgen" of Becel, poached eggs, pulpfree orange juice and decaf with skim milk (what's the point?). The other half ride solely so they can eat fried eggs and home fries, maple syrup and whipped cream crepes with bacon-wrapped sausage in caloric quantities double what the day's ride could possibly burn off. If you can't find an iHop next to a Cora's, you're doomed as a guide. Smartphones and digital cameras are the bane of senior cycle tour leaders. I've never had a senior on a bike tour tell me they needed a break or rest because they were tired, but they sure stop to take a lot of photos just after long climbs, rides into headwinds, or every 20 minutes if no one else has called for a photo-op break. Plus, there are group photos before the ride, after the ride, and during the ride for any reason. Group photo at a scenic overlook, group photo for a flat tire, group

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Has anyone seen Harold? JOHN SWART PHOTO

photo when Harold climbs out of a ditch. Actually, it's not the photos, it's passing the damn cameras around so every camera has every photo, and

Hunter is our Lazyboy!

every rider is in every picture. Can't wait until the first one shows up with a helmet cam. Yet there's a distinct joie de vivre on a senior's tour or ride that's wonderful, despite the idiosyncrasies. By the time you're 60-plus, you might enjoy a new bike, but your value as a person is no longer defined by carbon fibre frames or the latest technical marvel. Growing older with your bike as a package is okay, and if you and your partner want to switch to a tandem so the rear stoker can have their afternoon nap during the ride, who cares. And fashion is fun, not a statement. If you simply must change a ponytail to a French Braid, even though it's under your helmet, everyone will wait for you. Leading a seniors' tour is like the cowboy says, "It ain't an easy job, but when you bring a herd of them into town and haven't lost a one of them, there isn't a feeling like it in the world." ♦