The Voice
Larry “BILKO” THE Bilkszto PAPER THAT PELHAM READS
CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR
Your Local Sales Representative 905-563-3330 • 905-641-1110
DEBBIE PINE
RE/MAX® Garden City
SALES REPRESENTATIVE 905.892.0222 SELL phone: 905-321-2261
Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
debbiepine@royallepage.ca
Realty Inc., Brokerage
Larry “BILKO” Bilkszto Your Local Sales Rep.
LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL?
Since 1989, “BILKO” has been working overtime assisting clients with all of their Real Estate needs. Call today and put “BILKO” to work for you!
905-563-3330 • 905-641-1110 WWW.BILKO.CA BILKO@RGCMAIL.COM
www.bilko.ca
bilko@rgcmail.com Vol.21 No.20
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
FREE
Canboro Road in Fenwick to go green for a day Pavement to be covered with sod for the "Green Street Challenge"
See SOD IT Page 8
Detecting landmines needs a nose
BY SID MURRAY
Special to the VOICE
I SMILE FOR THE LIDAR Aiming to slow down speeders, one expensive ticket at a time. Story on page 3.
VOICE PHOTO
West Nile found in Pelham mosquitoes BY VOICE STAFF Niagara Region Public Health is informing residents that Niagara has received its first confirmation of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes. To date, in Niagara no human cases have been reported to Public Health. The region’s Manager of Environmental Health Peter Jekel called the find an “expected occurrence,” though still urged residents to take precautions. Since the mosquitoes are often caught on private property, Jekel couldn’t, for privacy reasons, disclose the precise location where the West Nile positive bugs were caught. Public Health monitors mosquitoes throughout the summer, trapping up-
wards of 100 at a time and then testing a slurry made from those caught. For this reason, it’s impossible to know exactly how many mosquitos were infected with West Nile in these positive tests. Jekel reiterated that while the mosquitoes that tested positive were found in St. Catharines and Pelham, all Niagara residents should take the necessary precautions to prevent exposure. To reduce the risk of being bitten, residents are reminded to: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors; when using mosquito repellent, apply a product containing DEET or Icaridin, and carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s directions; drain any areas
JJ HARRISON PHOTO
of standing or stagnant water on your property on a regular basis, including bird baths, old tires, pails, toys and wheelbarrows; make sure all windows and doors in your home have screens that are in good condition.
DEBBIE PINE
N 1992, I SAW A NEWS story on television that changed my life. It was a clip about the then ongoing war in Bosnia. It showed an elderly couple dead on the floor of a farmhouse kitchen, while the news anchor spoke about the issues facing civilians, which included extensive land mines. In the early 1990s as the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia began to fall apart, a series of wars broke out among constituent states that were each declaring their independence. During these conflicts, large tracts of land were covered in land mines. When the fighting was finished, millions of these mines and other unexploded munitions were scattered across the former battlefields. In Bosnia, for example, it is estimated that nearly 2.5% of the country’s territory is mined. Unlike enemy soldiers, land mines don’t simply return home when a war has ended. They remain, buried See COLUMN SIX back page
NIAGARA REAL ESTATE CENTER, Brokerage 1815 Merritville, Hwy 1 FONTHILL, ON
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
905.892.0222
NIAGARA / FONTHILL, ON Cremation/Burial
Column Six
In new book, Pelham dog trainer remembers Bosnia
BY VOICE STAFF Part of Canboro Road in downtown Fenwick will come alive on Saturday, August 19, when the Town of Pelham hosts its “Green Street Challenge,” swapping the road’s usual asphalt for grass, creating a temporary park in the heart of the village. The Challenge, which runs from 9 AM – 5 PM, is promoted through Come Alive Outside, a non-profit organization that transforms regularly paved roads into pop-up parks, providing what it calls a unique opportunity for children and families to get outside and enjoy unstructured play, as well as promoting the benefits of a given community’s green spaces. Ten communities throughout Canada have chosen to participate in the initiative in 2017. Pelham is the first in Niagara to hold the Green Street Challenge. Barb Christopher, of Young Sod Farms in Fenwick, was the inspiration behind the event, first approaching the Town with the idea. “If this takes off, it could be Fenwick’s Green Street Festival,” said Christopher. She said that Young Sod is donating about 5,000 sq. ft. of sod to be cut fresh at 4 AM Saturday morning.
RE/MAX®
GARDEN CITY REALTY INC., BROKERAGE
debbiepine@royallepage.ca SELL phone: 905-321-2261
We can help you get your ducks in a row
James L. Pedlar Funeral Home (905) 892-5762
Our family serving your family
Page 2
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
NRPS impaired driving charges
PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket
Boffo night for the Bandshell: Last week’s ABBAMANIA performance in Peace Park seems to have shattered Bandshell attendance records. A Fonthill Lions member tells the Voice that he heard a Fire Department estimate of 8,400 in the audience. The Town’s Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, Marc MacDonald, says that this number might be a little high, and up to 8,000 might be closer. Either way, when you get between a third to half of the town’s population to turn up at once (no doubt with a few out-of-towners), you can call it a job well done by a dedicated group of volunteers, some of which are on site most of the day, helping with setup, and afterwards with breaking it down...Confidential to Olya: Thank you for the nice thoughts...Where’s the beef? In Sobeys, that’s where. If you’ve missed it, you still have two weeks to get yourself a $10 gift card just for buying $25 of meat—including whatever may already be on sale. It’s a deal I kept forgetting about until last week. Must make up for lost time… If a cake falls in the woods, and no one’s there: Speaking of local wonders, check out that Indulgence cake photo on page 6. Unseen is what the cake looked like when sliced—perfect plaid, as in a plaid lumberjack shirt. Bakery owner Paul Roode explained how he did it, and suddenly putting together newspaper pages didn’t seem so tough...We could all use some solitude in the woods: Our man Nate Smelle has left for greener pastures, literally. The owner of acreage up north, Nate decided to give the B&B business a try. We wish him the best. Pinch-hitting until we land a permanent writer are Sam Piccolo and Sarah Whittaker. Longtime readers may remember Sarah as Sarah Murrell, a former Voice editor who moved on to work with MPP Tim Hudak. Current readers will know the name Piccolo from the fine work that the recent Brock grad has done for us over the last few months, and this issue continues his streak. In fact, in all seriousness, editing this week’s paper was one of the most enjoyable times I’ve had yet in this job. We need to figure out a way to delay Mr. Piccolo’s departure for grad school by a few more months… The liquor cabinet is off-limits: One of Sam’s stories this week in on Airbnb listings in Pelham. This is the site that matches homeowners with rooms with travellers who want them. Personally I’ll stick to traditional accommodations, thanks. With my luck I’d end up with Kathy Bates as the host, tying me to a bed ala Misery. Coincidentally, Sam’s story touches on the far-right gathering in Charlottsville, Virginia, last weekend, and Airbnb’s peripheral involvement. It’s a good read… Veteran sets yet another record: Jim Summersides, the WWII vet for whom a street has been named in East Fonthill, is this week’s Voice reader on Vacation. We don’t remember ever running the immediately previous week’s paper in this feature—usually people’s trips are longer and the issues older. Count on a WWII vet to hustle out to California, and get his photo to us in double-time! Thanks, Jim.
Voice on vacation!
The Cobras.
SUPPLIED PHOTO
Cobras capture Silver in Ottawa BY ANTHONY DeCHELLIS
Peter Fazari was solid iand made the saves when needed to give the Cobras a chance to turn it on without having to play catch up. The defence was strong, with great play on the flanks by Mason Sterr, Cole Smith, and Kyle Ottley, and solid anchors in the middle with Patrick Kirby and Corbin Atkinson. The midfielders ran hard all weekend, with captain Nick Longo solid while battling injuries, Ryan Belovari and Lucas D'Innocenzo held the middle skillfully and played strong, Drew Colangelo and Anthony Bevalacqua flashed some nice moves which had the boys on the bench cheering, and Ethan Nagy with his usual solid play whether it was in midfield or forward. The forwards were paced by Michael DiMaurizio with eight nice goals and some really beautiful play. Harmon Narbonne was a spark plug as always, moving all over the field while scoring three goals, Antonio DeChellis continued to flash his playmaking brilliance, moving the ball and sending in nice crosses, and Jacob Succar was an absolute terror on the field chasing balls down, running through opponents, and scoring a beautiful head ball goal. The team has been supported by both the Thorold and Pelham soccer club this year, and is made up primarily of players from Pelham, Welland, and Thorold. All in all a great result for the team and a nice effort by all the boys.
Special to the VOICE
The Blackadder, Leon, & Fazari Cobras of Thorold captured a sliver medal in the Ottawa College Showcase of Champions Soccer tournament August 5-7 in Ottawa in the u15 boys division. The Cobras were looking for a quick start to the tournament and Harmon Narbonne obliged scoring 40 seconds into the first game against Fundy NB Regional team, in what would prove to be a chippy affair the Cobras unlitmately won 4-2. A pivotal matchup had the Cobras up against the talented Ottawa International Soccer Club Regional team. After a very competitive and exciting game, the Cobras found themselves down 3-2 with six minutes left, and after a few good chances, the Cobras buried the ball in the back of the net in the final minute to tie it and hold onto first place in their pool. The Cobras then faced Toronto Azzuri in a game where the winner advanced to the medal round and the loser would be eliminated. After a scoreless 20 minutes, Michael DiMaurizio took over setting up the first goal and scoring three as the Cobras powered through to a 5-0 win. In the end the Cobras could not get past a very skilled Waterloo team in the final and took home a silver medal.
Congratulations
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.
CARRIER
OF THE WEEK! Doug
Elliot
The
Voice
Sponsored by FONTHILL
Hwy 20, Fonthill
905-892-8690
Open 6 to 11 daily
Find the Voice at these locations:
(905) 892-2570
Bakery, Deli, Hot meals
If your message to Pelham isn’t in our pages,
Then it isn’t being seen. Jim Summersides in Sacramento, California, at the 71st Reunion of WWII vets of the First Special Service Force (The Devil's Brigade). Of the six WWII vets in attendance, Jim was the only Canadian among this elite group.
The Voice
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
Getting tired of wintering in Florida? We have ideas!
The paper that Pelham reads.
World Voyages for 2018 & 2019 from 30 to 100 days South America, Australia, or Southeast Asia Ever-popular Caribbean, Tahiti, Cook Islands, or Hawaii Small ships? We have an awesome selection! We take care of all the details. Call us at 905-892-7900.
(905) 892-8690 advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
Remember you are TICO protected when booking with us.
Leaders in Travel Planning since 1997!
905.892.7900
www.niagara.cruiseholidays.com 1400 Pelham St., Fonthill Book Local TICO Reg 4559761
The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM
DEBBIE PINE
SALES REPRESENTATIVE 905.892.0222 SELL phone: 905-321-2261
Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
debbiepine@royallepage.ca
Vol.20 No.48
CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
DSBN wants portion of Town park
Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill 111 Hwy. 20 E., Unit 5, Fonthill 905-892-9054 www.healthycupboard.ca
905-892-9054
Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm • Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm • Sat 9:30-5:00pm
www.healthycupboard.ca
Debbie Pine SALES REPRESENTATIVE pinesold.com
The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM
NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997
Get
Pined -Sol Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store
Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill 111 Hwy. 20 E., Unit 5, Fonthill 905-892-9054 www.healthycupboard.ca
905-892-9054
Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm • Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm • Sat 9:30-5:00pm
www.healthycupboard.ca
Debbie Pine SALES REPRESENTATIVE pinesold.com
Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm ◆ Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm Sat 9:30-5:00pm
The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM
NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997
Visit Us on Facebook Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm ◆ Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm Sat 9:30-5:00pm
New Location Coming Soon!
Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
The Comfort Maple myth
Request made of community still peeved at name change
See DSBN Page 9
Get
Pined -Sol Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store
Vol.20 No.39
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
FREE
Oops: No fire trucks for you
Column Six
Haist Street traffic-calming measure a little too effective
New Location Coming Soon!
Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
Column Six
Growing up British Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation
Vol.20 No.32
Wednesday October 12, 2016
FREE
Apple Day comes to Fonthill
BY JULIE MANNELL
Special to the VOICE
W
BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3. NATE SMELLE PHOTO
Public meeting tonight on school issues BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick. Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-
Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation. DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be
“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime. Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. “We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page
HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin. My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries. Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town. This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation. On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque. “This tree looks dead,” I said to my father. “It sure is getting there, Julie.” The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14
BY VOICE STAFF
A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through. One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through. “If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire
BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER
Special to the VOICE
A
Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said. While waiting for the contractor to return to fix
the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-
VOICE PHOTO
bourhood in the short-term. Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with
the chicane the morning it first opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5
Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21. Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-
sidered. The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event. Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-
ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more specific issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security. Another way the committee plans
Debbie
Get
Pine
to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016. "We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said. “It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going. We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5
FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box. Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano. For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely. Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint
BY VOICE STAFF
See COLUMN SIX Page 14
Full service. Full-time Realtor. Your Fonthill real estate connection.
While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples. As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations. The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada. “The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-
The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals
ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”
“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie. Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls
Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept. 19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-
walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later. After delivering to Council a petition containing
Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the
podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case. Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel. As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.
www.pennylanesold.com
H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES
BY JOHN SWART
VOICE Correspondent
and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support. Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.
Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Cell 905.933.3049
T
Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. SUPPLIED PHOTO
A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.
