The Voice, August 15 2018

Spehar for Ward 3, Ciolfi for Ward 1 page 3 Council in "Lame Duck" status page 9 Panthers love centre page 16 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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Meet Pluto, tax dodger

Column Six

67 seasons of speed in Pelham

Rescue dog incites confrontation at Peace Bridge

Let's not forget the other sports palace in town

BY JANE BEDARD

Special to the VOICE

Paul and Juliellen Sampara, of Fonthill, understand all too well the expression, “No good deed goes unpunished.”

On the morning of July 28, the couple crossed the border at the Peace Bridge on their way to Buffalo, where they were to pick up a rescue puppy transported from the Texas Chihuahua Rescue. They had no way of knowing that this trip might forever change the way they travel.

Their journey started out well enough.

They were excited to finally meet their new family member, a fourmonth-old Chihuahua they named Pluto, who would join their previously adopted rescue, Mickey. Yes, they are Disney fans.

Crossing the border into the US at 6:00 AM was easy. They breezed through the NEXUS line and made it to the pick-up site by 6:30. Puppy and paperwork in hand, they started back to Canada, eager to introduce Pluto to his new home.

This is where a series of unfortunate events would occur.

At the NEXUS booth, as they re-entered Canada, there was no officer, only an audio speaker from which an officer’s voice could be heard, asking if the couple had anything to declare. Paul began saying, “No, but—” He was cut off by the officer, who will be referred to by the pseudonym “Officer Smith,” along with his col-

BY RICK KAVANAUGH

Special to the VOICE

I

Pluto the Chihuahua.

See PLUTO Page 12

N A PREVIOUS Column Six [“A need for speed(ish),” May 9, 2018, p.1], a young Jenny Kumili had a dream to be able to drive her 1989 Plymouth Caravelle around Merrittville Speedway, just like the race cars have for decades on Saturday night. Well, just to take her story one step further, the fellow she mentioned seeing on a tractor was either multi- time champion and track owner Peter Bicknell, or former track owner Bryant Irvine.

Twenty-thee years ago we formed a Reunion Committee to reunite as many alumni as possible, since this little dirt track located near the border of Pelham and Thorold that opened on July 1, 1952 is now the oldest continuous operating dirt track in Canada.

For many years, sponsors, spectators, racers and yes, even prior track owners, lived and grew up within the confines of Pelham.

JULIELLEN SAMPARA PHOTO

See COLUMN SIX back page

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Page 2

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THE VOICE POLL: Home Hotels and Airbnbs in Pelham

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

RESULTS

by Dave Burket

Last week we asked for reader opinion about whether and where so-called home-hotels, such as bed & breakfasts and Airbnbs, should be permitted to operate in Pelham.

In answer to Question 1—Do you favour allowing any property owner, anywhere in town the freedom to rent rooms to transient visitors, or do you favour limiting such rentals to locations already zoned for business and commercial use?—one third of respondents said that such businesses should be allowed anywhere in town, while two thirds said that they should be limited to business or commercial zones.

Some Airbnbs and home-hotels are not owner-occupied, but rather run by purely commercial entities. In answer to Question 2—Should non-owner-occupied dwellings be permitted to operate as Airbnb-style hotels in Pelham?—one quarter of respondents said yes, while three quarters of respondents said no.

By the poll's close on Monday morning, 258 total votes were registered for each question.

Although safeguards are in place to eliminate multiple votes, this is a self-selected poll, meaning it has no scientific validity compared to formal random surveys undertaken by established polling firms.

Home-hotels should be restricted to commercial or business zones

33% 67%

75%

The Niagara Regional Police have arrested and charged a male in relation to a convenience store robbery that occurred on August 3, in Pelham.

At 4:28 AM, a male entered the Circle K Convenience Store and Gas Station located at 1022 Pelham Street.

The lone male clerk was con-

Voice on vacation!

fronted with an edged weapon and the accused was given an undisclosed amount of money and merchandise prior to fleeing the area.

Images of the suspect were released to the media and public asking for assistance in helping to identify the suspect.

On Saturday, August 11, members of the 1 District Detective Office in St. Cath-

arines received information regarding the identity of the accused. Joshua Smith, a 20year-old St. Catharines resident, was arrested for this robbery. He has been charged with one count of robbery and held in custody pending a bail hearing.

The police thanked the media and members of the public for their assistance in the case.

ELECTION 2018: WHAT'S MY WARD Louth Townline Rd

Spring Creek Rd

Ward

Hwy 20

N 

k l Not to scale

Metler Road

Pt. Robinson Road

Ward Centre Street

Victoria Avenu

e

1

2

River Road

Pancake Lane

Ward

Foss Road

Line Avenue

FIND YOUR WARD All Pelham residents live in one of three electoral wards. Use this map to find yours. VOICE GRAPHIC Jan Blanchard, still on the move!

Here Jan is at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China.

Send us your picture holding The Voice, whether across town or abroad and we’ll share it with our readers! Email your photo with a brief description to

office@thevoiceofpelham.ca

RIVER CRUISE 2019 EARLY SAVINGS EXTENDED Free or reduced airfare Rhine/Danube, Moselle, Duoro, Nile, Mekong Small groups, tours, wine and beer included Call for an appointment before they are gone!

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Pelham Street

3

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.

Alberto A. RIGBY, 38, Port Colborne Addie CRUZ, 61, Buffalo NY Larry J. CARROLL, 76, Fort Erie Robert B. SECORD, 58, Welland Roger P. GALLOWAY, 51, Fort Erie Dwayne J. LEWIS, 47, Fort Erie Michael W. JACKLIN, 53, Welland Baljit S. GORAYA, 42, Brampton Nicole M. KOSZAREK, 25, Williamsville NY Jordan L. S. BERG, 28, Pelham 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.

South Pelham Street

Arrest in Fonthill Circle K robbery

Murdoch Street

This full-time position calls for a well-rounded reporter with the ability to cover a wide range of community issues, from Town Council to interviews and longer profile pieces. Previous news writing experience preferred but not required. More information: www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/writers Kindly send resume and writing samples to publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca

25%

Home-hotels should be owner-occupied

IN THE NEWS

The Voice is hiring!

News and Features Writer

Non-owneroccupied home-hotels are fine

Home-hotels should be permitted anywhere

Effingham Street

Batter up: Word is that a sporting goods franchise store is coming to the Fonthill Marketplace, aka the Food Basics plaza. It will occupy the last remaining space on the northern side of the development, along Highway 20 near the optometry centre… Don’t fret: Does one of your little ones display an interest in strumming along with Springsteen, Clapton, or Van Halen? There’s still enough summer left to get them over to Guitar Friends, a lesson group for kids 9 to 12. See their ad on page 8...Speaking of music: Regular Bandshell attendee Ric Gretsinger wishes it known that last week’s performance by Brass Transit, the Chicago tribute group, was one of the best of the summer. Check out this week’s offering on page 8. Buddy Holly is back!… But the King is not: Tomorrow marks the 41st anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death—at just 42, which seems impossibly young, maybe because in some way he’s managed to live on in the popular imagination. I can’t say that I was ever particularly a fan myself—a little Vegas goes a long way—but his talent was undeniable… Local hero: Sobeys staffer and autobiographer Michael Jacques will hold a book launch at the Fonthill Legion, this Saturday from 1 to 3 PM… And more books: Pelham Public Library will hold its semi-annual book sale next week, always a highlight around our house, despite the mound of still-unread past acquisitions!...No, thank you: To the nice fellow waiting at Indulgence Bakery the other day, your remarks were much appreciated...Get educated: Learn yourself some candidates, and your ward. See the ward map on this page, and online you’ll find a growing archive of candidate interviews—all part of our mission to make Pelham voters the most informed in Niagara… Confidential to Z: 20 just for you. Happy? Woo!

NRPS impaired driving charges

Hwy 20, Fonthill

Open 6 to 11 daily

(905) 892-2570

Bakery, Deli, Hot meals

Find the Voice at these locations: Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s Pelham Street Grille Sobeys Fonthill Peter Piper’s Pubhouse DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware & TV Fonthill Library Bob’s Boys Antiques Family Health Pharmacy Fonthill Fitness Fenwick Pie Company McDonald’s Queen's Nails Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Shoppers Drug Mart Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Fonthill LCBO Zee Lube Express Care Food Basics Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Pharmasave Sobeys South Pelham Grill on Canboro Maple Acre Library Ridge Berry Farm Circle-K

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

Ward 3 councillor candidate Mary Spehar.

GLORIA J. KATCH PHOTO

Page 3

Ward 1 councillor candidate Mike Ciolfi.

GLORIA J. KATCH PHOTO

WARD 3 PELHAM TOWN COUNCIL RACE

WARD 1 PELHAM TOWN COUNCIL RACE

Mary Spehar challenges residents to take a stance

Mike Ciolfi focuses on rural issues, working cooperatively

BY GLORIA J. KATCH

Special to the VOICE

Voter apathy, particularly among college students has led Mary Spehar to issue a “One Hundred New Voters Challenge,” which she hopes will encourage people to log onto her website by Labour Day, and take a stance on an issue that is important to them.

Spehar says she’s doing this for two reasons: one, to learn more about the concerns of the public; and two, to promote engagement in municipal politics. She is hoping voter turnout this October will be higher than in the previous municipal election, but is somewhat doubtful because, “There is a real lack of trust in politics and that needs to be addressed.”

This lack of trust and confidence in Pelham Town Council has resulted in a large selection of candidates from different fields to run for the upcoming election, including Spehar, a retired Professor of Pharmacology Studies at Niagara College.