Office 905.892.1702
Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn
Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932
www.facebook.com/voiceofpelham
BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the
FREE
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. Michael BODAK, 59, St. Catharines David L. MARTIN, 52, Fort Erie Mark D. MCDOUGALL, 60, West Lincoln John P. PENNER, 65, St. Catharines Glen D. COX, 57, Fort Erie Jeffrey KRANEYK, 45, Niagara Falls Devontay O. L. JOSEPH, 23, St. Catharines Emily K. QUICK, 20, Welland Brian E. JAEGER, 62, Niagara Falls Julie F. VOOGT, 48, St. Catharines Peter G. HENLEY, 69, Lincoln John S. KEDZIERSKI, 53, St. Catharines Matthew S. WALTER, 31, Stevensville Brittany S. MCCOMB, 29, St. Catharines Thomas G. PINDER, 70, St. Catharines John M. QUINN, 66, Thorold Cody F. WALKER, 27, Thorold Carly J. YOUNG, 20, Niagara Falls Leonard J. ROMINGER, 60, Welland
“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained. “I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.” Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2
HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn. Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn. It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly. The hues of Autumn are outstanding. A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour. Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River. If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills. If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3
Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s Pelham Street Grille Sobeys Fonthill DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware & TV Fonthill Library Black Pearl Fish & Chips Bob’s Boys Antiques Moku’s Fonthill Fitness Curves McDonald’s Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Target Store Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Pelham Town Hall Shoppers Drug Mart Zee Lube Express Care Lazy Loon Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Sobeys South Pelham Broken Gavel Restaurant Grill on Canboro Petro Canada Mtvl. Hwy. Renewed Thrift & Vintage Ridge Berry Farm Circle-K
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
Page 3
The Conversation
The Fast and the uh-oh A Niagara Regional Police constable gives us a quick look at nabbing speeders on the edge of Fonthill BY DAVE BURKET
The VOICE
D
RIVING EAST LAST WEEK ON HIGHWAY 20 into Fonthill, I’d passed by E.L. Crossley High School and then through the intersection at Effingham when I noticed some westbound drivers flashing their headlights. Sure enough, at the crest of the hill near Lookout Street I could just barely make out a cop standing in the shoulder, pointing his speed-measuring gun toward us wanna-be road-racers barreling toward him. Is there any stretch of Highway 20 where the speed limit is more often ignored? I pulled over to see how the day’s haul of citations was going and found a constable happy to talk shop. Shane Schedler, 46, has been in the Niagara Regional Police Service for nearly a decade, first working as a beat cop in St. Catherines, then working with the Special Enforcement Unit since 2013. Consisting of 20 constables and four sergeants, the SEU’s mandate is to combine traffic enforcement and education across Niagara. Their aim is to persuade us to stop behaving badly behind the wheel—no small task these days considering the number of distracted drivers doing their best to mow us down while texting. I parked behind Schedler’s patrol car on Timmsdale Crescent and scurried to get to him before he nabbed someone. That race was lost as he flagged down an old Honda Accord. Both car and driver had seen better days. Once Schedler had written the citation and sent the glum looking perp on his way, we stood watching traffic fly by as we talked speed enforcement. Some of the conversation has been condensed for clarity. [BURKET] I don’t often see officers here myself, but I do see the press releases on the number of citations issued at this intersection. [SCHEDLER] This spot was brought to my attention years ago when I got into the traffic unit just by complaints and starting to drive around the area. I’d see an accident over there. I'd see an accident down there. People are coming [east] into town so they're not used to slowing down, even though it starts way back up the hill there. From 80 to 70 to 50. Exactly. And that's what I explain to them. In front of the high school it drops, and then when it goes to one lane it drops again. It was a little bit more precarious here before the construction because there was no sidewalk on this side. It was a little dangerous through here—there's a lot of bicycle and a lot of foot traffic, so that's kind of why I picked this spot. I'm using LIDAR. It’s a little bit different than
radar and it works well in this situation. I can safely pull people in here, not be in the car. It sounds like you have a some discretion as to where you decide to go on a given shift. Somewhat. I have a sergeant and we have another level above that, just like any workplace. There are days when we come in and it's set that we're going to do this or that. Crosswalk enforcement during backto-school, or school bus enforcement is a big one in the fall. It seems to be an issue with people not stopping for buses all around the region. It could be a stop sign in an area. Could be anything. Complaints go through our website, or Twitter, or Facebook, or the traffic hotline, and we get an email. Or somebody on regular patrol might see an area or get a complaint from someone and they can add it in the system, so we get advised of all those. Have you personally done any stunting write-ups here? Yeah, I have. I would just be guessing, but in all the time I've been here, I would say probably two or three. Not as many as you would think, but we get a lot that are close. [Note: “Stunting” consists, among other things, of driving 50/kph or higher over the posted limit, which can result in the immediate suspension of driving privileges, seizure of the vehicle, and a $10,000 fine.] You get more suspended drivers. You stop them for speeding and you discover they're also suspended. There's been 10 to 20 of those here [since 2013]. How fast was the Accord going? Seventy-five. Where does that rank— what's the average speed that you're seeing on the LIDAR? Well, so far today I've only been here for two. The first one was doing 82 and that guy was 75. So it can range. We have operations that are sometime zero tolerance, so if you're speeding you're stopped. Back-toschool is a good example of that. It wouldn't matter, if you're in a 40 zone. There's a little bit more discretion here. I'm trying to educate people on the speed limit, and I know it's new pave-
Above, Constable Shane Schedler approaches another vehicle that he's waived over on Highway 20, on the western edge of Fonthill Right, a LIDAR speed measuring device. More precise than radar, it allows users to more easily pinpoint individual vehicles. VOICE PHOTOS
ment. You can get anything up to 94 or 95. And that's moving. How long are you normally parked here, ballpark average. Three or four hours. And in that three or four hours, how many cars would you pull over? It depends. Sometimes there's enough people going too fast that you can have three guys here and I can call someone with a Pelham car and say, "Hey, if you want to come by, I'm doing this here today.” I have the stats on my phone. Here... in May of 2013 was the first time I came here. Didn't get too many that time, six. Then I was here again the next month and I got 16. And again, the next month we got 13. And then again in another month, we got 37. I'm a little bit late today just because we were doing something else. It seems to me in this stretch all you have to do is walk out there and point that thing and you're going to get somebody, no matter what. You don't even have to wait that long. I was surprised that I was able to park and get my camera out and walk over as far as I did before you got one. It's just constant here. And that's part of why we're here. I mean, I was talking to somebody who walked by one time last year and they're like, "Thank goodness you're here. My dog was killed out here because someone was flying
by." And another person would stop and say, "I can never get out of here because you go to turn and you're taking your life into your hand because someone's going to crash into you." That's why I asked about the stunting. Because, I mean, easily, they can be doing 100, 110. Anything over 102 is generally where we'll kick in the stunting, just because there's an allowance of one or two kilometers an hour. I've been here all times. Even night time sometimes and stay till midnight, or whatever time I can. And it doesn't matter the time of day. This is a LIDAR gun. Yeah. It's “light detection and ranging.” Let's say a regular radar goes out like a traffic cone shape, the waves. So, at 1,000 meters, it's going to be a certain width, which is going to be about 20% of the distance. LIDAR will be 3 meters at 1,000 meters. Wow. So at 250 meters, it's going to be the size of a license plate. So, basically, just look through here. You pull the trigger and it turns it on. And you aim at a particular spot on the vehicle, like the plate or light or something that's going to reflect light. And it'll bounce back right away and it starts to give you a speed. And then just lock it in. Like that truck is doing 30. So the advantage of a LIDAR over a radar is
Sometimes there's enough people going too fast that you can have three guys here and I can call someone with a Pelham car and say, "Hey, if you want to come by I'm doing this here today." that if I was here with a radar, I would have to kind of determine what car— Which vehicle it was. Yeah. I would be able to do that 99% of the time. But again, in court, this is a known device and I can say, "Well, I had the dot on that car.” Because I've tested it, I know the dot is on whatever I'm aiming it at so I know it was that car that was going that speed. The court relies on your testimony. In that case, yes, for the speed. That's always one of the debates in court anyway, right, were they actually speeding or not? I mean, they have a kind of newer—an option that I was explaining to that gentleman that I stopped, an early-resolution option, which lets them go have a meeting with the Crown, just to get an understanding of where they're at. Is the Crown going to be willing to negotiate at all, based on the driver's record and things like that.
I think I should let you get back to work. Thanks for your time. You’re welcome. As Schedler demonstrated the LIDAR gun, we stood just off the shoulder of Highway 20, hidden from view as traffic approached the crest of the hill. Vehicle after vehicle flew up then suddenly slowed as drivers spotted Schedler in his bright safety vest. After I turned off the audio recorder I suggested that maybe 50 was too slow for this section of road, that drivers bridled what seemed to be an arbitrarily low limit. Schedler countered that pedestrians were common, especially during the school year, and even with the new sidewalk there was plenty of potential for an accident. I asked him how fast someone had to be going to be pulled over. It’s a lower number than you might think, and one that I’ll be keeping in mind from now on. By the time I’d walked the 40 feet back to my car, he’d waved over yet another lead-foot.
Page 4
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
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 Larry Coté Are you a procrastinator or an antecrastinator?
A
RECENT NEWS STORY caught my attention and intrigue. In the event that you may have missed this earth-shaking news item, some of it is recounted here to catch you up. But first, you need to answer a question. Has anyone ever told you to stop procrastinating? If so, you might take some comfort in knowing that experts in the study of procrastination estimate that 20% of the population are procrastinators. Consequently, you are not as alone as you were once thought to be. Believe it or not, there is actually a research group that scientifically determines whether you are inside or outside the procrastinators’ lodge. Sixty delegates from around the world were in attendance. This conference group has been studying the condition for 20 years. Apparently procrastination is a global phenomenon and not limited to any nation or culture. The group was comprised of highly credentialed persons such as university professors, psychologists and philosophers. The group included the crème de la crème of social scientists intent on discovering why we put off till
tomorrow what we should have done today. After 20 years of study, they have not yet ascertained why 20% of us procrastinate on a regu-
Has anyone ever told you to stop procrastinating?
lar basis. Conference organizer Professor Joseph Ferrari defines procrastination as “the purposive [his word] and frequent delay in beginning or completing a task to the point of experiencing subjective discomfort, such as anxiety or regret.” An Associate Professor of Philosophy at Utrecht University, in the Netherlands, offers a more succinct definition: procrastination is “culpably unwarranted delay.” If you diagnose yourself, or have been accused by
NEED HELP? MAKE THE CALL Distress Centre For depression, distress, and crisis. 24 hour help line: 905-688-3711   Mental Health and Addictions Access 1-866-550-5205 (Toll Free) Gambler’s Anonymous 905-351-1616
Kids Help Phone Service for youth. 416-586-5437 800-668-6868 (Crisis Line) www.kidshelpphone. ca Assaulted Women’s Helpline Mobile calls to: #SAFE (#7233) 1-866-863-0511 (Toll Free)
Alcoholics Anonymous Find a Niagara meeting. 905-682-2140 Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) www.niagaratips.com Text 274637(CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip
The Voice
1428 Pelham Street, P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Office open: Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 2 PM
(905) 892-8690
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER & EDITOR Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca REPORTERS Samuel Piccolo, Sarah Whittaker ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS John Swart, Larry Coté, Nick Saltarelli, Carolyn Botari, Melissa Wells
others, to have frequently demonstrated such “purposive” and “culpability” symptoms, then you can legitimately claim the title of chronic procrastinator. Less severe cases are diagnosed as “occasional procrastinators.” If you are one of the 80% not afflicted with this sinister condition, then you are known to be an antecrastinator. If you are inclined to get things done way ahead of time then you are a precastinator. The procrastination research group uses scientific methods to categorize serious procrastinators as “procs.” These experts proclaim “procs” as persons who consistently procrastinate in multiple areas of their lives. According to the research group and as reported in the New York Times, there are some questions or conditions to help diagnose the presence and severity of the procrastinator condition: 1) Do you delay making decisions until it is too late? 2) Do you regularly say something like, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” 3) Has putting things off until the last minute had some costly consequences? Presumably the answers
Letters Region: Help stop Haist Street parkland sale Open letter to Regional Chair Alan Caslin: The present Haist Street arena grounds were created due to the wishes of the residents of Pelham, dating back to the 1960s. The public, along with upper levels of government, funded that property and building; it has served the citizens of Pelham well for the past 50 years. This site is a PUBLIC asset that we do not want to lose. We especially do not want to see the property turned into another housing tract or strip mall. We, as residents of Pelham, want to keep this parcel of land and building intact. The grounds should be maintained as a sports field and park, and the building can be repurposed for indoor activities, meetings and other functions. Our children know this area as a place
See OP-ED Page 9
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
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 or legal reasons. 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.
See HAIST next page
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
Mayor of Pelham David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317
Electoral District: Niagara West
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900 Member of Provincial Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West-Glanbrook Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755
Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607
Ward 1 Councillor Richard Rybiak rrybiak@pelham.ca 905-892-2105
Ad #1: APPROVED
Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-684-4870
Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Councillor Brian Baty 742 Memorial Dr. Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 905-892-5317
• Trusted Onsite Service for over 10 years • • Virus and Spyware Removal • • Repairs • Upgrades • Troubleshooting • • Brand Name and Custom Systems • • Secure Wireless Networking •
Members of Pelham Town Council
Bob’s Boys
Ward 2 Councillor Catherine King cking@pelham.ca 905-658-8599
You call, we haul. Trash, scrap, garages, clean-outs.
Councillor Gary Accursi gaccursi@pelham.ca 905-892-5528 Ward 3 Councillor John Durley jdurley@pelham.ca 905-892-5388 Councillor Peter Papp ppapp@pelham.ca 905-328-6008
NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca
to play and be with friends. What message are we sending these children if we pave it over? We should be teaching children to be stewards of this land and to use our brains to make positive decisions, instead of decisions that will decimate this land for future generations. This letter serves as our direction to the Town for the future use of this site, including the land and building. Given the recent information provided to the Niagara Regional Council regarding potential questionable land dealings in East Fonthill by the developer Rainer Hummel, it would be prudent to put any development on hold until a forensic
302 Canboro Road @ Effingham
Call Bob at 905.736.0051 Today's forgotten business Advertiser VOICE OF PELHAM stopped advertising yesterday Creative Director Tarja Barton email graphics@thevoiceofpelham.ca
Jill C. Anthony Law Office BARRISTER, VOICE SOLICITOR & NOTARY OF PELHAM
Marketing Director Dave Burket email advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
REAL ESTATE, PURCHASES, SALES & MORTGAGES, Approved By: 905.892.8690 & BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS SALES, ‘R.C. O’Hara’ ESTATE ADMINISTRATION, WILLS & POWER OF ATTORNEY PRODUCTION DEADLINES
JA
Bob’s Boys Antiques Contact Name
Have an Opinion?
Colo blac
Contact Phone 905.736.0051
Due Frid
Contact email
Run Apr.
Cos Date: Mar 29, 2016
Well don't just Camera Ready Ads News / Editorial Monday Noon for advertiser Monday Noon sit there. Share it FONTHILL FALLS (Satellite Office) supplied ready/ 10 Highway 20 E., P.O. Box 743, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Pio Plaza, 8685 Lundy’s Lane, Unit #2, print NEW Ad Materials On Press with the Voice! approved ads. Supplied as LOCATIO T: 905-892-2621 • F: 905-892-1022 Falls, L2H 1H5 N Thursday 4 pm, week Niagara prior, for ads ON requiring Tuesday high resolution pdfs. letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca T: 289-296-2629 • F: 289-296-0222 design, production and proofing. janthony@jillanthony.com Distribution ads 905-892-8690 www.jillanthony.com Classified Ad Approvals Weekly on Wednesdays Thursday Noon Friday Noon, week prior. NOTE: Deadlines may be adjusted Community Event Listings Repeat Ads for statutory holidays. Thursday Noon Monday Noon for ads with no changes or minor changes. 1 proof only. Ad Bookings Thursday Noon, weekNIAGARA prior. (Main Office)
ad s 2x2
Term
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
Page 5
OPINION Letters
FOLLOW THE MONEY By Jim Pitt
continued
Checking in on real estate: July numbers
Leave the Arena alone Open letter to Pelham Town Council: We have tried the Town Placespeak link but found it doesn’t work and isn’t reliable. This is our wishes and we trust you will carry these to our council chamber. We do NOT want the Haist Street arena property sold We do not want any form of housing on that property. We want the property maintained as a park for public enjoyment We want the property continued and enhanced with outdoor sports fields We want it acknowledged that it was the Public that paid for that property and it was the public in partnership with upper levels of government in the 1960’s which paid for that Arena PRIOR TO its construction not like the reckless indebtedness this council
We want this entire matter deferred until after the 2018 election has done for the new Community Centre. We want this entire matter deferred until after the 2018 election. We would like you to read aloud our wishes before this Council. Nancy Freeland Fonthill Editor's note: The Voice received several very similarly worded letters from other readers.
HAIST
tempts by Mayor Augustyn to prevent him from speaking. It is disconcerting to have a mayor that is unwilling to listen to the residents that he is supposed to represent. Lisa Erickson Pelham
continued from previous page audit takes place. Mr. Caslin, I commend you for allowing Mr. Hummel to speak at the Niagara Regional Council meeting on June 29, 2017, despite at-
William Hall INSTALLATIONS
Vinyl Replacement Windows “Tilt-In Feature” • VINYL AND ALUMINUM SIDING • 5” SEAMLESS EAVESTROUGH • SOFFIT - FACIA - SHUTTERS • STEEL INSULATED DOORS • 2” SELF - STORING DOORS CALL ANYTIME
905-892-3757
FREE ESTIMATES
T
HE R E A L ESTATE M A R K ET in Niagara Region is changing. Listings are up and sales are down. Prices are sliding and rules could be changing. Let’s take a look. When looking at the real estate market, a few factors have to be taken into consideration. The market is seasonal, meaning there are more sales in the spring and fall months than in the summer and winter months. When comparing sales it is generally accepted that you compare the month of one year to the same month of the previous year, or yearover-year. Prices, however, are not seasonal, so when looking at these numbers you should compare prices month-to-month to get an idea if there is a trend. Throughout the early spring to June the trend was decidedly up. July saw that trend reverse somewhat. According to Randy Mulder, President of the Niagara Association of Realtors, quoted in the Welland Tribune, the increase in inventory in July is, “indicative of a Market shift that has moved strongly from a sellers market to a balanced market.” The article went on to say, “Average sales prices, however, dropped by $125,000 compared to a month earlier." Mr. Muder's numbers are different from the MLS Niagara report. They’re worse, but I am using the MLS Niagara numbers below. If your investment advisor told you that your portfolio had dropped $125,000 in one month I don’t think you would be lulled into believing we were in a
more balanced market. I think you might believe we were in a stock market crash. Real estate salespeople are not required, by law and regulation, to be as forthcoming with the facts. Listings of houses for sale in the Niagara Region went up year-overyear. In July 2016 there were 885 listings. In July 2017 there were 992 listings, a 12% increase. In Pelham listings were up only one, from 36 to 37. Sales were down. Regionally, in July 2016 there were 831 sales, while in July 2017 there were 598 sales, a decline of 28%. In Pelham sales fell from 43 in July 2016 to 30 in July 2017, a 30% fall. Prices last month were at the highest yet. The average price, Region-wide, in June 2017 was $457,456 and in July 2017 the price was $375,903, or a 16.8% decline. In Pelham prices fell 10% from $588,906 in June to $529,490 in July. Does this mean that a downward trend has begun? It is too early to say, but sales dropping while listings are rising usually indicates a market that is overpriced. Price drops are more dependent on the sales mix. The sale of a couple of expensive homes in a small market can skew the averages up. If sales of high-end homes are stalled, then price averages are less. Regionally, this price drop is quite large and the market is also of a good size. Locally, Pelham is a small market, so price fluctuations can be more pronounced. Real estate boards only provide aver-
age, not median, prices so it’s tough to get a good idea of the price trend. That being said, prices in the GTA have changed rather dramatically over the last three months and prices were down 4.6% in July, the biggest one- month drop since 2000. I don’t think it’s different here.
The sale of a couple of expensive homes in a small market can skew the averages up
T
he federal government is contemplating some changes to the mortgage lending market that may be implemented this fall. I mentioned in an earlier column that stress-testing of borrowers was a distinct possibility. This seems more likely of late. A borrower would have to qualify to borrow at the prime mortgage rate of 2.84% as of today, plus 2% for a total of 4.28%, to be approved. This will include all mortgages, insured and See FOLLOW THE MONEY next page
In home foot care available by registered nurse experienced in diabetic foot care needs Please call Louise 905-988-3241
316 Welland Rd., Fenwick
Professional SERVICES Directory You’re In Good Hands With Us!
Dr. Ken Sawatzky Dental Surgeon
905-892-5002 1428 Pelham St.
Improve Your Health
Change Your Life! 905.892.6200
Joe Della Marina DD,LD Denturist 905-892-1414
22 Regional Road 20 West Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0
Family Dentistry
www.lewisfamilychiropractic.ca
1428 Pelham Street, Fonthill
Monday to Friday Morning and afternoon hours
www.drkensawatzky.com
Dr. Ann Volk Dr. Randy Pauls Dr. Jeanette (Helmuth) Ngo
Optometrists
Mon, Wed, Fri • 8am - 5:30pm Tue • 8 am - 7pm Thu • 8:45am - 7pm 1405 South Pelham, Fonthill • 905.892.5191
Cecchetti Ballet Examination Classes (Ages 8 & up)
Stretch and Strength Classes Acro Dance Classes Musical Theatre Classes REGISTRATION: AUGUST 21-24th, 6-9:00PM Fonthill Studio (1394 Haist Street) and Welland (Seaway Mall Studio) More information 905-735-2376
www.missdarsschoolofdance.ca
Owned and Operated by Darlene B. Harpwood
Page 6
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
2017 Bandshell Series
The Shuffle Demons
FOLLOW THE MONEY continued from previous page
BY JIM CASSON
Special to the VOICE
What do you get when you cross three amazing saxophonists dressed in wacky clothes, a crazy dancing drummer and a killer upright bass player and have them sing songs about Buses, Roaches and Hockey and spend half their time playing in the audience? The Shuffle Demons, that's what! They were a band that captured the imagination of a generation with their antics and amazing no-holdsbarred playing. And now they're back!The Shuffle Demons are a high-energy Canadian band that blends virtuosic jazz and funk playing with eye-catching costumes and over the top stage antics to produce an incredible
1.50
$
OFF
ANY ENTREE
show. A hit at festivals all over the world, the Shuffle Demons are a crowd pleasing, full-on musical group that backs up wild stage antics with phenomenal playing. The Shuffle Demons first broke onto the Canadian music scene in 1984 with an electrifying musical fusion that drew in equal measure from Sun Ra, Charles Mingus, Run DMC and the Beast-
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
ie Boys. This band is genre bending, highly visually entertaining, funny, and best of all, can really play. All their eye catching, crowd-pleasing stunts are backed up by incredibly solid musicianship and real groundbreaking playing.Thursday, August 17, 7-9pm at the Fonthill Bandshell Concerts - The Shuffle Demons - presented by Flett Beccario
BandShell
uninsured, meaning everyone would need to pass this stress test. An additional 1% would be added, for a total of 5.28%, for applicants that do not fit rigid requirements. If the house you own has dropped in value after an appraisal, and you now have less than 20% equity, you would have to pay this extra percentage point. If there has been a divorce, or job loss, or pay cut, this would also require you pass the higher test. Said Rob McLister, a mortgage broker at Ratespy, this would, “slash buying power for prime buyers by roughly 18%.” This means that homebuyers would be approved for loans 18% lower than they can qualify for now. Would the federal government really do this? That is hard to say. These
These measures, along with an increase in borrowing rates, would certainly end this hyper-inflated housing market
measures, along with an increase in borrowing rates, would certainly end this hyper-inflated housing market. The government and the Bank of Canada have been warning consumers for months that debt levels are too high and the housing situation is critical, especially in the GTA and Vancouver. They may believe that a controlled correction is possible to bring house
11am-7pm
($14.99 minimum. One coupon per entree.)
Come dine with us before the bandshell Concerts this summer.
Bandshell Feature Entree every Thursday night from 4pm -9pm. Coupon good only for Thursday August 17th
Specialty
BURGER AND A PINT
The Shuffle Demons
12.99
on stage 7pm - 9pm at Peace Park 155 HWY 20 W Fonthill
905 892-4611 LAZYLOON.ON.CA
USE YOUR COUPON AND WIN FREE FISH & CHIPS DINNER FOR 2
sip, eat, chat, repeat!
Market Menu Thursday’s
CAREER OPPORTUNITY Full Time Employment
Hiring Horticulture Technicians for the Landscape Trade, Garden Maintenance and Construction. Positions available: Foreman, Labourer, Sales & Service Experience Helpful Please send resume to: office@dekorteslandscaping.com or drop off at:
DEKORTE’S LANDSCAPING LTD. 799 Balfour Street Fenwick LOS 1C0 905-892-6908
Come Visit us Every Thursday between 5pm-9pm for our Small Plate Menu featuring Food & Drink specials.
26
10 oz PRIME RIB $ SUNDAY DINNER
C E L E B R AT I N G Y E A R S Special occasion cakesto specialty cakes, When it comes
nothing stumps us Homemade pastries and scones Large variety of breads made from scratch
includes spring vegetables, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding.
We also do Private Events and Catering FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
1469 Pelham Street S. Fonthill, ON
905 892 6474 www.zestfonthill.com
Quality baked goods on your family’s table (Yes, it’s a real cake.) 11 Highway 20 West, Fonthill (905) 892-9466 Hours: Tues-Fri, 8-3; Sat, 8-2. www.indulgencepastries.com
prices down to the historical norm, but that would mean a long, steady price drop. Previous housing bubbles have ended more dramatically in countries like Spain, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, the U.S., Japan, Denmark, Italy, and the Netherlands. But I suppose a touch of pixie dust and some crossed fingers could make it different in Canada. Anyway, a 4.6% onemonth price-drop is a harbinger of a severe correction that may already be underway in the GTA. But again, even though prices here went down 17% in one month, it might be different in Niagara. Just ask a real estate salesperson: they’ll tell you it’s always a good time to buy. n a related matter, the town has “visioned" the Haist Street arena and parkland and come up with five options for what to do with the site after it’s closed down—or maybe before; it’s not entirely clear. You may go online and vote for the least-worst from the following choices: a bunch of houses; a bunch of houses and some townhouses; a bunch of townhouses and some houses; a bunch of townhouses; or a bunch of apartments. At first I was hesitant to proceed with this survey. I had just read MP Dean Allison’s piece in the Voice concerning online con artists and thought that this survey setup looked suspicious. But in the interest of the community, I threw caution to the wind and started the daunting process. I can see how the procedure would frighten off many residents who are properly afraid to divulge so much information. After entering a lot of personal information such as name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and geolocation, and replying to an e-mail from something called Placespeak, and receiving a phone call with my “secret code,” then entering this “secret code,” I was finally able to take the survey and check “none of the above.” Gee, I thought in a democracy the secret ballot was sacrosanct, but then I remembered where we actually live. I wondered what “none of the above” might mean. Anyway, if you're so inclined to divulge personal information and await your “secret code,” you can vote for one or none of the choices. I’m sure that what is chosen will be of no surprise to anyone who follows the decision-making process of this mayor and council. A truly frightening process. Kudos to the mayor and council. Bravo.