As a professor who spearheaded a bridging program for pharmacy technicians to become accredited, Spehar is proud of this accomplishment and notes this is an example of what she can do if elected to council.

In the last few years, more responsibility has been placed on pharmacy technicians, and so the Ontario College of Pharmacists has raised the bar on technician standards. There has also been a push in recent

years toward automation to help eliminate human error on dispensing vast quantities of prescription medications. Spehar said the automation in the pharmaceutical industry is needed, and gives technicians an opportunity to learn “higher skilled” jobs. She wrote

The media is our main channel of disseminating information

the curriculum and helped pioneer the new accredited program, which has been adopted by other colleges across the country.

Recently retired, Spehar wants to become active in her community in an area that will “make a difference.” Currently, there is only one woman, Councillor Catherine King, on council.

Spehar feels that after being in the health care industry she is “very approachable,” which is necessary for people to want to relay their concerns. At times, “men tend to be too rigid,” she said. The lack of communication from the Town of Pelham needs to be addressed.

“It is so important to be

able to speak to the media and the Voice. The media is our main channel of disseminating information.”

Due to a communication breakdown, there is a “real serious divide in what people believe to be what’s right and what’s wrong,” noted Spehar, The amount of red tape that is involved in bureaucracy results in a lot of information being kept private that should’ve been public, she said. If there is a way to rescind non-disclosure agreements, she said she would support it. She believes this would improve the lack of trust in local politics, which is a perception held by many Pelham residents.

After talking to her neighbours along Bigelow Crescent in Ward 3, Spehar said the lack of sidewalks on Pelham Street from Pancake Lane to Quaker Road was a safety concern, given the number of children that bicycle and walk it.

The Pelham Arena on Haist Street, she believes, should be saved for parkland and related activities, but stated there needs to be more consultation surrounding its sale and usage. She favours having this idea placed on a referendum, which may also encourage more people to vote.

While Spehar admits she hasn’t visited the new Meridian Community Centre, she said the number of parking spaces there may not prove to be sufficient See SPEHAR Page 6

BY GLORIA J. KATCH

Special to the VOICE

Proud to be a part of five generations of the Iftody family, owner-operators of Hollo Maple Farms, Mike Ciolfi is aiming for the high ground in seeking a seat on Pelham Town Council in Ward 3.

The Iftodys are Ciolfi’s inlaws, and they are supporting his foray into politics 100 percent.

If elected, Ciolfi hopes to resolve some of the rural issues that exist in Pelham, such as the fixing of Poth Road and the culvert on Sulphur Spring Drive.

“These roads have been closed for a long time now,” he said. He also pointed out that the grass along the ditches on many narrow rural roads often grows to three feet high and need to be better maintained.

“We taxpayers in Fenwick and North Pelham should all get the same services as everyone else, and someone has to be accountable for that,” he said.

Like the beautification projects in the downtown Fonthill core, Ciolfi wants to extend them into Fenwick and North Pelham, so that more festivals and tourist attractions can be held in Centennial Park.

“How else are we going to get tourists here?” he asked.

Furthermore, through additional sports events and festivals, the Town should be able to pay for the new Meridian Community Centre easier. Ciolfi wants to maximize utilization of the

Centre and the arena on Haist Street.

Ciolfi has coached many sports teams, including lacrosse and the South Regional Soccer League for many years, which practised and played at Centennial Park in Fenwick. Similarly, he wants to get schools

We taxpayers in Fenwick and North Pelham should all get the same services as everyone else renting the Meridian facilities during the afternoon and off-peak times.

He also believes that a new hotel, such as a Holiday Inn or a Best Western should be built beside the new community centre to assist with accommodating tournaments and other events there. A hotel would also attract the overflow of tourists attending other area events like Canoe Polo, held last weekend, that saw many international teams competing in the Welland Canal. All of the hotels in Welland were at capacity, he said.

For the most part, Ciolfi’s country lifestyle is peachy.

He is determined to remain optimistic and run a posi-

tive campaign, where he can focus on improving council, local services and activities that will add revenue to the city’s coffers. Ciolfi is acting president and treasurer of Club Castropignano, which does a great deal of fundraising for Shaver Hospital, the Welland County General Hospital and the Knights of Columbus.

He also helped organize Tomatofest, which was a popular event used to raise money for the United Way a few years ago. Ciolfi said a Tomatofest, with all its food and tomato-stomping fun would be a great event in Centennial Park.

When asked if the old Haist Street Arena should be sold off, Ciolfi is in favour of it being developed and used to generate as much revenue, as possible. Since the arena has become a hot-potato issue, he doesn’t think it should be sold until after the election, and then its fate should be decided by the town’s constituents.

After working as a Project Manager and Estimator at Thurston Machines Company in Port Colborne for 30 years, Ciolfi is accustomed to tendering, overseeing budgets, projects and projections. His first task, if elected, is to determine, ”How broke are we?” he said. Reviewing the Town’s financial reports is his first priority, and then he wants to devise a plan to move forward. He believes transparency is paramount.

However, audits cost about See CIOLFI Page 6

Page 4

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

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

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Mark Towhey Who wants to elect a Regional Chair, anyway

W

HE N S OM Eone asks you where you live, how do you

answer?

If you say, “Niagara Falls,” or “Welland,” or one of the other towns in the Niagara region, then you’re well-reflected in the structure of the regional government.

If, however, your answer is, “I’m from Niagara Region,” you may be disappointed in the provincial government’s recent decision to rob you of the chance to vote directly for a figurehead politician to nominally lead your amorphous homeland.

But, really: who says that?

That’s the issue at the heart of the debate over whether you should vote directly for the chair of Niagara Regional Council.

Our identities, our priorities and our politics inside Ontario have long been vested at the very local level. When Toronto amalgamated six cities into its current metropolis (also by provincial fiat) people were angry. They were Etobians, damn it, and had no interest in subsidizing the lefty largess of downtown

Toronto elitists. For the same reason, most people in St. Catharines are from St. Catharines. They’re not from Niagara Region. Most people from Niagara Falls can name their mayor. How many know the name of the Regional chair?

How many know the name of the Regional Chair?

Yet, there’s no doubt some civic services are too big, too expensive or too interdependent from one community to the next, to be managed entirely on a local level. Especially, when that local community is very small with a few resources.

Policing costs a fortune.

Regional roads may not be as important to a small town they run through as

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The Voice

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER & EDITOR Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca NEWS WRITER Gloria J. Katch ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Larry Coté, Rebecca Lott, Samuel Piccolo, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, John Swart, Kirk Weaver NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

they are to the larger towns whose commuters and businesses depend on them.

That’s why Ontario created “Regional Municipalities” as federations of neighboring communities, working together on those bigger issues, for the greater good.

There are six of these “regions” and they are each constructed entirely differently. Half of them directly-elect their chairs.

The other half select one of their own members to act as chair. Some “regional councillors” also sit on local town councils. Others don’t.

Some regions take the lead on land-use planning. Others take a back seat to local councils.

For much the same reason, Ontario also created almost two dozen “Counties,” which are pretty much exactly the same as Regions, except for the fact they’re entirely different.

Not to be overlooked, Ontario also has 11 “Districts” that are, it’s fair to say, completely different from the regions and counties, except for Muskoka which is not the same at all, in an entirely different way, that makes it very much similar.

See CHAIR next page

Letters One toke over the line After reading the Curt Harley diatribe in last week’s edition [Letters, “The Case of the Consternation-Causing Councillor(s),” Aug. 8, p. 9], I can only conclude that the author is either a certifiable conspiracy theorist or he has jumped the gun on the October 17 pot legalization date.

He used the Ford technique of blaming the accursed Liberals while totally ignoring his fellow Tory sympathizers (Caslin, Quirk, Annunziata, Barrick,

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Find your ward: See the map on page 2 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 David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Members of Pelham Town Council

Member of Provincial Parliament

Ward 1 Councillor Richard Rybiak rrybiak@pelham.ca 905-892-2105

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

Councillor James Lane jlane@pelham.ca 905-892-2607

Electoral District: Niagara West-Glanbrook

Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Councillor Brian Baty brian.baty@niagararegion.ca 905-892-5317 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607

and Maves) who have made cesspools out of the governance of the Niagara Region and the NPCA. The author went on to attack a legitimate organization which has registered in Pelham as a Third Party Advertiser. Pelham D.E.B.T. (Disgruntled Energetic Bafflegabbing Tories) has not done so, even as its members are endorsing full slates of their chosen candidates.

I agree with the author that we should get out to

vote. Do your research and vote very carefully.

Brian Walker Pelham

ELECTION 2018: CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS As the Voice speaks with each candidate, find our archive of their interviews here:

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/2018-municipal-election-candidate-interviews Barbara RYBIAK, John WINK • FOR MAYOR • FOR WARD 3 COUNCILLORS (2) Gary ACCURSI, Carla BAXTER, Marvin JUNKIN • FOR WARD 1 COUNCILLORS (2) Mark BAY, Sidney BEAMER, Mike CIOLFI, James LANE, Richard RYBIAK, Marianne STEWART • FOR WARD 2 COUNCILLORS (2) Wally BRAUN, Cheryl CROZIER, Amber CUTHERBERTSON, Chris FLETCHER, Alexandra FORSYTH-SELLS, Ron KORE,

Uwe BRAND, Vince DELLA-MARCA, John DURLEY, Lisa HAUN, Robert HILDEBRANDT, Peter PAPP, Mary SPEHAR • FOR REGIONAL COUNCIL (1) Dave AUGUSYTN, Brian BATY, Jim HAGAR, Diana HUSON • FOR VARIOUS SCHOOL BOARDS Nancy BEAMER, Mike BROUSSEAU, Peter DIEF, Dale ROBINSON

Find your ward: See the map on page 2

Ward 2 Councillor Catherine King cking@pelham.ca 905-658-8599

Gilberts Flowers

Councillor Gary Accursi gaccursi@pelham.ca 905-892-5528

FLOWERS FOR ANY OCCASION

Ward 3 Councillor John Durley jdurley@pelham.ca 905-892-5388 Councillor Peter Papp ppapp@pelham.ca 905-328-6008

Do your research and vote very carefully

We offer a large variety of fresh flowers and gifts.

Enjoy the convenience of safe and secure ordering online 24 hours a day.

754 Welland Rd, Fenwick www.gilbertsflowers.ca 905-892-2433

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, August 15 2018

Page 5

OPINION Letters

continued

The Itchy & Scratchy Show

Piecemeal revenue generation won't work, and the Bank of Mom & Dad is closed

Memo to runners and walkers using the Steve Bauer Trail between Port Robinson and Merritt: the trail is becoming overgrown, and users are warned that brushing aside the foliage may mean contacting poison ivy that is enjoying a great growing season.

It’s been more than three weeks since I first reported the poison ivy to the Town, but they don't seem too interested in clearing the pathway.

Robert Montgomery Fonthill

I’ve received many emails regarding the Town’s potential plans relating to regulating Airbnbs in Pelham. I don’t understand the thought process of those individuals we call Town Councillors. Exactly how much revenue will these licenses generate? I could be wrong, but I don’t believe it will begin to scratch the surface of the amount needed to reduce the Town’s debts—and at what cost to property values and locals’ wellbeing, only to appease a few (and from what I am hearing, of the few, even fewer reside in OUR community).

This council reminds me of kid I grew up with (I am sure we all had similar experiences).

This neighbor came from an affluent family. He was given a sizable allowance each month, which he didn’t have to work for.

Just received it so as to allow him to purchase those things every kid needs at that age—skateboard parts, hockey cards, records (sorry, showing my

Let the next council tackle Airbnbs It’s time for everyone in the town of Pelham to say “No” to Airbnbs. Its time to tell Council that we the ratepayers of Pelham do not want these businesses. Presently this issue popped up at the Lookout subdivision but, if an Airbnb motion passes in any form, anyone in the town could have the same thing manifest right next door to them. For me this is just not acceptable. Imagine dealing with strangers roaming about next door to your home and having bus loads of people arriving and leaving anytime of the day.

It is amazing— perhaps incredible—that with an election coming, Council would even entertain such a divisive matter. It’s obvious that they have little or no regard for the citizens of Pelham. Whatever happened to the integrity that should be shown by our elected officials? This situation clearly demonstrates the fact Pelham needs to elect a completely new Council, thus bringing new talent and abilities to Council chambers.

Again, all of Pelham say “No” while we still can.

Chris Fletcher Candidate for Ward 2 Councillor Fonthill

age).

The problem was that usually by the end of week one, the money was gone.

You see, he always had to have something that was better that everyone else.

No thought was given to when the money would be gone. Before you knew it, my neighbor friend was selling off all those things he THOUGHT he no longer needed or wanted. All in an attempt to buy his next “need.”

My neighbor friend was looking to have those of us who had chores for our allowances, and learned to budget this allowance, finance his need for more STUFF. If the selling of his resources at “bargain prices” didn’t pan out, he always had a fall-back position.

The problem in this narrative is that this kid’s fall-back position was the Bank of Mom and Dad. Am I the only one seeing a similarity?

Town Council is the spoiled kid. We are the neighbors who have

CHAIR

Got it?

It doesn’t surprise me the new provincial government put the brakes on changes to regional governance. Two-tier municipal government makes sense. But, 40 different types of two-tier governments, each with its own structure, powers and procedures, does not make any sense at all.

Ford has promised a review of regional governance. Here’s hoping the government rationalizes the structures of Ontario’s multi-faceted, multi-tiered municipal governments in a way that meets our needs in the 21st Century. Then, maybe, we can talk about who picks the meeting manager.

In almost every region, including Niagara, the job of Regional Chair is a figurehead role with little authority. When push comes to shove, Regional Councillors are always local councillors first and foremost. It’s the local voter who elects them, and that’s where their allegiances lay. And, the councillors hold the power, not the Chair. So, it doesn’t really matter how you pick one.

All of this to say, you’ve never directly elected a regional chair before in Niagara, and you’re not going to again this year. This makes Niagara Region exactly the same as it always was: entirely different from all the others that are not at all the same.

Nothing lost, nothing gained.

William Hall

Hopefully for the better.

However, we don’t need to wait until October. Let’s get out there now, and curb Council’s extravagant pursuits.

In my opinion, with the number of candidates running in the various wards and other positions, it is obvious that there is serious unrest in Pelham. With this in mind, it shows that Council has lost the confidence of the residents of Pelham. They should cease all major decisions requiring the townspeople’s consensus until this fall’s election is concluded and a new council sworn-in.

Mark Bay Candidate for Ward 1 Councillor Fenwick

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worked for what we have.

We budget our limited “allowances.” Yet, they keep coming to us, saying they have bought all this great “stuff.” We either need to pay for it or they will have to sell all this other stuff “they” no longer need.

An even bigger problem is that the Town was banking on Mom and Dad (federal and provincial resources) to bail them out.

Well, at this point, Mom and Dad are not forthcoming, and we are running out of real assets. Which brings us to this piecemeal attempt at garnering revenue from things such as licenses for Airbnbs.

This October is going to see a real change in Pelham’s political landscape.

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Page 6

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Canal Days 40th anniversary spectacular Annual Port Colborne event draws visitors by the tens of thousands

BY GLORIA J. KATCH

Special to the VOICE

Monolithic sails on colorful antique-wooden vessels that speak to an earlier era, moored along the canal in Port Colborne, signified that Canal Days were here again.

The 40th anniversary of Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival, in its typically nautical style, incorporated Tall Ship cruises, remote control boat races, and many nautical exhibits and heritage events.

The four-day festival, which attracts 300,000 people annually, also featured crafters, concerts, vendors, fireworks display and a midway for children.

This year the city received a Celebrate Ontario grant to bring more sailing vessels to the festival. The Empire Sandy, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (H.M.C.S.) Oriole, Lettie G. Howard, The U.S. Brigadier Niagara and the Edward M. Cotter, a fireboat, were all moored along West Street for visitors to tour, or take dinner cruises out to Lake Erie.

While the vessels are central to the festival, Michelle Cuthbert, Communications Officer for the City of Port Colborne admits they come with, “a monetary challenge,” and was pleased to have been able to secure the provincial grant.

The annual budget each year is roughly $500,000, and any surplus at the end of the festival gets bankrolled into next year’s event.

Cuthbert said the city doesn’t have an economic goal for this year, but hopes there will be more donations given at the concerts for the event.

The City of Port Colborne also had a new logo designed this year, which is intended to “honor our

CIOLFI

continued from page 3 $35,000 to $40,000 for small businesses, and it could cost as much as $500,000 for the Town to delve back several years, noted Ciolfi. He wants approval by council before obtaining an audit.

In the past, Ciolfi has had to sign non-disclosure agreements to ensure that he doesn’t steal ideas or leak prices or certain details unique to a project. Otherwise, all tenders should be publicly issued with the results disclosed at closing.

Price, delivery and quality are the top

history, but it’s also looking to the future,” she said.

In addition to the logo, this year saw the concert venue moved to H.H. Knoll and Lakeview Park, which is a larger area than the downtown core where concerts were previously held. Cuthbert said there is sufficient parking space in that area, and the park can hold about 10,000 people. It’s a marine heritage celebration so being around Lake Erie is “prime,” she added. Shuttle buses transported people to the concert site from a satellite parking area at the Port Colborne arena, due to street closings.

Concert headliners included British Columbia rockers, 54-40, Blue Rodeo and Sunday afternoon’s favourite, the Caverners. Cuthbert said it took two years to book the headliners, because of availability and many other factors.

“We always try to support Canadian content,” she said, although there have been several U.S. bands in previous years, including Nazareth and Foreigner.

Staffing is the biggest investment and the festival “affects every department” in municipal hall, pointed out Cuthbert. About 400 volunteers come together to put the festival on each year.

Cuthbert said that many former residents use the event as a homecoming or reunion.

“For me, it’s really rewarding, if anything, to put this on, and it shows how the whole town pulls together and what a great town we have.”

Since the first marine heritage festival in 1979, the focus of the event is to show the significance

three concerns in tendering.

“If you hit all three, then you shouldn’t lose the job.” he said.

Transparency ensures fairness as a public body, asserts Ciolfi. With Town employees there are certain issues, such as salary that have to remain private, and the Town would have to seek legal advice regarding releasing any information.

This is an issue that should be decided on a “case-bycase basis,” he said.

Not only is Ciolfi pleased about Fonthill’s Summerfest, he would like to see a similar festival in Centennial Park for Fenwick,

SPEHAR

continued from page 3 as hockey and other big attractions ramp up. Once the seniors retirement home and other buildings occupy that area, she could see parking becoming an issue in that location. The overflow into the Food Basics lot may not be well received during peak shopping periods. Otherwise, she hopes the new seniors facility will help meet the growing needs of the elderly.

When asked about the recently raised concerns about bed and breakfast operations in Pelham, Spehar said she hasn’t heard of anyone expressing discontent.