O
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Letters
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
Page 7
continued
Not too late to stay local
A dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do-do
There are numerous talented artists in the Niagara region whose work deserves to be chosen for public display in Pelham. Showcasing our own creative Niagara artists is money well spent. Such investments made to cultivate an underfunded community provides both hope and incentive. As Mayor Augustyn has asked our residents to invest in his vision for the future of Pelham, perhaps said vi-
sion will include the ofttimes neglected artistic endeavours of a Niagara artist worthy of recognition. CAO Ottaway, expand your research, because Pelham and Niagara have very fine artwork, as is evident by the Mother’s Day displays in the Haist Street arena year after year. L. Morgan Fonthill
Focus on saving, not paving So like good boys and girls we are to share in the joyous fact another chunk of the Niagara Region is going under the shovel. Thorold Mayor Lucianni is ecstatic Toronto people are coming and he says "developers are wasting no time with current projects" translation slapping them up. Greed has replaced commonsense. “Tax base” is the creed of the day. Politicians spout it steady. Wildlife and nature are not important—it’s money, folks, money. Pelham, once a unique special place, in being transformed by Mayor Augustyn into a predictable concrete sterile place, and Wainfleet Mayor April Jeffs, Councillors Ted Hessels and Terry Gilmoure, recently gave a 41-unit condo development the green light in an area which was home to endangered Fowler Toads, Bald Eagles, etc. Lowbanks,
Fenwick, Port Robinson and Welland all being bulldozed under. Take note that in Niagara politicians' puff pieces there is no mention of destroying wildlife habitats, green spaces, healthy living for those of us who have paid taxes for years. No, not at all. It is that brainwashed "tax base" these short sighted politicians quote continuously. Toronto people choose their way of life to make fortunes in the city and now like the ants running to the land of plenty the grasshopper worked so hard for they will overtake and devour what we once were. Forget your children’s and grandchildren's right to a healthy, happy future. It is about the tax base. Faye Suthons Wainfleet
Dear “Frustrated Pelham Resident,” This is in response regarding your letter to the editor last week entitled “Dog owners should respect property, private or public.” Well, I know you want to be spared this but the boulevards are Town property and if you of your own volition choose to go the extra mile to keep it tidy, good for you. We, and I’m using the royal we to describe us dog walkers, walk our dogs not so that they can go to the bathroom on your boulevard but because they need exercise and so do we. I get my ten-year-old dog to urinate before our walk but sometimes he still has to go! He pees like a girl and therefore is guilty of the dreaded yellow spots on the boulevard and on my lawn. Would you like me to wrap an elastic around his winky or drag him off the boulevard while he urinates
so that it can splash all over his legs and stomach? Or, maybe I should take him to a doggie urologist and see why he has to pee at all? I’ve taught him to “stop and drop” on the sidewalk so that I can “stoop and scoop.” Sometimes it can be messy because the doggie bag tears with the coarseness of the cement and that is not a pretty sight or smell! I do try my very best not to annoy those responsible people who look after their boulevards. You suggest taking our pesky peeing dogs to the dog park or to a public area that doesn’t involve your boulevard or anyone else’s. Really? The last time I took my dog to a dog park he contracted kennel cough (and before you start on me, yes, he did have the bordatella vaccine but it’s like the human flu shot and therefore it’s not 100% effective). That little endeavor cost me $500 in vet bills.
Walking in the park is also not an option…this is the worst year for ticks
I've taught him to "stop and drop" on the sidewalk so that I can "stoop and scoop" in decades and I don’t want any on my dog, even though he is on Bravecto. So, you see, we irresponsible, terrible, negligent dog owners do think of how to treat our dogs and our environment as best we can but you know what…sometimes PEE just happens! Another frustrated Pelham resident.
WINNER OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE
Frustration shared on the peeing pooches front I am writing in support of “A Frustrated Resident Pelham" fed up with careless dog owners. I too am a frustrated resident. I 100% reiterate and support the originator of this letter. Plus, I do not have a dog but find myself cleaning up dog feces, and repairing my lawn and the boulevard because of
repeated urination from the neighbourhood’s numerous dogs. I have a fairly large boulevard area and have decided that I will no longer attempt to keep the boulevard area eye-appealing. My lawn will be manicured and cared for, but I give up on the boulevard. I will cut it but eventually there will not be
any grass to cut! I understand that the Town will cut public property 2 times a year…and I have noticed that one resident near us has opted for that. Their lawn is beautiful… but the boulevard has grown wild and unruly. I totally understand the frustration that must have led to this result. Just imagine how
our neighbourhood would look if more people went that route!I have always lived in a subdivision but have never experienced so many dogs. This is a beautiful little community…everyone takes great pride in keeping their property looking well kept and cared for. There is such a simple solution to main-
taining good neighbourhood relationships: Respect your community and neighbours and take dogs to your own back yard, to public green space areas that are not attached to any private homes, or to the dog park. Yet Another Frustrated Resident Fonthill
BEST DENTAL OFFICE BEST DENTAL OFFICE 2 YEARS A Readers’ ROW! Winner of 2017 Welland IN Tribune’s Choice WINNER OF 2017 READERS’ CHOICE
2 YEARS IN A ROW! BEST DENTAL OFFICE 2 YEARS IN A ROW!
Dr. David Pampena, D.D.S. Dr. David Pampena, D.D.S. Dental Surgeon
Dental Surgeon
THANK THANKYOU YOUREADERS READERS
WEWE ARE PROUD ARE PROUDTO TOHAVE HAVE BEEN BEEN
VOTED#1 #1 VOTED
184 ThoroldRoad, Road,Welland, Welland, ON 184 Thorold ON
905-735-4182 905-735-4182 ·
thepinesdentaloffice@gmail.com thepinesdentaloffice.com
thepinesdentaloffice@gmail.com · thepinesdentaloffice.com
Page 8
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Above, a Town of Pelham graphic indicating road closure area in red. Right, Barb Christopher, of Young Sod Farms. VOICE PHOTO
SOD IT continued from Page 1 Several volunteers will start laying it in the centre of Fenwick’s shopping district at 7 AM.
After the event is over, Christopher said that the sod will be donated to a deserving family just down the street from the farm. “It will be at its new home by 7 PM,” she said. Come Alive Outside partners
with the Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association and its professional members across the province in order to create the opportunity for people to live healthier lives outside. Dekorte’s Landscaping and
Nature’s Own Landscape & Design have joined in to lay the sod and roll it up again at the end of the day. The Fenwick Firefighters Association will ensure the sod stays healthy by watering the sod
FREE Gift $
10
once it’s laid. Part of Canboro Road at the intersection of Maple Street will be closed to traffic for the event from 7 AM to approximately 7 PM. Businesses will remain open.
Card
*
when you spend $25 or more on fresh meat at Fonthill Sobeys
Limited Time Offer
valid Mon - Thurs only
*Free Gift Card to be used on your next shop. No coupon required. Offer includes fresh meat only. Offer is only valid in a single transaction and cannot be combined with any other offer.
#6699
*
Offer is valid Monday, July 3 - Thursday, August 24, 2017 only at the following locations: Ajax Sobeys - 260 Kingston Rd W, Ajax; Burlington Sobeys Extra - 1250 Brant St., Burlington; Flamborough Sobeys - 255 Dundas St., Waterdown; Fonthill Sobeys - 110 Highway # 20, Fonthill. Offer is only valid in a single transaction. Offer is non-transferable for cash. No cash back. Limit one gift card per customer. Limit one offer per customer. Reproduction of this offer will not be accepted. Cannot be combined with other offers for cash.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Letters
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
Artist hosts first Canadian exhibition in Pelham
continued
Four-way stop for Hurricane and Station My wife and I live on Hurricane Road by Station Street in Fonthill. On July 24, we attended the Pelham Council meeting to participate in the discussions regarding the increased traffic and vehicular speed on Hurricane Road. Part of the discussion revolved around Pelham’s goal of developing safe roads for pedestrians and cyclists. Crossing Hurricane Road at Station Street is very dangerous, as the sidewalk changes from the east to west side of Station and from the south to the north side of Hurricane Road. Cyclists, pedestrians, joggers, dog walkers and anyone else traversing Hurricane Road take their lives into their hands at times as they race to beat approaching speeding vehicles. Of course the problem has been exacerbated with the development of and growth along Highway 20, as more and more vehicles are using Hurricane Road as a shortcut over to North Pelham. I wrote Ryan Cook, Man-
ager of Public Works for Pelham and suggested they consider installing a 4-way
Crossing Hurricane Road at Station Street is very dangerous
stop sign at Station and Hurricane and a diagonal crosswalk, in essence proving a continuation of the sidewalk across Hurricane Road, allowing pedestrians the safe and timely opportunity to cross Hurricane Road to continue using the sidewalks safely and without intimidation of speeding vehicles. Rick Woodward Fonthill
ARF responds to AFR
BY VOICE STAFF Since immigrating to Canada five months ago from her home city of Medellín, Colombia, artist Diana Tabares has been painting every day in preparation for her first Canadian exhibition. Having shown her work in galleries all over the world, Tabares has had the chance to explore some of the planet’s most vibrant cities through her art. For the month of August, her work is hanging on the walls of the Pelham Public Library. Drawing inspiration from the architectural beauty of the places she visits, Tabares uses a mix of oil, acrylic, aerosols and vinyl to capture the energy of the cityscapes she immerses herself in. “I have a love for big cities and urban development,” said Tabares. “I love to see how they are always changing. Back in my country during the 1980s and ‘90s we had a difficult time with violence and the problems related to the war on drugs. At that time, the city became dark and we had problems with
buildings being destroyed by bombs. After that, the city started rebuilding to give itself a new face for the world and we could feel it change.” As Medellín transformed, Tabares developed an appreciation for the beauty of the architecture growing out of the rubble. Although Tabares comes from a family of artists, it wasn’t until she opened a gallery in her rejuvenated home city that she started painting. Since first picking up her brushes and painting knives ten years ago, her passion for painting the evolution of urban development she observes has continued to grow. For her, creating art is essential to her happiness. “I have to paint at least every day, but I’d like to paint every second,” she said with a grin. “I love to paint because I want to share with people what is happening with the architecture in the cities that I paint. Cities are not just buildings, they are so much more than that.” Tabares sees art as a way to bring people together. By painting buildings
and cityscapes that everyone can recognize, she hopes to show people what it feels like to spend time in these destinations. Every painting tells its own story about the place that inspired it, she explained. Soon after flying into Toronto, Tabares started her first painting on Canadian soil. Rather than capturing the essence of Toronto itself, she decided to blend each of the cityscapes she passed through on her way to Niagara on one canvas. Tabares said she is looking forward to spending more time in Toronto to paint it in greater detail. “When I visit any city, it is very important for me to see the iconic places, so I can create a new vision of that city,” said Tabares. “Everybody wants to know what it’s like to be in New York, Toronto, Tokyo, Paris, because they are important cities for the world.” Currently residing in Niagara Falls, Tabares has been painting the colourful array of architecture surrounding the iconic waterfall. Inspired by the energy of the Niagara region, she
see your way clear to live in this town and get along with all its inhabitants— two- and four-legged. I can personally promise you
Dear AFR (A Frustrated Resident), I’m sorry to hear that you’re frustrated about dogs peeing on the boulevard. I hope I can help you to understand. You live in a very new subdivision. You don’t say exactly where, so I can only guess that based on where most of Pelham’s new subdivisions are situated, that your area was previously some kind of green space or maybe an orchard. Where possibly my dog, or my neighbor’s dogs, enjoyed a good country walk. I too am a proud homeowner. My neighbors are proud homeowners as well in our 60-year-old neighborhood. I have never
had a complaint from any of them about my dog urinating on their lawns. I guess it’s only new sod that browns due to dog urine, because we don’t seem to have that problem with my dog or any of the numerous neighbor dogs (or cats, let’s not forget them). I am also a proud dog owner. And a good dog owner. I own a breed of dog that is a high-energy dog. As a good dog owner, that means numerous walks a day, not just bringing her onto the lawn and saying, “Pee here, NOW.” You say that you have been involved with dogs competitively as well as being a dog owner, and so have I. My mother owned Dalrialda Fox Terrier
Kennels in Chippawa, and she bred, showed, groomed, and boarded dogs. My upbringing immersed me in all of that, which is why your letter baffles me. “Deliberate actions of dog owners” to allow their dogs to urinate on your boulevard? If only my dog could pee or poop on command, or I could have my dog do it in the nearest catch basin, as you suggest... We walk her with numerous poopy bags, and yes there are a lot of people who don’t pick up after their dogs—shame on them. But only conscience can police that. As far as dog parks go, they are great. Maybe not for everyone, or for everyday, but I am very proud of
our new dog park. But my dog does her business more than once a day, and dog parks are for socializing and exercise, not for toilet needs exclusively. On one point you are totally correct. Kudos to you. The boulevard is Town property and you don’t have the right to tell people to stay off. And kudos again for taking care to beautify it. Now let me point out, you did not move into an area where beautification is a new concept. You want a nice looking boulevard, but you will have to live with a little dog pee. Into every life a little rain will fall! What’s next, miniature diapers for the squirrels? So AFR, I hope you can
OP-ED
time.” Sounds easy enough, right? There was a grandly ironic end to this conference story. Traditionally the attendees end the conference by selecting the location for the next one. But, because some members left early to catch flights, a decision was put off to another time. Professor Ferrari exclaimed “Oh, that’s not procrastination.” Then added it is only a “delay.” Huh? Well, I have delayed too long over my keyboard and should have filed this commentary yesterday. But, not to worry, I assured the ed-
itor that I will submit the copy in a day...or two.
college professor. He was awarded a Governor General’s Medal for his community activities.
continued from Page 4 lead to diagnostic evidence for researchers and likely some serious reprimands from your boss. If you have been diagnosed as a procrastinator and wish to be cleared of that condition, Times reporter Murphy writes that many of the experts offer the following curative: “Accept that changing will require learning to manage your thoughts and emotions more than figuring out how to manage your
Page 9
Larry Coté is a retired
Brown SALES REPRESENTATIVE
LAMPMAN FUNERAL HOME Our family serving your family since 1911
905-892-4701 724 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
www.lampmanfuneralhome.com
VOICE PHOTO
said she is excited to get to know the area better and the new artistic opportunities it will provide. “The most important thing for me is to show people my work. I want to share my paintings with people because art is the most important thing in the world. People often get caught up in their careers, but for an artist art is not about the money. It’s about sharing.”
that I will never pee on your lawn. Lois Norminton and ARF! (Millie the dog!) Fonthill
D&L
Small Engine Repair
NEW LOCATION!