She has recently connected with a few people who run bed and breakfasts, and said they are en-

Cat, Minnie Mouse, or Maori warrior?—a reveler at Canal Days. of the Welland Canal and the artisan trades along it, which were a part of the marine heritage, said Stephanie Powell-Baswick, the director-curator of the Heritage Marine Museum. The 40th Anniversary of the opening of the Welland Canal was commemorated in 1979, when celebrations were launched across many parts of Ontario, especially in those port communities where the St. Lawrence Seaway ran through, said Powell-Baswick.

However, after several years, the event seemed to twindle, but the opposite occurred in Port Colborne, where the festival rippled from currents to giant waves on a windy beach.

where more local vendors and businesses could benefit.

“There are a lot of positive things in Pelham. We have the best wineries, best vegetable and fruit farms in Ontario, and great golf courses,” he remarked.

If elected, Ciolfi said with his fundraising abilities, he would make a successful addition to the Summerfest committee. A coach at heart, Ciolfi is always looking for opportunities to excel.

“I’m a go-getter.’

The recent controversy over home-hotels and Airbnbs hasn’t come to Ciolfi’s attention. He hasn’t heard

joying the experience of hosting people from different areas. Similarly, she has used bed and breakfasts when travelling through Europe and believes they are a wonderful way to meet a lot of local residents.

“It’s a great way to promote festivals and wineries and extend our hospitality.”

She suggests more education is needed surrounding the implementation of bed and breakfasts and for people to be accepting of this culture, adding, “this is the new way of the future. As long as they’re not breaking the law. It’s a great way for people in Pelham with these large homes to make a few extra bucks.”

Moreover, Spehar remarked that Pelham is in a “transitional

Walking through the Marine Heritage village was like taking a stroll back in time, as many activities demonstrated turn-of-thecentury practises, such as blacksmithing, woodcarving, spinning and rope ladder-making. There was even an exhibit on refining nickle, which was a part of Port Colborne’s history.

Actors demonstrated the finer points of medieval combat.

Of course, the setting would not be complete without music, and sounds of the Old Tyme Fiddlers Contest lingered in the air, along with ballads from Ireland and Eastern Canada performed by Finnegans’ Wake.

of any complaints regarding bed and breakfast operations.

“It’s the first I’m hearing of that. I would have to review the information,” he said.

He said that the Town has to consider where the B&Bs are located, and whether the turnover of people and transients in these homes is causing property values to fall.

He said Niagara Falls only allows B&Bs in the entertainment and business districts in the city. A part of a councillor’s job is researching information and looking at all sides of the issue before deciding, he said.

phase,” and even though seniors comprise about 25% of our population, she believes more young families are moving into Pelham.

With that in mind, she suggested there should be more daycare spaces available. She expressed interest in the town’s growth over the last few years, and said people have to “open their minds” in acceptance of future changes.

Spehar prides herself in being a leader, logical and methodical about planning and executing plans. With an Economics degree from McMaster University, she says she is familiar with budgets and managing projects. She said being a good listener is key to the planning process. “Listening is the best advice I’ve heard. People come up with strategies and you

This year, Powell-Baswick noted there was an on-line auction that gave away a trip for two on “a working Laker,” sponsored by Lower Lakes Towing in Port Dover. The winning couple get to ride aboard a Great Lakes ship for about four to seven days, navigating through locks and port cities.

They have an opportunity to see how the ship’s crew operates in picking up a load and delivering it to another port, like Chicago.

While the concept of this trip initially seems unusual, Powell-Baswick said, “I’d like to win that. You just sit on the deck in lawnchairs and watch other people work.”

While Ciolfi has several concerns about the Town, he believes attracting businesses and developing non-profit services will make Pelham a better place to live. He would like to attract more doctors and have better transportation for seniors.

“It’s important that we get the care that they need,” he said.

If Regional transportation services could be utilized for some areas, the Town could save more money.

If elected, Ciolfi wants to be a member of the Senior Advisory Committee.

He has never consulted with or complained to the

have to ensure that everyone is on the same page.”

And Spehar knows something about pages. She develops websites, particularly in Wordpress, and teaches small business owners about “on-line creatives” and how to make the most from their on-line initiatives.

Similar to on-line creatives, Spehar believes the town needs more “aesthetics,” and she said she would love to sit on the Community Beautification Committee.

She admits the town would be greatly improved if traffic was alleviated. She sees a problem with the Town’s traffic lights along Highway 20, and said they should be synchronized during rush hour to move the congestion and backlog quicker through town. After

GLORIA J. KATCH PHOTO

Town about any issue close to home, and added even if he had, he wouldn’t be “bad-mouthing anyone.”

Any infighting is counter-productive, and not his style.

“I’m not combative,” he said.

Currently, a member of the Pelham Slo-Pitch League and as a former coach, Ciolfi said, “I’ve learned to work with people’s strengths, not their weaknesses.”

The father of two girls attending Brock University, Ciolfi is running on his leadership, and sportsman-like ability to score business-generating goals.

spending so much time in Hamilton, she said she has noticed the lights on most streets allow people to travel from one end of town to the other in about 20 minutes.

As far as the upcoming election is concerned, Spehar hopes “not even one bad apple is elected in council to spoil it for the others,” and said she wants to see “fresh, new faces.” She is calling for “trust and honesty” on council, and for the Town, as a whole, to move forward.

The voter challenge is on, and Spehar wants to hear about voters’ positions, ideals, and concerns.

Her website: MaryForPelham.com will be up and running next week, and she hopes residents will visit for an opportunity to make a positive connection.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

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Page 7

Page 8

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

2018 Bandshell Series

OBITUARY

February 12, 1946 August 4, 2018

Special to the VOICE

Buddy Holly songs were among the first songs Gavan Rousseau ever learned as a toddler. It is all a product of Gavan’s natural “old soul” and upon discovering Buddy’s music his desire to know more lead him to “The Return of Buddy Holly”.

After being invited to be part of a Winter Dance Party show recreating the last concert that Buddy Holly did with the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens and surviving artist Dion who retells the story as Buddy takes the stage. His guitar playing, his voice and Texan accent are all there even when speaking to the

audience.

And those who never got to see the real deal may be in for an overwhelming shock! Buddy Holly Lives in The Return of Buddy Holly. The show also features songs by Dion, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.

Sponsored by the Pedlar Funeral Home, the show starts at 7 PM and goes until 9 PM. There is no cover charge but donations are greatly appreciated to allow the the committee to continue to bring you great concerts each week.

For more information visit www.fonthillbandshell.com

GUITAR FRIENDS

Surrounded by his loving family Reverend Robert “Bob” Rittenhouse went home to be with his Lord and Saviour after a courageous battle with cancer. Robert was a devoted husband to his wife and best friend Susan of 51 years and was the proud father to Cheryl (Rick) VanderValk, Tammy (David) Martin, Bobbie Sue (Matthew) Wiley and loving Grandfather to Joel (Charlotte) VanderValk, Allie VanderValk, Stephanie VanderValk, Katie Galvin, Olivia Galvin, Harrison, Galvin, Preston Galvin, Hope (Josh) Bluett, Jonah Wiley. He will be sadly missed by his mother Phyllis Rittenhouse, sisters Joan (Ron) Gallagher, Sharon (Wally) Gabor, Phillip (Joanne) Rittenhouse, Kelly (Jo-Anne) Rittenhouse, brother in law Ken (Joan) Brown, and sister- in- laws Barb (Mike) Bielecky, Joyce Brown. Pre-deceased by his Father Floyd “Rusty” Rittenhouse, brother David Rittenhouse, sister-in-law’s Rita (Cecil) Haist, Jennifer Gauthier, brother-in-law Donald “Bud” Brown and niece Rita Mae Brown. Bob will be remembered by numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. Bob was the owner and operator of Fonthill Motor Sales Mazda and lay Minister for many area churches including The Korean Presbyterian Church in St. Catharines until he was called into full time ministry in 1990 receiving his Master of Divinity from McMaster University. He began his ministry at Sherbrooke Baptist Church, followed by First Baptist Church Thorold, then moving to North Bay Baptist Church in 2002 where he retired from full-time Ministry in 2010. During his retirement, Bob took great pleasure driving a bus for young school children “Bob the Bus Driver” and being a host at Marineland in the summers. An avid fisherman and Maple Leaf’s fan, Bob loved to travel in his R.V., and spend time with his family.

He was a man of strong faith believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ’s love and the beauty and peace that would await him after his passing. The family would like to thank Dr.Yellaminchili and the team at the Walker Cancer Centre and Niagara Health. We would also like to thank Bob’s nurse Justin from Care Partners for his exceptional care and Dr. Dooler and her excellent palliative care team. Family and friends were greeted at Rice Road Community Church at 305 Rice Road, Welland on Thursday, August 9th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. The Funeral service to honour the life of Robert took place at the Church on Friday August 10th at 1:00pm. Interment followed Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Walker Family Cancer Centre. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.pedlarfuneralhome.ca

Local Author Book Launch

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Letters

continued

That sinking feeling

Robert Franklin RITTENHOUSE

BY JIM CASSON

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Fonthill Legion Aug. 18, 2018 1-3pm Can't Read, Can't Write, Here's My Book is an optimistic and inspiring story told by Michael Jacques a young adult with autism and an intellectual disability.

Born and raised in Fonthill, Michael is now a proud author. He has spent the last few years writing his book and would appreciate if you could come by and say hello.

heresmybook.com

#heresmybook

This week a collapse of asphalt was noticed at the end of a driveway on Meadowvale Drive. This cavity is quite deep at more than several inches. There is historical evidence to demonstrate the hole recurs with regularity. Indeed it has been "fixed" several times in the past. Pelham workers filled the hole with small stones and splashed asphalt...another temporary solution?

More in-depth research is necessary to understand why this sinkhole returns.

With imminent development promised in the Pelham Arena parklands, it is incumbent upon the municipality as well as the developer to ensure that further water problems are not created.

Band-aid solutions for Pelham’s aging infrastructure are unacceptable.

Louis Morgan Fonthill

Open letter to the Mayor re: Airbnbs I would love to have 30 minutes or so to sit with you and briefly discuss the Short Term Rental Property concerns, which a large number of residents in the Lookout subdivision have asked me to be the lead on.

After reviewing your response to the residents’ petition, it appears you have been gravely misinformed.

We have never demanded an outright ban for these establishments in Pelham.

We have insisted the Town NOT permit Short Term Rental Properties and Bed & Breakfast establishments in the Northwest Fonthill Secondary Plan (Lookout subdivision).

This is in keeping with the current R1 Residential zoning bylaw and with the official Town plan.

We remain committed that the “Urban” land use classification does not supersede the Secondary Plan and this is where we fundamentally disagree with staff. We believe staff has taken this position to justify permitting this usage in our subdivision.

We purchased our homes based on the town’s zoning by-laws and the policy stated in the official plan, specifically related to the Northwest Fonthill Secondary Plan.

Others in our community determined they could do what they want because no one will stop them and we now have four investment properties with a property manager having no regard for the community, while the residents feel ignored by the Town. This was reinforced as Town staff have advised residents they can operate these establishments.

This concern touches every home in Pelham, and

each village and neighbourhood should have been represented in the report, as well as the commercial districts. Instead, Town staff offset 20 Short Term Rental Properties they found online with 20 Lookout residents. CAO Ottaway, as facilitator, steered the Lookout residents in at-

Potentially an entire street could become a hotel district

tendance through a Town “How Might We” problem-solving session with the goal to list licensing items, while ignoring the outcry to enforce the bylaw or strengthen it with a clear definition of these establishments so it may be enforced.

We spoke plainly and said if you won't enforce it now, how will you enforce those that don't get a license or that don't comply? We received no response other than CAO Ottaway saying, "We need to start with a licensing system.”

The staff report on Short Term Rental Properties has done you and Council a disservice, as it is more effectively a staff directive.

The staff report fails to mention that the Town has a previous practice of a zoning exemption for these See OPEN LETTER Page 18

SPECIALIZING IN SELLING YOUR HOME!!!

RURAL, AGRICULTURAL OR RESIDENTIAL OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE (IT MATTERS)

Richard Brown SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Direct: 905-651-5143

EMAIL: rbrown@royallepage.ca OFFICE: 905-734-4545 or 905-892-0222

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

Pelham Town Council in "Lame Duck" status Authority shifts to Town CAO and Treasurer

BY REBECCA LOTT

Special to the VOICE

In what is shaping up to be the final days of office for sitting Pelham politicians, a Lame Duck council has been declared for the period of July 27 to October 22.

In a memo to the Mayor and council dated July 31, Town Clerk Nancy Bozzato stated, “It can be determined that less than three-quarters of the members of the outgoing council will return. We would have required six present members of council to have filed nominations for this council and we received five.”

This type of scenario is not rare at the end of a political term, and, according to the municipal act, authority swings more toward the CAO “in the absence of consensus.”

The Town Treasurer and CAO jointly become signing authority for the Town “outside the current budget, exceeding $50,000” and the CAO and Town Clerk can “execute any agreement of Purchase and Sale, which has a value exceeding $50,000.”

While this leaves Town Council with a little less political influence, it appears to be business as usual. Pelham is still very much represented by May-

or and council, however power and direction take a bit of a shift during the campaign period until the new council is sworn in.

The phrase Lame Duck was first named in the London Stock exchange in the eighteenth century. Literally, the term refers to a duck unable to keep up with its flock, therefore making it a target for predators. Lame Duck was not transferred to politics until 1863 when it referred to “broken down politicians.”

Political critics might argue this three-month interlude leaves a municipality rather vulnerable, but in 2006 the province ruled that nothing prevents a council from taking action in the case of an emergency.

Brock University Political Science Professor, Dave Siegel, says Lame Duck provisions are mandated for the right reasons.

“The lame duck provisions are in the legislation to prevent an existing council from tying the hands of the next council in some inappropriate manner,” he said.

“The new council will be responsible for the future of the municipality and it should not be fettered by actions taken at the last minute by a council that was on the way out. I think that it is a nec-

essary provision that prevents an irresponsible council on its way out from engaging in activity that would restrict the discretion of the new council.”

When asked if it gives staff too much time without council direction, Siegel replied, “I don't see how it gives extraordinary discretion to staff.”

Siegel feels key decisions and progress can still be made during the three month wind-down period.

“It should not restrict the municipality from engaging in normal business affairs,” he said.

“For example, while the Lame Duck council cannot sell major assets or take on major liabilities, it can continue with actions which were approved in the previous budget. This would not restrict the council from moving forward with normal business that had been approved as a part of the normal operation of the municipality. It would prevent a council from dreaming up some last-minute scheme which would incur a major liability.”

Meetings and agendas continue to be lengthy, carrying on without any last-minute schemes.

As this council tries to finish what it started, the wheel keeps on turning for the taxpayer, who will be voting for a new council in the fall.

Page 9

Libraries excellent value for the community

BY KIRK WEAVER

CEO Pelham Library

Recently I read some articles, two positive and one negative, which highlighted the importance of demonstrating the value of libraries. The first was an ill-informed (and since deleted) article suggesting the Amazon could and should replace libraries. While it was widely panned, the fact remains that it is up to us in libraries to ensure such points of view do not gain traction. The best way to do that is to demonstrate and share widely the importance and value libraries have in communities. This can be done using hard data and through sharing stories.

A recently posted piece highlighted several stories and testimonials from library users demonstrating the social value of libraries.

Stories about homeless individuals finding refuge in the library as they slowly rebuilt their lives. People

who have lost jobs often use the library to seek out new employment or to learn tips

It is up to us in libraries to ensure that such points of view do not gain traction and tools to build a resume.

There are stories about people who are experiencing loneliness finding social activities in the library.

These stories, along with traditional services like providing materials and information for people of all ages, demonstrate commuSee VALUE Page 15

Page 10

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Climbing sky-high—Pelham summer camper

BY DON

Special to

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

Page 11

A

L OF T 85 FEET HIGH A BOV E Fe n w i c k ’s fire station, Sam Phillips and Sebastien Prerrottet had the best view in town.

“Amazing—look at all the wind turbines!” exclaimed Sam. Fire Prevention Officer Will Underwood, at the joystick controls of the aerial ladder truck, grinned.

“This is the highlight of the week for some of these kids.”

Sam and Sebastien were among seven Pelham participants in the third annual Junior Firefighter Camp, held July 25-29.

Underwood, the program co-ordinator, has been with the Pelham Fire Department for two years. He is a kid compared to some of the other instructors at the camp.

Captain Frank Lehmann is the grey-beard of the group, having been with the department for 35 years. Lieutenant Joe Kita has 10 years seniority, and Darcy Baker seven.

All grew up in Pelham, with the exception of Underwood, who left Brampton for “a better lifestyle in Niagara.”

Campers are divided into platoons on the first day, and over the course of the week study fire prevention, radio communications, rescue gear, ropes and knots, ladders and hoses, and fire extinguishers. They experience car fires, auto extrication, and dispatch, and practice firstaid and CPR. They even have some time with the Niagara Regional Police K9 unit, search and rescue, and of course the aerial lift truck. A graduation ceremony and barbecue mark the final day.

Safety is the number one priority, and all wear safety harnesses for any activity over 10 feet above the ground.

Allana Peplinski described the aerial truck as, “Really awesome. I plan to be a nurse, not a firefighter, but this is a cool camp.”

Scarlett Kun agreed. “Great view up there,” she said with a big smile.

Seth Booker said that firefighting was in his blood. “It’s a family tradition. My great-grandpa and my cousin were firefighters. Most of the men in my family were firefighters,” he said.

The one-week program is geared to those aged nine to 12, and costs about $200.

Taking in an arial-lift-assisted view.

DON RICKERS PHOTO

rs experience more than ropes and ladders RICKERS

the VOICE

Page 12

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

PLUTO

continued from Page 1 league, “Officer Jones.”

Officer Smith asked what the purpose of the trip was.

Paul briefly described the puppy rescue story. The officer asked what Paul and Juliellen had paid for the dog, to which Paul replied, “$100 plus a $500 donation,” which is similar to what most rescue adoption agencies would charge, as there is considerable expense incurred to ensure the dogs meet all health and safety requirements.

“Why didn’t you tell me this when I asked if you had any goods to declare?” asked the disembodied voice of Smith.

The Samparas cross the border often, for a variety of reasons. They say they are honest about what they bring back, always filling out the declaration forms and remaining in good standing with NEXUS. The forms, however, have no category under which one could declare an animal, so Paul was a little confused.

He had instructions from Texas Chihuahua Rescue, but had hoped to speak with someone who could ensure that the couple were following the right procedure.

Juliellen sat in the passenger seat with the puppy on her lap, ready to answer questions and hand over paperwork. The fact that there was no one to actually see them and begin the conversation threw them for a loop.

Paul explained as much to Officer Smith., but the couple were still asked to pull into a secondary inspection spot, where a second officer met them, Officer Jones.

Customs officers may not paid to be kind, but to Paul and Juliellen, both officers appeared to be on the side of aggressive.