509 Webber Road (near Poth), Fenwick Mon-Fri: 9 to 5, Sat: 9 to 1 905-892-0185
4
COMING SOON
4
NEW LOOK ' NEW PRODUCT LINES! Lawnmower Tune-Ups starting at 95 SERVICE FOR ALL MAKES AND MODELS
Richard
Diana Tabares.
$79.
PLUS PARTS
PICKUP & DELIVERY
ONLY $20
Office: 905-892-0222
Cell: 905-651-5143
rbrown@royallepage.ca • www.homesniagara.com
1815 Merrittville Hwy, Unit 1, Fonthill, Ontario
“Selling Throughout Niagara”
AUTHORIZED DEALER
Made in Brillion, Wisconsin since 1933
dlsmallengines@gmail.com
Cremation and Burial Services
Page 10
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
MPP Sam Oosterhoff co-hosts annual BBQ Saturday's event in Vineland with MP Dean Allison drew a quiet, family crowd for burgers and balloons BY SAMUEL PICCOLO
The VOICE
There are two sorts of political barbecues. There are the “sedate affairs attended by partisans of the organization sponsoring the event,” as journalist Shawn Micallef describes them in his new book on Toronto. And then there are those like the Ford family’s “Fordfest,” which Micallef calls “reminiscent of the original Woodstock festival, where hippies abandoned their cars in the rural gridlock and walked to the festival,” big bombastic events with impromptu dance floors and cash bars. Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff’s first barbecue, held last Saturday at Cherry Avenue Farms in Vineland, was of the sedate variety. But the tranquility was part of the point, said MP Dean Allison, with whom Oosterhoff co-hosted the event. Allison would know—he held 13 summer barbecues with former MPP Tim Hudak over the years, and was enthusiastic about number 14, this time with a different partner. “The great thing about this day is that you get all kinds of people out,” he said. “Some are here to voice their concerns,” producing a handful of letters from his back pocket as he spoke, “and some are just here to relax, say hello, have something to eat, and listen to the music.” Allison emphasized how important it was to actually talk to constituents as a representative, and how much he enjoys that part of job. One of the primary reasons Allison enjoys return-
ing home is to hear from these different sorts of people—and different ridings, he said, have different concerns. For the first six years of his time in office, he flew to Ottawa, but has since made the drive every week. “When you fly, you really only go from airport to airport––you don’t see anything along the way,” he said, talking about the vast diversity in constituencies from here to the capital. He makes use of that time in the car, listening to audiobooks or podcasts, or, most importantly, calling his mother. “My mom is happy when she gets those two calls a week,” Allison said. Even in a riding such as Niagara West, which many might assume to be relatively homogenous, Allison insisted that there is substantial diversity in perspectives. He mentioned, specifically, the number of new residents in the area, many of them retirees from the GTA who have lived their entire lives and are only familiar with the way things operate in Toronto. Allison spent most of his time standing on one side of the shaded lawn speaking to people, while Oosterhoff stood at the opposite end, shaking hands from the line that seemed to sprout two new members for every one he dispatched. Both spoke of how the joint nature of the day allowed for efficient lessons in governmental jurisdiction—i.e., directing constituents to the correct representative. An older man wryly asked Oosterhoff about “maybe getting
a little more pension,” to which Oosterhoff returned a smile and pointed across the grass. “CPP! You’ll have to talk to Dean about that!” Allison sent plenty of people over Oosterhoff’s way, too, saying that many came to him with questions about hydro and health care. Oosterhoff, dressed casually in rolled-up sleeves and jeans, echoed Allison’s passion for the event. Elected last November, he began work in the middle of a session, and has enjoyed being back among his constituents. The youngest MPP in Ontario’s history surprised many when he won the PC nomination last year, defeating party veteran Rick Dykstra before winning the by-election to fill Tim Hudak’s seat. Oosterhoff credited the work of his team and his knuckles, saying that he is back to knocking on doors two nights a week and is not “the sort of politician who believes that he should be elected just because this is a conservative riding.” His first nine months in office have not been without controversy. At the beginning, the Liberals asserted that his swearing-in was delayed so that he would miss a vote on samesex parenting––a bill he appeared to have opposed during his nomination campaign. PC leader Patrick Brown insisted that the delay was merely to allow for the presence of Oosterhoff’s family and friends at the ceremony. (Half of the PC caucus skipped the same vote.) Criticism of Oosterhoff’s social conservatism
Some are here to voice their concerns, and some are just here to relax, say hello, have something to eat, and listen to the music
has continued since then, but there was no mention of this on Saturday. Fervent opponents of politicians tend not to spend weekends crashing their barbecues, and Oosterhoff gamely listened to complaints about the governing Liberals, punctuating his replies with the points he’d been making all afternoon: hydro, taxes, school closures. The attendees seemed to enjoy themselves. By the end, the popcorn machine was barren and the wiry man supervising the remaining burgers said he thought there’d been 450 people who’d gone through his line. (There were varying head counts. Some said 350. Closer to 200 signed the list at the entrance.) At exactly 2 PM, the band stopped playing and started to pack up. The political
staffs did the same with their tables. The farm had a wedding coming in at 2:30, and needed the whole place cleared as fast as possible. Top, Oosterhoff and Allison smile as the The man dressed waiters whistle and the crowd clears for in orange directing the coming wedding. Above, Balloon traffic in the park- Sam. VOICE PHOTO and SUPPLIED PHOTO ing lot was busier than ever, beckoning wedding Oosterhoff had around him guests in with his leatha few people he knew. ered arms while waving “Did you see that balthe barbecues attendees out loon-maker earlier?” he through the gaps. Traffic at said to them. “A woman had Woodstock might not have a caricature of me made–– been so congested had this out of balloons! She said guy been around. that she’s going to keep it Even as the lawn was forever!” nearly empty and the bounHe pulled out his phone cy castle hung deflated and and showed them a photo. child-free, Allison was “Are you going to post still surrounded by a small that?” one of them asked. group, at least one of whom “Yep,” he said. “Just as wielded a sheet of paper. soon as I’m done here.”
RENOVATE RIGHT NOW
WITH LOUWES
Save on energy costs ... It’s a great time to renovate! Whether it’s new windows and doors or siding, soffit, fascia and eavestrough; it’s a great time to buy. North Star energyefficient windows will save you money in the long term by keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Call or visit our showroom today for a FREE ESTIMATE on your home! FINANCING AVALABLE (OAC)
905.562.5831
It’s Time for a SPRING Tune-up! MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY
ratures Tempe ing!! are ris
Financing & Rebates AVAILABLE!
High efficiency Gas Furnace and Air Conditioning packages at GREAT PRICING!
BOB REID
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED
Heating & Air Conditioning RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL
905-892-7787
DUNNVILLE VETERINARY CLINIC Est. 1952 Closer than you think! Same-day appointments
- Same-day test results, most while you wait - Large, well-established practice
ASK ABOUT OUR
3435 King Street Vineland, Ontario WINDOWS & SIDING SINce 1966 • WWW.lOuWeS.ca
WELLNESS PACKAGE 110 Ramsey Dr., Dunnville, ON N1A 1K8 Phone: (905) 774-7642 1-800-263-6496 vets@dunnvillevetclinic.com Mon - Fri: 8 AM to 6 PM • Sat: 8 AM to 2 PM • Closed Sunday
www.dunnvillevetclinic.com
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
Page 11
In bringing back the brooks, it's an upstream effort Short Hills survey comes up empty, but project to restore fish continues
Deer are seriously overpopulated here, and they eat everything trying to grow along the banks
BY SAMUEL PICCOLO
The VOICE
"Brook trout are cold-water fish," he said. "As soon as the water gets to 20 degrees, they begin to become sluggish. After three days of 22-degree heat, they'll die." The water that starts the creek in Effingham comes straight from the ground, and its coolness allows the trout to spawn and thrive. The stream gradually becomes warmer, however, and the trout either don't survive or turn back to stay in the cooler part. Two of Smith's former students, Jordan Pietroniro and Kyle Swanson, described several ways by which this warming occurs. Primarily it is a result of agricultural activity. Nitrates from fertilizers leach into the water, contaminating its quality. At its headwaters in Effingham, the creek is almost entirely shaded by large trees, but as it passes by plowed fields this cover disappears. The absence of trees means the absence of deep roots that solidify the creek's banks. Without this support, the banks collapse, allowing the stream to widen. This widening makes the waterway shallower, and results in greater surface area for the sun to strike, warming the water even more. What’s more, brook trout typically spawn in gravelly areas, while the team has observed “truly monumental amounts” of sandy sediment that has accumulated at various points in the creek over the past couple years. This accu-
Along a bank of Twelve Mile Creek in Short Hills Provincial Park last week, a dozen or so conservationists went fishing. The group, made up of Niagara College graduates, professors, volunteers from Trout Unlimited Canada, NPCA employees, and Niagara Restoration Council representatives, conducted a survey of the stream, hoping to find brook trout. Using a hoop on the end of a pole, they delivered a series of gentle shocks to the water, enough to stun fish to the surface for easy retrieval. (If you’re having visions of Homer Simpson dropping a bug-zapper into Lake Springfield and frying all the fish, you’re not alone. Relax, though. These fish were unharmed.) The group caught nearly 50 different fish throughout the day, including a 35-centimetre brown trout and a freshwater eel several feet long. But there wasn’t a single brook trout in the bunch. Twelve Mile Creek is the last waterway in Niagara able to sustain brook trout. Nearer to the creek's headwaters at several groundwater springs in Effingham, GoPro cameras left on rocks caught images of brook trout in the stream. But the failure to find any in the survey shows that by the time the creek reaches Short Hills, several kilometres later, the trout are gone. Ian Smith, of Niagara College's Environmental Studies faculty, had a succinct explanation for the fish's disappearance: temperature.
Swanson and Pietroniro get ready to release a brown trout back into the creek. VOICE PHOTO mulation is quite possibly a result of two “major road bed failures” along Sulphur Springs, failures that have allowed large amounts of sediment to enter the waterway. The temperatures last week were just within the brook trout’s upper bound, though this was likely only a result of recent rains and cooler days. Earlier in the summer, the water temperature peaked above 20 degrees, and Swanson suspects that the brooks travelled back upstream during that period. “That’s the problem (and beauty) of natural systems—you have
If your message for Pelham isn’t in our pages,
to put all the pieces together to see the big picture,” he said. The big picture now inevitably involves the East Fonthill development. Included in its plan is a system for water management, most visibly evident in the large pond at the corner of Rice Road and Highway 20. Swanson said that, “our concern is the contribution of excess water into the watershed,” adding that it was probable that the water would also be relatively warm. For his part, Mayor Augustyn has written that the develop-
your auto insurance savings further…
The Voice
The paper that Pelham reads.
…with up to 30%* in savings & discounts
(905) 892-8690 advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca DEBBIE PINE
SALES REPRESENTATIVE 905.892.0222 SELL phone: 905-321-2261
Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
debbiepine@royallepage.ca
The Voice Vol.20 No.48
CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
FREE
DSBN wants portion of Town park
111 Hwy. 20 E., Unit 5, Fonthill 905-892-9054 www.healthycupboard.ca
905-892-9054
Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm • Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm • Sat 9:30-5:00pm
www.healthycupboard.ca
Pine Debbie
SALES REPRESENTATIVE pinesold.com
Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm ◆ Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm Sat 9:30-5:00pm
New Location Coming Soon!
Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
The Comfort Maple myth BY JULIE MANNELL
Special to the VOICE
W
BY VOICE STAFF
See DSBN Page 9
Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill
BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3. NATE SMELLE PHOTO
Public meeting tonight on school issues BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick. Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-
Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation. DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be
“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime. Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. “We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page
HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin. My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries. Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town. This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation. On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque. “This tree looks dead,” I said to my father. “It sure is getting there, Julie.” The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14
The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM
Vol.20 No.39
NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill 111 Hwy. 20 E., Unit 5, Fonthill 905-892-9054 www.healthycupboard.ca
905-892-9054
Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm • Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm • Sat 9:30-5:00pm
www.healthycupboard.ca New Location Coming Soon!
Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER
Special to the VOICE
A
Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said. While waiting for the contractor to return to fix
the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-
VOICE PHOTO
bourhood in the short-term. Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with
the chicane the morning it first opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5
Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21. Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-
sidered. The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event. Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-
ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more specific issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security. Another way the committee plans
Pine Debbie
Get
to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016. "We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said. “It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going. We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses ad-
SALES REPRESENTATIVE pinesold.com
Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
Growing up British
BY VOICE STAFF
Pine Debbie
Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm ◆ Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm Sat 9:30-5:00pm
Column Six
Haist Street traffic-calming measure a little too effective A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through. One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through. “If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire
Get
Pineld -So Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store
FREE
Oops: No fire trucks for you
Column Six
Request made of community still peeved at name change The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the
Get
Pineld -So Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store
FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box. Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano. For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely. Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint See COLUMN SIX Page 14
See CHANGES Page 5
• Winter tires? Save up to 5%* • Multiple vehicles? Save up to 15%* • Hybrid or electric vehicle? Save up to 5%* • College or university student? Save up to 10%* • Additional savings* if you have multiple policies with State Farm®
The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM
Vol.20 No.32
NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997
Wednesday October 12, 2016
FREE
Apple Day comes to Fonthill Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932
The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”
Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept. 19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-
walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later. After delivering to Council a petition containing
Cell 905.933.3049
www.pennylanesold.com
H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES
BY JOHN SWART
VOICE Correspondent
T Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. SUPPLIED PHOTO A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.
“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie. Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls
and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support. Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.
Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Office 905.892.1702
Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn
BY VOICE STAFF While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples. As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations. The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada. “The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-
Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the
podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case. Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel. As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.
“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained. “I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.” Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times
HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn. Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn. It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly. The hues of Autumn are outstanding. A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour. Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River. If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills. If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet
See SIDEWALK Page 2
See AUTUMN Page 3
Full service. Full-time Realtor. Your Fonthill real estate connection.
CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR SALES REPRESENTATIVE pinesold.com
Pineld -So
Independently Owned & Operated
Enjoy free coffee, treats & a conversation! 9:30 – 11:30 am at Sobeys Fonthill
Sponsored by:
Seniors’ Advisory Committee
• Wednesday, December 7th – Mental Wellbeing Sobeys Fonthill
For more details, contact 905-892-2607 ext. 320 or visit pelham.ca/psac.
Fonthill & District
Christmas shopping starts here!
Saturday, 15 & Sunday Sunday, Oct. Oct 16. Saturday Oct. 17 18
10am - 4pm
Kinsmen Invite you to Come & Enjoy the Annual
Bob Kilyk, Agent 21 Highway 20 West Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Bus: 905-892-5721 bob.kilyk.cg8e@statefarm.com
PLUS, save up to an additional 25% with our new smartphone app TELEMATICS!1 A convenient app to help you learn more about your driving habits, and potentially save.
Call me today. *Conditions apply. 1Certain products and services may not be available in all provinces and territories. The discount does not apply to certain endorsements and additional coverages. Please note that the savings will automatically be applied to the premium at renewal. Certain conditions and restrictions may apply.
State Farm branded policies are underwritten by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company.
Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage
Office: 905.892.0222 • Sell: 905.321.2261 • debbiepine@royallepage.ca
You’re Invited - Conversation Café
See BROOKS Page 13
Start driving
Then it isn’t being seen.
PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM
ment’s storm ponds will collect water and, “store, clean and cool the water and release it at a rate no greater than “predevelopment flows,” and that it will likely be some time until the East Fonthill’s true impact upon the creek is known. But human activity isn't entirely to blame. While trees that line the creek outside of the park have been cut down, inside the park they are being eaten. "Deer are severely overpopulated here, and they eat everything trying to grow along the banks," said Pietroniro, explaining that this only exacerbates the widening of the creek. A recent aerial count of the park showed that there are well over 300 deer living in the park, while its carrying capacity is between only 60 to 70. The goal of the coalition, led by Swanson, is to make conditions in the stream conducive for brook trout to thrive. They have al-
FONTHILL
Centennial Secondary School, Thorold Road, Welland, Ontario
FONTHILL
Door proceeds in support of Special Olympics and Pathstone Mental Health
® State Farm and related trademarks and logos are registered trademarks owned by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance 1510024CN Company, used under Licence by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company.
Page 12
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
SERVICE DIRECTORY Electrical Electrical
ACB
Heating & & Cooling Cooling Heating
Automotive
Power Equipment
Electrical
Fenwick Alex Bover-Master Electrician
-ECRA #7003130 Service Upgrades • Energy Efficiency Upgrades Troubleshooting • New Wiring & Re-Wiring Commercial • Industrial • Residential
tel: 905-892-4988 Email:abover@cogeco.ca cell: 905-714-2145 for urgent calls
We Service All Makes And Models
Landscaping Landscaping
Renovations Renovations
Motorcycles, ATVs, Power Equipment, Snowblowers, Sales, Service, Parts & Accessories, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM ● www.clarescycle.com
799 Hwy 20, Fenwick, ON
905-892-2664
Electrical
Landscaping
Fairhaven Gardens
LANDSCAPES Inspired By Your LIFESTYLE
FG
Property Maintenance
799 Balfour St, Fenwick
905.892.6908
Bill De Bruin
www.dekorteslandscaping.com
Plumbing Plumbing
TOP SOIL 905-734-4870 also Crushed Stone
Over 75 years supplying soil to the Niagara area
Home Heating & Air Heating & Air Cond.
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS Traditional Home Heating and Air email: info@planetpower.ca Fireplaces, Boilers, Hot Water Tanks 905-892-1384
550 Webber Road, Welland, ON
Tel. 905.892.1384
Located in Fenwick Hardware 782 Canboro Road • Fenwick
Plumbing Plumbers
Master Electrician Residential, Commercial & Industrial
(905) 401.5748
www.fonthillelectric.ca
905.892.8608
ECRA/ESA licence #7011142
Landscaping Landscaping
Landscaping
www.landscapesbybill.com THE VOICE NaturalOF PELHAM
Screened Organic
DiMartile Farms
Taryn Wilton
Fairhavengardens@hotmail.com
Top Top Soil Soil
Delivery or Pick-Up
Fonthill Electric Ltd
Grass Cutting Grounds Maintenance Spring & Fall Clean Up
Advertiser Fonthill Rlectric Ltd
rock Creative Director Contact Name Tarja Barton• 874 Hwy # Taryn 20 W, Fenwick, 1C0 Wilton ON 874 Hwy #20 W, Fenwick, ONL0S L0S 1C0 874 Hwy # 20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 emailInterlockingl l l Landscape Design Landscape Construction Driveways, Patio & Walkways Landscape Design Landscape Construction Driveways, Patio & Walkways Brick Contact Phone graphics@thevoiceofpelham.ca l Natural Stone l Retaining Walls l Outdoor Wood Projects Natural Stone Retaining Walls Outdoor Wood Projects by • l Water 905.401.5748 Features Outdoor Lighting Water Features l Outdoor Lighting Marketing Director Bill Nieuwenhuyzen Design & Contact email Steven & Ryan Van Lochem Dave Burket THE Steven &Owners/Operators Ryan Van Lochem info@fonthillelectric.ca Office 905.892.4510 email Planting Owners/Operators Phone: 905.892.2188 • www.naturesownidea.com Cell 905.641.8203 advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca l
l
l
residential • commercial • farm Licenced plumber & gas fitter with 25 years experience
905-386-6483 • 905-651-8558 www.joesplumbingniagara.ca
905.892.8690
KEEP
ALL YOUR fingers
Call a Voice Service Directory professional to get the job done right the first time.
Landscaping
l
l
VOICE
Concrete Supplies Concrete Supplies Approved By:
l
l
l
Phone: 905.892.2188 • www.naturesownidea.com
Home Electronics Date:
MOVING? Our professional Installers will carefully remove your precious TV & sound gear and reinstall at your new home.
Niagara’s Complete Concrete Contractor (905) 262-2000
or Toll free
1-800-881-1628
cottoninc.ca
130 Thorold Road, Welland • 905-788-3221 thomastv.com 50 Years of Sales & Service
Plumbing Plumbing
ROBERT WILLIAMS PLUMBING & HEATING LIMITED
330 MOORE DRIVE, RR 1, RIDGEVILLE 905-892-2655 1-800-676-4029
House Painting
2 Just
PAINT
• House painting • Interior • Exterior FREE ESTIMATES! Call Martin: (289) 969-7482 2justpaint@gmail.com
We offer Drain Snaking, Hydro Scrubbing and Video Inspections
Advertising
Top Soil
The Voice
Matt’s Screened
Our readers could be your customers. Tell them why they should choose you!
Call (905) 892-8690
advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
TOP SOIL
Triple Mix Black Compost
Lawn & Garden Blend Firewood
Soil is screened with manure and compost blended in for great nutrition for your needs.
Delivery or Pick up
905-401-3370
Waiter, we have to say that service in this Airbnb is exceptionally professional, but would you mind getting the dog out from under the table?
Places of Worship and Events Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick
First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., Fenwick
Glad Tidings Church of God 1 Pancake Lane, Fonthill
Pelham Evangelical Friends Church 940 Haist St., Fonthill
Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill
Fonthill Baptist Church 1414 Pelham St., Fonthill
Holy Trinity Anglican Church 1557 Pelham Street, Fonthill
Ridgeville Bible Chapel 418 Canboro Rd., Ridgeville
Fenwick Church of Christ 765 Welland Rd., Fenwick
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill
Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill
St. Alexander’s Roman Catholic Church 50 Pelham Town Sq., Fonthill
Fenwick United Church 1050 Church St., Fenwick
Fonthill United Church 42 Church Hill, Fonthill
Pelham Community Church 461 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church 834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
Th Se w
Co bl
D Fr
Ru M Ju
Co $4
Te
hour. Visit www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details.
quarry stone supply, place- sonable, S ment. 905-384-1972. P18-23 30, 8AM-3
FONTHILL BANDSHELL PRESENTS DE TEMPS ANTAN Yard & The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017 Page 13 Burke’s Masonry SALE, L Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have Bricklaying, tuckpointing, been exploring and performing time-honoured melodies from the stomp- Place your ad by email or phone of Christm office@thevoiceofpelham.ca decoration step repair, granite ing grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, Hours: Mon-Thurs, 8 AM - 2 PM (905) 892-8690 coatings, brick slices items, SAT guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos 1PM 625 P18-28 905-682-7061. blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joieHOUSE de vivreCLEANING found only in FLOORING NORTH P Community traditional Quebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m.Energetic Portuguese lady
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
COMMUNITY EVENTS & CLASSIFIEDS Events Listings
looking to clean houses in Fonthill, Fenwick, Welland, PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Ridgeville, Effingham, North Putting on an event? Experienced to Make six cards with fall themes, learning a variety Pelham. of techniques. Materials accommodate every customer’s EXTEND YOUR REACH - ADVERTISE PROVINCIALLY OR ACROSS THE COUNTRY! Tell the town! needs. References available. are provided.ed.org At time of Community registration, about tools needed. For more information contact your local community newspaper or visit www.networkclassifi Eventplease Classifiedenquire Call Liliana at 416-879-4932. ads$10. are available blocks Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. Pleasein register ahead. Visit www.pelhamMORTGAGES ADVERTISING of 30 words, including library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details.HOUSE CLEANING headline for $8.85 + HST.
Ad booking and payment deadline FISH is Thursday LIONS FRYNoon prior to week of publication.
House Cleaning available, weekly or bi-weekly. Call 905892-4906.
FABULOUS FENWICK Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the community. Haddock, Payment may be made over french fries and much more. RunsbySept. 9 from 4-7HOUSE p.m. CLEANING the phone credit card,
LOWER YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENTS AND CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT NOW!!! 1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGES Debt Consolidation Refinancing, Renovations Tax Arrears, No CMHC Fees $50K YOU PAY: $208.33 / MONTH (OAC) No Income, Bad Credit Power of Sale Stopped!!! BETTER OPTION MORTGAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TODAY TOLL-FREE: 1-800-282-1169 www.mortgageontario.com (Licence # 10969)
FINANCIAL SERVICES
$$ CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT $$ TAP INTO HOME EQUITY! With home values skyrocketing, take advantage and pay down other high interest debt. HOME EQUITY LOANS FOR ANY PURPOSE!! Bank turn downs, Tax or Mortgage arrears, Self Employed, Bad Credit, Bankruptcy. Creative Mortgage Specialists! No proof of income 1st, 2nd, and 3rd’s Up to 85% Borrow: $50,000 $100,000
Pay Monthly: $237.11 $474.21
LARGER AMOUNTS AND COMMERCIAL FUNDS AVAILABLE !!Decrease monthly payments up to 75%!! Based on 3% APR. OAC 1-888-307-7799 ONTARIO-WIDE FINANCIAL 1801347inc FSCO Licence #12456 www.ontario-widefinancial.com !! LET US HELP !!
BROOKS
or in person at our office by cash or check.
Professional Services Residential, organic PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE housecleaning – 15 years Thanks for supporting REACH MILLIONS OF CUSTOMERS IN experience. Complete job done, Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide ONTARIO WITH ONE EASY CALL! your Voice! weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cheaper options for players in this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from cleaning. Your Classified Ad or Display Ad would appear Call Heather 905-321-3817. office@thevoiceofpelham.ca in weekly newspapers each week across 9-12 in the morning. Ontario in urban, suburban and rural areas.
905-892-8690 Men and women will be back in the mud as the held at Bissil’s Hideaway.
EMPLOYMENT OPPS.
Reach thousands of readers second runa Voice on the year weekly with classified! Up to 30 words for only $10!