Officer Jones. told Paul to get out of the car and hand over their NEXUS passes, declaring, “I’ll be revoking these.”

Even though Paul had told the officer about the cost of the dog, the fact that he hadn’t done so immediately made them look suspicious.

“You can explain this to whoever might want to lis-

ten to you when you want your NEXUS cards back,” said Officer Jones.

The Samparas say that Jones badgered them, asking them repeatedly what they paid for the dog. The Samparas’ story remained unchanged.

They handed over an envelope containing the paperwork they received from Texas Chihuahua Rescue, including health inspection documents and proof of payment. The Samparas had adopted from the organization before, from within Canada, and knew that they were thorough in their paperwork and procedures, so they hadn’t double-checked the envelope’s contents.

Officer Jones took the evidence to an inspection booth then returned, saying that there was no such proof of payment enclosed.

Paul was too intimidated to ask to see the envelope, but when he checked at the end of the incident, there was indeed, among the three pieces of paper, a receipt for the amount declared.

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This conversation was going to go another way before you asked to speak to a superintendent

Paul and Juliellen Sampara, with Pluto. have reported having difficulties taking their dogs over the border, which prompted the organization to meet with CBSA superintendents on several occasions to make the process easier for these good-hearted Canadians. Paul was instructed by the rescue agency to ask to speak to a border superintendent if there were any question regarding the value of the dog or the GST payment required.

When he made this request, Officer Jones. replied, “This conversation was going to go another way until

SUPPLIED PHOTO

you asked to speak to a superintendent.”

Jones told the couple to sit on a bench while he proceeded to search the entire vehicle, including a wallet and purse, which he did, hidden from view behind a car door.

Juliellen reported feeling vulnerable, violated, and upset by the invasion of privacy. She was also concerned for Pluto, who was cowering in a blanket, visibly anxious as cars and trucks roared past.

Paul was worried about something even more seri-

ous.

“I was honestly concerned that given his increased hostility after I had asked to speak to his superior, that he might plant something incriminating while he was out of our sight,” he said.

Officer Jones seemed to find something of value in the wallet—documents from the previous adoption of the Samparas’ other dog, Mickey, and implied that this wasn’t the first time the Samparas had brought a dog from the USA. Paul explained that this adoption was completed from within Canada, which was documented in the paperwork.

Eventually, a female supervisor arrived and spoke quietly with Officer Jones.

She explained to the Samparas that she was aware of the rescue agency’s activity and handed them a copy of “Memorandum D13-11-17– Establishing the Value for Duty of Imported Rescue Animals.”

She told them that they would have to pay duty on the full amount of $600, reSee PLUTO Page 17

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The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

Page 13

Panthers show off new digs Pelham basketballers love facilities at community centre

BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI

BPSPORTSNIAGARA.CA

On a recent Saturday, the Pelham Panthers Basketball Association hosted an open house at the new Meridian Community Centre.

The event featured a free twohour No Limit Performance skills session, members of PPBA executive were on hand to answer questions about its fall and winter programming for both house league and travel basketball, and several of Pelham’s club teams were on the courts throughout the day.

Sitting in the PPBA’s new office at the centre, Panthers president Brian Bleich was delighted with the association’s new abode.

“It’s state of the art,” he said.

The centre features two fullsize high school basketball courts and four courts going sideways for elementary school-aged kids. At the centre of each of the two main courts there is a prominent Pelham Panthers logo.

The association signed a fiveyear lease with Pelham and also made a significant contribution to the centre’s capital campaign.

The Panthers will use the gyms four to five hours a night during most weeknights and then on Sat-

Trainer Mihai Raducanu runs a session.

urdays and Sundays.

“It’s just like renting a school gym. We pay an hourly fee,” Bleich said.

They will pay a little bit more for the usage of the community centre compared to local high school and elementary schools, but it’s a small price to pay for such an excellent facility.

The association will still be using some of the schools because of the volume of programs run by the Panthers.

Last year, Pelham Panthers basketball had 425 players in its programs, and almost half were on

travel teams. Pelham had 19 travel teams in action last season, the most of any organization in Niagara.

Four years ago, when Bleich took over as president, Pelham only had eight or nine travel teams.

Bleich attributes the popularity of its travel programs to its coaches and the partnership with Mihai Raducanu’s No Limit Performance training program. Pelham has even been attracting players from others centres to join the Panthers organization.

“Partnering with No Limit helped a lot and we have a lot of

ex-university players coaching in our association now,” Bleich said.

“Plus it is the skills, the dedication and the level that we play and the fact that we train year-round.”

One Pelham girls team won a Basketball Ontario Division 1 silver medal and another captured a Division 2 gold medal.

“Our younger boys teams do pretty well, but as we get older it is tough to compete against the Toronto teams,” Bleich said. “Girls basketball in Niagara is strong and we are working at it on the boys side, but right now we are not at that level.”

TESS PUCHALSKI PHOTO

It is a work in progress in Pelham and elsewhere.

“We are building the boys from the bottom [age group] up,” Bleich said. “Our boys program now go into Grade 11 and when I took it, we had Grade 8 and nothing above. For a lot of ages, we have two teams.”

No Limit holds training sessions with Pelham’s house and travel league teams and, this year, a No Limit trainer will be Pelham’s house league coordinator.

She will be implementing a curriculum for each age group.

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Page 14

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

Letters

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

continued

Council: No need to rush

Home-hotels—candidate and online reaction

I firmly believe that taking the proper time to make the right decision is always the best decision.

What does a few more months make in the overall scheme to ensure the right decision is made to produce a win-win solution for all involved?

Take time to learn from other communities. Take, for example, the City of Niagara Falls.

On April 11, Niagara Falls City Council approved a plan to restrict short term rentals in Niagara Falls. ​ The plan limits vacation rentals to downtown and tourist areas. Council points to noise as part of the reason.

The effect of quick decision-making was demonstrated in a study involving religion students studying to become ministers and priests.

Editor’s note: The Facebook group, Homes NOT Hotels in Pelham, author of last week’s commentary on home-hotels and Airbnbs, created a petition by the same name on the activist website change.org. By Sunday evening the petition had garnered 137 signatures.

The topic also drew commentary from several candidates running in the 2018 municipal election, and from social media users. The Voice’s Facebook post on the issue reached some 2300 readers. A representative comment sampling follows. The paper also received a number of unsolicited letters to the editor from other candidates, which appear elsewhere in this edition. Finally, the Voice reached out to mayoral candidates Gary Accursi, Carla Baxter, and Marvin Junkin for comment. Only Baxter and Junkin had replied by deadline.

AVOID UP TO 15%

Their given task was to prepare a message about the Good Samaritan who rescued the person along the roadside who had been seriously injured by robbers.

One group was given five minutes to reach the place where their message was about to be heard.

The next group was given 20 minutes to reach the place where their message was about to be heard.

Then an actor was placed on their pathway, pretending to suffer a serious injury.

In the group that had five minutes to reach their destination, only 10% stopped to help.

In the group that had 20 minutes to reach their destination, 50% stopped to help.

Even persons entering a profession that is all about

Take the time to learn from other communities caring for people had their decision-making affected by the variable called “time.”

I do not believe Pelham Town Council have taken enough time to make a proper decision, just like the time-restricted religion students. Before it is too late, let’s go back to the drawing board.

Robert (Bob) Hildebrandt Candidate for Ward 3 Councillor Fonthill

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to operate. As Airbnb are properties used for short term rentals they would be classified as “tourist homes,” thereby they would be allowed in these general commercial areas. Bylaw 13.1 and 14.1 states R1 and R2 residential are designated areas for single dwelling to be used as home occupation and not “tourist homes.”

When residents purchased their homes it was based on the zoning by-laws. The town appears to totally disregard official town plan and policy. This should not happen. There is the the Municipal Act and the Provincial Offence Act which allows for these by-laws to be enforced. We need to enforce them. It seems that the administrative staff of this town has failed to research all the facts and information that is presented to them. This needs to be addressed by Town council.

We need to ensure that the town and surrounding areas maintain the quality of life for its existing and future residents to enjoy.

Carla Baxter Candidate for Mayor With the election coming I had hoped that the Town of Pelham would begin actually listening to its residents.

But once again, it looks like residents will be ignored. The issue now is short-term rental housing.

These rentals have been occurring most frequently in the Lookout subdivision.

Residents of that subdivision have made their voices clearly heard: they have held several meetings with the Town, expressing that they are opposed to the rentals. They feel as though home-hotels have invaded their streets, which are supposed to be residential.

These residents are fed-up with having people come and go on their street as if it was Stanley Avenue. Although I believe that these rentals could be tolerated in certain parts of town, they must be banned from all subdivisions.

Marvin Junkin Candidate for Mayor As a candidate for councillor (Ward 3) I oppose these short-term rentals in our community. I find it concerning that CAO Darren Ottaway has so much input in this decision, considering he has never been elected by the residents of Pelham!

Seems a desperate and illplanned attempt to generate revenue by the same folks that have buried us in debt.

Lisa Haun Candidate for Ward 3 Councillor I think there is a fundamental difference between a person renting out their family home a few times a year and an investor using a house for the sole purpose of short term rentals. If Pelham is unable or unwilling to implement a system that prevents investors from operating "residential hotels," See COMMENT Page 17

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

Page 15

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VALUE

continued from Page 9 nity value that cannot be easily replaced by a private company.

Still, there will always be a need to demonstrate value with hard numbers if we are to convince funders that their investment is paying off.

A recent article titled, “The Return-on-Investment from Your Public Library is Unbe-

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lievable”, cited multiple research studies that have routinely demonstrated that for every dollar invested in local libraries five dollars is returned to the community.

In 2013, the Toronto Public Library undertook an economic impact study. The results of that detailed study indicated, among other things, that the total direct benefit of library services was close to $500 per

THE VOICE OF PELHAM

Pelham Evangelical Friends Church 940 Haist St.,Creative Fonthill Director

member.

I suspect that we would see a similar number in Pelham if we had the resources to do this type of study.

There isn’t enough space to highlight all the good data and research showing the positive economic value of libraries. Yet there are still naysayers.

The best way to combat negative views about libraries not supported by data is to share

Approved By:

the facts and the social stories with as many people as possible.

If you love your Library and have a story to share about how it influenced your life, we encourage you to share it with everyone. If they are still in doubt, point them to the hard data.

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You'll just need CAO and Treasurer approval!

Page 16

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

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PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Looking for seasonal/ time help.

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New Chief of Surgery at Niagara Health

A longtime Niagara Falls urologist has been appointed Chief of Surgery at Niagara Health.

Dr. Ian Brown, a Urologist with Niagara Health since 1996, will assume the role effective September 1, replacing Dr. Jeff Cranford, who is completing his second term in the position.

The selection of Brown

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

IN THE NEWS followed a national search.

“We are extremely fortunate to have a physician of Dr. Brown’s calibre in this leadership role,” says Dr. Johan Viljoen, Niagara Health’s Interim Chief of Staff.

“Dr. Brown is a wellknown and respected physician in Niagara, with extensive clinical leadership experience. His appointment is a reflection of the accomplished and committed team of physicians at Niagara

PLUTO

continued from page 12 gardless of how the cost was split up. The money had never been an issue with the adoptive parents; Paul had offered to pay this amount from the start, but it fell on deaf ears.

Officer Jones led Paul to the payment counter and relayed to Officer Smith that the amount declared would be $600. Officer Smith held up the NEXUS cards and said, “I can seize your dog and your NEXUS cards.”

Despite Paul reporting that everything had been straightened out by the superintendent, and despite Officer Jones telling him the amount owing, Officer Smith continued to question the alleged

COMMENT continued from page 14 then the answer is "NO" to short term rentals.

Amber Cuthbertson Candidate for Ward 2 Councillor I support this petition as a Pelham candidate in Ward 2. There must be a strong zoning and licensing by-law to regulate the short-term and Airbnb accommodation market. It must clearly define whether or not shortterm rentals are permitted in a given zone and ensure proper regulation.

Cheryl Crozier Candidate for Ward 2 Councillor Short-term rentals have no business being in a residential subdivision, this includes unlicensed bed and breakfasts. These shortterm rentals take away from the quiet enjoyment of property owners and will devalue properties. A comprehensive by-law needs to be established and proper enforcement implemented. These by-laws are not precedent-setting, as many municipalities in the Niagara Region have implemented such by-laws. I am running for councillor in Ward 2 and fully support this petition.

John Wink Candidate for Ward 2 Councillor Please be advised that the matter of Bed & Breakfast and Vacation Rentals will be considered by Council on Monday, August 13. Why? That’s because some residents in the Lookout neighbourhood have complained to their councillors about some of these arrangements popping up in their neighbourhood. These councillors raised the matter at a previous committee meeting and Council directed staff to work with residents to

Page 17

Health.”

Brown, who practised for nearly 20 years in Niagara Falls before moving his practice to Thorold a few years ago, was Niagara Health’s Urology Lead from 2006-13.

He has been the Physician Lead of Niagara Health’s Prostate Diagnostic Assessment Clinic since it opened in 2014 and is an Adjunct Professor with the Niagara Regional Campus of McMaster University’s Michael G. DeG-

lack of proof, which remained in the envelope.

The difficulties continued through the discussion of US versus Canadian funds, but the GST was finally paid. After the transaction, Officer Smith said, “You know you’re in the system now.

You’ll likely get pulled over every time you go over the border now because this was a forced payment of duty and taxes.”

Indeed, added to the rescue organization’s paperwork in the envelope was a Casual Goods Accounting Document stating: “Forced Payment. Duty and taxes collected in lieu of seizure action.”

The Samparas have written a letter to the Canadian Border Services Agency, explaining their situation and asking that the “flag”

find out more and to propose possible solutions. A number of residents have suggested that bed and breakfast establishments and vacation rentals should be banned in the Town of Pelham. Staff has consulted with the Town solicitor who advises that an outright ban is not feasible as these uses are considered to be legal uses and the courts have ruled that a prohibition of a legal use is not legal itself. Instead of banning these types of uses, the Town can regulate them through zoning and licensing controls that determine where these uses may be located and under what requirements they can be operated. That approach is legal and can withstand a court challenge. It is also recommended that a licensing by-law also be established for short term vacation rental accommodations should the zoning by-law be amended to permit these uses. Staff also recommend a broad community consultation be undertaken as part of these processes to obtain input from residents, short term vacation rental providers and the accommodation industry. The issue is an important one, with many

roote School of Medicine.

“I am looking forward to working with our talented and dedicated surgical team in this new role,” says Brown.

“The opportunity to be part of building on the hard work that has already been done at Niagara Health is exciting.”

New Regional Housing CEO

The Niagara Regional Housing Board has ap-

on their NEXUS cards be removed.

They believe their treatment by the CBSA officers was “unreasonable, harassing, and intimidating.” It appeared to the Samparas as being very “un-Canadian.”

“I think that we just went through the wrong line,” said Juliellen. “Had we had face-to-face contact with someone from the beginning, we would have had the conversation up front. The communication wouldn’t have been broken up. We’re supposed to be trusted travellers—that’s why we used the NEXUS line. I would think twice about ever going through that again.”

(Though they acknowledged receipt of our questions, the CBSA did not respond to Voice request for comment by deadline.)

Maureen Woods is the Canadi-

considerations, therefore it is crucial that a fulsome consultation be undertaken in order to best determine where these uses may be given consideration (or not), and under what conditions.

Council represents the community in the best way based on serious consideration of facts, the professional staff recommendations, and with input from the community.

Mayor Dave Augustyn Wow, just wow! I am at a loss to recognize the Fonthill I was born and raised in, and also raised my children up here! So many changes!

Jane Mackenzie Via Facebook This current council should not be making any decisions as important as changing Pelham neighbourhoods into a motel haven until after the municipal election. This footprint-changing decision needs to be put off after a new council has been elected. The current council has shown time and time again it does not reflect the same ideals as their constituents.

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pointed Donna Woiceshyn as the new Chief Executive Officer of Niagara Regional Housing (NRH). Woiceshyn assumed her new responsibilities effective, July 15.

Woiceshyn has more than 17 years leadership experience with NRH. First as Manager of Shared Financial Services for Niagara Region until 2015 when she was appointed to the position of Manager Housing Programs for NRH.

an Director for Texas Chihuahua Rescue Canada, and a member of the board of directors for Texas Chihuahua Rescue, Inc. She is concerned about the lack of consistency at the border.

“I have polled our adopters several times after they have had their border visit and never got the same story. Some never pay anything at all and are just waved on. Others pay on the $100 value of the dog and others are requested to pay on the whole $600. And while some are treated respectfully, many others have stories of harassment and embarrassment.

For a government agency that is supposed to operate with very black and white rules, there are way too many gray areas.”

Juliellen said that they had met another couple at the adoption

To everyone here, if you don't like this then come out to the council meeting! Pack the place full of pissed-off residents. Spread the word and get your neighbours out as well!

Woiceshyn has been acting as Interim CEO. “I am very excited to continue to lead a very knowledgeable and hardworking team as well as partnering with a community committed to providing many affordable housing options for Niagara," she said.

The Search Committee received over 50 applications from candidates across Canada.

site, who were also taking their new puppy across the border at the same time.

“They waved at us from their car, having made a clean and easy entry into Canada from the regular customs line, while we sat on our time-out bench,” said Juliellen.

Paul and Juliellen have been advised that their letter will be addressed, but they’re not hopeful that they will receive a pardon from the CBSA. They’re also nervous about their next border crossing, whenever that may be.

The good news is that Paul, Juliellen, Mickey, and Pluto have become a happy family of four.

Successfully rescuing and rehabilitating dogs takes a lot of love and patience—that’s the genuine Canadian way.

This council only understands force. I personally think we need to get rid of the CAO as well.

Jerry Cornelious Via Facebook

Many towns and cities including parts of Montreal are banning this sort of thing. Yet Pelham thinks it is a good idea?

Paula Berketo Via Facebook

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Page 18

The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

OPEN LETTER

continued from Page 6 establishments in R1 Resi-

dential zoning, with consultation from neighbors, and have, as recent as six years ago, given a cease and

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desist order to someone who was operating without one.

The staff report also fails to include the zoning restrictions municipalities placed on these uses within their jurisdiction. They fail to identify that most do not permit Short Term Rental Properties in low density and residential zoning. Blue Mountain does NOT permit this use in R1, R2, R3 or low density zonings. Niagara Falls has restrictions on residential zoning areas.

As for NOTL, we are not the tourist destination they are with anchor wineries, Shaw Festival and golfing. We are a bedroom community for surrounding municipalities, with the aura of prestige. This is what Pelham’s villages are seen as within Niagara. This new direction however, will alter this image permanently.

We have expressed concern over the volume of marijuana farms in Pelham, with the fear of the provincial government allowing them to open farm boutiques similar to wineries. The current government has advised they are considering this, similar to the marijuana tourism industry occurring in British Columbia and Colorado.