FORBIG SALEMOVE
is
“For all your flooring needs”
We offer in-stock specials: • pre-finished hardwood
flooring solid, engineered from $2/ft2 • laminate flooring from $.89/ft2 • carpet and vinyl flooring from $4.95/yd2 • fibre flooring from $1/ft2 • ceramic tile from $.89/ft2 ...and other specials! Call us to see the products that are available & visit our showroom.
Phone: 905-892-7898 Fax: 905-892-4811
No Sunday Calls, Please TF
HELP WANTED
CUSTOM MILL
MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! NIAGARAIn-demand REGIONAL EXHIBITION career! Employers have work-at-home posiPortable sawmill service. I will tions available. Get online training you need Rodeo, games and live come entertainment to your home headline or farm and this from an employer-trusted program. Visit: custom mill your logs. Firewood from Sept. 11-14 at& the Welland Fairgrounds. CareerStep.ca/MT or runs 1-855-768-3362 to start lumber also available. Call training for your work-at-home career today! Rob Patterson, 905-401-4948 riverwood@primus.ca.
years event. It THEexciting VOICE: PAPER ROUTE 1 Paper Route Available in Fonthill:
CANCER RIDE Route 6 – Brock Street, Donahugh Drive, PetroSAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE nella The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride takingParkway, place onShaldane Sept. Lane, portion of South MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own Pelham Street - 96 papers ROAST BEEF DINNER bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker FamIn stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: Morgan’s Point United Church Please call The Voice at 905-892-8690 ily Cancer 1-800-566Centre. www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT (air conditioned/wheelchair 6899 Ext:400OT.
accessible), 11430 Lakeshore, Wainfleet, Saturday, August 19, HEALTH 2017. Settings: 5:00 & 6:00 WALKING CLUB p.m. Adults $15., child under CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Attention Ontarwalking Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena 10, $5.00. By reservation only io residents: Do you orInterested someone youinknow suf- in Pelham? Tickets: 905-899-3626 fer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell forWe9-10:30 am.for There are looking experienced person(s) willing to partthe Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511ner with our professional company cutting lawns, property 2250 or http://start.canadabenefit.ca/ontario/ is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ maintenance and snow removal. GRASSext CUTTING The ideal candidate needs to be available year round as pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, 329. PERSONALS we are a full service business. Salary to be based on Grass Cutting Service ALWAYS GOING TO PARTIES ALONE? Isn’t it experience and work performance. 8 years experience, references time you met someone & enjoyed being in a If you are currently loving your job in landscaping, or have availableCARES on request, service HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM relationship? MISTY RIVER INTRODUCTIONS includes grass cutting, edge experience in this field, drop us your resume. has been matching single people with theirfruit life and vegetables Purchase fresh at the Market or bring a non-perishable trimming, and driveway/sidewalk partners for 22 years. CALL (416)777-6302, Let’s talk! cleared of cuttings. Farmers Market on Sept. 4. (705)734-1292, www.mistyriverintros.com. food item to fill the hampersJohn, at the Pelham fairhavengardens@hotmail.com 905-892-8410.
Help Wanted
FG
Fairhaven Gardens
COMMUNITY Events
STEEL BUILDINGS
STEEL BUILDING SALE ...”PRICED TO SELL!” 20X21$6,296 Front & Back Walls Included. 25X25 $6,097 No Ends Included. 32X35 $9,998 One End Wall Included. Check Out www.pioneersteel.ca for more prices. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036
OLD PAPERS
Do you have old issues of the Voice published from 1997 to 2007? How about the Pelham Event Submissions Standards Herald (any year). We'd love to DRIVERSIfWANTED your organization is hosting an event that would be of interest to the community, add them to our archive. Contact: LOCAL AZ DRIVER you NEEDED - Must an have may submit eventspublisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca profile by sending your community events information to experience in flatbed and load securement. editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca Some restrictions apply. Event submissions that meet Excellent Pay and Benefits. Home Every Night. GARAGE Please contact Jeff at 1-800-565-3634 Ext. 245 the acceptability standards of The Voice ofSALE Pelham will then be posted until the date or Email: jeffjones@acrosscountrytransport.ca. Garage Sale of your event. The Community Events Calendar is updated weekly. Please provide
VACATION/TRAVEL August 19 as much notice and informationSaturday, as possible including the date, time and description
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Country of your event.home The for Voice rent $750.00 per month USD. 3 month minimum; 6 months $650 per month. 3 bedroom, large lot, all fenced, large covered garage, pool. Available November 1. Contact Ron: sculpron@gmail.com
Trout Unlimited’s intentions: the organization is so named because the species—and particularly brook ready begun the first phase trout—need cool, clean waof this plan, planting tree ter, and their presence in a species unpalatable to deer water system is indicative along the creek's banks of overall environmental on private land, and are health. They are not trying presently seeking permits OCNA Network Classifi edsthe Ads to restore population to to construct stabilization be later fished. CENTRAL) structures in(AD the stream. “We are all citizens and Swanson said that these professionals concerned for devices, called wing deWeek of the conservation of Canaflectors, lunkers, Augustor 14 live da's cold water resources,” crib walls, “will help with Swanson said. erosion, diverting flow and After studying environactually dig Posted out the bottom mental science at Wilfrid 10 enof the streamAugust using the Laurier, Swanson finished ergy of the water, causing it a post-graduate certificate to narrow, and deepen,” and Central in Geographic Information hopes that they will be beRegion Ads included Systems (GIS) at Niagara ing built by next summer. College. There, he teamed He is also sure to clarify continued from Page 11
YOUR AD HERE
For more information Call Today PELHAM MUDFEST 647-350-2558, Email: kmagill@rogers.com
Josh DeHaan Flooring
up with Pietroniro, who graduated from Guelph in biological sciences, on a thesis project in which the two measured temperatures and assessed the quality of several parts of Twelve Mile Creek’s headwaters. This experience led to his hiring by Trout Unlimited to work as a project technician for the summer. In May, the Niagara Chapter of Trout Unlimited received $250,000 in funding for this initiative, primarily from TD Friends of the Environment Fund and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Last Wednesday, a day after the work in Short Hills, the team completed another survey closer to the creek’s
This ad is to be printed by all participating Ontario papers
from 8 - noon the right to edit for space. of Pelham reserves 1332 Effingham, Ridgeville Antiques, household, hutch, sports stuff, collectibles.
headwaters in Effingham. There, they found several brook trout, confirming the GoPro’s sighting of the fish. Though Smith cautioned that the brooks were still relatively few and faced tough competition with the larger and more populous brown trout, he said that this is good news. In his long career as a fluvial geomorphologist, he has been involved in many projects— but this one is unique in its organizational diversity, and this gives him confidence. “The brook trout are there, and, with careful work, we can extend their habitat back downstream to the park.”
The Voice is hiring!
News and Features Writer 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 in-depth interviews and longer investigative pieces. Kindly send resume and writing samples to publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca for further information. Advertising Sales Person Set your own hours—part-time or full-time, the more you work the more you earn in this commission-based role. Please send resume to publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca for more information.
STA
“ TU
Y VIN
CA
PLAC
GA
SA
AD W
wh
CA
905.8
Page 14
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The home-hotels among us: Airbnb in Pelham Nearly 20 local homes are listed on the popular online booking service BY SAMUEL PICCOLO
The VOICE
Travellers searching for traditional accommodations in Pelham have few options. Hipwell’s Motel can be found in the phone book, where it has been reliably listed for the past eighty years or so. The Fonthill Inn, a more recent addition, is in the Yellow Pages too, and provides a little more luxury in its downtown rooms. And that’s it. The nearest true hotels are in either Welland or St. Catharines. Pelham is still a small town, after all, and neither Food Basics nor Dollarama are likely to lure overnight visitors. But on Airbnb, an online service that brokers arrangements between travellers and homeowners, there are nearly 20 other options for people who want to spend time in Pelham for reasons not involving discount shopping. Listings run from a one-bedroom apartment for $51 a night, to a palatial 10,000 sq. ft. compound with a private gym, steam room, and basketball court—for $770 a night plus a $200 cleaning fee. Founded in 2008 by some Americans in their 20s trying to make the rent, Airbnb has ballooned in popularity over the past decade. Airbnb’s service is simple, and it has variety of safety measures, including an extensive rating system that allows guests and hosts alike to post public evaluations of the people they’ve encountered. In a recent US radio interview, co-founder Joe Gebbia recounted that early-on the site had to combat something “we’ve all been taught since we were kids— strangers equal danger.” Since Airbnb was intended initially for people to rent out rooms in their own homes (or, as Gebbia first did, an air mattress on his floor), investors were unwillingly to believe that people would want to invite complete strangers to sleep in the next room. Those early naysayers were proved wrong, and are no doubt rueing their lack of foresight. While it is still privately owned, analysts have valued Airbnb at $30 billion dollars. There are now some three million listings on the site, in 191 countries. An estimated two hundred million people have used the service over the past eight years. Fonthill resident Phillip Rancy has been hosting people on Airbnb for nearly two years. He’s unsurprised by the site’s popularity. Raney previously worked at a hotel in Niagara Falls, but tired of the 70-hour weeks. Once they moved in to their home in Fonthill, Raney’s husband suggested that he take some time off work. After a few months, Raney grew bored and decided to try Airbnb. “I can’t even describe how amazing it is,” he said. “The connections that you make with people are just unbelievable.” Though Raney has returned to work in the food industry, his home is now booked nearly solid through most of the summer, and much of his free time is spent organizing the stays of his guests. Four rooms in his five-bedroom home start at $100 per night, but Raney says that the entrepreneurial element comes behind the pleasure of meeting travellers and sharing his passions with them. Each morning, he cooks his guests a gourmet breakfast with homegrown ingredients and educates them about the process as he does it. All of this has evidently gone over well with his guests: he has a perfect five-star rating and says
that, “Easily ninety percent of the people who have stayed with us follow me on social media, and we keep in touch later, after they’ve left.” Raney’s enthusiasm for Airbnb is shared by another Pelham resident, Eli Willms. Along with his wife, Hannah, Eli has lived for the past year in a house in Effingham that also hosts Airbnb guests. The couple live in a basement apartment in the home, and Eli says that he occasionally doesn’t even notice the Airbnb guests coming and going.When he does, his interactions have been overwhelmingly positive. He says that his landlords, who also live in the house, are eager to share their property with as many people as they can, and he understands why. “This is such a beautiful place,” Willms says. “It’s so exciting to meet people travelling and to hear their stories.” This proximity to Airbnb has led him and his wife to hope that one day they’ll be able to host travellers too. They even joked about putting the pull-out couch in their basement apartment on the site—a “nesting-doll listing” of sorts. Elsewhere, Airbnb’s emergence has encountered opposition. The New York Times recently reported that the American Hotel and Lodging Association had developed a “multipronged, national campaign approach at the local, state and federal level” to combat Airbnb’s advances. The Association argued that Airbnb had forced hotels to lower prices, especially during holidays, conventions, and other big events when hotels make most of their revenue. The Association’s Vice President Troy Flanagan said that, “Airbnb is operating a lodging industry, but it is not playing by the same rules,” referring to the taxes hotels must pay and the safety and security obligations they have. A study from McGill University released last week suggests that Flanagan may be right. While Airbnb depicts its users as regular homeowners renting out rooms to help pay the mortgage, the study argues that just ten percent of homes account for the vast majority of nights booked in Canada’s three biggest cities. Principal author David Wachmuth told the CBC that property management companies are taking advantage of the site and are essentially operating hotels. "There's one in Montreal that has about 160 properties," said Wachsmuth, who estimated that it makes, “a couple of million dollars a year on Airbnb.” Airbnb disputes the study’s findings, and maintains that 80 percent of its listings are from people sharing their primary residence. In Pelham, it appears as though only two Airbnb properties are operated by professionals—most notably The Fonthill Inn, which lists its rooms on Airbnb and receives about ten percent of its reservations from the site. Owner Elizabeth McGill says she is pleased with that ten percent, though her use of Airbnb differs in that she has little face-to-face interaction with guests. And then there’s that 10,000 square foot mansion, managed by a vacation rental company called Luxura. The firm, which initially agreed to speak to the Voice on the condition that no employee be identified, later went silent. According to Airbnb, Luxura has six other listings in Niagara and has rented these listings some 80 times.
Pictured: A range of Pelham options, including, top, the Big Kahuna at $770 per night. AIRBNB WEB IMAGES
There are now some three million listings on the site, in 191 countries
Airbnb’s ascendence has not come without cost, even in Pelham. The owners of Hipwell’s have seen a substantial drop-off in certain sorts of guests over the past few years. “We don’t see many families any more,” they said. “Before the past few years, there were lots of them, staying here with kids.” Business has been steady at the motel, largely because of construction teams working on the wind turbines, but Hipwell’s is still unhappy that it and the rest of the industry must meet certain legal standards, while Airbnb hosts need only meet the site’s guidelines. “They should have tax on them, as well,” they added. “We end up paying more property tax [than on a private home], plus the tax on the rooms—we can’t afford to drop the prices down.” Many of the complaints from the hospitality industry have centred on taxation, and as with all matters involving the taxman, this one is complicated. Property owners who earn money from Airbnb are supposed to declare these earnings as rental income, but others,
who provide more services for their guests such as laundry or meals, are supposed to be taxed as businesses. These rules become even murkier if a non-primary residence is being rented. The end-result of this confusion is that Airbnb hosts often pay fewer taxes than they should, many pay none, and nearly all pay lower percentages than hotels, since hosts do not pay commercial property taxes. In cities, where the McGill study argued that many Airbnb hosts are running de facto hotels, this issue is particularly acute. Financial matters are not the only questions to be raised about the site’s broader effects. Airbnb requires real names and strongly encourages guests to include photos of themselves on their profiles. Many have argued that this allows for racial discrimination in the service. A 2016 study by the Harvard Business School suggested that booking requests from accounts with “distinctively African-American names” were 16 percent less likely to be accepted. While Airbnb has sought to combat this perceived problem, the very nature of the service—with its focus on the personal connections that Raney and Willms so love—means that explicitly illegal actions such as racial discrimination are difficult to prove. Last week, Airbnb was again subjected to criticism when it permanently banned certain users from its site. The “Unite the Right” event in Charlottsville, Virginia, which took a violent and tragic turn last Saturday, saw white nationalists from around the United States looking to book accommodations in the area. Af-
ter being advised of the rally’s nature, Airbnb identified the accounts of those affiliated with the far-right gathering and shut them down. It asserted that it was doing so to bolster its policy that Airbnb members, “accept people regardless of their race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age,” but the action nevertheless raised questions as to whether the company was screening the political beliefs of its users. That said, when political action morphs into terrorism it’s unlikely that any but the most doggedly academic observer would seriously argue that people should be required to accept Isis fighters, or Neo-Nazis, as guests in their homes. It’s clear that the very personal nature of hosting people in homes will almost inevitably lead to hosts exercising a great deal of “choosiness,” in one form or another—including in Pelham. After one mildly unpleasant experience, Phillip Raney began vetting his prospective guests more rigorously. “I’m rather particular in how I pick out who the guests are,” he says, emphasizing that with Airbnb there must be a deep mutual respect, since guests and hosts share the same space. Raney responds to occasional impersonal requests from people “just coming to visit the Falls” with a polite explanation of how Airbnb differs from the traditional hospitality industry. Above all—and this is the part that he and Airbnb truly appear to believe—Airbnb is a different sort of service for a different sort of traveller. Many of Raney’s guests come to Pelham for nearby wine tours and weddings, and some nuptial parties have turned their time at his home into part of the festivities, hosting their hair and make-up gatherings with his permission. He makes them a gourmet breakfast, and invites them to have tea in his traditional Chinese tea room. “There are some people just looking for a cheap place to stay,” Raney says. “But nearly everyone I host wants to have an experience. And that’s what I try to give them.”
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
This week in baseball BY MELISSA WELLS
Page 15
FACTS MATTER. TRUTH MATTERS.
Special to the VOICE
It's your Voice. Subscribe to be sure it's heard.
Pelham Medical Associates Rep team. BETH GRANT PHOTO
A
pitchers' duel with Connor Jolicoeur, Andy Nawrocki and Chase Munn taking the mound for a combined 15 strike outs. In Binbrook's rally inning, Ty Pelletier retrieved a long ball smashed to left field and quickly fired it in to hold the runners. A sacrifice fly and base hit by Julian Rubino combined for a couple of RBIs in the low scoring game. Base hits and excellent base running by Austin Wilson, Cameron Wells, Maverick Halstead, Matthew Oakes and Max Myers put the game out of reach. The Panthers will go against the Welland Minors on Wednesday night at Centennial 3 in their second playoff game. The Pelham Medical Associates Peewee Rep team had an exciting finish to the regular season in a final inning, comeback win against the Niagara Falls Minors. The Minors were the one league team that Pelham had yet to best in their overall second place finish in Niagara District regular season standings with the most offensive runs
S THE REGUL AR season came to a close, the Pelham Lafarge Blue Jays played their final game against the Welland Marlins. The Jays started of scoring twice in the first with a double from Ryan McWilliams. The Marlins found themselves against a tough defense from the Jays with some great fielding. Jakob Prins knocked down a line drive at first to make the out to prevent the Marlins from scoring. The hot bats of Bennet Stone and Noah Prins were unstoppable, as they both went 5 for 5 in the game. The Marlins managed to score late in the game but it was not enough as the Blue Jays took the game 7-1. The eight-player roster played a great game which included Jackson Lockey, Nathan Gojmerac, Morgan Cairney and William Looby. Coach Brian and Coach Mike were very proud of the way the Blue Jays played this season! Miller Restoration Mosquito Rep started playoffs on Sunday with a 7-3 win against Binbrook. It was a
scored. Nate Girling took command on the mound with solid defence at his back from Jake Passmore, Lucas Grant and Ryan Culig. Gutsy base running by Jake Laewetz, Wyatt Gibson and Ethan Wells placed Pelham in key positions to capitalize and score valuable runs. Will Baltrusiunas crushed a double to the right field fence and Owen Nicholls registered a double of his own to straight away centre field. Jake Kalailieff walked and ran the bases well. Ty Hunter made the final outfield fly catch to end the game in victory! This coming Saturday, August 19th, come to Centennial Park in Fenwick to cheer on your favourite Pelham ball team in the annual Pelham Cup Championship Day sponsored by the Fenwick Lions Club. Division teams will face off against each other at T-ball, Rookie, Mosquito and Peewee divisions. Awards are given to the top Pitch, Hit and Run players of T-Ball, Rookie, Mosquito and PeeWee divisions.
You only buy one monument, make sure it will last forever. Summer Special $1549 Taxes and Cemetery fees extra
Niagara's local monument craftsmen, serving families like yours since 1929. Talk to us first, or visit one of our indoor showrooms.
The hard truth: without the support of our readers, the survival of this newspaper is not guaranteed. Our loyal advertisers have to this point made the Voice possible, but as costs increase and as digital eats at the available advertiser pool, we cannot be sustained on advertising alone. For less than $1 per week, you'll help us continue to search for the truth. Your interests are our interests. We want to protect what including HST you want to protect.
$39.95
Three ways to subscribe
1 In Person 2 By Mail 3 Online Visit or call our office. Last autumn we moved to 1428 Pelham Street, opposite Beamer's Hardware in Fonthill. Our hours are 8AM to 2PM, Monday to Thursday, closed Fridays. Payment may be made by cash, cheque, or credit card. You may also call us during these hours at (905) 892-8690 to pay by credit card.
Exclusive Retailer
You may use the coupon below, or just drop your cheque into an envelope. Be sure to include your full street address, with postal code. Mail to: The Voice P.O. Box 1489 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0
www.kirkpatrickstoneworks.com
Look for the VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS button at the top left of the home page:
VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS
T
The Voice
1-YEAR VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTION: $39.95
First and Last Name Delivery address with postal code
Type: ___Mastercard ___Visa Credit card security code Please mail completed form to:
Telephone number where you may be reached during the day
Email address (optional) For our records only.
Dunnville ~ Fonthill ~ Fort Erie ~ Niagara Falls ~ Simcoe ~ St. Catharines ~ Welland
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Please do not send cash.
Credit card expiration date
Welland 1051 Niagara St. North 905 732-6752
Quick and convenient: simply visit the Voice website and pay securely using a credit card.
HE VOICE OF PELH A M is our town's eyes and ears. The Voice represents taxpayers, homeowners, parents, and the retired. This newspaper remains the single best way to communicate with virtually every Pelham resident—and it’s one of the few things that everyone in town still has in common. The Voice covers stories big and small, publishes history, commentary, reader letters, and reports on the actions of our elected representatives without fear or favour. All of this delivered weekly to your door. That’s our commitment. Please help us achieve it, for less than a dollar a week. Thank you.
Credit card number
100% Canadian Made
Send us a cheque for $39.95, made payable to "The Voice."
THE VOICE P.O. Box 1489 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 If paying by cheque, be sure to include it. Please do not send cash through the mail. Thank you for your subscription.
Page 16
The Voice of Pelham, August 16, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham
REAL ESTATE To advertise here call (905) 892-8690
DEBBIE PINE
NIAGARA REAL ESTATE CENTER, Brokerage 1815 Merritville, Hwy 1 FONTHILL, ON
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
905.892.0222
NIAGARA / FONTHILL, ON 2142 Meadowbrook Lane, burLington $649,200 Brand new listing… 2142 Meadowbrook Lane in Burlington. This three bedroom two bath home is full of updates and ready for your admiration. Beautiful chef kitchen with walk-in pantry and access to rear yard oasis. Splish splash in your inground pool and enjoy your family gatherings in this amazing backyard. This home is move-in ready. Call for details or visit: www.2142meadowbrook.com 326 king St., weLLand $239,000 Large building with tons of potential. Call l.A. For entire list of uses & incentives being offered by city of welland. www.326king.com COLUMN SIX continued from page 1 just beneath the surface, littering the fields and forests where civilians work, and where children play. After watching that newscast, I spent the next few years making connections in Ottawa, and experimenting with different landmine detection training methods for my dogs. I relished the challenge of mine work, and exploring the effects that different factors, like soil and chemical compositions, might have on a dog’s effectiveness. Finally, in 1999 I was approached by the Canadian International Demining Corps (CIDC) about starting a program in Bosnia and Herzegovina that would teach locals how to train and handle demining dogs. It was the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to help these people while acting as an ambassador for my country in a great cause. I would spend the better part of the next five years overseas, helping locate mines in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo, and training others to do the same. When I first arrived in Bosnia in 1999, I was tasked with establishing a program that would teach the local population how to train and handle Mine Detection Dogs (MDDs). I began by interviewing sixty indigenous men and women who were already working as demin-
ers— the brave folks who are sent in to neutralize and remove explosives once they have been found. These sixty men and women came from various ethnic backgrounds—Croats, Serbs, and Bozniaks—that a few short years ago had been at war with one another. Now they were beginning to work together to try and undo some of the damage that had been done. As none of the deminers had any direct experience in training dogs, I decided to look for people whose backgrounds would provide them with transferable skillsets. Detection handling is not just a matter of waiting for the animal to give you a signal. It requires mutual communication between man and dog. I began by looking for anyone with farm experience. A good handler needs to be patient, intelligent, and observant of their animal’s behavior, traits that farmers have typically developed over their lives. They also generally understand how to work with animals, and know how to read them. In this category I also included anyone who had used dogs for hunting. Hunters typically understand the patience required to work with an animal, and something of what it takes to train and maintain a dog so it will properly respond to commands. I expected many of my potential trainees to have this kind of experience, but
7087 CentenniaL Street, niagara FaLLS $384,900
Welcome home! This fabulous family home is situated near all amenities including the new Walmart and Super Centre, Churches, Schools and easy access to the QEW. Neutral decor throughout and move in ready. Enjoy this fully finished family home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, separate living/dining/kitchen areas, huge family room downstairs with gas fireplace, large storage area and attached garage. Lots of updates including roof, floors, paint, baths, fence, front door, and laundry room. Come for a tour and see what awaits you at 7087 Centennial Street. www.7087centennial.com.
Sid Murray, with one of his dogs, Trooper. SUPPLIED PHOTO
alas, few of them did. I was forced to select many handlers based on their hobbies, the way they carried themselves during the interview, and anything else that implied a natural comfort with animals. For some candidates, I would give them a leash and an untrained dog and tell them to walk the dog and make him sit. This would show me if they could handle a dog without losing their temper. My final choices included eleven men and one woman (who was, I believe, the first female MDD handler in Bos-
debbiepine@royallepage.ca SELL phone: 905-321-2261
nia). We quickly set to work constructing twelve runs to house the animals, and fourteen training boxes that we could work them in. In a short time, everything was ready. Now all we needed were the dogs! Together with another Canadian trainer from Calgary, I travelled to Hungary and Germany in search of dogs that we could turn into good working animals. Not every dog is destined to be a good detection dog. For most everyday canines, there is no amount of training that can provide the fo-
cus necessary for consistent success. A good detection dog needs to be fixated on a single object (a tennis ball, a kong, or similar toy) and so driven to find that object that it will ignore all other distractions along the way. It’s not enough to be “sometimes” good. Every dog you select must be consistently good, or you will be wasting your time. In this way, I work with what comes out of the dog, and not what I’m putting into him. I only manipulate his natural ability to retrieve. The minute I force the dog to do anything, I will destroy our working relationship. The dogs that I personally look for are high energy but not intellectually driven. They are fixated on one object, a toy, and for this reason I call them toy-driven dogs. When I am in the market for a new dog, the vendors I deal with already know that this is the kind of animal I’m looking for. With this sort of dog, their toy drive will overcome all other distractions. You should be able to walk the dog past twenty bowls of food in search of that toy without your animal going off course. For this particular program in Bosnia, it was also important for us to keep in mind the experience and abilities of our human handlers. When I started in the minefield, everyone told me I should get a Malinois. Now a Malinois is a great dog, but only for certain people to
handle. They are not a dog that just anyone should own. The German Shepherd, however, when properly selected for, can do any type of work you ask of him. So for that reason, all the dogs I worked with in Bosnia were German Shepherds, and we never had any problems with unexpected aggression or anything like that. They were a real steady working dog that these handlers could operate according to the standards I set, without any problems. And this was what we needed. Capable handlers and dogs are important for any detection work, but when tasked with clearing uncharted minefields there is very little room for error. Life would point this out from time to time. On one trip to Kosovo, we stayed in the beautiful city of Prizren. Upon arrival, we were transported to our housing compound. After unpacking, I walked to the balcony to look out on that historic skyline. As I took in that ancient city, aglow with the setting sun, a car bomb exploded in front of a police station down the street. It was a timely reminder of the violence that still lurked there, and the very real dangers we would be facing in the field. Excerpted from the coming book, It's Not a Job, It's a Lifestyle: How to Train Detection Dogs, with Stories from the Field, by Sid Murray with Zach Junkin.