This is a real concern, especially given the proximity of Niagara Falls and Pel-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

ham, recently dubbed the “Pot Capital of Ontario.” We do not want these tourists living within the Lookout subdivision and I am confident other areas of Pelham are likeminded. CAO Ottaway’s reply to this was to laugh and comment that, “It is a provincial issue.”

It will be our issue when they are hoteling next door.

What element are these home-hotels bringing in?

We know, and it is disruptive. Someone with a criminal background which requires police to disclose their current address to neighbours, could feasibly rent a room for $43 a night while prowling the children’s park during the day.

Would you feel safe with your children playing in a park that is surrounded by Short Term Rental Properties?

You simply do not know who is in your neighbourhood or who your neighbours will be each night.

Occurrences such as these may seem to be far-fetched, however there are countless news reports of these and many more occurrences related to Short Term Rental Properties. Saying “It wouldn’t happen here” is great, until it happens here.

The Town has also failed to identify how they restrict the quantity of these establishments in the community. The fact is, if they permit it, anyone can operate one. Potentially an entire street could become a hotel district, similar to what has occurred on Philmori Bou-

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Also, who will enforce this if someone does not get a license?

We have heard from Town staff that they cannot enforce all the current by-laws and don’t have the resources.

CAO Ottaway even stated that they do not drive around to enforce parking infractions in neighbourhoods as other neighbourhoods would complain they are not being fairly enforced, therefore it is a complaint-driven system.

The result, however, is a lawless town where everyone parks as they wish and by the time the complaint is generated, the vehicle is long gone.

Perhaps Council should consider giving further resources and increasing the number of by-law officers to better support the bylaw enforcement department. If they are burdened by the current volume of work they receive from residents regarding existing by-law infractions, perhaps increasing the burden with a new industry of Short Term Rental Properties and the property inspections which go along with licensing, is not the best first step in the process.

The staff report also fails to identify if this will be a cost recovery model or paid for by current revenue streams. During the problem- solving session, CAO Ottaway advised us that

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the revenue from licensing will not cover the costs of permitting these establishments. Therefore, one can only conclude that the same residents who do not want Short Term Rental Properties and Bed & Breakfast establishments in the Lookout subdivision would be subsidizing the existence of these establishments within their subdivision.

The fact is, the staff report is biased to support this use throughout the town and is incomplete.

These are very real facts.

This incomplete information places council in an uninformed state and ultimately at odds with the facts and the residents. I would expect more from staff. However based on this report, someone is filtering the information to suit an agenda. Whose agenda, I don’t know, but the lack of factual and complete information puts you in a difficult position in an election cycle.

An election is underway and the current council does not have the public support to address this issue, especially given two ward seats will be vacated plus your own mayoral seat.

I would suggest you return the report to staff to fill in the gaps in their report, which I outlined above. Request that staff conduct community meetings in each village and commercial districts to obtain adequate consultation and representation from the community.

This will take into October and would fall on the new council to resolve.

There is no burning fire requiring this issue to be rushed through the current council and should be conducted with respect to the resident's concerns while resulting in a meaningful long term and amicable solution.

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On home-hotel issue, defer to new council, mayor The message that is being carried to the Mayor, council, and CAO Darren Ottaway on Monday is a simple one.

The residents want this mayor, CAO and council to defer all discussions, and decisions from here forward must be handled in an open public process by the new mayor and council after October 22.

This includes the issue of Airbnbs, short-term rentals, the potential sale of the Haist Street arena property, and marijuana growing and processing operations in Pelham.

This message will be delivered Monday to council.

Curt Harley Pelham

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The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

Page 19

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The Voice of Pelham, August 15 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

COLUMN SIX

continued from Page 1 While this summer has proven to be very hot and dry, Mother Nature decided that she didn’t like stock car racing on July14, our original reunion date, and so we were rained out and rescheduled the event for August 4. We welcomed close to 150 alumni for a catered dinner and a night at the races, with lots of memorabilia and race cars and most importantly to celebrate 67 seasons and induct two more people to the Merrittville Speedway Reunion Committee Wall of Fame, sponsored by CAA, which is clearly visible from Holland Road, displayed along the back of the grandstand.

So what has this got to do with Pelham?

We had Jack and Marvin Junkin on hand with the St. John’s Fire Department’s vintage REO fire truck as the ceremonial pace vehicle, and Marvin was involved now in two races, pacing the Jerry Winger Memorial modified feature and the other for Mayor of Pelham.

(The St. John Fire Department and Pelham/Thorold Volunteer Fire Department provided fire protection for many years.)

We welcomed Brent and Jim Begolo who displayed their pristine “Bugs” #16 Sportsman under the Champions plaque, and presently Brent is hoping for his first Sportsman championship, now second in points.

Grandparents and former two-time track champion and Wall of Fame member Jeno and Shirley Begolo now reside in Pelham. Jeno is turning 90 years young and competed at Merrittville on opening day in 1952.

Duane Van Alstine displayed and competed in the vintage races with his #61 Ivan Little tribute, flamed coupe. Duane followed his hero’s exploits at Merrittville as a youngster and

Pelham mayoral candidate Marvin Junkin, left, with brother Jack, of St. John Ambulance, and a classic pumper. built a replica race car in his honour. Duane resides on Balfour Street in Fenwick. By the way, Duane also built a replica Gremlin-bodied modified that was sponsored by Floyd Ebert’s Garage, which used to be at the corner of Canboro and Welland Roads in downtown Fenwick. Back in the day, when building a race car consisted of scouring the wrecking yard coupled with a lot of ingenuity, there was darn near a stock car at every corner gas station throughout Niagara.

You not only had Ebert’s in Fenwick, but also Iftody’s Esso, Law’s Motor Sales in Fonthill, Rusty Rittenhouse at Fonthill Motor Sales, on South Pelham Street, Ralph Stallwood at Stallwood’s Garage at the top of the hill in Fonthill, as well as Ricker’s gas station (now the Target/ Esso) and Iftody’s Esso, now the vet clinic at the corner of

Balfour Street and Canboro Road.

The Iftody family presently fields two 4-cylinder Mustangs from their Hollo Maple Farm on Church Street in Fenwick.

Speaking about farms, one of our past Wall of Fame inductees, Harry Vandenzanden, competed at Merrittville Speedway in his Austin Mini stock, painted bright orange #74, using it to promote Ontario Turkeys, since Harry was also a turkey farmer and Turkey Farmers of Ontario board member. The Vanderzanden poultry farm is located on Metler Road in North Pelham, where son David still farms and yes, he has a replica of his dad’s race car.

There were many pioneer competitors who tried their skill at driving a stock car, such as Wally Gay from Fonthill, the Sargents, the Robbins, Grant Colbert, the Pattersons from the old Eff-

ingham General Store, and many others.

On the ownership side of the speedway, there are still a couple of families in Pelham with deep connections to Merrittville Speedway.

While John Marino and George Cullen built the track, they owned it for a short time, selling it to our family in 1955. Our family moved to Strathcona Drive about 1957 and as soon as we were able, attended A.K. Wigg school. For a kid growing up there was nothing better than attending school and then having Merrittville Speedway as your playground.

From 1955 to 1971 Ken Kavanagh along with his friend Bill Russell pooled their savings and ran that little dirt track near the border of Pelham and Thorold townships.

There is only one problem—I have never grown up, and still to

SUPPLIED PHOTO

this day have an affection for that piece of real estate on the corner of Merrittville Highway and Holland Road, but I’ll come to that later.

Our family has resided primarily on horse farms within Pelham for most of our lives and my parents made a decision to expand on horse racing.

Therefore they sold Merrittville Speedway to its next owners, Stan Friesen and Kurt Uhl. Since then, the horse farms were also sold, and my father, Ken, lives on Merritt Road in Fonthill.

The Friesen/Uhl partnership lasted about ten years, but in the meantime, daughter Janice Uhl, like me, developed an affection with the sport and even after selling the speedway, kept some involvement in the sport and married a young race broadcaster by the name of Erik Tomas. Today the Uhl/ Priddy family reside on Hur-

RENOVATE

ricane Road in Fonthill.

So as we skipped through the decades, we land back in the 1990s, and after the 40th anniversary in 1991, we saw a need for getting more alumni together. By 1995— remember the gentleman on the tractor, Bryant Irvine— we formed a committee, and since I still had a desire to be involved in the sport and facility, myself along with Jim Irvine, Erica Bicknell-Jones, Ted Renshaw, Bill Willard, Ken Walsh, Mark Swartz and Bill Tripp try to keep the memories alive, these 23 years later.

Former committee members Mark Lovell and Jeno Begolo are also residents of Fonthill, with wife Shirley Begolo being a Stirtzinger from Pelham. Nancy, wife of former track owner and multi-time champion, Peter Bicknell, grew up in Fenwick.

So while some community leaders are celebrating the opening a twin-pad hockey arena and basketball courts, there is another sport that has endured the decades, less than ten minutes from the new Meridian Community Centre—a piece of real estate with a clay oval that has roots in Pelham and throughout Niagara, which still adds to its history every Saturday night from April through September.

Who am I? Just the same kid who still loves our sport and its people, only six decades older and yes, I live in Pelham on Balfour Street in Fenwick.

Just one little note of interest: On Saturday nights in Niagara, from the 1950s onward, stock car racing attendance outgrew lacrosse and ranked second overall to hockey.

Happy 67th Anniversary Merrittville Speedway!

P. S. Jenny, I, like you, have driven around Merrittville, but my wish is to do it in a Sportsman or Modified to feel what those drivers feel! That is The Need for Speed!

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